RPG Castlevania: Requiem of eternal Reminiscence

[Heartless Me]

Percival heard noises behind him and the courtyard vision rippled and dissappeared. With a slight growl the hunter/demon turned around seeing a small pow wow of wannabe hunters. He stared each one down and then let out a slight smirk with a chuckle. Obviously he had just figured out who was going to help him destroy Dracula. He walked up to the small group crossing his arms giving a confidant smile.

Percival: Well Well artemis. Last time I saw you, boy, you were just an annoying little ankle bite. Now look at you, all grown up.

Artemis turned around his eyes widening. He leaped forward hugging Percival as if he had known the man as an older brother figure.

Artemis: Percy! It's been so many years... When I heard of the Belmont plague, I thought you dead for sure.

Percival: Hahahah! You know that it takes more than a little plague to get rid of me!

Artemis nods and turns to the rest of the group to introduce his friend to them and vice versa.

[Avalon]

[color=red][size=1]Misty smiled at the young gentlemen, she was quite intrigued with him and his relationship with Artemis, but had no time for introductions because the food was getting cold. She grabbed Carrie quickly and dashed in to the kitchen, while getting weird but worried looks from the men.

?Hey, why so quickly?? Carrie asked as she was dragged back into the kitchen.

?The food is getting cold and I, for one, do not like the coldest of foods.? She replied, putting the food in the pan to heat it. Carrie sat down in a chair, watching her prepare. Something was up and she could tell. Misty was acting quite nervous.

?What seems to be the problem??

Misty turned to her, ?Problem? What problem?? she spoke as she stirred the foodstuffs quickly.

?It seems to me that you must be confused again.? She chided, looking out of the window.

?Confused? No, Carrie. I really have an hatred for cold food.? Misty looked at her, hearing the men enter the inn. ?I shall speak to you later, when they are not in our presence.? Carrie nodded as she and Misty began to eat.

?Hey, where?s the food?? Ryan spoke, looking at the two women.

?In the pan there, you can fix it yourselves? Carrie mouthed, frowning upon Ryan and his rudeness.

?Yes, indeed I can, but I always thought that it was a women?s place to serve the men.? He spoke, smiling cheekily at the now fuming women. ?At least that?s what your grandmother said before I was to court you.?

Misty stood up, grabbing him by his collar, ?Listen! Tis my grandmother?s rules, not mine! Me and Carrie cooked these foodstuffs for everyone and you men, including yourself, shall clean every dish! Is that understood, Ryan??

Ryan gulped, ?Yes ma?am.?

Misty smiled happily, dropping the poor man with a thud on the ground. ?Now, you can eat.?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~30 minutes later?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

?Hmph, now you see what I had to deal with, Artemis. Are you really sure about courting her?? Ryan spoke, washing the last dish.

?Why shouldn?t I be?? he said, smiling ever so brightly.

?Because she?s so?so??

?Fiery?? Percival spoke, sitting at the table. ?Yes, she would do well for him.?

Ryan turned around as he heard the two women open the door.

?Where have you two been?? he asked, referring to the clothes they had in their hands.

?Shopping.? They simply replied, heaving their things onto Ryan.

?Take those, put them on the bed.? Misty commanded.

Ryan walked to the room, ?Why can?t you do it??

Carrie flipped her hair onto her shoulders, ?Because we have to leave.?

This time Artemis was curious, ?Where are you going??

?Nowhere??

?Then why must you say you are leaving?? Artemis asked, a bit puzzled about her response.

Misty stepped in, ?It?s not a place for you to be worried about?we will still be here, just not in the house.? Misty pointed outside, were the bathing pool was. Artemis blushed furiously as the girls laughed.

?Well, we best be leaving.? She spoke, her and Carrie walking out of the room.[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis frowned deeply, but allowed Misty and Carrie their leave. He held up his whip to Percivak, who grinned fiercely. He nodded and jumped up, running outside. Artemis limped out, his energy still shaky.[/i]

[b]Percival:[/b]Have you found anyone yet who could beat you at sparring?

[b]Artemis:[/b]Nope. Just you, Perce, just you. Shall we again? I have a feeling I would be stronger than you.

[i]Percival wondered at the sly look Artemis was giving him, then he heard the slightly inaudible rattle. He smiled as Artemis winked at him. The dashed at each other.[/i]

[b]Percival and Artemis:[/b]ARRRGH!!!!

