Redemption

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ziarre stalked out of the training room fuming. All of them, including Kayin, thought that [U]she'd[/U] created this monster of a thing. " They all thought that I created that thing.....I don't even know how...." Slamming her door shut, Ziarre punched the wall so hard that a crack appeared in the wood slabs. " GOD! DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!" Grabbing a bag, Ziarre began stuffing her clothes into, still muttering curses to herself. Snatching Hades and her quiver, Ziarre practically ran out of her room and made her way to the topside. [B]20 minutes later...[/B] Ziarre crept along the rooftops of the village that was near the Sanctuary. She shifted her bag uncomfortably from shoulder to shoulder. It was dawn and rays of sunlight burst from the horizon. Careful not to wake the residents of the house she was creeping along, Ziarre came to the end and leapt into an alleyway. She looked around nervously. Most of these people had exiled her from the village but they didn't know that one day, she was one of the many that were going to save their lives. Melting into the shadows made by the sun, Ziarre found that she would have to move and find another place to hide before midday otherwise there would be no shadows for her to hide in. Sneaking from shadow to shadow, Ziarre swiftly ran to the outskirts of the village where there was fewer people to hide from. Seeing the forest again made Ziarre's heart grow warm as she trekked inside it, hopefully finding somewhere she could be alone and not be disturbed by any person, Hero or not. OOC: It might do the Heros do to get out of the Sanctuary a bit.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Ok. Banner request - Include the pictures of Catwoman and Elektra in the attachments. You can choose which although I'd prefer Elektra to be in the red. Text: [u]Never[/u] mess with a woman in leather... The underline had to be in there please. Anything else is up to up, above are the only conditions. Avatar request - A matching one of my banner with my username on it. Thanks.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Purple]OOC: Awww...Tanken is scared of a little pussycat. MIAOW! Namia pressed her spear against Tanken's throat with one hand and clutched a towel around her with the other. " Do you have any idea what you just did?" Namia hissed. " Saw you naked and looked at your panties?" Tanken replied quickly, not realising what he was saying. He regretted it the moment he realised. Namia grew more anger and clubbed him one on the head with her spear. " That's for looking at me naked. Next time, just friggin let me know or something!" Namia said as she strode away to dress herself. Tanken stood there stunned. [I]Let me know if I want to see her naked, was that a joke?[/I] Namia grumbled all the way back to the stream. " How dare he do such things to me! I'd skin him alive if he wasn't so important to the Resistance!" A tiger's growl eminated from her lips. " Men...always thinking with their second brain.....or is it their first? No matter, the one that only thinks of one thing! Sex." Still grumbling, Namia put her undergarments back on and then her leather clothing. Wielding her spear, Namia marched the way back to camp, still boiling over the incident with Tanken. Sitting herself near the fire, she rubbed her ears and tail free of water with her towel.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]OOC: OMG! That was so funny...but so Sayne! Frozen like an ice statue, Sore stood there with an extremely shocked expression on her face. Blaze sidled up behind her. [COLOR=DarkRed]Well that was quite a show, don't you think?[/COLOR] Blaze commented. Sora said nothing, but inside of her a huge balloon of joy had just burst open. " He...he has a crush on me?" Sora stammered. Blaze laughed. [COLOR=DarkRed]It seems so Sora. Not like it wasn't half obvious when he saved me and nice. A nice way to tell you too, very military.[/COLOR] He sniggered. " Blaze, don't be mean..." Sora said softly. She was smiling to herself. If Sayne hadn't walked away scarlet-faced, Sora would have kissed him on the spot and made his face go to a crimson colour. " I can't believe he admitted that to me. He must have been under a lot of pressure to do so..." [COLOR=DarkRed]I think his Dragon and Elizabeth had something to do with that.[/COLOR] " Liz?" Sora questioned. Another smile crept across her face. " Yes Liz. Hmmm...I think I have a nickname for her. I'll come back later Blaze. I have some unfinished business with a certain person I know." Blaze smiled. [COLOR=DarkRed]Good luck Sora.[/COLOR] He winked. [B]Ten minutes later...[/B] Sora walked into the dormitory, trying to find Liz. " Where can that girl be?" Suddenly a female officer walked out of the corridor that led to the girl's rooms. She spotted Sora and walked over to her. " Miss Avian," she requested. Sora whirled around. " Yes Private?" " There is a meeting in the Commander's office that the Mech pilots need to attend." " Ok, I'll go down there now." " Yes ma'am." Sora made her way to the Commander's room, opened the door and walked through. She saw her father on the right-hand side of the Commander. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Sora turned, seeing Sayne in the corner. Thinking about what she was going to say to him next time they were alone, Sora walked over and joined Liz. " I was looking for you Elizabeth!" Sora whispered to her. " You used my full name, does that mean I'm in trouble?" Liz asked, seriously thinking she was. Sora just smiled. " No no no. I just thought up for a nickname for you." " Oh, and what is it?" Sora's smile grew larger. " Matchmaker!" OOC: Ah...sweet young love...ain't it grand?[/FONT][/COLOR]

OOC: Well since Tanken has a crush on Namia, it seem only fair that he gets to see her. But he may be accompanied by whoever wants to accompany him. Lol

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Red]Darkness surrounded Sora as she sat alone in the cockpit of Blaze with her eyes closed, concentrating on their sychronisation rate. [COLOR=DarkRed]Try to clear your mind Sora...it's too cluttered with other thoughts...[/COLOR] Blaze suggested. " I'm trying Blaze. It's just so hard at the present," Sora replied, her brow furrowed in concentration. [COLOR=DarkRed]Think about flying Sora. Think about the wind hitting your face. Think about the adrenaline pumping through your body.[/COLOR] [I]Ok, come on Sora...you can do this....no more thoughts of Sayne...just flying...just Blaze[/I] Sora thought to herself. But the image of Sayne when he kissed her kept reappearing in her mind. " OH GOD DAMMIT!" Sora swore and opened her eyes, releasing her from their sychronisation. " I'm sorry Blaze. I just can't do it." [COLOR=DarkRed]Don't beat yourself up too much. Remember, you're still injured and you have Sayne problems.[/COLOR] " That's a different way of putting it," Sora chuckled as she lent back into the pilot's chair. " He's so difficult Blaze. I just want him to talk to me for more than a few simple words." She looked over at the white rose he had given her at school before this had happened. It hadn't wilted or turn brown, even without any water. It shimmered its white glow and looked like as if it had just bloomed after a short summer rain. Sora's anger lessened. [COLOR=DarkRed]Maybe he's difficult because he doesn't know how to approach you or say what he wants to Sora. You are sometimes a very intimidating person.[/COLOR] " I don't mean to be. He was the one that kissed me! Remember?" [COLOR=DarkRed]Yes I do. But maybe he regrets it now, or he doesn't know what or how to say what he means. Take it easy on him Sora. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you had feelings for him.