[System]
Age: 17

Sex: Male

Race: Earthling (Half-Saiyan)

Appearance:

Personality:
Usually a nice enough kid, and well-mannered to boot. Also has a bit of a pacifist streak, almost always attempting to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way as opposed to picking fights. According to him, his study of martial arts was for the purpose of finding inner balance and peace, him actually having no interest or desire to get stronger especially if its for no reason other than its own sake.

Power Level: 400, but that seems to fluctuate depending on his emotional state.

Abilities:
Zenkai Boost ~ Despite an admirable attempt at pacifism, Yang is still half-Saiyan. This side of himself allows him to grow stronger after recovering from near-fatal injury and battle fatigue. Any full-blooded Saiyan will immediately notice, however, that the boost itself appears to be watered down a bit compared to the boost full-blooded Saiyans receive.

Saiyan Rage ~ This trait appears to be unique to halfbreeds like Yang. If pushed too far, he can snap and seemingly skyrocket his power level for a very short time until his emotions have calmed down again. Supposedly this has something to do with mixing Saiyan strength with Human emotion, but the true origin and nature of this ability is largely unknown.

Transformations: None for now.

Techniques:
Shougekiha! ~ Otherwise known as the Explosive Wave, it's a simple technique where the user unleashes explosive Ki in all directions for a short radius. It's ideal for when one is surrounded by multiple opponents in close range.

Renzoku Kikoudan! ~ A barrage of Ki bullets fired rapidly at the target.

Chou Ryuuken! ~ Also known as the Super Dragon Fist, it is a simple-yet-powerful three hit combo while the fist is charged with Ki. The final hit unleashes the Ki in the shape of a chomping dragon's head, which was where the technique's name came from.

Chou Tenkuu Pekeji Ken! ~ Also known as Super Cross Arm Dive. Having learned the original variation from Nam, Yang invented this variation by utilizing flight to gain more height, while also infusing his arms with Ki to maximize the impact and damage of the hit should it connect.

History:
About 18 years ago, a mysterious object crashed onto the Earth. The location was remote, however, out in the desert where few would notice it and fewer still would spread word. It was spherical in shape, appeared to move like a vessel of sorts. But it was also heavily damaged, as if it had been shot out of the sky in some great battle out in space. The occupant, a man with a tail, sat unconscious and bloodied, his alien armor cracked and damaged, whether from the crash or some previous battle none could say. The man would have died that night, but by a chance a young woman from a nearby village was brave enough to go near the site and discovered the injured man. She dragged him back to the village where she and her elder brother nursed the stranger back to the health.

This took time, time the stranger used to ask questions of the girl who rescued him. He questioned why she would do such a thing for someone who could just as well have been a threat to her. Her response surprised him, she said that she shouldn't need a reason to help someone in need, doing such should just be the natural response. As the man healed, he talked with the girl some more. He told of her of his origins, and of his proud warrior race. As the village had no advanced medicine or machines, the healing took several weeks, months even. And during that time the Saiyan man and Earthling woman developed feelings for one another. Just as he was fully healed, they shared a single night of passion. After that night, the Saiyan spent a short time repairing his vessel, saying that he needed a deliver an important message to his home planet and its King. Before he left, however, the Saiyan named Orka promised that after fulfilling this mission he would find his way back to Earth and reunite with the girl. He never returned.

But from that one night spent with Orka, the girl - Yin, gave birth to a baby boy. She named her son Yang, and she and the rest of the village quickly noticed that the boy had been born with a tail much like his father's. But then the boy saw his first full moon and transformed into a massive beast that went on a rampage. Fortunately, Yin's brother was a prominent martial artist and was able to stop the monster by cutting off its tail. But the damage had been done, and in the chaos of the attack the boy's own mother had been a casualty of his transformation. There was debate about what to do with the boy, but Yin's brother - named Nam, refused to throw the child out under any circumstances. After all, he was at that moment the only family the boy had left. And so the village kept the boy, Nam raising him and even training him in the martial arts. Yang's Saiyan blood allowed him to quickly surpass his uncle but the youth never ceased to have nothing but the utmost love and respect for the man who was not only his master but his father figure as well.

Now, at age 17, Yang has learned the truth of his origins. While out training outside the village, he stumbled upon the place where his father's ship crashed. He was told everything, everything except for the truth of his mother's death, even Nam couldn't bear to reveal such a bitter truth to the boy. Yang expressed interest in seeking out his father, and Nam allowed him to leave. So with nothing but the clothes on his back and an old photo taken of his father and mother the morning he left for his home planet, Yang set out to find someone, anyone, who could tell him about the tailed man in the picture.

Other:
Character Theme
Nam's Theme
Training Theme
Battle Theme
Anger/Transformation Theme
Battle Insert Song

[User]
Mugen

@Weird Tales@supertinyking@Eviledd1984@TheForgottenArc

Mugen barely had time to react as she saw the oncoming blast. Thinking quickly, she charged as much ki as she could in a last ditch effort to staunch the collosal energy wave towards her. Even if grazed her, the impact was enough to send her plummetting, her arms mangled and charred, towards the ground. She didn't emit a sound, as she much gasped for air when she hit the asphalt hard and fast.

I should've known better. Why are you even doing this Mugen? You're a bon vivant. You are a bandit. A rogue, shouldn't be playing the heroine. I mean, most people don't even notice you... She gritted her teeth, as she stood on her feet again, her arms unusable. Shit She reeled, as she used her ki sense where her other senses failed to pick up the fight. It's working. We are chipping his stamina down by wolfing on it. But if it uses an explosive attack all at on... did he just kick Sam on its strongest stance towards a building? That is...too strong. She reeled as she focused her ki once more.

Can't run away. Kojiro wasn't that much of an ass. I like the third street crepe stand. Hell, I am a bandit, but that's because i enjoy the freedom of it all. The beauty... And I'd hate to see it becoming ash. Mugen prowled on, noticing the sharp sense of ki. Oh, no no no no... She gritted her teeth. Nobody could take that on... and survive.

But if someone didn't do anything... Well, her favorite crepe stand would be a crater. She focused. The first technique she ever learned. Shapeshifting. The ability to change her body shape and size... but with the caveat the toughness would be the same. She grew and grew, becoming a pot of collosal size, as Raditz charged his attack.

I am Mugen of the Mist. I confound. I make attacks miss. I steal the smiles of people. I bring hope to where is despair. I am the bandit king. And a king sees to his subjects. Mugen stood pround, as she shunted the entire attack with her body, now transformed in a gigantic pot of sturdy metal.

The attack ravage her body, undoing the transformation. Half of her face was gone. Her left arm was no more. A large section of her stomach was burnt, and the organs were charred beyond belief. Still, in her chapped bloody lips, she smiled, her sorry sight losing energies before Raditz.

"Real power my ass, monkey fucker... can barely kill a weak woman." She said, as her energies finally failed, life escaping from her body.

"I was tired of this shit Kojiro. See ya... bring me crepes next time, okay?" She sent a last telepathic message to her acquaintance, cold and numbness spreading through her body.

[Assistant]
While though the kick landed it didn't do much as Josh had hoped, but the blast from Colda seemed to deal some damage, but, the victory was short lived as the sayian began to charge an incomprehensible amount of power.
"Damn, not even I can absorb that much. Damn it how can one man be this strong?" He muttered himself as he got ready to take the blast head-on.

The blast never came, instead, a giant pot seemingly came outta nowhere.

"What the hell?" He said as the pot took all the damage, the pot was actually Mugen. Josh only managed to get to Mugen as the life faded from her eyes "Damned human." He whispered as he took what little energy the corpse had.

"Hey, you!" He screamed towards Raditz "What kinda monster tries to blow up a whole city?" He said as he adopted a fighting stance, using a device in his core that allowed him to flare his Ki into noticeable levels. "Let's go, you and me, I refuse to lose against a weakling like you." He said. He knew he was outmatched, but he refused to give up, he'd much rather die than do that.

"Someone better repair me after all this." He screamed. If the sayian even dared get close he would overload his robotic core, destroying even the most powerful fighter. That is if he could get him into a headlock of sorts.

[User]
Dammit, dammit, dammit. Why didn't he notice sooner? Why, HOW, was he so caught up in his thoughts, so busy thinking about that woman and the weirdo with no energy signature, that he had missed the battle going on around Master Kojiro's dojo? The power level behind that blast was off the charts and he hadn't even noticed until it damn near blew up the city.

If his Master found out about this he'd have his hide. He'd kick him out of his school. He'd stamp the word 'failure' on his forehead and ship him off back home. Worst of all, he'd wait until after he'd finished lecturing Alex to do it.

Arriving at the dojo it was easy to see which way the battle was going. There were a lot more people here than he had expected to see only two of which he recognised, the master of this dojo and his student, and almost all of them seemed beat up to some degree and only a few of them were even on their feet. And at the centre of it all was the Saiyan.

Even if he wasn't pumping out more power than anyone Alex had even seen it would be easy enough to recognise him. From the stupid looking armour to the monkey tail to the futuristic looking monocle he wore he was clearly from the same place as the woman he had seen earlier; they even shared the same penchant for overly voluminous hairstyles. Standing opposite him, Alex was vexed to see, was the freak that had ruined his meeting with the woman earlier; somehow, even though he had gone the opposite way, he'd still managed to get here ahead of Alex and was for some reason squaring off with this threat. His attempts to get on their good side had apparently failed, but Alex wasn't so ready to believe that he'd decided to join their side just like that.

Whatever the situation, it seemed the Saiyan was distracted for now. Using this opportunity Alex circled around behind Raditz, moving slowly and supressing his energy level so as not to attract notice until he was directly behind the Saiyan warrior. Taking a ready stance, Alex prepared himself to strike; he gathered his energy carefully, still keeping it supressed for the moment, before letting it all explode out at once as he dashed forward.

