Redemption

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: Sorry I haven't posted. I just moved to university so yeah. Sorry about that![/b] With her dark eyes, Lana pierced the inky black darkness of the night. Her arms were folded behind her back. It had been so long since that fateful day... That day when her Lady Keitha betrayed them... Lana had wept for the loss of her friend to the rage of bloodlust but had to turn to nurse Nye back to health. And her magic had worked wonders on him. Slowly, he was gaining back strength from the comforting darkness Lana had surrounded him with. She no longer saw him as a boy - but a fully-fledged man, but more importantly, a fully-fledged vampire. He surpassed his previous abilities and became stronger, much stronger. It will be needed to keep what remained of the Gyshram clan alive. Lana turned and heard the crunching of bones and the tearing of flesh behind some nearby trees. Nye had obviously caught some unfortunate fools wandering around in what remained of the Japanese mountain wilderness. He appeared from behind the trees, wiping blood from his lips. Lana knelt to one knee, bowing her head, her pure black cloak fluttering out behind her. " My Lord." " Soon, my dear Lady Lana, we shall have an audience with Kuroichi. I feel I am near my full strength," Nye said. His voice seethed with power and strength. An unknown feeling shivered down Lana's spine, hearing the confident, strong voice come from Nye's lips. " Yes My Lord." She stood but dared not look him in the eyes. While she was his nurse, she had to do some unimaginable things that she dared not revisit in her mind. Nye smiled at his only assassin. " My dear Lady Lana, you may look in my eyes." " I dare not my Lord. Out of respect," Lana replied, looking away from him. Bloodlust started coursing through her veins. She was beginning to get hungry. Cursing herself, she pushed it down. Since her Lady Keitha abandoned them, Lana promised herself never to let her bloodlust gain control over her - just like Keitha. She saw how it could ruin an entire clan - and many lives. Like Kietha, Lana worked to revive Nye to his former glory, and past it. They were the last of their clan, and are determined to return it to its former majesty. Lana once again turned to the stars for comfort. Now matter what happened to the sky, the weather or the morn, the stars were always there - just like Lana was there for Nye, beside him in everything that he did. As a servant would be loyal to their master. But Lana was much much more than a simple servant. Much more. Suddenly a dark feeling crept over Lana's skin - the feeling of being watched. Nye had returned to their camp they had made hastily to get out of a previous shower. She was alone, and surrounded by a familiar force. " What do you want?" Lana hissed. The shadows danced in the moonlight. Her tone became icy and hostile. [b]We want to bring you something from your Lady...[/b] " She abandoned us. Why should she give the person that trusted her the most something? Answer me that shadow!" Lana commanded. An air of power crackled around the vampiress. The shadows backed away for a moment before again closing in on Lana. [b]We cannot answer your request. We are to give you something...that was our orders...[/b] Lana snorted in disgust. " Well then? What do you so desire to give me? From my [i]Lady[/i] as you say it." Lana could feel the shadows grow more and more hostile towards her. She wasn't to be played by mere darkness. She was a creature of the night, and no darkness could scare her easily. The shadows approached Lana, hissing at her, but it was their command. One handed to her a piece of precious gem. Undoubtably it was a shard of the Opal that Keitha was rumoured to have possessed. Lana looked down at it and then clicked her tongue disapprovingly. " I expected much more from [u]your[/i] Lady. She has manners unlike any other. Tell her that neither myself or Nye is pleased. And that we would have rathered for her to show her treacherious face to us. That is my message." The shadows withdrew and disappeared into the night. Lana sighed, letting all the rage that accumulated in her body be released. She tried very hard to not let her sometimes irrepressable rage take a hold of her. Especially since Keitha. Clutching the opal in her hand, Lana made her way back to camp. Nye looked up from his seat. " What do you have there my dear Lady Lana?" he asked curiously. " A [i]gift[/i] from the betrayer..." was all Lana could say before pressing the shard of the Opal into Nye's hand. Her face grew dark and emotionless. Nye smiled to himself. [i]She is indeed Kietha's successor. And is becoming more and more like her everyday. My dear Lana. I know what hurt you must be experiencing. I wish I was able to show you more care and change your cold exterior into the one I used to know.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][b]Name:[/b] Karyan Isanivich [b]Age:[/b] 22 [b]Sex:[/b] Female [b]Location:[/b] Moscow, Russia [b]Appearance:[/b] See attachment [b]Personality:[/b] Karyan is an individual through and through. She [u]hates[/u] conforming to society and does everything in her power to stay and individual. Looking very normal, Karyan detests females that conform to society's view of a female. Although she dislikes the idea of 'going out', secretly Karyan desires some sort of companionship. [b]Bio:[/b] Will reveal in RPG [b]Greatest Desire:[/b] Companionship [b]Greatest Fear:[/b] Companionship[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Red]Sora couldn't stop smiling as the image of Sayne walking out of the shower naked kept replaying in her mind. All of the pilots sat in the communal room like they had done five years ago. Although back then, they still had their innocence. Sora looked around the room. Darkness was starting to fall. The day of the Tournament's beginning was drawing near. The sound of a door echoed down the hall. Sora looked to see who had entered. Dale appeared. " Dale!" " Hey Sora....it's been a long time." Sora walked over to him and gave him a big hug. He smiled and hugged back, and then saw Lyu, Sayne, Keiji and a new girl. " Hey everyone." He walked over to Kai and introduced himself. " I'm Dale, and you are?" " Kai. I'm a new pilot. The Eagle is my MechAnima." " So that's whose it was. Well nice to see you join the team." Dale turned to Sayne. " Is Ajack here?" Sayne nodded. " He's changed.....a lot." " I think everyone has. At least us original pilots. Although its nice to see that there is a fresh new face to join us." Sora came up behind Sayne and wrapped her arms around his waist. Dale smiled. " Still together I see?" he said. Sora half blushed but nodded. Sayne smiled. " I remember that fiasco you two had five years ago. It's hilarious now when we look back." Sora laughed. " I totally agree. Plus I'm sure Deviryn would have reminded you about when you first told me. I think Blaze said something to me about it." A strange expression appeared on Sayne's face. It was almost like he was a little embarassed. Both Dale and Sora laughed at him. " Since its getting dark, how about I cook? Just like I did five years ago. And the same dish too," Sora said. " Right. I'll go see Ajack then. See how much he has changed," Dale said and walked off. " Be back in about half an hour Dale!" Sora called to him as he left the communal room. Sayne sat down at the kitchen bench and watched Sora cook Spaghetti Bolognaise, like she had done five years ago. Keiji came up and talked to Sayne as Lyu and Kai talked a little. Soon dinner was ready and set upon the table. Dale and Ajack hadn't returned and Sora didn't want the food to get cold so she told everyone to tuck in. [b]OOC: That got the thing moving along smoothly[/b][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=DarkRed][b]OOC: I think it's a good idea for the group to split up. Make it more interesting[/b] Andy looked over the rice-paddies coldly. The fire Phoenix sat on her shoulder, looking at the group as they debated whether they were going to split up or not. Andy didn't care, although she hated Red for putting her with M. However, she knew it was going to eventuate. " All right. Then we've decided. We'll split apart and meet back here in two days time," M said sternly. All of the others nodded and split apart in their respective groups. M and Andy walked towards the north, along a carriage beaten road. Neither of them spoke to each other. M looked at the paddy fields away from Andy, who was staring right ahead. M was still recovering from the previous night when he lost control. Andy was a reason why, but he didn't want to infuriate her anymore than she already was. The Phoenix that was previously on Andy's shoulder now soared above the two silent walkers. " Andy..." M said softly. " What?!" she spat back, not looking at him. " I don't need my powers to know that you're angry at me." " How did you ever figure that one out I suppose?" Andy replied sarcastically. M's anger took him for a moment but instantly he calmed himself down. He never seen Andy like this before, and it wasn't comforting. " You don't need to be rude..." " I'm not..." " Others may think otherwise." " Others meaning you?" " What is your problem?" " Just you." M grabbed her arm and spun her towards him. " I know what I've done....but..." " But what? Too empathic to show any emotion at all M?" Andy pulled her arm from his grasp and kept walking. " ANDY!" M called. " Leave me alone M. I don't need you!" Andy swore at him. But inside, Andy didn't want to be left alone. She had found someone to share affection with and yet he denied her what she knew they both wanted. Her heart was breaking and all she knew what to do was put all those barriers up once again. Swearing to herself that she will never let M inside again, Andy kept walking onwards, regardless of whether M was beside her or not.