[/COLOR] " BLAZE!" [COLOR=DarkRed]Ah hah! You do don't you? You can't hide anything from me Sora![/COLOR] Sora just shook her head at him. " Blaze Blaze Blaze...you want to know something? I'm so confused that I couldn't tell you if I had feelings for him or not." [COLOR=DarkRed]I judge from your reaction that you DO have feelings for him! Go on, admit it! I'd bite you on the butt if you were outside, just to make you say yes![/COLOR] Sora laughed. " Blaze, you dare and you're dead!" [COLOR=DarkRed]I dare what?[/COLOR] At that moment, Blaze's whole body shifted and Sora was thrown out of the cockpit. She landed very firmly on the holding bay's floor as Blaze moved his head down to her. Sora's laughter echoed around the holding bay as she stood up. " Ouch!....Ow...that hurt......pain......" she said in between laughs. [COLOR=DarkRed]Well your threat was rather pointless. You can't kill me because I am already dead...well technically.[/COLOR] " Oh Blaze, stop being a sarcastic barstuhl!" The Phoenix chuckled. [COLOR=DarkRed]So, do you or don't you? Answer...NOW! Otherwise I'll bite your bum with my beak![/COLOR] " I'm not sure it'll taste that good!" Sora taunted. [COLOR=DarkRed]Remember...I can't taste![/COLOR] " Oh dammit!" [COLOR=DarkRed]Oh dammit alright! Now answer the question Sora!!![/COLOR] " Ok ok. Yes......happy now?!?!" The Phoenix smiled. [COLOR=DarkRed]Did you forget that someone else was here Sora? Mainly the one you LURVE.[/COLOR] " Why you little barstuhl!!!!" Sora stood there with her hands on her hips, trying very hard to look angry at him but a smile kept creeping across her lips. " You're such a smart ass Blaze." The Phoenix chuckled. [COLOR=DarkRed]That I am....that I am.[/COLOR] Sora turned to go to the dormitory but instead saw Sayne walking towards her, an anxious look on his face. OOC: This is going to be good![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Beathing hard, Namia whirled her spear around in her hands. She was training in a clearing near the camp. Cairo was very fortunate that he wasn't killed in the battle earlier. Luckily Sabin didn't go all out otherwise there would have been nothing left. Namia's curve-balded spear hit the ground as she finished. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she looked up and saw Tanken was watching her. Anger crept into her mind. She marched over to Tanken who had a small smile on his face. " How long have you been watching?!" Namia demanded to know. Tanken's expression soon turned to one of surprise. He stepped back a pace. " N-n-not long," he manage to stutter out. Namia stood there with her hand on her hips, tapping her foot. Her tail swished behind her angrily. " I'll...just leave you to it then..." Tanken stammered, a stupid smile on his face. Namia's eyes narrowed. " Right..." Namia replied, glaring at him. Turning on her heel, Namia sought another training spot deeper in the forest with more cover. She had clad herself in some leather garments. They weren't much protection but they stopped arrows from piercing her skin and they were very easy to move in. Laying her spear on the ground, Namia practiced her flips and contortion techniques, just in case her spear would be broken again. [B]An hour later...[/B] Namia walked back into camp, gathered a towel and brush and walked down to the stream. Even though she was half-cat, Namia liked the water for it was cool and soothing after a long training session. Slowly, she removed her garments of clothing and cast them in a clump of reeds, making sure they were well hidden. Wading in until neck-height, Namia stood and let the strong current wash all her tiredness and sweat away. OOC: lol. this might be intersting for anyone that wants to accidently see her or something. Lol. Might make a bit of comedy.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=Green]Name: Quatre Raberba Winner Age: 19 Agenda: Male Personality: Surrounded by love since a child, Quatre had grown up to be a loving and caring boy. He is often reluctant to kill, and when he does, he will apologize for his action. He is the only heir to the Winner family assests, and being the only male heir and the youngest in the family of a father and 29 sisters, Quatre has many loyal servants and troops protecting him. With such a rich background, he always appeared with a high elegant dress sense and high class manners. Appearance: [IMG]http://www.absoluteanime.com/gundam_wing/quatre-.gif[/IMG] Bio: In reality the sole male heir (and sole natural child) of the Winner family, Quatre (pronounced KAT-tre) is quite the gentleman. He had been raised with love throughout his life by his father and 29 sisters (all test-tube children; his mother died giving birth to him), and he shows a great repect for life. The Winner family originated in the Middle East until they went to the L4 colony and rose to prominence. Like the Peacecrafts, they're pacifists...so Quatre practically committed the ultimate sin and alienated himself from his family by agreeing to work for Master H and become the pilot of Gundam Sandrock. Mech: [IMG]http://www.absoluteanime.com/gundam_wing/sandrock.gif[/IMG] [B]Sandrock:[/B] Enhanced armor melting heat shotels, both shotels are equipt with sonic blasters, when powered up and swung can create massive sonic shockwaves on earth and in space burn and shattering the enemy at close and distant range. Single barreled gatling guns on shoulders and cannons mounted to waist. Advanced Sensors (range unknown) [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Sora had indeed heard what Keiji was saying but still, she was furious at Sayne. Liz had come in and calmed her a bit, however, she was still angry. Her arm throbbed from her home-made bandage and stitching, which she had done herself and without any painkillers. It wouldn't have mattered. In the mood she was in, she couldn't feel any physical pain. " It's like trying to break down a fortress with a hammer...not one dint whatsoever!" Sora said, the frustration very clear in her voice. She punched the wall with her injured arm, not feeling it connect. Never in her life has she been so furious. Sora was normally cool, calm and collected but Sayne just frustrated her beyond normality. One of her stitches snapped and her wound opened. Sora clutched the bleeding wound which stained her uniform. " Stupid....stupid....stupid....Now I will have to go and get them stitched up." Opening the door, Keiji was sitting on the couch, watching the TV. " Keiji?" Sora asked. He sat up quickly and looked over the back of the couch. " Sora?" " Could you help me to the Infirmary please? I don't know where it is from here." " Okay." Keiji stood up and accompanied to Sora to the Infirmary. There, a doctor scolded her for not coming sooner but commended her on the job she tried to do on her arm. " If you did break the stitch, you wouldn't of needed to come here. What exactly where you doing when it broke?" the female doctor asked, one of her eyebrows arched. Sora remained silent. " You don't have to tell me but next time, come to me if you have any injuries. The Commander wants to know how many pilots were injured and what injuries were sustained. Okay?" " Ok," Sora replied. The doctor opened the curtains after Sora had put a fresh uniform shirt on. Keiji was waiting patiently outside for her. When he saw that her arm was freshly bandaged, a relieved smile came over his face. " All okay now?" he asked. Sora nodded. " For now I think." They started walking back to the dormitory. " So Sora. I know its not my place to pry but I think there was something else other than your arm that hurt today..." Keiji started. " You're very observant," Sora replied. " Well, can I ask what was it?" " Sayne..." " That jerk..." " Yeah...I tried to thank him for saving me and Blaze but he never acknowledged me or my gratitude. I am so angry at him!" " Oh...." " Sorry to put that on you...but you asked for the reason...and I told you it." " Nah, that's ok. I can handle that." Soon, they arrived back at the dormitory. Almost everyone was back and chatting away. Sora thanked Keiji for taking her to the Infirmary and she left for the hanger. Completely ignoring Sayne and his Dragon MechAnima, Sora strode over to Blaze and hoped in the cockpit, doing some syncronising training int eh pitch-darkness of the cockpit.