RPG AMD: Thinning Time [M-LVS]

[Omino Jaku]

[FONT=Arial Narrow]The deafening blast still rung in his ears. The earth shook beneath him, but the Capricorn could not focus on walking. The rough feeling of a warm hand around his waist was all that he could feel for the next moment, wondering who it was. Did the fallen have him under his grasp? Slowly gazing up, into the face of the man that held him, he attempted to focus, but could only see white hair that contrasted the night sky amazingly well.

At ease, Yasuo let the Sagittarius carry him until he could walk on his own. Falling into the closest wall he could find, Yasuo let his hand brace him, preventing him from falling completely into it. Closing his eyes, Yasuo attempted to catch his breath and clear his thoughts. As his breath slowed, he opened his eyes up to see one of his blades before him. Following the weapon up to its hilt, finding the Sagittarius being the one holding the blade before him. Taking his weapon back and sheathing it, he checked to see if the other one was still in it's sheath where he last placed it. Sure enough, the blade was there.

Muffled words found their way into his ears. Trying to clarify them, he could pick out some english. The female Zodiac was saying something about a hotel, and some other words he could not understand. The silver haired one helped Yasuo to his feet, and began to lead him in some direction unbeknownst to him. Perhaps to this hotel.

Pausing for a moment behind the three, Yasuo looked behind him, wondering what had happened to the fallen, and what his next move might be. He thought it best to stay with his fellow Zodiac, until he would make his next move on the fallen angel. "Sartael..." His voice was barely audible. Turning back towards the small group of warriors, Yasuo made his attempt to keep up.[/FONT]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][FONT=Arial Narrow]?Reoan?? Kraven spoke when he noticed that the ex-Guardian had said nothing since they entered the third floor of the six floored hotel.

?Find Asariel and K. Take them some where safe.? Reoan said almost bitterly.

?And what of you?? Kraven barked.

?I shall return to Jacob?s side.? Reoan could feel Kraven tense and she hurried to speak before he could. ?You will follow my orders, Demon, or suffer the consequence.? The tone in Reoan?s voice was serious and stern.

Kraven clenched his teeth as he watched Reoan walk out of sight.

[COLOR=Green][I][CENTER]I can feel you bleed
And I see the tears
That you won?t shed
And soon you?ll fall
Without a guiding hand
To help you up
And you?ll wonder where I am
But you won?t find me
For I have left you
To protect me
From everything you are
And will become[/CENTER][/I][/COLOR]

Reoan stumbled up the stairs, dropping her sword. She threw her hands out and caught the railing to her right just before falling. She clutched her shirt just above her chest with the other hand as she gasped for breath.

?It plaques you, doesn?t it?? A familiar voice echoed through the stair well.

?What would you know about it?? Reoan said bitterly.

?I would only know what I?ve seen, being that we do not feel pain as mortals do.? Reoan brought her head up to see the sly smile creep across the Duke?s face.

?Some of you do,? Reoan retorted.

?If you speak of that half-witted Angel, Adiol, then you are dumper than I thought. Angel?s are just as heartless as us supposed Demons.?

The man before Reoan was tall and lean, and tailored in a fine grey suite. His short, dark hair was greased back and his face chiseled to perfection. He fit perfectly amongst the various hotel attendees.

The sudden sound of sirens pulled Reoan?s attention back down the stairs.

?They?ll be here soon, what are you going to do when they find the body upstairs.? The Duke smiled fiendishly.

Reoan whipped her head around to catch his smile and return it with a sneer. ?Out of my way, Beelzebub.? Reoan growled, grabbing her sword once more, and shoving past Beelzebub, racing up the stairs.

?They?ll search the room and take your sword, Guardian. What will you do then?? Beelzebub smiled brightly as Reoan stopped at the top of the stairs. ?You?ll have to leave his body behind if you want to get out of the hotel with your weapons.?

Reoan?s eyes dropped as she placed a hand gently on the hilt of her sword. He was right. She grit her teeth and rushed to the metal door that led to the fifth floor; slamming it open and rushing down the hall.

?Reoan?!? Reoan was greeted by David?s concern eyes and massive hands on her shoulders.

?We need to go!? Reoan shouted as she rushed to where her bag was, shoving her sword in its sheath and then into the bag.

?Go where?? David asked.

?We can?t leave him here!? Amber wailed.

Reoan threw her bag at the eight foot giant, David fumbling to catch it as Reoan stormed towards Amber. The girl?s eyes were red and puffy from the tears that had raced down her face. Her pain in plain view as Reoan grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the door.

Amber pulled away violently, screaming, ?He died for you! And I will not leave his side like you?re about to.?

Before Amber could say another word, Reoan had struck her down, watching the girl fall to the floor, clutching her cheek. The room fell silent as Reoan towered over the fallen girl.

?You ever, and I mean [I]ever[/I], think of saying that to me again I?ll rip your damned tongue out.? Reoan snarled at the girl as she turned from her.

David slowly slid past the ex-Guardian and helped the young demoness to her feet. Suddenly every ones attention was towards the door as they heard radios being used and the destinist noise of armed men moving down the hall just out side the door.

Reoan snarled as the door flew open, crashing to the floor. A dozen armed men rushed into the room, all pointing their guns at Reoan, Amber, and David. The three warriors dropped whatever was in their hands, and rose them high into the air.

?This one over here is dead.? One of the men shouted, drawing Reoan?s attention.

?Don?t move,? demanded the man before Reoan.

Reoan brought her head back around and stared the man down.

?They have melee weapons,? announced the same man that had found Jacob on the bed.

?This one has blood on it,? announced another man, stepping forward to show the man in front of Reoan.

The man looked over the weapon and then up at Reoan. ?This yours??

Reoan looked down at her weapon, then back up at the man. ?Why would I tell you even if it was?? Reoan said coldly.

The man nodded and two men walked to either side of Reoan, grabbing her arms and forcing them behind her back. Reoan could hear the men move to keep David and Amber from coming forward. Reoan never took her eyes off the man before her.

?What about these two?? Asked a man as Reoan was shoved through the hotel room door.

?Bring them to the station for questioning...?

The rest of the conversation faded away as Reoan was shoved through the fifth floor hallway.

?Just weren?t fast enough, Guardian.? Reoan heard Beelzebub?s voice.

Reoan stared, stone faced, in front of her.

?They even handcuffed you. What a shame.?

