[System]
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." - Buddha

Something I have to remind myself of often - it's something I think all people should live by, even though I don't live by it often.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments." - Cesare Pavese

It's why I like to film everything. I want to remember all the small moments I share with my friends. Years from now, when I'm an old woman on my death bed, I want to be able to play all the special moments of my life as I slowly die. It sounds nice, dying happily.

Introvert. Reflective. Wry. Gawky. Docile. Curious. Capricious. Melancholic. Paranoid. Cordial.

Sounds a bit pretentious, doesn't it? More like: shy, awkward teenager with the mood swings of a prepubescent school girl. My mother says I have the temperament of Missouri weather - I can change in a moment's notice and without much warning. Like Katy Perry once wisely said, I'm "hot and then I'm cold", "yes and then I'm no", "in and then I'm out". Typically my mood can swing from happy and friendly to rather pensive and quiet. Wondering on small things and getting distracted by something like a window. People say that's my problem, really - I think too much and I often miss my chance to act. It takes me too long to decide to do something that by the time I decide to do it, it's too late.

There's really not that much to me, I guess - little boring, don't like to take chances or put myself out there. I'm your typical school wallflower - I'm always on the sidelines. It's not that I don't want friends - I just have a hard time really getting to know people.  I wish I was like those girls that easily talked in front of others and made friends.

* Filming my friends with my handy-dandy video camera.
* Days where the air is cold but the sun is shining!
* Inside jokes between friends - the kind where you just share a look and know.
* Mementos. I have a whole drawer just for tickets from movies and concerts that I saw with friends - I keep everything.
* Watching films in a homemade fort.

I want to be a director! It would be so amazing to work in the film industry and make my own films - amazing films that would get awards for their artistic integrity rather than their vapid entertainment value.

My indecisiveness. My worrying. My fear of being rejected. Feels like my whole personality is holding me back sometimes. I think too much about what will be that it's nearly impossible for me to actually live without second-guessing every decision I've ever made. And I hate putting myself out there.

Plus, there's my parents who want me to be a surgeon or doctor or something. I barely convinced them to let me go to Graystone.

There was this day when I was twelve and my older sister was at the skatepark on her skateboard. I wanted to film her doing some tricks and I had my camera with me as I sat nearby filming. But the angle wasn't that good - so I climbed the halfpipe and stood on the top in order to get a good angle of my sister skateboarding. It turned out really well, actually, I still have the videos. When it came time to get off the halfpipe to come home, I panicked. I'm terrified of heights and I was too scared to slide down the halfpipe ramp and it was too hard to climb down the other way that I came up. I cried in front of everybody - it was embarrassing, really. Eventually, I found a way to climb down with the help of some teenager and my sister.

I don't know why this memory always sticks out - but it's something I remember like it was yesterday.

Letting my parents boss me around. Even though I'm attending the school of my dreams, after I graduate, I'll be heading off to an Ivy League school so I can get the best education I can for my future as a surgeon. My parents always get what they want out of me. I probably shouldn't have made that deal to become a surgeon if I got to go to Graystone, but this is probably the closest I'll get to my lifelong dream.

I want a whirlwind romance. Something that sweeps me up and is intense and something I never experienced before. I guess it's because my life is so monotone, so dull and predictable. I want someone that catches me like a spiderweb and takes me from my life into adventures that you only see in movies like Indiana Jones.

I have a list: I'm bisexual, I struggle with an addiction to over-the-counter medicine, I have anxiety.

But I think the biggest thing I've never told anyone - is that I hate people so much. Those people who can talk to others so easily, who can proudly stand in front of a class and present, who can make jokes with teachers, whose name is known by everyone - even the principal and the janitors. My parents are like that and I hate them for it. I don't know if I hate it because I find it annoying or because I'm envious.

Say yes to going to the dance with Roy Brewer in the seventh grade. Maybe then I would've had a chance to break out of my shell and be more open. Roy Brewer was especially popular in school and I could've made a lot of friends and gotten used to putting myself out there. It's much too late for me now. Sorry, Roy Brewer. Though to be fair, he was an asshole and called me a bitch every other day.

[User]
James Xiao
LOCATION: Main Building to Boys' Dorm
INTERACTING WITH: Stephen Rao @tanderbolt

---

What was even the point of Graystone's ridiculously high tuition if they couldn't fix one fucking bell system?

James Xiao glowered out the window of the Physics classroom, internally complaining about many other aspects of Graystone Academy while completely ignoring the teacher's spiel about, fuck, helium spectrums or something? Sure, James felt a bit shitty about doing so; Mr Bone seemed like a decent person (if not a bit eccentric) who actually gave a shit about his students, a trait that seemed almost non-existent these days. The smart students, anyway. But honestly, if anyone expected him to concentrate on literally anything with that obnoxious, loud-ass piece of crap blaring for hours on end, then it was really their own fault. His shitty attention span wasn't going to miraculously cure itself as some Pavlovian response to that infernal ringing. And so, James kept glowering and complaining. Internally, of course. He didn't need to get another detention so early in the school year.

As if a generous deity had heard James' pleas, the class was let out early. He was the first out of the room, neglecting the teacher's homework reminder in the process. The sooner he got away from that ruckus, the better. He didn't need a headache to add to his shitty mood.

The ringing only seemed to box his ears even more as he walked through the hallway. Or maybe it was just the excited chatter of people anticipating the night's main event. One idiot in particular seemed to be incredibly hyped, shouting something about queers and being there at Beaumont Cove. James frowned at the nature of the guy's announcement.

"Doesn't even rhyme," he muttered vacantly.

He couldn't give less shits about the slur but if you were going to make a slogan, at least try to put some creative fucking effort into it. The salesman in question was a guy in a letterman jacket, one of the guys on James' team in fact. Which meant that when the poor fellow accidentally bumped into the lacrosse ace in his fervor, he knew immediately to shut his loud mouth. James shot the bastard a smoldering glare for good measure and continued down the hall. That delinquent reputation, though not completely unjustly founded, had its perks after all. One less blaring nuisance to add to his soon-to-be headache.

His irritation was sated slightly by the sight of someone familiar in the dorm hallway. With a slight smile, James strode up to Stephen and ruffled his friend's hair (Were they friends yet? Maybe close acquaintances?), as some strange, misguided attempt at a friendly greeting.

"Kill it with fire, Steve," the taller boy shouted over the din, referring to the bell, "Or I'll pull its fucking wires out myself."

[Assistant]
Sonja TiedemanSeptember 9th, 2016
Whatever Mrs. whats-her-name had to say about characterizing in creative writing, it was a world away. Sonja, tucked away in the back corner of the classroom, tapped her foot along to the music in her ear and sketched the time away. This wasn't unusual - in fact this was quite normal, and the whole group in the back corner was killing time in some way or another. Nobody questioned that the back corner table was their sovereign territory and while nobody really did anything about it if anyone sat there, it was considered a crime to break the status quo.

With only so much left to do on Sonja's latest sketch - a sketch of a cartoon puppy - the bell began to ring. While most came to to abhor the unpredictable and ceaseless bell, Sonja and her friends, as they are effectively trademarked for, found some fun in it: they'd place bets - well, they barely classify as bets, more-or-less dares and IOU's for the canteen or the local cafe - for how many songs the bell would ring for, using a different persons phone each time.
"Six." Sonja bet, as she folded her books shut and loaded them into her bag. "I'm feeling like we're up for a six day today."
"Four.. I'm feeling four." came one of the others, standing straight up and hoisting her bag onto her back, having packed it up along ago.
"Y'know.. I'm going for eight." came yet another one as he stowed away his own things, taking his time like always.
"Eight? God, I hope not..."
And so, as Sonja tugged her bag into her back and put her guitar case over her shoulder by the sling, the chatter and banter carried on. At their own pace, the group filed out of the classroom and into the broader school.

The group, as is tradition for a Friday afternoon, made their way towards their usual spot: on the grass and under the tress, north of the pool and west of the boys dormitories. A few others met them there and a few others trickled in later, forming their usual little amalgamation of friendship circles. Whilst some would stay just long enough to see the bet through and others would stay with the group until they arrived at the bonfire tonight - I mean, it was no secret plenty of people were going. They just took their place and took the time with one another. Instruments came out and went away as they felt like it and music from phones would begin, stop and change as they saw fit. Life was good when you didn't sweat the small stuff.

[User]
"Mr. President! Mr. President! How do you feel about the bonfire being cancelled?"

The soles of Kingsley's boots crunched on chalky rocks and the back of the heels scuffed against the dips in cracks, causing Kingsley to trip up multiple times in her excitement to keep up with her interviewee. The brunette's calves burned beneath her brown skinny jeans from walking backwards for so long – well, three minutes wasn't so long, but Kingsley swore off exercise at the ripe age of ten after tripping in front of the whole class during the mile run.

"Fuck off, Quinn." Kingsley's interviewee muttered, but the girl kept her video camera concentrated on his face regardless.

"Were you one of the seniors setting the party up?" She continued on, eyes wide as she stared at him through her camera. "What are you going to be doing on this wonderful Friday evening without the bonfire party?"

The guy – he wore a sloppy t-shirt with a ketchup stain and had unkempt blond hair – attempted to move her camera away with his hand, but Kingsley vaulted backwards to avoid the greasy thumb from semi-permanently leaving a mark on her lens. When the tall, muscular slob halted in his steps and gave Kingsley a deadpan look – that, thankfully, she caught on tape – Kingsley stopped too and gave a defiant stare at him over the black outline of her camera.

"The bonfire's been relocated to Beaumont Cove, alright?" He huffed, running his fingers through his corn-stalk locks, unintentionally giving his worst impression of a L'Oréal commercial. Kingsley smirked at the thought, zooming in on the questionably black crumb entwined in the strands. "Now, will you leave me alone, bitch?"

Kingsley was too slow to react to his words, and by the time she turned around to follow after, he was already halfway down the path to the dormitories. Kingsley let out a long breath, her shoulders relaxing and her calves quivering from the emotional trauma exercise they just went through.

