Akieen Cloud

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]OCC: I gots internet back! I'm back in the game Whoo! Duo let go of Kilo as they searched for a suitable shelter, she looked back at him as he limped a little ways to her left. "Have you noticed the scraps acting weird since we got close to this town?" He nodded and looked up at her. "Yeah, Heat's stayed in the back almost the whole time, he's usually the one up front bouncing up and down like you." She stuck out her tongue and smiled as he chuckled. "I don't really see much, but there looks like an old abandoned house up this way, cant' say how warm it'll be, it's in pretty bad shape." He nodded as they walked towards it, holes in the roof and siding but it was something. "I wonder how sturdy it is, last thing we want is for it to collapse on us." He nodded as she took a snowball and threw it onto the roof satisfied when it didn't crumble in on itself. She turned and looked back at Kilo. "Well, lets go and tell the others, what do you say?" He nodded and allowed her to put his arm around her shoulders so he could put weight on her. Getting back to the group she went around making sure that everyone was still at the right temperature and than went to Archie and told him about the run down house that they could use. "Alright, we'll wait for the others to get back and head out." She nodded and sat down next to Kilo watching as Heat scuffled back and forth looking anxious. It was putting her on edge and with out realizing it she reached over and grabbed a hold of Kilo's hands holding it tightly.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]*growls* HOW HARD IS IT FOR SOMEONE TO FIX A VEHICLE IF IT'S THEIR FRIGGIN JOB?! *slams head on desk* I'm stuck at my mom's and I NEED to get away from here and the person who is supposed to be fixing my jeep has had it for almost 3 weeks now and all I needed was a new ENGINE! *pants* thanks for letting me rant. I feel better now.:animesmil[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Navy"]Duo sat in the tent with Kilo making sure to keep him comfortable as he rested, her cheeks still burned from the tongue lashing that she had received from Archie. She mentally slapped her self, what she had done was really stupid but she didn't regret it...okay maybe she did alittle bit. She heaved a sigh and leaned back on her hands and looked up at the top of the tent and bit her lip. It was a stupid thing to do...it really was. I'm surprised he hasn't sent me back to the cleaner for it...although they do need me pretty bad. She ran a hand through her bangs and let it linger as it came over her face. She looked over at Kilo and felt a small smile tug at her lips seeing her necklace resting on his chest, reaching over she ran her hand across his cheek and felt her cheek heat up when he leaned into the touch. Her smile fell as her thoughts ran through the possibility of him leaving as soon as he got better. She felt tears prick at her eyes at the thought of him leaving her. She tucked her knees to her chest and buried her face inbetween them hiding her face as silent tears trailed down her face, her head shot up as Julian looked in. "Hey how's he-Duo what's wrong with you?" She shook her head and tried to wipe the tears from her face before Julian could prod any further. She rolled her eyes as he sat down behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close in a friendly embrace. She sighed and leaned back resting her head on his shoulder, Julian and her had done this to many time to recount, they were best friends. "So, what's bothering you sister?" She smiled at the nickname and relaxed completely. "I was just thinking Juls, what if when he wakes up...he leaves and goes back..." "Your afraid your never gonna see him again there for you'll never be able to tell him how you feel or know if he feels the same way, am I right?" She cuffed him on the thigh gently with a scowl. "Your to insightful for your own good some times you know that?" "Yeah, you've told me a few times. Just tell him D. I promise you won't be disappointed with his answer." "And how the hell would you know?" "I've seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is looking. It's all goo goo eyed and mushy gushy." Duo let out a peal of laughter and shook her head threading her fingers into Julian's effectively holding his hand and him in place. "And what about you Juls, you think you'll ever find love?" He lifted their joined hands to see what she did and gave a shrug. "Eh, you never know in this world do ya? We'll have to wait and see won't we?" "I wish there was something I could do to help." "Are you offering sis?" She scoffed and smiled shaking her head. "Not on your life, and even if I was you'd never take it. I'm not your type." "No kidding, to girly." She choked on her laughter at their antics and sat forward twisting to look him in the eye, he smiled back at her happy to see the dead look gone in her eyes to be replaced by the bright and joyful eyes she always seemed to have. "Juls, thanks." He let his smile grow and shrugged. "No big, holler if you need me alright?" She nodded and leaned forward giving him a chaste kiss before he stood and left the tent. She looked down at Kilo and took a deep breath before she lay down and curled to his side and kissed his cheek. "I love you Kilo..." She lay on her back looking up towards the sky, a small smile set on her features.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Martial arts can actually be very helpful in daily life Chibi. I don't know how familiar you are with styles but I train in Savate and Capoeira, both are a form of kick boxing that concentrates on most if not all leg movement and strength. It's pretty complex stuff when your first starting out. Comes in handy during soccer and stuff like that. I know the leg strength came in handy during marching band in high school. It's hard for me to grasp how I was able to learn it with how clumsy I am but it helps me out with balance and what not of that sort. I kinda had a moment like your in school at one point. I was running out to the field for marching band practice and stumbled, I did this really awsome move where I did a front hand spring and landed on my feet perfectly. I still don't know how I managed to do it with out messing up my trumpet in the process but I did. It is handy. XD [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Go Chibi! You are so my new favorite person! I did the same thing when I first got into high school and I became like the most loved person