~ Kingdom Spirits ~

[Eternal Dream]

~- Like Nothing Changed at All -~

"Its been along time Mor'du. Glad to see you have done well for yourself old friend especially after "The Queens War"."

Both Angie's quick response and the vampire's comments were enough to derail Dante's train of thought, however momentarily that derail was meant to be. Even so, the old bear found himself breathing out gently, wondering once more how it was he gained such a combative partner this cycle. Many of his past partners had burned with passion that had suited his fire magic, but Dante seemed to be in a category all his own. Mor'du's own temper could burn hot, but where Dante's was explosive and needed the barest of triggers, Mor'du kept his thoughts and anger to himself for the longest of times, until the pressure and build-up at last lead to an overflow. However, that hadn't happened in centuries.

"You know these guys?" Dante asked, an incredulous look on his face as he looked up at Mor'du. The bear twitched the skin at his shoulders, his eyes on Calcipher as the bear suppressed another sigh. Though the boy leaned toward the red, Dante was showing his hair color tonight.

"I did, a long time ago," the bear responded. Looking to the young Tamer and her partner were they were caught in the spider's web, Mor'du then returned his attention to Calcipher as the bear spoke into the bat's mind, It would appear that we have a little while to wait, as the Tamer seems unwilling to speak. What brings you and yours to New York at this time?

~- What Can I Do for You? -~

"Well Lassie you gonna stare all day, or are you going to give me the name of my new partner."

Nat blinked slowly, still trying to clear the last of the stars from her eyes and the ringing from her ears. That had been a hell of a rapid departure they'd needed to pull off, and with a lot bigger crowd than she was used to moving. Even with Leah's resonance giving her power a boost, Nat was still rather tired from the jump. And then, the screech from the bird, the howl from the cat, and both of them giving each other a distrustful glare as they returned to their partners.

It made for a doozy of a moment to meet her partner for the first time.

"Alright I'll start. My name is Cormac I have been around a very long time since the first "War of The Queens". Clearly I am slow, but what I lack in speed I make up for in power, and defense. My main power is barrier magic, but I can also do morphing magic to my barriers to form other things like weapons in such. Also I have a strong resistance to debuff type magics, but at the same time it takes away the ability to get drunk so it has its backfires."

Cormac laughed at his little joke, but it did seem to help Nat untie her tongue some. Taking a breath, she was set to greet him, tell him hi, her name, and all that, but what came out instead was, "A turtle? Of all possible partners, I kget a turtle for mine? What the hell?"

"Actually, I think he fits you, Natasha." Nat spun to glare at Ebony as he spoke, of half a mind to tell him exactly what she thought of his comment, but the stag spoke over her before she could even argue, his eyes trained over his head as he said, "You've always been our greatest defensive, with both healing magics, shields, and buffers. Cormac is a powerful ally to have; being his partner is an honor, one that you shouldn't turn your nose up at, whether or not you're still in shock, young one."

His words stung her pride, although Nat recognized the truth in them. She was curious to know what had Ebony's attention, but remembering her manners, the girl returned her attention to Cormac and gave him a brief bow as she said, "My name is Natasha, although my friends call me Nat. I'm... I'm sorry about my initial outburst."

"It's you."

Turning her attention and curiosity at last to what Ebony had been looking at, Nat saw that Allegra was standing in front of a young blonde with blue-violet eyes. Flicking her own eyes to the strange redheaded girl that had come with them from the bridge, Nat saw that she also had blue-violet eyes, and guessed that these two had to be family; either sisters or cousins, going by those eyes. Turning to look at the blonde again, Nat saw Allegra dip her head as she said softly, "My name is Allegra, little one."

The blonde returned the nod as she said, "Skyler. Are you my partner?"

Allegra's voice was soft, but Nat heard the joy in her tone as the doe said, "Yes, little one. I believe I am."

~- Silver Clouds and Gray Lining -~

The Nightmare had years and skill at his disposal, Matt could tell that. He twisted through the air, avoiding the plume of black flames the dragon breathed in his direction, before snaking his head forward as he rushed the black dragon. Matt snapped his jaws, catching the beast's foreleg in his teeth and drawing a pained roar from the Nightmare. Matt knew this one from Devon's description of the encounters the kids had had with him; the Nightmare, Merlin, was partnered with a boy that used shadow magics. Though formidable when he had a form of darkness to work with, as long as Matt was able to keep the Nightmare in the air, he wouldn't have very many shadows to manipulate, evening the playing field between the man and the monster.

Merlin twisted in Matt's grip, grazing the red dragon's cheek with his claws, forcing Matt to let go with a hiss of his own. Matt flew a short distance away, noting as he did that Holly, Devon, and the other children had been able to escape, along with all of the Spirits that had been there. It was just Matt, the three Reapers, and a legion of Nightmares.

He wasn't incredibly worried about the odds. Most of the assembled Nightmares hadn't made Pacts, and would be easy enough for a freshly Bonded Tamer and Spirit team to handle, let alone someone with the experience in this war that Matt. The Nightmares Merlin and Jezebel could prove to be more troublesome, as they had at least 150 years of experience behind them both, but they were partnered with two young boys; Nimbus had just as much experience as the two Nightmares, and Matt had at least 20 years on these children, so he was certain they could at least incapacitate those boys.

Sleep!

But Danu was the real prize here, and the real challenge. The spell, though a simple one to temporarily immobilize the opponent, gained an extraordinary amount of weight in the ancient Reaper's control, nearly driving Matt into a crash landing on the bridge with the power woven into it. As it was, he still dropped from the sky. He landed heavily on the bridge, blinking dragon-gold eyes furiously in an effort to stay awake. Forcing as much will into his thoughts as possible, Matt sent out, Nimbus, I need you! Hurry!

Matt focused, fighting against the power of the spell as he glared the Reapers down, waiting for Nimbus' arri. Danu's power was strong, but the Hunters were a long line of Legacy Tamers, so that had to count for something. His instincts bolstered him further; he fought to defend the Tamers of New York and the Queens of Light, but among those Tamers were his son and daughters. His niece was one of the Queens. If there was anything to be said for a Hunter, it was that they had fierce familial loyalty, and they would fight until the last breath to protect those ties. Danu, the Queen of Nightmares, had risen from her hiding place because of the presence of an old, powerful Spirit. She was a prize for any Spirit and Tamer team to take down, and she was after his family.

The bitch was going down.

~- The Darkness of Eternity -~

"My business is to keep all Queens safe and judging from your appearance, I must acknowledge for a fact that she must had sent you to take care of them, am I wrong?"

The impudence of the kitten! A low growl rumbling in his throat, the dragon lashed out, gathering Leo in his tail before making short work of the young king. His lip curled as he studied the Spirit's limp form, lifeless in its sleep, and the ancient Nightmare briefly considered throwing the lion into the ocean to suffer the fate that water and an unconscious body would deal to the Spirit.

Temperamental today, are we now?

The dragon snorted at the feel of the voice in his mind, but even so, it cooled the momentary rise in his temper as his own mental voice rumbled, I do not understand what it is that you speak of, hatchling.

A low, velvet dark chuckle was the only answer he received, but it was all that was needed. After a moment, the dragon did throw the lion cub into the water, but only the shallows. He would show the cub, the Nightmare decided. Crouching low, he leapt into the night sky, circling lazily over the ocean as he waited for his Nightmares to surface with his prize. A deep, rumbling growl sounded in his chest again, but this time, it was clearly a sound of laughter that the dragon was expressing. He? Collect the Queens of Light to turn into some Reaper to further her plots? The cub was a most foolish Spirit indeed. The dragon had no intention of turning the Queens in at all.

He didn't even intend for them to live.

 

[sephiroth2]

--------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~Disappointing Mother...~~~~~~

Even as she watched the great beast tumble slightly down onto the bridge, the hooded form of Danu continued to stand there still unhappy with the situation. An old spirit, one aged from centuries of battles and war, ripened and ready right there for the taking…nothing about this was going to make it up for the woman.

And so even as Matt glared angrily back towards her, Danu merely turned her sight away from him for that moment, more focused on the two fellow Reapers and their partnered Nightmares than on him right now. Stepping off the towering frame of the bridge, the woman allowed herself to fall freely towards the ground, landing safely and in one piece as if she had just dropped down from a single step, her motherly voice clinging to Jason and Eric’s thoughts as always.

“Are you having trouble, my dears? Does Mother have to step in on both of your behalves?” Asked Danu as her eyes glanced to the side and towards Matt once more.

Before another thing could be said, the sudden swing of her arm and staff caused the same invisible shimmer as before to return, this time almost colossal in size as it swung above the heads of the two younger Reapers and their Nightmares, the brief sense of it bringing with it a clear realisation of the danger it would pose if directed to them in that moment.

Fortunately for them that wasn’t to be the case as the force, strong enough to shake the bridge itself for a second, struck against Matt before whatever the thing was began tightly coiling and wringing around him.

“I wanted that Spirit…it would have been perfect…” She said somewhat wistfully, the feeling of whatever the invisible force was around Matt only getting tighter as the seconds passed, until a sudden squeeze would appear with the tone of anger in her voice.