She wasn't surprised in the least about the news – of course they would find a loophole around the rule, they always did. Kingsley can just imagine one of them, letterman on and a gross smirk on their face as they sneered, 'Rules were meant to be broken.' Meant to be my ass, Kingsley thinks bitterly. Kingsley Quinn hadn't been planning to go – not at all – but the thought was more than a little tempting and it was her only chance to go to it. After this year, she'll be a functioning member of the capitalistic scummy society that she would rather spit on, she might as well have fun while she can, right?

Kingsley slipped her iPhone from her pocket and flipped through her contacts – Davis, Penelope, Elizabeth, Lily, – ah, there she is. Kingsley tapped out a quick text – or two – and sent:

She waited a second, for a reply, but when it took longer than that, Kingsley reluctantly slid the device back into her pocket. Kingsley walked towards the entrance to the school, skipping up the steps, and entered the building, all the while glaring at the walls as if it was their fault for the obnoxious, ear-bleeding ringing in her ears. Which it was because god forbid this school have a normal bell system.

Kingsley stuffed her ears with her headphones, drowning the sound out with mellow music, ignoring the straggling students who haven't left the building yet – despite the actual assault on their ears.


[System]
Age: 23
Appearance: Human

Name: Kassandra Keigwan
Age: 22
Appearance: Mermaid

[User]
It was shaping up to be an average fishing season this year. The catch was good and plentiful, and the harvesters didn't go without work. The kelp farmers were busy too, tending to their treelike fronds of delicious kelp. Kassandra couldn't wait until the festival at the end of the season, where there would be her few friends and precious family. Her cousin Leonce's wife was bound to have their child by then! She would have to buy baby presents.

After leaving her daily courses at the King's School, she went toward her favorite grotto. It was a place she'd been going to since her childhood, when she needed to get away from it all. Best of all, it was her place. No one knew about it, not even her dearest cousin. No, the grotto was all hers, and no one else's.

At least, it was supposed to be.

When she spied the other mermaid with the blue tailfin, she sighed with disappointment. "This is supposed to be my cave. Oh well." She wasn't about to find another. Maybe she could share with this stranger. Funny… for some reason she looked a little different from the others around. Maybe it was the dress. White – was the poor girl mourning someone? Is that why she was still asleep at mid-morning?

Kassy hated to do it, but she slowly approached the other maid. Gently shaking her shoulder, she said in her most soothing voice. "Wake up, please… wake up."

-

Meanwhile, on the island, Brendan Dorian was preparing for yet another shift. In the daytime, it was the local tourist hotel, one of the largest and most attractive for college students. At nighttime, he was a fire dancer at the tourist parties, ones that never failed to impress.

Makai was his home, and always would be. Many of the natives took some offense to their growing tourist population, but Brendan had long tired of the faces he grew up with. Seeing some new blood around the place was always great. Plus, there were always plenty of pretty girls and boys to flirt with.

Stretching and yawning, he donned his apron and tied his black curls back. Another day, another dollar. He was saving up to go to another country and be a tourist himself, for once. Just him and his twin sister, Bianca. His sister had always been the smarter one – she was going to college, and only working part time shifts. She wanted to become a doctor, really help people. Brendan hadn't really discovered what he wanted to do with himself. But once he did – he'd throw himself into it with the same passion and drive he did with everything else.

He was just finished laying out the silverware on the tables, when a guest arrived. He was tall and blonde, definitely a looker.

"I hope you're having an excellent stay in the Pride of Makai hotel, sir! How many I help you this lovely morning?"

[Assistant]
Wake up, please...wake up...

Ripley groaned as someone called to her and shook her shoulder gently. She mumbled with her eyes still closed, "Five more minutes..." She then tried to roll over and go back to sleep, with her hands clutching towards the sheets.

The only problem was that there were no sheets to clutch. Instead, there was only rock. Ripley groaned when she slowly realized this, and she slowly lifted her head, confused by her senses. As she opened her eyes, she found that at first they stung and were blurry, but as she blinked, her vision grew clearer and clearer.

"Wh-Wha...?" She whispered as she looked towards the source of the voice, and she asked quietly, "Who are you...?" She then tried to lift herself up, finding that she was quite sore. She hissed in slight pain, and she looked at the ground. She commented out loud, her confusion growing clearer along with her own voice, "...This isn't the hotel. Where am I?"

Then she noticed her own hands, and she lifted one of them closer for inspection. There, she saw it: How her hand was not how it should be. It was now webbed between the fingers, and her nails seemed...sharper? She also that there seemed to be a slight sheen of blue in her skin. She then asked out loud, her confusion slowly bordering towards fright, "What...What happened to my hands?" She then tried to move her legs.

But she felt like they were stuck together. After failing to move one leg away from the other, she whimpered "What?!" before trying again. Her attempts resulted with her flipping onto her back and her tail curled upwards so that it was dangling over her, for her to see. Instead of her legs, there was a blue fish tail.

No...! This....This can't be right!

Ripley couldn't help but think to herself. As though to test and see if the tail was really hers, she moved the tail back and forth and it moved according to her will.

She sat herself up as she stared at the tail, and after a couple of deep breaths that turned into wheezes, she screamed.

The scream was filled with confusion, shock, and fright. Kassandra can be pretty darn sure that anyone outside of the grotto would be able to hear the scream....especially if they were far from the grotto.

She'd also noticed that Ripley had seaweed around her arm like a bandage.

---

Zack didn't seem to have any reaction to Brendan's cheerful question, except an aloof and calm, "Just a table for three. Hoping to get breakfast before we head out,"

Before Brendan could lead Zack to the table however, the third friend, Richard, came running back and he said to Zack, "Zack! Wait!" He stopped and bent down so that his hands rested on his knees, while panting to catch his breath. Zack quietly waited for Richard to catch his breath before the brown haired boy straightened back up and told Zack, "Zack....Ripley hasn't answered me at all,"

Zack shrugged and asked "Maybe she's still asleep?" Brendan shook his head and answered "Even if that was the case, she would have given a mumble or something! It's not like her to not answer," Zack sighed and he tried to reassure Richard, "Calm down, Rich. There's no reason to panic. Maybe she went out ahead of us?" Richard pointed out, "She hasn't even told us anything. Normally she would have let us know,"

Zack carefully considered his words, before checking his phone. Sure enough, there was nothing from Ripley. No text message, no email, no nothing. Zack pocketed his phone, and he answered Richard, "....We're going to look for her,"

Richard nodded, and told Zack, "I'll ask the hotel staff. Maybe they've seen her," He then hurried off to the front desk.

Zack then turned his attention back to Brendan and apologized, "Sorry man. Looks like we're gonna have to cancel that table for now,"

[User]
Kassandra stared openly as the girl opened her eyes, looked around, and seemed to be having the start of some kind of panic attack.

"Easy, easy -"

And then the girl screamed. It was so raw, so wrought with emotion that it actually scared Kassy a little bit. She hoped no one was nearby to hear it, because they would have thought she was murdering this poor, scared maid. But why was she scared? And what was a hotel?

"Please, calm down!" She went to the scared girl, very gently laying her hands on both shoulders. She had no idea what was happening, but her first instinct was to help. "I'm sorry, I must have woken you from some nightmare. You don't look well." Indeed the girl didn't. She seemed sick with fear for some reason.

"Take a few deep breaths. Then watch the bubbles rise." She spoke in a calm, hopefully soothing voice. After all, this is what she was going to the King's School for. To learn how to help people in bad situations. "Just deep breaths." Was this working at all? "Please, miss, can you tell me your name, and your clan? If you stay here, I'll gladly go get them for you. It seems to me that you have a need for a soft, comfortable place. Not here. Will you be alright if I go and find someone to help you?"

--

"No table? That's fine." Brendan couldn't help but overhear the conversation about the missing friend. "If you need it, Guest services is on the bottom floor. They can also be on the lookout for this missing person. We wouldn't want an incident, after all."

Imagine that, some tourist going missing on their watch and never returning. The hotel could be sunk from all the bad publicity. "And the police at 999. If it comes to that. I wish you the best of luck." He decided he was being nosy enough, and wandered off toward the kitchen area. Usually they laid out a few plates for early morning workers, and he was hungry despite breakfast.

-
The rest of his shift passed without major incident, and Brendan walked himself down to a slice of beach that the tourists didn't know about. He sat there, nursing a soda, and thought about his future. Sometimes he felt like he didn't have one, despite all the hard work he did. His father was always after him to find a path, like his sister, and try as he might he hadn't yet. The waves rolled in and out, and he shut his eyes, hoping to take a nap on the warm sand.

[Assistant]
Ripley kept on screaming until she felt hands on her shoulder. She wanted to shrug them, and swat them off, but then the girl's words caught her attention. She shakily answered the girl's statement, "A nightmare...Yes! Yes, this has to be a nightmare! I just have to wake up!" She then tried pinching herself with her sharp nails. But she only found that it was painful, and she was still here. Ripley desperately resorted to slapping herself.

With each slap across her own face she shouted each word, "Come! ON! Wake! UP!"

However, she never did wake up. Instead, it seemed like with each slap, she realized more and more that whatever was happening right now was reality. With red hand prints on her cheeks, she looked at the woman in front of her once more as her hands landed on her shoulder and she directed her to take deep breaths. Ripley found herself following her directions, breathing deeply and watching the bubbles rise...

This was happening...
This was actually happening...
She could feel herself breathe in the water as though it was simply air, only heavier.

She looked back at the woman as she asked her question, and she answered "Ripley. Ripley Jones. And I'm not part of a clan,"

The other mermaid would feel her tremble as she asked out loud, "What the hell...? What happened to my legs...? How the hell did I get a fish tail?! How did this happen?!"

---

Zack nodded in response to Brendan's advice, and he answered "Thanks man. We'll be sure to do so if we can't find her," He then hurried off to help Richard find Ripley. He did take Brendan's advice and asked Guest Services on the lower floor to be on the lookout for her if she comes back to the hotel. After that, he and Richard searched throughout the small town on Makai Island. Richard searched the beaches first while Zack retraced footsteps and went back to the bar to see if anyone had seen Ripley leave. Both had no luck.

In the end, neither could find Ripley and Zack finally tries calling her cell phone.