?You honestly think that these metal bracelets could hold me?? Reoan snarled, seemingly to no one.

?Keep quiet!? Some one barked, slapping Reoan in the back. The ex-Guardian clenched her teeth shut as she stumbled forward.

?Not very bright,? Beelzebub mocked. ?You?d do best to keep your mouth shut.? The Duke danced mid air above Reoan and the men, only the ex-Guardian could see him.

She sneered as they entered the elevator and Beelzebub wave good-bye.

On the bottom floor, the crowd was being held back as they ushered Reoan through the lobby. There were three ambulances, and too many swat and police vehicles to count.

?Reoan! Reoan!? The ex-Guardian turned her head to see Emily running through the crowd.

?Meet up with David and Amber once they?re released. Then find the others.? Reoan shouted over the chaotic noise. Emily nodded and vanished back into the crowd.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[lil kitsune boy]

Ben waited till nearly everyone was in the car before he slipped away, disappearing behind a dumpster until he heard the car pull off.

[I]'You're just going to leave them?[/I]' he heard from somewhere behind him.

He turned, seeing no one.

'Yeah, I am.' he replied, realizing who was talking.

[I]'Even though it's obvious one of them sensed something wrong back at that hotel?'[/I] Caleb asked.

'Hey, they have super powers and I have stuff I need to do.' he replied.

[I]'Like help Reoan?'[/I]

'That's one of 'em, yeah.' Ben said, grinning as he pulled off the leather trenchcoat and tossed it in the dumpster.

'But first,' he said, 'I need a new coat, that one got thrashed when that Zodiac decided to pull me across an ocean.'

[I]'That's it?'[/I] Caleb asked, [I]'A new coat?'[/I]

Ben shook his head as he strapped the sheath across his back and headed back out onto the streets. It didn't take him long to find a public directory and locate the stores he was after.

'Don't suppose you can read that?' Ben asked, looking at the store's sign.

[I]'Sorry, but no.'[/I] Caleb replied.

Ben shrugged, 'Good thing I can, huh?'

[I]'You know Japanese?'[/I] Caleb asked.

'Yeah, a bit.'

[I]'Why didn't you help the Zodiac when they needed someone who knew Japanese, then?'[/I]

'They didn't ask,' Ben replied, then paused, 'How come you didn't know I knew Japanese? If you're supposed to be inside me and all...'

[I]'It takes time for a soul to establish a connection with it's reincarnated self, especially when the reincarnation is so strong willed. You're quite a stubborn bastard, sometimes.'[/I] Caleb stated.

Ben laughed, 'Yeah, I think I'll take that as a compliment.' he said before he walked into the clothing store.

About thirty minutes later, Ben came back out of the store in a new set of clothes; A red leather trenchcoat with steel studs set in a simple pattern on each shoulder, A pair of military style cargo pants with zip and buckle style boots. Another shopping trip earned him an interesting find, a sword sheath with holsters fashioned into it, so that all his weapons would be in the same place.

'Why the hell would they even have something like this?' Ben asked as he strapped the thing across his chest and over his shoulder.

[I]'Who knows? But, it does seem rather convenient.'[/I] Caleb replied.

'Eh, screw it. Now...' he looked down at a slip of paper the store had given to him to write down directions to the other stores on.

'Nan to ii mashita-ka?' Ben heard from behind him. He turned to see a small boy running towards him.

'Nani?' Ben looked at the boy, he seemed concerned about something.

"Watashi no name wa Hideki desu..." the boy began.

'Watashi wa jouzu-ni ni hongo ga hanase masen.' Ben interrupted, 'Ei-go wo hanashi-masu-ka?'

'Engu-rish?' the boy said slowly, 'Very little.'

'Well, it's better than nothing,' Ben said, 'Now, what's wrong?'

'Your sword.'

Ben raised an eyebrow, 'What about it?'

'It is...' he stopped, searching for the word, 'Dame, no good.'

Ben drew the sword and pointed it at the boy, 'Seems fine to me.'

The boy brushed the tip of the sword aside.

'I know where you can get it fixed.' he said.

Ben grinned at the kid, 'I've got some time.' he said as he followed the boy.

******

'This is taking too damn long.' Ben said as he finished cleaning the gun he'd been working on.

[I]'Maybe, but they had the tool you needed to do some work on your weapons and the price they quoted you was quite reasonable.'[/I] Caleb told him.

Yeah, maybe.' Ben replied, 'But, I'm still getting bored.'

The door opened to the right of the table he'd been using as an old man came out, holding Ben's sword wrapped in cloth.

'So, how'd it go in there, old man?'

'First,' the old man said, 'I'd like to apologize for Hideki, my grandson, I know he dragged you here. And also to thank you for going along with it.'

'I'm not too worried about it.' Ben replied, 'I got a chance to do some work on these guns and clean 'em up a bit.'

The old man sighed, 'I am relieved, then. And, as a reward for your patience, I have completed the repairs on your sword. I even made a few improvements.'

'What kind of improvements?' Ben asked as he holstered his guns and reached for the sword. When he picked it up, it seemed lighter than before. He pulled it free of the cloth, cutting the cloth as he did.

'Well, it's lighter and sharper than before, to begin with.' the old man said, 'Also, it's just as strong, so it will not chip or crack for some time.'

'Not bad, old man.' Ben said, spinning it once before sliding is into the sheath across his back, 'Now, about your payment...'

The old man held up his hand, 'No money, not now.'

'What?' Ben asked, disbelievingly.

'I have learned to trust my feelings over the years,' the old man said, 'There are many things, terrible things, happening in the world. I believe that you know something aboutthem and can help to bring balance back to this world. If you can do that, it will be payment enough.'

Ben shrugged, 'Have it your way, old man. And if we survive past all this crap, I'll come back for a new sword.'

'I would like that.' the old man said, smiling.

Ben stepped out onto the street and looked down on the sheet of paper to the last set of directions.

[I]'Is it time to go back?'[/I] Caleb asked.

'Nah, Reoan would have moved on, by now.' Ben said, 'She doesn't seem the type to let herself get caught by staying still too long.'

[I]'Then how are we to find her?'[/I]

'Like the old man said,' Ben replied, 'I'm gonna trust my feelings.'

[I]'You have those?'[/I] Caleb asked, sarcastically.

'Shaddap,' Ben shot back, 'Besides, I think I have an idea of where she would have ended up, so keep your trap shut. It's time to head to the airport.'