“They have to all be together somewhere in this city! Is this just impossible to ask for, my Children?”

~~~~~~Things are going to get bad...~~~~~~

The streets of Traverse Town seemed deathly empty and quiet as only the sound of rushing feet on the cobblestoned paths filled the air, though slightly laboured as the two running figures both carried the large form between them. A few too tight alleyways later and the three found themselves entering and ascending the stairs of one of the older manors in the town, one of many now derelict in this district and perfect for the group's purposes.

The faint sound of laughter and roars became more apparent as the three reached the top of the staircase, and even more so once they busted through the doors and into the full room. Nightmares hanging all throughout the room turned their heads towards the gang members, yet their partners were more focused on the unconscious form of Clancy.

"B-Boss!! Those Goodies just went and knocked out Clancy!!" Said one of the figures, both deciding to place the heavy body of Clancy on one of the less tattered couches, giving them both now a chance to catch their breath and strength.

"Y-Yeah...there was...phew...there was this girl...and Clancy wanted to teach her a lesson...but then that statue with the gun...sword...thingy, appeared and knocked him out!"

 

[Roxie1563]

~Vixen: The Foxy Lady~

The young lady was already having her latest night stand when she heard the commotion from downstairs which caused Vixen growled internally and annoyed that those two chumps deciding to come in and ruin her 'supper'. Swiftly as a fox, she got out of her bed, grabbed her robe and tying it tight as she sent her John away by the means of her guards whom they escorted him out the back door.

Vixen slipped her feet into her slippers and walked out her door then down the stairs where she got the sight of her second-in command unconscious and very, very bloody. She could see that Clancy's face was bruised around the area where the nose looked like it was broken if you looked at it in the right angle and there was some bit of a mark from what appeared to be from a fist that had drove into his face. From there, Vixen simply gazed at him and wondered if it was those annoying rebels when the first member spoke up about the girl. If anyone knew what she was thinking, they'd probably win the lottery and a night with her which was only just a pipe dream to them.

"What girl?" Vixen asked loudly to them. It felt like an eternity for an answer to come out of their mouth. Vixen snared at them when they didn't answer. "What girl?!"

Huffing and puffing, she simply walked up to them and without warning took the other man and snapped his neck which caused everyone to cringe when they heard the horrible sound of their comrade's neck being broken in half then put her feet down on the dead man's chest and asked the same question, her eyes blazing with deep anger.

"You had better explain to me the entire story and don't leave a damn detail or I will make sure you get the chores around here for the next two weeks," Vixen spoke to the first member as she left the dead man, walking to the bar and pouring herself a cold hard drink that came down in her mouth which caused her to feel a chill and groaning as it hit her hard. "Not just the chores, my friend. You'll have to answer to my pretty lady of mine, Danu."

Aware that she wasn't alone in the bar, Vixen simply looked to her new guest and asked if it is agreeable. "After all, you're the one that checks on the Seal, hmm?" She smiled at the guest and simply waited for the answer as she wondered if they had finally reached a climax with those tiny rebels after all those months.

~Sisterly Love~

Aerith jumped slightly as she felt Yuffie's arms around her waist and smiled when she knew she was all right. Putting down the medical supplies that she was putting in order, she turned around and took her younger sister in her arms for a minute before lightly patting her head which caused the younger sister to chirp in protest.

"Hey, you don't do that to my poor head!" Yuffie pouted at Aerith as the older sister giggled in response which couldn't be helped when it came to them being like this.

"I'm sorry sweetie. I'm just so glad you're all right, with those Nightmares on the loose.." Aerith said in out of concern and it didn't help that no matter what happens to them all, they'll always be together and they managed to do so for their childhood and into their adult life. Unaware that she was daydreaming, Aerith woke up out of it when Yuffie asked something.

"Hmm, sorry!" She chuckled quietly and asked her to repeat it. What a night she had to go through.. Who knew being the errand girl for the leader of their team would be so tiring and not to mention that she's practically the top head of the medical board that includes helping out with the doctors and whatnot.

Yuffie huffed and told her if the girl they brought in was going to be okay. "I mean, it's like not she's going to die.. Right?" It wasn't the first time they had lost someone like this, but it was her first time that it came from the gang that seemed to win each time they ever engaged in combat, despite the power of the Spirits on their side.

Aerith, always the comforter, reassured her that she and the doctors will do what they can. "I don't think she'll be dying anytime soon and of course, I'm the best there is, right?" She smiled as she wistfully lifted a piece of Yuffie's hair out of her eyes and laid it back on top of her hair.

Yuffie wasn't so sure about it, but then again she didn't know much about medical stuff as Aerith did because she's really a healer at heart. Her thoughts did really go out to the girl and wondered if it was possible that maybe all of this was no accident after all?

With a quiet sigh and looking to see if Leon was still here or not, she glanced to the direction where she left him and discovered indeed that Leon did go somewhere. Knowing him, Yuffie realized, that being like he was since ever Traverse Town became a war zone, he was always on the move to find some answers as to why all of this happened. Like Yuffie, Leon was more sure than ever that somehow it involves the Queens of old legends.

Regardless of whatever happens, she knows things will have to get better.. Right?

 

[Story Keeper]

~- Whoa, hi! -~

Hades lay curled up on Xeo's bed, dozing slightly he heard the door open before footsteps came toward him. Feeling the bed sink a little bit, the feline opened an eye to see that Xeo had clambered over him to get onto his bed. Stretching a bit, the feline turned toward his Tamer and thought, Long day at class?

"You have no idea." Xeo mumbled into pillow.

Jumping onto his side, the black cat walked along Xeo's ribs and poked him with his nose. Blinking at the boy, Hades started purring and kneading the boy's shirt. No, his claws weren't out, he knew how much Xeo hated it when Hades accidently scratched him. Blinking slowly several times, he purred as Xeo gave him a good scratch behind the ears. Flattening his ears to give Xeo more room to pet, purring at the contact, he closed his eyes and listened to the soft chatter from Xeo.

Curling up to head back to sleep, he heard the door to the bedroom open up again. Glancing in the person's direction, he saw the woman with had light blonde hair and her grey eyes sparkled with a hidden mischief. Hopping down on the bed so Xeo could move into a sitting position, Hades curled up to sleep again when he noticed the arctic fox spirit that slipped into the room, hopping down he crossed the room to meet it. Stopping halfway across the room, Hades bowed his head in greeting.

Loki looked at him, blinked her eyes at him and then glanced over her shoulder back toward her Tamer. Hades glanced back to see that Xeo was watching his mother, his dark eyes almost unreadable. "You're hurt, aren't you Xeo?" His mother asked, drawing Hades's attention to the Tamer. Kitridge was an amazing healer, a trait that she shared with her eldest daughter Celeste. Hades dropped his gaze from the Tamer, tuning out Xeo's protest to his mother's question. After all, Xeo wasn't the one that was hurt. Any stiffness the boy had in his left side was Hades's fault.

Hades felt calculating ice blue eyes watching him, making him spare a glance in Loki's direction. The fox was no stranger to the cycles of conflict, and that was part of the reason Hades liked the fox. Picking up on the fox's silent question, Hades headed for the door, using the shadows located within the room to get to the door. He didn't even blink when Loki slid up next to him and hissed softly, "You should have gotten that looked at the other day moron."

"It does not matter, what is done is done." Hades answered coolly, keeping his voice barely audible as he headed for the kitchen. He knew it wouldn't take long for mother and son to follow them out, so he knew he had a small window to talk to Loki alone. "You know the Queens are returning, correct?" Hades asked nonchalantly.

"Who doesn't know? A better question is do you think he'll try what he has in the past?"

Hades was quiet, of course Loki would ask if he knew anything. Shaking his head, Hades lied effortlessly, "I don't know, I haven't spoken to him since the American Revolution." He hated the idea of lying. It prevented justice from being delivered. He saw the slightly disappointed in Loki's eyes at his answer, and he wasn't sure where it was coming from. The door opening behind them told him that Kitridge and Xeo had discussed everything that they wanted to, so his private conversation with Loki was finished.

"You know, if you need to talk about something you can just let me know." Loki hissed softly, before going straight to her Tamer's side.

Waiting for the three to re-catch up, Hades made a quick note that his left side still ached from the fight he'd gotten into the other day. He didn't cringe when Xeo reached down and scratched him behind the ears, he forced his mind to go blank so Xeo didn't learn something that he wasn't supposed to. His first job was always to his partner. It was what he'd been taught to believe. He'd also been taught that sometimes you had to do some rather unsavory things to assure peace (like try to murder your own children, that's a story for a different time though).

He heard Xeo say they were going out on patrol, and that they were to see about checking in with Matt after they were done. Nodding in answer, Hades followed after Xeo as the boy headed for the door; it was only few minutes into their patrol that Hades took notice of just how sore Xeo was. Watching as the boy limped along, he slowed his pace and moved closer; a clear thing of if Xeo needs the extra support he was willing to provide it.

Sensing the presence of a reaper and a nightmare, he caught the look on Xeo's face right before the boy closed his emotions off. Blinking in mild surprise, Hades smiled inwardly at the hint of just how irritated Xeo was. The extra weight from Xeo was reassuring, and he started walking as Xeo moved forward to investigate the source of the reading. He could tell one thing, the nightmare was young but skilled and the reaper, while slow to get going, the reaper was registering to be dangerous; much like how a tsunami is.

Stopping Xeo, he watched as a young woman with dark skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes stepped into view. She wore a blue and grey hooded sweater, the black jeans that she wore hugged her figure well enough. Stiffening at the sight of the girl, Hades's eyes darted around to try and pinpoint her partner before the other black panther made himself known. Ears going flat against his head, Hades growled low in his throat as he eyed the two newcomers.

A curse slipped free of Xeo as his own brain processed who it was. He watched as the reaper and her partner turned toward them, and he saw it when the panther's mind registered who he was. A snarl slipping free from the younger feline, Hades shot them a withering look and ordered coldly, "Go home kitten, it will be safer for you there. The both of you actually, I have no business fighting with children."