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][b]Previous night....[/b] Tears of pain flowed out of Kala's eyes. She was pinned against the wall with the arrow pierced through her shoulder. " Kane....help me....." Her flesh was starting to tear. Kane walked back in the room, having completely forgotten that Kala was hit. She wrenched the arrow out of the wall and hobbled over to the door. Wincing in pain, Kala left the room and dragged herself from the temple onto the beach. [i]Why? Why did Kane leave me there to be hit? Why? I thought he liked me?[/i] Tears of emotional pain flowed from her eyes this time. Kala slowly drew herself into the water. As soon as the salt touched the wound, she screamed in pain. Anger welled up in her body as nasty thoughts about what she could do to Kane suddenly flitted through her mind. Her eyes grew dark and dull. In one swift movement, Kala pulled free the arrow from her shoulder and screamed as the saltwater entered her wound, stinging like a thousand wasps. Time started to warp around her. Water moved away from her as Kala stood there, clutching her arm. [i]He's going to pay for leaving me there to die.....Kane....you are going to pay.[/i][/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel moaned loudly with pleasure as she climaxed and fell away from Rion. Her breathing was hard and deep. Rolling to her side, she licked Rion over the lips. He himself was gasping in both pleasure and pain. " Mmmm....you do know how to pleasure a woman..." Ashrel said breathlessly. Rion's gasps became more of pain than pleasure when the natural painkillers from sex wore off. Ashrel lifted herself off the bed and draped a red satin robe around her. It displayed her feminine figure perfectly against the moonlight. " MAROU!" Ashrel called. The shorter of her maids rushed in and covered her eyes in respect for Rion. " See to his wounds. I'm sure they have opened up again. And gather Ishizu and wash my sheets. I will not have blood in my bed." " Yes ma'am." Marou quickly gathered some medical instruments that lay in a drawer of Ashrel's dresser. Obviously Ashrel administered her own treatment when she became injured. Marou walked over to Rion and hastily fixed his wound in his back. Ashrel ordered the knights that stood outside of her door to take Rion to the hospital wing. As they came in and collected Rion, trying hard not to break his fresh stitching, Ashrel gave him a departing kiss. " Be ready next time my dear Rion. For this time won't be the last."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel smiled wickedly at the sight of blood splattering over the court's beautiful white marble pavers. The sound of a single drop connecting with the marble was like music to her ears. Rion was certainly a master at his art. Ashrel ran her tongue over her lips slowly. " He might have some interesting moves for later....." Ashrel glided over to the knights that were escorting Rion to the hospital wing of her King's castle. She whispered something in their ears, they nodded and took Rion away to be attended too. Whirling back around to see the entertainment continue, Ashrel glided effortlessly over to her King. She bowed low to him and his guests that he was conversing with. " Excuse me my Lord, but I grow tired of standing around. May I give the nobles a show of power and precision?" A wicked smile came to Damion's face. " You may certainly do so my dear Ashrel." Damion turned to the majority of his guests. " My friends, I have a special presentation for you. My dear Lady Ashrel wishes to dance for you all." There was a stunned moment of silence before they started clapping and moved out of the centre of the courtyard. Ashrel instructed Ishizu, one of her maids, to gather her swords for her. Damion sat upon a seat of marble above the crowd's head as Ashrel stood in the middle of the circle the crowd made. Suddenly, two men were dragged out into the circle. They looked like they had just been retrieved from the dungeon. Both of them had swords in their hands and were being dragged along by four soldiers, two with each prisoner. They threw the prisoners into the circle where Ashrel stood. Ishizu hurried towards her lady with a red cape drapped over one arm and two swords held in the other. The maid unfastened Ashrel's black cape and replaced it with the red one. She also handed her Lady her most prized weapons - two richly engraved silver swords. Backing away, Ishizu disappeared into the back of the crowd, knowing what was to happen next. Ashrel whirled her swords in each hand masterfull as she stared at the two prisoners before her. They were shaking with fear, for they knew also what was about to happen to them. Damion smiled. He loved Ashrel's display of power and precision. With both swords hanging by her side, Ashrel paced around in a circle around the two prisoners. They were bound to each other with a reasonable length of chain. The swords quivered in their hands. All in an instant, Ashrel raised her swords and attacked. The two prisoners held up their swords in defence, not knowing what to do. CLANG! In a flutter of red, Ashrel now knelt at the other side of the prisoners, who both had looks of horror upon their faces. Ashrel whirled around, her blood red cape following her movements behind her. She leapt up and swiped at the prisoner who had his back turned. The sound of metal ripping through flesh rang in the air. Ashrel held the attacked prisoner's head as his body fell to the ground. Blood poured from the now decapitated head which she dropped and kicked away into the crowd. Shrieks from women could be heard as the head rolled through the crowd and finally rested at Jacob's feet. The remaining prisoner looked at his dead comrade, terrified. Ashrel turned to him. THe thirst of blood now coursed through her veins. He tried to back away from Ashrel but he tripped backwards over the legs of his dead comrade. Ashrel stalked towards him. He scrambled back to find himself pinned against one of the courtyard walls. Taking him by the throat, Ashrel brought him to his feet. She could see tears welling up in his eyes. " How pathetic....you are supposed to be a man and face death willingly. Yet I am a woman....and I deal death more easily that you breathe." Spinning around, Ashrel cut both his arms off. The man howled in pain as he dropped to his knees, blood flowing easily from his stumps of arms. The crowd was horrified but Damion looked on with eager anticipation. Ashrel stood before the weeping prisoner. With one final cut of the blade, the man's head rolled off his body and lay at Damion's feet. Looking at the head and then at Ashrel who was wiping her blade with a white cloth, Damion stood and started clapping. The crowd followed suit, not as enthusiactically. Damion walked down to Ashrel and gave her a warm smile. " Well done my dear Ashrel. Maybe some of the nobles here will think twice before taking sides against us." Ashrel bowed low. " My pleasure my Lord. But I have something I must attend to eslewhere. I ask your leave." " Certainly." Again Ashrel bowed lowed and left the courtyard. [center]******************************[/center] Rion suddenly awoke from a pain that jolted through his body. He moaned softly in pain. He figured he must have tried to move when he was asleep. Opening his eyes, Rion looked around the room. It was a very elabourately decorated room for a hospital wing. He sat up slowly, trying not to move. Then, Rion suddenly felt another presence in the room. A feminine figure approached him in the darkness. He could see the curvy contours of her body. [i]Damion must have chosen a lady for me....I would have preferred my own choice...