Redemption

[color=blue][size=1]I'm a snowaborder but I've only been snowboarding twice in my life so far (in Australia, especially where I live, going to the snow is difficult). I'm still having trouble cornering in soft powder but on icy snow I'm all right. I've never skiied before so I can't really compare, but I found learning to snowboard really easy. My first instructor was really sweet about me not being as good as the boys in my group. ^_^[/color][/size]

[color=blue][size=1]I really liked Burst Angel because of Sei and Jo's characters. The storyline was a bit all over the place, and not really definite, but I did enjoy it because I liked those two characters. Jo's my favourite because she can kick some ***.[/color][/size]

[color=blue][size=1]My favourite soundtracks would be: 1. NOIR - The music really suits the anime. The French opera accentuates the elegance of the two girls when they are in 'assassin-mode'. Every time I hear it, it gives me goosebumps because I know something really cool is about to happen. 2. Hellsing - The music to this isn't what you think a stereotypical vampire anime would be. Instead of dark and sullen, it's upbeat and jazzy. I really like the opening and the ending song because they are completely different to what a normal vampire anime would be. 3. Naruto - As well as traditional Japanese instruments, it also uses the modern instruments well. My favourite little score from Naruto is called 'Raising Fighting Spirit' and 'Sorrow and Sadness'. Both are really beautiful and are just easy to listen to.[/color][/size]

[color=blue][size=1]I'd have to agree with the ending of the Escaflowne series and the movie. I thought it was a very not-well thought out ending. It just seemed to drop off a cliff, so to speak. I'm a romantic at heart so I really wanted it to end happily for the [spoiler]Van/Hitomi romance.[/spoiler] Also, the ending of Full Metal Alchemist. I really really don't like it. [spoiler]The way Ed gets transferred to another parallel universe.[/spoiler] But it does suit what the series was leading up to, unfortunately. *sniffs* Another anime I didn't like the ending to was Get Backers. It was building up to this great thing, then it all seemed to stop dead. [spoiler]There was all this talk of the Second Level, the level below Bablyon City. But they never got there. I was really looking forward to Ginji and Ban challenging themselves with the Second Level baddies.[/spoiler][/color][/size]

[color=green][size=1][b]Welcome to the RPG Soliel and SlowChemical. Love the banner by the way SlowChemical. I should be starting this RPG soon. But it's the first week of uni, so forgive me if I'm a little slow at doing it.[/color][/size][/b]

[color=red][size=1]Malik sat in a gold-guilded throne, leaning his pale chin on his hand, watching over his generals discussing the best ways to attack the Wakanda in a strategic fashion. They were moving pieces over a map of the world. The red pieces symbolised the vampiric forces - the blue, the Wakanda forces. It was like a game of chess - you had to think of each move very thoroughly before going through with it. The Vampire Lord was watching his generals with a keen eye when he suddenly sensed a presence beside him, hidden in the darkness. [b]" These things are trivial for you my dear,"[/b] Malik said to Katima as she stepped out of the shadows, drapped in a black cloak, her red-slit eyes glittering from under the hood. [b]" You may think so, Father, but I do not agree,"[/b] Katima said back to him in a hiss. Malik gave a small snigger to himself. [b]" As you wish my dear. Your knowledge of your ex-comrades may be beneficial for them."[/b] Katima gave a wicked smile. [b]" No, I'd rather fight them all myself, with you of course, Father."[/b] [b]" I'm glad you didn't leave me out of the equation my dear."[/b] One of the generals came up to Malik and told him of their situation. The Vampire Lord stood and strode over to the board with the red and blue pieces on it, looking at each piece, calculating which would be the best strategy to play out. He gave out orders to attack the Wakanda forces in South America, North America, Asia and Australia. The generals scampered around, relaying the Lord's orders to the specific battalions. Katima watched this, sitting on the armrest of the gold-guilded throne. [b]" You left Europe and Africa out,"[/b] she said as her father sat back down in the throne. [b]" There is a reason,"[/b] Malik answered back, surprised that Katima hadn't figured out his plan yet. [b]" I understand the reason for Europe. That is our territory - no doubt. But why did you leave out Africa?"[/b] Malik smiled and said simply, [b]" Practice."[/b] Katima's eyes glittered maliciously. [b]" Excellent."[/b][/color][/size]

[color=green][size=1][b]Very nice profile Blayze. ^_^ Welcome to the crew![/color][/size][/b]

[color=green][size=1][b]Yosh! Here's who have got in! ^_^ Kairi - Informant Ziggy - Gunner Astdis - Swordswoman. There are still some spots that need to be filled - so get typing. ^_^.[/color][/size][/b]