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Isabelle looked at the man that had just walked through the door at the diner. He was dressed in monk clothes and looked extremely out of place. Being a thief did things to your mind that normal people, if Isabelle was normal, weren't able to pick out. A thief's instinct. Isabelle took out the small diamond that she had almost lost when Zack was thrown through the window and when Sam had tackled her. She flicked her blonde hair out of her eyes and didn't say much. She had used her powers against another elemental which she had no intention of letting them know she was one, but circumstances got the better of her. " What are we to do now, now that we have all of the elementals here Zack?" Isabelle asked in her normal innocent, child-like tone. OOC: I didn't know what else to put in there.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Purple]OOC: Geez you guys post so much! AIYA! I won't be able to keep up! At least Namia is now firmly planted in the story, thanks for that! Would that be, by any chance, of her looks? :P This post is events before Oliver Whip's post. Namia sighed as she sat down on a bough of tree. Tanken was in one of the hastily made tents, being healed by Sabin. Thank God they had a healer otherwise they'd be in a whole heap of shit by now. Then, a sudden thought struck her. [I]Terra![/I] How could have she forgotten!! She and Terra were the only female fighters in the Resistance, that was until Vaxla came along. Somehow, Namia had left her behind. She leapt out of the treee, holding her curved- bladed spear in her left hand as she ran swiftly to Halthan. " Halthan, I'm going out to search for a Resistance member I left behind. If anyone asks, say I'm out training," she said quickly. " Aye. Who would this member luv?" he asked, slightly interested. " Terra, one of the few female Resistance fighters. No time for chit-chat. I'm off." With a flick of her black furred tail, Namia vanished into the forest. [B]40 minutes later...[/B] Namia leapt from tree branch to tree branch, looking for her lost companion. " Namia you fool! How could you do something like that to her! You idiot!" she scolded herself. A heavy movement caught Namia's attention as her ears swivelled around to see which way the sound came from. Now, moving very steathily through the trees, she saw a person trudging along in the undergrowth, with another slung over their shoulders. " Vincent! What the hell did you do to yourself? Men! Always wanting to be the hero!"a female voice raged in disgust. Only one person could have that type of attitude. Namia leapt down from the trees and walked up to the woman from behind. " Terra!" The woman whipped around to see Namia stand there with her spear in her left hand. " Namia!" Terra said exasperated. " Where the hell have you been!?! Why the hell did you leave me behind?!?!" " That wasn't all my doing. Ask Tanken when we get to camp. It was more him than I that left you behind," Namia explained, feeling rather guilty but she wiped that emotion aside. " Come on, lets get Vincent to camp. Poor guy, left behind again! Tanken should know better!" [B]20 minutes later...[/B] Namia and Terra had dragged Vincent into the Resistance camp. They hoisted Vincent onto a bed in the healing tent. Namia saw that Tanken was still laying there with his wounds in his back. " He should really think where he needs to go next time! Ah well....at least we know where it is. Stupid boy!" Terra and Namia walked back outside and left Sabin to do his job. Namia lent on her spear, her tail flicking from side to side as she looked in the direction of their enemy's camp. OOC: Sorry its not much but its the best I can do with the info given me so far.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Century Gothic]The Lord and Lady of Lana's clan were dead. She, Lana, was the one that had found her beloved Lord and Lady's mutilated remains. Summoning a servant to inform Kietha, Lana disappeared with her shadow-melding technique and vanished from the manor. [I]Soon after...[/I] Lana whirled around the club ?Dark Nights?, searching for her next victim. The Black Widow was on the prowl ? men beware. She had put on smoky make-up and dark red lipstick to make her look irresistible to any man that dared talk to her or even take a glance. Her dark eyes scanned the packed club, selecting her next victim from the table in the far right corner. Lana licked her licks ? the desire of blood rushing through her mind. She was going to feast on him very very soon. Swaying her hips seductively passed her victim?s table, she could sense him stand and follow after her. She turned to him, chuckling to herself. He was quite a catch ? short, messy blonde hair, brown eyes and fairly muscular ? young and full of life. ? Where have you been all my life?? the man asked, his eyes scanning her curvy body. ? Around,? she purred. He stepped closer to Lana but she took a step back playfully. A devilish glint gleamed in her dark eyes. The man smiled. ? How about we hot this place up a bit?? ? How about I hot you up?? Lana purred and pressed her body against his. She could feel something stiffen below. ? Well well well, aren?t we a bit frisky!? She could feel his warm blood pump through his body. Lana?s breathing quickened. She leant towards him, pressing her body close to him, and whispered into his ear. ? Why don?t we take this outside?? The man nodded. Lana almost ran outside ? the desire for blood was becoming unbearable. Once outside, Lana pushed him into a dark alley beside the club. She had made sure no one had seen them and planned what she was going to do with him. The man was eager to get some pleasure when he started to touch Lana. She slapped away his hand and ripped off his shirt. She heard his heartbeat quicken and his breathing fasten. Lana unbuckled his pants and took off his boxers to reveal his naked body. Steam hissed from the sewers and the murmurs of people passing by heightened the experience. The man grabbed Lana and kissed her forcefully. A strange taste came from her mouth as he pulled back. Lana quickly bit his lip and licked the blood that dribbled from it. A slight taste of what was to come. Lana ran her hands over his chest as he ran his hands down her sides. She whispered again into his ear. ? You have been taken by the Black Widow.? Fear and pain spread across the man?s face as Lana mauled his neck. He had no time to scream as Lana whipped out her Sais from under her coat and pinned him against the wall, blood smeared against it. She was merciless, her vampire instincts took over and she became a monster of fictional proportions. [I]Half an hour later?[/I] Flashing blue and red lights wheeled around the street near an alley beside the club ?Dark Nights?. A bouncer had found a mutilated body of a young male in the alleyway. The police were called and they identified the latest victim of the serial murderer the Black Widow. It was bad enough that she murdered her males victims anywhere, but she also drained them of their blood, causing them to become mummified. Lana looked over the top of the building at the commotion below. She licked the remaining drops of blood from her lips, not wanting to waste any of the precious resource. BEEP BEEP! Lana?s cell phone went off as she twirled one of her Sais in her left hand. She flipped it open. ? Yes?? ? Kuroichi wants us to go to Australia?? a female voice said on the other end. ? Right. I?ll be there soon. Meet me on the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where they fly the Australian flag.? ? Good.? The other woman on the end hung up. [I]20 hours later?[/I] Lana sat at the base of the flagpole on the top of the ?Coat Hanger? as the locals call it. A strong cold breeze whipped Lana?s cloak about her. She waited for her only friend, another vampiress of her species. While she waited, Lana created one of her orbs and threw it up and down in one hand impatiently.