[/i] The figure came closer and closer. Rion could feel the warmth of the naked body crawl up him as the female made her way slowly up his body. Moonlight suddenly hit the female's face. Rion gasped. He had come face-to-face with Ashrel. She smiled with a devilish presence around her. " Weren't expecting to see Lady Ashrel naked in her own room I expect?" she cooed softly. Rion melted once again at the tone of her voice. Ashrel had spoken to the knights that took Rion to the hospital wing to be tended to. She must have ordered them to take Rion back to her private quarters after he was bandaged up. Rion tried to move to get out of Ashrel's path but as soon as he did, pain flooded through his body. He was helpless to Ashrel's whims. " Now don't move. I'm sure you're going to enjoy this."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Kala looked around in awe. The temple was so beautiful. And the crystal clear light blue water lapping at the white beach's edge was so perfect. Kala felt a great sense of joy run through her. She suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Whirling around, she saw Kane approaching her. Kala felt a shudder of an unknown feeling run down her spine. Kane approached her with a smile. " Kane?" Kala said softly, looking at him in the face for the first time. She was never the one to speak first, or to look at their faces when she spoke. But slowly, Kala was starting to come out of her shell. " Yes Kala?" " Thank you....for saving me." Kane just smiled and gave her a hug. Kala wasn't expecting it, but it was what she wanted nonetheless. She snugged into his shoulder. Kane was a little shocked at Kala's nuzzle but all he could do was smile about it. They parted after about ten minutes. " Do you want to come down to the beach with me?" Kala asked, feeling rather bold. Yet another look of shock on Kane's face. " Sure." Both of them took off their shoes. Kala took Kane's hand and ran down to the beach. She wanted to feel the sand between her toes and the water lap at her feet. For once in her life, Kala was excited. She let go of Kane and ran into the water, splashing and mucking about. A huge smile could be seen on her face. It was like she really enjoyed herself. " She looks very happy," came a voice from behind Kane. Kane jumped and turned around to see who was talking to him. It was Lyon. " Yeah, she does. I've never seen her like this before. Kala's always be so timid and scared. It's a nice change," Kane replied. Lyon smiled. Kala waded deeper into the water, up to her waist. She didn't care that her skirt was being wet. This place felt like paradise. And most of all, it felt safe.[/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: I don't mind. Although it was quite funny trying to get back at one another.[/b] Namia and Terra walked through the woods, both looking for a place to talk. Namia found it quite interesting that Terra tried to threaten her, but even if they had duked it out, Namia would have won. " Over here Namia," Terra called, running through the woods to a waterfall both could hear. Calmly, Namia walked to the waterfall and joined Terra sitting on a large rock at the edge of the pool. " So..." Terra started. Namia smiled. " Obviously you want me to go first." " Heh. Of course." Namia rolled her eyes. " What can I say? There's not much. Just that Tanken and I are romantically involved." " And...." " And what?" " AND WHAT? I want to know what you two have been doing, together, alone. You did say there wasn't going to be any secrets between us." Terra had got Namia there. Namia gulped. " How much do you want to know?" " You said..." " I got the message. Well, first off he saw me naked while I bathed in the river at our first camp. Then there was a sort of small discovering session at the city that we recently liberated. Then a two person shower. And then we've been sleeping together for the past few nights. Enough information for you?" Terra's eyes were wide. Namia smiled. " Now your turn."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]A garden full of flowers and trees surrounded Andy as she lay on the grass underneath a huge weeping willow. It was a room made a garden in the underground base. She sighed. The soft scent of oriental lillies wafted in the air. A slight cool breeze whistled through the weeping willow's delicate drooping leaves. Andy missed her home in Athens. The olive trees standing proudly in the Athenian streets, people sitting at the many cosy cafes along the city streets, sipping cups of strong coffee, the smell of food and coffee wafting through the air. It was a beautiful city - in both ancient and modern terms. The Parthenon still stood in its many pieces. The Acropolis still looked over the Medittereanean Sea since the days of the ancient armies. Rolling over, Andy looked at the blank pages of her quote book. She had read through all of the others. They now seemed all meaningless since she had come here. They were yet another way of surpressing her powers and emotions. How could have she been so blind? She picked up a foundation pen and wrote three single quotes in the book in large, cursive writing. [i]In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 - 1945)[/i] [i]The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed - Carl Jung (1875 - 1961).[/i] [i]To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides - David Viscott[/i] Andy finished with a smile on her face. These three quotes summed up what had happened to her the past few weeks. It was amazing how these people had helped her transform. It wasn't just M. Ivy, Taikaru, Farel, Carl, Eric....they all had helped her in some way or another, even if they didn't know it. Just having the presence of people like her around made Andy feel more comfortable with people, and herself. The ink dried quickly as Andy gently blew on it. These were the three quotes she was going to live by. Even though none of them mentioned God, she still will believe in Him no matter what. Running her fingers over her tattoo on her back, an idea flashed through her mind. " I wonder...." Turning back over and sitting up, Andy concentrated hard on making the Phoenix again. It was extremely difficult, as it was last night with M, but this time it wouldn't appear. Something was blocking her effort to do so. Thoughts and images kept running through her mind. [i]Come on Andy...what are you doing....you need to concentrate....think of it....its beautiful red feathers......shimmering golden eyes.....[/i] Flames started appearing in front of her. They joined together, warping to make the figure of a Phoenix. It took all Andy's concentration and will to make the bird, and then tame it. Like her, it was wild and sometimes uncontrollable. But under the right influence, it was loyal and obiedent. The bird, now with sharp features, fluttered down and landed on Andy's outstretched legs. She smiled at it and stroked its flaming feathers. " You are truly a magnificent creature..." The Phoenix's eyes closed with pleasure as Andy stroked it gently. " Thank you for helping me last night my friend." The bird nodded and nuzzled Andy's hand. Andy had never had a pet before of any kind. Her parents wouldn't allow such things. Especially when her father was in that society of his. Andy closed her eyes. She could feel how warm the bird was.....how it radiated with life. M's smiling face came to her mind. A smile of her own came to her lips. Then she heard the electronic door open and close. Opening her eyes, she saw M look around and spot her. He made his way over to her slowly. " How did you...." Andy started. " I searched for you," he said in reply. He must of meant searched for her emotions. M plopped down beside Andy and looked at the Phoenix that had now curled up on her lap. " I'm sorry about last night M...." Andy said softly, looking at the Phoenix. " Sorry for what?" " I didn't mean to intrude or anything.....I just wanted to give you something special that could only come from me." M didn't know quite how to answer. For one thing, he didn't want to hurt her with anything he might say. Secondly, she seemed quite embarassed enough about it anyway. He looked at the Phoenix. " It seems to really like you..." M said, changing the subject. " Yes.....it does....." There was a disappointed tone in Andy's voice. She wanted M to say it was all right and that he liked it, but he had said nothing. It hurt. Both of them sat there in silence. M, looking over Andy's shoulder, saw the three new quotes in her quote book. He quickly withdrew his gaze as soon as he noticed Andy giving him a small glare. The garden was a nice place to sit and collect your thoughts. At this present moment, thoughts weren't collecting. Suddenly Andy stood. The Phoenix jumped from her lap to her shoulder easily. M looked up at her. " Where are you going?" " I'm going to get some rest." Andy's old icy tone crept back into her voice. She didn't look at M when she said it. " Bye." Before M could argue, Andy had left the garden and made her way back to her room. M sat there, looking utterly confused. " What did I do?" [b]OOC: hee hee.....there you go kairi. Initiative enough for you? :p[/b][/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: geez you guys post so much! By the way, I have instructions from '...' for this post, so don't blame me about going somewhere we weren't planning.