[i]Halfway through the dash, Death descended upon them. As they had planned silently in that wink and smile, they both flung their whips out, hitting Death as hard as an anvil falling thirty stories hits the ground. Death flew backwards, all the way to Castlevania. It seemed they had turned Death himself into that annoying villain who always comes back for more and never learns. But as they laughed, another, more vile evil crept up on them. The Adramalech was waiting...[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: My apoolgies for such a deplorable lateness people. Or something along those lines.

IC: [I]The mass ended, Henry Oldrey stood, the familiar ruin of the beaten old church surrounding him like the comforting arms of a dear friend. He sighed, and drank the familiar sight one last time. He clapped the visor on his helm down, and loosened his broadsword in its sheath. As he loaded his muskets, a furtive noise sent tumbling echoes through the pristine silence. Henry drew his broadsword to a near-whisper rasp of steel. He turned slowly, expecting to see a member from his congregation.

Instead, he found a crossbow levelled at his heart. He arced his broadsword out, the reflection causing the attacker to miss his trailing hand. His musket boomed, and the crossbow disintergrated, the components flying outwards, striking the man in the face. As he screamed in pain, a levin bolt flew towards him. The flashpoint of electricity directed into his body left him a smoking husk. Henry sighed, and reloaded his musket. This time, things were going to get nasty.[/font][/color][/I]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]It happened before Artemis could blink. The huge goat-like demon known as the Adramalech bore down on him, devouring him without even bothering to chew. Percival screamed. He, Asteroth, and Ryan began to battle it externally, praying they could save him before the digestion set in. The beast just stood there, not moving except to cast the random Fire Skull at the party battling him. Suddenly, Adramalech bellowed in pain and rage. A glowing Vampire Killer whip burst through its neck lining, shattering its throat and expelling the livid Artemis Graves. Percival, who had also inherited such a power, chanted a smaller chant in latin. A flaming whip appeared in his hand, its source of power stemming from the fires of rage within himself. The Adramalech exploded from within as the two mystical whips met in mid-air and beamed him down. Percival and Artemis had no time to relax, for they saw a group of Cavern Harpies pestering Asteroth and Ryan. One of them was killed, lying at Asteroth's feet. Another was pinned to a tree by Ryan's revolver. But the other four were annoying the men, and there were more than enough scratches to keep them down. Suddenly, a couple of pistol reports resounded, two of the harpies fell dead, and a man in gothic armor spun his guns once, getting another musket-ball in each one ready. The other two harpies screeched, flying at him violently. They never got three feet away from Artemis and Percival. The Vampire Killer met one, the Flame Whip met another, both of them hitting the Harpies at the same time as Asteroth's sword, Ryan's gun, and both of the armored figure's revolvers made contact. The resulting violent explosion decimated the Mire, leaving them at the inn next to the Haunted Graveyard less than a mile from the Lake of Death. Artemis hoped the Kraken in the lake stayed asleep as he walked up to the fugure with the pistols, who was removing his helmet.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Henry!?! You're back?!?

[b]Henry:[/b]Artemis?! Artemis! Last I saw you, you were stuck up in Dracula's art gallery while Dracula planned to sacrifice the grandchild of the Graves who had imprisoned him to gain the ultimate power. You've changed and you've gotten the Vampire Killer! My god, you look like a fine young gentleman. What happened?

[b]Artemis:[/b]Well, there was that whole destiny, good versus evil, child of family sort of thing. And your rescuing me inspired me to take my grandfather's training sessions, and SOMEHOW I gained the powers of the Alcarde Ashuras and the Vampire Killer, the mystical powers of the Lecarde family and the Belmont clan, who could also use a Flame Whip. It's good to see you, old friend.

[i]The two talked on and on, walking into the inn yet again. Ryan and Asteroth remained outside to battle lesser ghosts and demons. Misty was still nowhere in sight.[/i][/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=firebrick][size=1] Carrie hesitated as there were shouts from the men. "What do you think? Should we save them?"

"No, they've probably just found out that the bread is cold or something."

Carrie made a sound of disgust. "Men."

They could hear Artemis shout, "Henry? Henry!"

Carrie, who'd been getting dressed anyway, threw on her clothes, and took a gulp of water from the nearby river. "I think," she began, stopping as Misty nodded and took off, barely covered. Carrie followed quite closely, and she skidded to a halt as as the picture of Ryan and Asteroth battling various lesser minions of evil. Carrie raised an eyebrow...they were shouting for [i]this?[/i]. "Hopeless" She remarked.

But Misty wasn't listening. "I can't find Artemis."