OOC: Love the banner Ziggy. [color=#cc66cc][size=1][u]Sign-up[/u] [b]Name:[/b] Kura Nozomi [b]Nickname:[/b] The Sakura Samurai [b]Age:[/b] 25 [b]Gender:[/b] Female [b]Appearance:[/b] See attachments [b]Short Bio:[/b] Kura was born in Loguetown, the same town the Pirate King was born and died in. At the age of 10, she witnessed the Pirate King's execution and the statement about One Piece was the reason she wanted to become a pirate. Originally, her goal was to find One Piece, but her goal changing slightly over time. When she met Cross-Scar Kane, it was then that Kura realised her dream wasn't to find One Piece, or become the Pirate King. It was to travel the world with a group of friends that she loved like family - something she didn't have much experience of. Cross-Scar Kane took Kura onto his ship and taught her how to be a pirate. Now, you may think that is strange, but there is a certain code that Kane taught her that he thought was very important and needed to be passed down to someone. But then, that unfortunate mutiny occured. Ever since then, Kura hadn't been the same. She lost some faith in being a pirate and what a pirate stands for. Her goal changed completely to the revenge for her captain and comrades. Ever since then, she hasn't been the same. [b]Short Personality:[/b] Kura's personality huh? She's determined down to a fault and won't back down to anything or anyone, which some of the time can get her into a lot of trouble. She is also very proud of being a pirate, and of her crew and her ex-captain. Normally a bright and chirpy person, Kura just wants to have fun along the journey as well as achieve her goal. The only thing that makes her serious is fighting and Zerus. [b]Position on Ship:[/b] Captain/musician [b]Weapons:[/b] The katana in the appearance attachments. It's called Kichikumonji, or Heaven's Cloud (I just made it up so don't spear me if that isn't what it really translates to). [b]Devil's Fruit power:[/b] Sakura-Sakura Fruit - Most of Kura's long pink hair turns into sakura blossoms, now leaving her with short hair. Kura can manipulate the phsyical properties of the sakura blossoms to her whim. However, she uses this power rarely. [b]Dream:[/b] Revenge for her slaughtered captain and comrades, and to beat Zerus to One Piece.[/color][/size]

[color=red][size=1][b]" Again!"[/b] Malik was getting frustrated. He had been training Katima personally when she had woken and nurished herself. But the session wasn't going the way he had planned. As Phinease said, she was still, clearly, Wakanda. She didn't have the speed nor the strength that a half-vampire should, like she was still surpressing it unconsciously. Katima was on her knees, her chest heaving. Blood trickled from the side of her mouth. Sweat dripped into small cuts, the salt making them sting. Her chest felt restricted. Malik was training her hard. She hasn't trained this hard since Tegan left. [i]Tegan....[/i] Her blood boiled at just the thought of her traitorous twin. Shakily, she stood, looking at her father, putting her unwilling body into a neutral fighting stance. Malik smiled. She was tough, but the memories of her mother and brother made her work harder. The Vampire Lord stood, smirking. [b]" Again, my dear?"[/b] he said, a smooth voice eminating from his lips. Katima couldn't spead, so she nodded. Smiling with a sadistic grin, Malik dashed forward towards her in a blur. Katima just managed to dodge it, falling backwards onto the ground before rolling to her side and flipping up onto her feet again. Seeing this didn't impress Malik. [b]" How are you supposed to get your revenge on your mother and brother if you can't even embrace your vampire side?!"[/b] he yelled angrily at her. Katima growled at him. [b]" Easy for you to say! You haven't had your vampiric side surpressed for 20-something years!"[/b] With that anger, she darted towards him, throwing a punch. Malik was taken by surprise in her sudden burst of speed. Katima managed to hit him square on the cheek before receiving another punch to the stomach, sending her flying into the wall behind her. A sickening crack of bone and flesh against stone echoed through the pitch black room. Malik wiped the blood from his mouth and looked at it, a sadistic smile upon his lips. [b]" This is the first time in years that someone had drawn blood from me,"[/b] Malik said, excitement flooding through his veins as he saw his own blood smeared across his hand. He looked up at Katima, his eyes drawing into narrow slits. Katima stood. Her bones inside her body felt like they had shattered. She looked up at her father again, but this time, she noticed something different. The whole way his body seemed, the look on his face - this was not the calm and collected man she had known. This feeling.... this was the feeling of the monster that was known as a vampire. Quicker than a blur, Malik came at her. Grabbing her throat, he thrusted her into the wall again, making an indented area of impact in the stone. Katima gasped, splatters of blood flying out of her mouth on impact. Her eyes, however, remained locked on Malik - now glaring like icicles. [b]" If this is all you have,"[/b] Malik hissed at her, [b]" Then I may as well kill you now, because you will never defeat Kalei or Tegan in this pathetic state."[/b] Katiam coughed, blood splattering onto Malik's hand. Her eyes now grew into angered slits - just like Malik's. [b]" I won't.... lose to them..."[/b] she growled. [b]" Then prove it to me."[/b] This moment was what Malik was waiting for. Katima's eyes grew blood red with a black ring centred in the middle of the red. He smirked, closing his eyes in satisfaction. When he opened them an instant later, Katima was gone from his grip. His body suddenly jerked to the left as Katima's foot connected with his side, sending him flying. Breathing heavily, Katima watched Malik as he stood up from colliding with a bookcase, completely demolishing it in the process. An evil laughter started to echo from him. He burst out in evil laughter and looked at Katima. [b]" I haven't had this much fun in years..."[/b] he said as he dashed forward again, ready to engage in battle.[/color][/size]