[/b] When Ty entered the room, she saw a very pissed Phoena standing over Jessica, firing at any soldier that dared to point a gun at her with deadly marksmanship. Ty could see fire burning in Phoena's eyes. " PHOENA!" Ty called, running towards her, clutching her bullet-grazed arm. Suddenly both guns were pointed at her. " Whoa! Hang a sec! It's me!" " Sorry Ty," came Phoena's cold voice. " They just seem to pop up from anywhere and everywhere." " Look, the guys have taken some serious damage. We can't hold them off much longer." " I know. I've only got two clips left. And I've hit every soldier with one bullet." Jessica moaned in pain. Phoena swooped down, picked Jessica up and followed Ty out of the club under a blizzard of bullets. Soon they came to the guys. Phoena looked at Kevin. Blood was stained all over his pants and his hands. " Kevin..." " I'm ok Phoena. Really..." Phoena didn't look too convinced. " Jirax holders....we need to got to the deserts in the west," Jessica moaned. She was seriously hurting from the pain. " We need medical attention first," Pheona said, helping Jessica to sit up without causing too much pain. " You don't understand. You need to get there soon. Otherwise you're all going to be killed!" " I think we've already figured that out," Michael said as he ducked, another barrage of bulelts flying over their heads. Kevin shook his head. " These guys are after me in particular. Don't ask why but they are." " Assassins will be sent for you. I know, because one is already after me and I don't know why. I'm pretty sure that others will be after you too," Jessica said, the tone of urgency could be heard clearly in her voice. Phoena looked up at the others. " She wouldn't be saying this if it wasn't necessary. I think we should go." " But ..." Ty started. " Look, whatever she says may be true. I haven't had an encounter with an assassin yet but I think at least one of us has." They whole group looked at each other. They all seemed to agree in one way or the other. [center]**********************[/center] Somehow, all of the five escaped the endless barrage of bullets and made their way to the desert on the western side of Cairo. Phoena had ran swiftly to the stables and brought her horse, Pegasus, to help with carrying Jessica out there. " I knew Arty (shorty for Artemis) had something in mind for you Pegasus," Phoena said to him as Jessica sat in his saddle, in and out of consciousness. Ty and Phoena had tried their best to stem the flow of blood from Jessica's wound. Phoena saw to Ty, Michael and Kevin for their injuries, even though some weren't very co-operative. Now all they needed was proper medical attention. Kevin was on Pegasus's back too, unable to walk from his injury. Although Pegasus wasn't too happy about it. Soon they had come to a huge rocky outcrop in the desert. It was surrounded by others that looked the same, but this one was different somewhat. The group looked at each other and approached the outcrop. Jessica had instructed them, when she was conscious, where to go. It was eery and haunting at night. A cold wind blew through the canyon they had just entered. " Well, what now?" Ty asked. [b]OOC: Sorry '...', that's all I can think of without changing your story. I hope its ok and good enough.[/b][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel watched this young man's display of swordsmanship against this noble. A wicked smile came to her lips as she watched the dead noble's body being dragged away, his widow howling in distress. " Pathetic woman..." she said coldly. Damion entered the banquet hall. Everyone rose and bowed to the king, some more resistant to than others. Her keen military eyes didn't waver for a second. As the hall sat after Damion's seating, Ashrel prowled behind all the nobles and their companies. Each time she passed one noble, she felt them sigh with relief - for they all knew that Ashrel, the lady in red, had the power to kill anyone on the spot without any queries from her king. Plus, they weren't used to having a woman with so much power over them. How she proved them wrong in her early days as first-in-command. Ashrel strode behind the young fencer. The knight behind him could feel her presence and shivered. " Do you wish our presence Lady Ashrel?" the knight asked sternly. Ashrel's eyes glinted with a hint of madness. " I just wanted to congratulate this young man here for his show of swordsmanship," Ashrel purred. Both the young man and the knight melted at the sound of her smooth, enticing feminine voice. It was the perfect weapon against any and all males, except for her King of course. The young man turned around in his seat. " Who may you be, fair lady?" he asked, scanning her body with his eyes. Ashrel just smiled. " I am Lady Ashrel, first-in-command after the King himself," she purred. " Rion Marquise fair Lady Ashrel," he said as he kissed her hand politely. Ashrel smiled. Her eyes boared into Rion's, making him feel that she could see into his very soul. Thinking of what secrets she may find, Rion looked away quickly. Ashrel laughed to herself. " I'd be careful around here if I were you Rion. You just might find yourself in bed with one of the King's mistresses if you do not contain those dashing looks of yours," Ashrel said smoothly before striding off, again to prowl the nobles. Rion looked shocked at Ashrel as she left. Joel sniggered. " You will have to watch yourself Rion. Ashrel is a woman not to be messed with. She may be the King's first-in-command, but she is also his favourite companion in all military matters. He is displeased when a man shows interest in her." " Then why does he not bed her?" Rion asked. " He has no desire too." " Why?" " You ask too many questions Rion. It is a known fact around the castle that Ashrel only has eyes for the King. However, she does like to tempt any males that seem interested in her to show affection, just to anger the King and get attention from him." [b]OOC: I hope this is ok Demonchild[/b][/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: Thank you Ober! Finally I get to post![/b] Namia sighed as she lay her head against Tanken's chest. [i]Why wasn't Vaxla getting the message? Surely twice was enough. Obviously Vaxla was hell-bent on killing Jadou, so hell-bent that she wasn't considering what consequences there might be.[/i] " What's on your mind Namia?" Tanken asked softly. Namia lifted her head and looked Tanken square in the eyes. " Tanken. If you really want to go through with this, there is no point in dawdling around here. We must take action soon. If we don't, the threat could overwhelm us sooner rather than later." Tanken looked away from Namia's gaze and over the forest that lay below the cliff that sat upon. He really looked worried about the decision he was going to make. Namia was concerned about him - he couldn't handle the burden alone. Stretching, Namia stood and grabbed her spear. " I'm going to leave you alone for a while Tanken. Out of respect of the thoughts and actions you need to consider for this upcoming decision." With that, Namia walked away. She really didn't want to leave him there alone, but she thought it was the best thing to do. [b]Back at camp...[/b] Namia sat near the fire as night loomed around them. A chill breeze cut through the air like ice. She slightly shivered. Then Namia heard laughing - one male, one female. The fmelae's laugh was distinct and Namia instantly recognised it as Terra's. Walking over to the tent where the laughter originated from, she pressed her ear lightly on the canvas. Now all she heard was bodies moving. A wicked smile came to Namia's face. [i]Time for payback Terra...[/i] Craftily walking around to the front flap of the tent, Namia lifted it quickly and poked her head inside. She saw Vincent and Terra less than an inch away from kissing each other. " What's up guys?" Namia asked. [b]OOC: Payback for before ssjSolarPrincess ;)[/b][/COLOR][/FONT]