Carrie raised an eyebrow. This was odd. Misty was usually amazingly ready for a fight, and now, she wanted [i]Artemis?[/i] Sighing, Carrie rolled her eyes. "We'll go find Artemis, then. Ryan," she called. "Where's Artemis?"

"Erm..." he looked around, deftly dealing with another Harpy. "IO think he went to the tavern..."

"Right. Thanks."

"A little help?" Asteroth asked as another wave of demons attacked. Carrie grinned. "I thought you'd never ask." She replied, sending a wave of fire at them, feeling anger as she did. It was a downpoint of her powers. They were closely linked to her feelings. If she was deeply moved through emotion, she couldn't control her powers. If she used her powers, her feelings were affected. Annoying, but she could live with it. Jerking out of her musings, Carrie realised that Misty was running towards the tavern, completely forgetting about the danger. "Oh for..." Baring her teeth, she sent another wave of water towards the spirits about to attack Misty. Misty twirled around as she felt the energy at her back. "Thanks" she called cutting down some more demons.

"No problem!"

Misty smiled and ran into the inn. Carie, who loved the power that come with her magic; the rush from her fingertips, the tug of evil that always accopanied it, stayed put, fighting more demons with a joyous expression on her face. [/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Artemis stood to greet Misty as she walked into the tavern's doorway, but found himself stopped. He couldn't move. He tried his hardest to move, but he couldn't. Suddenly, he was misted out. He found himself still in the tavern, but alone.

Misty was about to rush into Artemis' arms when he began to glow, then she screamed. Percival gasped, seeing what he believed was impossible, for the Karasuman was long-dead, killed by Alucard. Yet he saw what was undoubtedly the Karasuman's greatest power. The ability to drag your opponent from the strngth of companionship and turn you into your own portrait. If he killed you inside the portrait, your body never returned into the living world, but instead, the portrait would change from a look of courage to a decaying corpse. Dracula's halls were littered with such portraits of failure Belmonts and other Vampire Hunters. And now it was Artemis' turn.

Artemis jumped over the Karasuman as he dove in to kill him, avoiding the spear by a mere inch. He drew his own spear, ready to kill Karasuman. He felt something tugging inside his body, pulling at his soul. He allowed whatever it was to flow free, the Karasuman's spear entering his exposed chest despite the damascus armor he wore. His body flowed with motion, not death. A huge claw came up, snapping the spear at the shaft. Karasuman jumped back in horror as he realized he was fighting a Zoanthrope, a lycanthrope in complete control of his transmutative abilities. Another claw came up, slamming the Karasuman into the tree and tearing open his stomach. Artemis let his instincts take control, devouring the foul beast completely. Suddenly, he realized another of his family powers. He'd devoured the creature's essence, and thus got a piece of that creature's body attached to him. The wings of the Karasuman appeared on his back with a warning in the air.[/i]

[b]Eric Lecarde's spirit:[/b]Artemis, this power does not belong only to you. Everyone in your party can do it to two creatures if they wish. They merely have to place their hand on the corpse's body to gain whatever feature they want. You shall now be returned to the mortal realm.

Artemis suddenly reappeared in the tavern to see Misty crying with her head down on the table. He sat down beside, folding his wings into his back. He launched into an explanation of the events after kissing Misty and wrappig his arms around her waist. He got up after a few minutes, letting her lead him wherever she would.[/i][/color]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
YES! I found an EXCELLENT pic of Artemis! Check it out!

[Avalon]

[color=red][size=1]Misty rushed outside, dragging Artemis with her, and approached Ryan quickly as the last of the minions were easily diminished.

"Ryan, do you know what day it is?" Misty asked, looking at the dumbfounded Ryan.

"Umm, Friday?"

"No!" she yelled, jacking up his collar. "It's my grandmother's birthday!"

"Oh, that's why you were so preoccupied." Ryan looked at the others. "And are you going to visit her?"

"Of course! All of you are coming with me too." Misty replied, walking back into the house with Carrie following.

Ryan looked at Artemis while walking inside, "And this is the girl you want to court?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

OOC: This is the best I could think of while in school...[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[color=royal blue][i]Artemis walked into Maria's house as Misty led him. He then fingered the item he'd bought at the market while Misty had slept. He walked right up to Maria as she addressed him.[/i]

[b]Maria:[/b]My lord, is that little Artemis? You look just like your grandfather, Nathan. How is the old Slayer, anyway?

[i]She quieted up as she saw the look of sadness on his face, guessing the truth. then he saw what was in his pocket and looked at Misty. She nodded fiercly and even brought it up.[/i]

[b]Maria:[/b]My lord, boy, what do you have in your pocket? Bring it out and do what you intend to do with it!

