RPG Castlevania: Requiem of eternal Reminiscence

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis' sixteenth birthday was a cause for celebration. He'd recieved his grandfather's whip and sword, including the armor and DSS cards. He stared across the Vania Lake, wistfully looking at Castlevania, the legendary location of Dracula. Artemis clenched his fist, looking on with remorse in his eyes. Suddenly, a memory fell upon him...[/i]

[b][u]Nine years earlier...[/b][/u]

[b]Nathan:[/b]Artie, you must take up my whip! If Dracula is allowed to rise again, we shall all suffer great pains! He must not be allowed to rise, for the great Belmont family has fallen, letting the burden of his destruction to us, the Graves family. NOW FIGHT ME!

[i]Seven-year-old Artemis felt the sting of the Hunter Whip many times . His cuts and gashes from the blasted thing numbered a thousand times a thousand. But he knew that on his sixteenth birthday, his destiny would call him...

A shriek pierced the sky, bringing Artemis to his senses. A Harpy held his mother, ripping her throat out. Nathan Graves, well over ninety, had died years earlie, leaving Artemis' training complete, but not Artemis' life. With Artemis' mother dead, he was alone. He drew out his whip, killing the beast in one fell attack. He looked out to the crumbled castle, only to see thaqt it was crumbled no more...

Alucard Fahrenheit Tepes awoke in his coffin. He felt his father's encroaching evil within his heart, and he let out one telepathic call for help to all the Vampire Hunters chosen by destiny before the evil took him over. Strangely, his father had gained power over a Belmont. He gasped as he felt the evils rise within him. He saw, in the corner of his mind, the opponent that would release him from his curse. Artemis was angry...[/i][/color]

[Heartless Me]

OOC Note: Noone knows or can tell IC that Percival is ACTUALLY evil. He has the same goal as everyone else in a way.

Percival stared up at the ominous structure of castlevania before him. His hand on his whip and sword he entered the forest to slay the one who thought was in control of him. A decade in the past he felt the pull of evil and gave in to promises of power and control. Now the demons within him conspire against the lord of darkness, Dracula, and plan to take his power for their own using any means necessary.

"The time has come monster, your end is now and your power will be mine!"

he drew his sword and walked into the fortress of horrors.
The courtyard was suprisingly lush with life, though not the life one would want to see. flesh eating grass, Giant carnivorous venus traps and razorleaf bushes. He paused and thought about how he would get through this predicament unharmed.

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis dashed into the village where he lived. He ran into his house to gather his things. He smelled smoke from nowhere, and raised his eyes when he was done collecting his artifacts. His eyes beheld a scene of true horror. The village that had long since stood in the shadows of Castlevania Range now burned as if it were Hell itself. Artemis clutched his whip as he heard words echo, words that had echoed long ago in the same village.[/i]

[b]Cornell(from outside):[/b]ADA! ADA! ADAAAAA!!!!!

[i]Artemis ran outside, seeing a man-wolf dashing into the forest towards the Vania Lake's dock, where the servant of the dead, the ferryman Charon, was waiting to bring many hopeful Hunters to their deaths at Castlevania. Artemis silently wished the man-wolf luck, only to turn and see a huge skeleton hunching over like an ape, preparing to kill Artemis with its giant bone club. Artemis dodged the attack with a back-flip, rolling backwards as he landed to get more distance between him and the Skeletoris. He pulled out his whip. Suddenly, a shadow loomed out after the Skeletoris. The vampiric face of Alucard appeared beside the beast, holding it at bay.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Alucard! Help me! Once again, you are needed to aid in the destruction of your father!

[b]Alucard:[/b]HA! Artemis, you are well skilled. I see you learned the techniques of all the Belmonts, as did your trainer Nathan Graves.
So, boy, will you test them against Skeletoris? FIGHT!

[i]Alucard disappeared, and the demon let out a rattling roar. The club swooped down onto Artemis, knocking him into a stone wall. Suddenly, Artemis' anger flowed into his whip, and he began to chant in the ancient forgotten language of the True Hunter.

[b]Artemis:[/b][i]Geddus hiejiu, geddus kala, elkia karan felnior Morning Star. Whlipa dearia ferikas nej Akimajou Dracula![/i]

[i]His whip began to glow, and Artemis began chanting in English the selfsame words he'd chanted in a language he'd never heard a word of.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Gods of power, gods of might, grant me the Morning Star light. An evil arisen must now in Hell sing. My whip shall kill the Vampire King!