"HA!"

He closed the distance to his target quickly and lashed out with a palm strike aimed at the centre of the Saiyan's back, just below his shoulder blades and directly over his spine.

"Piercing Ki Strike!"

A moment before the blow would land Alex unleashed a focused beam of Ki from the centre of his palm, a short range but powerful attack that would lance through both armour and flesh if it hit. Not only that, but it was much, much stronger than normal due to the fact that Alex had spent time gathering his energy before this strike, utilising the technique he called 'Overdrive' to increase his power at the cost of severely straining his body.

Tales

[Assistant]
The Saiyan didn't appear to be stopping him, and so Yang flew ahead unimpeded. It took nearly a full minute of his top flight speed to finally put the city in view. In that time, he sensed a number of things happening, and none of it was good. He stopped just as the long-haired Saiyan was coming into view in the distance. He had to make some kind of plan first. There was already bit of environmental damage to the area resulting from the fight, and from that alone he already knew he was in over his head. Many of the other fighters here had stronger Ki than he himself had, and none of them had even so much as wore the Saiyan down. Yang didn't stand a chance. But at the same time, doing nothing just wasn't an option. To do nothing meant that the Saiyan won, and that the people of Earth would certainly suffer.

A swift blur of movement caught Yang's eye. Someone launched a surprise at the Saiyan from behind! It was slim, but Yang saw an opening and without any further hesitation he moved to take advantage of it. His own body shot forward like a rocket on autopilot. He tried to suppress his Ki as much as he could afford to, but hopefully his timing allowed for his own maneuver to go forward without too much impediment, assuming the Saiyan's scouter worked like Yang had heard. According to his Uncle, Scouters could read Ki from an individual and translate it into a numerical value to determine an opponent's power level. Yang also heard that Scouters could only measure one person's power level at a time. The hope here was that the Saiyan's scouter would be measuring the first attacker's power level and as a result of that be too slow to alert the Saiyan of Yang's presence.

Whether or not the first fighter's attack connected wasn't Yang's focus. He had his own target, and in this rare chance that he was hopefully granted to catch the Saiyan off guard, Yang targeted... his scouter. He threw a punch once he was close enough, but that was only a feint. With his other hand he reached for the Saiyan's Scouter. Even if the Saiyan swatted Yang away, hopefully Yang's ploy worked and he would find himself in possession of the Saiyan's scouter. Should that be the case, Yang would waste no time in crushing the device in his hands.

"You may stronger than us, Saiyan, but without your scouter you may as well be fighting blind!" a curious choice of words. For all anyone knew, Yang was a total stranger who had just arrived. How did he know what a Saiyan was? And probably most importantly, how would he have known about the scouter and known to target it like he had?


[System]
Alias: Blitz

Position: eleventh grade (high school junior)

Abilities/powers: Electricity manipulation/generation - Shawn has the ability to control, direct, and create electricity from his body. He is essentially a living, rechargeable battery

Electromagnetic manipulation - a sub power to his electricity manipulation, Shawn has also started to learn how to control electromagnetic fields, using them and warping them to his aid. This is very much a lesser power to Shawn, and he can only use it to assist with his electricity manipulation.

Plasma Absorption- Shawn can absorb any form of plasma and take it into his body, storing it for later use. However, he can only hold so much before it starts to have negative effects on his body, warping his senses and even causing body spasms. The level of plasma he is holding can usually be discovered through his eyes.

electrical immunity- due to his abilities, Shawn does not feel pain from electricity, nor to outside electrical forces have any effect on his body, unless it is an inhuman amount and something not even he can contain.

Sex: Male

Age/Date of Birth: 16 - May 7th, 1983

General appearance:

Shawn stands at five feet, eight inches, Not as tall as his titan of a mother, but he is already taller than his father. Though he has a rather lithe build, he's strong enough to tackle most problems with his body, though he prefers to use his powers over brute force.

Additional Appearance/costume:

More of a prototype than anything, Shawn rigged up his own suit with the assistance of those in the school. The faceplate beneath the visor of the motorcycle helmet has small nodes on the inside to interact with Shawn's powers, allowing him to change the colors of the mask at will. The entire suit is lined in a similar way, the crevasses glowing with the activation of his powers, much like the suits from the movie TRON.

Personality:  Though a self proclaimed 'chiller', Shawn is at the point in his life where he is so stressed out that it has made him numb and even. He swears that he's listening, especially when his head is propped up with his arm and there's a trail of droll leaking from his mouth. He does try, though. He is a bit of a perfectionist in the few things he can actually focus on, but otherwise airy to the world around him. He is the worst combination of "driven to take on the world" and "could not get off the couch for unlimited money". He likes to talk, mindless chatter and banter during fights, but mostly just whispering conversations and thoughts to himself, slinging thoughts and ideas around from him to himself.

Special Skills: Escrima Stick proficiency, Tonfa proficiency, moderate athleticism, moderate wiring skills.

Place of birth: Massachusetts, USA

Weapon(s) of choice: Shawn... borrowed, two old police batons to work with his powers, juicing them up with delicious electricty to pack an extra punch.

Medical information: Fit as a fiddle.

Brief History:Born to a hearty Irish mother and immigrant father, Shawn was raised in a house of mixed cultures was was spectacularly odd. Both of his parents were mutants, his mutations being an amalgamation of theirs. When his powers came, his family welcomed them with open arms, and the town was curious, but not negative of his abilities. However, his parents could only teach him so much. He was sent off to the Xavier school to further hone his powers and help those in need.

Relatives: (Any living, dead, or important relatives your character may have)

Name: Doctor Booker "Blake" Smith, PhD

Alias: Lightsmith

Position: Student Councilor, Therapist, Substitute Teacher

Abilities/powers: Light Manipulation, "Hard Light Constructs" - Blake has the ability to channel "Mana" and create solid structures out of light. The strength of the constructs depends on how much mana he makes it out of, and is also dependent on his physical energy. His constructs can shatter if he is not strong enough, and he can make them move and morph at will.

Sex: Male

Age/Date of Birth: 36 years old, 2/5/1963

General appearance:

Additional Appearance/costume:

Personality:Lax and Easygoing, Blake was a part of one of Professor Xavier's first classes after the Apocolypse incident, and only left the institute to get his degree in psychology. He returned to the institute to help Charles and stand in for any of the big X-men and women when they could not teach their own classes. Not exactly a hippy or a guru, but he does sometimes drift into those categories.

Special Skills: Doctorate in Psychology, pistol training, combat training.

Place of birth: California

Weapon(s) of choice: His constructs, namely. He has an emergency pistol that he can pour mana into and fire light, but hardly uses it.

Medical information: (Any medical conditions your character may have, not a necessity)

Brief History:

Relatives: (Any living, dead, or important relatives your character may have)

[User] Chrys chuckles silently to himself. Clasping his hands together he focus and opens them, left hand in front of his right. A series of calculations and he switches their positions, a soft poof as Shawn is moved out of the cocoon and down onto the stage. Chrys he grunts as a small twinge of pain goes through his head, a small side effect of his power. He rolls shouldersshou and drops down from the rafters, shifting to come to a brisk walk on the stage. "Well... We tried." He shrugs and makes as if picking something up and shifting his backpack to him, ignoring another twinge.

[Assistant]
Ayita clacked her beak softly, her feathers rustling at the teacher. It was more than most got from her. Bobbing her head slightly in her own chuckleing way she watched Shawn awaken and sort out his condition. Foolish boy, you must always be aware else nature would consume you. Her laws rose to the fore front of her mind. Nevermind they were far from the forests and wilds of the North. She wanted nothing more than to join them. To swoop in and cackle as she scattered them like any crow in a good joust. But the instict of the beastial and avian forms she wore were strong. Their instincts guided her limbs, while her knowledge allowed her to rise above that instinctual base, to know what was her and what was the form. It was why she studied the species so carefully before shifting. Every muscle had been perfected over years of evolution. Every bone, every sense, and every thought. Survival of the fittest was key.

She had hunted and reaped the rewards of several forms, but she still remembered her mother's screams when the mutation over came her. The fear of the large human, the need for the sky. It was a lucky thing, Ayita thought, that it had been summer and a window had been opened. Else thing would have gone very badly. As it was her mother had bruises from Ayita's wings for a few days after that, and it had been days before the girl had been able to return to her own form. Flying herself to near exaustion in a panick. Splitting herself from the raven had been difficult but she had managed it. Terrifying her mother when she returned in covered in loose feathers. Yeah, she didn't stay in the house a minute before her mother started yelling. Leaving again she had been so very pleased. Feeling the song of the sky., later to feel the song of earth and a longing to feel the sea. There was a beauty to shifting, such as she never could explain with words.

So she had learned, quickly. For hunger and cold were ruthless teachers. Flipping her wings she hopped to another rafter with a few beats to make sure she wouldn't fall short. Preening a few feathera back in place she couldn't help a cackle. "Fool. Fool. Fool." Ravens were clever bird able to mimick human tongue. Though who she called fool was up in the air, literally, for any one to guess at. Most likely she would make several people jump with that little bit of mimickery, but perhaps not.

Who could say with mutants?

[User]
Christopher Harris

Christopher sat in the back of the car - a big, black American thing that neither he nor his driver seemed to be overly fond of. He looked over at the usually stoic driver, smirking at the fingers tapping on the steering wheel - in time with the music filling the leather gilded, air conditioned, cavernous interior. The man might not like him, but at least he valued Christopher's musical tastes - in lieu of the garbage his brothers and sisters preferred. He turned his head, and stared out over the unfamiliar landscape, large patches of manicured grass, intermittently interrupted by long, paved driveways. It was not long before they slowed to one of these, and passed through the automatic gates. They stopped finally in front of a beautiful manor house that had Christopher nostalgic and homesick for a moment, before he bit his tongue and took a deep breath - dispersing the thoughts and feelings. After that, the motions were observed - the sound of a door opening, and closing - the crunch of expensive leather shoes on gravel - another door opening - him getting out and buttoning his blazer. Another sigh.