[CENTER][SIZE=4][b][u]Project 2: A Sealed Fate[/b][/u][/SIZE] [COLOR=DarkGreen][size=3][b]- Five years later - After the Cylargrian attack-[/b][/CENTER][/size] Sandon was finally restored to its original beauty. However, it still held a deep sadness within it. All gardens beared many memorials of those who were lost. Flowers were placed underneath stone slabs filled with names of the deceased, creating a sea of brilliant colours, which could be seen from a great distance into the sky. Sandon never let anyone forget what had happened five years ago. The Cylargres used a special mind control on those they captured and used them to fight against those who fought against them. Nothing could have been done to stop them apart from killing them. Many wished that day was only a dream...but they knew it wasn't...and it never will be. L.S. One was reconstructed and taken out into space where it now resides. Able to keep a better watch over Earth and space, L.S. One was created when Syon Desert Base was combined together with Lunar One - a base situated out in the middle of Glandia Ocean. Lunar One was built by Sayne De Larne's grandfather and Syon Desert Base was built by his father. When both combined, they became a very powerful weapon which brought the Cylargrian mothership to its knees in the last battle. Now that it has been taken into space, it has become even more lethal and loaded with much more artillery for the future. Commander De Larne hopes that they wont have to use her like that again. Also residing in space, created by Commander De Larne, Dr Kane and his many followers, are the Space Colonies called the Star Clusters: NS1 (Northern Star 1), ES2 (Eastern Star 2), SS3 (Southern Star 3) and WS4 (Western Star 4). These Star Clusters were created for those who couldn't stand to be on Earth after what happened with the war. For those who lost everything...for those who wanted to be closer to the L.S One and safety? for those who had nowhere else to go. They rebuilt their lives, and moved onto, hopefully, a better future.[/COLOR] [COLOR=Navy][CENTER]**************************[/CENTER] Over the five years of peace, many more MechAnimas were created by Dr Kane, for Tournament use - a Tournament that he and a well-known Professor Saith Rayven created and kept a secret. Professor Saith Rayven is a trusted friend of Dr Kane's... But unbeknown to Dr Kane, Saith then designed other MechAnimas. These designs were taken from the Cylargrian MechAnimas which consisted of T.Rexs, Terraductyles and Sabertooths. Saith built one of each and constructed more to add to his collection. They were vicious and vile creations. Although they didn't have the capabilities of Dr Kane's MechAnimas - moving freely, linking with their pilots and talking to them - they were more agile, stronger and generally more powerful. What he plans to do with them, is unknown, but some people have something else on their minds... And unbeknownst to all...Dr Kane also holds a secret.[/COLOR] [CENTER]**************************[/CENTER] [B]L.S One - Space[/B] Dr Kane looked down at the MechAnimas that hr and his old and dear friend Professor Saith created on L.S One, which had now resides in space surrounded by star cluster colonies. ? Well, we should get this thing on underway. Valentine?s is nearly upon us,? smiled Professor Saith. ? Yes I guess we should. These Mechs will be taken to Earth - Syon Desert Base. Everything has been prepared and the stadium is set up and waiting,? replied Dr Kane. ? I will start the announcement,? said Professor Saith. ? Yes. The Commander, General Rei and General Tame will escort me to Earth with the Mechs transported to Syon Desert Stadium,? spoke Dr Kane. ? I will see you on Earth.? Professor Saith gave Dr Kane a slight nod as Dr Kane walked out of the room. [CENTER]**************************[/CENTER] [B]Syon Desert - Earth[/B] Hours later, Dr Kane, Commander De Larne, General Tame and General Rei landed in Syon Desert - a desert haunted by many painful memories of the past. Commander De Larne looked out across the stadium. It was huge and stretched out for miles. ? You did a good job,? smiled the Commander. ? With good help,? Dr Kane smiled back. ? UNLOAD THOSE MECHANIMAS QUICKLY,? shouted a male soldier standing on the other side of the stadium as the Mech carriers landed. [CENTER]**************************[/CENTER] Professor Saith walked to the satellite communicator. ? It is ready Professor Saith,? spoke a communications private. ? Good,? smiled Professor Saith. ? Send out the V.M Tournament banners. Make sure the announcements get into all the newspapers, television networks, radios - the works,? said Professor Saith. The communications room lit up with lights and conversations echoed all around the room. Everything was going smoothly. ? Professor Saith, what is your request?? questioned a man who walked through the door. ? Ah?? smiled Professor Saith. ?Are they ready?? ? Yes they are sir.? ? Good. Let?s get to Earth. And remember be discreet. We can take them to the old Syon base post. There are a few holding containers there which were left behind. We can put them there,? replied the Professor. He looked at the privates who were working hard on getting the announcement out. [CENTER]**************************[/CENTER] [FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Red]Warm sunlight spread across a blue queen-sized bed from a large window that faced east. Two figures could be seen underneath a thin cobalt blue satin sheet. One was a female ? her long feminine body was imprinted perfectly underneath the sheet. Short neon red hair framed her soft feminine face. The other was male ? his strong muscular body lay underneath the sheet, the top half of his body naked. His bold brown hair lightly moved as he pulled his female partner closer. The female opened her eyes slowly, revealing them as shimmering gold. She lifted herself from the bed, dressed in a thin, tight black tank top. Looking over to her male partner, her heart fluttered. ? Good morning Sayne, my love,? she cooed in his ear. A smile crept across the male?s lips as he opened his icy blue eyes. He looked over to his partner. ? Good morning Sora,? he replied. Sora smiled. They had been with each other since the fateful day five years ago. ? Happy Valentine?s Day Sayne,? Sora said. She gave him a kiss, then reached over the side of the bed and grabbed something. She turned back over, smiling at Sayne, and then pressed a single white rose on his chest. A look of shock appeared on Sayne?s face. ? You remembered?? ? How could I forget?? The fourteenth of February. A day full of love ? but also full of sorrow. Both Sora and Sayne had been hit hard by the events that happened five years ago to this day. They both got out of bed and both dressed in black. Together they walked out of their large apartment in the city of Zeron on the Northern Star Cluster. Soon, Sayne and Sora made their way to the Zeron City Cemetery. General Rei Avian had given specific orders to bury his wife and daughter?s bodies in that cemetery. Sora and Sayne walked towards Sora?s mother and her sister?s grave. She knelt down before them, laying white belladonna lilies upon their graves. Today, five years ago, both of them were killed in the Cylargrian attack upon the Earth Capital, Sandon. Two tears rolled down Sora?s cheeks. Sayne gripped her hand tightly as Sora stood and looked at the graves. ? You miss them don?t you?? came a male voice from behind the couple. They both whirled around ? both of them had one hand on a handgun at their sides. General Rei Avian stepped forward towards them. Sayne and Sora lightened up, taking their hands off of their weapons. Sora looked at her father?s face. She could tell he was missing them as much as she was. ? You both have scars from the War. I could tell from the way you both jumped for your handguns,? General Rei said. Sora looked back at the graves while Sayne looked at Sora?s father. ? You?re not here just for them,? Sayne said rather coldly. ? Always see straight through me don?t you Sayne. Just like your father. I could never lie to him,? General Rei answered. ? What are you here for Papa?? Sora asked. ? Dr Kane and Professor Saith have created new MechAnimas and have organised a Tournament commemorating the attack five years ago. They?ve asked that all original pilots to participate if they wish. It?s called the Valentine Memorial Tournament.? ? And you want us to join? What about Blaze and Deviryn? We haven?t heard a single word since the end of the War about them. We were supposed to be their partners, their comrades. But we were told never to return to L.S. One again, or see our MechAnimas again. We can still hear them Papa. I can hear Blaze in my mind. We both talk to them. They tell us what have been going on and how you?ve taken your sweet time in repairing them.? General Rei was speechless. Sayne looked from General Rei to Sora. He glared back at General Rei. ? You wish for us to join?? Sayne asked coldly. It was rather thoughtless of Rei to ask Sora something like this on this day. And obviously his father was asking the same question, just through Rei. ? Have any of the others accepted?? Sora asked. ? We decided to ask you two first. And if you were to accept, we?d leave you to contact the others and persuade them to join,? Rei replied. Sora sighed. She was still looking at the graves. ? Sayne? What do you think?? she asked. ? I?d give almost anything to see Deviryn again,? Sayne said sternly. ? And I?d give almost anything to fly with Blaze again,? Sora said. ? We accept Papa. If you can give us the numbers of the others, we?ll contact them.? ? I?ll download it to your FLIP. Goodbye Sora. I?ll see you when you come to Earth,? he said. Rei walked away, leaving Sora and Sayne alone. ? Are you all right Sora?? Sayne asked, squeezing her hand. Tears flowed out of her eyes freely. ? Why? Why has he become so cold?? she sniffed. Sayne pulled her close and stroked her hair. A beeping noise was emitted from Sora?s pocket. She dug her hand into her pocket and pulled out a mini computer, otherwise known as a FLIP. The other pilots? numbers filed down the screen. Sora looked at Sayne. ? I suppose we?d better get this over with. I hope the others join us.? Sora sent a message to all of the original pilots asking them to join them in the Valentine Memorial Tournament. They were to meet at Syon Desert Base ? the place where everything began, and the place where everything ended. OOC: Original pilots, go to Syon Desert Base to re-meet with your MechAnimas after getting Sora?s message. New pilots, arrive at Syon Desert Base to meet your new MechAnimas after receiving a message from Dr Kane.