[i]He jumped into the air, his whip glowing, altering into a long beam of golden light. It had become the Vampire Killer, the ultimate whip for a Hunter to carry, one that only a True hunter could carry without death. Artemis swung the Killer into the Skeletoris, destroying its legs rapidly by decay. It fell to the ground, crawling towards him slowly, but surely. It raised the club again, preparing a final strike. Artemis spun his whip in a circular motion, cutting the beast to shreds. Artemis fell to the ground, his foe conquered, and began to sleep, visions of his mother's death haunting him violently. He'd no idea that he'd awaken in the hut of a young woman named Misty Renarde...[/i][/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=blue][size=1] Carrie trudged along the road. [i]Great,[/i] she though miserably. [i] I'm going to arrive covered in mud. Brilliant way for a famed witch to present herself.[/i]Frustration builded inside her, and she screamed in fury. The wind suddenly picked up and the rain poured harder. Carrie cursed. She couldn't even get angry without the weather mocking her.

Walking further along the lane, she made her way to the cottage, and entered it. It belonged to a woman called Misty Renarde. Looking about, she saw Misty, and another man in the room.

"Who are you?" She asked the man futilely, for it was obvious he was out cold. Misty was obviously dead-tired, for she didn't stir as Carrie made her way around the house.

Carrie lay down and closed her eyes. She'd talk to them when she woke up. [/color][/size]

[Corey]

[b]Whore-[/b] "Well hello big-boy. How would you like to come upstairs after your game and have a go with me?" I looked up into the whores smooth, teenager face, and smiled.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "I thankyou kindly for your tempting offer miss, but no. Now please take your buisiness elsewhere and leave me to my game of Castles." I looked down at the board and moved my Horse. "Castle." The man across from me looked at me with angered eyes and stalked out of the place. I smiled again and walked up to the bar.

[b]Bartender-[/b] "What can I get for you sir?" I pointed at a bottle of odd blue liquid.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "What is that?" The man too it down from the shelf and poured about ten drops into a glass.

[b]Bartender-[/b] "Find out for yourself." I picked up the glass slowly and raised it to my lips. The blue liquid fel into my open mouth and ran down my throat. I swallowed.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Soooo..." The man looked at me in shock.

[b]Bartender-[/b] "That should have put you on your back! What are you?!" Something flared in the back of my mind. Everything around me went gray. I jerked, startled. I stood up and looked around. I couldn't hear anything either. I put a gold piece on the bar and walked outside. Color! I saw some color. It was east... Still east. I had a little farther to go. Everything went back to normal and the pulsing red light was gone from the horizon. I hiked my pack back up onto my back and started walking again. Soon I would find what I was looking for.

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis struggled awake, his arm limp. He sat up, his head raging with a headache. Artemis looked around. He was in a humble cottage, far off in the forest. Artemis stood, seeing a portrait of a lovely woman on the wall. He stared at it for a while, his heart pounding furiously. He shook his head, clearing it, and heard soft breathing on the floor. Laying down on a mat, a young woman, the one from the portrait, breathed gently underneath a thin silken sheet. He saw a set of scanty clothes on the floor next to her, and he blushed extremely heavily. He looked around, getting an idea for her help in healing his bruised body. By his adept mind, he judged the time he was asleep about four days. He walked outside, grabbing the hatchet in the chopping block. He walked over to the forest, cutting a tree down, then shearing it into lumber with help from his Mars/Thunderbird DSS cards, allowing his blade to be extremely sharp and accurate. Artemis lugged the blocks back, filling the empty wood box with them. He then trudged out to the river, catching four redfish for supper. As he walked back, he grabbed a small bucket and filled the water urn outside the door, providing water for about three weeks. He hoped he'd done all the chores correctly, then he found he'd forgotten one thing. He rushed back out the door, shearing the remains of the tree he'd chopped earlier into fine thatching. He focused his energy, buckled his knees, and jumped onto the roof, landing with the lightest puff of air. He began rethatching the roof, having noticed the rain coming on and the roof badly in need of repair. He leaped down, his body tired after the three hours of work he'd just pulled off. he found himself looking at the girl again, and underneath her portrait was the name Misty Renarde. He smiled, thinking that it was a nice name. He climbed back in bed after scribbling a note for Misty, explaining that he'd done the chores. He tied a blue bandana on his sore arm, then laid down on the bed. Almost instantly, he was overcome by sleep and dreams of a beautiful girl named Misty Renarde...[/i][/color]