amoung the misfits and let me tell you what, company was GOOD. XD So many weirdos that just fit with me perfectly, great times, great times. Keep up the good work Chibi. I'm proud of you![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo froze as the sound of her name drifted through the wind, her pack falling off her shoulder she spun around scanning for the means of the sound. Archie looked back. "Duo, keep moving." She shook her head violently and grabbed her pack heading back the way they came. "Duo! What do you think your doing?! We're supposed to stay together!" "I heard something..." Her voice was low but not unheard, Archie frowned and let out a growl of frustration. "Than we should be moving away from the sound, not towards it." She didn't bother giving him an answer but continued to move back towards the snow drifts, something in the back of her mind was telling her she had to. "Duo! Argh, stop!" Duo thrashed out wildly against the raging blizzard that pelted them with snow, covering her face with her arms she trudged through the snow. Getting closer she felt her blood run cold as she spotted the bright red cross on the man's back and threw her weight forward doubling her efforts when she felt Julian grab her arm tightly. "Kilo! Juls let me go it's Kilo! Kilo say something!" She wiggled free and plowed through the snow, the rest hot on her heels. She ducked as the wind blew a light weighted piece of scrap metal towards her and did a baseball slid to Graham's body where she covered it with her own, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and burying her face into his back. She felt her heart falter she smelt the copper scent coming off the man and flipped him over covering her mouth to keep from screaming. Her medical senses kicked in in an instant. "Van! Shield us with your cloak, Maya, Heat go and see if you can find ANY wood to make a fire with or something, Archie, Juls, Ishild, look through that sled and see if there are any tents. Grettel, help me move him, be gentle. I don't know how badly he's injured." Within ten minutes there was a tent set up and Duo had Graham in it and was slowly cutting the sticky, blood soaked clothes from his body, she felt her cheeks flame as she peeled his shirt away from his body. Shaking her head to clear it she retreated into doctor mode once again and began to gently prod his ribs with her fingers, she slowly moved her fingers across the tight muscles of his torso and sighed when she felt no broken bones. He had cuts everywhere and a few bruised ribs but nothing major. She wrapped her hands around the sides of his stomach and put gentle pressure there watching his face and was pleased when no sign of strain or pain crossed his features. No eternal bleeding. She cut the band of his pants and peeled them off much like she had done with his shirt and worked her fingers and hands along his legs satisfied when she found no other injury than a bruise or two, and a few scrapes. Taking a deep breath she fumbled through her pack and pulled out a disinfectant, a mild pain killer, salve, and some bandages and began to dress his wounds, once done she wrapped them with the bandages and bit back a curse realizing they were her last from the skycleaner, she stuck her head out of the tent and looked at Maya, Ishild and Heat. "Hey guys, can you scavenge around and see if you can find anything that would work for bandages? Just ragged shirts, pants, anything." They nodded and got up, Julian looked at her confused. "Why send Heat?" "Protection, dumbass." He frowned but was unable to say anything as she ducked back into the tent and went back to work on Graham. Injecting him with the mild pan killer she grabbed a blanket that had come from the sled he had been dragging with him and covered him, tucking it around him to hold in his body heat and than lay down next to him to lend her own in the process of accelerating his blood flow. She sighed and relaxed after a few minutes she saw color reaching his cheeks. Sitting up she slid her hands under the blanket, trying to keep her mind off of how intimate the action could seem and began to run her hands over his body, keeping them in a few places longer than other to make sure his entire body was reaching the temperature it should be at. Heaving a sigh of relief she sat down next to him and put a hand to his cheek where a small scratch was and ran her thumb over it. "Kilo, what were you thinking...I thought you were gonna stay there and take care of things..." She put her face in her hands and groaned, only when she felt the body next to her move did it register that she had not made the noise alone. Her hand snapped in the direction of the groan and her eyes brimmed with tears as Graham's eyes slowly slanted open. "Kilo! Thank gods your alright! What were you thinking?! Never mind I'm just glad your okay, I was so worried! I thought I lost you-" Her cheeks flushed as she realized what she had said and she clamped her mouth shut. She looked down at him to see his eyes were focused on her. Clearing her throat she put her hand to his forehead and nodded happily as no fever was detected, taking her water skin she put her hand behind his head and lifted it slightly to allow him a drink. "How are you feeling?" He shook his head and closed his eyes. "Heavy." "Yeah, you have frost bite on your face and fingers, your body was pushed to its limits, yet again since your good for that, and you lost a good amount of blood. But...I'm just glad your okay." "I'm glad it was you guys that I saw and not a bunch of raiders." She let the tears well up again and blinked as his hand weakly wiped them away. "What's wrong Duo? I'm fine." She leaned into his touch with out realizing it, not seeing his cheeks flush. "I thought I'd never see you again." "Seriously? With the confession you left with me, you really thought I'd not let you make it back in one piece?" She froze as the memory flooded her mind again and her cheeks flamed red. "Oh that...I-uh, well you see I-..." She looked at her lap and waited for him to break the unease around them, her mind blank for anything to say for the first time in years, ever since she had first met him.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I had this problem all the time when I was in school. My remedy was to either pass notes to friends, the ones that were close by so we weren't caught, write up rough draft stories for Otakuboards, and sketch. It usually worked pretty well.[/FONT][/COLOR]

Having a brother and a husband that absolutely hate one another sucks...