[color=green]Uh.... I don't know if you guys figured this out, but the comrades my character is talking about in the introduction, that's you guys that are going to join. You guys were also under the leadership of Cross-Scar Kane. Obviously I didn't make that clear enough. Gomen ne.[/color]

[center][IMG]http://tinypic.com/maexie.jpg[/IMG] [size=1]Thanks for the inspiration for the title Doukeshi![/center] [b][color=green]It's true. Dead men do tell no tales. But I'm here to tell you a tale about a man - a dead man to be precise. His name was Gold D. Roger. Now this man was the one and only Pirate King. Aye, the Pirate King. Fame, power, wealth - he had it all. And even on the day of his execution, he held himself like a proud warrior with a devious grin. Even in his final moments, all he did was smile. I know all of this because I was there 15 years ago. I watched the infamous Pirate King die when I was a child. But why am I telling you this? It's all because of One Piece. A man had yelled at Roger just before his death, asking the Pirate King about his legendary treasure he had hidden in the Grand Line. I remember the Pirate King saying " I left it all in One Piece!". My adventure started a year ago when I joined a pirate crew called 'The Cross-Scar Pirates'. My captain's name was Cross-Scar Kane. He was known throughout East Blue for his two-sword style of fighting. It was him who took me aboard his ship and taught me how to be a true pirate, becoming one of my greatest friends in the process. However, it was just three months ago when our so-called friendly first mate, Zerus Pearl, and some of the other mates on the ship mutinied against the captain. They killed the captain and stole the ship and the map Kane had obtained to find One Piece. Myself and some of my most loyal friends managed to escape the bloodbath upon our ship by diving into the dark sea. It was mere luck that we were picked up by a merchant vessel days later and taken to Loguetown, my hometown. There, we've spent the last two months recoperating and organising our return. Now, we want to sevenge reveng for our slaughtered captain and comrades. This is our story.[/b][/color] [center]-------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center] Aye me-hearties! I welcome ye to me RPG! We is going to have us a swash-bucklin' time! But first, there be some rules. [u]Rules[/u] 1. Restrict swearing to these words: - damn/dammit/damn it - crap 2. Please, no god-modding. We are all mortals in this RPG and we do lose battles every once in a while. 3. No abuse of the Devil's Fruit's powers. Use them only when your character's situation is desperate. [u]Positions Open on Ship[/u] There are the positions on the ship that are available. Captain/musician - [b]Reiku[/b] Swordsman/woman - [b]Astdis[/b] Cook - [b]Soliel[/b] Navigator - [b]SlowChemical[/b] Gunner (are also responsible for the cannons aboard the ship) - [b]Ziggy[/b] Doctor - [b]Blayze[/b] Informant ( a person that can get their hands on any type of information a crew would need, plus, they have a lot of contacts that can help them out in a dire situation) - [b]Kairi[/b] [b][u]AND PLEASE, I DON'T WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A DEVIL FRUIT POWER!![/u][/b] And finally, here's the signup. [u]Sign-up[/u] Name: Nickname: (what you are renouned as) Age: (19 - 35) Gender: Appearance: Short Bio: Short Personality: Position on Ship" Weapons: (if applicable) Devil's Fruit power: (if applicable) (if you do have a Devil Fruit power, you already have the power) Dream: (what you are trying to achieve on this voyage) I'll be putting up my sign-up when I get it finished (which should be soon). PM me if you have any questions. [u]And I'll also be choosing the best sign-ups out of the bunch.[/u][/size]