[Yoda]

[COLOR=darkred]He came suddenly, out of the mountains, Lord of the Demon's redeemed, Master of the Axe of Ralvenar. He was Asteroth, prophecised ruler of the Maxim Kishine. He was here, looking for Artemis, and he could feel him, as he always could... it was his purpose to find him. He could see the town below, still partly aflame... the dark forces had prepared this for him. With giant strides his boots trudged through the thick mud, and he walked without fear towards the town below.

His axe, almost as big as he was, rested upon his left shoulder... and he braced it more tightly as they came to meet him. The skeletoris, the ones that had hidden, and not suffered the wrath of Artemis, they had ran into hills for an ambush on Artemis when he slept, but now they fancied their chances with Asteroth. The first rached him, his giant bone club above his head, rady to strike. Asteroth yelled in fury, and with one mighty arm he tore the head from his attacker. The next one, who was beside the beheaded, got around behind Asteroth, and clubbed him in the back with his weapon. Asteroth turned, he wasn't harmed, just angrier. He turned, taking his axe with his hands, and severed the skeletoris in half. One more remained, and fear was evident in him. Asteroth turned his axe on is side, and swung, hitting the skeletoris with the thick metal side, making him shatter. Asteroth walked over to the final skeletoris skull, which was still in one piece. Asteroth spoke, his voice would scare anyone put the most evil of foes, as it was filled with anger and rage, and with the power of a thousand demons combined!

[B]Asteroth:[/B] Olbiad therok sekuum. AIDEM!

Asteroth raised his giant foot, and shattered the skeletoris' skull with it. He focused again on the spirit of Artemis, and he felt calm where he was, calm and peace. Artemis was resting, and his dreams were not troubled. Asteroth marched unguided into the town, the villahers that had survived the blaze stared and him with fear, but yet they knew he was not evil. He marched upto a door... he knew Artemis was inside. He waited... si,ently as the door, and he felt Artemis awaken, Artemis knew someone was waiting for him.[/COLOR]

[Talon]

[COLOR=ROYAL BLUE][i]Artemis awoke, Misty still sleeping peacefully. He stared at her, feeling someone, or someTHING, behind the door. he walked outside, sensing the presence of the legendary Asteroth. He dodged forward, avoiding the axe just by the skin of his teeth. He turned, seeing the almost playful smile in Asteroth's eyes.[/i]

[b]Asteroth:[/b]Yes. Indeed, you are as skilled as the prophecy portained. You, and only you, can outmatch me in skill, guile, and speed. Nothing besides can defeat Dracula. I pledge my allegiance to you. I see you are busy with the chores of this household. I suppose I shall either sleep outdoors or in the inn.

[b]Artemis:[/b]As for your allegiance, I accept it heartily. By the bone chips on your axe,I see that you rid the village of those small Skeletoris, though the gargantuan one bewitched by Alucard was my trophy. As for the question of where you will sleep this unholy night, I advise thee bed down in the inn not three miles from here. I bid thee good night friend Asteroth.

[i]As Asteroth walked away towards the inn, vowing to return to Artemis' side when the quest truly began, Artemis turned and saw Misty awake, wondering at why the roof wasn't leaking as it usually did, why the fire was burning for she'd never gotten wood for the wood box, and why there was water in the water urn by the door. She then turned to the door to see the muscular figure of Artemis standing in the rain. Her eyes met his, and he felt something he hadn't felt before.[/i]

[b]Artemis(thinking):[/b][i]Why do I feel this way around her? What's wrong with me? Is this what mom called love? If it is, then it's a good thing the church declared me an adult by age fifteen. I... yes. She'd make a nice wife, if she would have me for a husband. Ih, what am I thinking? She'd never like me, the demonic human cursed to destroy Dracula. Alas. Maybe she would like me, but I'd better not be too hopeful...[/i]

[i]As he was thinking this, Misty was dragging him inside to warm up by the fire. Artemis wondered what she was thinking...[/i][/color]

[Avalon]

[color=red][size=1]As they sat by the fire, Misty couldn't help but glance at the charming man on side of her...