He watched the way the other panther's eyes widened, and he could tell that he was about to lunge forward when Xeo commented quickly, "I think what my partner means is that we're not looking for trouble, so how about we just forget about this encounter and go our separate ways?"

Hades studied the female reaper as she studied Xeo, constantly being aware of the fact her partner was watching him. "I think that'd be wise, but I have to know somethin'. Tell me sugar, what's your connection to Angie?" The woman asked, a light southern accent danced through her words; giving them a musical quality.

He mentally recoiled at the question, not wanting to send the younger warrior up the creek without a paddle. He sensed that Xeo was weighing the pros and cons of answering the question, before finally he sighed and answered, "She's my younger sister, and I take it you're her coworker Christa?"

Hades tensed as he waited as the girl weighed her own response, before nodding in response. Relaxing only a fraction, his eyes skipped to Dallas who was only the slightest bit calmer now that he knew that they had some common ground. Feeling the pain in his side flare up, Hades inwardly flinched at the flare up before he shoved it back into a shadowy, unreachable corner of his mind and focused back on the current matter at hand. Christa and Dallas, even if they were coworkers, or possibly "friends" of Angie's, he personally didn't trust them.

~- Ready to Spin -~

Reims, France. 1791

Arno was talking to statues again. Shaking his head at the non-answer, he leaned against the angel statues and watched the crowd go running past. He read the lips of those that he could, and he felt a little bit on edge as he "listened" to their words.

"----nobles this way."

"----time for them to pay."

"-ere's Chastain?"

"----- against the nobles."

He fidgeted a little, eyes darting around to see if anyone had noticed him in his hiding spot. Turning carefully to look at the statues, Arno whispered, "What do you think of this revolution my friends? I know there's been discontent for ages, but it seems as if this country is following in her baby sister's footsteps."

No response, and it was something he wasn't surprised on. After all, stone statues don't talk. They just stood there and listened to people, those that are cast out because they're different. Sighing in response, Arno leaned against the statue and closed his eyes, enjoying the smells of the season even as Liberty landed on his right shoulder. Reaching a hand up, he held it out to the raptor to seek promise before he wound up petting the bird's head. Resuming his relaxed state, he allowed his mind to turn inward only to be drawn back out at the scent of strawberries and spring rain.

A smile turning his mouth upward, he opened his eyes and looked at the English woman that stood before him. Elizabeth, or Lizzy, stood a couple feet before him; her hands folded in front of her as the raven-haired girl watched him. He cocked his head to the side, curious to know what his friend and caretaker wanted when the woman held up a hand and signed, "Are you ready to head home? The middle class is getting ready to do a raid on the nobles, but they're willing to leave the Thorne household alone."

Nodding his head, Arno pushed himself away from the statue before he picked up his bag from the ground. Straitening to his full height, he looked over at Lizzy to see the disapproving frown on her face before she held her hand out wordlessly for the bag. A scowl flitting about his face, Arno shook his head and shouldered the bag himself. "I'll carry it thank you, Lizzy." He said softly, keeping his voice level even as he walked toward her; knowing that Lizzy wouldn't fight him even if she disapproved of him carrying his school supplies himself.

"I don't see how it's proper...." Lizzy began, only to pause and shake her head, a tiny smile coming to her face at the mock glare that passed over Arno's.

"Right, let's head back home then." Lizzy muttered, before she turned on her heel and started to walk away. He felt the anxiety start building up beneath his skin, and he felt the need to shout his frustration but knew that it would do no good, Lizzy was mad at him for insisting on carrying his own things despite him not feeling well.

Glancing at Liberty, he watched as the bird of prey took to the air; the bird circled once over head before it headed off toward home. It only took a moment before Arno fell into step beside Lizzy, keeping his head down, he saw out of the corner of his eye that she was muttering to herself, and judging on what he could understand, she'd had a frustrating day at the market.

Whoops. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to dismiss her kindness.

Even though it went against his better judgement, Arno found himself wordlessly holding his book bag out to Lizzy; who wordlessly took it and shouldered the bag. Eyeing some of the bags from the market, Arno asked, "May I carry some of those so it's not all on you, sister?"

After a few moments of silence, Arno watched as Lizzy handed over a bag that had some vegetables in it. Getting a good grip on it, Arno didn't mind that the rest of the trip home passed in silence; he just felt better knowing that Lizzy wasn't mad at him. He also registered the darker part of him had made a mental note to have a "talk" with those shop keepers for upsetting his sister.

Mm, that could wait for a few more hours, right? No point in scaring the other innocent customers.

~- Show Some Class -~

~ October 24th, 1774~

Rebecca wanted to murder.

Clenching her fists, she listened as the men around her chatted away. They were talking about their inheritance, the slaves they'd just gotten and the women that they were hoping to make theirs. Listening as another man said something rather insulting about the woman he spent last night with, Rebecca turned to say something about it when she felt a slightly heavier hand land on her shoulder. Looking up at the culprit, she was getting ready to reprimand them for touching her when her blue-violet eyes met violet flecked with gold eyes. Pursing her lips, she let her dark red hair fall in front of her eyes, giving them a bit of protection from the man that stood behind her. A frown came to his face as he realized just how good his timing was, and Rebecca allowed her to be embraced by her sweetheart's arms.

"Daniel, what are you doing here? I thought you were back at the manor." Rebecca asked sweetly, her eyes darting back to the group and she felt her blood start pounding again.

"My dear, it would not be fitting for someone like you to do such things. Now, a man defending the honor of the woman he loves? That's acceptable, and with your permission, I'd be honored to do it." Daniel scolded, although Rebecca picked up the mockery in the words. His own eyes were drawn to the group of lowlifes as one of the guys looked over at them, his eyes drinking in Rebecca's figure and causing Daniel to tighten his grip on her.

She knew he normally wouldn't have minded letting her settle her own issues, expect for two tiny little things. 1) She was a lady of a fairly well known house, so she has to act as such. 2) These idiots were well beneath her. Taking a step back, she leaned against the gentleman that stopped her and asked sweetly, "If that's the case, my good sir, please do so. Because, if I may be permitted to say, these men are being vulgar and it is not befitting of someone of my status."

Becky watched as Daniel's mouth turned up into a joyless smile, and she felt a twinge of fear for a moment; but she relaxed after a moment. "Hey Thorne, what do you have there? Do you feel like sharing?" One of the guys called, and a quick look in their direction told Rebecca that it was the moron on that had been eyeing her before hand.

A disgusted noise coming from her, she turned her eyes back to Daniel in time to see his jaw clench before it relaxed again. Letting herself get pushed behind Daniel, she turned back to the items she'd been looking at before she'd gotten distracted. "No, I don't feel like sharing. This little cutie happens to be mine, and it's none of your concern." Daniel hissed, icy venom dripping from each syllable as he held the guy's gaze.

Rebecca glanced over her shoulder to see the tension in Daniel's. A frown flitting at her face, Rebecca turned and placed a gentle hand on Daniel's arm. "You know what Daniel, forget it, they're not worth it." She said softly, she saw the bear cub that was pacing around outside of the shop; and it set the hair on her arms standing on end. Sure the bear cub didn't look like much right now, but she knew just what that cub could do.

Catching Daniel's eyes, she saw the way that they had become frozen chips of ice. This wasn't good. Catching the shopkeeper's attention, Rebecca made a careful signal to the man to get him to come over so he could try to break up the brawl that was on the verge of happening. Returning her attention to Daniel, she pulled him backward and, somehow, forced him to turn around and look at what she was looking at. "Do you think Papa would accept these for the party tonight?" She asked softly, trying to distract him from the anger that was getting a hold of him.

"Hmm, yes I think it would. Although, now that you speak of the party tonight ma'am, I hope you will be there." Daniel answered, making her sigh in relief as Daniel allowed himself to be distracted from the brutes that had been pestering them.

A huff escaping her, she glanced at him and answered curtly, "Of course I will be there, Papa is the one that is hosting it."

She watched the way Daniel nodded, and she saw the way his hand drifted toward his pocket. Tilting her head to the side, she remembered the other night when Daniel had come calling on the house; but it hadn't been for her. Instead it was for her father, and ever since that night he'd been on edge; but then again there was the looming tension between the colonies and the Crown. Maybe that was the reason for Daniel's sudden awkwardness toward her? Dismissing her confusion, she let Daniel pay for the merchandise and take the bags, turning for the door she glanced around to see that her chaperone was nowhere in sight.

Puzzlement coming to her face, she almost made a comment about it when Daniel said, "There is no need to worry; about it, I sent your uncle home to assist your father with the party plans."

Shooting him a confused look, Rebecca decided to let it slide and headed for the door when the men from before started calling out to them again; making some rather rude remarks about her family's honor. Feeling Daniel tense with each jab, she shot him a warning look but saw that there was no point; he'd been pushed beyond levelheaded reason. "Just please do not do anything to disgrace your family's reputation," she sighed, heading for the door to wait for him outside as Daniel headed for the group.

Stepping outside, she felt the sun on her skin and she smiled a little bit. Feeling something pawing at her petticoat, she glanced down and saw that the bear cub had wandered over to her. Looking around to make sure that no one was watching, Rebecca bent down and scooped up the cub, holding him close she cooed, "Why does Daniel have to show his family's temper? Can he not understand that these guys are----? Daniel!"

The sound of breaking glass caught Rebecca's attention, which caused the exclamation, as one of the guys tumbling into the street definitely informed her of what had happened. Watching as Daniel walked out, she saw the glare that the man shot the one in the street before he stalked over. She saw the way Daniel bent down, grabbed the guy by his arm and without letting the guy rise to his own feet, Daniel straitened to his full height and stalked toward her. Rebecca didn't say anything as Daniel threw the guy back down to the ground and snapped, "Apologize to the lady for what you said in there."

"She didn't even hear it." The guy spat.