(*looks at the post* daaaaamn... guess i'm making up for lost time here...)

[Seibzeihn]

[size=1][color=darkred]Asariel pumped his wings, rising above Azrael's head as K brought his axe to bear, facing the wounded angel. Maimed and bleeding heavily, Asariel knew that Azrael's minutes were numbered. Finishing him off quickly was of essence, considering that he could feel something happening with Reoan...she was moving. There were others also, weaker life-forces like those of average humans, along with her. The police, perhaps?

[b]"Something is happening to Reoan! We must finish this NOW!"[/b] bellowed Asariel to K, who nodded his head grimly.

Azrael, seeing K avert his eyes to the fallen for a moment, took the opportunity to charge forward, sword held high. Seeing him react not a split-second too soon, Asariel summoned a burst of air and fire and hurled it at K. The unseen waves pushed him backward, the angel's blade cleaving the air where he had stood only seconds before. Tucking his wings against his body, Asariel dove and slammed into Azrael from behind, knocking him off-balance and putting him closer to K. Azrael snarled and turned to face Asariel as K's axe cut a horizontal swath in the air, meeting resistance in the form of the angel's calves. Bellowing in pain, Azrael collapsed forward, no longer able to stand.

Swinging his glaive expertly, Asariel disarmed the angel, sending his flaming sword skittering across the ground. As Azrael's lifeforce waned, the flames around the blade began to die down, and both Asariel and K approached the angel from opposite sides.

[b]"It's over, Azrael."[/b] Asariel wore a smile once more.

"NO!" The angel wormed his way along the floor with his hands, toward the sword lying on the floor several meters away. "I...cannot be...defeated..."

Asariel was wiping the blade of his glaive casually on the ground as best he could. Without looking at K, he spoke.

[b]"Finish him off, and let's get out of here."[/b][/size][/color]

[Kamuro]

[SIZE=1]K sighed hearing the words of the triumphant Asariel. His eyes returned to Azrael who crawled slowly across the floor, a futile attempt to reach his blade still several feet away from the cowering body. He walked silently to Azrael, stopping next to him and looking down upon the fallen angel. "You should've known better," he spoke in a solemn, much more serious voice then usual. "My pity for you has long since parted," he spoke again, raising the large axe above his head. His eyes closed as the heavy metal edge of the axe dropped towards the ground and found Azrael's neck. His head was severed and convulsed slightly as K placed the axe upon his shoulder, letting out a sigh as he turned to Asariel.

"It had to be done," he spoke, sheathing his sword and shaking off K's emotionless look. "Mercy is for the weak, you'll soon learn," he spoke again, turing and walking in the direction Reoan had went.

[B]OOC: Sorry it's so short, but I figured I'd leave it up to the experts to take it from here.[/B][/SIZE]

[Ozymandius Jones]

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]Ima jumped at the gunshot and the shattering glass, spinning to stare at Raven.

[B]"What do you mean what's going on? Can't you tell? These guys just locked themselves out...of...their...room...um."[/B] She blinked over at Camille, who simply blinked back. [B]"That does seem somewhat silly now that I think about it..." [/B] The taller of the two strangers bowed.

[B]"Your gentility and simple hospitality are overwhelming." [/B] Ima smiled back. Raven sneered.

[B]"That hardly explains the...uh...fox things?"[/B] The strangers, all three of them, exchanged looks. This look was mirrored by the Zodiac, not including Raven.

[B]"Fox things?" [/B]

[B]"I don't know what you're talking about. And I'm sure my companions don't know either..."[/B] His smile was friendly, but the glint in his eyes was sinister. Ima backed up slightly. Raven's own eyes had narrowed.

[B]"Right." [/B] The men both smiled; giving off the distinct impression that they were trying to regain command of this situation.

[B]"So..."[/B] The second man stepped towards Camille. Camille stepped away, the Zodiac all grouping together. The vibes this situation was giving...and the strangers didn't fail to notice. The woman snarled at Raven.

[B]"You just had to come barging in..."

"'course I did."[/B] The woman flung the door open; letting in...Ima groaned. The hall was full of ogre-like creatures. [i]More[/i] monsters? She pulled her gun out, snarling at the strangers, all of whom had, by now, discarded their act.

[B]"Fine, then. You die."[/B][/COLOR]



[COLOR=DarkOrange]ooc: erm. sorry, again....[/COLOR]

[You Don't Care]

[COLOR=Sienna]O.O.C.: I am turning the confrontation at the hotel around. Don't be surprised. =P[/COLOR]

"Damn it, Ben," Kadar said to himself. The car had started and took off before he could complain.

"[COLOR=Red]What now?[/COLOR]" Kariz and the new guy were trying to regain their senses. "First of all, we need to know Capricorn's name," Kadar made an obvious look. "Capricorn? I don't know about that exactly, but the name is Yasuo."

"So you speak English. Thought so. But first I need to explain what you have gotten yourself into."

=======================

"What am I looking at here?" Clara had whispered to Camilla. [COLOR=Magenta]"Uh, they're trolls!" [/COLOR] Camilla pointed out.

"Oh."

The woman had turned her gaze over to Clara. "And who's this? I didn't sense a fifth Zodiac here." She leaned, walked over, and examined her face. "You look nice. Take off the hat, princess. I want a good look." As the woman reached out, Clara held on desperately and refused. But it was in vain. As the cap was taken off, platinum hair had tumbled out and it shone brightly.

"That explains as to why I couldn't sense..."

Before she could finish, Clara's hand had clasped the woman's wrist with a solid grip. "You shouldn't have done that." The gaze on Clara's face had changed dramatically into a sneer.

'[COLOR=RoyalBlue]This woman. [B]Exactly[/B] like Kadar[/COLOR],' thought Zane.

The woman had been flung off her feet and spun in the air, colliding with Clara's palm and into the a troll. The other creatures had begun their advance. "Hold it!" the woman, who apparently had regained her composure, ordered to the others. "That was pretty good. Broke my arm and knocked the breath out of me, too." Her arm had been snapped and shoock violently as it started to bleed. But almost as sudden as the attack, the woman had grabbed it and cracked the bone back into its proper place. "I am more resillient than you, however."

The entire room had turned silent and everyone just stared eachother down. "It is pointless to fight now." Raven had moved closer to the woman. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Don't think we won't go without a fight. Besides you are the one's who decided to come here for whatever the reason is."[/COLOR] She had quickly turned the conversation over to a disguised interrogation.