 "I am not sure whether or not I will actually stay here… ( he did not look at the man, but kept his face directed to the still closed front doors) Take my luggage with you to the nearest hotel, and await further instructions." He started walking forwards, keeping his face impassive. The car door shut once more behind him, and the car pulled away. He knocked politely, seeing as the doors were seemingly devoid of bell or knocker. He chanced another deep breath, and cringed slightly when he heard the sounds of children being happy somewhere in the distance. This had better not be some pseudo-frat house type of deal.

[Assistant]
Being shifted around gave Shawn a little bit of nausea, but it was all par for the course. He was safely returned to the ground, the majority of the class laughing at the prank, but also laughing at Shawn himself. He blushed with embarrassment as he rose, huffing and turning away from the class. Even the animals were mocking him. "It's great to know you guys care." He spoke offhandedly. From the corner of his eye, he could see something shiny. It was probably that giant metal guy that had scared him for a good minute.

However, when Shawn turned fully to get a good look at the beast, there was just a kid in front of him, his glance sideways and remourceful. "I... am sorry." The words were still a little rough around the edges, but he was trying, and it was more than enough for Shawn to understand. "I did not know that the ridicule would be this mean. It seemed harmless enough when we were all planning."

Shawn really felt a little spite and anger, but there was no way he was going to lash out or blame this newcomer. "It's fine..." He tried to stretch the word out, hoping that the kid would come and introduce himself.

It took a minute.

"Oh!" Was the exclamation after he finally understood that Shawn had been waking for his name. "I am Peter Rasputin." He tried to force a smile, even though he was sure that Shawn wasn't too happy with the class right now.

"This is what you get when you fall sleep in class, Mister In." Kurt sang, but did little else at the moment. "Now, class is almost over. So start packing your things. I hope you all enjoy your lunch as I do mine." And with that, he was gone, leaving the entire class alone for five more minutes before the bells finally rang to signal the next period.

Shawn said little to the other students. Peter seemed nice enough. Shawn might as well help the kid around while he was still new and impressionable. Unfortunately, Shawn had his lunch Period now, and Peters was not until later in the day.

For now, Shawn was just going to enjoy some food.

---

At this point, Booker had returned to the mansion itself and had been on his way to the Headmaster's room. He was sure that his invitee was still there, though she still was talking with Xavier at the moment. Well, that just left Raven, who wasn't much the pep talker, nor one for bribery.

It was luck, though. Just as he was walking through, he heard a knock at the door. Something to delay him from the uncomfortable conversation with Raven, and to kill time while Xavier and Frost spoke.

As soon as he could, Booker opened the door with his constructs and began walking to the door. "Hello!" He greeted whoever was at the other side. "Welcome to the Charles Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. How can I help you while the Professor is currently busy?"


[System]
"Can you see it? The brave path to my victory... Its so clear to me now."
Gender Male
Age: 15

Appearance: A ray of sunshine is tantamount to Meruem's appearance and overjoyed spirit. Physically he stands slightly beneath other males of his age-group, straddling the line between 5'8" and 5'9". Not that his height matters in the slightest, even a giant would have a hard time convincing him to back down from a goal. Normally he holds a perpetual glint in his large lapis-hued eyes, simultaneously daring and cheering on those that look into them. Brown, stylized hair makes it easy to point him out in a crowd--along with his atypical manner of wearing a orange headband, its perhaps his most notable feature.

Personality: More than a tad loud, energetic, and overly-confident, Meruem has been compared to the typical shounen-type character. It can be embarrassing for him, showcasing the effortless manner in which a tinge of red can paint his face. Despite this, he usually goes along with any setbacks, meeting them with a wide smile. In the not too far-off past he use to be very timid; always crying and filled with paranoia of those around him. Nowadays he finds that unappealing habit of crying still hard to throwaway. Though it happens less often.

Because of his past, he rarely devalues anyone for the faults they may have. They could be the worst scoundrels and he'd simply remind them they still had plenty of time to change. Along with this comes the obvious negative reflection of being too forgiving. He believes as a hero, his place is only to inspire hope and bravery, never fear or trepidation. Because of "certain events" he places a large weight on his shoulders, aspiring to become the next Symbol of Peace.

Quirk: IM Gravity (IM 重力) - Meruem is capable of imposing his will onto gravity. Being a fifth generation quirk-user, through a predetermined cocktail, he's been given a monstrous power. He's capable of manipulating the gravity within his sights. This includes the ability to push, pull, levitate, and crush. For some reason when utilizing his quirk, his eyes loses all color, bending into the iris as if it was a black-hole. He has a 10 minute limitation for using his abilities before having to recover for a minimum of 10 more minutes. Without adequate rest, each usage after the first reduces the time-limit by 2 minutes and increases the recovery time by 2 minutes as well.

Reason: Meruem couldn't remember where or when he had, but once before he heard someone say, "Anyone who has a continuous smile on his face conceals a toughness that is almost frightening." That rung true for him, it resonated soundly and surely in his heart. When he was a tyke the other kids condemned him for his lack of control. His quirk, which controlled gravity was a nuisance to them. For awhile he was forced to be homeschool, all the while thinking himself a monster. He withdrew into himself, resenting his parents, his quirk, and who he was. That was until Urvaity and, for reasons, Lemillion had appeared at his home. Invited by his parents supposedly. Urvaity displayed the positivity behind Gravity in typical airy manner, how it could be used to save and inspire. Lemillion imbued him with a spectacular heroic spirit with powerful lecture. Since then, he's aimed to be the next Symbol of Peace and has through trial and error, perseverance and boldness, conquered his past.

Favorite Hero: Uravity & Lemillion

Skills: Meruem is a firm believer that resolve and bravery can conqueror any hurdle. He has unfathomable amounts of both but the skill to rely on his instincts, almost animal-like, tends to be where his combative prowess comes from. Due to the hurdle his quirk presents to him at midnight, to prevent from relying on it too much, he's trained his body tirelessly, producing an heroic frame. While not proficient in any kind of martial arts, he is quite the scrapper.

[User]
Haley nearly jumped as a voice called out, seemingly from nowhere, but then she saw him. It was The ghost hero Wraith! She had a hard time hiding her excitement, but the threat of embarrassment kept her at bay. She listened intently as he addressed the class and followed the paper as it was placed on her desk. What is a hero? Oh I know this one... She quickly started writing down her answer. It read, To be a hero is to protect civilians while also aspiring the inspire the people and make them feel safe. She was happy with this answer and had written it down very quickly.

She looked up when she could yet again hear Meruem introducing himself, Gravity huh. Interesting. She listened to his aspiration to become the symbol of peace then his praise of Uravity and respected his opinion and goal. His confidence was so potent it was contagious, for Haley at least. This made her want to go next, so she waits for Meruem to sit down before putting up her hand then standing herself.

She's a little shy but her confidence boost hides it pretty well. "Hey everyone. I'm Haley Grace. My quirk is called earth touch, it allows me to manipulate earth and rock but only if I am touching it with my skin. I'm so happy I was lucky enough to get accepted into this school, and I can't wait to see the day when we're all pro heroes." She feels pretty happy with her introduction and quietly sits down eager to hear about the other students.

[Assistant]
Seth looked up towards the Front to see the teacher introduce himself before allowing the others to do the same. The first was a guy named Meruem. His Quark was unique, to say the least, and his goal to be the strongest hero made Seth laugh a little. Strongest hero huh? I wonder how long that will last. Seth thought before a Girl, Haley introduced herself. He Quark, the ability to manipulate earth made him think of a character from a show he once saw.

"Make her blind and she might be just like her," Seth said to himself with a smile. Seth took a Deep Breath and said, "Guess it's my turn." Seth stood up and stretched. He then interlaced his fingers and let the joints in his fingers crack loudly. He let out a satisfied sigh, "That's better"

"Hey Y'all, names Seth Rush and my Quark is called Liquid Metal," Seth said before he extended his hand out. Silver liquid seeped from his skin before it coated his hand and arm up to his elbow. It hardened and he took a Wrench from his desk and tapped it against the metal to prove it had hardened into a sort of Gauntlet. The metal soon changed back to silver liquid before it sunk back into his skin. He placed the Wrench back down and continued, "I can also create weapons, but I must first coat the weapon in my Liquid Metal to get the dimensions of the weapon."

"As most of you must have guessed, I'm a mechanic. I work with my dad at his shop so I'm big on cars. I also like music and consider myself a movie buff. So if you have a car question or just need me to look at a vehicle, just ask and I'll see what I can do," Seth said before he sat back down and started to place the tools back in his duffle bag. he stopped and added, "Oh and Mr. Walker: who ever has the Mustang outside. You might want to let them know they're going to need a new belt. that;s why it squeals now and again. I heard it on my way here."

[User] Lucas came out of it and realized what was going on. He got up and said "My name is Lucas Buki, my quirk is called My Body is a Weapon. I can transform any part of my body into any weapon, as long as I know what it is. After my quirk manifested, people started calling me Laser Face, because one day I sneezed during class and my mouth and nose turned into a laser cannon, blasting a hole through my desk and about three floors of the school."

[Assistant]
For a moment, Augustus was shaken inwardly by another voice from everywhere.
But he sensed his teacher, who introduced himself as Xavier Walker.
Augustus seems somewhat unimpressed.
He gets up and says: My name is August Silver von Münschen and my quirk is the telepathy. I can feel the thoughts of others and shares thoughts. My goal is to be the most powerful to change the world for the better.

I am looking at the reaction of everyone.