[I]Why am I so intrigued with this man? It's something about him...I can't put my finger on it. Something just makes me...no, I can't...I must not...but look at him. He's...he's...I must get my thoughts together. [/I] Misty continued pondering about the young man on side of her...[/color][/size]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=firebrick][size=1] Carrie woke up and rubbed her eyes, sitting up from the kitchen floor. She'd slept here last night. Wondering where Misty was, she moved into the big room, finding the man and Misty staring at each other. Carrie paused and watched trying not to interrupt anything.

[b]Carrie:[/b](muttering) I'll go make breakfast, then.

She left, wondering what was going on between the two. [/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis stood, still wondering about her, and walked into the kitchen to see Carrie about to fix breakfast. He quickly walked over to the fire and pulled a pan from its hook over the drain basin. He cracked eight eggs into the pan, scrambling them nicely, then cooking them over the fire. After that, he plopped the eggs onto a wooden plate, leaving Carrie to be amazed at his use of spices and movements. He then turned and cracked two more eggs into the pan, frying them for himself. He looked to the pantry and found some hominy and bacon, and within an hour the wonderful aroma of bacon, eggs, and grits filled the house. Misty walked in to see Artemis setting the table and Carrie sitting at the table, looking at the man as if he were a wizard. Misty sat down, at which time Artemis set the food plates on the table and allowed the girls to help themselves. He stared outside at the falling rain, wishing he could dance with Misty for some reason. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of such thought and clear his mind, but his attempt was futile.[/i][/color]

[Avalon]

[color=red][size=1]After they finished eating, Misty decided to clean the dishes, since Artemis and Carrie cooked the breakfast themselves. As she was washing dishes, she couldn't help but feel that she was being watched. She smiled, she liked attention and whoever the onlooker was must have liked her company. She washed her hands clean, drying them on her little rag. She turned around only to look into the eyes of...Artemis.

"Why, you gave me such a fright." Misty said, jumping back in shock.

Artemis smiled, looking at her. "I apologize, Miss Renarde. I didn't mean to frighten you in the least bit. I was just..." he turned around, blushing slightly. "going to ask if you needed anything else done."

Misty smiled, "Well there is something. I'm going to the market in a minute. It isn't safe for a girl like me in those parts. I would like for you to accompany me there, dear sir, if you wish, of course."

"Um, yes that would be quite alright."

Misty clapped her hands, "Great! Just let me get changed and we can go."

After she spoke, Misty left to get changed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~30 minutes later...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, I'm ready." Misty spoke, stepping into the room dressed in her tight blue skirt with her red halter shirt. She fastened her red boots while holding her staff. Artemis looked at her, mouth opening to speak but no words to come out.

"Are you ready?" she said, smiling.

Artemis cleared his throat, "Um, yes. Let's go then."

"Yes, lets."[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis jumped into the trees he was at home in, letting Misty feel that she had some breathing room. It also would make any thieves believe that Misty was alone and unguarded, making her a prime target. To Artemis, that was a prime chance to gain information on Dracula's allies and foes. About twenty minutes into the journey , while Misty was humming the most beautiful song Artemis had ever heard, an all-too-familiar shadow appeared in the roadway. The sharp, rattling noise of its breath, the hooded black cloak, and the cruel, lethal scythe. It was Death himself. Having forgotten about Artemis, Misty screamed, but calmed down as Death pulled out a bell, ringing it once.[/i]

[b]Misty:[/b]What is tha-

[i]Death cut her off with the familiar rhyme.[/i]

[b]Death:[/b]Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee! You may be a king or a child street sweeper, but sooner or later you meet with the Reaper...

[i]He brandished his scythe, grinning maniacally at Misty, who screamed again. Suddenly, someone's strong grip taking her out of harm's way silenced the scream abruptly. She had time enough to see Artemis' arm trail blood as the sickle's point dragged across his arm. Artemis cried out, dashing backwards and letting Misty recuperate from the shock. He pulled out Alaris, wielding it at Death. He jumped into the air, cleaving the wind itself, splitting Death's scythe in half. Death growled evilly and vanished, leaving a message hanging in the gloom of the drizzly morning.[/i]

[b]Death:[/b]Urr! You shall pay, fool. You stank like a Graves in that fight, all the more interesting, for your name is where i shall take you before your quest ends!