Raising an eyebrow at Daniel, she looked back down to the guy for a moment before she ignored him as she crossed over to Daniel. "Daniel, honey, it's fine. There's no reason to cause a scene, we can just forget about this encounter." She said soothingly, keeping her grip on the bear cub in her arms, she felt the way the bear was watching her before it switched its gaze to Daniel, clearly searching for what it should do. Petting the bear cub's head, she said in the same tone, "You do not need to do anything friend, it's okay."

She saw the way the man's eyes widened as he watched her, before it seemed as if his eyes focused on what she was holding. Rebecca almost laughed as he stammered, "I-Is that bear cub who I think it is, miss?"

"Yes, it is. Now, if you're smart, you'll apologize to her and then get a move on before I lose my temper and I feed you to him." Daniel snarled in warning, and Becky had to try her hardest not to scowl and scold Daniel as the man hurriedly did what he was told to do.

Glaring at Daniel after the man left, she saw the boyish grin that spread across the man's face; and Rebecca felt her resolve start to crumble. "Was terrifying him necessary?" She demanded, figuring that it was best to barrel on ahead before she decided to forgive him. Watching the noncommittal shrug in response, she watched as Daniel reached over and took the bear cub from her arms. After getting the cub and the bags situated, she saw Daniel offer his elbow to her to take.

"May I escort you home, miss?"

Huffing angrily, she took the offered elbow and fell into step beside him. She allowed her mind to turn inward, thinking ahead toward the party that was being done that night; she didn't mind that the walk home was spent in silence. Saying goodbye and saying that she'd talk to Daniel later on at the party, Rebecca retreated inside with the party items and set about helping to put the finishing touches on things before nighttime.

~- Underneath the Cherry Tree -~

Feudal Japan

Sakura sat there, watching as the petals from the cherry blossom tree fell down around her. Humming softly under her breath, she held her hand out and caught one of the pink petals as it drifted lazily down. She looked up at the clear sky, the melody weaving through her mind and heart as she sang softly, "Yorokobi ga mau haru wo omou namida no hane
chiriyuku hanabira tonari anata no moto e to
kaze ga naru tabi soba ni iru yo tadori tsukeru
kanashimi yori samishisa yori mamorubeki wa ima wo ikiru anata."

A soft chuckle drew the woman's attention, soft dark eyes turning to meet deep violet. Picking herself up, she brushed away the dirt that had gathered on her light pink kimono, walking over to the man that had appeared, the raven-haired woman stepped into her lover's embrace and wrapped her arms around him. "Rioichi-sama, have you come for a visit?" She whispered, her voice light and playful even as she embraced the man of higher standing.

It didn't matter that they had been husband and wife for two years, she still held him in high regard since their first encounter when he had kept some of the men from attacking her after she had accidentally set foot onto Rioichi's lands without permission.

Feeling his arms slide around her waist, she allowed him to lean down and kiss her softly, the taste of oranges made her smile even as she caught a whiff of night rain from him. She stepped back from him, and she saw the way his eyes darted down toward her stomach. Placing her hand on her belly, she smiled softly at the small bump before she looked up at him again. She felt him reach down and take her hand, his fingers tracing light circles onto her skin as Rioichi answered, "Yes, Sakura. How are you doing today dear?"

She heard the unasked question in his words, and she rested her hand on her belly in answer. "We are both fine my lord, I was just singing to the little one."

Sakura felt her heart soar as he smiled at her, the joy in Rioichi's eyes meant more to her than she could possibly say. He didn't deserve to be sad, nor did he deserve to be cursed to the life that he was. She stepped back into his embrace, leaning against him as he stroked her hair and started humming the pieces of the song that he knew; only to pause after a moment and to stare at her. "Can you sing for the both of us, please Sakura?"

Nodding her head, Sakura closed her eyes and rested her head against him, singing to him even as her mind tried to figure out the next set of lyrics for the lullaby. Feeling the shift of the sun and day on her skin, Sakura opened her eyes to see that the sun was slowly working on going down; and that apparently somehow they'd made it back over to the cherry tree. She glanced down at Rioichi to see him curled up next to her, his head resting on her shoulder as he had an arm draped across her chest.

Smiling softly, she reached out a hand and stroked some of the hair out of his face. Curling up next to him again, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift back off to sleep with her husband and their child; a silent pray going up to whoever was willing to listen to her that her family would be safe.

 

[Kingdomkeylight]

~A Sickness That Wants To Escape~​

Trust me when I say you wouldn't believe me if I told you my friend, Calcipher messaged back to the bear of fire as the vampire bat watched Dante momentarily observing the boys expressions before returning his sight to Mor'du. I see you still have a knack for getting the "heated" partners... he is clearly looking for a fight... I would recommend it not being with my masters master the yellow eyed one dressed in black with the scarf, Calcipher oddly suggested as he then directed his sight to Demona, and her feline partner. There was a strange undefinable presence of energy around that girl as he heard her heart beat, and her blood pulse through he couldn't put his wing on it what made him curious about the child. For now Calcipher pushed the curiosity to the side as he added, Intriguing to see you back in the field I must add then again I guess the same could be said about me. None the less even if you wouldn't believe me I want to tell you what we are doing here, but alas due to your current positioning I am sorry to say that will have to wait. By all means though I am glad to see you well, and healthy. It was on that note that the bay suddenly stretched out his dark wings letting go of the roof he had been holding onto as he glided downward landing right atop of the trapped tamer easily covering most of her torso giving a measure on how big Calicipher really was. Avaline easily adjusted to the extra weight which wasn't all that difficult since she was a massively sized spider with powerful legs.

"I am sorry to say we seem to have nothing, but I am sure you already knew that Lord Sirius," Calcipher spoke aloud as he sudden let out a almost inaudible sound that shatter both the owl, and tamer into pieces revealing them to be just a magic clone. With that Calcipher took flight before getting stuck to Avaline's webs that now rested on her back. Rika suddenly let out a annoyed growl as she puffed out the hot air that had built up into her body. She didn't like it when prey got away even if it hadn't been there to begin with.

"True, but it wouldn't have hurt to figure out what she was after," Sirius chuckled at he kept his head forward with his yellow eyes still locked with Dante. "It seems there is nothing left to discuss here, and I am unfortunately still short one reaper of my team," Rizan motioned to the partner less White Rhino Abstergo who snorted in worry. Petting the massive animal to calm its nerves Sirius finally broke eye contact with Dante as he turned to Ician. "I would rather not end this night without all of us regrouped. I know it takes a risky amount of energy, but if it isn't to much to ask could you do a large scale scan of the entire city for Sabela," he politely asked Ician who oddly in old fashion bowed to Sirius.

"Your wish is my command," without even blinking Ician sudden vanished from sight as did Calcipher leaving any questions Mor'du had to be put on hold for now.

"Rika, Avaline would you please guard him while he handles that," even before the sentence had finished Rika clearly had a look of not wanting to follow that order especially with two unknown reapers still in her leaders field of vision. It was clear she was about to vocally object, but was suddenly halted by Sirius's kindred smile. Rika's expression of rebellion died immediately as she mumbled under her breath how she wasn't okay with leaving him after taking so long to find especially just to watch over the "guitar boy".

"Don't worry dearie he will be fine Abstergo will still be at his side," Avaline spoke in a melodic motherly tone causing Rika to lightly stomp her foot before finally caving in as she got on top of Avaline.

"You two better not do anything, or I'll devour you both slowly," Rika threaten with dark eyes glaring at both Demona, and Dante before with a mighty heave Avaline jumped high into the air before latching onto the side of a building moving immediately into the distance until they were both out of sight leaving only Sirius, Abstergo, and the two Danu reapers with their partners.

"Well then I thank you again Demona, and wish you a good night," Sirius said as he gentle grabbed her hand, and laid a soft kiss on her knuckles before letting go as he gave a polite full bow to Dante. "If you will both excuse me I believe its time I retired for the night I am sure you both have things you must do," he spoke as he patted Abstergo signaling the Rhino to follow him. "I found a great spot its right next to this wonderful antique tea house," Sirius started to converse with the Rhino as they started to walk away.
...........................................................................................................................

~To Much At Once~ ​

Cormac let out a hearty laughter at Nat's initial response, and apology clearly not feeling insulted in anyway by her initial outburst. Rizan tilted his head at the turtle wondering what was so funny as he made sure Siam was still comfortable in his lap before he started to scratch behind her little kitten ears.

"No worries lass wouldn't be the first time I heard that response besides this should be interesting for both of us since your the first daughter of man I have paired up with, but like the horned one said don't take my partnership lightly as said I am a ancient spirit just like Mor'du is a ancient reaper," Cormac responded with a much more serious look as he sized his new partner up. Headstrong seemed to be a bloodline connection between all of his past partners so to see it in Nat was a good sign. Yet at the same time there was indeed a sense of cockiness which was a first. It was dangerous to give a Tamer so much energy at once especially if they weren't a Queen of Light, or a Paladin of the old ways. Though even with that Cormac's first partner was a unknown boy who became a legend. Thus he was able to overlook any possible issues that could come from Nat's nature. "My partnership will boost you to a elevation of power that would take years for other partners to reach. There is a slight possibility you might not be able to handle it all at once, but that is for you to decide," he spoke calmly as he seemed to ease up on the topic. "Now young one my pact is of durability you must vow to never break the shield you wield to protect the Queen's of Light, or that which you hold most dear now matter what Reaper, Nightmare, Spirit, or Tamer challenge you. There will be times you will be cracked to your core, but realize no one is perfect. You must temper yourself upon these moment to further strengthen your soul. Now do you Natasha except my pact," right as he said that rift appeared between the two as a mallet slowly levitated out. It was clear all she had to do was grab the weapon if she agreed to the contract.

"Wow this is very formal isn't it," Rizan whispered to Siam right as the kitten called the girl Holly a Queen. "Oh are you one of these Queen's of light I keep hearing about? You must be very important," the seventeen year old spoke his attention was drawn away from the pact currently being made. "So I guess our job is to make sure you stay safe... I don't understand a whole lot of what going on, but I am sure me, and Siam will do our best," he grinned giving Holly a big thumbs up.

 