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]Ziarre awoke finally after having collapsed in the forest. But now, she was in her room. She slowly sat up, looking around. Kayin was sitting beside her bed in a chair, asleep. ? I must have used too much energy?Maybe Hiroshi?s right?.I don?t train enough?? Nothing came across her mind that she should have taken someone else. Moving the blanket that Kayin had laid on her, Ziarre slowly crept past Kayin but then turned back and gave him a thank-you kiss on the forehead. She then headed out of her room and headed to the training room. Melting into the shadows, she observed Phayt training in the training room. He was training his abilities, and by the look of it, he was pretty good although he was a little unfocused on the accuracy or power of his attacks. It looked like he was just randomly training just for the sake of it. If Hiroshi saw him doing this, he would get a scolding. Ziarre walked out from the shadows, surprising Phayt when he turned around. ? SHIT! Don?t do that to me!? ? Sorry, I didn?t mean to. Just walking around. I was going to train but I see that the room is already oocupied.?[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=RoyalBlue]OOC: You people post too fast! Beautiful rainbow sparkles came from the diamonds Isabelle had stolen the night before. She was bedazzled by the beauty of such a small thing. She twirled one small gem in between her forefinger and her thumb while she sat on a roof of a gigantic gothic cathedral. ?It?s so beautiful?? Isabelle whispered. ? So are you?? came a female voice from behind of Isabelle. Isabelle stashed away her loot and whirled around. A girl the same age as her, twirled her long-handled scythe sidled up to Isabelle. ? No?.not you?.? Isabelle whispered, a definite note of terror was in her voice. She scrambled backwards, her hands feeling that she couldn?t go backwards anymore unless she wanted to plummet to certain death below. The girl smiled ? she was wearing a dark red dress that spread out at her hips. She came face-to-face with Isabelle, her dark eyes sparkling mischievously. ? So?we meet again Isabelle?? the girl said, licking her lips. Isabelle looked down from the top of cathedral to the ground far below. She looked back at the girl who had placed a hand on Isabelle?s right shoulder. ? Go away?I don?t want to fight with you?? Isabelle stammered. ? But that is our destiny Isabelle,? the girl said and then kissed Isabelle. Isabelle sat there shocked and pulled away almost immediately. But as she pulled away, Isabelle fell over the side of the roof. She only just grabbed onto the gutter as she hung on for dear life. The girl stood up and smiled evilly. ? Oh Isabelle. You were too easy to defeat. I?m so disappointed.? Isabelle looked down to the ground. Some people that cared to look up pointed to her as she dangled dangerously from the gutter. She looked back up at the girl. ? Isabelle, Isabelle, Isabelle. Should I step on your fingers one at a time or just end your misery, you weakling?? Isabelle closed her eyes and summoned her wind powers. She looked up at the girl who was buffeted by the newly arisen wind. ? Next time?? She let go and the gathering crowd gasped. Plummeting through the air, Isabelle was calm as she summoned her powers of the wind. Creating wings made of wind, Isabelle attached them to her shoulders and flew away. A great whoop came from the crowd below as Isabelle soared up to confront the girl. She smiled at the shocked face on the girl. ? We shall meet again,? Isabelle said as she soared away on her wings of wind. [B]Half an hour later?[/B] Isabelle sat at a table in the far corner of a diner. Her interest was with two people at the other end of the room. She had seen the incident with the man and somehow, Isabelle sensed they were the same as her. Although, she didn?t have the courage to walk up to them, she observed them from a distance.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS][B]In the battle?[/B] Sora?.. Sora?? A small voice echoed in Sora?s head. All about her was darkness. She could see nothing although she knew she was still in synch with Blaze. She tried to move her body but to no avail. ? Where am I?? she thought. [COLOR=DarkRed]Your mind is in my AI. We have combined totally. We converse with one another in thoughts. My energy is depleted. I?m sorry Sora. I wasn?t able to dodge those lasers.[/COLOR] Blaze said sadly. ? It?s not entirely your fault Blaze. My mind was elsewhere. We could have avoided it, but we just weren?t in synch enough. You know what we need to do?? [COLOR=DarkRed]What Sora?[/COLOR] ? We need to train together. We aren?t in synch enough. We have to work more otherwise we won?t be any use to our friends. No matter what, we have to protect them.? [COLOR=DarkRed]I totally agree.[/COLOR] ? Who saved us?? [COLOR=DarkRed]Sayne did. But I sens he and the Dragon are out of control.[/COLOR] ? Very well.? [COLOR=DarkRed]Lets go and kick some alien butt Sora.[/COLOR] ? LETS GO!? Sora shouted. She then found that her mouth moved when she yelled this. Her mind was now back in her own body. That fire in Sora?s soul transferred itself through her mind into Blaze. Warning alarms went off in the holding bay. The temperature inside began to sky-rocket. Blaze?s eyes opened and they glowed a brilliant red. Flames appeared all around the Phoenix. Rage, like an inferno of unstoppable flame, spread throughout both Sora and Blaze. The temperature of the holding bay became unbearable to any other person or MechAnima inside. The holding bay doors opened as the sounds of war roared outside. Sora pushed the acceleration shaft to maximum and Blaze sonic-boomed out of the hanger. Flames trailed in Blaze?s wake. Sayne and Keiji saw the Phoenix shoot out of the bay. = INCOMING COM LINK ? Sayne = ? Sora, what the hell?? ? I have a deep cut in my arm but Blaze and I have some unfinished business.? Her voice was so serious, Sayne had to think twice if it was Sora or not. = DISCONNECT = Sora and Blaze wheeled around in front of Sayne and Keiji, showing them she was in the same league as them. ? BLAZE! FIRE PHOENIX BLADE ATTACK!!? Sora commanded. Two blades, one for each wing, lengthened at the tip of the wings. Blaze was now a huge ball of flame and blades. Before them was a whole line of those Cylargrian hovercrafts. Blaze and Sora ripped through them without any mercy or regret. Some hovercraft exploded from the flames, some were sliced in half. After destroying the battalion, Blaze wheeled around, the blade closest to the ground dug slightly into the earth. She and Blaze faced Sayne and Keiji and the moving base, the Dragon and the Hawk looked at it with astonishment. [COLOR=DarkRed]Sora, more at the rear. There is no one to cover it.[/COLOR] ? Right?let?s go.? She and Blaze boomed to the rear and took out a few more of those pesky hovercraft. The Legendary Bird of Fire returned to its full glory. [B]After the battle?