[i]Artemis sighed and brought out a small black box. He opened, moving to kneel on one knee. He opened it, holding it out to misty and revealing an emerald engagement necklace.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]Misty, my dearest, will you marry me? Today,, tomorrow, whenever you wish, I will become your husband if you will have me.

[i]A tear fell from Misty's eye. Artemis' whole life rested on what that tear meant...[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: As soon as I get my internet connection working (I'm not using my computer right now), I'll show you a pic of what [I]I[/I] think would make a damn good Henry....

IC: [I]As usual, in the confusion of battle, Henry was overlooked. He had long since re-strapped his muskets to his back, and his broadsword arced and fell as it attended to the neccessary, if gruesome task, of making sure everything was dead.

It took nearly half an hour, but at last it was done. Henry sighed, death was a release for these foul creatures, yet it pained his heart to take any life at all. He steeled himself for the yet grimmer task that lay ahead.[/I]

Henry: Fires of heaven, cleanse these accursed, body and soul.

[I]It came out a whisper, a scraped tone like steel on blood-soaked slate. At his beckoning, astral fires scorched earth and sky, eliminating the already decaying husks that littered the ground before him.

Then the screams started...

The inner minds of the dead, the part that withstood earthly death, and was self-aware, no matter the level of intelligence the being possessed, screamed in dire pain as it was scourged by a firestorm that never lent itself to mercy or remorse. Given no right to defend themselves, against every tenent held dear to the free world, latched onto the only thing that remained stable. Henry.

As their murderer in a way they could not comprehend, a master that drove them into shadowed oblivion, their hate, their desperation became fixed on them. Henry's screams echoed their own as they struck out at him with all their fell vengeance.

When at last it was done, Henry was a battered wreck. He slapped his visor down, it would do no good for anyone to see him like this. Returned to his task, he left the now barren field in search of someone who could tell him what the hell is going on.[/font][/color][/I]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[color=firebrick]Carrie was leaning against the wall, breathing deeply to control herself. The battle had been a good one, full of fury. And that, of course, was the problem. The fury was still thumping through her. If there were a trigger, a surprize, a major emotion, someone innocent would get badly burnt.

Carrie opened her eyes as she heard a footstep, whirling towards the sound, fire flying around behind her. Her hand came up to her chest in the classic "You just scared me" position. The fire rushed towards the man; Henry. It stilled just before it hit him, curling behind Carrie.

She grinned sheepishly. "Sorry." He shrugged, or rather, seemed to shrug. It was hard to tell. "I just...lose control sometimes."

"What's happening here?"

"What do you mean?" She shifted from foot to foot.

"Why is everyone gathering?"

"We're going to kill Dracula."

"So it's as easy as that, huh?"

"Nope, but hey, it'll be fun." Deciding to go and find something to do, Carrie started walking away, wondering if she could find some targets, in order to get rid of the extra power. [/color]

[Avalon]

[color=deeppink][size=1]Misty looked at Artemis, tears in her eyes, and opens her mouth to speak when the door suddenly opens.

"Misty, where is the..." Ryan looks at the situation, then looks at Misty. "What's going on here?"

"What does it look like, boy? Now hush up, unless you have something to say about this.? Maria spoke, standing near him.

Carrie came in, watching the scene unfold, ?Um, Ryan? Let?s go to the kitchen. I?ll fix you something to eat. Ryan didn?t move, so Carrie dragged him out of the room, closing the door.

?Now, little Artemis, are you sure that you want to go through with this?? Maria asked, looking at her still granddaughter.

?Yes, as sure as the sun sets and the moon rises.?


?Well, then, why don?t you give little Mist here some time to think about this. It is a big decision, y?know...for the both of you.?

Artemis stood up, clasping Misty?s hand, ?That I will do.?

?Well, child. Come, let?s go. There is much to talk about.? Maria spoke, as Artemis let Misty?s hand go so she could leave. Misty looked at him once more and left with her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryan paced the kitchen, fist bound up in anger. ?How could this happen? How could I be so incouraging??

?Oh, cheer up. You speak as if it?s the end of the world.?

?It might as well be, Carrie. She was [b]my[/b] world...[b]my[/b] joy...and now it?s being taken away from me. No! I won?t let that happen! On my father?s life, I won?t let it be!?

Maria came into the room, looking at the man in dismay ?My mother told me to always fight for what you love...at any cost.?