[color=red][size=1]Malik watched the happenings of the Wakanda from the darkness of the hill behind the burning Mansion. A sick smile spread across his blood red lips. Behind him, Phineas stood, a little wounded from his battle with the Wakanda, or so called Wakanda. Most of them were half-breeds now. How ironic that their two leaders were originally half-breeds. Malik sniggered to himself at Kalei's mistake of not telling her two children who and what they truly were. It worked so well in his favour. Although the shock of initially finding out was something he wasn't prepared for. But, because of her mistake, he now had a potentially very powerful ally. " Phineas..." " Yes My Lord?" the young male vampire replied with a respectful bow. " Where is my daughter?" " Noals escorted her back to the fortress My Lord. It seems that she needs nurishment and rest. She's still very Wakanda if you ask me." Malik whirled around and backhanded the male vampire across the cheek. " How dare you insult her like that! She may be my ultimate weapon, but she still is my daughter. Although that facade won't last long and it won't need to last long." Malik turned back around to watch those pathetic Wakanda scurry around in a panic from the flame and the darkness. " We need to train her vampiric side so she can become one of us - ruthless and blood-thirsty. She will make an excellent vampire with those skills of hers. Her mother was afraid of that side of them - afraid that if she trained it, they would seek me out. Not as their father, but as the Lord of Vampires, and then her little secret would have been uncovered." " What should we do my Lord? Our forces grow impatient. Some have begun to attack small villages because of their bloodlust." Malik growled. " A vampire is nothing if he cannot control that bloodlust. A true vampire knows the precise moment to let loose the horror of our kind." " My Lord, it seems that your son is killing them off," Phineas said after dismissing another vampire that had just come to report to him. Malik smiled wickedly. " They are reaping what they sew." " Yes My Lord." " Come Phineas, we have work to do." With that, the Vampire Lord and his loyal underling vanished into the darkness, just before the dawn sun poked its head over the horizon.[/color][/size]

[color=#CC0099][size=1]Katima looked up at the imposing figure that was her father. She felt sick and weak at the knees as Malik looked over her with his gleaming red eyes. [b]" You seem like you are lost, little one,"[/b] Malik hissed in a comforting fashion. Katima was frozen to the spot, her eyes locked with his. Malik gave a warm smile. [b]" It seems you also have your mother's eyes, and her hair,"[/b] he cooed to her. A sudden feeling of wanting to embrace him, Malik, her father, came over Katima. She felt like she was a teenager again, when Kalei told her she was second-in-command. Her body was shaking and her head hung after breaking the gaze with Malik. [b]" What...... do... you want?"[/b] she said rather shakily, her sentence broken. [b]" Still resilient to the end my dear,"[/b] Malik said, smiling. [b] " A trait that I admire about you. But you know, that Wakanda pride instilled into you by Kalei - that is all a lie now, isn't it?"[/b] Katima's eyes widened. Yes... it was... what Kalei had said to hear... everything... it wasn't all true.... why did she keep such a thing from them..... did they have the right to know about this and make their own choices? Her eyes closed and her fists clenched into tight balls. [b]" Damn.... damn...... damn!"[/b] Malik smiled to himself, folding his arms in front of his chest. [b]" She might be your mother, but family wouldn't keep secrets from each other, would they?"[/b] Katima looked up at him with almost love in her eyes for this father she had never had. Malik smiled at her warmly while thinking that she was falling into his trap. Tears started to leak out of her eyes. Malik smiled and wiped her tears away with a finger. [b]" And what about your twin? He just left you without sayinga word all those years ago, and then he returns, expecting you to be able to forgive him for leaving you all alone."[/b] All the memories of herself feeling totally and utterly alone, even though surrounded by her comrades and her mother, flooded back into Katima's memory. [b]" Why..... why do they do those things to me.... I just wanted to find him...... and find out who ou parents were...."[/b] she choked. [b]" There there little one,"[/b] Malik cooed, going to embrace her. [b]" Would... would have you come to find me if you had known?"[/b] Katima asked, looking up to her father, looking at him in that light for the first time. Malik smiled. [b]" In a hearbeat."[/b] Katima let herself be embraced by her father, silent but excruciating tears falling from her pink-red eyes. Malik smiled to himself as he hugged her. [b]" Katima...."[/b] Malik said softly. Katima looked up at him. He smiled down at her. [b]" I want to teach you a lot of things my dear one. All the things about being a vampire, about controlling those immense powers you posses in that tiny body of yours, about the delights of being half-vampire."[/b] Katima nodded and nuzzled herself into his chest while the two faded away into the darkness.[/color][/size] OOC: Ok peeps, Noals and Phineas are not to be killed. They need to escape from you people somehow. They are still essential to Malik. Thanks!