"You see, I am here to retrieve someone. I wasn't sure who, but I could have sworn it would be one of you Zodiac. But I realize now that it is this woman here." She pointed to Clara. The cap was back on her head and her face turned calm once more.

[COLOR=YellowGreen]'So that's it. She isn't a random person that Kadar picked up after all. But I need more.'[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Magenta]"You think you can just take people away when you are ordered to?"[/COLOR] Camilla made herself known. "Silly girl. We are taking her, because it is in your best interest to. She will only get in your way in finding the last Zodiac."

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Last Zodiac? I see. So Capricorn has been found."[/COLOR] Zane made a smile while pushing his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I see your secret now. So Daemond has not been as open as I thought. With us or Kadar."[/COLOR]

The woman smiled right back. "He told us about you. The one with that illusionary abomination." She walked to him and leaned in for a close look. "And use it quite often. The thought reading, too." She walked over to Clara and grabbed her shoulder and turned her to the door. "That crutch won't be there forever."

[COLOR=YellowGreen]"Wait. Daemond is the one who told them to come here? How did he know about Clara in the first place?"[/COLOR]

The woman stopped short three steps. "The people that he works for has eyes everywhere. How else will we protect the groves from monsters such as yoursleves."

"Monsters are we? I guess your definition of us has evolved from the worms you used to called us."

Some of the trolls moved away from the door with a jump as Kadar made his way through them. "Monsters. Worms. The way things are now, humans could classify as both," the woman remarked as she walked over to him.

"It's been a while, Sukare," Kadar spoke while glaring at her. "Oh don't be that way, Chris. You aren't the one who Luminous wants," Sukare blurted.

Kadar's expression went from sour to surprised. "Luminous? He asked for you to bring her there directly?"

"Yes. Protection as a request, though. I would do anything he wishes, but he said it was a decision that I must make. These times have shown unknown sides to us all."

Kadar walked to the others. "Let Sukare take Clara. She will be safe in the grove for now."

Sukare and the trolls were leaving one by one. They had come for what they were sent for. "ONE other thing, Chris. You do know that if you don't come back soon you will be forced back in whatever way the condition calls for."

Kadar started to nod then turned away giving Zane a depressed look. Their guests had all dissapeared down the hall and out of sight.

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]"So who is Luminous?"[/COLOR]

"He is the dragon leader."

[COLOR=Sienna]O.O.C.: Lot's of stuff, but save the questions for later so we can get to Innocent's character. She has been left out for this whole damn thing! You can PM me any questions you want, Demonchild. Sorry I didn't ask you about this post first.[/COLOR]

[Blayze]

[size=1]Kraven stood on the roof of the hotel, watching as Reoan was taken away by the police. Amber and David were bundled into the back of a squad car as well. Kraven snarled, seeing these mortals interfere with something they knew nothing of. But Reoan must have wanted to go with them. If she had not, she could have broken free of the handcuffs with a thought.

Asariel and K stood with him. He had only just managed to get them out of the way of the police, who would have found them next to Azrael's dead body and put two and two together. They were now all standing on the roof as the sun set slowly in the distance. They watched as their companions were being taken away.

"It's all so sentimental, Kraven. You've changed a lot," said a voice from behind them. Kraven whirled around to see a young-looking man in a long, white trenchcoat, covering a white suit with a black tie. His hair was white, and hung loosely over his face. He grinned as Kraven turned to face him.

"What do you want, Leviathan?" he asked the Duke, his hand moving towards his sword, "Do you want revenge for the two of your brothers we have disposed of? Or do you simply want to take me back to Hell?"

"Oh, you haven't disposed of Lucifer just yet. We have certain plans for him. And as for Astaroth, he means nothing. He was merely a pawn in a much larger game of chess. And there is no point wasting your energy trying to kill me, Kraven, because I am not really here."

"Leviathan, you are going to go back to Hell, and tell the other Dukes that I am coming for them. Even if I have to fight my way through Hell itself, I am going to find them, and I am going to kill each and every one of them, including you. Do you understand?"

"Oh, I understand what you wish to do, Kraven, but what I do not understand is how you are going to do it when you are dead?"

"What are you talking about, Leviathan?" growled Kraven, his eyes changing colour to a deep crimson, his veins sticking out from under his skin.

"Look behind you, Kraven," said the Duke, before disappearing. He turned to see a veritable army of lesser demons surrounding himself, Asariel and K on the roof, as well as thousands on the other rooftops around them. Kraven drew his swords, and saw the others draw their weapons as well.

"Asariel, K, we may die here now, and if we do, then I just want to say that you were good partners to me. And, all arguments aside, if we get out of this alive, I hope we can be friends. But now, we must fight our way out of this. The Dukes have decided that we have become too great a threat to their plans, and now they want us dead. I believe that we can win this, as I have seen you two fight Azrael, the Angel of Death, and win, so I have complete faith in you, and I hope you have faith in me." Kraven held his hand out, and Asariel and K both placed their hands on top of it.

"Now let's fight," he said, turning to the tide of demons, and running towards them, his weapons flashing...

(OOC: Hope this is alright, DC)
[/size]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][FONT=Arial Narrow][I]?God fears the destruction you will cause.? What destruction could one Guardian possibly hope to cause that would make the Almighty fear them?

I remembered the night Jacob, the Guardian that came to me when Hell spat me out, told of how the Earth had changed. His strength and beauty sweeping over me, preventing my first attempt at suicide. If only I knew then what I know now, I?m sure things would have been far different.

I spent nearly five centuries in the Pits of Hell, my only companion was the Morning Star, Lucifer. He was sent to retrieve me as I attempted to escape from Hell over and over again. I think the Fallen Angel saw something in me that reminded him of himself and that?s what really drew him to me. Whatever the reason was, it didn?t matter any more, he wasn?t going to be harming any one, mortal or immortal, again.

Where should I start, there?s so many things that have happened in the last couple of months. I suppose I could start at the beginning. I was born during the reign of the Ancient Greeks. They were an amazing culture. I was raised, throughout my many lives, by a group of angels. Ezeqeel, Padeal, Camael, Haziel, Israfel, Jermiel, Ketheriel, Nahaliel, Raphael, and Sartael. The closest of all twelve Angels were Oriel and Adiol. They were my greatest teachers; Adiol being there since the very beginning of it all. I guess that was one of the reasons the Angel learned compassion that later turned into love. Oriel, well she had become my personal Angel, my Guardian How naive I was to really believe I could trust them with every last breath I took.