---

While Brendan rests at the slice of beach only he knew about, he would hear the sound of something landing in the sand. When he looks over he would see a book. Another object lands near that book, and it's a phone with a teal rubber phone case. He would hear the sound of an elderly man talking to himself, laughing,

"Ho ho ho Boy! Here we go!"

An old man with wild tangled hair, rags for clothes, and clearly in need of a shower or bath, was rifling through a purse until he pulled out a wallet. He pulled out some cash and counted "Five...Ten...Fifteen...Twenty Dollars! Looks like Gil's gonna eat today!"

As he's rifling, the phone near Brendan would ring a melodic ringtone, and the face and name of Zack Greene pops up on the screen as it's ringing.

[User]
Kassy was becoming increasingly worried about this woman. She kept trying to hurt herself, saying she was in a nightmare, smacking her own face and pinching herself. Luckily, her words eventually got through, and the girl began to breathe.

"Ripley Jones. That's a nice name. I don't know any Jones clan but I'm sure we can find them once you calm down. Now, as for what happened to your legs… Perhaps you were partying on land, then came back down without remembering it. You haven't been getting into the human liquor, have you? You know that stuff is too strong for us." Even so, some mers had a taste for it, even with how harmful it could be. Ah well, to each their own.

"Now, Ripley – may I call you Ripley? Would you like to take a swim with me? We can go anywhere you like, but I think it may clear your head and help you remember where you were last night, hm?" Kassy didn't want to use the term 'crazy', but if Ripley didn't calm down, she was going to take the maid right to the castle doctors for some advanced treatment.

She offered her arm, so they could swim together.

–

Brendan was startled from his warm, sandy doze by the ringing of a phone. Damn. "Five more minutes..." He mumbled while groping around in his pocket. He frowned when he realized his phone wasn't ringing at all. Then where was the sound coming from?

A quick look around found the answer. An old man going through a woman's purse, and a teal backed cell ringing insistently on the ground. "Ah, Grandfather, stay right there while I answer this." Hopefully the old geezer would stay put. He had to get that wallet and purse out of his hands. With a sigh, he picked up the phone and hit the green button.

"Um. Hello? I'm probably not the person you're looking for, but I found this phone on the beach. Hold on." Holding the phone out, he questioned the old man. "Where did you find that purse? It's very important that you tell me, Grandfather."


[System]
Caw | Rogue 1 | 9/9 +3
Vaal Storm-Touched | Sorcerer 1 | 7/7 +3
Magdar Ironheart | Cleric 1 | 12/12 +3
Norixius Surina | Barbarian 1 | 14/14 +3
Rhaeyla Voll | Monk 1 | 10/10

Sebastian Nighthill | NPC Fighter 1 | 11/11 +3
Cassandra Nighthill | NPC Druid 1 | 5/9

Temporary hitpoints; 7fffd4
Healthy; 2e8b57
Bruised; ffd700
Injured; ff4500
Bloodied; ff0000
Unconscious or dying; 9e0b0f
Dead; 000000

Surina - 22
Caw - 19
Unknown Foe x4 - 19
Vaal - 17
Kobolds x5 - 15
Winged Kobold - 14
Cassandra - 14
Magdar - 9
Rhaeyla - 8
Sebastian - 5
Commoners x4 - 4
Unknown Foe x 4 | Init: 19
Human Foe A | Healthy
Half-Elf Foe | Healthy
Human Foe B | Healthy
Halfling Foe | Healthy

Human Foe A carries a shortbow; the rest all have scimitars.

Kobolds x 2 | Init: 15
Kobold A | Healthy
Kobold B | DEAD
Kobold C | Healthy
Kobold D | DEAD
Kobold E | DEAD

Winged Kobold x 1 | Init: 14
Winged Kobold A | Bloodied
Commoner x4 | Init: 4
Linan Swift | Healthy
Cuth Swift | Healthy
Tarya Swift | Healthy
Arthus Swift | Healthy

The commonfolk are not combat-ready by any means. They are generally poorly equipped and often don't survive direct combat.
[h3]Character's Turn | Init: Z[/h3]
[b]HP[/b]Current/Maximum + Temporary, if any | Status: if any

---

[hider=Turn Summary]Action
Bonus action[/hider]
Monster's Turn x No. | Init: Z
Ally | Healthy
Foe | Bloodied
Boss | DEAD

None
Frightened:
* A frightened creature has disadvantage on Ability Checks and Attack rolls while the source of its fear is within line of sight.
* The creature can't willingly move closer to the source of its fear.

Prone:
* A prone creature's only Movement option is to crawl, unless it stands up and thereby ends the condition.
* The creature has disadvantage on Attack rolls.
* An Attack roll against the creature has advantage if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature. Otherwise, the Attack roll has disadvantage.

Restrained:
* A restrained creature's speed becomes 0, and it can't benefit from any bonus to its speed.
* Attack rolls against the creature have advantage, and the creature's Attack rolls have disadvantage.
* The creature has disadvantage on Dexterity Saving Throws.

[User]
Kobolds x 5 | Init: 15
Kobold A | Healthy
Kobold B | Healthy
Kobold C | Healthy
Kobold D | Healthy
Kobold E | Healthy

The kobolds search the darkness with their eyes, and see nothing.

---

Winged Kobold x 1 | Init: 14
Winged Kobold A | Bloodied

Taking something in its hand, the Urd takes flight, landing on another ledge slightly closer to where Vaal has decided to hide. There is no indication that they have seen him, however.

---

Cassandra's Turn | Init: 14
HP 5/9 | Status: None

---

Cassandra heeds Vaal's words, and sticks close.
Cassandra rolls an 18 for stealth and moves adjacent to Vaal.

---

Magdar's Turn | Init: 9
HP 12/12+3 | Status: None

---

Magdar begins to follow, but his foot gets caught on something, and a dull, low thud echoes through the air. He is tense for a moment, and heads swivel in that direction, but they don't know where you are, yet...

Magdar rolls for stealth, with disadvantage due to his armour. He rolls a 3 and a 9, and takes the 3. One person has failed a stealth check. Once you reach 5 combined failures, your cover will be blown. For the purposes of this, the commoners will always succeed.

[Assistant]
Rhaeyla's Turn | Init: 8
HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

The moment she'd spotted the group ahead -- more winged kobolds among them -- Rhaeyla knew immediately that she had made a mistake. The one she had allowed to flee would know they were traveling with children, would have seen how some of them fought, would want to avenge its slain comrades. If it were to alert the others... There were countless scenarios that played in her head, but she knew better than to dwell on things that have or could happen. If she wanted to correct her mistake, she must focus on the next right thing she can do. How can she best keep the others and herself safe?

Caw, Vaal, and Cassandra were the first to push forward, sticking to the shadows, their movements deft and silent. Rhaeyla followed their cue, creeping after Magdar. They moved together in an almost synchronized manner, at least until Magdar stumbles forward one step, his foot catching on something. Her heart all but galloped out of her chest at the low noise he made, and her hand instinctively reached for the staff affixed to her back. It hadn't been too loud to have alerted everyone, but it was still a sound that echoed through the otherwise silent night.

Rhaeyla held her breath for what seemed like minutes, whole body tense and dread filling her stomach. She stayed rooted on the spot and waited, bracing for the worse. But nothing happened. Relieved, Magdar pressed forward until he reached Cassandra, and Rhaeyla followed suit, moving slightly clumsier after the scare.

Behind her, Sebastian led Surina and her charges across to the oppsite side, slinking through the shadows with nary a sound.

Rhaeyla rolls an 11 for stealth and moves behind Magdar.

[User]
??? | Init: 20

---

As the groups go their separate ways, Caw remains at his vigil. And only he sees what happens.

From the direction of the keep, a flash of pink streaks towards one of the kobolds. It crumples silently, and Caw watches as the squat hooded figure turns towards it, surprised. Another flash, hitting one of the kobolds square in the shoulders, causing it to stagger forward. Most eyes begin to turn away from the shadows of the square to these attacks.

Upon the wall stands a figure, too far away to make out any features. But she stands ready to defend Greenrest.

[Assistant]
Caw's Turn | Init: 19
HP 09/09 | Status: None

---

Caw was so focused on staying hidden that he didn't even realize the group behind him had split. And, after streaks of pink burst forth from the fortress at the kobolds, his attention was entirely stolen by the source of the attacks; a figure high up on the wall, their details obstructed by distance. A mage?

Whatever they were, they seemed to be on his side. Caw welcomed it warmly. He had met far too many enemies today.

He turned back to ask if the others had seen, only to find the alley behind him dark and empty. His heart sank, and fear threatened to buckle his knees. Scared to be on his own - and eager to share what he'd seen besides - Caw was about to turn and reunite with the others. Before he could do so however, he realized how close one of the kobolds was. Separated only by a short stretch of the alley and a few crates, he feared it might wander after him should he move. Worse yet, should it find him, it might find the others too. His friends and the children and all.

He had to make sure it would not follow him. He had to... had to take it down, maybe. But if he were to fire an arrow and strike it down now, he'd be spotted for certain. Worse yet if he missed. He had to make the kobold come to him, but in a way that wasn't dangerous.

Caw pondered for a moment. It wasn't his forte; the curse of his kin tore apart each and every plan before he could even form them.

All new ones, anyhow. He remembered something he'd seen done, back when he'd lived with his flock. A way to lure targets to them - by using voices that might entice them. The voices of family, friends, loved ones. For a man, the voice of his wife; for a mother, that of her daughter. For a kobold... the voice of his kin. But he did not speak their language, and though he could repeat what he'd heard from their conversation earlier, he knew not what anything meant.

Taking a chance, he let out a simple yapping sound he'd heard among them earlier; short, curt, like a shout to catch someone's attention - or so he hoped.

With it done, Caw withdrew into the shadow of the crate next to him, unable to see whether the Kobold had heard or cared. All he could do now was draw his rapier and wait, breath bated and heart wild with worry.

Caw uses mimicry as a free action, then holds his action to attack the kobold should it approach.