[i]Artemis took the shivering Misty in his arms, whispering softly in her ear.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Shh. It's okay now. I'll protect you, I'm here. I won't leave you.

[b]Misty:[/b]Th....thank you. Artemis....I....I love you.

[i]the words had come out of their own accord, and before Artemis could think, he'd muttered a reply.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]I love you, too, Misty.

[i]As the rain softened and faded, Artemis held Misty closer, drwing her nearer to him. As the first birds of the morning began to chirp, a more peaceful sound than had ever been chirped before, thought Artemis, he and Misty embraced each other and kissed, fully aware that the shopkeepers had seen the fight and the kiss...[/i][/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=firebrick][size=1] Carrie knew that Misty and Artemis had left, which was good. Carrie had just been dropping by to rest, anyway. She had to go find Asteroth. Asteroth could find the grand son of Nathan, so that they could kill Dracula. Dracula was ripping too many lives apart, and it had to stop. They had to find the hunters.

Carrie walked along a path covered by leaves, glad that because of the rain last night that they didn't make any sound. Pausing, Carrie listened. There. Stepping towards the sound, she reached for an arrow and fitted it to her bow. Whispering, she asked, "Asteroth? Is that you?" Knowing that he'd hear it if it was. He had exceptional hearing.

Asteroth jumped out of the tree. "Carrie."

"I need your help."

"What with?"

"I need to find the hunters."

"Now? Why? Why not a few days ago?"

"The time is right now."

"Okay. You're the one who knows." There was a shrug in his voice.

"Thank you. First we need to find Nathan's. Sylpha always said he was the most needed. And we need Misty."

"Yeah."

"Okay," Carrie said, turning around to think. It was a nervous gesture, and always seemed to calm her down. "We can do this. Can't we?" [/color][/size]

[Corey]

The rain has stopped but that didn't mean that I wasn't drenched. I strode back into the bar and walked up to the man behind the counter.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Might you have any rooms sir? I am ever so wet and my destination is a good five miles away." He looked me up and down.

[b]Bartender-[/b] "Ahhh.. Your the powerful drinker. You've been gone, what? Two hours? Yes I have a room. Twenty gold coins. Thirty now. You get your extra ten back when you hand me the key." I sighed and plunked thirty cinds into his outstreached hand. He dropped the key in mine, and pointed toward the stairs. I walked up, leaving streaks of water on the bare wooden stairs. I got up to room nuber six and opened it. I was greeted with a scream and a cereamic pot thrown at me.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Sorry sir, and miss." Someone had been conducting her buisiness in that room. I looked at the door. It was nuber nine. The top screw had fallen down and made it look like a six. I walked down to the real room six and went in. There was a bed and a chamber pot. I sighed and undressed. I layed down on the bed and put the key on the dresser. Instead of drying off, dressing, and making and inventory of my dry things, I fell asleep.

[Avalon]

After the seemingly long kiss, Misty stared down at the ground, her long blue locks covering her face as she walked with Artemis by her side. After shopping, she finally looked at him...her face still pink in hue...

"Artemis, would you mind if I went somewhere? I need to think about this...situation. Could you bring the groceries home, please?"

Artemis looked at him, "Yes, I understand and I'll take them home."

As he took the bags from her, he whispered in her ear, "Be safe and come back to thee."

Misty stared at him and then slowly walked away...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3 hours later...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What shall you have, madam?" the bartender asked, looking at the sullen girl.

"Anything to take the pain of love away." the girl replied, with her head down.

"Well, I'm afraid there is nothing that can do such but a good gin and tonic would do good for you, I guess..." and the bartender prepared the drink.

Misty sighed, putting her head down on the bar. She was so preoccupied that she didn't see the bartender hand her the drink.

"I'll pay for it." a man behind her spoke, handing the bartender a few coins.

Misty turned her head to see the face of an familar man..."Misty, long time no see."

She blinked many times, unbelievable to her eyes...then she smirked, looking at the unique man. "Why Ryan, fancy seeing you there. I would have thought that you would be hanging around brothels and bars of this such...why do you seek me?"

Ryan chuckled, "Do I have to have a reason for seeing you, my sweet? If you don't remember, we did have quite a past together..."