?So, you mean I should fight for her??

?Nom, don?t be so ignorant.? Maria replied, hitting him on the head. ?I mean, if you really love her like you say you do, show her.?

?Oh,? Ryan sat down, thinking about what he should do.

?How about you take her out for a night on the town, tonight. It would be a somewhat treat for the both of you.? Ryan looked at the old woman, smiling ear to ear. ?Well, then, boy, it?s settled. Now, Misty?s outside. Go ask her...and don?t screw it up.?

Ryan ran out of the room happily as Maria sighed, sitting down in a chair. ?Exactly what are you doing, Ms. Renarde??

?I?m just giving Ryan a shot at getting her back. I want to see if she loves that Ryan or little Artemis.?

?So it has nothing to do with the mixing of the two bloods, right??

?Correct, little girl. Me and Nathan?s relationship has nothing to do with them. I think they make quite a couple. Well, let?s just sit back and find out what happens.?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10 minutes later...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryan ran into the kitchen, startling the eating women, ?Hey, guess what? She said yes! Can you believe it? She said yes!?

?Well, good for you. Now, go get dressed. I?m going to help her.? Maria and Ryan left Carrie alone. Maria smiled at her granddaughter, walking to her room. ?Now, little Mist, what are you going to wear? How about this? You wore it at your aunt?s wedding. It?s very extravagant to a man like Ryan?s taste.?

?Whatever you say, grandma.? Misty replied, sitting on the bed.

?Oh, cheer up girl! Be happy that you have these men to choose from. Just think, great grandchildren!?

Misty blushed furiously, ?Grandmother please.?

?Well, one can hope, can?t one?? Maria responded, brushing Misty?s hair into a tuck.

?Yes, I suppose.? Misty changed into her white ruffled gown, as Maria applied her makeup.

When she was finished, a knock came to the door. ?Are you ready, Misty dear??

?Yes, I?m coming." Misty replied, opening the door. Ryan took her hand and they walked out of the door, Carrie shutting it. She stood there, knowing who was behind her.

"So, what are you going to do, Artemis?"[/color][/size]

[Corey]

OOC: Sorry people. I've been job hunting the last week...
--------------------------
Even though I loved Misty, I felt a pang of guilt when I realized Artemis was behind us. I turned slowly, meeting his eyes.

[b]Artemis-[/b] "I guess that I will stay here. Perhaps I will practice a little with Asteroth. Have fun Misty." He gave me one last glance with his eyes, his stare seemed more hurt than anything else, and walked away. A small flush creeped up my cheeks. A door closed down the hall and I looked at Misty.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Shall we go?" She nodded and we walked out of the house. I had put on my best crimson trench-coat and a pair of loose fitting black pants. Misty, on the other hand, had put something so drastically beautiful it was hard to keep from losing myself in her beauty. We got to town and I led her into an extravagant restaurant. The night was going to be great.

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]Contrary to what he said, he did not stay and train with Asteroth. he worked his back back up to the town on his own to see what he could buy. He'd been window-shopping for an hour when the pain caught up with him and he cried. Suddenly, he saw Misty and Artemi at a small outdoor restaurant, laughing and having a good time. He clenched his fist and began to turn away when a scream echoed aloud. Artemis turned, hand on his sword, to see Death overturning tables and Skeletorises burning the village. Ryan stood and drew his blade, Misty doing the same. They didn't know that Artemis was there, nor did they know about Death. Suddenly, Death flew in front of Misty and Ryan, holding up a small, handheld sickle. He smiled grimly, throwing it at Misty. She couldn't move, for no-one but a Belmont may stand againt Death without falling to his blade. She screamed, and Ryan made no move to stop the blade. Then, just an instant before the blade would kill Misty, she clenched. But no pain came, no blade pierced her chest. She looked up and screamed even louder. Artemis had run in, catching the sickle in his chest to save her. She fell to her knees as Artemis struggled to pull out a blessed throwing knife. He threw it, banishing the last of his energy just as he banished Death. He collapsed, his breathing shallow, his face cold. Misty cried, taking his head in her lap as he felt the warmth flowing out of him. Ryan just shook his head.[/i]

[b]Ryan(to himself):[/b]I should have taken it. I would've saved Misty and the world! But...I would have died. I want to live, damnit... but now the world has no hero to challenge Dracula.

[b]Artemis(to Misty):[/b]I had...had re...really...hope..ed to.. mar..ry..you. It..it.it's so co..cold. I...I lo..ve y..you.