[User]
Unknown Foe x 4 | Init: 19
Human Foe A | Healthy
Half-Elf Foe | Healthy
Human Foe B | Healthy
Halfling Foe | Healthy

When the green-skinned kobold collapsed, the halfling was still for only a split second before ducking down behind a barrel, and the half-elf threw themselves across the market stall, attempting to get behind cover. The archer spun on his heels, his arrow skidding off into the night, unaware of where the attacker was hidden. The human woman, safely out of reach and not having seen the source of the commotion, called out. "What's happening?!"

The halfling began to gesticulate wildly for her to get down. She stared at them for a moment, before doing so.

Human Foe A holds his action
Half-Elf Foe seeks cover.
Human Foe B drops prone, and moves towards the nearest market stall.
Halfling Foe ducks behind a barrel.

[Assistant]
Vaal's Turn | Init 17

---

Vaal heard the signs of panic, as he crept ever so closer towards the main street. He shifted towards the wall first, and then moved forward behind a barrel. He hunkered down. Then leaned to peer out with one amber eye. He carefully ran over his options. And... honestly did not like any of them. He began to contemplate if there was perhaps a better way into the damned keep. But most likely, if there was that would probably be in a similar circumstance. His eyes flitted over the wall, and felt elated. He spied a window. He was quite pleased. Hlal rarely ever smiled for him like so. But a quick peak immediately simmered a long burried bitterness over life. He was not certain if it was locked... but he was certain that he had nothing to pry the heavy frame open.

Hlal was laughing at him. 'Rrrrngh, Hlal shit in my eyes...' the little kobold mentally growled to himself. He could wait. He could simply do nothing and watch how everything carries out for other's with better options to work with. But, and against all sensible reason in the methodical kobold, he decided to try and make lemonaid.

The kobold took a quick moment to undo his Tabbard and flip it inside out to show the plain interior, and tie it off at his hips like a skirt. While dying a little inside, he went a bit further to dirty it with what he dared not to think of that he could find near him. Finally he peared out once more. He pointed to the kobold, muttering the syllabic rhyme of the spell. Then made a quick gesture that looked as if he was sweeping something along his hand. The effect was a quick and heavy dart of wind that whistled near the opposing kobold's head and down the alleyway. He hunkered back down and waited.

Crept up to a barrel
Found a window he could not open.
Changed his attire to make himself not immediately recognizable to descriptions.
Cast gust to make it seem like a projectile barely missed the nearest kobold's head.

[User]
Kobolds x 3 | Init: 15
Kobold A | Healthy
Kobold B | DEAD
Kobold C | Healthy
Kobold D | DEAD
Kobold E | Bloodied

Kobold A, unnerved by the sudden attack, moves away from the main market.
Kobold B lies dead, their chest caved in from the magical attack.
Kobold C hears something, and they turn to face west; away from Vaal's group. They begin to move in that direction.
Kobold D hears a curse from its kin, and ventures down the wider alley. Just as they pass the barrel where Caw hides, the kenku strikes, his rapier all but skewering them (17). Caw pulls the body towards him in the shadows, one clawed hand covering the kobold's muzzle. Kobold D dies without a sound (Caw dealt a total of 10 damage).
The second bolt of pink strikes Kobold E, who had a few more seconds to react, but it is still a heavy blow. They are not long for this world.

Winged Kobold x 1 | Init: 14
Winged Kobold A | Bloodied

The Urd sees one of its kin fall, and moves behind the wall. It now has half-cover.

Cassandra and Magdar

The human and dwarf move up, though they still keep their distance from the main square. Cassandra looks between Vaal and Rhaeyla, hoping for some kind of reassurance.

[Assistant]
Rhaeyla's Turn | Init: 8
HP 10/10 | Status: None

---

Rhaeyla moves up to join Cassandra and Vaal.

Sebastian

Sebastian, the Swifts and Surina move up further around the corner.


[System]
Gender: Male
Age/Birthdate: 21 (DoB: August 21, 460)
Appearance/Description: A young man with pale sunbleached hair and dark eyes. He stands at 5'11 and has a lithe build, though considerable muscle definition in his arms due to both working on a farm and swinging a sword. Can usually be seen in a red tunic with a hardened leather vest over it. Wears tan pants and heavy boots. He has a sword.
Background/Personality Blurb: Neighbor to a small farm family living on the countryside. He joined a local militia about a year ago to help keep both his home and the nearby town safe from bandits. While as a child, he favored use of swords in play fights, he turned the 'skills' he'd learned into a career as a militiaman. In spite of his occupation and spending a lot of time training and, in his youth, play sword fighting, he's a rather passive individual unless his family is at stake.
Class: Mercenary

[User]
Katherine frowned and shook her head, "I don't like to kill either, Felix. And I can't say I like you deliberately forcing my hand to do it... Just... don't do it anymore, alright?" she sighed.

She would definitely miss her parents. They were good people and took the news pretty well. Her mother seemed to come around to it pretty quick once she thought about it, and her....well step father now, just wanted her safe. "Ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. I'd feel better if you were coming with me, but I suppose Emmerich needs you, too. You'll do your best now won't you? No more of that slacker lifestyle?"

[Assistant]
Felix sighed. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to make anyone into a killer," he said with a note of remorse in his voice. "I won't put you into that situation again, okay?" He sighed.

"... Still... If I could get away from this whole army thing without consequences, I would... No question about it, I would just be gone." He shook his head. "Guess all that play fighting with you did me way too much good." He pushed the door open to the headquarters, and Emmerich was standing at the ready.

"Are you ready, Lady Katherine?" The old man asked. "I've everything prepared except your escort. If you've any of the captains in mind to act, let me know before I send out the request."

[User]
Katherine smiled, "Well, I wasn't implying it to that extent. But I would generally prefer to avoid a fight if I can, much less kill. Anyway, there's more to this than just being good with a sword, Felix. And to be honest, I don't think you would do that. Or at the very least you wouldn't stay gone."

She nodded to Emmerich, and gave him a big grin before grabbing Felix's arm excitedly, "I choose Felix!"

[Assistant]
Felix shrugged, not sure what to say in response to his friend's kind words. Still, he'd resigned himself to getting ready to being an acting officer when Katherine made her sudden, if somewhat predictable, proclamation. Felix reddened somewhat, and Emmerich seemed less than amused.

"Lady Katherine, I know you trust in Felix, as do I, but..." Emmerich shook his head. "I implore you to reconsider. Even though he's now a captain, he's still green. I cannot, in good conscience, set you off alone with him. Besides, I need to get him acquainted to his new responsibilities."

Felix wasn't sure what to say. Emmerich's words rang as true. Even with his skill with the blade, Felix was still inexperienced. He was far from talented enough to be a bodyguard.

[User]
Katherine shrugged and smiled a little, "Well, what if I said I don't trust any of your other captains? And who better to protect me than my best friend if not you? You know there is no one else that would fight as hard as he would to protect me. It's only to that lord's mansion or whatever anyway, right? He can get acquainted when he gets back."

She pouted at him, "Come on, Commander. This could be the last chance we get to see each other for awhile. We'll talk on the way and maybe I can get him actually excited about his duties as opposed to treating them as stuff he has to do now. Give him some time to think all this over, and decide what he wants to do with it." Katherine sighed, "Give him...the option I wasn't given. Besides, would it really be so bad to do without him for a few days?" she asked, giving him puppy eyes.

[Assistant]
Emmerich seemed as if he was ready to push things further, but it didn't really seem worth it. He remembered, for a moment, his days with Alphin. The young man had always been so headstrong and immovable that arguing would have been pointless. It seemed that nature must have played quite the role in this, passed on from father to daughter.

"Very well," Emmerich sighed. "Lady Katherine, Felix will be your attendant to the lord's manor." He said, looking to Felix. "I trust you will be prepared for what this entails. No more silly mistakes, yes?"

"Yessir," Felix said sheepishly.

"Alright, then." Emmerich said. "Lady Katherine, I will need to borrow him for a few minutes to prepare provisions, but after that, you may be on your way."

Emmerich and Felix retreated to the office, and after about an hour passed, Felix returned, wearing a cleaner and crisper set of armor, one befitting his new position.

"Well... Guess it's time then," Felix said.

[User]
Katherine smiled at Emmerich, "Thank you. Bodyguarding can't be that hard, can it? Everything will be fine! You'll see!"

Katherine looked over Felix, and smiled, "Oh! look how handsome! I wonder if I should change into something fancier? No, probably not, huh? That'd draw attention and I...don't have anything fancy or the money for something like that anyway. Heheh.... Anyway, yes, I suppose we should get going."

[Assistant]
Felix's face flushed red for a moment. "Well, the old man said that I should look the part of a captain and of the King's army," he said with a small sigh. "Oh, he also prepared a few sets of travelling clothes for you. There's a horse drawn wagon outside with a few day's supplies. Something small and manageable, he says." He explained, clearly still a little uncomfortable. The whole situation was so odd, he simply wasn't sure how to feel. "Well, princess," he said in a clearly teasing tone. "Shall we go?"

By the time night fell, the two had made it to the point where Prima was only a small light on the horizon. It was hard to believe just how much ground the two had already covered for the night. From how clear it all was, it seemed impossible that there was a war coming, or that they were on some epic quest to prevent it. To some degree, it was as if it were any other summer night.

"Unreal," Felix mumbled, looking to the sky as he motioned for the horse to stop.

[User]
Katherine rubbed her chin, "Is that wise right now, though? Considering there is no King, and we're kind of trying to keep on the down low for now? It might be nice to dissuade some bandits from attacking us, though." she nodded to him, "Anyway, yes. Let's go, Captain." she said, dropkicking poking him the side.

She stopped next tp Felix and looked up at the night sky, "I know, it's strange. It seems like any other day as far as you can tell. But I imagine that's because we're still kind of on the outskirts. Imagine how it is at the castle... Everyone must still be pretty confused and scared. I bet it's a whole different feeling than here."