[User]
"Great, a bunch of showboating egotist" The man uttered under his breath. He was more than happy to teach the young, to make them understand what he had to learn about villainy and heroics and what lies in between. He was completely satisfied with them limiting his amount of active law enforcement in return for creating a perfectly hone, physically and mentally, a batch of new paragons ready to smite down crime with an indomitable force for the sake of justice. Yet here, none of them seemed to understand this. They were all so...so material, regardless of how ironic it was for him to feel this way. With a heavy sigh that allowed him to push the bad thoughts out of the way, he smiled in what he thought was warmly, but was in fact entirely not, coming off more as cryptic and sinister.

I'll be sure to inform them of their car troubles, Mr. Rush. As for the rest of you: I am very glad to meet you and it looks as if you are excited to be here, which is good. Now then, I'm going to bring you all out to the outdoor training facilities to see what all you can do. It's standard for me to see how well you all are doing and it helps me grasp if you're prepared for what I have in store. I'll tell you to know that the majority of people who come into my class end up begging to be switched to another home room. You'll soon see why, but for now, I don't want to discourage you so know that you all are black smiths and your minds are like metal. Whether you make it into wrought iron, silver or steel, I'll still be impressed because you made something better than when you came in" He monologue, his voice stretching words and ghastly in its deepness. It was clear he was trying his best to come off as courteous but wasn't the best at it. "Now then. In the locker rooms, you'll each find a pair of athletic suits for you to work in. It's for the fairness of these trials you wear them. I ask that there is no funny business and peeking. Women to one room and men to the other, got it? Any little rebellions will be met with a swift penalty you may want to avoid"

[Assistant] Lucas rose from his seat and made his way to the men's locker room, changing into his athletic suit. He was relieved that they cut off at the elbow and the knee, meaning he was free to transform his arms up to his elbows, and legs down from his knees, without shredding the suit. However, he'd have to take off the shoes if he was to transform his legs, and not destroy them.

[User]
Haley watched as the next student stood up and introduced himself Seth Rush huh. Oh liquid metal! She follows the metal up Seth's arm and watches as he demonstrates it's durability, not bad at all. I wonder what his limits are. She listens about how Seth is a mechanic but that really doesn't interest her that much. Tho an observant person might noticed the envious look on her face, however brief it was.

She then watched Lucas stand, his quirk surprised her. This seemingly harmless boy was almost the exact opposite his quirk was to turn himself into a weapon. She smiled at hearing that he blasted a hole in his best with a face laser, and hearing that his nickname was laser face she decided she might call him desk face. But only if his initial reaction to it wasn't that bad.

She again almost jumped as the teacher spoke again his voice was rather unsettling to her. Tho her feeling of unease was eradicated when she heard that she was going to get to show off her quirk. She was inspired by Xavier's monologue, even if he had a creepy voice. She reddened at Xavier's comment about peeking. She then gathered her things up and headed off with the rest of the students, When she broke off to go to the girls locker room she was actually glad that there was only one other girl. And it was an added bonus that she didn't seem to be the type that would comment on her body, tho she had not heard the other girl speak so she still had a little bit of worry.

She changed off to the side and avoided making eye contact with the other girl as she stripped down. She was happy to find that the pants were long, and the sleeves were long enough for her to not be that worried. Despite this she still tried to pull the sleeves down see if they couldn't cover her just a little more. She sighed as her efforts were fruitless but deep down she didn't expect anything.

[Assistant] Once Lucas finished changing, he made his way to the field, excited that he'd be able to show off what he can do, and hope that he removes the vision of him being the stuttering, desk facesmashing, goof he portrayed earlier. Plus, he kinda wanted to show off in front of Haley, so she thought he was cooler than he portrayed earlier as well.

[User]
Augustus stands up.
He goes fast as he dismantles his thoughts to the girls.
He quickly withdrew and asked himself in the cabin the boys: "How do you find the girls, unfortunately there are only two, there is one that you find hot.
You already know who you find cool? Are you all heterosexual
Aski is interesting, but Heley also has something interesting.
Want to see the girls naked? "

I look at Haley/Aski thoughts and of their look at them both on the body.

[Assistant]
Meruem pulled his t-shirt from his body. He was all edges and shallow lines, a fit young man who was dedicated to his physical health. It came off and halted near his elbows as he faintly heard one of the other students; Augustus he believed his name was. He chuckled to lightned the severity of his words. "That's so not brave man. You should at least be man enough to ask directly, y'know?
" He fitted the gym clothes over his frame. The track suit appealed to his simple tastes. "Besides, if you don't start focusing now, you'll never get your name in my book."

He strode onto the field with those nameless faces and few notable students that weren't as mundane. His elbow was stretched far across his chest, that same fiery gleam in his eyes. "I won't fail. Whatever it may be," he muttered to himself.


[System]
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Appearance: I make this look good.

Somewhat short, slim, wiry, but with good muscle tone for someone his size. Shaggy dark brown hair, shoulder length, tied back in a messy ponytail. Wears glasses over blue eyes. Angular features, has a faint tired look to his eyes on occasion. Despite everything else on him being somewhat disordered, always wears his uniform immaculately. Sometimes seen with his hands wrapped, as though for sparring, for no immediately apparent reason.

Arcana: Moon
Personality: A man of extremes- has an unusual tendency to swing quickly from calm and erudite to loud and bombastic, favoring the latter, though he always seems to be happy for some reason. He has an unquenchable thirst for life- he loves seeking out new experiences and new ways to entertain himself as the days go along.

He throws himself into life with an unmatched passion, though he's no fool- he never takes any unnecessary risks, if he can help it. In short, on the surface he seems to be ruled by his passions in many ways, but by paying attention, one can notice a keen intellect lurking beneath the surface.

Equipment/Skills: Skilled martial artist, keen strategist, though the latter trait is sometimes undercut by Mako's commitment to spectacle. Quick and light on his feet, agile. Generally keeps sports tape/handwraps on hand, "just in case."

Uses a length of chain and a hatchet as weapons while fighting Shadows.

Background: Information on Mako's history is rather sparse for as long as he's lived in Warakuma. All anyone knows for sure is that one day Mako and his father arrived in Warakuma, with barely anything to their names except what fit into their car. Mako turned out to be only slightly more forthcoming than his father, saying the two of them left Tokyo after his parents split up. Being the small town that it was, rumors abounded regarding the mysterious origins of the man and his son, though nothing was ever confirmed in any concrete manner. Eventually, as the pair of outsiders settled in, the rumors died away, and the two were gradually accepted as simply another landmark of Warakuma.

Nowadays, most of the talk concerning the Moritomis falls on Mako's somewhat lamentable reputation as somewhat of a prankster. Though the ghost of a question will always remain, about just how the duo came to be in their sleepy little town, of all places...

Persona: Israfil
Appearance: Israfil
Abilities:
* Debilitate- Decreases 1 foe's Attack, Defense and Hit/Evasion rates for 3 turns.
* Agidyne- Deals heavy Fire damage to 1 foe
* Bufudyne- Deals heavy Ice damage to 1 foe
* Spirit Drain- Drains a small amount of SP from 1 foe

[User]
Kotori Shirohane - Sadaomi Beach | Saturday - Evening

Sat at the seaside restaurant table, Kotori stifled a yawn - and not for the first time that evening. As they day had carried on - and particularly once the excitement and energy of the afternoon had started to fade much like the sunlight, the tiring effects of her rather fretful sleep the night before were making themselves known once more. With the rather cozy post-dinner atmosphere in the still-warm night, it didn't take long for Kotori's mind to wander as she thought about the events of the afternoon whilst only listening to the ongoing conversations around her with half an ear. For despite the pleasant ongoings, she couldn't help but worry about her fellow two Agriculture Club members.

As such, she'd only half-heartedly participated in most of the events of the afternoon - deigning to sit out on the fishing on account of having no knowledge thereof and not being all too eager to acquire it; even if she was somewhat surprised that someone actually managed to fish up an old boot. She declined participating in the volleyball match, too - though that was unsurprising, given that she wasn't exactly the most sporty person even if she didn't end up out of breath after just a few minutes of strenuous activity.

Still, she did enjoy the watermelon that had been brought along - even if she ended up getting some of it on her jacket in the process, albeit that not being of her own fault. She didn't blame Ryan for it either though - he seemed most surprised of everyone that his swing ended up sending watermelon bits flying all across the beach and in no small part over himself, too. Not wanting to leave her summer jacket in such a state, this did force Kotori to reluctantly doff the thin yellow garment as she gave it a quick rinse under the nearby showers. On account of it being soaked through, it left her little choice but to return without wearing it - and instead, much to her self-conscious dismay, wearing only the swimsuit she'd worn beneath all this time.

Ultimately, Kotori was almost glad for it - after all, she'd probably just been mentally beating herself up if she'd actually bought a new swimsuit and furthermore even gone to the ocean and then proceeded to never actually dip as much as a single toe into the wide blue sea. Besides, she told herself that everyone else was wearing their swimwear too, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about - though telling and believing were two different things entirely.

Still, whether true or not, she couldn't help but feel like she was drawing more attention that she liked as she quickly made her way back to the towels to let her jacket dry on the nearby warm rocks in the sun. As such, Kotori soon hurried over to, for the first time ever, actually feel the ocean waves curl around her legs - and most definitely not using the opportunity to hide herself beneath the water's surface, clear though it may be and thus doing little to actually conceal the light blue and white colored pattern that rose into a multitude of blooming summery floral prints that made up the upper half of her swimsuit. And with her glasses ever firmly in place, she didn't submerge herself any lower than her neck - though that hadn't stopped her long black hair from rising up and floating behind her.