"And that's exactly where it will stay." she replied, drinking the drink and walking out of the bar. Ryan ran after her...

"It's much too dark for a girl like you to be roaming the streets."

"And what exactly are you imposing?" she defensed, looking at him hotly.

"Nothing, nothing...just let me take you home."

"I rather walk..." she began, starting to walk away fast, while Ryan hopped on his horse.

"Come on...please? Forget about what happened, I just want you safe." Misty looked at him, then decided to go.

As they rode, Misty couldn't help but think about Artemis...

"Well, we're here." Misty spoke, hopping off the horse. "Goodbye Ryan."

"Hey, you aren't going to invite me in?"

"I have company..." she spoke, "Besides, you haven't been in here in a year..." she was cut off by Artemis coming to the door.

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis saw Misty and ryan. He felt not in the least intimidated. Behind Ryan stood Asteroth and Carrie. Artemis decided to risk something. His identity.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Good to see you, sir. Now, um... Misty, my dear, I don't believe you've met Asteroth. He is here to aid me in the destruction of Dracula.

[b]Carrie:[/b]What do you mean, aid YOU?!? You'd have to be the legendary Prince of Alarisia-

[i]Artemis finished the sentence for her.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Artemis Graves, beholder of the whip-sword-shield emblem on the back of the hand.

[i]He peeled back his gauntlet, revealing the Graves' legendary emblem of the Darius, the combination of a whip, a sword, and a shield. Misty began to tear up as she realized she was in love with the hero who would save all of mankind. That was what Death meant by "stank like a Graves", she thought. And no wonder he'd found Death himself as challenging a dormouse. She smiled as she wrapped her amrs around him. Ryan needed no incentive to realize that he, too, was going on this journey. They looked towards the Castlevania.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]First, we pass through the Haunted Mire, then the Lake of Death, then the Misery Forest, and the final level of difficulty shall be the multiple towers and halls of Castlevania. Let us begin this quest![/color]

[Edge_the_Ninja]

Hey is it too late for me to join or not?? cause this looks cool... God I love Castlevania......

[Talon]

[color=royal blue]OOC:Umm....wrong kinda stats there. Well, i'll take this opportunity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[i]Artemis set off with the others, heading into the Haunted Mire. They trudged on and on for hours with no mayhap or mishap, except to pull their boots out of the occasional quicksand pool. Artemis suddenly looked out into the mire, seeing something wolfish there. Cornell dashed onto him, pinning him to the ground and biting him. Artemis blinked out of consciousness as Cornell saw who he was and bounded off again, smelling for his lost sister. the last thing Artemis saw was an inn about twelve feet away...

He awoke. He was sitting upright in a bed, Misty asleep at his side. He looked down and found himself clotheless again, except for his longjohns. He looked to find his garb, and he saw it on a chair next to Misty's gear. He blushed furiously, trying to avoid peeking under the sheets to see if she really was dressed the same as he was at the time. he jumped out of bed, and it hit him. A wave of smells, scents, and aromas caressed and battered his sense of smell. At the same time, a blast of noises, sounds, voices, and harmonious music racked his hearing. He noticed that he was more accutely aware. He could see, smell, hear, feel, and even taste much better than before. He looked and found Cornell's bite marks. he'd become a man-beast. It was a full moon, though he did not change. He realized that he could change at will. He decided not to scare the others, not yet anyway. He looked back at Misty's peacefully sleeping form, and then looked out the window. He saw Asteroth and Ryan sparring with each other, and he decided to jump out and try his hand against them. Absently, a thought crossed his mind, one that clearly said "They're no match for me, but hey, why not spar and get them ready?". He smiled to himself as he kissed Misty one last time before jumping out the window, not realizing he'd awakened her.[/i][/color]

[Avalon]

[color=red][size=1]Misty sat up in bed as soon as Artemis left and smiled. She hopped out of bed and threw on a silk nightgown, opening the door for her to leave. As she approached the kitchen, Carrie called her.

"Yes?" she spoke, looking into Carrie's face.

"Pardon me if I sound rude, but I simply must know why exactly are you hiding from him. I mean, we can all see that you are hiding something, so what is it?"

Misty blinked a few times. She couldn't believe she was that obvious.
"Well," she begin, "I am not the shy, quite embarrassed, defenseless girl that I put on. I am all but the opposite."