I went about protecting the Earth and humanity for many years completely loyal and never questioning who and what I was. Or what God had in store for me. As my soul grew, forgetting most of what it knew, I slowly began to learn the power I truly had. I had free-will, like that of humans. Well, honestly everything has free-will, but most tend not to acknowledge it, for whatever reason. But it was different. I started to wonder why I was made to kill, over and over again, never being able to partake in the small things, like raising a family or enjoying love. My abilities grew and so did my mind, and the Angels were starting to fear that I was going to try and over throw Heaven like that of Lucifer. So they devised a plan, they would send the one that knew me best into a human body, to tempt me into human desires. But there was one flaw with their plan, the Angel that was chosen had different plans. I did not know at the time that the man I had come to love and worship was the Angel Adiol, the Hand of God. Our love was real and far too real for the Angels to allow it to continue. Caleb, the body Adiol had taken, and I went into a mission given to us by Oriel. A suicide. The Angels tried to disguise themselves as humans, but I had learn to see through their tricks. Try as we may, Caleb and I could not defeat them, and I watched as my love, the one thing that matter to me more than anything, die in my arms.

That was only the beginning of my torment. I created an army and plagued the Earth with destruction and suffering. I wanted them all to know what it was like to lose the things they held closest to them. My hatred grew, and I found myself numb to everything, forgetting the reason why I was slaughtering innocents in the first place. That?s when I saw Adiol and the others stand before me. Slaughtered me like a common demon as he whispered to me that he loved me and he was Caleb. That?s how I found my way in the Pits of Hell and into Lucifer?s grasp. But they couldn?t contain me and the world was going to feel my wrath. When I resurfaced onto Earth, I was suppose to have learned compassion through my torture, but found the fuel I needed to truly seek out the Angel that had destroyed my whole world.

Jacob, back to him again are we. He brought to me followers, of all races, to help aid me in my battle to show the world that it cannot control everything. David was the first of them. A massive Grigori half breed from Spain. He was hideous to look at, but his soul was so giving. He treated me like his mother, though he was far older than I, and was willing to give his life for me. When we met his family we realized that the man had been raised to serve for me. I made a promise that day, to his real mother, that I would die before her son met harm. Even if that promise was false, I was going to try everything in my power to uphold it.

Then there was Amber. Thirteen year old girl born to wealthy parents with a hidden secret that not even I had seen at first. She was beautiful and her soul tainted with bloodshed from a previous life. She was young, even her soul, but oh so loyal. She was willing to take a full fledged attack from Oriel, my Guardian Angel, but thanks to her hidden gift she was spared, as was I. The best part was her ridiculous crush on the Guardian Jacob. Try as she may, she was never going to win his heart, and she knew that and a part of her excepted it.

Then there was Ben. A human from God only knows where. A soul so defiant, but with hidden compassion. He came to us in the very beginning of my journey, once I was brought back to Earth. We had a short run in with a blade and I have a nice scar in my shoulder from it. Helped save my life after my second attempt at suicide. He and Jacob. If it weren?t for those two, I?m sure as Hell would be back in the Pits again.

Though I was unconscious and in a deep coma, I can still remember the words they spoke before I awoke again."What drove her to this point? I thought she wanted revenge or something." Ben had asked Jacob, and Jacob replied splendidly with:"She does, but what revenge is worth all the betrayal and death that it causes? She lost the last thing she held dear to her and..." Of course Jacob later told of the vision I had while he was trapped within my mind. He had seen some of my deepest truths that night, while I laid on my death bed, and I showed him my greatest fear: That Jacob would be the one to kill me once the world was in utter chaos from my own hands. He vowed that it would never happen, but he was wrong.

We lost Ben after the next night that followed. I came to, from the help of Adiol, to see Lucifer and Jacob sitting over my bed. That damned Fallen Angel was out to kill me so he could go back to Hell, but not this time. And that was the first time I saw Kadar, the reincarnation of the human loyalist leader that helped destroy my army so many centuries ago. His final words before leaving me were: "One other thing, Reoan. You look beautiful when you smile." And though I?ll probably never understand why he said it, it was the last time I had seen him. Was hoping to run into him again, maybe see him in a battle against my blade or fight alongside me. He gave his massive silver sword, the one that helped struck down the wicked, to Jacob, and the two instantly were one.

It wasn?t long after that when we, Amber, Jacob, David and I went searching for the Angels. A Guardian I had met earlier on in this life, Rubedo, had killed one of the Angels I was seeking, Ezeqeel. It infuriated me, but I allowed it to pass for the moment. I could feel my true strength starting to show when we arrived in France on a ship. The world was in chaos with the threat of war and I had to use ?Smite Me?, a technique I had learned many, many lifetimes ago. It drew all my energy, and the energy surrounding me, into the center of my body. Once filled to its max I would release it, uttering the words ?Smite Me?. Black, orb like objects larger than a man would shoot from my body and dart in and out of whatever creature was in its path. The orbs would steal the souls of the body into went to and send them to Purgatory for judgement. If they had lived a fruitful life and were relatively innocent, they were sent back to their bodies. If not, they were sent to Hell. The only problem is the technique does not work on Demons or Angels that are in disburse for they have already been judged.

While in France I got my first taste at revenge. Ah, the beautiful sensation of all your senses heighten to the max as she spill the blood of the wicked. It had been so very long. Padeal was my first. Then off to Spain for Raphael, where I would meet Asariel, such an amazing Fallen, and Kraven, a demon. Now you would think that Asariel, the one that seems to take my breath away, would be someone I trust over a demon. But how it isn?t so. I know that Fallen traitor is up to something. While Kraven may have the biggest problem with those that I was traveling, I would trust him with my life over the Fallen. The battle with Raphael left the Angel wingless and dying in one of Spain?s biggest rivers. If he survived, well I truly wouldn?t know. Now soon after Asariel and Kraven teamed up with us, we split up in search for Astaroth and Oriel. While Kraven led Asariel, David, and K, a Zodiac stray, went out to find the Duke of Hell; myself, Jacob, and Amber went off to find Oriel. That?s when I found out that Amber was more than just a demon.