It was quite a while yet before she actually headed back out of the surprisingly warm ocean waters, as she told herself it was purely because she actually enjoyed the gentle motions of the waves and the feeling of the sand shifting beneath her feet and most definitely not because it took her that long to work up the courage to do so.

---

With her hair long-since dried - though still feeling a little funny after both only getting partially wet and also having been in the salty seawater for some time - and once more wearing her trusty summer jacket, Kotori's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a rather unexpected sound. Blinking rapidly, her tiredness was forgotten in an instant as she locked eyes with the source - and her face grew paler yet when she confirmed for herself that someone had, in fact, just suggested a test of courage. Luckily, and to her great relief, it quickly turned out that there simply was not enough time left before the train they wanted to catch left - and as such, Kotori was unusually enthusiastic in nodding her agreement when it was decided to not conduct it after all.

After that brief shock, Megumi showed up - and once again, had managed to acquire a whole host of things from seemingly nowhere. This time, the objects in question were a few small boxes of fireworks - which were soon handed over to Rui, Ryan and a few others who began setting them up. It wasn't long before they called everyone else outside - and to the sight of neatly prepared sparklers which were soon thrust into any unoccupied hand. Kotori was no exception to this and soon found herself grasping an unlit firework. One by one, the others lit theirs and quickly the sound of spraying sparks filled the air. The flickering lights illuminated the faces of their holders, showing smiles almost all around.

But even in all the merriment, Kotori couldn't help but glance around in worry - the sun had set, yet there was still no sign of either Shizuka or Matthew. She was growing slightly restless, even though they still had more than an hour before their train left. So in thought was she that she didn't even notice someone offering to light the firework in her hand - and taking her silence as a yes. Preoccupied as she was, Kotori almost jumped at the sudden fizz coming from so close; eyes wide in surprise behind her glasses at the sparks flying off into the night and vanishing after just a heartbeat.

Her surprise softened into a more relaxed state after a mere few moments more. Watching the small motes of light break off in all directions reminded her of shooting stars, glowing brightly in a dark night's sky before vanishing forever - even if she'd never actually seen one for herself. The thought almost brought a smile to her lips as she realised how silly the comparison was - but it stuck with her nonetheless. So much so, in fact, that she tentatively wondered if someone had perhaps thought of wishing upon a sparkler before.

Shaking her head, Kotori reprimanded herself for such silliness - but that didn't stop a small voice in the back of her head being more true to herself: "I hope those two come back safely soon..." Her voice was even more quiet than usual - and thus completely drowned out by even just the single firework in her hands. Hearing the others all around her being far more joyous - and, as she noticed after looking up from her own sparkler, sporting a lot heartier smiles - Kotori sighed at herself for always being such a downer; even if she couldn't help it.

Still, having looked for so long directly at the bright sparks that were being sprayed in all directions, Kotori fruitlessly blinked a few times to try to rid herself of the bright spot in the middle of her vision that was being rather persistent about not going away - only for her to suddenly stop mid-blink when a voice spoke up from the light-blinded darkness: "I-I apologize for my absence bu-but I do feel better now, thankfully. May we join in the festivities?"

Finishing her initial blink, Kotori followed it up with a few more as she turned to face the source of the sound - and once her eyes had adjusted to the actually still-light evening instead of the glowing fireworks, managed to recognise her for who she was: Shizuka. But not only that - beside her was the other missing member in the form of Matthew. Glancing between the two, relief slowly brought a smile onto Kotori's face as she nodded. "Of course, Otonashi-san, Harvester-senpai. Welcome back," she said, this time at least loud enough to be audible.

And though she didn't realise it herself, Kotori's smile grew softer and more heartfelt when she slowly realised that the strange and subtle mood that had been plaguing the two seemed to have finally been lifted. Perhaps, Kotori thought, there was actually something to those shooting stars.

[Assistant]
Sadaomi Beach - Evening
Saturday
1/8/15
Tendo@Takaru@Amaterasu@floodtalon
@Sen@itano123

Rui was the first to light his, and as he handed the lighter around, one by one everyone was lighting theirs too, someone even lit 3 at once to create what they called a 'super-sparkler'. The heat from the ignited rod would warm the metal they were holding as they watched these small fireworks in their hands. Kotori seemed a bit down, she was worried for her fellow club members,

"I'm sure they'll be fine, here", he handed Kotori yet another sparkler as her current one went out.

"We're all here to have fun, wouldn't do to be gloomy now", he reassured. As they idly burned away a few more between all of them, Shizuka and Matthew emerged up the steps from the beach. So it looks like they were just taking a walk along the shoreline. Regardless they were back just in time.

"Welcome back you two, here there's still plenty of these left", he said, handing them a bunch of the sparklers. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, for some they probably haven't lit these kinds of small novelty fireworks since they were a child, it was more or less something people didn't do around their age anymore. Still, even if they were childish, there was nothing wrong with enjoying oneself.

The rest of the night was spent in rest, from dozing off in the train home to getting home to sleep, to get ready for another day of the Summer Break... There was a lot to do... Both in and out of the Mirror World... Discovering this new facet, Seto, was an alarming discovery, and according to Ayano, whose scanning reaches far and wide, there was a lot to get through. So far it seems they were in the plains, according to the map she had drawn up, next up was the valleys.

[User]
Mako Moritomi//Sadaomi Beach
Saturday, August 1, 2015

---

On the train ride home, Mako, obviously, sat next to Sato. Half-asleep, he laced his fingers with Sato's, holding on tightly. He tried to ignore the fact that his heart was still thudding in his chest as he pondered what Sato had asked earlier. He hadn't really had a chance to answer, given that he'd been interrupted, but damn if he hadn't had plenty of time to think about it. What was he planning on doing when he graduated? Granted, he'd have time to decide, but his concern was that Sato would graduate before him. Was he planning on leaving straight away? Did he want to stay in town until Mako was ready to leave? What--

Sato's hand shifted in his, sending the butterflies in his stomach into a flurry. He pondered this, then finally calmed himself down. What did it matter? Whatever his future entailed, he knew for sure that Sato would figure into that. He'd come too far to get this to just give up on their relationship now. He turned to his boyfriend with a small smile, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"I have an answer for you. To your question from earlier," he said quietly. "I don't quite know what my future holds right now. Except for one thing: you. After everything that happened to get us here, I don't want to give it up. No matter what else might still be coming." He looked Sato straight in the eyes. "I have the grades to do pretty much whatever I want after I graduate, if I work for it. So... if you're fine with waiting for me, when you go to University... I can follow you. I will follow you, if that's what you want. Because I love you. And I want this," he said, squeezing Sato's hand for emphasis, "for as long as you'll let me have it."

Having said his piece, Mako leaned in and kissed Sato- not the quick peck they'd shared at the beach. This one... was lasting. The kind of kiss that sent his brain short-circuiting and that he could feel all the way down to his toes. Reluctantly, after what must have been days and nights, he slowly broke away from the kiss, smiling at the upperclassman.

"I love you. And whatever happens, whatever we decide to do... we'll figure it out. Together."


[System]
Age: Around late 20's

Breed: Human. However, demonic exposure has transformed his ears. Many think he is a half-breed.

Picture:

Personality: Could be described as "Neutral Evil," He isn't explicitly evil, as in, he won't burn down buildings or terrorize people, but in the pursuit of knowledge and power, no price is to great to pay, even if it means resorting to things others may find "Evil"

Equipment: Ysran carries a pack of ritual materials and demonic texts. He also carries a Machete.

Bio: Ysran, or at least that's what he's gone to calling himself now, was a very smart child. He learned to read from his parents, and how to survive out in the wilderness. Because that's where he lived. He lived with a group of humans who were just trying to survive. Yet in his 15th year his entire tribe was destroyed by the demons.

A normal human would have ran, but Ysran was... Fascinated. He stared on, half terrified, half in wonder, as everyone was slaughtered. Yet when a rather human-like demon appeared to finish him, he asked to learn from them. The demons took a great interest in him. A human who would willingly work with them in the pursuit of knowledge. Surprisingly, they accepted his offer.

Forming a pact with them, he would be granted knowledge and demonic power, in exchange for information on how humans lived. How did they interact with each other? How did they make their weapons? The same way they did? These particular set of demons wanted to know, and were willing to offer power. Ysran accepted, and began to slowly return info to the group. He was then told of a place called "Sanctuary". A large congregation of humans? Perfect. He could learn much. He set out, seeking to know what awaits him.

Ysran was granted a small list of spell-like abilities:

A ball of dark energy capable of delivering quite a bit of force, about enough to go through a door. Against living targets, this can knock people down, and it terms of damage, it would take 2-3 to kill a normal person as the darkness burns like a strong acid. You're basically being hit with a bowling ball made of acid.

Attracts all manner of fish and sometimes other aquatic creatures to a singular point. The range can vary from a few inches to several feet.

A zombie-like minion is summoned to do Ysran's bidding. It can follow simple commands such as "Hold this" or "Go there". If told to, the Shambler will follow another person's commands until told otherwise by Ysran. It prioritizes Ysran's commands first. here's a pic.

A fish (or other aquatic creature) is summoned much like a Shambler. These can be anything from a goldfish, to a Great White Shark. However the general rule is, the bigger the creature, the shorter time it has before it is unsummoned. This can be delayed, but requires great concentration from Ysran.

Creates a layer of Scale-like armor around the skin. It doesn't turn your skin into scales,it just created a layer of them on top of the skin. Greater Fishscales is stronger, but normal Fishscales can be cast on others.

Can heal most wounds, poisons, and some diseases. This spell however costs quite a bit of mana, and spell casting time can take a while.

Fills an opponent's lungs with water, drowning them. However first, Ysran must mentally overcome his opponent. The spell also takes a moment to cast, and only lasts as long as Ysran concentrates.

Ysran sends forth a black smokescreen, and all that see within are shown monstrous, disgusting versions of their worst fears come to life. This usually makes people run away, or cower in fear.