She turned to her, "Truth is, I'm protecting myself."

"From what?" Carrie asked, as Misty walked into the kitchen and began preparing breakfast.

"My grandmother and his grandfather were involved with each other. He didn't want a wife who fought or who was bossy or things of the sort. He, as all Graves, want a woman who is dainty, shy and embarrassed...someone who is worthy of a Graves man."

Carrie looked at her, "And how do you know he is like all Graves men?"

"Because he is of Graves blood, of course."

"Well, I could not be someone that I am not." she spoke, helping her set up the plates.

"I will take your words in kindness. I shall show my true self today....and shall see if he will take me." Misty walked away from her, grabbing her katana safely hidden in her bag.

She approached the men, drawing out her sword, smiling wickedly behind Artemis. "Do you mind if I play too?"[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]The blood pounding in his ears, Artemis smiled as she spoke. He glanced away a half-aimed strike from Ryan and smiled even more.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Of course. You think-UNGH-that I don't like girls who can fight? It'd make my job easier and more inte-ARGH-resting if you'd spar with me. By the way, I noticed the katana in your bag the day we met. And I noticed that your scream when Death was near was fake, though you did realize that you could have died at any time. By the way, my hearing is the best of any man's. I heard the whole conversation. I am NOT like all Graves men. My mother was a Lecarde.

[i]Misty blushed fiercely as she drew out her katana, slashing so hard Artemis almost failed to parry the attack. As she drew a breath for a second attack, however, a loud, harsh laugh echoed through the mire. It was the sound of the vilest demon under Dracula's wing, the Succubus.[/i][/color]

[James]

A young woman clutched her husband's arm eagerly. She had been waiting for this day for years and finally it had come.

The line of people infront of her was vast. Some of the most important dignitaries of Moldavia were in attendance this year. It was always the dream of young women to marry a rich man and become part of a wealthy and influential family.

This particular Annual Ball was especially noteable; Prince Vlad Voivode was in attendance. Though it was apparent to most of the ball's visitors that he had not been seen all evening. Most assumed that he had more important business to attend to. But nevertheless, there were countless men who had brought their virgin daughters to the ball with the hope of winning the Prince's acclaim.

As the young woman entered the reception area, her long white dress became enveloped in the soft glow of enormous overhead chandeliers. Despite the fact that he was holding her hand, the woman's husband did not seem interested in his wife whatsoever. She noticed that he was paying far more attention to the many single young maids who were in attendance.

She carefully released herself from her husband's grip, to which he responded by grabbing her arm forcefully and glaring at her.

"What are you doing?", he snapped quietly, so as not to arouse interest from passers-by. "I was just going to find something suitable for you to drink, my love", his wife replied as she nervously looked around the room.

Her reply must have been satisfactory, because he instantly released his wife's arm and spun around in the opposite direction.

The woman made her way through reception toward a large oak table, which was decorated with hand-made ornaments and featured large platters containing various delicacies.

Standing at the other end of the table was a man. She noticed him instantly. She glanced at him and smiled, as she continued to walk towards the large wine bar at the opposite end of the room. Upon reaching the bar, she noticed a large crowd infront of her. So she stood behind them and waited, hoping to gain entry when a few people had received their drinks.

Within only a few minutes, she felt tired. She felt exhausted, as though she'd been standing there all day. Upon looking up at a clock on the wall, however, she noticed that she'd only been standing there for two minutes.

She looked around uneasily. The air around her felt warmer than before...as though someone had lit a fire in the room. And suddenly, the temperature cooled down again. She felt faint...and she felt herself falling backwards slowly. The entire world slowed down for just a moment. She could feel herself falling through the air, as light as a feather.

And as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. She opened her eyes and saw the man that she had seen before. He was holding her in his arms.

He spoke with a slow, deliberate tone. As if he knew exactly what he was going to say.

"My dear, are you hurt?", he inquired. His eyes were green. Or maybe they weren't, she didn't know. Sometimes they were green and sometimes they were red. And sometimes they were many shades of color all at once. They seemed to change every time she blinked.

"I-I'm fine. Thank you, sir.", she muttered softly. She couldn't stop looking into his eyes. She could see fire dancing in each iris. And beyond, she thought she could see mountains and valleys stretching far into the distance...