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman]Kala stared out of her window, again in her own world. Some of what Sam had said to her hit the mark, but others just passed by her as nothing more than words. It was hard for her to admit that she was wanted and needed, when throughout her life, she had been shunned and deserted. Althought she couldn't deny that she liked the feeling, she was scared to get too close to anyone, in case they did turn her away. From day one, Kala had always been a pessimist. The stars twinkled brightly. She looked at them, trying to feel what about them she admired so much. Was it that they moved on but never changed? Was it that they were always there and never left her behind? Or was it because Sam said she was a light for the group, just like the stars were for her? For some reason they comforted her. Just like Kane did ... Kala gave a small smile to herself. She was glad that someone was comfortable with her, even though she wasn't comfortable with herself. It was nice to know that someone cared for her that much to defend her in times of need. Walking out of her room, Kala strolled down the corridor, searching for Kane's room. At this present moment, she wanted some comfort from him. The Destroyer and his two heralds were terrifying to her, and she needed someone to be with. Otherwise she'd have nightmares. Heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor. Jack's figure appeared at the end to which Kala was headed. She froze. She didn't want another encounter like the one she had with Jun. Shivers of fear ran down her spine. Never had she'd been so scared in her life. Melting into the shadows, Kala did the best she could to hide from him. However, Jack stopped almost immediately after he took one pace past her. " I know you're there Kala..." Kala squeaked. She started to panic. She didn't want another episode like the one with Jun. The 'fight or flight' instinct then kicked it. Using her powers, she disappeared from the shadows and sprinted down the hallway, slowing time so that Jack couldn't do anything to prevent her from leaving. Breathing heavily, Kala then set time back to normal. She found herself in front of Kane's room. The door was shut but that wouldn't hinder her. Again, using her powers to speed up time, Kala entered Blaze's room and hid in the nearest available spot. Kala looked over to Kane's bed. He was sleeping peacefully in it. A small smile came to Kala's lips. He looked so peaceful, sleeping there, no nightmares haunting him in the realm of dreams. Slowly, Kala crept over to his bedside and looked over him. Warmth came to her eyes and her soul. She was just happy standing there, watching him sleep. Then suddenly, Kane's arm flew out and grabbed Kala's arm. She yelped with fright. kane turned over to see that the person who was standing over him was Kala. Kala sank to her knees, tears welling up in her eyes. " Please ......please don't hurt me Kane....."[/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS][b]OOC: You little bugger kairi! I saw that 'initiative' thing! Sneaky little bugger![/b] Andy walked the halls alone as M trained by himself. The exhilaration of what she had accomplished was still racing around through her body. He had helped her do things that she wouldn't have dreamed of imagining. The thought of creating creatures with her fire was exciting and inspiring. She felt her heart leap. Then a thought flitted across her mind. [i]What would be the hardest creature to control?[/i] In her mind, Andy ran through all creatures great and small, trying to figure out the answer to her question. Then it came to her. The answer was so simple and yet it eluded her. The Phoenix. The brand that was on her back and was, for a long time, a burden to her - but now, it was something that she wished to create, and try to control. It wouldn't be easy, trying to control the legendary bird of flame, but as M said, if she believed she could do it, then she will. Walking back into their living quarters, Andy came face-to-face with Ivy and Lee. " Whoa!" Lee exclaimed as he shot to the side of the hallway, avoiding a collision with Andy. " I'm sorry Lee!" Andy apologised. Ivy looked at Andy strangely. " Are you feeling alright? You've been acting weird lately..." Andy just smiled. " No, not weird. This is normal, the real Andy you could say." Both of their eyes widened. Lee then smiled. " Nice to meet you Real Andy," he said, shaking her hand. Andy laughed at his joke. She turned to Ivy. " Um...Ivy, could I talk to you for a minute please? In private?" Andy asked nervously. " Yeah...sure," Ivy replied, giving a confused look to Lee. Obviously they were going somewhere, but this was an emergency. " I'll wait here for you Ivy!" Lee called to the two girls as they made their way to Andy's room. Quickly making their way inside, Andy shut the door behind her and looked over at Ivy who had a puzzled look on her face. " So? What do you want to talk about?" she asked. " Well....I.....ah....." Andy didn't know where to start. She wanted to do something for M, but as she had never felt love, or affection before, it was difficult to know what to do. For a few minutes, Andy tried to pluck up the courage to ask Ivy about M and the such. Ivy just looked at her, her puzzling look growing deeper. " Ivy....I...um....I want to do something special....for M....but I don't know what," Andy said finally. Ivy's mouth just dropped open with shock. A scarlet tinge appeared on Andy's cheeks. Then, suddenly, Ivy burst out laughing. Andy, hearing her laugh, was a little hurt by it. " I'm sorry Andy, but it's just very strange for you to ask me about something like that," Ivy said. " Well, I don't know what to do. I've never been in this situation before." Ivy smiled. She would have never thought Andy would come to her for advice. " I don't know whether I can help you or not Andy." " Please Ivy..." " Oh all right. But what do you want to do?? ? I don?t know. That?s why I was asking you!? Ivy sighed. ? This is going to be harder than I thought .. .? [center]***************************[/center] Starting the trek back to the living quarters, all M could think of was the smile on Andy?s face when she created something with her abilities, proving that they were not just a destructive force. He smiled to himself as he imagined the warmth from her body flowing into his. He opened the door to his room, finding it, as always, completely dark. Then, suddenly, a small light appeared near his bed. He couldn?t make out what it was first, but it slowly began to grow. It sprouted wings and grew into a rather large bird. M?s eyes widened with amazement as the small flame grew into the legendary bird of flame, the Phoenix. With a soft cry, it moved towards M and slowly wheeled around him. He could feel the bird?s warmth surround him. He even dared to touch the bird?s flames, which, not surprising, didn?t burn him. M looked around for its creator, knowing only one person that could have done this. He couldn?t see her, or sense her. The phoenix seemed to block his abilities for the moment. It kept circling around him. He was mesmerised by its beauty and its strength, its hardships and its triumphs, all at one time. It reminded him strongly of Andy. A cool sensation ran across his lips. He looked in front of him to see Andy standing there with her lips pressed ever-so-gently against his, her eyes closed. The phoenix had distracted him enough for Andy to stealthily make her way up to M to deliver her surprise for him. The kiss was feathery soft but packed full of charged emotion. He could hear Andy?s heart beating against her chest. Pulling back slightly, Andy looked up at M who had a broad smile across his face. ? Do you like?? she asked softly. ? I do indeed.?