[/B] Sora dearly wanted to thank Sayne for saving her and Blaze but she was outraged that his father, Commander De?Larne, would put him in isolation when he knew perfectly well that Sayne was claustrophobic. It was cruel to do such a thing to anyone with that kind of phobia. And the way they dealt with the Dragon MechAnima ? Sora?s battle rage subsided but still bubbled. Seeing him exit their dormitory, Sora followed, hopefully not intruding. She listened to him talk to his Dragon but only heard one side of the conversation. Her heart thumped in her throat and she clutched her bandaged arm ? the one that was injured during the battle. A fear of being found out suddenly became clear to her. Sora wasn?t the one to pry or follow but she felt it necessary this time around. With Sayne sitting next to his Dragon, Sora felt it was safe enough to approach. Walking towards them, Sora saw the Dragon?s eyes open and land on her. She looked at them ? they were full of sadness, hate and regret ? just like Sayne?s. Her expression softened and the Dragon closed its eyes, content with who was approaching its pilot. ? S-Sayne?? Sora asked timidly, just in case he pulled a gun at her. Knowing him, it would have been very probable. Sayne opened his eyes to see Sora standing very timidly, which wasn?t like her, before him. His eyes half widened with shock but then returned to their emotionless state. ? Sora,? he replied coolly. A spark of anger flit through Sora?s eyes. She was trying to do something and he was being a jerk about it. ? I came to thank you for saving Blaze today?? she said, now with more confidence. Not because she had mysteriously found it somewhere in her mind, but because she was getting slightly frustrated at how he was so cool towards her, and yet, she knew he had some affectionate feelings towards her. ? ?But I see you have no need for thank-yous. I?ll just leave you with your MechAnima.? Her voice matched his ? cool and distant. How she hated jerks that acted that way! Sora turned on her heel, still clutching her arm, which throbbed with pain from being stitched, and strode off to their dormitory.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Red]Sora climbed aboard Blaze with renewed energy and hope. This move was a good idea. But one thing she still couldn't believe was that they had killed civilians in their battle yesterday, not Cylargres. It made her sick but she had to wipe her mind clean, readying herself for the almost enevitable battle that lay ahead. Sora sat in her pilot chair, closed her eyes and concentrated. The meditation she did last night worked wonders and soon, her synchronisation with Blaze was 100%. Turning the boosters up with her mind and Blaze hurtled out of the holding bay, glad to be in the free skies again. He stretched his wings out with great joy, Sora could feel it. She too had a feeling of exhilaration flying with him. Remembering she wanted to talk to Keiji, she established a communication link with him. = ESTABLISHED COM LINK - KEIJI = " Keiji?" " Yeah Sora," he replied, sounding like he was concentrating on his mission hard. " Thanks for apologising to me for yesterday. It meant a lot to me..." No reply. Sora sighed and disconnected the link, supposing he was mad at her. [COLOR=DarkRed]Keep an eye out for those bastards Sora.[/COLOR] " Don't worry, I'm on it." Looking around with her mind's eye looking through Blaze's, Sora saw some black dots in the distance, both on the ground and in the air. = ESTABLISHED COM LINK - ALL = " EVERYONE! CYLARGRES TROOPS AT 9 O'CLOCK!" = DISCONNECT LINK = Sora wheeled Blaze around and looked over at Ajack and his MechAnima. = ESTABLISHED COM LINK - Ajack = " Ajack, stay here, I'm going to check this out." " All right. I'll tell the others," he replied. " Thanks." = DISCONNECT LINK = Sora and Blaze rose into the upper atmosphere, looking at the mass of Cylargrian troops below. Suddenly a laser beam headed towards Blaze and Sora. Warning alarms went off in Blaze, but the laser was too fast to evade. It pierced Blaze's left wing. Sora cried out in pain as a deep cut appeared on her right arm. Whatever Blaze experienced, she experienced also. Smoke poured from Blaze's wing. [COLOR=DarkRed]Hold on Sora, this is going to get a little bumpy![/COLOR] OOC: If anyone has seen Evangelion, Sora and Blaze are much like the Evas and their pilots.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=RoyalBlue]Isabelle lowered herself down the wall. Looking through a window, all she could see was darkness. Clambering near the window, Isabelle opened it and crept inside. A slight glitter caught her attention. It was a bedroom that Isabelle had crept into and the occupants were fast asleep in their bed, ignorant of their unwelcome visitor. Another shimmer came from the mysterious object. Isabelle walked over to the glimmer and picked it up. A diamond necklace presented itself in Isabelle's hands. Obviously these people were well-off. They wouldn't miss anything if it was gone. Isabelle picked up many other pieces of jewelery she was fond of and stashed them in her tight black body-suit. Her blonde hair was the only thing visible in the darkness. She opened the drawers underneath to find more jewelery and rare items stored carelessly. Feeling the need to take these, Isabelle stored them in a backpack she always took on any expedition. Her two short swords lay sheathed, strapped to her sides. After she had collected all the jewels she could find, Isabelle walked downstairs and went out through the front door. A daring escapade but normal for Isabelle. She climbed up the fire ladder on the side of the bulding. Packing up her stuff, Isabelle climbed back down the ladder and disappeared into the night. OOC: I have no idea what to post but there you go.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]After Elizabeth had left and the others had gone to bed, Sora was still in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner. She wrapped all the leftovers up and stored them in the fridge. After washing up all the dishes and cups, Sora put them away quietly, not wanting to disturb any of the other pilots. She yawned. " It's getting late..." she said to herself. Switching off the TV and the PS2, Sora cleaned the table and put away the pool cues in their holders. It was a nice night for all, maybe except for Keiji. He was sitting alone all night in the corner on a bean-bag. Sora wished she could talk to him but she was very busy cleaning up after them. Sighing at her regret, Sora wringed out the last cloth and hung it up. Everything looked very clean and no one was around. Sora pushed the dining table out of the middle of the room and the chairs to the side. Now she had enough room for a bit of exercise. Sora put on some of her favourite music, Evanscence, and started stretching. Flicking off the lights, Sora sat on the floor, meditating for a while, focusing her mind on her exercises. Feeling the music flow through her, Sora began her gymnastic routine to calm her down before bed. Flips, bending, stretching, contortion, all of those things she could do. She mixed some dance steps in with the gymnastic feats, working up quite a sweat, like always. Soon, the CD finished and Sora stopped, breathing hard, feeling tired enough to go to bed. Slowly, Sora walked to bed after pushing the table and chairs back into their rightful place. Opening the door, she headed straight for shower, feeling very sticky and sweaty. She undressed quickly, threw her school clothes, as all of them were still in, into the dirty clothes basked and stepped into the warm water. She let it run all over her body. The water wa soothing and calming by sound and touch. All the stickness and sweat was washed away as Sora just leant against the shower wall, letting the warm water run over her back. " So....nice...." After a few more peaceful minutes in the shower, Sora got dressed in some pjs, flopped onto bed and fell asleep within a few minutes. [B]The morning...[/B] Sora awoke to the bangs and crashes out in the kitchen. Obviously someone was trying to make some breakfast but without much success. Sora climbed out of bed and walked to the kitchen, bumping into the walls once or twice on the way. When she got there, she saw Ajack and a new girl trying to make breakfast. " Good morning..." yawned Sora. " Morning Sora..." Ajack replied. The girl said nothing. Sora made herself some Vegemite on toast and pured herself a cup of milk. Sitting down at the table, she didn't really take any notice of Ajack and the new girl, nor that she was still in her PJs. Half an hour later, Sora was very awake and dressed in the military uniform she was informed to dress in. She stood in the Commander's office with some of the others. Time was running out for them, and the Commander wouldn't like it if they were late.[/COLOR][/FONT]

It probably starts a bit later on today. Just be patient everyone! Lol.