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Navy"]Name: Gea Age: 245 Gender: Female Race: Demon (Demon only)Slave Job: Guard Appearance: [URL="http://media.photobucket.com/image/anime%20demon%20girl/J-C-F/moe204353620sample.jpg?o=19"]Gea[/URL] Human Appearance: [URL="http://media.photobucket.com/image/anime%20girl/watermellonfuzz/Anime/Vampiregirl.jpg?o=7"]Gea Human Form[/URL] Weapon: A large scyth, the handle of the scythe is made of ivory and shaped to look like a human spine, the blade is black with a red tint. Powers: She can summon and create fire. Personality: For a demon she is strangely up beat and hyper, friendly and talkative she loves to have fun. The other side of her though is a warrior through and through, serious and aggressive she fights as if it is her last, with all her strength and power. Background: Gea was born into a family that served the royals of hell, she was raised learning to fight and took it with a passion, a prodigy as a child in the art of combat she was regarded highly for her skills, her mother being a demon of nature she also has dabbled into medics As she got older to enrolled into the royal guard training, getting stronger and faster than most in a very short time. Eventually she was taken in and made part of the royal guard, as the years continued she made her way farther up into the guard til she became head of the royal guard. Upon her capture the slavers read her background and tried making her a play toy for the men, after she bit the tongue off of one of the men killing him she was taken and made a guard due to her violent tendencies. Character Snippet: Gea sighed as she stood by the gate to the slave quarters, she turned the collar around her neck and sighed again. "This is boring." She growled as a human came up carrying another demon, blood dripped from his back due to lashing that he had received, biting down the growl in her throat she stood straight and waited til they passed as she sighed and slumped against the wall looking at her feet. She wrapped her fingers around the collar on her neck again and growled low in her throat. She hated being a slave to these low life humans. Her claws extended in her anger and she blinked staving off her anger before it took over and she was punished for it. Scuffing her boot on the floor back and forth she stood up again as the human passed and went out of the slaves quarters...she scoffed. Slaves quarters, more like a torture chamber, or even a dungeon. She looked up and out of the small window to her left as she last rays of sun light blazed through, it would be nesting time for her kind and she would be able to look over the ones that had been lashed and make sure that none of them got infected or sick. She once again blessed her mother's nature know how, she sighed once more as the signal for the demons to nest rang out through the grounds. She looked towards the stairs as the slavers began moving the demons through the small halls, she nodded to the humans and eyed Vaznix as he walked by her, she smelt blood on him as well as others, she would be busy tonight...holding back a sigh she locked the gates behind her and handed the keys to one of the humans through the bars and turned and leaned on the door and waited til the last sounds of the humans had vanished. "Alright, line up at my cot, I'll get some herbs and see what I can do for the ones that have been lashed." Vaznix nodded and started getting the demons together as she reached under her cot(if it could even be called that, more like a single blanket on the ground) and pulled out a small pouch of natural herbs to dull pain and to keep infection away. She knew if she was to ever get caught she would be killed with out mercy, but her duty came to her own first and for most regardless of the consequences. [/COLOR][/FONT] Hope this is okay, if anything needs changed lemme know Sazabi, oh, its good to see you back!

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo ran around the building and skidded to a halt in the snow as the biggest of the wolves left, she watched it go and than ran around. It seemed as if things were starting to die down some and grabbed Julian's arm looking him over for any injuries. Seeing nothing to serious other than some bumps and bruises she walked around and saw Archie looking over Ishild. "She alright?" "She's got a good cut, no nerve damage." Duo leaned in to look and nodded as she prodded Ishild as well, only not to see where it hurt. "He's right, it's not to deep, but I have some salve and bandages in my pack to keep it covered and from getting infected." She walked to her pack and than back to the others where and began to look over everyone, when she was done she sat at the base of an old dead tree and heaved a deep sigh, she raised an eye brow as Archi looked down at her. "What about you Duo, you have injuries as well." "I'll live, what about your arm? Is it alright?" She leaned forward and took his arm having him rotate it this way and that, when she elicited a small hiss from him, she nodded knowingly and looked at him with a grave face. "What?" "Muscle damage." He blinked several times and frowned as she smiled. "I'm kidding, it seems like a pulled muscle is all, keep it in the sling I made for you earlier and it should be fine in a day or two." He sighed and then knocked her on the top of her head. "OW! What the hell was that for?!" "You should never play tricks on an old man." Duo snorted with laughter and looked up at the older man. "Arch, your about as old as I am at heart and you know it." That made the man smile and nodd, folding her hands behind her head she looked around. "So...now what?" [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo finished placing Archie's arm in a sling and leaned him against a dead tree nearby and out of sight. Dropping her bag she turned to run back to the building when he caught her wrist. "There's nothing you can do!" "Damnit Arch, Maya's still in there!" She yanked her wrist from his grasp and dashed back to the building and inside seeing one of the wolves advance on Rose, Maya not to far. Her face set into a hard frown she took off running, she heard Juliean yell at her but she knew that none of them had any idea that could fight. Leaping high into the air she spun and struck the scrap on the shoulder, the force of the blow knocking the metal beast off balance enough for Rose to regain her footing and charge back into the fray. Spinning on the toe of her boot she sprinted towards Maya and just as she about to scoop up the girl the tail of the scrap Rose was fighting whipped around and caught her in the chest, she automatically smelt the blood from