[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS]OOC: Is is me or is Tash and I the only ones posting? " Hey, Phoena." Phoena's head whirled around to see who it was. Kevin stood there looking quite dashing in the clothes he picked. " Hey Kevin. I'm glad to see you here. I thought I was going to be by my lonesome." Kevin smiled. " I wouldn't leave you here by yourself when I said I would come." " That's good. All we have to do know is wait for the others." Kevin sat down at the table Phoena sat at and started talking, waiting for Michael and Ty to join them. OOC: The floor is yours Lyuann and kairi.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=DarkRed]Andy and M walked down the corridors back towards their living quarters. Andy had her hands in her pockets with a thoughtful look on her mind. M looked at her and then looked back at the ground as they walked along. " What's on your mind?" M asked, althought sort of already knew the answer. " Nothing much. Just things...." Andy replied vaguely. " What sort of things?" " Do you always ask so many questions M?" She looked up at him playfully. He was half shocked to see that look from her. M smiled back at her. " Sometimes." Soon they came to their living quarters and both made their way to the living room. Andy sighed for a moment and looked around, looking decidedly bored. She walked over to the couch and flopped onto it. M smiled. Andy seemed a lot less tense and cold as she was when she arrived here. Even her language had slightly turned into slang. M sat down in the chair beside her. " I can see you're bored," M said. Andy nodded, yawning. " What gave you that idea?" she mocked. M just rolled his eyes. Andy turned over on the couch to face him. " Do you want to do some training of some sort? I'm really bored M." OOC: Sorry kairi, couldn't think of much else. heh :sweat: sorry![/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ashrel strode down the corridor, her cloak fluttering out behind her. Two maids followed her in silence. She turned sharply and entered her room in a stout fashion. " I want my red leather Ishizu and Marou," she asked very sternly. " Yes ma'am," the two maids murmured together and rushed off to get Ashrel's favourite piece of clothing. It was a red leather suit. Why she preferred it was because red leather didn't show blood and it was easily cleaned - plus it maked Ashrel look more menacing that her normal black leather attire. Walking out onto her balcony, Ashrel watched the nobles arrive in their various states of transportation. Some on horseback, others driven by coach. It was a pitiful sight to see the ones that were driven by coach step out looking all high-and-mighty. A sneer crossed her face. " Fools. How do they live day to day thinking that they are in charge of their lives and their futures?" One young man caught her eye as he descended from the coach that escorted him to Damion's castle. " Now he is an excellent specimen. Young, fit, eager to fight. A light swordsman - possibly a fencer from his stature. He would be an excellent addition to our elite forces." " Um....ma'am?" came Ishizu's voice from behind her. Ashrel whirled around and stood before Ishizu and Marou. They held her red leather suit in their hands. Ashrel never beat her maids or had someone beat them. They were dear to her, oddly enough. Ashrel bowed her head slightly as the maids lay her red leather suit upon Ashrel's red cedar four-post bed. They backed out of Ashrel's room and returned to their quarters. Ashrel closed the balcony doors easily and walked over to her bed. Slowly taking off her over-shirt and thin chain-mail underneath, the mirror behind her showed how many scars creased her back. The scars were from lashing - to keep herself humble in front of her Lord and to keep her obiedent. She inflicted these lashings herself, giving herself punishment whenever she felt she was being too immodest or self-righteous. Taking off her flannel pants, Ashrel stood there naked, looking at herself in the mirror. She imagined that her Lord was standing behind her, stroking her muscular but feminine arms lovingly. She imaged feeling his breath upon her neck and shivered in nervousness. How she wished for Damion to just hold her and fondle her like he did his servant girls. But it was just a wish - a fantasy that would never come true. Ashrel shook her head and cursed at herself for her momentary lack of composure. Very elegantly she slipped on her red leather suit. The corset improved her cleavage quite substantually but this was just normal procedure for Ashrel. " MAROU!" Ashrel called. The smaller of the two maids rushed into Ashrel's room. " Yes ma'am?" Marou asked timidly. " Tie these laces up for me," Ashrel half-commanded, half-asked. Marou rushed up behind Ashrel and laced up her Lady's corset for her. Ashrel bowed her head slightly again and Marou left. With a black cloak hanging off her shoulders, she looked the part of Damion's first-in-command. She would never let him down. Striding out of her room, Ashrel made her way to the feasting hall and oversaw the nobles come in and sit. Each one of them looked at her nervously, as if she was a goddess of death just waiting to punce on them. A small grin came to her lips. Maybe she was ..... and maybe she wasn't.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Andy held her face in her hands. [i]Was it a dream? But it felt so real......could it have been so real because I wished for him to be here?[/i] Thoughts like these raced through Andy's mind. She was confused at best. Although, the feeling of freedom still lingered in her body. It was exhilirating for the few moments that M had given her. [i]The kiss...[/i] Andy touched her forehead where M had kissed her. It was the first time a male, apart from her family, had shown her any affection at all. She wanted more. The hug felt so real. She sighed and brought up her legs in a crouching position. Confused thoughts ran through her mind more. She started getting a headache. Stumbling out of her room, Andy walked to the kitchen to find some headache tables of some sort. Rumaging through the cupboards, she heard someone walk down one of the halls. Much to her delight, Andy saw M walk back to his room. Forgetting about her headache, Andy slowly stalked him to his room. Her heart thumped so hard on her chest that she would have sworn M would have heard her at some point in time. M entered into his room, not noticing Andy sneak up behind him. The door shut in her face. Using her powers, Andy managed to unlock the door and slide in incospicously. She looked over at M who lay on his stomach atop of his bed. He seemed to b asleep but Andy couldn't be sure. All she wanted to feel was his warm body against hers, the cool sensation of his kiss on her lips. Andy trembled as she slowly made her way over to him. This was nothing like anything she had felt before. It was strange and new to her - this feeling inside of her. Sliding onto his bed carefully, M stirred at the movement. He quickly turned over to see Andy looking at him from the end of his bed. " Andy...." Andy looked down at the bed. Luckily it was dark enough for him not to see her blush. She couldn't say anything - everytime she opened her mouth, the words got lost and she shut it again. " What are you doing here?" M questioned. " I....I just wanted to feel warmth...." she said quite timidly, a definite contrast to the Andy that M knew. He saw a girl sitting at the end of the bed, nervous and embarassed, not the life-hardened Andy everyone else knew. He sat up and looked at her through the darkness. He felt need come from Andy as she sat there. " Please M......I need to feel warmth....and maybe.....love...." she said, looking at him square in the eyes this time. He knew she was telling the truth....and he knew he wanted the same thing from her too.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][b]OOC: Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I'm having issues with my sisters over the internet at this particular moment in time.