[i]His head slid down, his blood draining in torrents, and it began to rain. Only one hope lay in saving Artemis' life. Carrie would know what to do, he thought as his vision began to blur and he could no longer see the angel that held his head in her lap, so he could not see the look of anger that crossed her face as she looked at Ryan...[/color][/i]

[Avalon]

[color=dark-blue][size=1]Misty looked at Ryan, angrily. She lifted her beloved's body, carring him as she started to walk. Ryan moved to stop her.

"Misty, let me help you."

"No! I'll do it myself! Leave me be!" Misty cried, shoving him out of the way. Ryan stood there, sadly, looking at her walk away. Misty carried Artemis' body down the road. People stopped and stared at her but no one touched her. As she approached the house, she could see Asteroth sitting outside with her grandmother. She screamed out to them to help her. Asteroth took Artemis' body into the house while Maria cared for Misty. She wouldn't talk to her, for she was in such a shock. [/color][/size]

[Talon]

[color=royal blue][i]As Artemis' limp form was lain on the floor, Carrie prepared for the Rite of Soul-Calling. Artemis' blood began to clot, and Carrie called Percival and Misty into the room. As they walked in, they saw Carrie adorned in a sacramental robe. She ordered them to hold out their hands, and she collected some of Artemis' blood in a goblet as they did so. She sliced open their palms, letting their blood fall into the goblet as well. She turned back to Artemis' body, bent down, and sliced open her own hand, following suit. She then held the goblet to Artemis' frozen lips, triclking the substance down his throat, then across his chest in a cross pattern, circling his heart with the mixture.[/i]

[b]Carrie:[/b]Ancient spirits, wise and old, return mortal soul from eternal cold. Blood of the body, love, friend, and mage, bring back your master to his bodily cage!

[i]The room filloed with white light, and a glimmering, white shadow appeared above Artemis' body. It went to Misty, Percival, and Carrie, touching the slashes on their palms in turn. They stared and saw the wounds heal instantly, simply forming a thin white scar. The shadow then hovered over the body again, falling into it gently after sealing the wound in its chest. Suddenly, Artemis' eyes opened, his breath returning and his pallor returning to its pale tan. He held up his hand, revealing three thin scars, one shaped exactly like Misty's, one like Percival's, and one like Carrie's. Another scar, heart-shaped, appeared just on his chest, above his own heart. Misty fell to her knees, crying. Percival sighed with relief, then shook Artemis vigorously by his shoulder. Carrie simply looked to the ceiling as if to say "Thank GOD I didn't lose control THIS time.". Artemis, jarred from the shaking and still trapped in the moment of his death, retched blood, fortunately leaning out the window. Eventually, he leaned back in, wiping his mouth, and fell asleep on the matress laid out. He was vaguely awarethat everyone was in his room as he fell into a deep sleep, hoping Misty awakened him soon...[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: I don't know about anyone else, but I tihnk EFK is probably the only person I've ever met with a fetish for near death experiences.... Some kind of necrophilia? Oh, and by the way, here's a pic of what [I]I[/I] think Henry should look like...

IC: [I]Henry sighed in disgust as, once again, he felt the soulstream around him flicker as one he knew well entered it.[/I]

Henry: Which one of them is it this ti-

[I]He broke off as the flow was reversed.[/I]

Henry: Good. Saves me doing it...

[I]Henry latched onto the rapidly returning flux of spirit energy, using it as a trace. He sighed again, and started off. Couldn't they keep themselves out of trouble for a moment? These damn youngsters, etc...

Henry stoppde himself from such lines of thought abruptly. He wasn't that old yet...

His somewhat irritated musings had distracted him. When he looked around, he realised he was right outside the house. Unconsciously, his mind had followed the signal. He opened the door and stalked in.[/I]

Henry: Alright, you people have whatever impending crisis is about to destroy us all under control, or I will be [I]most[/I] annoyed...

[I]The silence dripped with animosity....[/font][/color][/I]

[Deedlit]

[color=green][i]Samantha Baldwin was walking down a well-trodden path, and had been for some time-for about two or three days. Deciding it was time to rest, she laid her pack down and sat against a tree and relaxed for a few minutes. Her father had told her to find someone named Artemis Graves, who was Nathan Graves' grandson. He told Samantha something about Dracula and Castlevania, and that it was important that she found Artemis soon.[/i]

Samantha-This will take forever to find him! He could be anywhere right now.

[i]Just as she said this, she felt a faint flicker in the air, like a stream of energy flowing. Deciding to follow it, Samantha shouldered her small bag and walked down the path once more.[/i][/color]

[Avalon]

[color=deeppink][size=1]OOC: Sorry for the short post...too tired...