her wound and felt the burning of the gash that now ran straight across her chest. Taking a deep breath she sprinted towards the girl again, this time leaping high into the air and throwing her weight forward she flipped in the air and landed next to Maya who looked at her wide eyed as she too in Duo's injury. "Maya, I need you to focus on my face please." Maya's eyes met her's as she gave the young girl a large smile even though the pain was humming through her body, she blocked it out in front of the frightened girl. "I need you to hold onto me tight Maya, can you do that?" She simply nodded and wrapped her arms around Duo as Heat and the Alpha made the building shake with the force of their fight. "Just look at me, focus on me Maya. Hey, you getting all this?" That got the girl's attention and she fixed Duo a glare that made her chuckle. "Good, here we go, hold on to me tight and what ever you do, DON'T let go you understand me?" She nodded again and tightened her grip on Duo as she stood up and planted her feet on the floor, leaping into the air she landed on a broken pipe not to far away with the grace that should have been born to a cat, with another shake of the building she took another jump and landed back on the floor away from the scraps and the battles that were going on. She flipped Maya onto her back and ran as fast as she could to where she had hidden Arch when a scrap came flying from the building, Rose not far behind, she knew the small scrap could not have possibly thrown the best that far and mentally cursed Van as it landed on it's feet infront of Maya and Duo. Duo let out a growl from deep with in her chest and tensed her legs ready to defend the girl with her life. The beast let out another screeching roar and charged at Duo and Maya. "Damnit!" She flipped Maya who wailed in fear and threw her to the side towards where Archie was and turned back just in time to he bowled over by the wolf, it's claws pinning her to the ground a massive claw on either side of her neck, dangerously close to the major artery that ran through it. Growling again she shifted, gritting her teeth as she felt the cold metal bit into her skin drawing a small amount of blood and kicked the best on the underside cursing as her leg vibrated from the blow, thank god her boots were steel toed or she was sure she would be in plenty of pain. Reaching into the pouch on her side she took out one of her scaples and drove it into the beasts leg where she saw a patch of circuits exposed. The monster wailed and took a step back giving her the chance to flip backwards bringing the heel of her boot into the underside of it's jaw making it stumble to the side. Landing on her feet she bolted to the left and than swept her feet low catching one of the legs and sending the massive beast onto its side. Taking her chance she dashed away pushing her self as she felt blood running down her stomach and did a front hand spring over a log and landed ingloriously infront of Arch and Maya who whimpered and was about to scream when Duo clamped a hand over her mouth. Once she was sure Maya knew who she was she let go and looked at Archie. "I have to go back for the others and let them know that Maya and you are safe." Taking out another surgical knife she attached it to her boot and did the same with another knife and her other boot. Satisfied she didn't give either the old man or the young girl time to argue with her before she sprinted back through the snow and began her search for Julian first. Spotting him she ran, ducking and dodging the flying metal skidding to a halt beside him. "Julian, you okay?!" She saw his eyes grow wide as he took in her injury. "I should be asking you that?!" "I'm fine, c'mon, we have to get out of here." She dipped low and brought her left foot around swiftly kicking a piece of the tin roof away as it fell nearly on top of her straightening, her left foot held up straight above her head in a vertical split, her balance nearly perfect. "Juls, move your ass! We're only human!" She looked over at him expectantly. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo sighed as she went through movements in her head, stretching her legs above her head from time to time to stay loose. It had been a few hours already but it felt like minutes to her as she went over her spars with Kilo in her head time and time again all the while keeping an eye out. After another few minutes she walked over to where Juliean and Rose sat and gave him a gentle kick. "Juls, your watch, after you it's either Heat or Van, I'll let you choose." He grumbled and stood slowly rubbing the sleep from his eyes. making sure he took his watch and making sure he was awak she went to the back of the building and began to go through her warm ups making sure to stretch her legs to the fullest, something just didn't sit the back of her mind very well and she was going make damn sure she was ready for when it did happen. She flipped onto her hands and spun in a circle flipping back onto her hands and smiled as a drop of sweat hit the floor beneath her. At least she was warm now. Taking a deep breath she went around and felt everyone's skin to make sure that no one was to cold and settled down her self to get at least some sleep, her mind drifting back to Kilo, she had hated leaving him, but they needed a doctor on this journey and the shelter still had Rosa,they would be okay.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Name: Ty Maxwell Age: 21 Appearance:[URL="http://planetrenders.net/renders/albums/userpics/61982/Anime%20Girl.png"]Ty[/URL] Personality: Childish, fun loving and hyper she seems to always be in a good mood and bounces every where she goes. Had a very large curiosity that often gets her into trouble but usually smiles and shrugs it off as nothing. Rank: jounin Village: Leaf Style: taijutsu, Main jutsu/techniques: No real moves per say she usually just flies by the seat of her pants but it's noticeable she rarely uses her hands. Bio: Found at the gates of the leaf village she was raised by the entire village so to speak considering she never stayed in one place long enough. Having a knack for adventure she took to the missions of the village with a twinkle in her eye, even the low ranking ones. She was taught to fight by Lee and too to it with a passion. She never learned any techniques as it were but she had high speed and stamina. Her legs the most powerful parts of her body she uses them almost constantly and trains her legs more than anything becoming a sort of kick boxer. She flew through the exams with ease and had no trouble reaching her current level. A friend to all not matter where is goes she is a formidable opponent in the ring. A good kick from her and most people are out cold for days. What law you want passed: That all ninja are respected equally, regardless of family, gender or age. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Great characters everyone! I'll get this up and going in the next day or so to see if anyone else will join. Thanks for those of you who did sign up![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo shoved her hands in her pockets, the hair on the back of her neck still not settling down to give her a sense of peace, her fists were clenched tight and she tapped the toes of her boots on the hard floor over and over as if itching for a fight. Most of them never knew that she was a skilled fighter, she rarely showed that fact, and her hands had no scares to back up this fact, but she never used her hands, her hands were her tools, she used to them to help people not hurt them, that's where her legs and feet came into play. Her mind floated back to one of the sparing matches that she had with Kilo, and his shocked face as she swept his feet out from under him with a swift movement of her legs, since than she and Kilo often spared to pass some time in the gym and keep one another on their toes. She came back to the present and felt the tension in the air and leaned on a large pipe behind her. "Arch, I know you say that there's isn't anything out there but I still think it would be good to keep watches, god only knows what other weirdos are out in the wastes, rouges, bandits, those kind of things. Watches are a good idea I think, that's why I'll talk the first. I'll wake Juls when it's his turn, after that I think Heat and than Van should take the last watches." Archie just raised a brow as she didn't wait for an affirmative but merely walked to the front of the old garage and stood looking out into the white world. She could feel that there was something watching, waiting, but what it was she just wasn't sure. Even after the old man's demonstration she was still not convinced. She cracked her knuckles and her toes inside of her boot keeping her nerves calm but her senses wide open, ready for anything. Her legs were relaxed allowing her to make a move in a split second if she needed to. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo walked along the others, her head hung down, quiet for the first time since she had come to the skycleaner, her farewell to Kilo replaying in her head over and over like a bad song that wouldn't go away. [I]"What pissed you off enough to do this to your hand of all things, you use your hands above all else yet you got so mad that you actually injured one? That's really rare for you Kilo." She didn't notice the small smile playing on his lips as she said his nick name. "Just alot on my mind Duo." She looked down at him arching an eye brow before she looked away as she bandaged his hand. "So...your staying?" "Yeah, who else is gonna come and bail you out when you get stuck in the snow?" She smiled but the smile never reached her eyes, she finished with his hand but didn't let it go. She hated to think that this might be the last time she would get to see the young man. "K-Kilo, do me a favor will you?" "Hm?" "Look after Rosa, help her when you can..." "Duo I know squat-" "I know your no doctor, but it doesn't take a lot of know how to boil rags and ice for bandages and clean water." He nodded slowly finally realizing she still had a gentle hold of his hand. Looking up at her he saw her eyes glisten with unshed tears. "D-Duo...you okay?" She met his eyes and let a quiet sob escape her lips as she hugged him tightly. "I'm gonna miss you Graham. Your my best friend..." She didn't see the small hurt face he made as her words left her mouth, she released him and took off the small cross necklace from around her neck and hooked it around his. "Duo...this is, I can't-" She put a finger to his lips silencing him. "Yes you can. Please? So that way no matter what happens you'll never forget me." He looked at the cross and than at her. "Duo I-" His words were cut off and his eyes widened as her lips met his softly. "I love you Graham. Please take care of everyone for me. I love you...Bye." She spun around and ran out of the room before he could regain him self and say anything, she didn't want to hear him reject her. Not when there was a chance she wouldn't be coming back. [/I] She sputtered and looked up as a snowball hit her in the side of the head, a smile spread across her face as Maya giggled. "Come on Duo! Your falling behind!" Duo caught up easily and looked down at the little girl noticing a light blue tint to her lips. Taking off her jacket she slung it over Maya's shoulders ignoring the bite of the cold around her. Reaching into her pack she pulled out a pair of long gloves and slipped them on, they reached her upper arm and effectively kept the bitter cold off most of her skin. "Thanks Duo." She nodded and just as she was about to think about her goodbye to Kilo the girl piped up again. "He loves you too Duo, don't worry. I can see it in the way he looks at you. Your special to him. You'll see him again." Duo blinked and smiled. "You know what Maya, your a little to smart for your own good." She ruffled the girl's hair fondly and laughed as she frowned up at her. Her spirits lifted she looked around at the group that was formed. A bunch of misfits. But it worked. She took a deep breath and began to sing a song that Rosa had taught her, Maya looked up excited. "Bink's Sake?!" Duo nodded and smiled as Maya joined her, their voices ringing along the surroundings, Duo's heart feeling a little less heavy.[/FONT][/COLOR] (Bink's Sake is a song from One Piece)