[Eternal Dream]

~- Children of the Cat Hold Fast -~

As much as he was still worried about Alex, Sammy had to trust Utorem, Damhan, and Noct that she was safe with whoever she'd gone with. With travel between the realms, difficult, at best, there wasn't much they could do to help Alex stuck as they were in the human world, in any case. Instead, Sam had to switch gears, take care of the new Tamer that had fallen into their laps, and see about taking care of his own partner.

Noct's admission about Sonnet being a fallen Queen of Light was an unsettling development, and Sam knew he'd be chewing on that piece of information for a while. But seeing the slump to Noct's shoulders and how low the lion's head hung was even more distressing for the young man; Noct had lived for a long time, since at least the turn of the 18th century, from what the Spirit had told Sam. And yet, he hadn't had many partners; Sam thought he was Noct's first partner since the late 1700's. The American Revolution was a raw wound for Noct, one the lion didn't talk about often. The one time that his memories had leaked through into Sammy's sleeping mind, the Tamer had seen two young men facing off, nearly identical in appearance, while Noct watched from the sidelines, pinned by Nightmares and helpless to aide his partner as David faced certain death. To see such darkness in the laid back Spirit's past upset Sammy, especially when that old pain leaked through and eroded at Noct's confidence as it was doing now.

Sam rubbed the lion's head again as he heard Cheyenne ask what everyone in the room was thinking in some form, "But, if Sonnet fell, what of her power as a Queen...?" Sam could just sense Michael freeze up at that suggestion; if Sonnet's power had been corrupted at the same time that the wolf was, the implications could prove to be disastrous for them all.

The thought flashed across Sam's mind in a moment as he said, "Sonnet didn't have the powers of one of the Queens when she fell. She'd given them up just before the last fight, giving them back to Leto." Sam's mouth puckered into a frown as soon as the words left his lips. He didn't doubt the truth of them, but how...?

"No shit, we gotta keep her safe," Michael harrumphed as Damhan imparted just how important it was to make sure that this Holly was recovered and guarded as swiftly as possible. Despite how harsh his tone was, Sam knew it was just the severity of this new information that had Michael speaking so harshly.

Before they could continue the discussion much further, a shiver of power ran through the air, followed quickly by a large ruckus as yowls and screeches split the air. The three Tamers agreeing rather quickly to bench the current discussion, Sam and Michael both waited just long enough for Noct and Chey to take their house cat forms before the boys scooped the felines up and followed the doctor out of Alex's room, Rio limping along at Michael's heel.

Turning into the room down the hall, Sam let Noct jump out of his arms as he took a quick look around at the assembled mass inside. Unable to help the disbelieving laugh, Sam looked to Devon as he said, "I thought you were just picking up your cousin. You didn't say anything about two other lovely young ladies and three extra Spirits; not to say that your help will fall short of being appreciated," he finished, turning to look at the redhead that had turned a sharp green gaze in his direction.

Devon turned to face Sammy as well, a sharp look of worry on his face as the teen said, "We kinda left in the middle of a tense situation. Dad stayed behind to give us time to get away, and these girls helped us out, but Danu was there..."

"What!" The cry came from Sky, and Sam saw the girl jump to her feet, her eyes wide with anxiety as she continued, "Dev, we can't let him stay there by himself; he needs help!"

"Trust me, young one; the greatest help that you lot can give him is by being as far away from that battle as possible. If I'm correct in my assessment, none of you fawns have even half the experience the Changeling does; your presence would have his attention divided as he looked to keep you safe. He's safer battling the ancient one with just his partner, because then there's a greater chance for him to escape with only the two of them to worry for."

The stag's words were meant to assuage their fears, but Sam could tell that it didn't seem to help any of the three Hunters in the room; Holly in particular had a cloud of dark worry in her eyes, almost as if the Spirit's words had touched off some memory in her mind. A squeeze of Ezio's talons seemed to calm her some, but her face still didn't relax completely.

Sam was once again unsettled by unwelcome news, but he had to deal with the matter at hand, first. Looking around, he saw three Tamers that hadn't formed Pacts, but he could also sense that their Spirit partners were in the room as well. However, he had to deal with the Tamers that he didn't know, as well; the redhead near the stag and the dark haired girl that was watching one hell of a large turtle. Sensing who was the leader between the two, Sammy extended a hand toward the redhead as he said, "This is kinda hectic for a first meeting, but I'd like to introduce you to some of New York's finest Tamers, Miss...?

~- Hell is What You Make -~

“Are you having trouble, my dears? Does Mother have to step in on both of your behalves?”

Eric saw the way that Jace visibly flinched at the burning disappointment in the ancient Reaper's voice. The blonde really just wanted her to get off his back, already; he thought he was done with whole disappointed mom routine when he and Delilah bounced from their parents pad, dammit! Even so, Eric's eyes narrowed slightly as his heart tried to impale itself on his ribs as Merlin came in to land, changing into his frog form just before he clambered onto Eric's shoulder.

The young Reaper found himself averting his eyes as a shimmer slid through the air, turning his attention instead to the mirrored shield strapped to his right wrist. A pale face was reflected back to him, showing deep green eyes hidden behind messy blonde hair, prominent cheekbones, and collarbones that pressed sharply against his skin where his shirt came away from his throat. Almost as if in reminder of all the ways he had, could, and would f.uck things up, he felt his stomach cramp in another bid for him to crawl back to the brownstone and get lunch.

“I wanted that Spirit…it would have been perfect…”

Pushing the hunger pangs away, Eric let the ever present hostility in his system override everything else as he turned his eyes back to where the Spirit was entangled... no, wait, that was a Tamer? "The hell? Since when...?"

"Changeling," Merlin hissed in his ear, shaking Eric back into remembering even as the frog continued, "In ancient times, there were Tamers and Reapers that could tap into the Dreameater magics, and take on the form of Nightmares and Spirits themselves. However, there haven't been any Changelings since before Bacon's Rebellion; this Tamer may be the only one left with the magic."

"Where does he get off being special like that?" Eric groused, watching the blonde man as he writhed, attempting to escape his bonds. Even though he wasn't the one trapped, Eric could just feel that what was holding the Tamer was more than just a physical drain; there was a slithery, slimy feel to the bonds that had even Eric's skin crawling.

“They have to all be together somewhere in this city! Is this just impossible to ask for, my Children?”

"We can find 'em," Eric snapped, his pleasant personality finally back in full force. Turning to face Danu, the teen used a healthy dose of loathing to bolster his bravado as he said, "Merlin thinks the Tamer's partner is gonna be showing up anytime, so keep an eye out for what's probably just an annoying little fly for you. Unless you want either of us to stick behind so we can get some practice in and 'redeem' ourselves for letting the turtle and Queen escape, me'n Jace are gonna split so we can track those Tamers down now. There were a couple of new girls with them, so that warrants investigation, too. 'Kay if we bounce?"

Eric was ready to get away, honestly; now that he was thinking about it, he'd heard of one or two scuffles that Lucas and Dante had had with this particular Tamer, the patriarch of the New York Hunters, and Eric remembered meeting up with the Denver branch of the family a couple of weeks before that skiing trip...

Okay, Danu had about two seconds to answer before Eric either got the hell out of there or attacked the damned bastard she had caged and tied up like so much taunting bait in front of him.

~- A Show for the Whole Damn World -~

The softest of creaks could be heard from the floorboards as Delilah dipped and spun, arcing her back in time to the music before she dipped low again, her fingers nearly brushing her toes. She danced purely for the joy of the dance, her thoughts else wear, concentrated on nothing but the rush of blood in her veins, the pounding of her pulse in her ears, her breathing, her heart rate. The mist was far from her thoughts, her movements fluid.

Until, that is, she attempted a leaping pirouette, and reality returned for her, as it always did when the mist was heavy in the air and her checkups were drawing close. For a moment, she spun in the air, her own, private moment of soaring; but when she landed, pain spread through her right leg, spilling her across the studio floor with as a soft groan of pain escaped from the young blonde.

"Delilah!"

"I'm fine," the Reaper said, pushing herself into a sitting position after just a moment. She looked up to see Sonnet watching her, understanding and the familiar resignation in the collie's green eyes. Delilah, pulled her right leg in front of her, digging her knuckles into her thigh just above the prosthetic lower leg to try and ease some of the pain that was an almost constant companion.

Sonnet limped over, touching her nose to Delilah's knee, and the girl breathed a soft sigh of relief as the wind magic worked its way into her leg; it was a mirror of what the Reaper had done for the Nightmare just a few days earlier. For a moment, the girl stayed on where she was sitting for a moment longer, her hands still massaging the limb.

Feeling the cramp ease away at last, Delilah climbed to her feet, Sonnet at her side to help her balance as she tested the leg's ability to bear her weight. Finding that, no, she wasn't about to meet the floor again, the girl threaded her fingers through Sonnet's fur before walking away from the wall of mirrors and the dance floor where she had been reliving her old passion. Usually, having a prosthetic replacing the lower portion of her right leg didn't inhibit her mobility too much, but it was a lot harder for her to dance than it had been two years ago, destroying her future as a ballerina. It was part of the reason that Sonnet and Delilah made such good partners; both of them were missing a leg, making do with a Nightmaremail substitute for the limb they had been born with. They could sympathize with how the other felt, but they didn't pity one another, because they knew how much they hated people pitying them.

"Delilah, maybe you should rest..."

"I can't, Son," she said, ending the wolf's words right there. Her fingers tightening in the wolf's fringe, the woman paused a moment before continuing, "The pain'll ease up once I get past the checkup and get a few things worked out with my leg. If Eric finds out..." She shook her head, forcing a smile onto her face as she said, "Come on; let's take advantage of the fact that most everyone else is out and start working on lunch. You know they'll be hungry when they get back, even my brother."