[User]
@Hawlin@Ktyhrea@WhiteMoths
"I lost my mom when I was younger too. That's why my dad and I came here." Adam felt bad lying to her, but what else was there to do? He couldn't just tell them he was a demon experiment and they'd all be fine with it. As Sparrow stood, she seemed to hesitate for a moment. Was she on to him? He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Ready to go? There are a few things I want to show you before we leave, and I have to stop by my room for my cloak before we go too."
Adam nodded, ready to go. Before they could leave, others walked in. A woman, who seemed interested in him, asked him if he was new here. He gave a steady nod. The other was a male, who eyed him suspiciously. Yup, it was time to go outside with Sparrow.
"Lead the way, little bird," he said to her cheerfully, glad he had come up with that nickname. That's what humans did with their friends, right? Made up nicknames as a way to be closer?

[Assistant]
The boy with Brielle seemed a little... odd. Sparrow shrugged it off. Probably getting a touch warm under that bear, she muses, laughing internally to herself before returning her attention to Adam, who suddenly seemed much more interested in leaving. His body looked more stiff; on edge all at once. "Lead the way, little bird." His words spur another giggle from Sparrow, who tosses her hair over her shoulder and stares into Adam's eyes. This time she doesn't hesitate and simply takes his hand, holding it lightly and leading him towards the exit of the dinning hall. With her other hand she carries Adam's now empty plate, setting it in one of the deep wooden boxes near the exit. The dish slips down into the black soapy water and settles on top of the rest of the empty plates.

"It was a pleasure to see you all. We'll be back in a bit. If anyone asks I'm umm... sick. Yeah. I'll be in my room all day." Sparrow winks at the group still near the table, halfheartedly faking a cough before disappearing out of the dinning hall with Adam. The hallway outside the dinning area was lit by candles along the wall, close to the ceiling. Out of the corner of her eye Sparrow watches her companion. The chatter of the dinning hall fades into the distance as they walk. She takes a small staircase which leads them deeper into the mountain. "Everyone's rooms are down here," she explains as they pass a handful of closed doors. "My dad and I sleep here." Sparrow stops and pushes open a deep blue door. The paint was beginning to peel, but it still looked more cheerful than many of the deep brown doors. Inside she walks to the closet and pulls out a cape not much longer than her knee length dress, and rich forest green in color. She pulls her arms from her light blue cardigan and hangs it up again before wrapping her cape around her shoulders and securing the ornate clasp on the front to keep it from slipping off. "Much better," she mutters, more to herself than anyone else. Before leaving she also grabs a length of brown ribbon from her bedside table, using it to tie back her blonde waves and keep them out of her eyes.

She turns to Adam when she finishes. "If you want I can show you the reservoir, but that's the only other thing that's down here. Upstairs are the dinning hall and kitchen, which you've seen, and the training grounds, classrooms, guard chambers, supply rooms, the main gathering hall, and the King and Queen's chambers. I can show you all but those last two before we leave, or I can show you around when we get back, it's up to you." Sparrow smiles, excited to spend more time with Adam. Despite the two only just meeting, she felt like they would get along wonderfully, then again she felt that way about most people. Too trusting. Her father swore up and down it would get her into more trouble than she was worth, but Sparrow never changed her ways. For as long as she cared to remember it had been proven to her that if you gave people the opportunity to prove that they were trustworthy, they more often than not would prove you right.

@Hawlin @WhiteMoths @LadyinInk

[User]
Adam looked at Sparrow as she giggled and flipped her hair, and he found himself with a tiny grin on his face. Why was that? Contagious laughter, perhaps? When she looked at him, directly at his eyes, he was scared that she might be able to see the monster in him. But he knew he was wrong as she took his hand. It was soft, yet not terribly soft, against his own skin. His smile grew and his heart leaped. Was that normal? Was his body okay? She lead him away, turning back and talking to the others to make sure they'd cover for her.

As they walked through the hall, Adam looked at the walls. It was neat, this fortress of humanity. He found it quite amazing how one moment humans would be fighting against each other and the next, they'd be working together against another enemy.
Sparrow opened a blue door, and Adam followed her in. He looked around, nodding in response when she told him this is where she and her father stayed.

Adam watched as she put on a deep green cape and tied up her hair. He liked the way all of the colour was together in one place, all tied up. She seemed more comfortable in her cape. He, again, found himself smiling. Was this normal for a human?
"If you want I can show you the reservoir, but that's the only other thing that's down here. Upstairs are the dining hall and kitchen, which you've seen, and the training grounds, classrooms, guard chambers, supply rooms, the main gathering hall, and the King and Queen's chambers. I can show you all but those last two before we leave, or I can show you around when we get back, it's up to you."
"How about when we get back?" Adam suggested although he didn't really mind either one. He just wanted to spend more time with this girl. She intrigued him, on multiple different levels.

[Assistant]
Brielle received Edens hug openly, and warmly hugged the familiar man. They had class together when younger, immediately bonding due to being orphans at a young age. "I was thinking one on one, but anything for the youth...:do you have someone accompanying you later in the forests in case of a run in?" Brielle sat down near Lucile, her body facing Eden as they spoke. She always appreciated his company, one person she felt close too after many years. Brielle laughed as the stray dreadlock laid itself down in the center of his face - "did you just maintain them? They're looking longer these days" she stated, in reference to his glorious locks.
 As Adam nodded in response to her question, Brielle broke into a laugh over Sparrows statement breaking her intriguied gaze from Adam "it's okay, I was supposed to be hunting...so I won't tell if you don't", she chuckled lightly, her cheeks flushing. Brielle moved her eyes back on Adam, as he and Sparrow quickly left, something in her gut was sitting right. She broke apart some of the freshly cooked muffin, plopping a piece in her mouth. It was a delicious treat - a satisfied hum followed suit.
"Oh right, Eden - This Lucile he's a mu-- half breed...I escorted him in today for some trades" she looked over at Lucile who was looking at her for confirmation of their situation. It was a unique sight to see Brielle being so kind to a halfbreed. Not that she was ever derrick status, she just tended to avoid even being around them. No matter how kind, the fact demon blood ran through then unsettled her greatly. So she always declined escort jobs, if possible. "If you have time before class - you can come with us so he can trade for a trowel, and then I'll join your class for the day".

@Ktyhrea@Hawlin@WhiteMoths

[User]
Ysran continued to follow the small group. Yet he grew increasingly bored. He decided to let them be for now, chances are, they'd be here later. The entrance seemed like a good place to observe. The walk back was uneventful. Nobody did anything extreme, or out of the ordinary. At least these people were sane. He'd met some pretty strange people in his times. Demons included. And don't even get him started on fiends.

The entrance was more or less the same. He'd need to keep observing. So far, much of the same. Many seemed to ignore the rest, or travel in pairs. Sometimes a very rare group of three or four. Despite living around so many other humans, many seemed to be independent, at least, for now. Perhaps at night, things will change.


[System]
* Age: 16
* Gender: Female
* Race: Human
* Appearance: Armored, Unarmored. She is 5'1, with pale skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. Her armor is silver with gold decorations. Her sword has a golden hilt.
* Personality: Fanilly is one to take her duty seriously. This is both due to a belief in the cause of the Iron Rose Knights, and a severe insecurity and self-consciousness about her position. She is well aware that she is young and comparatively inexperienced. She knows that she is only in the position she is because of her birth, as she was born under a full moon. This only makes her feel worse about it. For Fanilly Danbalion, captain of the Iron Rose Knights, she can't help but feel that they have a point. She's young. And even though the founder was the same age, she was viewed as something miraculous, almost a saint. Should Fanilly truly be leading them? This weighs heavily on her mind, and thus one of her biggest desires is to prove that she is. In spite of her young age, in spite of how this tradition has worn thin for some, Fanilly wants to prove that she is a worthy captain of the Iron Rose Knights above all else. Aside from this desire, the girl is somewhat socially awkard, sometimes unprepared for conversation. However, she is not really shy and can generally deal with attending various functions in the capital, as is expected of the Iron Rose Knights. She is dedicated to the purpose of the order, to defend the innocent and protect the land of Thaln. However, the doubts surrounding her have lead to a lack of confidence in herself. Fanilly has a younger sister and as a result has a somewhat stronger affinity for children and desire to keep the safe, but as someone dedicated to the Iron Rose Knights' cause she wishes to protect all those in need. While she has a lacking in confidence, she retains some pride in her training, as she has proven to be skilled at swordplay in spite of her youth.
* Brief Backstory: Fanilly was a daughter of the Danbalion family, a noble family already. While they had never been knights, her birth on a full moon immediately made her a potential future candidate for the Iron Rose Knights' captain. She was simply needed sooner then many expected. And so she experienced training for several years leading up to her instatement as the Captain of the Iron Rose Knights. Initially she was confident in herself, but it quickly became clear that even some within the Knights had grown tired of the tradition of selecting a maiden born on a full moon to be the captain. This wore on her quickly, and has lead to her desperation to prove herself.
* Equipment: Fanilly wears a well-made set of somewhat ornate armor. She wields a fine longsword in her right hand and a dagger with a curved hilt for trapping weapons in her left.
* Skills: Fanilly has experienced extensive training in swordplay, specifically in the use of a longsword in both hands, or paired with a unique parrying dagger.

[User]
Sir Garrett
Themerlinhawk

The look on Sir Garrett's face was that of someone who had just bitten into a lemon. Of course it was Julianna who appeared the second there was a chance he was nobility. Or someone she could leverage. Careful, remember what happened the last time you made an assumption about someone?