[Assistant]
"If it's not just overrun with enemy forces," Felix said solemnly. "I guess you'll really have your work cut out for you." He sighed. "But I'm sure that Regalia stuff will help you out, but..." He looked off to the distance.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Night was his favorite time of the day. Hiding under the cover of darkness, waiting until people were tired, that was the best time to strike. Brax was known around these parts as the Bandit King. Though in all honesty, he wasn't even that high up on the bandit food chain. He just happened to be the strongest guy in the small area that he commanded. His crew wasn't even that large. There were only six of them in total. Including himself, there were five axe wielding men, big, muscular guys who took things by force. The last among them was a smaller, but much faster, knife wielding man who acted as their scout.

The five axe wielders were unknowningly only a short distance away from their next prey. Brax himself was leaning against a tree sharpening his old, worn, but well taken care of weapon. The other four were checking their equipment as well. Everyone looked up from what they were doing when the scout returned to the group. "That was fast." Brax commented.

"It looks like easy pickings tonight, boss." The scout began, pointing in the direction of the road. "Two people headed this way, a man and a woman. They have a horse drawn wagon with them as well, their supplies are ripe for the taking."

Brax grinned, his already not so handsome face turning uglier with dark intentions. "Alright boys, you know the drill. Kill the man, take the woman and the supplies."

With surprising amounts of stealth, the bandits followed the scout until the people came into view. Then they split up, two axe wielders going to each side, while the scout slunk away to sneak up on the two from behind. In a practiced movement, the bandits moved in quickly, surrounding the two and their horse. Two axe wielders on each side, Brax in front of them. "Well, well, well. Looks like two little love birds are out for a stroll. Tell ya what boy, I'm in a good mood tonight, give us your woman and your supplies and we might make your death painless." Brax ended his statement off with a chuckle that was echoed by his men.

Felix blinked, quickly taking in the situation. Seven men in total. Less than the group they'd faced the day before, though they didn't exactly have the support of the veteran soldier the day before. "Kate, do you have your tome?" He asked quietly before looking at Brax. "Hey, sorry, actually have an important place to get to, don't suppose you could just let us go, give us a rain check?" He asked, resting his hand to the hilt of his sword.

[User]
Katherine frowned, "Well, if it is, I'd need an army of my own to take it....which we....aren't even close to having. Haha. I guess we'll worry about that when we get to it. It'll be a long way from now."

She sighed as they were suddenly surrounded, "....More bandits? We just killed like 20 yesterday! I didn't realize so many were around this area. Or maybe I'm just a magnet for them now, I guess." she shrugged and responded quietly back to Felix, "Yes. I have my staff as well. Watch my back and I'll watch yours. And remember, no funny stuff Felix. Let's just get through this so we can find a place to sleep for the night."

She looked back to Brax, "Yeah, I mean we don't even have that much stuff. I'm just a cleric/farm girl, I doubt you could get much for me, and our wagon only has a couple days worth of supplies. For a big group like yours it would probably only last a day or two....you guys don't look that desperate for them. Such big, strong men!" she said with a smile, hoping to butter them up. Katherine doubted they'd let them go, but hey it was worth a shot.

[Assistant]
As expected, the couple tried to talk their way out of it. The poor fools clearly didn't know who they were dealing with. Brax's only regret was that it was too dark to see the fear in their eyes, that was always his favorite part. Oh well, he'd see plenty of fear in the woman's eyes soon enough. The bandit laughed again. "You really don't understand the position you're in, do you?" At a hand signal from the boss, the four bandits surrounded the two moved in a little bit closer, axes raised at the ready.

"You may have chosen the hard way, but I'm feeling nice tonight. Instead of killing you outright, you can have the chance to fight back." Besides, it was more for them of their prey put up a fight. It made the kill more enjoyable. At another signal, only one bandit stepped into range, swinging his axe at the boy in an attack meant to harm, not to kill. They'd toy with the boy for a while, and then once the boy began to beg for mercy, they'd put him out of his misery.

Meanwhile, the scout had moved into position behind the two, crouching low in the grass, settled perfectly in their blind spot. He was not to move until one of two things happened. The first was a signal from the boss. The second being if things went wrong and it turned out the prey wasn't as vulnerable as they had initally thought. Unless the boss died, in which case, he was leaving. No point in risking your life if the guy who pays you is dead.

[User]
Felix sighed. Well, if nothing else, he had a chance to show off. He doubted that Katherine would be telling too many people if Felix went all out. When the bandit stepped towards him, he made a quick movement. The truth was, he didn't have time to unsheathe his blade. The truth was, he didn't need to. The blade was still a heavy iron staff when in its sheath, and with a quick move, the young man removed the blade and scabbard from his belt and clobbered the side of the bandit's head. "So, uh... Sorry about that, but... I think your friend there may have a concussion," he said calmly, looking at the bandit he'd basically sucker punched with a sword out of the corner of his eye as he unsheathed the weapon. "Might be good for you to get him some help from a healer or something," he said as he looked at Brax. The guy seemed tougher than the bandit that had attacked the day before, but it didn't mean too much, seeing as none of them appeared to be anywhere near as tough as old man Emmerich.

Felix's blade shimmered in the moonlight, practically illuminated. "Kate, can you defend the wagon? You can probably keep it safer than I can." He asked.


[System]
Age:19

Gender: Male

Race:Human

Weapon:Leviathan: Revolver+Gauntlet combination

Made of heavy, barely-reflective metal in both the black and off white varieties, Leviathan itself is a hand cannon of impressive size and weight. Chambering six rounds in the traditional example of a 'six-shooter', the hulking firearm is notable in its own right due to the exceptionally thick casing surrounding the barrel, adjusted to prevent warping and overheating when used in a constant firefight. It is capable of emptying its cylinder as fast as Ivan can pull the trigger, belching fire at a rate that makes it seem like the skeletal sea-creature that adorns its side and gives the gun its name has once again come to life.

The unnamed gauntlet and its partner are made of the same thick, unwieldy, and heat-resistant that make up Leviathan, with the revolver being attached to the right hand via a locking mechanism that allows the gun to swing between the wielder's hand and pressed up against user's forearm. The armor plates all have hard angles on them, along with a primarily dark color-scheme with off-white highlights. A small, buckler-style shield made of featureless dark metal covers the mechanism to prevent any stray attacks from directly interfering with the relatively delicate piece of machinery in the trials of combat. The left gauntlet is outfitted with additional ridges of the heat-resistant metal to balance out the weight of the hefty weapon.

When docked on the user's arm, Leviathan is still able to fire, either shooting backwards at enemies behind the user's elbow or forcing the right hand forward in a devastating strike. Otherwise, it can simply be used for storage of the weapon when not in use.

Specialty:Long-Medium range damage dealer, preferring to strike with power and exceptional speed. Capable of close combat when using using his Semblance in tandem with Leviathan's heavy caliber shots, although predictably and with the same ammo limitation as his regular back-line strikes. Bad in extended engagements.

Semblance: Able to control the force of Dust reactions in direct violation to Newton's third law. Instead of having recoil when firing his particularly large handgun, Ivan's power allows him to transfer all of the force produced by the reaction, effectively doubling the effectiveness of an ordinary shot while removing the kick that could throw his aim off. Naturally, this can be used in the opposite manner, allowing Ivan to direct all the power from the reaction into recoil, giving his fist a powerful punch when Leviathan is docked on his forearm. Despite these benefits, there are several limitations to his Semblance. He cannot control any reaction that is not Dust based, nor one that isn't within several feet of him. There is also an upper limit on the force he can redirect, and any sufficiently large enough reaction can and will toss his influence aside should Ivan try and interfere.

Personality: Arrogant and prone to bouts of taunting and violence. Significantly sadistic when it comes to fighting Grimm. Attempts to pull off 'roguish charm', but fails miserably when it comes to his jokes, which are usually tasteless and often insulting.
Intensely loyal, and bursting with confidence. Despite his prideful nature, puts the safety of unrelated parties above all, and finds it abhorrent and cowardly for any enemy to take hostages or hurt the innocent.

Color: Ivory

Emblem: A circle with six smaller circles arranged inside of it, a la a cross-section of a revolver's cylinder.

Appearance: A well-muscled youth with a short shock of dark hair and brilliantly green eyes. He's tall and well tanned, but leans on the slight side, favoring more of a runner's build than that of a brawler. Ivan would stand out from a crowd based on his features alone, complete with a strong jaw and sharp nose, although his eyes are too intense to be considered truly handsome.

Ivan's usual attire consists of a stiff vest of dark leather over a cream-colored shirt, along with similarly colored pants and thickly built combat boots that extend to his knees. He's quite fond of his ratty old headband, a black object that has only gotten darker with the passage of time. When feeling the need to be impressive/or grandstand a lot, he throws on a poncho in the color of eggshell and an impressively large and floppy hat to match. In combat, he pulls on a belt that is lined with several hard-backed pouches that house the multitude of bullets that he needs to actually fight.

[User]
The math class was agonizing. With her head still throbbing from whatever it was her opponent... made her do to herself she guessed... trying to process what the professor said was a nightmare. The fact that Diamond never even went to school and what little she knew of sciences she learned herself didn't help at all. The history class wasn't much better, but at least the speeding weirdo in front of the blackboard was ready for them to be indisposed for one reason or the other. At least her head stopped pounding by that time.

As the last of the morning classes came to an end, the thug was looking forward to some food. The disappointment at the selection of meals was blatantly obvious from the pout on her face. The closest it got to meat was chicken sandwich, and the wine to go with it she could only imagine. Grabbing two of the sandwiches and piling the rest of the plate full of the fries before finding herself an empty seat.

"Hey, so....in class....how did you all know what the professors were talking about? That's....not stuff you guys learned, is it? Because.....well.....I never learned any of that." Oswald dropped, and Diamond grunted with a nod. "Never needed it, never heard of it." she summed up her own education, "The state really takes pathetic care for it's children." she jabbed.

[Assistant]
The next class was math, something Ineko somewhat enjoyed. The mildly strange Professor Fullbuster had given them work packets, during the lecture Ineko blazed through the packet. Perhaps the Professor had intended some of it to be homework, or some of it classwork, nevertheless he finished most of the entire packet in the length of the class. Most of it was elementary for him.