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo shrugged, and plucked Maya up in her arms. "You know Heat, I really have no idea." She handed Maya over to Ishild, knowing the child was in for a scorning. She walked back over to Van and patted his leg giving him a small and than did the same to Heat. "You two take it easy til we get back got that?" Heat nodded clumsily making Duo smile, she began to walk out when she looked up startled when some one grabbed her arm. "Duo, are you really going?" She looked up into Kilo's worried eyes. "Yeah, if they get hurt out there, they're gonna need some one to patch them up." She looked at Lyle with a stern look. "It's not like other people have much faith in man kind anymore." He let go of her arm and she walked the room she shared with three other people and started packing her things, she didn't take much, her own doctor supplies and a couple change of clothes. Grabbing her heavy jacket she walked out and back down to the garage just as Kilo finished up Van's leg. "Hey, he looks great, thanks alot Kilo." He looked back giving her a nod, she set her stuff down and sat down on a pile of junk looking around. "You guys gonna be okay?" She looked up at him and smiled. "We'll be fine Kilo...I'll miss you though." He gave her a shocked look as her cheeks flushed a little. "Your my best friend." He nodded and gave her a wave as he left. "Good luck." "Thanks." She watching him go and heaved a sigh, Heat looked at her putting his camera eye right in her face making her jump. "He come?" "I don't think so big guy. I wish he were though." "You like?" She laughed out loud hearing this and put her elbow on her leg and her chin in her hand. "You know, I guess I kinda do Heat. Yeah I like him." Heat nodded and leaned back away from her waiting for Archie to return.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo sputtered alittle as the red liquid ran down from her hair between her eyes. "Okay, so he tinkers with him self and screws up...so why does he tinker with him self?" "You know it baffles me as well, but he just seems to enjoy it." Duo patter Van's leg and smiled as Maya joined her looking at the tube. "Maybe Kilo can help him get better at it, or even Ishild. You think?" "Your very kind to them Duo." "Well yeah, if not for them we would have lost this place a long time ago." Duo giggled as Heat dropped the giant canvas over Archie's head covering them both. "Heat, that's very good. Can you please remove it?" Duo squinted as the lighting changed with Heat whipping the canvas away from them and looking down obviously excited. Maya looked up at her with bright eyes, pleading silently. "Please? Duo chose to ignore the girls request smiling. "I can help adjust it to him, I've been told by Rosa I'm fairly decent with a needle and thread." "I would be very thankful of that Duo." She gave him a winning smile and cursed as the pressure behind the leak erupted, grabbing Maya she turned her back as the pressure pushed her back, the tubing thrashing this way and that. She rushed forward and stood infront of Archie as it slung to the left and caught her across the face. grabbing hold of it she grabbed a wire nearby and held the tube down covering it with her now useless shirt and wired it around Van's leg. "That should hold him til Kilo gets here." She looked back at Archie who seemed to stunned to speak, Maya looking slightly pale. "What's up Arch? Maya? You look like I just grew a second head..." She stopped speaking as something hit her shoulder, putting her hand on her cheek she blinked as it felt wet, pulling her hand back she saw it covered in red. "Oh man...really?" She walked over to a piece of piping and looked down, seeing her reflection she saw a large gash where the tubing had caught her. "Great." Wiping the blood away with her hand she saw a decent gash but nothing to bad. "Oh, I'm fine you two, no need for stitches, the bleeding should stop soon and I'll be fine, I might have a light scar but I'll live." She gave them a wide smile and folded her arms behind her back rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet, she stopped and looked over as Kilo stepped through the door. "Oh hey, bout' time you made it." He gave her a worried look seeing her cheek. "I'm okay. Just help Van, see what you can do for his leg." She smiled again and leaned on the pipe watching as Heat held up the canvas as if it were a trophy. She looked at Maya as she tugged on her pants. "You'll have to warm up Arch kiddo, not me...I think it's to dangerous, but you could be useful with how well your mind retains information...just my opinion." She looked down sheepishly as Archie glared at her. "Just saying."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo passed Juliean and Maya on their way to the galley and smiled as Maya looked up beaming. "We're going to get cocoa!" She looked up at Juliean. "We have that?" He gave her shrug before he was drug off by the girl and she shook her head smiling. "See you later Juls!" He shot her a glare at the nickname she had given him and was promptly taken around a corner. She continued into the garage and spotted Heat. "Heat, what are you doing down here?" "Made to much noise. Here I can move and not worry." She shook her head and walked a little further looking for a few pieces of extra scrap metal here and there to give to Archie to help fix Heat, with all the scraps that lumbered around down here they sometimes pulled it off the roof and sides of the shelter. She sneezed and looked around smelling a strong scent of something, not sure what it was she looked around til she heard a light hissing and grinding noise. Looking up she saw a large scrap under a metallic looking cloak. "Are you damaged?" The scrap just looked down at her seeming not to believe that she had spoken to him. "I asked are you damaged." Again nothing, he lifted a large metal rod and shook it back and forth as if waving to her. She noticed liquid seeping from under the metal cloak of the scrap, she gently moved around til she could look under it and see where it was coming from. "You are damaged..." She looked around and spotted a radio, picking it up she hit the button on the side and spoke into it. "Kilo! I need you in the garage, please hurry and bring your tools, there's a damaged scrap down here!" A few voices filtered through the radio back at her comment, some not so nice. "Shut the hell up! If it weren't for them this place would have crumbled a long time ago! Show alittle respect!" She threw the radio down and took off her white tank top so she was in her black sports bra and held it tightly against where the leak was coming from, not knowing much about scraps she did know that pressure helped in most cases...would this be so different? She pushed against the large scrap trying to keep the liquid at bay as she tried to help. "Don't worry, Kilo is a good friend of mine, he can help, I know it. We'll get you fixed up and maybe not as good as new but you'll be okay. I promise. One way or another we'll get you fixed up..." She looked up as Heat lumbered forward and wrapped a giant claw around the spot were the scrap was leaking fluid. "I help." She smiled up at the large scrap. "Thanks so much Heat. That's very nice of you." His eye swiveled around to look at her and he nodded. She put her hand on Heats cool metal and held it there, knowing that there wasn't much more she could do but wanting to help no matter how little it might be. She looked up as Archie entered the garage looking for his missing scarp and saw Heat and Duo trying to help the over sized scrap. "My, what is going on here?" "Arch! Perfect! Can you see what's wrong with him? I think he's hurt!" Archie came forward and looked. "Interesting." "I called for Kilo." He nodded as he continued to examine the scrap.