The man reached down and took her hand, kissing it softly.

"What is your name, my dear?"

"My name is Anne..."

She stuttered. Though she didn't feel embarassed in this man's presence. She was more frightened than she'd been in her life, but she also felt calm and peaceful. The mix of emotions was so alien to her, that she felt completely indifferent to the situation itself.

"Your name is lovely, madame. I am Prince Voivode of Moldavia, pleased to meet you." The Prince removed his grey top-hat and bowed ever so slightly.

Anne blinked. Was it really him? His clothing, though somewhat recognizable, also had an exotic flavour.

The Prince never stopped peering into her eyes. Even when he bowed, he didn't shift his gaze for one second. Anne noticed that he didn't even blink, though given her current state of confusion, it was of little significance to her.

The Prince gently took her gloved hand and gestured for her to follow him. "I have never attended the Annual Ball. I would very much like a partner to talk to, if you have the available time, madame."

Anne nodded. "Yes, sir. I would be happy to sit in your company."

Anne remembered very little of that night. She didn't quite remember what her discussions with the Prince entailed. But she remembered his passionate eyes and his handsome face. She sat up in her elaborate four-poster bed and then stood up next to it. She walked over to a large mirror nearby and produced a small wooden brush from the top drawer.

As she brushed her hair absently, she noticed something in the mirror. The side of her neck was red. She pulled her hair back slowly and saw it; two small red indentations on one side...

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]The beast-woman bore down on Artemis, her half-naked body mesmerizing Ryan. She flew down, trying to get Artemis into her charms. Artemis merely flung his whip, scattering her flight. She landed and began singing, mesmerizing even Misty with its melody. Artemis began to falter, but then a voice called out. It came from an old, rusted spear stuck in the swampy ground.[/i]

[b]Eric Lecarde:[/b]My great-grandson....grab the spear. It is the Alcarde Spear! Its magic will protect you from the Succubus...TAKE IT!

[i]As Artemis marveled at the fact that Eric Lecarde was his great-grandfather, he took the spear, which instantly was restored to its former luster and strength. It began to glow, its end glowing in a fierce light, and Artemis repeated the words he spoke when he fought the Giant Skeletoris...[/i][/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=firebrick][size=1] Carrie watched as the succubus started attacking. Forgetting herself, she reached into her bag and pulled out a sketchbook and charcoal, starting to sketch the creature. Then it started singing, and the three stopped and stared. "Oh, for the love of..." Carrie stood up and shrieked, wind whipping the Succubus around until Artemis could get his spear ready.

When he had, she stopped, reseated herself, and continued sketching. [/color][/size]

[Talon]

[color=royal blue][b]Artemis:[/b][i]Geddus hiejiu, geddus kala, elkia karan felnior Morning Star. Whlipa dearia ferikas nej Akimajou Dracula![/i]

[i]The same strange light began to glow from within Artemis' body, but the Succubus stood ready for Artemis to attack. No matter how hard Artemis tried, he coouldn't hit her. The spear was strong and fast, but it couldn't change directions like a whip could. Artemis was getting madder and madder, and the succubus just kept on singing and attacking. Finally, Artemis pulled out to DSS cards, the Salamander and Pluto cards. He muttered the spell, activating their power to perform an Item Crush. He pulled out his Stopwatch, a magical weapon known to be able stop time for three seconds. Its Item Crush: Stop time for twenty seconds on ONE creature. As the succubus froze, Artemis geared his spear, swinging it in towards the succubus as the twenty seconds wore down. He split the tri-pear head as it entered the succubus' stomach, curtailing her innards. He twisted the spear around, acting like a primitive blender. The succubus screamed in fury and lethal pain. The twenty seconds was up. Artemis' body stopped glowing, the spear retracted into a small bar of metal and wood, and the DSS glow in Artemis' eyes disappeared. Artemis collapsed again as Ryan and Asteroth ran forward to help him. He waved them away, the succubus falling to the ground, echoing one last scream before her body was devoured by the flames of her death, burning her to ashes. Artemis felt Misty's arms wrap around him as he fell unconscious, and he felt vaguely aware of a slight pressure upon his lips. When the kiss passed, he heard Misty whisper into his ear.[/i]

[b]Misty:[/b]I love you, Artemis.

[b]Artemis:[/b]I love you, too, Misty.[/color]