Sonnet looked at her again, but didn't say anything else as the partners took to the stairs. Even though the wolf had eased away most of the pain, Delilah could still feel a deep ache where the stump met with the metal and wires of the mail. The girl actually did want to rest, but she had to look out for Eric. It was hard enough getting him to eat enough; if he knew she was in pain, he'd stop eating entirely. She could put on a smile and work through it.

She always did.

 

[Story Keeper]

~- Two Can Play That Game Sweetheart -~

Angie had to admit, the rare blond moment from Dante was adorable. Focusing back on their guest, she didn't bat an eye as the illusion dissolved, she'd figured that it was just a trick. Scanning the surrounding area, she tried to figure out where the real Tamer was; because unless the girl was extremely skilled, she'd have to be nearby to have kept it up for that long. It didn't escape her notice that Nightshade was instantly on high alert, after all it was only relax to be on guard when an opponent was nearby. Reaching out a hand, she gave Nightshade a quick scratch behind the ears as Sirius conversed with his teammates.

Tuning them out to give them some privacy, she focused on Dante and communicated silently, Have you told this to Lucas? I don't think they're too much of a threat, but they are a group to keep an eye on; especially Sirius. Focusing back on Sirius just in time to catch Rika glaring at her, she listened as the other female reaper promised darkly, "You two better not do anything, or I'll devour you both slowly."

While probably not a good idea, Demona smiled sweetly and said in an innocent tone, "We wouldn't dream of it honey, but just realize you hurt any of my friends and I will slowly and painfully tear you to pieces before I feed them to the Spirit of the Pit."

Waiting until Rika left, Angie focused back on Sirius as he returned his attention to them, Angie couldn't explain why but she dipped down into a quick curtsy. Returning to normal, Angie listened as Sirius said to her, "Well then I thank you again Demona, and wish you a good night." Kissing her hand in a very old-fashioned and gentlemanly way.

"You're welcome sir, and I wish you a good night. I also hope you are able to find your other teammate." She answered politely, effortlessly masking the shock and slight wonder that she had at his own gesture. Watching as Sirius and Abstergo walked away from them, Angie felt a minor twinge of disappointment as the two intriguing characters left.

She threw a look in Dante's direction, trying to judge what he thought of everything. A mild sense of foreboding creeping over her skin, she said warningly, "Don't go after them Dante, I don't think it'd be wise to stir up trouble for Lucas. Even then, I think our little birdie friend is around here somewhere watching us. How about we take advantage of Sirius and his group leaving to find out what she wants?"

A huff from Nightshade caught Angie's attention, turning to look at the black tiger, she was about to question the attitude that was displayed when Nightshade addressed Mor'du instead, "I don't think it's wise for the children to be out so late, don't you? Haven't rumors started about him moving around again?"

Puzzlement crossing Angie's face at the remark, she wanted to ask but given the way Nightshade was suddenly on edge; she figured that it might not be a wise idea to question the nightmare. Instead, Angie took in the surrounding area as she waited for Mor'du to answer her partner's question.

~- Second Hand Smoke -~

Jason tried not to react, or visibly so, when Danu scolded them; acting much like a mother that had been let down by her well behaved children. Honestly, he felt that way and he decided he'd much rather get in trouble with the cops than disappoint her. Looking at Eric, he saw that his blond-haired coworker seemed to be having similar thoughts in terms of Danu being disappointed. Spacing out for a moment, Jace snapped back to attention as Danu asked, a hint of danger weaving through the words, “They have to all be together somewhere in this city! Is this just impossible to ask for, my Children?"

Blanching at the question, Jace was about to answer when Jezebel reported apologetically, "No milady, and I wish to offer my apologizes for letting them escape in the first place. I hadn't been expecting a Spirit of that strength to appear here of all places."

Jason glanced at Jezebel, a little surprised that she was willing to address Lady Danu even though it was clear that the older Reaper was furious but still restraining herself. Yeah, let's not make "mother" anymore mad shall we? Jace thought to himself, just as Matt struggled against the restraints that were holding him in place. A quick glance in Eric's direction told the taller reaper that his shorter and blond-haired coworker was getting more and more agitated, not that Eric was a cheerful little ball of sunshine in the first place.

We should see about getting Eric out of this, Jezebel advised mentally.

Rolling his eyes at that comment, Jace snarked back mentally, You think so? I was totally thinking we could leave him here in this state. He looked over at the Spirit, erm, Tamer? that they had captured. Cocking his head to the left, he listened to Merlin's explanation about Changelings from long ago. Looking at the frog, Jace was about to say something when Eric shot off a snippy remark; not that wasn't trademark Eric but Jace found he was getting more and more irritated by his coworker's antics. Couldn't Eric see that they were treading on thin ice? Mouthing off to Danu right now wasn't the wisest of choices.

He watched as the Tamer fought against his invisible restraints, and Jace couldn't help but notices the way that his blood had turned to ice from just watching it. He averted his eyes to the ground, not quite sure how to explain the strange feeling that he had. Jezebel squeezed his shoulder, trying to provide some comfort to him in light of the current situation. "Milady, would that be okay with you? The boys are young and inexperience, it is an understandable mistake that they made. Merlin could go with them, or at least Eric so they could find the group; and then if you'd like, I could stay here and assist you." Jezebel spoke respectfully, her voice low and soothing, much like how a mother-type figure would speak to a worked up child if she was trying to calm them down.

Although, unlike Eric, Jace could tell Jezebel meant no disrespect, instead she was just trying to smooth ruffled feathers.

Rolling his shoulder that was supporting his partner, Jace felt the way his mind returned to a more normal state after the more feral edge. Surprise for a fraction of a second crossed his face, and then Jace got it under control. He threw his senses out, trying to pick up any trace of the group of Spirits and Tamers that had been there. Sensing the turtle's energy and Natasha's energy, he even detected a bit of that Queen of Light's energy. He smirked a little as he gave a quick, clear and sharp whistle. It took a moment, but then Jezebel took to the air with the wordless command, circling high in the air before she flew away.

It was time for a search and destroy mission.

~- Already There -~

Christa walked along, listening to Dallas's complaints about the fleas she glanced down at the feline. A smile crossing her face, the young woman asked teasingly, "Is there anything you won't complain about, Dal? Should I take you to see that one vet again with that cute little female feline?" She saw the offended look that crossed Dallas's face at the teasing remark, and she knew that she'd get that reaction. Dallas hated it when she reminded him about the incident where he spent a whole week in the vet's office acting like a normal cat.

She scooped the Nightmare up into her arms, earning an angry huff from Dallas as he started to squirm. A laugh escaping her, Christa held her partner tighter as they walked into the pet store. Only for a moment later for her to loosen her grip and allowed him to climb up on her shoulder and into the hood of her sweater, assuming his usual position when it came to him needing to act like a normal house pet. Laughing softly at the sight, Christa instinctively headed for the cat supplies aisle. Scanning the shelf, she spotted the flea collar that she was looking for and grabbed it. Briskly she headed over to the checkout line, going through it she paid for it and laughed as Dallas chose that moment to become a butthead.

Dallas stood up, stretched and hopped down to the counter her. Trotting over to where the flea collar was, she watched as he butted his head against the package with his temporary salvation. Opening the package for him, Christa put the collar on Dallas and picked him up again. Looking at the cashier who seemed a little shocked at the interaction, smiling at them warmly Christa explained, "He loves his collars, he gets sulky without it."

The cashier smiled and nodded in understanding, and then without another word Christa left the area to head back home since technically she has today off of work. Walking along the sidewalk, Christa watched as Dallas hopped down to the sidewalk and shifted into his panther form. It didn't take Dallas long to fall into step next to her, and it comforted her to know that Dallas was there. Hearing her phone ringing, she slowed down and pulled her phone out of her sweater pocket. Seeing the number that glowed on the screen, Christa felt her breath hitch for a moment before she answered it and said hesitantly, "Hello?"

"Hi Water Kitty, how are you doing?"

The masculine voice was a welcome balm, and Christa felt a tear slide down her cheek before she wiped it away. Looking around to make sure no one could overhear, she spotted a bench in her search and quickly moved over to sit on it. It was only after she was sitting down that she answered, "I'm doing okay, how about you? I've missed you Dad, when are you scheduled to come home?"

She heard the sad laugh from the other end of the line, and it broke her heart all over again. When was the last time she'd seen her father? It had to have been at least six months, and yet like every time he was deployed, she felt the sadness and worry like it was just yesterday. "I don't know baby girl, the commander's talking about letting some of us go back to see our families in a few weeks; but things are getting intense over here."

Christa heart temporarily stopped at the words. If it was getting intense, that meant the soldiers were having trouble with containing the rebellion. Feeling the tears prick at her eyes, Christa blinked them away and laughed weakly, "Tell him to send you back for a visit, I'm going crazy with just Lucas and the other guys to talk to. Besides, Dallas is being whiny again because his flea collar wore off."

She heard the smile in her dad's voice as he promised that he'd try to convince his commanding officer to comply. "Anyway, I just wanted to call and check up on you. How are you doing holding down the frontlines over there?" Her dad asked seriously, his voice laced with concern as it always was whenever they talked about the Reaper-Tamer war that Christa was participating in.

Closing her eyes, Christa sent up a quick request for strength before she opened her eyes and answered dutifully, "It looks like we're gaining ground on the Tamers, but they've gotten a new girl within their ranks from what our intelligence says; otherwise they're losing."

She listened as the line crackled with static, and she knew her dad was happy that she was still safe, but he wasn't happy about her even being involved in it. She heard something in the background, and it sounded as if it was someone calling to her dad to let him know just how much time he had left before he had to leave to do something. After a moment, her dad returned his attention to her and said, "Sorry baby girl, but I've got to go. We're leaving to check out this area where supposedly someone we're after is hiding out in."

"Okay, be careful Dad. I love you, and I hope you come home safely." Christa said softly, fighting to keep her voice from break as her Dad said his own farewell.