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]*Bounces excitedly and claps* Dritzz is having a baby!!! Congrats to Daddy Dritzz! That's such good news I'm happy for you! BABY SHOWER FOR DADDY DRITZZ!!! Oh...wait that's for the woman...who cares Dritzz is gonna be a daddy![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo was leaning on the wall as Archie emerged. "Been there long Duo?" He asked with a small smile. "Long enough. I'm going with you. God only knows what kind of help your gonna need and I can be useful if you get sick:" Archie tapped his finger to his chin thoughtfully and than shook his head slowly. "As much sense as that makes Duo, I'll not endager your life as well as mine." "I do it willingly. I'm not asking old man, I'm telling." Archie looked her way and saw a serious look in her eyes even though she was smiling prettily at him. "And what about Kilo?" This hit a small nerve everytime. "What about him? He's a grown man and can do as he pleases." The words did not reach her eyes as she averted her gaze. "Arch, I'm going and that's final. When do we leave?" "Young lady, you need to listen to me. There's a good chance we could die, and than what?" "That's life Archie, life sucks and than you die." Archie had to shake his head at this, she was always so full of sarcasm and spirit it was amazing she was as upbeat as she was. "Just come and let me know when we leave. I have some things to take care of for Rosa. Just please Arch, take me with you, don't go out there on your own alright?" His resolve broke, had he not just given and small speech about them not stopping his as well? He nodded slowly giving her a small smile. She returned it with a bright, full one of her own and waved at as she bounced down the hall, her serious look replaced the the sparkle of child as she dashed away, the rope of hair bouncing behind her like a tail growing out the back of her head, he shook his head smiling. Duo rounded the corner and stopped in her tracks as she saw Kilo with a couple sacks on his arm, crossing her's over her chest she cleared her throat and walked up next to him. He looked down at her giving her a sheepish look. "I thought I said no hard work Grham." He winced slightly, she only used that name when he had really upset her. "Aw, c'mon Duo, there's stuff that needs to be done around here you know that." She didn't answer him but simply spun infront of him and stood on her tip toes getting close enough so he could feel her breath on his face as she examined the steam burns there. She was concentrating on his wounds and not how close they were, in doctor mode as he called it. She ran her fingers along his jaw lightly, almost intimately and examined the steam burns. "Grham, when you get done doing what ever it is your doing, cause I know you won't listen to me at the moment, please come and see my in the infirmary. You haven't been putting the ointment on these like you should and by your dialated pupils your in more pain than you'd like to let on." He blinked as she let her hand linger on his cheek for a moment longer and than it was gone and so was she bounding down the halls dodging the other people coming and going as she headed back to the infirmary.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Mature warning! Teeka moved along the deck fluidly looking over the ocean as it rocked the ship back and forth. She stretched her arms over her head and sighed as she looked at the bright light of the port she was pulling into. She had only had little luck finding a decent crew, and the only man that had stayed with her was old enough to be her father, and just as hard headed. She looked back at the old man as he sat leaning on the mast fast asleep with drool coming from the side of his mouth. She shook her head smiling softly. She closed her eyes and sighed as a cool breeze blew her hair back cooling her sweat dampened skin on the back of her neck. She turned and walked around the deck taking inventory of what they needed to stock up on. Writing it all down she anchored the ship just out side of the port and shook the older man awake. "Shane, I'm going to port, you need anything?" "Rum." She shook her head as he dozed back off and mumbled something incoherent. "Make sure to take care of the ship while I'm gone would you?" "Hm? Oh yeah sure thing...whatever." Shaking her head again she climbed down the ladder and into the skivvy ship and headed for the port. As she entered the small town she looked around wide eyed. She had been here once in her life with her father and his crew. She also remembered many other captains bring their own kids here and was sure that they would return here as well, it was after all a pirate town full of rough and ready people more than willing to face the open sea. She walked into the pub and smiled as a mug smashed against the wall by her head as a few men fought gaining cheers and support as bets were passed between some of the spectators. She sat down at the bar and placed her small pack by her feet ordering a drink. The bar tender set a mug infront of her, taking a drink she spun on the stool and watched the small fight from a distance. "So, what are you doing in Teeka?" She turned and looked at the aging bar tender and smiled. "I was actually hoping to find a crew for the Dawn." He nodded. "Makes sense, when your father died I heard they disbanded and went about their own way." She nodded and took another drink. "Well, you came to the right town, I'm sure that there are plenty of nuts jobs willing to go out with you." "I'm not sure how to take that Charles." He chuckled and wiped the counter down. "Well, if you find anyone send them over to the Devils Inn would you?" He nodded and yelled at the men roughing around as they went through a table in the back. "By the way, what's your plan for when you get a crew?" "I plan on going to the Golden Sea and finding the Crystal Caves." "Why am I not surprised. That be your father's dream as well." She nodded and waved good bye as she headed for the inn. She settled down for the night. Sign Ups: Name: Teeka Gauge Age: 23 Gender: Female Personality: Happy and easily excited she likes to have fun and joke around all the time. Energetic and childish her curiosity knows no bounds. Appearance: [URL="http://media.photobucket.com/image/anime%20pirate%20girl/KoeiMaster/pirate_girl.jpg?o=4"]Teeka[/URL] Weapons: She carries a cutlass and a pair of pistols. Background: A pirate by nature she loves the open sea. Raised by her father she has lived on the sea all of her life. Her mother died giving birth to her. She doesn't remember much due to an accident when she was younger. Falling from the crows nest she hit her head and hasn't been able to remember anything about her past besides those few facts since than no matter how hard she tries. She was left her father's ship The Dawn when her father passed away. With her father's passing his crew left the ship to follow their own dreams leaving her to gather her own crew. Her own dream to find the legendary Golden Sea and find the Crystal Caves said to hold generations of treasure.