[color=blue][size=1]Oooo.... looks good Doukeshi!! Thanks a heap![/color][/size]

[color=blue][size=1]Well, I'm on a pirate fetish at the moment so here goes my request. All that I request is that I want Zoro from One Piece on my banner and avi and some words (whether it be a quote from the show or from someone famous. NO USERNAME!) on the banner. Other than that, you guys can have free reign. If you want some pics, I'm able to put some up (been searching for some for my site). Thanks a bunch! -Reiku-[/size] [b]PS. Please use the first thumbnail. But if you have a better one, please use that.[/b][/color]

[color=red][size=1]The sun was setting over the rolling hills near the Manor. A cloak whipped out behind a figure standing upon one of those hills as darkness fell. Two others joined him and kneeled behind him, cloaks whipping out behind them also. " My Lord... everything has been organised as you wish," Phineas said softly. " Commendable as that may be, we have one more task to complete. I assume you two know which roles you will be playing," Malik hissed, annoyed that the two had taken longer than expected. " Yes My Lord," Noals said softly as she bowed her head. Malik's glittering red eyes scanned the Manor which held his future ally. Weak and confused. Yes... it was the perfect time to strike. " Make sure you distract them enough for me to make sure that our ally will join us." " Of course My Lord." " Yes My Lord."[/color][/size] [color=#CC0099][size=1]Katima heard all of the commotion including everyone but her. She'd never felt this lonely except for the time when Tegan first left. As she trod down the hall, she noticed the sun set over the hills, an eerie feeling coming over the Manor. The feeling of her neck prickling with fear and a sense of danger made her feel quite uncomfortable. Everyone had changed since the incident of the capture of half of their group. Katima blamed herself. She felt it... she felt that it was a trap and yet she had said nothing... she was to blame for the others' deaths and everyone's suffering. And... if they hadn't become captives... Tegan and herself would have never had found out what she really was. But then, neither would had Malik. How she wished everything was like it was. The red moon was rising in the east. Blood will be spilt this night, or so the wives' tale goes. Katima walked the desolate halls surrounded in darkness. It comforted her. It was strange but she understood why. She was half-vampire. She wished she could just forget it... forget feeling this depressed, confused and angry - but Katima just couldn't. Two shadows flit across the hall in front of her. Katima didn't have time to look around because another shadow came stalking towards her. The swish of a long trenchcoat could be heard and the soft steps of leather shoes were muffled against the stone. She could see cold, glittering red eyes approach her. Her body froze. [i]Malik...[/i] [b]" Well.... hello.... my daughter...."[/b] Malik said as his face was revealed by moonlight.[/color][/size] OOC: Sorry about the absence. Phineas and Noals have to keep the others busy as something happens between Malik and Katima. Hee.... no interruptions between the father and daughter please!

[color=#6600cc][size=1][b]Friday - Morning - Before school[/b] Alex awoke to a strange feeling in his stomach. It was a mix of nervousness and anxienty about this dance. He had a strange feeling things weren't destined to go well at this event. Getting up, Alex ruffled his hair, which was in a right mess. He yawned before walking to the kitchen to make himself some breakfast. He ate quickly as he organised his school bag. Looking at the clock, Alex then realised it wa too early to go to school. A smile crossed his lips. " I think it's time for a surf." Alex changed into his board shorts and grabbed his board from the lounge room before taking off down the beach. It was a clear sunny morning - perfect conditions. The swell was great. Paddling out into the water, Alex could feel himself bobble up and down in the water. This was his favourite time of day - when he could surf. It was bliss. Nothing but the sun on his back and the water at his feet. The water swished around his feet as he waited for a good-sized wave to come around. He calculated the sets and when the one he wanted came around, he started to paddle towards the beach. The wave began to form as it hit the shallower water. The curve of it shaped around, crashing at the end Alex was paddling away from. That sound.... The sound of the crashing wave was music to Alex's ears. He was starting to stand on his board. As the wave curved over, Alex stood up on his board, crouching slightly as he sped down the barrel. It was almost an eerie slience as he glided over the water, his hand brushing the wall of water to his side. This was where he wanted to be, this was his calling. [center]=============================[/center] After two hours of surfing, Alex arrived home to take a shower and get dressed for school. He did up his school tie before grabbing his bag and headed out the front door. Leah was heading out her door too when they met up and walked to school. " Ready for the dance tonight?" Alex decided to ask. She nodded but remained slient. The rest of the walk to school was silent, although Leah held Alex's hand rather tightly. He looked at her with an expression of affection. As they approached the school, Leah decided to speak up. " Well I have Band first today, what do you have again?" she asked, looking up at Alex. " I have Drama class.... we're supposed to be performing a play in front of the whole school sooon as our final exam. We're starting to audition for the parts today." " Really? What are you doing?" " Shakespeare of course. Taming of the Shrew - a modernised version. Like the moive '10 Things I Hate About You'. You know that movie was based off of that play?"[/color][/size] OOC: Tag Citrus