This looks good. Mind if I join? Name: Laya - means dark beauty Apperance: see 1st attachment for looks, see 3rd attachment for clothes Race: Vampire Clan: Mina's clan Age: Looks 20 but in reality 200 Weapon: see 2nd and 3rd attachment Personality: Laya is a quiet calm vampire. She never jumps to irrational conclusions and always thinks things through. Cool, calm and collected are the best words to describe her. However, she is immensely complex to understand to others and she speaks in a very formal manner. Bio: (I have no idea what to do for this so I'm going to leave this blank)

[COLOR=Red][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Sora walked the corridor alone. She had heard what Sayne was trying to say to her, but some of it just didn?t seem to get through. She wanted to give him a hug before he went back into the holding bay but he was too quick for her. Holding her pass in one hand, Sora walked to the door with the name ?Sora? on the front of it. Obviously this was hers. Swiping the card through the access terminal, Sora pushed the now unlocked door open and walked in. A spacious living area appeared in front of her with a single square table sitting in the middle. A double bed lay in the far left-hand corner of the room with the bathroom on the far-right hand side of the room. Sora looked in the room. All it had was a sink, a small cupboard and a shower ? modest to say the least. But this was all Sora needed. She flopped onto the bed with her hands resting behind her head. Thinking about what Sayne had said, Blaze?s voice entered her mind. [COLOR=DarkRed]So, have you flushed out your emotions Sora? Are you okay?[/COLOR] Blaze?s reassuring smooth voice echoed in her head. [B]I?m fine now. I wish I could of thanked Sayne for hearing me out. I?m sure it wasn?t the happiest thing for him to do. Also, Keiji?He said he was sorry for belittling me in the battle. I?m glad he said sorry. Do you think we?ll do okay next time around Blaze?[/B] [COLOR=DarkRed]Positive. You should go and talk to some of your friends. I think some of them may need you right now.[/COLOR] A soft sobbing came from next door. Sora sat up, pressing her ear against the wall. [B]Thanks Blaze.[/B] Sora stood up and exited her room, making sure she didn?t leave her swipe card behind. The door on the left of hers was Sakura?s. Sora knocked on the door. ? Sakura?? The sobbing stopped and the door handle moved around. It opened slightly. ? Yes?? said a soft voice. ? It?s me Sora. Can I come in?? Silence for a moment. ? Ok.? Sora entered and saw a streak-faced Sakura, wiping away any evidence of her crying. Her eyes were still red though. Sora helped Sakura sit down. They talked to each other about the day?s events. Sora found out that Sakura had lost her surrogate parents and tried to comfort her the best she could without thinking about her losses. ? You know what will cheer you up?? Sora said. ? What?? Sakura asked, wiping away more tears. ? Lets go do something. I?ll cook for you! What do you want? How about every woman?s delight? Something with chocolate!? Sakura didn?t say anything. Sora stood up and helped Sakura out into the communal kitchen. No one else was there so Sora and Sakura were safe to talk about anything. Sora looked through the cupboards, trying to find something to cook for Sakura. Finally, she found something. ? Ah HA! That?s what I was looking for!? Sakura looked up. Lots of ingredients were scatter all over the bench in front of her. Sora turned around with a grin on her face. ? A woman?s ultimate delight! CHOCOLATE!? Then suddenly, in typical Sora fashion, she adopted a posh English accent. ? Today, I am going to cook for you a delicious delicacy involving chocolate and cream. Something that will warm the soul!? Sora was imitating a cooking show called ?The Two Fat Ladies?. A small smile came to Sakura?s face as she watched Sora be a complete fool in front of her ? putting flour on her cheeks so that is looked like war pain, melted chocolate on her nose so that it hardened and stayed on there, stupid expressions on her face. Soon, Sakura was laughing from Sora?s antics although the cooking wasn?t doing well. After about half an hour, Sora presented Sakura with a Crème Broulee ? a cup full of melted chocolate and cream under a caramelised sugar top. Sora handed Sakura a spoon to have the first dibs on cracking the hard caramel top. ? Do I smell something burning?? Keiji?s voice came from the boy?s corridor. ? I?m just cooking Keiji! Want some?? Sora shouted back. Keiji walked out into the kitchen and the recreation room. He looked over at Sora with the chocolate on her nose and flour on her cheeks. He burst out laughing, seeing her in such a stupid fashion. Sora stood there with her hands on her hips. ? And the funny thing is?? she said, tapping her foot. Keiji couldn?t breathe because he was laughing so much. Suddenly Ajack appeared. He returned from the Emergency Room. In his right hand was his access card. He looked at Sakura, Sora and Keiji wearily. His unison with his MechAnima didn?t go too well. Sora walked up to him and smiled. ? Nice to have you back Ajack,? she said warmly, ? Want something to eat? I?m the chef-in-residence at this particular moment in time.? He smiled weakly. ? Ok. What have you got?? ? I dunno. Everything I suppose. What do you want?? Sora asked. ? Something that will make me feel a little better.? ? I know just the thing,? Sora said, finishing with a wink. The time was now approximately 6 o?clock at night and Sora was cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Most of the group had reappeared soon after Ajack returned. Sora chatted away with Sakura and Ajack, asking them things that wouldn?t bring back too many painful memories, like what?s your favourite movie, band, that sort of stuff. Keiji and Darrius started a game of pool on the pool table. Their constant shouts of joy and grumbles kept all the others on their toes. Sayne had returned from fixing his MechAnima but he disappeared back into his room without so much as showing his face in the room. Vick was practising his pinball techniques with the pinball machine that was in the recreation room. Elizabeth joined Sakura and Ajack in talking to Sora, talking about their favourite bands. Dale and Vick played the PS2 together, racing each other in ?Grand Theft Auto: San Andreaus?. Everyone was hopefully having a good time, trying to forget the long day they had just experienced. At 7:30, most of the boys were moaning at how hungry they were. Sora told them to set the table and dinner would be ready in a few minutes. ? I hope everyone likes Italian!? The boys hurriedly set the table and sat down, waiting for the food to be placed on the table. Sora brought over two huge bowls of spaghetti and two huge bowls of bolognaise sauce with four loaves of garlic bread. Water, milk, orange juice, apple juice, cordial and soft drink were the choices of drink they had this evening. Sora called Sayne to the table and he sat beside her, as it was the only seat left. ? Everyone tuck IN!? Sora said, smiling. The boys almost leapt on it like a predator would a prey. Sora, Sakura and Elizabeth waited until the mass of male hands were busy stuffing food into their mouths. Sora heaped a bit of spaghetti onto her plate and covered it with bolognaise with a bit of melted cheese on the top. She poured some milk into her cup and took a sip from it. She watched everyone dig in and smiled. Leaning over to Sayne, she whispered something in his ear. ? Thank you for being there for me earlier??