Putting her phone away after the line went dead, Christa just sat there for a few minutes to compose herself. After she was sure she had enough control, she got up and started walking again, deciding that she just wanted to go home and hide for the rest of the day. Stepping out onto a new street corner, her attention was drawn to a familiar stranger of a boy and his partner as Dallas called out to them. Listening to the words that were exchanged, Christa asked the boy for his identity and upon hearing his name as Xeo, she asked if he was Angie's brother.

Getting a confirmation, Christa returned the confirmation when he asked her for her identity. Relaxing a little at that clarification, she noticed that the two felines still didn't seem to trust each other. Looking to Xeo she pointed over her shoulder and said, "Do you want to go get a bite to eat?"

After a few moments of consideration, she watched as Xeo nodded in agreement before she headed off in that direction. She heard a muffled exchange between Xeo and his partner, but she didn't eavesdrop and after a few moments Xeo followed after her.

 

[Eternal Dream]

~- From Heaven to Hell -~

The Reapers had caught on, shattering the illusory Tamer and Spirit, causing the phantasms to drop to the ground in a cascade of water. The blonde Reaper, outraged, bellowed, "What the f.uckin' hell! How'd you guys get duped by such a lame ass spell, and where's the bitch really at?!"

This caused the Reaper to receive a warning headbutt in the back from his partner, the young man actually stumbling forward a little from the force of the bear's reprimand. A short discussion transpired between the Reapers, the group slowly breaking apart as they went their separate ways. The blonde, his shoulders set in a hard line, stayed put next to the dark haired girl and the black tiger, but Harm could still feel the hostility radiating off of him as he watched the retreating backs of the other Reapers, angered that the possible fight had been snatched out from beneath his nose.

Harm stayed close to the side of the building, nothing but night dew against the concrete and brick facade. There was no way that she and Esme could have followed those two without being discovered, so they'd set up a water clone to be the obvious follow while Esme had flown high up into the clouds and Harm had turned herself into water to sneak along the buildings and drains. It was an exhausting tactic, and Harm could sense that both she and her Spirit partner were at their breaking point for maintaining the technique, but she had to keep it up just a little longer, just long enough for the Reapers to leave the area entirely.

There were two groups of Reapers stalking around New York, a development that troubled the Chinese girl; they knew that a Tamer cell was in New York, and it was this that had drawn the girls there in the first place in the hopes that they could find Nat and Allegra's partners. Their small band hadn't had much interaction with the local Reapers just yet; New York was huge, and Harm, Leah, and Nat had only been there a couple months. But now, with more Reapers, and this confrontation here, she had a feeling that that was about to change.

Especially with that blonde down there, the girl thought, her awareness focusing on the young man. He was a firestorm, a nightmare given human form, and she didn't want to be anywhere near him. But at the same time, she could sense that he was the kind that wouldn't give up the chase once had had the scent, and he was still staring at where the water clones had been just a few minutes before, that hard, wired edge still in his stance.

Harm, you need to pull back. I don't think I can maintain your mist form much longer.

The exhausted message came from Esme just as the bear looked up, scanning the night sky. Turning his head further, the Nightmare stared at the alleyway behind the Reapers, and Harm was almost certain that he could tell that she clung to the side of the building. She tried to calm herself, to maintain the form, but exhaustion and nerves made it where she almost returned to her human form right then and there.

After a moment, the tiger spoke, drawing the bear's attention away as he said, "It's always a possibility, but I don't think he's out tonight. However, as these Reapers seem to be a dead end, and the girl has escaped for the moment, it should be time to head back, now."

"Dammit. Why the hell is it that even when Lucas is gone, we still gotta obey that stupid ass curfew he's got up. Well?" Again, the blonde was vocal in his displeasure, but Harm used the distraction to slide back up the side of the building. It seemed that all she had to wait on now, was this small batch of Reapers.

Please leave, please leave, please leave...

~- Roads Ever Weaving -~

"No worries lass wouldn't be the first time I heard that response besides this should be interesting for both of us since your the first daughter of man I have paired up with, but like the horned one said don't take my partnership lightly as said I am a ancient spirit just like Mor'du is a ancient nightmare. My partnership will boost you to a elevation of power that would take years for other partners to reach. There is a slight possibility you might not be able to handle it all at once, but that is for you to decide. Now young one my pact is of durability you must vow to never break the shield you wield to protect the Queen's of Light, or that which you hold most dear now matter what Reaper, Nightmare, Spirit, or Tamer challenge you. There will be times you will be cracked to your core, but realize no one is perfect. You must temper yourself upon these moment to further strengthen your soul. Now do you Natasha except my pact?"

All of Nat's attitude seemed to melt away as a hammer appeared in the space between her and Spirit. Leah watched the two, noting the serious look that had appeared on the other girl's face, and Leah had to agree with Ebony. Despite her combative temper, Natasha was a pacifist called into a war. She shielded, and she healed, but the skirmishes they had been in had never been severe enough that Leah had ever actually seen Nat jump into a fight. The Spirit Cormac wasn't one to take lightly, and the shields that he could help her to generate would be even more powerful than the ones that she created now. The girl's greatest virtue was temperance; a shield to protect and repel all.

Humility and compassion, the ability to put the needs and safety of others before your own desires, will give you strength even as the road you travel is shrouded in the darkness of uncertainty and the wounds caused by pride.

"Yes. I accept the pact."

Leah pulled herself from the past, from when she had formed her own bond with Ebony, in time to see that Nat had taken the hammer from where it had been suspended in the air. Just as the hammer disappeared, two boys and an older gentleman in a wheelchair came into the room.

"Wow this is very formal isn't it. Oh are you one of these Queen's of light I keep hearing about? You must be very important. So I guess our job is to make sure you stay safe... I don't understand a whole lot of what going on, but I am sure me, and Siam will do our best."

The girl that had come with them, Holly, smiled at the boy as she said, "I wouldn't exactly say important; more like I've got the 'honor' of having a target on my back. I can take care of myself, promise. Just please, no special treatment, 'kay?"

A swirl of activity came after as panic flared between Holly and her family as they worried for the father and uncle that had been left behind, but Ebony soon put that to rest, even though worry still showed in all three sets of eyes. Leah felt a soft pang in her chest as she watched them. She remembered that the boy had said his name was Devon, and the blonde girl had introduced herself as Skyler to Allegra. Their concern for their father, it touched on old concerns that Leah wanted to remain buried.

Now wasn't the time for them to surface.

"This is kinda hectic for a first meeting, but I'd like to introduce you to some of New York's finest Tamers, Miss...?"

Leah turned to face the boy that was standing before her, his hand stretched out in greeting, his blue eyes crinkled in welcome. She flinched away, just the softest of movements, before she raised her hand to take his as she said, "Amalia Greenwood, but my friends call me Leah. My partner's name is Ebony, the white doe is named Allegra, and our other friend is named Natasha Pepper, but you can call her Nat."

He'd noticed her flinch, she realized, just as he noticed how quickly she dropped his hand. Giving him a warm smile, she said, "I'm sorry. It's just, my power is to amplify the abilities of those around me. It's not that big a deal, but we just came out of a tense situation, so I just need a moment to calm things down."

He smiled again as he said, "Name's Sammy. I'll introduce you to our crew in a bit. But like I said, welcome to the party, Leah."

 

[sephiroth2]

--------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~She Forgives you...~~~~~~

The shimmering hold around the Changeling seemed to finally put a stop to its constant squeezing, merely keeping its right, strong, dead-like coldness slithering around him, while Danu made her way closer towards the two Reapers and their Partners.

“No milady, and I wish to offer my apologizes for letting them escape in the first place. I hadn't been expecting a Spirit of that strength to appear here of all places." Spoke Jezebel, the Nightmare’s apology seeming to quell Danu’s anger, even if just a tiny bit.

Just as the hooded Queen began to turn away, it was Eric who spoke up next.

"We can find 'em. Merlin thinks the Tamer's partner is gonna be showing up anytime, so keep an eye out for what's probably just an annoying little fly for you. Unless you want either of us to stick behind so we can get some practice in and 'redeem' ourselves for letting the turtle and Queen escape, me'n Jace are gonna split so we can track those Tamers down now. There were a couple of new girls with them, so that warrants investigation, too. 'Kay if we bounce?”

It was only then that Eric would have felt Danu’s whole gaze on him, something that was both confusing and unsettling as even being this close up it seemed the hood which covered her head still blocked any kind of light or sight from seeing her. But one could still, know, when she was like this that she was looking fully at them. The same shimmer, though still as faint but also a lot smaller, had begun to squirm over Eric’s arm and shoulder as if slowly making their way to wrap around the young man entirely.

"Milady, would that be okay with you? The boys are young and inexperienced, it is an understandable mistake that they made. Merlin could go with them, or at least Eric so they could find the group; and then if you'd like, I could stay here and assist you." It was Jezebel who once again spoke, and though this time it seemed as if her precise meddling wasn’t going to catch Danu’s attention, there came suddenly a soothing laugh from the woman.

“Oh, very well.” Said Danu, her voice once again echoing through both Reapers and Nightmares minds. “I suppose this is, just, a small set back. Mother was just so happy to see both an Old Spirit and a Queen…all in one place…”

It was as if both Danu and the faint shimmers glowed for that brief moment, that single second giving a frightening sight to the sheer reach the shimmers now had. Not just those that coiled around Matt like a massive python, or even those few that hung loosely and non-threateningly around her Reapers, but across the entire width of the bridge itself. But that all happened in the blink of an eye, and after it quickly passed Danu let out a sigh.

With the large staff still being held, it was her free hand which reached out towards Eric and then Jason, the woman taking a second to gently pet their cheeks like a doting mother.

“You’ll both make me so proud when you return…go on, have some fun finding them.” Said Danu as she let out another small laugh, the shimmers soon disappearing from around the Reapers as she turned towards Matt.

“I’ll take this one home for now.”