The next class, history, was something Ineko was interested in, but had never before really delved into the subject. Ineko believed that it was Professor Oobleck teaching. He thought it strange that a man would have the name of a non-Newtonian fluid, but dismissed the thought once he began the lesson. Ineko paid extra attention to the lecture.

Then it was lunch, solving one mild annoyance, his hunger. He stood in line and picked up a tray, going through the bars he got a couple of things. Two chicken sandwiches, the bowtie pasta didn't look particularly appetizing, a dish of macaroni and two dishes of fries, and a glass of water as a drink. After paying for the lunch, he sent out a drone to look for a place to sit. The drone quickly found two members of Team SIII, sitting at a table. The drone landed on the table, where Ineko would sit, and a short moment later Ineko himself arrived, put the tray down on the table and sat down.
"Ivan. Indigo." Ineko greeted, one of these days someone is going to mess up the names he thought to himself. Ineko took off his helmet and gently set it down next to his tray, he took apart the sandwiches and added some fries in the sandwiches before reassembling them. He took a sip of water and began to eat one of his sandwiches. "First day of class gents, and we're not dead yet. I'd say so far it's going pretty good." He said between bites, ignoring the scrapes and grime on his own armor. He would clean it later.

[User]
Daniel watched the other fights progress, making notes in his mind about how the others fight. If there was anything he paid attention in, it was in fighting. Mokuren and Diamond's fight was interesting, if a bit fast. Robert and Abel, ehh. In fact, a lot of people's fights were just ehh. Priscilla's fight proved to be stupid, yet a bit entertaining at the same time, especially when she was flipped upside down.

Finally, the matches were over, and it was time to move on to other classes. Math, UUGGGGGHHHH. Boring. That was not what Daniel signed up for when he wanted to become a Hunter. History, ehh, at least it was more entertaining than Math. The teacher there was pretty interesting too, especially with the way he zipped around the class so quickly.

Then it was lunch time. Grabbing a sandwich, some apple slices, and some apple juice, he then paid for the lunch and moved on to sit with his team. Taking a bite out of his sandwich, he chewed for a second before asking, "So, not bad for the first day, eh?" He then swallowed his food and took another bite.

[Assistant]
All of his enthusiasm and energy had died. Or rather it was grabbed by its throat, choke-slammed onto the ground and then viciously executed by way of a bullet to the head. When the first period bell had sounded, Shiro was quickly and harshly reminded that Beacon Academy was still a place of learning. Not only were promising and great future Hunters/Huntresses trained here, they were afforded the best education that Vale could offer. It was still a school, after all.

Shiro's ears flattened against his head and his tail lazily swept at his feet as he sat in Math class, staring at the packet of mathematical problems/equations in front of him with a forlorn look. Looking up at the sleeping teacher and the room around him, Shiro sighed heavily and slowly opened the packet. As a child, he never had a formal education. What they taught him at the orphanage was basic at best. It was only at Signal that he received a better education but even still, he struggled. It wasn't to say that Shiro wasn't bright and smart, it was more so that he was lazy and disliked complex/critical thinking. It made his head hurt. Sure, math was important, but how did math seriously apply in real life beyond basic arithmetic? As he slowly worked on what he did know, skipping over what he didn't know, he couldn't help but ask...

In what deity's name did someone think combining the letters from the alphabet with numbers was a good idea?!

At least, History was easier on him. It helped more so that the eccentric teacher seemed to inject a bit of his hyperactive zippiness back into Shiro's spirits. Chin resting on his gloved fists, Shiro tried his best to pay attention. Though some parts were definitely interesting, he again failed to see how having history lessons would aid them in combating the Grimm. As the slide show presentation continued on, Shiro couldn't help but nearly plant his face into his desk, as for some inexplicable reason he grew dreadfully tired. For the rest of the period he remained under the radar of the teacher and softly snoozed, drooling a bit as he dozed the history period away..

Thankfully, he had already made it through the first half of the first day and was granted a brief reprieve from the daily grind of school life. It wasn't much different from Signal after all, just a new place with new faces. As he waited in line, he saw what the cafeteria was offering and his spirits were crushed yet again. Most everything was some kind of starch/grain, vegetable, or fruit. Blech. He recoiled at the sight of them. The only meat they had were the chicken sandwiches, and they even had white milk. Wishing his first meal at Beacon would be a bit grander, he half-heartedly grabbed what was allowed to him. In all honesty, he wanted to pile as much food as he could onto his plate but the cafeteria workers seemed to frown at the idea. He was a bit jealous when a few of the other bolder students muscled their way through the line and grabbed whatever they wanted without a care in the world. He wanted to do the same, but that wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be fair.

With just a plain tray of chicken sandwiches and milk, he made his way to a free table and took his seat. Setting his tray down, he looked around for his teammates. Too many sounds, scents, and people moving about for him to locate them. Though, as large as Gren and Abel were it shouldn't be too hard to pick them out in a crowd. Shrugging, he decided to start eating without them. Removing the pieces of chicken from between the slices of bread, he clasped his hands together once done. Thanking everyone who were responsible in getting the food he was about to eat to him, he picked up his utensils. Oddly enough, though he was starving at this point, he neatly ate his meal with peculiarly impeccable table manners. As he ate, his golden eyes roamed around hoping to catch a glimpse of the Fox Faunus ladies..

Oh right, he had to do maintenance on his weapons whenever he got the chance. His mind then went down the list of what was required of him to make sure his gear was in top working order. If he had more free time, then maybe he would hit up the gym. That is, if he wasn't too beaten down and exhausted with homework and assignments.

[User]
Ivan gave a nod of greeting as Indigo sat down, not stopping his constant devouring of the utterly average chicken sandwiches he'd taken from the bar. He gave another nod as Merlin passed by, noting with juvenile satisfaction that his opponent seemed to be the sort who would put on the pounds as he got older. Ivan had reacquired the ridiculously large hat sometime in the last couple of hours, although the matching poncho had apparently vanished into the ether. Green eyes flashed underneath the constantly shifting brim as his head turned toward his newly acquainted teammate with his mouth finally empty enough to maintain conversation. "I'm decent at math. Kinda need to if I wanna figure out how hard I hit with my semblance." The frown that had crossed his features earlier returned. "Not so good at the history, though. Listening to the recounting of dead people doing dead things isn't really my cup o' tea."

He took a long swig from the carton of milk, staring into the distance as he considered the implications of his teams impressively average performance. "I was holding back, obviously. Doesn't make for a good show if I display all my tricks on the first day." The semi-permanent aura of confidence returned in full as Ivan turned to look for his previous opponent, spotting the caster at the table directly behind him with the shield-wielder and the clown who'd lost to a man without his main weapon. The gunslinger called over the din of the rest of the student's eating and chatting, a smirk of devilish amusement plastered on his features: "It'd take more than some amateur-hour stage magician to take me out!"

He'd begun to stuff his face again as Ineko's drone took the seat across from him, and stared blankly at it until its owner came and sat down with a hefty thud. He attempted to speak through a mouthful of food, abruptly reconsidered, swallowed, then continued. "Pity I never got to see either you or the foxy lady's fights. We may know each other's names, but we haven't been formally introduced." He extended a hand over his half-finished plate of chicken sandwiches toward Indigo and then Ineko, fully expecting it to be shook. "Ivan Oakley, best shot this side of Atlas."


[System]
G E N I

---

"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it."
B A S I C I N F O
A G E

17

G E N D E R

Male

R A C E

Lion Faunas

---

C O M B A T I N F O

W E A P O N
Apex Predator: A weapon forged in the aftermath of his most recent altercation with a student during his two week suspension. During this time, Geni chose to shed much of what reminded him of his past, which involved abandoning his beloved Ragnorok, and called for a new weapon, a new beginning. This was found in the creation of Apex Predator, a twin axeknife set capable of being infusing with dust, causing all kinds of devastating after affects; such as burning and freezing.

S P E C I A L T Y

Geni's fighting style hasn't changed all that much in 2 weeks, as he still prefers his acrobatic and flexibility display when fighting an opponent; but with this new weapon in hand, he finds himself having to adjust his style a bit more. Suddenly, he is capable of ripping through material defenses with his axes and the tip of his knife. Although he is far more skilled at dodging attacks, his newfound strength gives him the option of fighting straight through them, parrying techniques that would otherwise have been impossible for him to withstand with his old weapon. From and acrobatic rouge, Geni is slowly shifting into the role of a guerilla brawler; setting ambushes, using the element of surprise, and using his extraordinary mobility to harass the enemy, striking vulnerable points before fighting the enemy head on.

S E M B L A N C E
Lion King: Based on his current mental standing, Geni can summon one of two lions to the field of battle, one white colored if he's mentally stable, the other black if he's not. Twice as large as a normal lion, these animals have skin so tough that bullets struggle penetrate it, and sport claws as strong as steel. These felines follow Geni's every mental order and are connected to him on an other worldly level, capable of fighting along side him at anytime. Like any other lion, thier sense of smell, sight and hearing make them impeccable trackers and hunters; but his mental standing, is what makes them so different. While they share the same characteristics such as immense strength and speed, armored hide and powerful claws, thier fighting style differs. While with White Lion will nip and claw, assisting Geni, the Black Lion is a ferocious predator, doing anything to rips its enemy apart.

But this Semblance is not without its drawbacks. These lions are difficult to maintain over long periods of time, especially the Black Lion; at most, Geni can maintain a summon for no more than a few minutes before complete Aura depletion.

C O L O R

Gray

E M B L E M

A black and white striding lion.

---

R É S U M É

P E R S O N A L I T Y
On the surface, Geni comes off as a rather silly and lighthearted person, frequently engaging in comical behavior and retaining his oft-present grin. He displays a childlike amusement for new situations whether or not they prove adverse or even potentially fatal, he has a penchant for wandering off on his own. Even with all these idiosyncrasies, Geni is extremely personable and has a particularly complimentary nature that easily gains him the friendship and trust of those surrounding him through his actions.