[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][FONT=Arial]Sakura waited until Paul finished his fight. He was the last one. ? Well done Paul!? Sakura congratulated him. He nodded his thanks. ? Yes, well done all of you!? Michelle said, stepping in. ? Now, I?d like you to all follow me. I have something very important to tell you all.? The group followed Michelle into a white tent of sorts, obviously it was for this particular purpose, although, it did look like it was put up in a bit of a hurry. Sakura and the others followed Michelle into the tent. There was plenty of seats around. Michelle grabbed one, flipped it around and sat down, facing the others. All of them sat in front of her. ? Now, as you might all know, all of you have Platinum Monsters, correct?? Michelle began. All of them nodded. ? Good. Well, Platinum Monsters are actually not part of the game we released. At first, we thought they were just glitches in the system. But when we saw that these glitches actually became monsters, something was definitely up. We didn?t not to delete your monster?s programming because we knew they had become friends with some human somewhere. We?re just lucky that you are all in Tokyo.? ? Excuse me,? Takahiro interrupted, ? But why did you drag us all in here? Just for that?? ? No,? Michelle said firmly. ? All of your monsters possess powers that no other monsters have. It?s because they were glitches that they have these powers.? ? So, what you are saying is that our monsters are mistakes?? Max piped up. ? Technically, yes. But I don?t think that way. Monsters are beautiful creatures and suit their players individually. What I am trying to say is that, expect the unexpected and always keep your MCs on you, no matter where you go,? Michelle said. ? Would this have anything to do with LIVE?? Paul asked solemnly. A shocked look was upon Michelle?s face. ? How did you know?? ? We?ve already had a run-in with them,? Sakura explained. ? All of us have been challenged by them. They had monsters so advanced that they would have wiped us off the floor.? ? Very well,? Michelle added, ? But do you know anything more about LIVE?? ? Just that they want our monsters for some diabolical scheme,? Austin replied. Michelle nodded knowingly. ? All right then. LIVE is a band of players that have rebelled against G-Games Corporation. Their leader, we suspect, is a hacker by the name of Martin Sheen. He claims that we stole his idea of ?Monster Network? and now has hacked into the system of MN and is trying to bring it down by viruses and worms. There have been reports of Monsters that appear out of nowhere and destroy actual buildings. They also report that there have been no player with them and these monsters are extremely advanced and powerful. Platinum Monsters are the only hope we have for Monster Network. We haven?t been able to pinpoint who is a LIVE member and who isn?t, although, Sheen might have copied the code and made a sector of the game himself.? ? Then that means even if you searched for the player?s names, you wouldn?t be able to find them on your network?? Max asked. Sakura?s head was slightly spinning from the information given to them. ? That?s exactly what I am saying. Whoever the members of LIVE are, we can?t find out any statistics on their monsters or them whatsoever. You will have to fight them alone.? ? What do you mean fight them?? Takahiro asked. ? This is the whole reason I brought you here. I wish to offer a proposal. G-Games Corporation and I would like the ask all the players with Platinum Monsters to help disband LIVE and restore Monster Network to the safe, enjoyable game it once was. So, how about it?? The group murmured to each other. Michelle looked at them anxiously, waiting for their reply. Sakura nodded to all the others when they finished discussing everyone?s opinions and turned to face Michelle. ? We accept?? she said but was cut off by Michelle. ? Excellent!!? Sakura cleared her throat. ? But there is two conditions.? Michelle looked at Sakura sternly, as if to bully her into no conditions. Sakura stood fast. ? The condition is that our Monsters will not be destroyed after all this is finished, as we all suspect they will. And two, we are not to be disturbed by you people after this.? ? All right I agree. We will contact you when we get wind of the movements of LIVE.? Sakura nodded and the group stood and left the tent. All of them felt a little intimidated in there, with Michelle asking them so much when they were only starting at this game. Zephyr walked beside Sakura proudly, Takahiro on her other side. She turned to her brother. ? I hope this doesn?t interfere too much with our lives?? OOC: Ok guys. You need to start your post with some thinking about the offer, and end it being at school the next day. You can have your monsters go wild or something. Whatever you like.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]A small smile came to Ziarre?s lips as Phayt introduced himself. ? Now, you won?t pull anything on me will you? Because, just so you know, I am the descendant of the Hero of Death?? Phayt looked at her with a flicker of fear in his eyes. But soon, it passed. A rustle in the bushes caught both Ziarre and Phayt?s attention. A huge red-skinned monster lunged at Phayt. In one swift movement, Ziarre notched an arrow and sailed it into the beast?s outstretched arm. ? PHAYT! RUN! RUN TO THE BIG OAK TREE AND STAY BY THAT!! DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MOVE!? Ziarre yelled at him. Phayt did as he was instructed and ran for his life for the big oak tree. The monster, seeing Phayt run, immediately went after him. Ziarre leapt into the trees and followed the monster in his pursuit of Phayt. As soon as she was level with the monster, Ziarre leapt from the trees and collided with the red-skinned monster, focusing its attention now on Ziarre. Ziarre tucked and rolled, springing up into another tree as she finished the roll. The monster leapt at her, but she was one step ahead of it. Ziarre jumped down from the branch, grabbing the monster mid-air and slamming it onto the hard jagged rock beneath them. However, this didn?t seem to faze it on bit. The monster just threw her off and stood up again, seething. Her eyes narrowed sharply. ? Stupid thing!? The monster charged at her. Ziarre flipped over it and it barrelled into a tree, dazing itself. ? Perfect timing stupid!? Ziarre notched an arrow on Hades and drew it to its full length. Muttering a curse, Ziarre levitated a few feet in the air as red symbols of death swirled around the tip of the arrow. Closing her eyes, Ziarre concentrated and a gust of wind swirled around her. Small plants below her feet started to shrivel up and decay. The monster, still dazed, stumbled around a bit. TWANG! The arrow, now glowing a ghostly grey, swirled towards the monster and hit him right between the eyes. A sudden explosion happened. Everything around the monster in a radius of about five feet was blown away. Ziarre hit the earth again and crouched, panting. Her vision became blurry as her head hit the ground. Darkness came over her.