"Don't call me Count. I hate that title; the majority of my holdings are largely tracks of empty hills and forgotten Barrows. If I wanted to reclaim it I'd have to call on the portion of populace who were displaced from that part of country. And I don't particularly feel like making use of manpower like that. Not only would it be arrogant and an irresponsible use of my resources, but I don't feel like making a pass at being a self made ruler. Most people hate you when you do that."

Grimacing at his now empty glass he set it down on the table next to him and eyed the table of drinks again. Trying to determine if it was worth the socially polite dash through the nobles that were there to celebrate with the princess. "Thank you, by the way. Even though I was just doing my job. The Captain is unfortunately two things: young and naive. An unfortunate combination but I do infact believe that is the point of the Captain position within the Iron Rose." Looking at Julianna again he carefully raised an eyebrow at her. She was totally after something as it had been rare for the two of them to interact in the past; however the second his titles had been mentioned she appeared out of thin air.

"As for why I'm with the Knights. I'm an Heir Presumptive, not an Heir Apparent. In theory all of my siblings could take over the Jarldom. My older brother and I are the best two candidates. There is an argument that could be made that my time here makes me more capable of diplomatic relations and leadership. It was certainly the argument my brother made to get me to leave. He wants the Jarldom more than me frankly and the Elders will probably vote with him even though I'm almost completely certain I can beat him in the trail of blades. Not that it matters anymore."

Turning he offered Julianna his arm. "I'm fine with being the Sword of Clan Skildren, I'm valuable and command respect and part of my clan. Why do I need it all when I can be here and do what I enjoy? Being a leader limits your freedom to choice." Regardless of whether she took his arm he started towards the drink table. She's too much of a political player to alienate if I plan on surviving here now that everyone knows who I am. Where is Marianne when I need backup.

"To answer your question as directly as you asked it: I don't want the Jarldom. Being the Sword means I only have to answer a call from the Jarl if the clan is in danger. Which it won't be with my brother and siblings. In the end my current best interests are here, I enjoy being with the Knights and frankly I've always wanted to see the world." He could still hear the laughter and the words from his nightmares the night before.

And I'm still running from the past

[Assistant]
It was certainly a very stimulating conversation, also one very different from the usual she had to contend with. His straightforward answers were certainly a breath of fresh air as nobles could be notoriously stuffy. Of course as they conversed she quickly started to file away all relevant information she could glean. Sir Garett was, in a sense, second in line to the Jarldom and while he probably had a decent amount of support his older brother was the more likely candidate. The most important fact though was that Garett really just didn't seem to want to be a ruler, preferring to wield his sword and see the world than to be stuck in politics.

Julianna graciously took his arm with her gloved hand as he started leading her to the drink table. "Being a leader limits you freedom, a truth I know all too well." She thought of her own parents briefly, the Silvern family heads who were always doing their utmost to rise in power and prestige which meant quite often acting in a way to appeal to the other nobles. It was just such a life that she had been bred for, her parents were using her as a tool for their own ends but she accepted their will as if it was her own. They were put her in the captain's seat of the Iron Rose Knights and then she too would be completely encased in that game to bring about change to the kingdom.

There was also the princess herself, she would be expected to be the pride and joy of the ball no doubt as her royal duty demanded it. Leadership was complicated, sticky, and frankly Julianna just could not see Fanilly raising to the ocassion as the leader of the Iron Rose Knights. Tradition could work for a while, but eventually the reality of the position would come to bite anyone not prepared because they were put into position without proper training.

So Julianna was quite unsure of what to think when Sir Garett had said that the point of the captain position was to be young and naive. Admittedly the young part had its merits and Julianna herself was still young in comparison to most knights, but the naive part just seemed like a very poor fit for the position.

As they walked Julianna took a sip from her glass. "That being said a strong leader is a necessity, even if that leader may not want to lead. That being said, there is a bit of romance to the fact you have the freedom to choose your own path. It's a quality I certainly do not dislike, it even makes me a little envious even." Julianna mildly alluded to the fact that her path in life had already been chosen for her, but her happiness was her family's happiness.

They had just made it to the drink's table when a noblewoman intercepted them. "My, my quite rugged gentleman you have their my dear. A suitor of yours perhaps?" The noblewoman was wearing quite the dashing red dress despite being a tad on the older side though she could have been quite the looker in her youth. It was mostly just some semi-polite teasing on her part, possibly designed to make them feel awkward but Julianna was too used to such tactics so she lightly smiled in return.

"He is quite the catch isn't he?" She gave his arm a light squeeze for fun, "Unfortunately my parents would never allow a relationship with one such as he, forgive me kind sir." Julianna looked up at Sir Garett as if in longing to make the statement even more dramatic, but then she returned to the task at hand. "Needless to say he is one of our order's best knights and an esteemed colleague of mine Countess Prawm, though I am sure you know of Sir Garett by reputation alone."

"But of course," she quickly responded though most likely the woman didn't actually know who the man was, other than his title. "A great honor to meet such a knight in person. I wish you both the very best." The woman retreated to her posse, no doubt to the relief of Sir Garett.

"I certainly hope that did not scare you for life Sir Garett but since things are only to be expected I am afraid."

[User]
I didn't take long for Ian to find himself confronted by three young noble girls, the usual crowd that gathers around you when you're an exotic race with puppy ears, though at least rather then having to endure a flurry of petting and rubbing he was asked to tell of his adventures, That was quite honestly a new one to him.

He shrugged "well, I've traveled from Ithillin all across Velt, I've certainly got a few tales to tell if you want to hear them" He folded his arms and took a short glance at the commotion stirred up over by the captain and some other knights "though, maybe somewhere that isn't the middle of the entryway" He made a gesture at the floor and hoped these girls would lead him somewhere that, at the very least, wasn't the middle of the blighted room.

whether or not they started moving he would eventually say "I don't believe I caught your names before" and give them an inquiring look.

[Assistant]
"Th... there's... everything is fine, Dame Marianne, Dame Viviane" replied Fanilly, when the older girls approached, taking a deep breath as she did. Yes. Everything would be fine, she was certain. It'd... have to be. She was not about to make her first formal function as Captain of the Iron Rose Knights into a mess. She had to show she was capable of leading them in any scenario. She couldn't fail them, and she couldn't fail herself. Not on the battlefield, and not here. That meant handling this properly.

"Dame Martina and I have indeed, er..." Ah, she couldn't just start stumbling over herself so now... but this was more people in one party then she'd ever seen before. Many of those who were not a part of the Iron Roses were growing rather close, to listen in on their conversation. She took a deep breath. "We've met before. But, er, Dame Martina, that was very sudden and... a little embarrassing."

A little was an understatement, really. "And thank you, for the apology, Sir Gillian. We're at this party to meet the Princess on her request, and I'm certain she would rather see us behaving politely."

Admittedly, Fanilly had never met the Princess. She only knew the girl was not far off of her own age, and that she was very popular with the common folk and many nobles. But, well, she was a princess, and politeness was only proper at a formal gathering.

It was about then, however, that she noticed a little girl in a highly ornate dress had approached them. Probably one of the Noble's daughters, though the white hair, red eyes, and extremely pale skin was very striking. "Oh, hello, are your parents near..."

She trailed off, however, when she realized there was a rather enormous sword strapped, carefully, to the little girl's back.

"..."

The noble girls surrounding Ian grew even more excited, at this point.

"You've been to Velt?!" exclaimed the first girl.

"What was it like there?! Did you get to see the Reonite Cathedral?!" cried the third. Velt was home to the two largest centers for the worship of the goddesses, an enormous cathedral and temple in the country's capital, for Reon and Mayon respectively.

"Velt's not that exciting," remarked the black-haired girl, flatly, "My cousin lives there."

Regardless, the three did lead the hundi knight further inward, towards a set of comfortable-looking armchairs.

"Oh, our names, Sir Knight... My name is Mariegolde Tielane," introduced the first girl, her flowing blonde hair swishing as she turned in front of the chairs to curtsy.

"My name's Angenese Barthel!" declared the other blonde brightly, curtsying enthusiastically.

The third was looking rather bored, and distracted, her curtsy noncommittal.

"Violette Cadrenne," she introduced herself, flatly, before sitting down.

Of course, not a few moments later, there was a stir at the front of the room.

"Presenting the Young Lady of the Throne and the Heir Apparent, Princess Eliabelle Tanenway Falthaen!"

Fanilly, who had been utterly baffled by the little girl with the enormous sword, looked up in time to see the girl stride out. She was smiling brightly.

Princess Eliabelle was known for many things. Her friendly demeanor, her popularity, and her beauty. Her elaborate dress was tailored, it was rumored, by an elven seamstress from beyond distant Lethienvel, although this seemed far too unlikely to be true.

She stopped before the thrones where her parents, occupied with other matters, would usually sit.

"It's wonderful to see you all!" she said, brightly, "But, I must admit, my reason for holding this function was both to grant everyone a pleasant time shared with friends, and to meet the Iron Rose Knights! I would be delighted if they would take some time to speak with me."

She curtsied.

"Thank you!"


[System]
~Lady Victoria Moncourier-Crest~

---
Age: 20
Gender: Female

Bio:
The daughter of Lord Alexander and Lady Diana Crest, Victoria was born with a rare blood condition called Haemochromotosis, basically where you have more iron in your blood than normal. It's linked with early dementia, but people rarely lived past the age of 60 in Victorian era. This makes her blood smell much, much stronger. And a prime target for vampires.

Her upbringing was privileged being from a family of vast wealth, Victoria wanted for nothing. She had all the ponies and horses she could want, this created her affinity and love for all animals and nature through horse riding and caring for them. When she was twelve, she fell from a horse and grazed her elbows. Her strong blood caught the scent of a nearby vampire. This triggered an attack later that evening as it tracked her back home. As the vampire was about to savage her in her own bed, her father burst in armed with a sword, gun, a cross and a stake (whether stakes actually worked is still a myth) and killed the vampire, this is when she learned they did exist, but she was made to keep it secret. It turned out her father was a secret Vampire Hunter! He knew he himself was a target, having the rare blood condition himself, so did her mother, this was only passed down genetically from both parents. He had to become a vampire hunter to protect himself, his wife and his future children. He guarded her religiously until recently he was killed by a vampire due to his ageing body and weaker ability to dispatch them. They never caught his murderer.