[color=#CC0099][size=1][b]Dawn......[/b] That was Katima's first thoughtas her eyes fluttered open. The weak sunlight drifted in through the thin curtains. She turned her head slowly, looking through the parting of the window. Birds twittered happily in the tree outside. Slowly, she sat bolt upright. Her head slightly spun but it quickly resoved itself. Moving to the edge of the bed, Katima got to her feet and dragged herself to the bathroom where she turned on the shower and undressed herself. In the shower, she allowed the hot water to run over her body, soothing the aches and pains that coursed through her entire being. The reality of the events that happened not nearly 24 hours ago were still fresh in her mind, but she let the memories wash away with the water. Katima looked at her hand, turning it slowly around in front of her face. Was that all a dream? Determination suddenly filled her eyes. In one sudden motion, Katima cleanly hit her fist through the tiling of the shower. It smashed on impact, making a muffled boom sound. [b]It wasn't a dream....[/b] Pulling out her hand, she looked at it again. It wasn't bloodied or bruised. It looked perfectly normal. Katima sighed. This... new found strength..... would need severe training. Then she smiled. Sin would help her. Yes. Sin would help. Turning off the shower and getting out, Katima dried herself off and put on some clothes. She walked out of the room, hugging herself from the early morning chill. She had a sweater on and a pair of slacks. She withdrew her hands into the sleeves of the sweater. They were cold, icy cold. As she past the library, Katima noticed that the door was slightly ajar. The sounds of turning pages could be heard from within. Pushing the door open slightly, Katima looked in, seeing a tuft of hair from over the high-seated chair. She walked closer, starting to realise who it was. She put a hand on his shoulder. Talyn jumped sky-high before whirling around, a book in his hands. Katima gave a small smile at him. " What are you doing up so early Talyn?"[/color][/size] OOC: Tag Wraith

[color=red][size=1]Inside her mind, Leila sighed with relief. She hated to deal with Keitha when her bloodlust had taken over her. It was something that Leila didn't wish to deal with when they were on such an important mission. Leila closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. The darkness dissolved away and the two found themselves on a rooftop many many blocks away from the hotel that they were staying in earlier that night. The sun started to peak its head over the horizon. THe hot rays of lights burning both Leila and Keitha. " We have to find somewhere to stay, before that accursed sun rises," Leila hissed. " Agreed," Keitha concurred. The two assassins leapt off of the roof, down into an alleyway. They were looking for anything that would be sufficient enough to hide them from the sun until the night came again.Searching through the streets, Leila and Keitha finally found a fine-looking apartment building that was just about to go onto the real estate market. " This should do," Keitha said, looking up at the building. The sun's light was getting more intense. " Let us hurry then." They managed to get into the building before the sun dawned completely. Leila cursed the sun as the two women drew the curtains over the windows, cutting out the sunlight. Leila withdrew her arms back into her kimono, looking around the adequately-furnished apartment. She walked towards the bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror, her cold jade-green eyes glittering maliciously. Going back out to Keitha, she turned to her partner. " Now..... Keitha.... you've yet to tell me what happened between yourself and Seraphim those years ago..... I wish to know now."[/color][/size]

[color=#CC0099][size=1]Katima looked at Sin's new-found darkness powers. But the fascination was soon replaced by realisation. Darkness and flame - the two things that were associated with vampires. She sat down again, angry at herself for not realising it sooner. " I should have guessed...." Katima whispered as she sat on the end of her bed, looking at the timber floor. " Darkness and flame, our eyes, our skills - it all points to being a vampire...... how did we not realise?" Sin gave a small smile before sitting down beside her. " Katima, it's not all bad being half vampire. I mean, you have - technically - the best of both worlds. I know you don't feel that's the case, but it has truth to it." She shuddered. " But....." " Stop making excuses and see this as a good thing. You and your brother possess powers that none of us have. That has got to be good." Katima didn't know what to think. " But..... he's our father..... Tegan and I had never known who our parents were, and we had always wanted to know..... but Kalei kept it from us..... I can see her reason.... but..... why couldn't she raise us as her own children?" " She did, didn't she?" Sin said, smiling. " She raised you two, maybe not as close as a mother would be to her children, but she was like a mother to you to. She fed you, bathed you, gave you a place to stay, loved you and cared for you when you two needed it the most. She was there when you needed her. Isn't that what a mother is supposed to be about?" That realisation dawned on Katima as it rolled off Sin's tongue. What he said was true - very true. Kalei was like a mother to them when they were growing up, learning the skills of the Wakanda. Maybe... just maybe..... that was how Kalei could be a mother to them, without telling them who she really was. But ..... what of Malik? " But..... Malik...." " That's a hurdle you'll have to cross when you get to it," Sin said, " Now, think about resting and the next week." There was silence for a few minutes. Just the sounds of the night coming in through Katima's open window. Even the smells. The smells....... Katima had never smelt these scents before. Could it be that her vampire side had awaken from the shock she had received? But.... her eyes only went blood red when she was angry. Could this be the start of when her eyes would become permanently blood red, like her brother's? She sighed heavily and looked at Sin. He seemed genuine about his offer. " Thank... you Sin... for being so kind. I'll accept your offer."[/color][/size]