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][COLOR=Navy]Ayame sighed. She didn?t mean to hurt Keiji?s feelings ? it was Blaise that irritated her, not Keiji. ? Sorry Keiji, I didn?t mean to snap at you?I?m just?really tired?? Ayame explained. Keiji just nodded. At that moment, a teacher silenced the group of teenagers, who had become rowdy in the absence of their speech. ? Pass the present in front of you to the person on the right.? Keiji passed his present to Ayame, who smiled her thanks. She passed the present in front of her to the person on her right, who just happened to be Konami. Ayame smiled at Konami who looked a bit distant, away with her thoughts. [I]I wonder what Romeo here gave you?nothing like what I give you though?[/I] Blaise interrupted Ayame?s peaceful thought. [B]I don?t care Blaise. He?s really really nice. Don?t make this so hard for me.[/B] [I]You have to admit my little Ayame that my presents are far more dazzling than anything Romeo can give you?[/I] Ayame decided not to answer that. She looked over to Keiji who was looking at her anxiously, wondering what was in her present. ? Go on, open it!? he said eagerly, wondering what he had given her. Ayame gently unwrapped the paper and looked inside the box. A small silver charm bracelet lay in there, glistening in the moonlight. Ayame slowly picked it up, sparkle in her eyes. ? It?s so beautiful?? was all she could say. ? Thank you Keiji!? [/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Trebuchet MS]Chloe stood from her seat at the base of a white marble pillar. She had watched Sascha use her knowledge of explosives to overcome the test the woman in the toga had laid for her. Two minutes later, another two women arrived. One clearly from Spanish descent, the other from Italian. Pieces of the puzzle finally came together in Chloe?s head. She represented France, Sascha Russia, one from Italy and the other from Spain. Yes?it was all coming together. They must have received the same letter as she did, otherwise they wouldn?t be here. Four of the five legendary women had arrived. The woman in the toga with the hood covering her face looked at the four women. ? It has finally come to be that four of the five Black Maidens have arrived in this sacred place. The fifth, unfortunately, has refused her calling. Pity, all five are needed?? the woman trailed off. Chloe stepped forward. ? You called us here,? she said rather demandingly, ? I ask of you, why did you use our codenames, the ones our family are recognised for, to bring us here? And what are we doing here?? The woman looked up. ? Always France was the one that spoke out for the group. How things have never changed over the years.? But she said no more. This woman was really getting on Chloe?s nerves. Suddenly, the woman turned, beckoning the four Black Maidens to follow. Chloe did so with caution. The others followed beside her, also with caution in their eyes. Soon, they came to a wide shallow bowl with fire flickering in it. It stood at elbow-height ? the warmth of the flames radiated out. The woman in the toga turned to them and lowered her hood. What appeared was a chocolate-haired, hazel-eyed beauty in her twenties. She was of Italian descent too, Chloe could see by the shape of her face. ? This is the flame of Vesta ? a flame that has not extinguished since the days of ancient Rome. Your ancestors, the original Black Maidens, were attendants of this flame and of the goddess Vesta of the hearth. The Vestal Virgins, they were commonly known as. Here, at this very spot, was where the origins of the Black Maiden Legend started.? ? A man, closely related to the Emperor, crept into the sacred place of Vesta and came across your ancestors training their black arts to perfection. A war between the Gauls had severely rattled the Emperor, for they were coming over the Alps and into Italy. The man, who would have been executed for treading on such a sacred place without a woman present, told the Emperor what he saw. The Emperor decided that these Black Maidens were to go to each corner of the Empire and help the Roman Army defeat enemies. At first, the generals refused to use their abilities and lost many. Forced to use the Black Maidens? presence, the generals used them to assassinate the leaders of their foes, causing their army to go into total disarray.? ? Peace then reigned over the Empire. For their services to the Empire, the Black Maidens were given plots of land to settle on in the new areas and were not disturbed again until far into the future. The Black Maiden Legend was written down by one of the Roman historians close to the Emperor, so as the public would never know that women won many wars for him and the emperors to follow him. Two copies were made of the legend, one stayed in the Emperor?s Palace ? the other stayed here, in the temple of Vesta, to remind the Vestal Virgins of their sisters that were sent to war and never returned.? ? You are the descendants of four of these five very special women. The family?s skills were needed over the centuries ? to fight wars, take out enemies and stop complete and total destruction. The last time the Black Maidens were needed was in World War II. Since then, everything has been relatively peaceful. But now, a most serious threat has arisen and concerned the United Nations. They have consulted me in the Legend, wondering if such people still existed. I do not know how they knew about you, but the copy in the Emperor?s Palace was burned when the last Emperor died when the Empire collapsed. I have the only remaining copy. That is a mystery you will have to ask the UN yourselves.? Chloe smiled and crossed her arms. ? Very masterful,? she said softly. The woman in the toga turned to her. Chloe looked at her with her green eyes. ? In all of that, you masterfully neglected to tell where [I]you[/I] fit into this great Legend.? The toga-wearing woman smiled knowingly. ? Quite right you are, Noir. I am the only remaining priestess of Vesta. Like your families have handed down their skills from one generation to another, the females in my family have followed that same path. So if one of us were to come to their end, another would be there to take their place ? in case the Maidens needed summoning. My name is Isabelle Verisca.? One of the unknown women stepped forward. ? You say you summoned us, for what purpose?? The one that spoke was from Italian descent. ? There have been signs ? signs that only my family can read as warnings of impending war. The UN have seen this too. As I told you before, the UN is hiring you ? I am but a simple summoner, and your guardian, of course.? The Black Maidens looked at one another. Isabelle smiled. ? You will stay here until further notice. I suggest that you should find yourselves a room in this temple that will suit your individual needs. There are training areas outside and in, if you wish to perfect your skills further.?[/COLOR][/FONT]