6 months later, Victoria has reached that age where she was expected to have a husband. It was ever more precedent now that the Lord of the House had been killed, there needed to be a new head of the family, with Victoria being the only daughter and no male brothers or cousins to assume the role, it fell to Victoria's future husband. Lord Christopher Spencer was chosen as a suitable candidate for her. And this is where our story begins, at the ball held at the Crest manor estate where she would meet her selected betrothed. Only there was something strangely off about this Lord…

[User]
Inside the Open Leaf, Vail let his eyes rove over the patrons as he decided whom he was going to make his target that night. Though he considered most of the people in the room, his focus mostly lingered on the group of women he had spotted from outside. There were three of them in all, sitting near the back of the room beside a large, glowing fireplace. Each one had in drink in her hand, and there was a flush to their cheeks that told him they had to have been drinking at least long enough to feel the effects of the gin. Thanks to their inebriation, any one of them would have a perfect victim.

He edged closer to the group, mixing easily with the crowd as he elected to choose his prey by scent rather than by sight. Over the years, he had gotten quite skilled at hunting without alerting his target to his presence. Even now, he let his gaze wander aimlessly over the room, acting as if he was merely enjoying the atmosphere of the pub rather than hunting down his next meal. None of the women seemed to take any notice of him either. They were all distracted by whatever conversation they were having to notice the predator in their midst.

Once he was close enough to distinguish their individual smells, Vail's eyes flicked toward the woman sitting on the right, a young brunette with golden-brown eyes and a pretty face. Among the three, her aroma was the most delicious, and he was sure her blood would taste sweet—just what he needed to satisfy his craving. He was just about to begin planning how he would separate her from the rest of her friends when another scent wafted to him that made him stop in his tracks.

"You've got to be kidding me…" he muttered under his breath, glancing over the room until he spotted Victoria speaking with the bar keep over the counter. She didn't seem to have noticed him yet, but he doubted it was a coincidence that she was here now. He clicked his tongue and turned away from her again. Having learned his lesson from his last mistake, he wasn't going to approach her this time. Perhaps, if he was lucky, she wouldn't see him, and he wouldn't have to interact with her again.

Unfortunately, she couldn't make it that easy on him.

The strength of her perfume grew just before Vail felt her whispery voice on his ear. Her warm breath made his skin tingle, but his annoyance with the scene she had caused in the Black Bull outweighed the pleasantness of the sensation. "Following me now, are you?" he asked dryly as he continued to watch the woman whom he had made his target. He didn't want to risk letting his prey slip away for just a conversation with the Crest heiress. "I would have thought you'd be satisfied after giving me away once tonight. Or are you trying to do some noble deed by stopping me wherever I go?"

[Assistant]
Victoria chuckled at the fact he thought she was following him. If anything, she thought he was following her, knowing she had cut herself at the party and Vail seemed to linger around her. She knew he would enjoy her blood more than anyone's. Yet, the way he was staring at his target, actually made her feel inadequate. Like she wasn't special anymore. Or perhaps it was because she wanted his attention to be on her like it was when they danced.

"Me? Following you? Don't flatter yourself, My Lord…" She folded her arms. "I really don't care what you're up to. I have better things to do with my time…." She knew the Hygraces would not mess with her or her family from reading her father's notes, they wanted to keep a low profile. She went to turn away but then stopped in her tracks. It was true she didn't care what he did or who he killed, she knew none of these people in here and really disliked the majority of social conventions, the fake people, their two-faced attitudes, the gossip. Pubs were rife with it. But she couldn't help feeling a pang of pity for his victim. It was still someone's daughter, wife mayhap or even mother even at her young age.

Victoria Crest was in no way trained or ready to even take on any vampires, even just the one such as Vail. She stared at the door, she still had a caring soul and knew it would enrage the vampire to possibly attack her, but at least she had a dagger to defend herself with. That young lady had no clue what she was up against. She decided to try and distract him from his target. Victoria turned back to face Vail, though he still wasn't looking at her. "Um…thanks for helping me earlier with that crude man…maybe…I can reward you...with just a small taste…" She then wavered her cut finger under his nose. Was she the prey or the hunter now? Her intention to lure him out into the street. But this way the other woman would be safe for tonight. She only had to worry about her own safety right now as she walked to the door and left the tavern. She hoped his desire was strong enough to want her blood much more than the average human.

She broke into a run in the street, she really doubted she could outrun a vampire, but she could maybe outwit one. She ran toward the alley way she hid in and suddenly a shadowy figure stepped out from it. Victoria couldn't slow down quickly enough and ended up running into his arms. "Agh!" She screeched as the man grabbed her arms and pulled her tightly to him. He nearly crushed her in his embrace as she squirmed and kicked. "Let me go!"

"Calm down Miss! You're safe now!" He told her in a gruff voice. "GET. OFF!" She kneed him in the groin, he let her go and groaned as he curled over himself in pain. She then ran from him and he began to chase her down. "Come back here!" Albeit he was hobbling at first.

[User]
As Victoria rebutted that she hadn't been following him, Vail casted her a brief glance before focusing on the woman he had targeted again. As long as she wasn't shouting to everyone in London that he was a Hygrace, he didn't care what she was doing either. Perhaps it really had just been a coincidence that they had found each other at two different pubs. Whatever the case, he wasn't going to let her appearance distract him from his goal. She was untouchable. The other Lady was not. If he didn't feed tonight, his cravings would only grow worse too. For his own sake, he had to satisfy them so he wouldn't have to leave his family's manor again.

For a moment, it nearly seemed like Victoria was going to leave him alone. As she turned to walk away from him, he was able to put all his attention into luring the dark-haired woman away from the tavern. Since she was drunk, it wouldn't be difficult. All he had to do was make an excuse to interrupt the group's conversation and remain close to her long enough that she would go with him willingly when he invited her to accompany him outside. He was just about to make his move when Victoria spoke up again.

This time, she caught his attention.

Vail turned toward the Lady when she offered him "a small taste," eyeing her with new interest. Despite everything he had told himself before, he couldn't deny that he was tempted. He wondered why she would make such a sudden gesture though. She obviously knew who and what he was. Why wasn't she afraid? His feral gaze swept over her. As Alexander's daughter, she surely must have been fed the lies of the Order: that vampires were demons who bled their victims to death in a cruel and sadistic manner. It surprised him that she was facing him so calmly as she made her proposal.

However, he didn't get a chance to question her before she reached out to wave her fresh cut beneath his nose. The alluring fragrance of her unique blood made his heartbeat quicken and his pupils dilate with envy. Already hungry and sensitive to his carnal instincts, it was simply too much for him to withstand this time. All sense went out the window as she hurried out the door, further exciting his inner predator with the prospect of a chase. What did it matter if she was a Crest? She had volunteered to be his prey tonight, and he had every intention to accept.

Without giving it another thought, Vail took off after her, walking briskly through the pub until he reached the street. As soon as the Lady was back in his sight, he broke into a sprint, easily closing a large portion of the distance between them as he pursued her. In the back of his head, he knew he should be more careful about chasing her so obviously—if a member of the Order saw him now, it would be clear what he was doing—but at the moment, the impulse to feed was too consuming to listen to reason. He hastened his pace.

At one point, he noticed absently that he passed someone else on the street when he rounded a corner to follow Victoria into an alley. However, he didn't pay the man any mind. His target was right in front of him now. He almost had her.

As soon as she was close enough for him to touch, Vail caught her by the arm and pulled her roughly against himself. His usual gentleness had fled, replaced with a frenzied urge to have his fill of her rich blood. He pinned her effortlessly and curled his lip, baring a sinister set of fangs just before he leaned in to bite the soft skin of her neck.

[Assistant]
Victoria knew it was only a matter of time before he caught up to her. She reached down for her dagger as she ran but she felt something latch onto her arm and pull her back. Her back slammed against Vail's torso, she felt her heart burst out of her chest. She was scared but she was also excited. Never in her life had she experienced such invigoration. Living a sheltered life, she had never really lived. She felt alive right now. Even though he was rough with her, being in Vail's arms sent a shockwave of desire throughout her body. She must have been insane. She could feel his breath near her neck, she lifted her leg so she could grab her dagger from it but as she unsheathed it from her boot, a gun went off. "Unhand her, you unholy beast!"

A silver bullet impaled Vail's shoulder. "The next one wont miss!" The stranger growled as he aimed his gun at him. Feeling Vail's grip loosen on her, Victoria brought her silver, holy tipped blade up and slid out of his arms. She dropped to the floor and slashed his right leg. She pushed herself off the floor and sprang into a run toward the stranger.

"You're okay now Miss, I'm with the Order of Saints. Get behind me." He instructed as his gun remained targeting Vail. She did run behind him but turned and saw he was about to shoot Vail in the heart. It would kill him. She didn't want him to die. He couldn't help himself in his frenzied state. It was his natural instinct to prey upon her. He couldn't control it any more than a hungry lioness hunting zebra. From what she had read of her father's journals. Not all vampires were blood thirsty beasts. Some felt ashamed of being what they were, others went into hiding to survive, like Vail.

"No! Don't kill him!" Victoria pushed the stranger's arm upward and his gun shot a bullet into the air. He growled. "Vampire sympathiser!" He yelled at her and struck her down with his gun with the handle against her cheek. She yelped and fell to the floor, holding her face. "Run Vail!" She shouted out for him to use this opportunity to flee the Order.