And back to the task at hand. Jacob, Azrael and Lucifer. Two dead, and one dying in a hospital bed. And you think I?m the one who caused it all?[/I]

Reoan turned her head towards the agent and smiled wickedly. The man and the woman that were in the room stared blankly at the young woman that sat in the questioning room. Blood covered her body, along with sweat and dirt, but some how she still managed to smile at them.

?You?ve got to be kidding me.? The woman spat, as she made her way across the room and slammed her hand onto the metal desk that sat before Reoan. Reoan brought her eyes up to the heavenly blonde woman, dressed in a light brown dress suite.

?You want to test me?? Reoan sneered, but managing still to keep her smile on her face.

?Now wait a minute, Joeann. Let?s listen to the rest of her tall tale here.? The man standing next to the door said softly.

The woman glared at Reoan and pushed away from the desk.

?Continue,? the man motioned towards Reoan.

?I did have a hand in Azrael?s demise and Lucifer?s shortcomings, but I did not, nor will I ever claim to have a hand in the death of Jacob. That ungrateful bastard, Lucifer was the one to kill him, Kraven and I gave him what he deserved.? Reoan growled as she stood up. Both agents pulling their guns and pointing them at the ex-Guardian. Reoan brought her chin down and stared up at the two people in the room.

Suddenly a stiff breeze began to whirl around in the room, both humans spinning around to see where it was coming from. A voice called over the loudspeaker to find out what was going on, but no one knew. The metal door flew open as Reoan finished summoning the energy she needed. Reoan threw her arms behind her as she screamed out ?SMITE ME?. The black orb-like structure shot from her body and raced through the building.

Reoan doubled over, out of breath as she watched four people drop to the floor below. She smiled as she slowly made her way through the complex. Bodies dropping every where, gun shots in the background. ?Fools.? She whispered as she searched for Amber and David, stopping every now and again to catch her breath.

?Reoan?? The ex-Guardian turned her head to see a face she hadn?t in quite sometime.

?Well hello, Ben.? Reoan chuckled as she smiled at him.

?Bet you didn?t think you?d see me again.? Ben winked.

Reoan shook her head as she made her way over to him and grabbed his arm as an orb flew over head.

?What the Hell are those things?? Ben barked.

?A creation that steals souls.? Reoan said simply. ?Stay close, and they won?t touch you.? She kept a hold of his arm as she started to drag him through the building.

?What are you looking for?? Ben asked suddenly.

?Amber and David.?

?They?re outside. Where?s the Guardian dude.?

Reoan turned to him, scowling. Ben throw his hands up defensively as they exited the building.

?Reoan!? Amber shouted as she ran up to the ex-Guardian and threw her arms around Reoan?s waist.

?Where?s Kraven and the other two.? Reoan said bitterly.

?We don?t know.? David chimmed in.

Reoan looked up at him just in time to have all the black orbs rush into her body at once. She lost her balance and fell forward, Ben catching her just before she hit the sidewalk.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Arial Narrow]OOC: Tis great, Fallen.[/FONT]

[Redemption]

OOC: This is before Xy's post.

[color=Navy][font=Times New Roman]Zane looked around very very confused. All of the sudden, the situation had changed dramatically. The beautiful Spanish woman and the two hunky-looking men all had weapons out and wee charging. Then there were these giant ogre-looking things. They had red skin and bared their yellowing fangs.

Unsheathing his sword with one hand and unholstering his gun in the other hand, Zane soon stood ready for the fight. One of the men fired at him, his gun a powerful semi-automatic. Zane dived behind the sofa, leaving an illusion of himself getting killed where he once stood. He pushed his purple-lensed sunglasses up his nose before looking at the man who walked towards the illusion of Zane?s dead body cautiously. His hair went all spiky and his eyes narrowed greatly to bare slits.

Leaping up behind the man, Zane quickly spun him around, making him look in his demonic eyes. At once, he started to scream uncontrollably, holding his head with his hands. Zane then ran his sword through him, making sure it went all the way up to the hilt. The man?s eyes were bare slits before he reappeared as his normal form ? a wisp-looking fox creature. Its red eyes were screaming in agony before it exploded in a puff of red smoke.

? A kitsune is it? So that?s what they were,? Zane said to himself, his eyes still demonic. He looked at his sword that had no blood on it whatsoever. He turned to the others, making sure he didn?t make eye contact with them.

? Ima, Camilla, Raven. Those two men are kitsunes. They are little fox wisps that can transform into anything they wish. Kill them before you kill the ogres!?

The three women nodded. Zane turned to the red-skinned ogres.
? Your turn.?[/color][/font]

[center]-------------------------------------------------------[/center]

[color=DarkGreen][font=Trebuchet MS]Using her Viper blades, Raven spun around, beheading one red-skinned ogre as it charged her. She quickly changed weapons ? sheathing her swords and bringing out her two guns. Firing them into the ever-oncoming wave of ogres, Raven heard Zane?s warning. She nodded in agreement.

? Camilla, Ima. Take those two guys out now!?

A swinging club came Raven?s way. She back flipped, the club barely missing her. Landing, she brought her guns up and shot the ogre fair between the eyes. The ogre slumped to the ground with a great thud.

Then Raven heard something. Making her way to the balcony, she looked down. There were emergency vehicles everywhere. No doubt someone would have heard the ruckus the Zodiacs had been making.

? Everyone! We have company! Lets make this quick!? Raven shouted over the noise, dodging another swinging club coming her way.[/color][/font]

[Blayze]

[size=1](OOC: I'm not feeling too great about this, but it is time for me to make my departure...)

Kraven's swords swung through the demons, the first rooftop almost cleared by now. K's axe and Asariel's glaive cleaved through the flesh of the demons like butter. The demons slashed with their claws and bit with their teeth, some striking, drawing blood. Kraven's hands were covered in crimson, both his own blood and the blood of the demons. Snarling beasts flew in all directions, and blood flew from bodies to the ground, splattering on the floor.

Kraven fought, laughing in the face of death, but deep down he knew that three people could not win against an ever-increasing tide of darkness. He may have seemed brash on the outside, but on the inside he feared for his life, and the lives of K and Asariel.

They had almost cleared this rooftop, but even more demons seemed to be gathering on the other rooftops. There was a tide of them that seemed as though it would never cease. It seemed as though Leviathan had won.