Misty looked at Artemis and sighed. She was quite in a shock of all the things that happened in that night. Maria helped Misty to her feet and lead her into the foyer.

"So, did you make a choice?"

"Yes, grandmother. I did." Misty responded, looking at her.

"Well? Who is it?" she asked as Carrie walked into the room with Percival.

Misty looked at them all, "Artemis, of course. He gave his life to save mine, so the least I could do is marry him."

"Ha!" Maria laughed, looking at her granddaughter. "Is that the only reason why you are marrying him?"

"No, I love him. I know I just met him and I don't know much about him but yes, I love him. I honestly do."

Carrie sighed, sitting next to her, "Do you love Ryan?"

"Yes, I love him...only different. I love him as a friend, not a husband."

"Well, are you going to tell him?" Carrie asked, seeing Misty stand up.

"I shall. Soon as I change clothes I shall leave. Come with?"

"Hmm, sure. I wouldn't mind." Misty nodded, leaving them to change.

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

Misty walked into the bar, immediately seeing Ryan, head down on the bar. She walked to him and sat down next to him.

"Ryan?" she spoke, Ryan raising his head to look at her.

"You came back. Why?"

"I have something to tell you--." Misty looked at Ryan shocked when he waved his hand at her.

"Please, don't say anything. I know exactly what you're going to say." Ryan looked at her, heartbroken.

"Don't make this hard, Ryan. I still love you...just not the way I did a year ago. I still want to be close friends."

Ryan sighed, "Friends? How can I possibly be a friend to you when I still love you?"

"I don't know." Misty replied, putting her hands on his face. Ryan looked at her confusingly. She came closer and closer to his face and kissed him softly, which he responded to.

Misty broke the kiss, standing up. "I'll see you later, ok?" Ryan nodded, looking at her walk away.

"Hey, Ryan? Here. Tis from that lady at the table." the bartender spoke, looking at her.

Ryan turned around, slowly, looking at the girl at the table. "Carrie?"[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[color=royal blue][i]Artemis stood up after waking, his feet rather unsteady underneath him. As if in answer to Henry's question and Percival's questioning stare, he spoke up, coughing blood every few words and worrying the Hell out of Maria.[/i]

[b]Artemis:[/b]The-*coughcough*...the things I do f-*coughcoughcough*...for love.

[b]Henry:[/b]Let me guess. You saw Misty in grave danger, leaped in front of some sharp implement, and paid for her life with your own? Artemis, when will you EVER learn NOT to be so damn noble?

[b]Artemis:[/b]When-*coughcough*...when you stop being so interested in guns. *coughcoughcoughcough*

[b]Henry:[/b]I'll take that as a "never", then, shall I?

[i]Artemis smiled and laughed weakly as he drew out his sword, struggling to lift it higher than his knee level. he decided to get some rest as Misty walked in, laying out a sheet on the mattress. Artemis put out the candle and everyone left. Everyone except Misty, who curled up on the mattress beside him, simply twining her fingers in his hair with a pleased and joyful smile on her face. Artemis fell asleep just as Misty opened her mouth to speak...[/i][/color]

[Avalon]

[color=deeppink][size=1]Misty sighed, raising up from the bed. She walked down the hall to Maria's room. She stood in the doorway, looking at her.

"Come, child. Come speak with thee." Misty nodded, walking in and sitting on her bed.

"So, ye made a decision, huh? Well, you know I've dreaded this...me and Nathan's blood mixing. Tell me child, are ye really sure?"

Misty sighed, "Grandmother, I will tell you this. I do love him, really, and I know that he would make a good husband for thee, but I don't want to be a burden--"

Maria laughed, "Burden? Ha, you a burden? Tis a lie. Ye little girl, aren't a burden. Don't worry about that. Now, maybe when pregancy comes, but thine friends will help thee."

Maria leaned back on the bed, "Ah, grandchildren. How many do ye suppose will have."

"I don't know!" Misty replied, blushing furiously. Maria laughed again as Misty stood up.

"Well, child, go back to him. Talk to him." Maria spoke, seeing Misty leave.

Misty sighed deeply, walking back towards the room. She sat on the bed, looking at her beloved. She couldn't bring herself to wake him so she laid next to him. Misty stiffened when she felt him move beside her. He sighed contently, wrapping his arms around her waist, burying his head in the crook of her neck. She giggled slightly, realizing that he was still asleep. She turned around towards him slowly, not wanting to wake him. When she looked in his face, he was looking back at her. Misty jumped slightly, she wasn't expecting him to be woke.