Of course, these aspects hide the complex and determined young man underneath. On the reverse side of his frivolous nature is his considerable shrewdness, which makes him quite capable of reading people and situations. Being singularly ambitious, Geni also has a remarkably tenacious will that allows him to overcome virtually insurmountable obstacles and accept inhuman burdens for the sake of his own goals. Geni has a considerable pride that will not stand for having his humanity insulted or condemned by his enemies, but he is also capable of shelving his pride if it becomes something that will stand in the way of his objective.

Geni is very protective of family and comrades, refusing to allow any harm to come to them and often deem their safety more important than his own in spite of his own personal ambitions and goals. He has to be reminded several times that his own safety is something upon which many people depend and he uses his loved ones as his primary motivation when all hope seems lost. As such, he becomes furious when observing those who willingly or remorselessly cast aside their own comrades or brethren and is sickened by the idea of superiors who reject their duty to those who trust them.

But Geni is not just a two-dimensional being with personal struggles, he battles with mental demons that plague him day and night. At times, Geni may seem like a totally different person; a scared veteran. This darker side of Geni stands as an inquisitive, apathetic observer most of the time, assessing people and situations while throwing out morality and the concept of grey areas as contaminating factors. Driven by such mindsets as "survival of the fittest" and "to the victor go the spoils", this Geni takes great pleasure in determining whether the will and/or strength of one person or party is capable of overpowering those of another and genuinely respects people of strong will and unshakable conviction, but cares little to nothing for the lives that are affected or even lost as a consequence of the conflicts that arise due to his actions. Even his own life is accountable to his unconventional ideals and he is only too glad to put his existence on the line.

[User]
Oswald Connoly-Armory Class

Oswald had no idea what to do as Gren attacked Ivan, screaming about taking on the Unsubtle. Yeah, guy was crazy. Oswald wasn't willing to use his Semblance again, not with this many people around. The risk of accidentally ending up inside of someone else was far too great. Thankfully, the other students were more than eager to assist, with multiple people coming in to Ivan's aid. In fact, so many people came that Oswald wasn't even sure who the hell had actually stopped Ivan from getting his head crushed like a grape.

The professor scolded the class as Geni made his escape, followed by Sapphire, giving the aggressors involved detention. "So.....who exactly counts as a aggressor here? Cuz I did kinda threaten to unleash the tank...." Awkwardly looking around, Oswald decided to go back to his seat. This class had been an exercise in futility. They'd gotten some good notes about Dust, yes, but it was the first day of school and already people were making allies and enemies. Oswald wondered if he'd made any of either with his speech, but he couldn't be sure. the only person who probably thought of him fondly in any way at this point was Sapphire, and of that he wasn't even sure.

That was why it came as a surprise when Marcus praised his efforts, even if they hadn't gotten any results. The team leader was already on his way to his vehicle when Oswald thought of a response, causing him to shrug.

Once the professor returned and dismissed the class, Oswald decided to speak to Sapphire. She'd seen his Semblance in action, and it was always a fun time seeing people's reaction to it. Even the people he grew up with never managed to get used to it, though Oswald restricted its usage at most times. "So, that was pretty...." Finding himself unable to come up with an appropriate word, he just blinked for a second or two before continuing. "Yeah. Well, you got to see my Semblance in action earlier than expected. It's always a little unsettling to use, but I'm mostly over it by now. Mostly."

[Assistant]
Sangue Naga - Grimm Studies

The red-haired woman applauded the man known as Aurellius for taking down the Sitting Bull with a unnecessarily strenuous, yet entertaining style of fighting. While the style may seem inefficient against human criminals and the like, against certain Grimm, the style actually seemed disorienting enough to catch the beasts off-guard. She wondered what it was like to pole-vault, however.

With that in mind, Sangue noticed Ben claiming that he could give her a second set of notes. Her stoic expression never fading, the woman bowed slightly, letting her hair softly move around her neck in interesting ways, before turning back to pay attention to the classes. She truthfully did feel relieved that someone would take notes for her, though she was unable to express such emotions well.

She remained quiet, her scarred eye closed with her unharmed eye slightly open.

[User] Greyson made sure to keep an eye on Pricilla until the professor said to pay attention to the grim and not her and Greyson blushed a little in embarrassment and quickly said "yes professor" Greyson said softly as he mumbled "not like I couldn't beat any of them anyways" Greyson said as he went back to paying attention to class regardless of how he felt about Pricilla he needed to make sure he passed the class and stayed with her as a result. Right now Greyson was annoyed at Robert but he decided that Pricilla wouldn't like it if he dueled Robert for Pricilla considering that she wasn't that kind of girl so instead Greyson needed to be smarter then Robert and to do that he needed to pay attention...

[Assistant]
Daniel - Armory

Daniel turned around to see Geni already leaping on desks to attack a fellow student. Daniel's first instinct was to grab a desk and throw it at Geni in order to make him stop. Before he could actually do that, however, someone managed to be quicker and stop Geni. Crisis averted, the flames on his arms went out and his hair turned back to normal. As he sat back down, though, he was then given the news that he would be getting detention.

"WHAT???" Daniel exclaimed. "Come on, I'm not the one that drew his weapon outside of combat class!" Still, knowing it was futile to argue, he sat back down, arms folded in annoyance. To be fair, his interference certainly didn't help matters. Well, it was just one detention. It's not like it was the end of the world. Sighing, he wondered what was going on with his teammates. Probably something boring and actually related to schoolwork.

That reminded him, he was here to learn. Right now, he hadn't gotten to learn anything yet, thanks to the ranting about terrorists and what-not. As the class was dismissed, he was only just a bit more annoyed now. He had been hoping to use this class to get some upgrades for his weapons, but it seems like the time would come later. Oh well. Next up was Survival. That may actually prove to be interesting.

[User]
At long last, the bell tolled once more. The students, lost in their technology, disputes, education, and combat, had allowed a full hour to slip by. Some left their respective classes sporting bruises and scratches gleaned from their vicious duels against Professor Port's captured Creatures of Grimm; others bore wounds far less obvious and far more impactful. The enemies and alliances made in the year's first Armory class would endure for some time, but exactly how much time those scars would fester was up to the individual. Would they on both sides of the flaring confrontation allow grudge, resentment, prejudice to dictate their further interaction throughout the year? Or would they forgive, and instead focus on the lighter, more companionable side of intimacy?

Abel, for one, greeted the bell with a groan. Lost in the battles raging both inside the Grimm Studies classroom and out on the terrace, he had forgotten all notion of time. The liveliness of the class made the whole thing seem like less of a forced learning regimen and more like a party, though the guardian had never allowed himself to become too hyped, lest he also forget why he was here. As he walked from the room, heading to 5th period and the esoteric outdoor classroom of Professor Vorosky's Survival class, he dredged up details from each of the fights that had taken place.

First had been the wendigo cub, whose intelligence and cunning had melted into pure rage and given Ben an ultimately easy victory. There was surely something to be learned from that, and not just about Grimm. Next was Aurellius's near-psychotic, ultra-manly beatdown against the Sitting Bull. Following that was Jack's skirmish against the Broodling, and despite the spider-like Grimm's best attempt to slow him down with acid and webbing, it had been utterly flummoxed by the dagger-wielder's uncanny speed. After that, Abel himself had been selected, and found himself pitted against a vicious Harpy. That particular battle had lasted only seconds. A lightning bolt from the Ampere practically reduced the thing to cinders, which was neither entertaining nor educational for anyone, and Abel regretted not being a better sport. Finally, a reluctant Diamond had been called upon to destroy an Itzamna, and after a little initial trouble, managed to gain a height advantage and form what looked like her shadow into a bludgeon. After that, she had actually knocked it out with a tap to the base of the skull, instead of killing it. Despite Diamond's act of passivity, Abel found himself noting want to get on the girl's bad side, and was sure that if she had a fair rematch with Mokuren, that she would be the victor.

His thoughts shifted to Survival class as he walked. It had been an obvious pick for him, but what exactly did it entail, he wondered.

[Assistant]
Geni Hung - PE

Geni's started to hurt after made line after line, erase after erase. He was finally able to create a concept for a weapon, it as a gauntlet that encased the whole arm, from the shoulder down to the finger tips. The weapon was adorned with claws on the finger tips and a blade that was placed at a 45 degree angle on the forearm. Geni had planed to have the weapon utilize Dust, but his knowledge on the subject was lacking, unfortunately, this was the class that he was supposed to learn about it, and he had wasted it away with his "antics".

Geni jumped a little in his seat when the bell for the next class sounded. Thank God., Geni mumbled to himself. The class felt like it was running a little long. Geni stuffed his drawing in his pocket and walked quickly out of class. P.E. was next on the agenda for Geni, a thing that he was all to familiar with. Although Geni was not very muscular, he was lean, and he did have the 6-pack that he assumed the ladies liked. Unfortunately, it was hard to impress the ladies because the most likely had it also, everyone hunter in the school probably had one, there would be no impressing people in that class.
Before Geni could walk into PE, he quickly through Ragnorok in his locker and ran to the dorm room to change quickly. He wore a simple white workout T-shirt that conformed comfortably to Geni's body. He then out on a simple matching white shorts. To top it all o he grabbed his white sneakers and ankle socks and made his way into the gym.

Geni peaked his head past the gym door. It was a pretty large room, perfect for running around and playing all kinds of sports, even the made up ones. Geni took a tentative step inside before quickly walking inside and finding a spot near the top of bleachers. "Hope this isn't on of those work out classes." he mumbled to himself as pulled out his now wrinkled drawing and examined it and his handy work.


[System]
Age: 211, to his best estimate
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 192 lbs
Race: Vampire
Birthplace: England, circa 1667 (Elizabethan era)
Short Bio: Born in the Elizabethan era and surviving into the Victorian, Vail has seen the rise and fall of two centuries' worth of dynasties—not just human, but supernatural as well. As a member of the Hygrace family, he was raised in the wealth and prestige of the most powerful vampire clan in London. His uncle, Lord Reginald Hygrace, was a respected leader, known across the nation for offering protection to any vampires who needed sanctuary from The Order of the Saints: an influential group of men and women who tracked down and killed the "demons" for a living.

For nearly a century, Reginald's efforts kept both his family and the rest of the vampires safe. However, around the year 1750, he made the mistake of taking in a man named Lord Elias Wynter. At a glance, Elias seemed like just another refugee seeking sanctuary with the Hygrace family, but in truth, he sought to overthrow the ruling dynasty completely.