As K kicked the last of the demons from the rooftop, watching it fall the thirty stories or so to the street, he sighed. He, too, knew that they couldn't win this fight, no matter how hard they tried.

Kraven looked up, and something hit him. He could win. He could beat the demons.

But it came with a cost. But this was one cost he was finally willing to make.

He called over to K.

"K!" he shouted, "Stand well back! This could get very dangerous!" K moved away from Kraven, taking Asariel with him. Kraven threw one sword away, letting it clatter to the ground. With the other, he placed it on the ground in front of him, and closed his eyes. He summoned all the energy he could muster, and a thin stream of blood-red light trickled like fluid down the blade, collecting on the floor where his blade touched the ground. He moved around, and did this action four more times at different points around his body, creating a five-pointed star around himself. Beams of light stretched from point to point, joining the five points up, and a circle of light surrounded them all.

Kraven stood in the middle of this giant pentagram, and the whole symbol began to glow, blazing with deep red light. Kraven opened his arms, and he began to float a few inches off the ground. Ethereal wind whipped up around him, flapping his hair around uncontrollably. His eyes turned crimson, and he opened his mouth and let out a howl like nothing you had ever heard before. light blasted out from his eyes and mouth, into the sky, which had turned stormy and grey. Kraven's wings seemed to grow, becoming bigger and more powerful than before, and he hit the ground a few seconds after, the pentagram fading away.

"What the hell just happened?" asked K, unsure of what Kraven had just done.

"He has summoned the power of hellfire onto himself. He has grown in power, but anyone who has ever tried that before has died. How did he manage?" said Asariel.

"Stand back," said Kraven, his voice deep and booming, seemingly coming from everywhere at once. He turned to the demons over on the other rooftops, and crimson and black flames shot from his body, blasting their way through each and every demon on the rooftops. As the flames hit them, they exploded into clouds of ash.

But Kraven was clearly in pain. His face was contorted in a combination of pain and rage, and blood was steadily dripping from his mouth. But still he was laughing.

Flames shot from his body, flying out in every direction, destroying not only every demon on the rooftops, but every demon for a mile or two radius. Then he stopped, and everything was calm. All the demons were gone, Kraven dropped to one knee.

Another figure appeared on the rooftop. It was the Duke Kraven had seen earlier, Leviathan. He looked shocked about what had just happened to his army.

"How did you do that?" he screamed, "That was over ten thousand demons, and you just destroyed them all! You can't do that!"

Kraven got to his feet, and grabbed the image of Leviathan. Suddenly, the Duke was there, in Kraven's grasp. The demon's power had taken Leviathan from his proper place and brought him here, in less than a second.

"It is time for you to die, Leviathan. You will be the first, but definitely not the last," boomed Kraven, squeezing his hand, and crushing Leviathan's windpipe. His other hand grabbed the Duke's face, and the hellfire that Kraven now possessed turned the Duke to ash, which crumbled in Kraven's grip.

K and Asariel moved over to Kravne to congratulate him, when he fell to his knees, clutching his chest. He coughed, and blood splattered onto the floor.

"What's happening to him?" asked K.

"No-one is supposed to absorb hellfire, not even channel it through their bodies. He is dying," replied Asariel calmly. At this, Kraven got to his feet shakily.

More demons appeared behind them, supposedly to check whether Leviathan was actually gone, and, seeing K and Asariel with Kraven, they moved, ready to attack.

"Get out of here," said Kraven, "I want to see this through to the end." Asariel grabbed K and they started running to the edge of the rooftop. They looked back for a moment.

"Thank you, both of you. I couldn't have picked better people to die for." And then, Kraven did something he had never done before. He smiled at them.

"Now get going," he said, "And tell Reoan that I will be with her again, someday."

K nodded, and Asariel grabbed him, and jumped off the rooftop, flying away towards safety.

Demons flocked towards Kraven, and he grinned for the second time in a few minutes. His body began to fail, and his skin flaked slowly into ash. Then his body fell, and a blinding flash of red and black light blasted from it, destroying the demons that had come to kill him, and taking Kraven's body with it.

All that was left of Kraven was a voice that could be heard on the wind, saying one word:

"Reoan...."
[/size]

[Kamuro]

[SIZE=1]K's boots fell hard upon the ground below, he ran, Asariel at his side. He hadn't had time to comprehend what had just happened, and as he stopped abruptly, so did Asariel. "What are you doing? We have to get out of here!" he shouted. But K stood shook his head, bringing his palm to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "No, we have to go back! It's not right!" he yelled. "Quiet Zodiac, it was his time to go, he has fulfilled his destiny and now it's time for us to do the same," Asariel spoke calmly, disregarding his own feelings for Kraven. "No, thats not fair. His destiny was to die? I refuse to accept that, we control our destiny!" K shouted in passion, a solemn tear streaming down his cheek.

"What's wrong with you?! You didn't even like Kraven, you didn't know him!" shouted Asariel in return. "You wouldn't understand. We had a spiritual bond, I could feel him, and I feared him. He's the first I've ever feared! Doesn't that mean anything?!" he cried. The fallen reared back and his fist plummeted towards K's face, knocking him to the ground. He spit blood from his mouth and looked up towards his comrade. "You know nothing! You know nothing of Kraven! Do you think he'd want you to whine over his demise like this?! It's time to grow up, and move on. Would you have his sacrifice be in vain? His death for nothing?" Asariel shouted, turning from the fallen zodiac.

"I'm sorry," K mumbled as he rose from the ground. "I'll fulfill my destiny, I swear it," he spoke again. "Good," motioned Asariel, "it's time go." As the two ran down a quiet alleyway K could smell the scent of approaching demons. Their stench was unbearable and the smell of death was closing in on their location. "We have to kill the remaining few before they find us and divuldge our position," spoke Asariel. Before K could return a comment they were surrounded. Lower level demons on each side the men drew their weapons. "We have to finish this quickly and get to Reoan," said K, spinning his axe to an attack position. "You're right, let's do this for Kraven," he spoke in return. "You and I will burn his memory into the skull of every demon we meet, we are the final two, guardians of Reoan, brothers and bringers of death," spoke Asariel. The time had finally come for the two to set aside their differences and realize their full potential. Both the fallen and the zodiac, an unlikely pair, but a team uncomparable to any other.