"Well, you gave me quite a scare there, Artemis. How do you feel?"

"Quite fine now." he spoke, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "Have you slept yet?"

"No, I was thinking..."

"About what, may I ask?"

"Well, I've made a decision..." she looked at him, his eyes were roaming around, not looking straight at her as before. "Artemis, it would make me very happy to marry you. I accept your proposal."

Artemis smiled happily, kissing her deeply.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

OOC: Sorry for it to be so short and corny. I'm kinda in school right now...[/color][/size]

[Talon]

[i][color=royal blue]As Artemis broke the kiss, he realized that it was still the dead of night. He opened his sheets, revealing his bare body and allowing Misty to slide her lithe, bare form into his bed with him. As they held each other close, Artemis only had the fleeting sensation of the utmost pleasure of life....[/i]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[b]Henry:[/b]Did she finish you? Or bring you back to life?

[b]Artemis:[/b]A gentleman does not talk of such things.

[b]Henry:[/b]Oh-ho! I see, you little ankle-bite!

[i]This conversation continued on through breakfast between Henry and Artemis as Misty sang beautifully in Artemis' room, smiling the whole time. If only they knew what evil lurked just inside the lake, awaiting them....[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: Oh joy, the big creepy creature post is mine... And EFK, that last line there was the cheesiest thing I have ever seen you write. I'm sorry, but you really are a lot better than that.

IC: [I]Henry, being somewhat typically disdainful of the annoying human tasks of eating, sleeping, drinking etc, was quickly up from the table, and, disdaining the pathetic enobeltion of human prejudices and fears that commonly gets called morality and manners (OOC: So I'm opinionated. An athiestic existential nihilist is allowed to be, hell, meant to be!), was pacing up and down when the door banged opened. His reflexive dart for his sword and muskets was hampered by the fact that they were several feet away right then. The door banged closed, and stayed closed.[/I]

Artemis: When did you get paranoid?

Henry: When people started trying to kill me again.

Artmeis: How do you manage to pull off blase and paranoid in under a minute?

Henry: It's a gift.

[I]The door opened again. This time however, it decided to do so by ignoring the fact that it had hinges. Henry turned again, lightning arcing between his fingers. A large, bubulous lump sat just outside. Henry looked at it a long moment, before walking over and looking up.[/I]

Henry (as sarcastically as is humanly possible): Alright, we've got a mutated lump crawling around on our doorstep. It appears to be sprouting large nasty weapons, and more limbs than I do irrational prejudices, which says a bit. What do we do?

[I]In answer to his own question, Henry let the levin bolts he was creating dissapate in concatenation of sparks. He stalked over to the chair that held his weapons. While Artemis attacked whatever the hell the creature was, Henry picked the chair up with one hand, and shook his weapons off. He caught them one-handed, and then spun, throwing the chair at the viscous surface of the engaged creature. The chair was semi-inside it when it stopped moving. Henry sighed, and sent two bullets towards it, before stalking in with his longsword.[/I]

OOC: Sorry, but the whole chair thing was too good to resist. I promise, I'll replace the chair![/font][/color]

[Talon]

[color=teal]OOC:Damnit, Flynn, that was my FAVORITE CHAIR!!!! Grr.....I'll get you for this! Nobody trashes a chair I carved with my own bare e-hands! And I know that last line was cheesy! It comes from writing a post after watching "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" twice in a row! DAMN, I hate my dad's taste in movies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[i]Artemis grabbed his whip just as the creature began to meld and change, forming itself into an exact replica of himself. Artemis screamed as the doppelganger jumped onto him, rolling them both too quickly for anyone to realize who was Artemis and who was the doppelganger. Misty gasped, Henry swore, and everyone else just stood there, wondering who to attack.[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson][I]Henry's eyes narrowed, then he stepped in with preternatural speed. His broadsword swept across one of the Artemis characters engaged in the furious duel, decapitating the body instantly. The head exploded outwards in a splatter of slime and ichor. Artemis turned to Henry.[/I]

Artemis: How did you know which one to attack?

[I]Henry pointed to the creatures boots.[/I]

Henry: Residue dirt, from when it scraped its way in here.

[I]Henry flicked his fingers. An inferno leapt from his hand, immolating the creature instantly. As the ashes floated at the still open door, Henry sheathed his sword, and waved nonchalantly at the others.[/font][/color][/I]