OC: Malik's post is up above. [color=#CC0099][size=1]The sounds of the helicopter's whirling roters echoed in Katima's ears. Her pink hair lolled over her shoulders. She felt weak... and insecure, like she was before Katima had made her second-in-command. [b]Second-in-command.... what a joke.... look at me..... look at the mess I've become.....[/b] Even though these thoughts were running through her mind, she just couldn't bring her soul and her heart to feel as strong as those thoughts. Something had happened tonight that had changed her entire thought pattern. She was half-vampire, half Wakanda. She was half of what she was fighting, and half of what the so-called enemy was fighting. Confusion had spread through her body like never before. It was worse than when Kalei had made her second-in-command, not her brother. [b]But why? Why did she make me second-in-command, not Tegan? He would have been much much better at this than me....[/b] [i]Tegan...[/i] Katima looked over to her brother. Jade was sitting beside him. Katima felt a little jealousy flick through her heart. She would have to tell him.... she knew Kalei wouldn't. Where though? They were heading back to the Manor.... yes... there. [center]=================================[/center] The helicopter landed safely at the Manor. Wakanda medics rushed towards them and the Wakanda departed the aircraft. It was very lucky that the only two majorly hurt were Tegan and Katima, but Katima fended the medics off. All that was on her mind was to tell Tegan who their parents were. Katima walked over to Tegan and Jade who wee swarmed by medics too. SHe pushed through them to the two. " Jade..... could you.... leave us for a moment? I need to have a word with my brother... and it's important." Jade looked a little concerned but nodded, sensing Katima's serious tone. Tegan looked at his sister, a small smile on his face. Katima couldn't bear to look at his face, knowing those red eyes meant that he was half vampire. She shook slightly. The two walked towards the Manor, swatting off medics as they went. Katima didn't want to be disturbed... by anyone. As they entered the Manor, Katima led Tegan to a deserted part of the building, where she knew no one would disturb them. It was an advantage that they grew up here, exploring all the time as children, finding little hiding holes even Kalei didn't know about. Entering the dusty room, Katima turned to her brother, not looking at him in the eyes. " Tegan...." " Yes Katima?" he replied, sounding cool and calm. Katima faltered. He was .... happy not knowing... but she had to tell him. " Tegan..... when.... when I was taken away by Malik.... Kalei came to get me...... and.... and.... she sorta... let slip... that...." Katima swallowed, hr mouth was dry and her mind was racing. Tegan walked up to her, trying to comfort his obviously distressed sister. " What is it Katima?" he asked, a note of anxiety in his voice. She couldn't take it anymore. " Tegan...... MALIK IS OUR FATHER!" she yelled, looking up at his blood red eyes. " What?! Katima.... this is no time for jokes!" " I'm not kidding around Tegan! Kalei screamed as Malik that he's our father just before he tried to drink from me. And that.... and that.... she's our mother!" Tegan stood there stunned. This... couldn't be right.... He looked down at Katima. She was deadly serious. He could see it in her eyes. " That's why Kalei told us that our red eyes were a sign of our heritage.... because we're half vampire...." Katima said, feeling emotionally and physically drained. Tegan didn't know what to say. Kalei had kept yet another thing from him. First his sister, and now his true identity. " Tegan...." Katima murmured. " What are we supposed to do now..... I mean.... we're half of what we're fighting against..... and... I don't even know if we're doing the right thing anymore..... we're trying to kill our father..... I ... I .... I just don't know anymore." Tegan looked at her then looked away. " I.... don't know either." Katima nodded. It was stupid of her to ask him such a thing. She walked out of the room quickly, and to her quarters. She burst through the doors - angry, confused and hurt. They slammed shut behind her as she lookd up to see a figure standing near her bed. " Sin..... what are you doing here?"[/color][/size] OOC: Hope you don't mind Achilles.

[color=blue][size=1]Dun worry about the teachers going psycho. That's going to happen soon enough. With final exams coming up, don't you think they would be going nuts, as well as the students? :p[/color][/size]