[B]OOC: I was sad to see Fallen go, but I thought it best for his death to truly inspire K and Asariel and make them an unbeatable team. In some ways he was a martyr, but our characters will make sure he lives on, and the trio has now become a duo of immense power. Hope this is alright with you Lucid.[/B][/SIZE]

[Seibzeihn]

[color=darkred][size=1][b]OOC: I don't think I need to tell you again that everything you posted is fine, heh, considering I already did so via PM :D[/b]





[i]I was frozen in time, but I feel as if my time is just beginning...[/i]

....

[i]I have waited centuries for this moment. The rivers will flow with the blood of those who oppose us...[/i]

....

[i]For Kraven, and for all those who gave their lives in vain...We will finish this![/i]

Asariel's glaive became a blur as he spun it with one hand almost effortlessly, his jaw set grimly. One he had respected has given his life to fulfil what they had all set out to do...but it was far from over. The fallen had never looked upon martyrs with the respect he now felt for Kraven -- but that respect had brought nothing when he had drawn so deeply upon the fires of Hell, sealing his own fate. Asariel had felt helplessness like that only once before in his long lifetime, and it was an event he wished every day that he could forget. And he felt deep within himself, next to another name engraved in flames upon his heart, Kraven's name burned alongside it. His sacrifice would never be forgotten. So Asariel swore.

Now, face-to-face with the remnants of those Kraven had given himself to destroy, Asariel was filled with a cool, slow-smouldering fury that spread through his body. Every muscle tensed, battle-light shining in his violet eyes. Back to back with K, the only other who bore with Asariel the weight of Kraven's sacrifice, Asariel roared to the foes that surrounded him.

[i]"We are coming for you, hellspawn! K and I shall be the dark wings that carry you all to your deaths!"[/i]

The clash of steel heralded the start of the battle. [/color][/size]

[Kamuro]

[SIZE=1][I]Every story must have an ending...[/I]

K's eyes were closed, he could feel the heat from the nearby glaive of Asariel, small cinders floating through the air and hinting at his nose. However, the pleasant scent of heavenly fire would soon be tarnished by the foul stench of demon blood. His back was pressed to that of his partner and he could sense demons in every direction. They'd encircled the pair and planned to strike from all angles in an unavoidable attack.

And as the group ran forward the two jumped, claws and metal from the demonic weapons clashing below. K's feet met those of Asariel and they were both propelled in opposite directions, reaching the edge of the crowd on both sides. And so they began, each man fighting his way towards the middle. K could feel the presence of Kraven, giving him strength, guiding his axe as it cut through even the toughest of demon hide.

He spun his axe overhead, lowering it to his right side yet continuing the spin, gaining momentum as he softly released it. And so it flew, leaving trails of fallen monsters in it's path, causing a rampage of it's very own. And as it did K fought hand to hand with the demons. They were nothing to powerful, Kraven had done away with all the enemies actually worthy of fighting the duo. And as they continually ran forward he effortlessly ripped his gloved hands through their bodies. Grabbing a head here and there and crushing the skull in his bare hands.

As he jumped from the crowd his axe returned to his soiled grip, demon blood soaking the handle and dripping down to the very tip. And as he plummeted towards the ground he swung the axe overhead, slicing through a large demon, and smiling as the body split into two even pieces. The fallen and zodiac would be the only two leaving here alive, K would make sure of that.

[I]This is my story. It'll go the way I want, or I'll end it here...[/I]

[B]OOC: I left the story open so Lucid could do some fighting if he wants. We'll be done here pretty soon and able to return to Reoan.[/B][/SIZE]

[lil kitsune boy]

'You ok, babe?' Ben asked, smirking.

'What did you just-?' Reoan began, 'You simply enjoy working on people's nerves, don't you?'

Ben's smirk grew into a mischevious grin, 'You caught that, did you?'

Reoan could barely stop herself from smiling.

'I caught that.' Ben said, smiling as he helped her stand up straight, 'So, what's next? We go find these other two?'

[Astdis]

[COLOR=DarkRed][COLOR=RoyalBlue][B]"So who is Luminous?"[/B][/COLOR]

[B][COLOR=DimGray]"He is the dragon leader."[/COLOR][/B]

Kariz leaned in the doorway to the bedrooms, facing Kadar. She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him. He looked over at her and shrugged. She rolled her eyes, sighed and went into the bedroom, sitting next to Ima who was looking out the window.

[B]?I got your message.?[/B]

Ima?s eyes lit up[B] [COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]?It worked then?? Oh good, I was hoping I?d be able to? are you ok?? [/COLOR] [/B] she said, pausing to look at the back of Kariz?s head. Kariz raised a hand and passed it over the blood-caked patch.

[B]?Yeah, I should be. We got in a fight of our own back there? Ben took off.?[/B]

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue][B]?He what?!? [/B] [/COLOR]

[B]?Just what I said, he?s gone. Left right after the fight. I?m shocked he stuck around as long as he did, except for he got some good fighting in.? [/B] Kariz stood and walked to the window looking out on the street.

[B][COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]?OK, but where would he??[/COLOR][/B]

[B]?Back to Reoan, where else.? [/B] [I]Like she gave a damn.[/I]

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue][B]?That kinda weakens us doesn?t it??[/B][/COLOR]

[B]?I doubt it. We?re fine on our own.?[/B]

Ima stayed quiet for a second as if think that over.

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue][B]?So what do we do now??[/B][/COLOR]

Kariz shook her head, still gazing down at the street below. [B]?We move on, we keep fighting, we keep going till our task is done. That?s all I got for ya babe.?[/B]

Ima nodded and walked over to Kariz, patting her shoulder before leaving the room. Kariz zoned out, staring through the life playing out on the street. [I]She had felt an animal move inside her during that fight. The fury she?d felt at being held as a hostage, then the pain of the gun butt, then the run from the building. Something deep within her had bared its teeth and clawed out at the man who held her. It had purred and rubbed like warm fur against her insides. She had smelled the blood on herself and the others while in the car, and she had liked it. [/I]

Kariz continued to watch the people, hurrying about the market place. Opening up stalls that had closed during Raven?s storm. Shaking out umbrellas and chasing children who had strayed into the deepening puddles.

[I]Kadar would have a speech or explanation for them soon. They?d ask their questions, compare notes, then move on to the next destination.[/I] She glanced toward the door. [I]No, she needed to get the blood out of her hair and off her body. Maybe she?d talk to Kadar one on one later. Right now, she needed a shower. [/I] [/COLOR]