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I like it too Chibi, it does look really good on you, as a random side note, you know your really good friends with some one when you get in contact with them after over almost 2 years and you seem to just pick up where you left off. One of the most awsome feelings in the world. XD[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]You know that is a valid question...I hadn't thought of that Lilt...and my character is the one that will eat every thing and any thing...how awkward is that? XD[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Duo moved about the room swiftly and efficiently as she instructed Maya to tear the bread where the most mold was and give it to Dolly to eat in very small pieces. "...With any luck the penicillin in the mold will fight off the poison in her blood." Maya nodded in understanding and than went about talking about something different. Duo loved the little girl, she was energetic and talkative making a wonderful companion for Duo when she was alone in the infirmary. She finished giving out another does of pain meds to the burn victims and than walked over to Kilo with a small smile. "So, try to play hero again?" She took a cool rag and gently placed it on his arm and than took a tube of burn ointment and spread it on her hand and with a small blush gently placed her hand on the side of his face and smiled as he sighed, the pain receding. "I heard Heat was down there, why didn't you have him help you more?" "He was already helping and the engineer wasn't giving him enough credit." She shook her head with another small smile pulling at her lips, she looked up at him and gave him a bright winning smile. "You have a good heart." She saw some color enter the cheek she wasn't covering and looked away gently pulling the cool rag off of his burned arm and noticed it went all the way up his shoulder and shook her head. "I need your shirt off." As he stood and went about the task of removing the shirt with out hitting the burns she walked over and put her hand on Dolly's head. "Good...it seems to be going down quite a bit. I think she's gonna be okay. Good job Maya." She smiled as the girls beamed up at her. "Hey Duo do you think that I could come and help you and Rosa? I mean I know alot of stuff and I could be helpful. I can help you alot I know I can...are you getting all this?" Duo smiled at the trademark saying of the young girl. "I got it Maya. You want to help me again?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Can you go into the back room and find me another tube of burn ointment?" She nodded again and bounced away towards the back room, turning Duo felt her cheek heat up as she saw Kilo looking at his own arms judging the extent of his burns. "Stop checking your self out there Kilo, the burns aren't that bad, you'll live and trust me the scars won't mar your well defined shoulder." She put sarcasm into the remark but found her face heat more as she stood next to him and gently ran her cool hands over his shoulder and arm feeling where the burns were. "You got a pretty good dose of the steam didn't you?" He looked down at her as she moved her face closer to see better through the dim light. "Second degree...I can give you the ointment and some mild pain killers but I can't do anything other than that. I'm really sorry." "I'll live remember? Besides, I think I'm tough enough." "Tough enough? Really? You think so?" He nodded slowly regretting the choice as she poked him lightly making him wince. "Tough enough, your nothing but a big puss." He smiled and shook his head as she went about putting ointment that Maya had retrieved on his burns. Keeping her eyes down to avoid him seeing her blush she finished up quickly but her hands remained gentle and soft like silk as she bandaged the burns carefully and gave him a pain killer wiping her hands free of the ointment she checked on the other occupants of the room and cleared her throat as he stood to leave. "Where do you think your going Kilo?" "There's work that needs to be done." "Nuh Uh, forget it, I'll get Heat to take that back to the boiler room, you need to rest. That shoulder of yours can't take heavy lifting." "But that's all I know. You know me Duo, all work and no play." "Makes you a lonely man. Speaking of which, any little tart you have your eye on?" She leaned on the wall near him and watched as he held up a hand and began to mock count. "Um, yeah a few." "Oh really? Like who? I can put in a good word for you." "Duo, your putting in a good word for someone is a death sentence in its own context. I think I can handle my love affairs on my own thanks." "Well screw you too than. Here I was trying to help." "When, where and how hard?" She felt her cheeks flame and huffed stalking towards the back to get more rags and an extra tube of ointment for him to apply when he was in his dorm, her grumbled retort unheard. "I should be so lucky." Reenter ing the room she pushed the tube into his hand letting her hand linger on the rough hands she knew he would have. "Twice a day, morning when you wake up, night before you go to sleep. Make sure you do this, if not they won't heal right and you'll be back here with cracked bleeding skin so make sure you do this. If you need help come find me, please?" He nodded giving her a smile and went about the task trying to get his shirt over his head. Duo felt her cheeks flush as she helped him and stood back as he arched his back stretching. "It's about lunch time, I'll bring up some for you guys, what do you want?" "I'll eat anything. Don't matter." He rolled his eyes and nodded giving her a smile he walked out and around the corner and again she felt the small empty space invade her but ignored it covering it by giving Maya a big smile that was returned as she say by Dolly's bed watching as he breathing evened out and her cheeks regained the right color. "Good job Maya, she's gonna be fine." Again the girl beamed and went back to studying Dolly, Duo just watched smiling at the girl's curiosity.[/FONT][/COLOR]