[/b] Kala gently poked the fire, edging it to burn on and continue cooking their meal. Jack and Kane were helping her at the start, but after a few minutes, they couldn't stand being in each other's presence any longer and sat opposite each other, with the fire in between them. Jun's angel, Osiris, stood there with his arms crossed, watching all three Elementals closely. Night had enveloped them. The sounds of waves could be heard crashing on the beach. It was soothing. Kala looked at Jack quickly. She noticed how he sat - like a warrior, ready to jump into action at any given moment. Then she looked over to Kane. He was still fuming over the mock fight he had with Jack, although the edge of his anger had worn off enough so that Kala could talk to him with him jumping down her throat. Kala could hear murmurs over at the stream's edge. She knew it was Sam and the dark angel, Jun, talking. Kala had overheard Sam and Kane talking about Jun recently, but still, he was a new person to Kala and maybe, a threat to them. Flicking her piece of green hair out of her eyes, Kala stood and walked towards the beach. " Where are you going?" Kane asked. Kala predicted he would ask this, and that's why she headed to the beach. " I'm.....going to see the waves...." With that, she disappeared down the embankment. Kala shuddered as the cool wind whipped up around her. She had purposely headed to the beach so Kane and Jack wouldn't realise what her true intention was. Using her powers of time, Kala appeared behind a tree, near Sam and Jun. She looked cautiously from behind it. The emotions in the air were overwhelming. Kala saw Sam nod. The Earth Elemental looked at Jun. " You know, I kind of like the winged look," Sam said with a smile. " Yeah, well they can be a pain sometimes," Jun replied, looking out over the water. Sam laughed. " Well I bet they come in handy with women," she said with a wink. " And what's that suppose to mean?" Jun asked looking at her. Kal could tell Sam was being playful. " Easier to run away with," Sam joked, smiling. Jun laughed. It was a nice laugh. Kala's feeling of dread eased. " Well that's just one of the many perks," Jun said with a smile. Sam looked at Jun and leaned on his shoulder. " The smile doesn't look half bad either." Jun just looked over the water. Kala looked at them intensely, trying to feel the emotions around them. Emotions to Kala where warps of time. Love and lust was time warping at an extremely fast rate. Anger was violent and irregular warping. And sadness was a slow warp. But there was too many around both Jun and Sam for Kala to differ. Her powers and skills weren't that sharp yet. Suddenly Jun stood. Kala froze. Jun turned and looked straight at the tree Kala was hiding behind. " What's the matter?" Sam asked, looking confused. " Someone is watching us," Jun replied seriously. He drew one of his katanas and sprinted over to Kala who was frozen on the spot. Swiftly he caught her by the throat and hoistered her up into the air with his katana's blade underneath her throat. " Why were you listening to us?" Jun accused strongly. His voice had changed to one of fire and horror. Kaal couldn't respond. His hand was clamped so tightly around her throat that all she could do was gasp. Tears of fear leaked out of Kala's eyes. " NO JUN!" Sam shouted as she leapt up to Kala's defence. Jun looked at Kala cautiously before dropping her to the ground. Sam rushed over to Kala who sat there in a trance of some sort. " Kala? Kala? Are you okay?" Sam said, trying to get Kala to respond. In an instant, Kala disappeared and reappeared next to Kane. When he looked beside him, he received quite a shock to see Kala sitting there, tears flowing out of her eyes freely. The shock and fear of the past day's events had all accumulated in Kala's mind until that point where Jun had threatened her life. Like what she had always done when something like this would happen, Kala withdrew into her shell once again, withdrew herself into the world of her own inside her own mind. That is why she had a look of being a trance in her eyes. She was alone and terrified. [b]OOC: Sorry if it's a bit over the top. Just Kala's character.[/b][/FONT]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]THE RPG WILL BE STARTING SOON. EITHER MYSELF OR HEERO WILL BE PMing YOU EACH TELLING YOU THAT THE RPG HAS STARTED. PLEASE ENCOURAGE ANY OF YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN UP. THANKS[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Andy tossed and rolled in her bed, her green hair flailing around. She was breathing heavily, but her eyes were closed, dreaming. [i]She knelt before a man robed in white. " No.....no....I didn't mean to........." " I .......I was just trying to protect him .........." " I didn't mean to.......... please don't .......please don't hurt me again ......." The image of Lee, Carl and Ivy being surrounded by vampires appeared suddenly and then dissolved away just as suddenly. Then it was M ......smiling at her first, but then scowling at her...... " I didn't mean to M......I didn't mean to hurt you ......I was trying to protect you......don't go.....please don't go.........." The figure of M just turned on his heels and faded away into the distance.[/i] " NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!" Andy screamed as she jolted upright. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Her whole body trembled. Her singlet was soaked in cold sweat. Andy clutched the bed tightly. " No......please no....." she whispered to herself. Tears still flowed freely. " He's the only one that's ever ... shown me who I truly am.... and still likes me ....." If M had entered her room then and there, he would have felt sorrow, sadness and regret pouring out of Andy. He would have seen why she was afraid of the Devil, and why she hates to get close to people. Because of what she could do to them. Andy laid back down and shoved her face in the pillow, silently crying the night away.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Phoena was so relieved when Kevin said yes. It was a definite improvment from last night. She was quite shocked when he picked up the plates and started washing them. [b]He's so polite.....I wonder what he feels like to touch.....[/b] Phoena had never thought of males as anything other than friends. But Kevin....he was different. He made her shiver with an unknown feeling every time he looked at her with those eyes of his. "Uh, so where are we going tonight, then? With your friends, I mean," he asked from over at the sink. Phoena stood, walked over to him and, very masterfully, brushed his hand inconspicously. A shiver went up her spin, making her feel a little exhilarated. " Well....I don't know really. Neither of them have called back so I'm assuming it will just be you and me. If that's ok with you?" Phoena replied, looking at him. " I guess so." " Good. And don't worry about the rest. I'll do it. Can't have the guest doing all the work!" Phoena slightly pushed Kevin to the side and took over the washing up. He picked up a cloth and started wiping up. Soon they were finished. Phoena placed everything away quickly as Kevin took another look around her apartment. It was hard to figure out what to do next. Phoena quickly turned the corner to find herself face-to-face with Kevin, who was coming back into the kitchen. Their eyes were locked for a moment before Phoena looked at the ground. " Well it's getting late....and if we are going to go out.....we need to start getting ready...." she mumbled slightly. [COLOR=Blue]Oh Phoena, why aren't you looking at him in the face when you say this?[/COLOR] a strong female voice entered her head. [b]I don't know....he makes me feel a little nervous.....but I don't really know if it's nervousness, or something else, Athena....[/b] " Right then," Kevin replied, getting the hint. " I'll be going now. Where are we going to meet?" " Um......how about the club called 'Midnight' in the city? Do you know that one?" " Yes. See you there at 9." With that, Kevin walked down the stairs and let himself out. Phoena sighed and collapsed onto her couch. The woman in midnight blue tank top and long pants appeared again. This time she was accompanied by a woman dressed in a red, female suit with very stylish glasses on. [COLOR=DarkGreen]So what was that all about?"[/COLOR] the one in blue asked. " I don't know really.....but there's something about him that grabs my attention and I just can't tear myself away from it...." [COLOR=Blue]"Be careful of them Phoena - males I mean,"[/COLOR] said the one in red. " I will Athena. You have my word." [b][u]Later that day ... [/b][/u] Phoena sat at a table by herself in the club called 'Midnight'. She was dressed in tight black leather pants and a purple holter-neck top. Her pendant hung around her neck, as it always had did. She contacted Michael and Ty about meeting here. Hopefully they'd turn up. But who was certain to turn up was Kevin, or so Phoena hoped.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS]" For lunch....hmmm......what shall we have?" Phoena said as she looked in the refridgeration. She was a little embarassed about asking Kevin in, since her apartment was always in a state of mess - it just depended on how messy it was. " I have shepard's pie if you like. I only made it last night." " That will do." Phoena quickly warmed the pie up and dished it out. Kevin seemed like a nice guy - very polite and proper. [b]I wonder what he's really like...[/b] In silence they ate, not daring to talk to one another. It was an awkard silence. They seemed to know what each other was feeling, but the fact that it was so hard to express for both of them made the situation a bit tense. " Umm....Kevin...." " Yes Phoena?" His voice was so soothing, it made her heart melt. " Tonight, I was going out with some of my friends. Would you like to come?" [b]Please....please come....[/b] OOC: There you go Tash.[/FONT][/COLOR]