Unbeknownst to the Hygraces, the Wynters had been plotting for quite a while to take over and change the way that vampires lived in England altogether. They believed that as "superior beings," they should fight back against humans instead of hiding from them in fear. They saw the Hygraces were weak and cowardly, unfit to lead their kind, and so started a rebellion.

When he commenced his attack, Elias managed to kill Reginald, but his attempt to finish off the rest of the oldest generation was cut short by his victim's younger brother—Vail's father—Peter, who went on to take over as the leader of the Hygrace clan in his sibling's stead. Unfortunately, the Wynter family refused to give up after just one defeat and has continued to fight for power against the ruling dynasty ever since.

For Vail, the following century of his life was spent predominantly in hiding. As the son of the most powerful vampire in England, he had to look out not only for members of the Saints but the Wynters as well. With such a large target on his back, he learned how to fight and wield a gun in order to protect himself. Both skills have saved his life since.

Of course, he can't spend all his time in seclusion without going stir crazy, so he finds time to attend parties and other large gatherings put on by other aristocrats in London to get out of the Hygrace manor on occasion.

[User]
Even with the intoxicating aroma of Lady Crest's blood muddling his thoughts, Peter was a determined and efficient healer. As he applied pressure to her injury to slow the bleeding, he remembered his encounter with the girl's father years ago. Alexander had had an intriguing scent about him as well, and now he knew it must have been the unique blood that flowed through both of their veins. Swallowing the saliva that built up in his mouth, he leaned away from her slightly in a conscious effort to reign in his inner predator. In her current state, he knew her weakened heart would stop beating if he fed on her now. For the sake of maintaining some semblance of peace with the Order, he couldn't kill her.

However, as his dark brown eyes traveled over her face, he supposed he could understand why his son had been so infatuated with this human. She was lithe and beautiful, at the peak of her youth. At her age, her physical features could rival most female vampires who maintained their spry appearances forever. But mortal beauty was fleeting. He was sure Vail would thank him later when the spell was broken, and he realized what a huge mistake he would have made if he had chosen Victoria over the far superior Sylvia.

Peter's thoughts were broken when his sultry patient suddenly whispered to him. His unreadable eyes met hers, but he didn't speak. It was bewildering that she would try to protect Vail when he was clearly the one who had left her in this pathetic state with his bite, and he marveled what his heir must have done to wrap her so tightly around his finger. Even if the two claimed they were in love, the clan leader knew better. The girl lying beside him was nothing more than a novelty, an amusing toy for one who had grown bored by the mundane repetition of immortal life. His son had been taken by her forbidden charms, but the thrill of having his way with a human would wear off. All he had to do was sever the attachment a bit prematurely.

"It is presumptuous of you to tell me that you can make my son do anything," he said venomously, indignant at her assumption that Vail could be made docile by a member of the species his kind so easily controlled. "He acted of his own free will and shall face the consequences accordingly. Now, please, do not speak. I don't have the patience to argue with you at the moment."

--

Vail walked briskly through the dark halls of his family's manor, anxious to return to his bedroom before his father could change his mind about helping Victoria. He made quick work of gathering all the supplies the clan leader had requested: a bowl of ice, a coil of sterile bandages and a cup of hot tea. The latter was the most tedious, as it forced him to slow his pace on the way back so he wouldn't spill the scalding liquid on his hand while he trod up the stairs.

He had almost made it back when he bristled at the sound of his cousin's voice.

"Vail, what's going on?" Caleb, another one of his uncle's children, queried from behind him. The other vampire had his head tilted back and his lips slightly parted as he took in the scents in air. "Is there a human in the house?"

"Yes," Vail said dryly. "The servants are in their quarters."

"No, no," Caleb licked his lips hungrily. "I smell blood." His eyes landed on the bandages in the younger Hygrace's arms, and his eyebrows lifted bemusedly. "You know… if you brought a meal back with you, it's only polite to share, cousin."

"Mind your business, Caleb," Vail narrowed his eyes at the other vampire warningly. He opened his mouth to tell him to go back to bed but faltered when he saw two more of his cousins ascend the stairs. It seemed the pervasive scent of Victoria's blood had attracted more than just his father.

"Where is that delicious smell coming from?" Caleb's younger brother, Euler, was practically drooling on himself in his lust to feed.

"I think there's a woman in cousin Vail's room," the eldest, Hosiah, tilted his head.

"He brought back a delicacy that he doesn't want to share with the rest of us," Caleb curled his upper lip back, baring his fangs. Even though the four vampires were family, the instinct to hunt and prey clouded their better judgment. It wouldn't take long for them to fall into a frenzy.

Vail edged away from the other three, his hazel eyes flitting between them warily. In other competitions over humans, he had the advantage of the status and strength that came with the Hygrace name, but against his cousins, they all stood on equal ground. He couldn't take on all of them either. "Stand down," he snarled, exposing his elongated canines in the same threatening manner as Caleb. "The human I brought back isn't prey. She's here for medical attention, and none of you can touch her."

"All I'm hearing is that she's an easy target," Euler chuckled, blatantly ignoring the heir's order by taking a step forward.

"You're not our leader yet, Vail," Caleb grinned cruelly. "Besides, all we want is a taste… Just one bite each, and we'll be on our way."

"Is that so much to ask?" Hosiah joined the others.

The next moment happened in a flash. The three cousins lunged at the one standing in their way, and Vail spun around and raced to his door. Using the ice bowl to cover the full teacup, he slipped into the room and slammed the door behind him, pressing his back against the wood to keep out the frenzied vampires pounding and scratching it from the other side.

"Father," he casted Peter a pleading look. It would be long before his raging cousins broke through the flimsy barrier, and the clan leader was the only one with the power to control them.

"You shouldn't have brought her here, Vail," Peter sighed, rising from where he had been sitting on the edge of the bed. "Move. I'll handle it."

With a nod, the Hygrace heir stepped away from the door, and his father exited the room to deal with the frenzy outside, leaving Vail and Victoria alone in the bedroom.

[Assistant]
Peter was indeed very angry either with her or at her, as well as his son. He seemed set in his opinion that Vail was entirely to blame for his own actions. His reply to her plea not to put blame on Vail went unheard and even riled the lord even more. She now knew why he was a vampire clan leader, he simple commanded a room and his presence was oppressive. She merely closed her eyes at being practically told to shut up or risk an argument, of which he didn't have any patience for. More tears fell from her eyes. She truly blamed herself. She was the one who initially taunted Vail with her blood, she let him bite her time and time again. As far as she was concerned, she was the bait, of which Vail was tempted and unable to resist.

She would rather have Vail render her like this than Spencer or any of the Wynters. At least she knew Vail would be happily satisfied and sustained by her blood. If he perhaps took as much as Spencer did, it would overpower him and maybe he would have the strength to fight three or four other vampires off her.

She couldn't help but hear the racing steps toward the door and Vail burst through it and slammed it shut behind him. The pounding and scratching at the door, shocked her. It seemed his other family members caught the scent of her as well and it sent them into a frenzy as it first did with Vail. Peter was speaking sense – he shouldn't have brought her back here, it was so dangerous. Not just for her but now also for him.

Peter's mood obviously hadn't improved as he spoke to Vail as if he were a clueless child. Once she and Vail were left alone in his room, she looked over at the door. Hearing the kerfuffle eventually die down. "I don't belong here. They'll never accept me as…your wife…" If that was how he wanted to see her in the future as he did express that she was the one he wanted to be with. But knowing how Peter was now and how he reacted, she'd never be good enough for the Hygraces. That's why he arranged him to marry Sylvia.

"You said it yourself…I'm nothing but trouble." She sniffled and made herself more upset, the guilt setting in deeply for all she had caused just to save her own skin from Spencer and yet she was still subjected to his tyranny in the end. Vail could not save her. She could only save herself from this nightmare. Thoughts of Vail marrying someone else hurt but he would be safe, whilst she pictured herself taking her own life as the only way out from the Wynters and The Order's cruel plans for her. She just hoped they wouldn't hurt her mother whilst she was here in their enemy's territory.

[User]
Vail grimaced as he heard Peter commanding his cousins to calm down on the other side of the door. He knew he hadn't thought his actions through when he'd brought Victoria into his home, but he hadn't expected the decision would cause this much trouble. With the scent of her blood driving his relatives mad, they were essentially trapped in his bedroom. He didn't have the strength to fight off the full force of the Hygrace clan by himself. The only thing standing between them and the small army of frenzied vampires was his father, who didn't even want to protect the Crest heiress in the first place. The whole situation was a mess.

He turned away from the door when Victoria's tormented voice caught his attention. Everything she said was true. His family would not accept, now or ever, a human as his wife. She also did tend to leave a trail of destruction in her wake whenever they were together. However, none of that changed the fact that he had already made up his mind. Even if it was difficult and even if his family didn't approve, he knew he wanted to be with her. Besides, he had been taking the safe path all his life. It might have allowed him to survive for the past two hundred years, but what was the point of living if he never had something to live for? The fragile human lying on his bed was his reason now.

Crossing to the other side of the room, he set the assortment of supplies in his arms down on the nightstand and returned to his seat on the edge of the mattress. For a moment, he remained quiet, merely studying the details of her face in the dark before he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. He lingered for a few seconds, capturing her tenderly as he located her cold hand beneath the sheets to hold in his. "I don't care about any of that," he breathed when he pulled back again. "Even if it leads to my death, I'd rather spend my last days with you."

Though the statement was morbid, he meant it with every fiber of his being. Lady Crest had tamed his heart with far more than just her blood. He found every aspect of her personality enchanting. Even when they had gotten under each other's skin in the beginning, he'd thought her confident spirit was refreshing compared to the demure women he'd interacted with before. He had been slipping since the day they'd met. When they had shared that passionate night at the inn, he'd fallen. There was no going back anymore.

"Don't blame yourself for any of this either," he added, stroking her back of her hand with his thumb. "It was my decision to bring you here, not yours. I'll deal with the repercussions."