[color=red][size=1]Oh how she loved to tease him. Kashi knew all too well that this was just a tease, nothing more, although he wished that wasn't the case. Leila backed away from him, looking at the bodies again. Their blood was young and fresh, untainted. She would be full for a while yet. Licking her lips in satisfaction, Leila turned to Kashi who had made his way over to her again. " We should leave the bodies here," Leila suggested firmly, " Give the police something to think about." Kashi didn't like the idea. It would be easy to dispose of the bodies, but he knew Leila all too well. She liked to stir trouble wherever she went. He would have to dispose of them later. There was a sudden knocking on the door. Leila promptly walked over to it and opened it slightly. The waitress told Leila of Ketiha's message and left after her job was done. Leila neither shut the door nor turned towards Kashi. A loud and rather vicious snap was heard from inside her kimono. Kashi knew something has tested her temper but the calibur of the sound. He approached her cautiously. " What did she want Leila?" he asked firmly. " Keitha sent me a message... Seraphim is here," she snarled. Straightening herself, Leila finally produced the fans that made her the Fan Maiden. " Kashi.... I do apologise but I must leave your presence now. Something.... important has reared its ugly and traitorous head." " Very well..." Kashi sounded a little disappointed. She smiled at him. " Do not worry Kashi. We'll continue our fun when we travel to see Kuroichiro." With that, she was gone. [center]===================================[/center] In a nearby dark alleyway, Keitha and Seraphim were embracing each other, Keitha's bloodlust taking over her reason. She suckled Seraphim's blood from his lips in an almost manic fashion. She was getting to point where she would be lost in her bloodlust. But this had to stop. A flutter of clothing caught Keitha's attention. She stopped her drinking and looked into the darkness of the alleyway. She could see the figure of Leila approach her. And she could sense Leila was in no mood to be played with. Leila stopped in her path, looking at Seraphim with a filthy look, then at Keitha with a more dirty look. " Keitha...." she snarled. " To think I held you in deep respect. I knew you had feelings for this... Seraphim.... the traitor.... but... I thought your better judgement would have prevented you to become this...." Keitha smiled and walked towards Leila who stood firm. " My dear Leila...." " I am not one to be jealous Shadow Assassin. Here I thought you had thrown away your lust and alliance with Seraphim when he betrayed you. You know both you and I have have the same goals, want the same freedom. I am not your underling, your weaker partner but your equal." The fans splayed out, dazzling both Keitha and Serpahim as the streelights were reflected upon the silver. " I do not wish to fight you Keitha, for you know our strengths are equal, but if your bloodlust has clouded your sense of judgement, then so be it." Keitha smirked and dashed forward, signalling her intent to fight. Leila dodged her first attack and blcoked the second with her fan. Twirling around, Leila grabbed Keitha by the neck and made her look into her cold jade eyes - into her slit pupils. [i]An eternal darkness surrounded the two. Leila standing, Keitha also standing a couple of feet away from her. There was no light in this realm, only darkness that ran for eternity. Keitha looked around, knowing this place. She turned back at Leila and snarled. " You didn't...." she growled. Leila smiled. " Of course I did." Keitha growled. She knew what this was. It was Leila's 'special' ability. " Now, you just cool off here Keitha.... you shadows don't have any power here, remember?" Keitha knew all too well what she meant. This was Leila's realm, and she could change it with a whim.[/i] [center]====================================[/center] Seraphim looked around. The two assassins had disappeared entirely when that Leila made Keitha look into her eyes. He wondered what kind of ability could this Leila possess. But it didn't matter now. He had other things to do.[/color][/size] OOC: Sorry Wraith, but Leila just had to come to the rescue. You won't be able to find them easily. DC, tag! :P

[color=Navy][size=1]Zane cflipped his phone shut. Ima looked up at him. " Was that Kariz?" she asked hoepfully, for the first time, remembering who Kariz was. Zane couldn't help but smile and nod. " We finally know, as Zodiacs, what to do now. We have to send all that don't belong on this plane back to their own realms. That way.... we can restore the balance, like we're supposed to." Ima looked a bit bewildered but nodded, agreeing with him. " Did Kariz say anything else?" " No... just that we meet her back at Raven's. We should be able to come up with some sort of strategy there." " Right." The two Zodiac quickly made their way through the city of Athens to Raven's apartment. Taking the elevator to the top floor, Zane used his key to get inside. Night was falling quickly, as if the world knew that this war was going to get worse before it would get better, and that darkness could hide all the tragedies that were about to occur. Walking over to the balcony, Zane opened the glass doors, leaving the screen there so the insects couldn't get inside. Ima sat down tentatively on the couch, looking around. Zane walked to the kitchen and looked in the pantry, selecting some items he could cook with. Before long, he had a meal for himself, Kariz and Ima on the go. Ima sat quietly in the couch. Her eyes caught the sight of a bookcase with a lot of books stored within the shelves. She got up and moved towards the bookcase, looking at the titles. Zane left the cooking, letting a bodied illusion finish up the meal. " I wonder if Rubedo is right...." Zane muttered. " Hm?" " Oh... Kariz said that Rubedo was right, and this is what we had to do.... I can see the logic in it.... but I can't help feeling that this war is going to get much worse before it will get any better.... and that some of us.... indeed perhaps all... will perish in these endeavours." " Do you really think that might happen?" " It's possible.... it's better to prepare for that... just if the need for ours lives to become forfeit became a reality...."[/color][/size]