~~~~~~Fearful Memories~~~~~~

Damhan waited at the doorway to the large room, a brief smile on his otherwise drooping face at the sight of Spirits and Tamers interacting with each other. Laughing, discussing, arguing, memories came back of a time when he could see himself like those here now, familiar faces of all kinds, heated moments of discussion, but that time was long gone…

The mention of Danu was something that shouldn’t have surprised Damhan or Utorem, yet both Tamer and Spirit had a brief shiver of anger/fear at that moment. To a lot of those there at the moment Danu was either simply, the mysterious leader of the Reapers plaguing New York, or to some of the older ones just an old story of the wars. Only a few who really found themselves face to face with the Queen of Nightmares could truly say what it would have felt like to feel such fear as if it was their final time on earth. And Damhan had felt it too many times to count.

Stirring suddenly from her crouched position in his lap, Utorem turned her many eyes up towards Damhan, the older man instantly looking down as he felt the same sensation his Spirit just had. While those of the younger Tamers and Partners were busy introducing one another and bringing those new up to speed on the situations, both Damhan and Utorem slipped back out through the doorway and up the hall, once again returning to the small study.

“It must be very important for him to call…he never liked asking anything of others even back then.” Spoke Utorem, the large arachnid deciding this time to remain in Damhan’s lap as her Tamer made his way back behind the large desk.

The message that came from the small, strange, device sounded pretty garbled at first, years of being unused possibly to blame and so a few tweaks from its inventor was all that was needed for the recorded message to repeat much clearer than before. The last bit though soon made Damhan place the device down worryingly, Utorem looking up to him knowing precisely the reason for his hesitation.

“…I’ll meet you at the Station…” Whispered Damhan to himself, his Spirit nudging a little to him as if to comfort.

“…It was horrible…I still remember…but if he needs us there, we’ve got to try, right?” Asked Utorem, earning a little nod from Damhan in return as he softly stroked her head.

“It’s not going to be easy…but you’re right…”


~~~~~~They Will Return...~~~~~~

The man looked on in horror at the faith of his comrade, the sudden rambling recount of everything he had seen and heard soon pouring from his mouth, wishing to not share the same death from Vixen, or anything worse she proposed to him.

Some didn’t believe in the Nightmare Queen, it being a ghost story for many hundreds of years, long before even Vixen came into control. But it, was, Vixen who was in control, and Vixen believed in the Queen, and in return she was given the power and authority to gather and mould the remaining Reapers how she saw fit. All save for a few.

"After all, you're the one that checks on the Seal, hmm?" Questioned Vixen, the woman downing another drink as the sudden realisation of another figure in the room quickly became noticeable to the gang and Nightmares.

Standing to the side of the bar, the farthest corner of the room, the hooded being slowly turned its hunched over body, a twisted, petrified black wood helping to keep the being up from the floor like a cane as its black, void covered face stared towards Vixen.

“That I do…I watch and wait over those lost in time beyond the Seal. And we have need for your…generosity again.”

The booming thud that came from his cane striking the floor seemed to affect the Nightmares more than their Tamers, the creatures already being warry of the hooded figure almost immediately backing away as much as possible with the thunderous crack of his cane. From the doorway there now came two lines of figures. Though tall and straight, their faces remained hidden just like the hooded being, though for them this was from the large metal helmets which covered their heads.

“Take the failure, perhaps his usefulness can be put to a better task.” Spoke the figure again, pointing one long gnarled finger towards the unconscious Clancy before two of the ‘Knights’ did as they were told and began dragging him away.

“Close is the emergence of an Old One. With its arrival there comes another step closer to our own Queen’s return. Has there been, any, success with acquiring that Station from those who oppose our rule?”

 

[Kingdomkeylight]

~Escorting~​

Waiting was always a dangerous games especially when you were surrounded by blood lusting predators. A situation that Harm indefinitely found herself in with Dante not so far off from discovering her the moment her spell wore out, and the likelihood of him leaving soon enough with Demona was slowly becoming thinner, and thinner a chance. It was probably at that moment near panic she would oddly notice black feathers falling around her like rain, but the moment that one particular feather fell on top of her water form a soft splash would undo her veil right as a pair of hands grabbed her from behind covering her eyes, and mouth pulling her down into a unknown abyss...

For a few moment Harm would realize she couldn't breath as if she was being pulled into the darkest depths of the ocean when suddenly air would refill her lungs as her endless abyss ended, and whoever was pulling her let her gently fall onto her rear as they removed her hands. Her view would literally be the side of a building she had probably never seen before. The person behind her...

"You might want to better position yourself next time," Sirius chuckled lightly as he offered her a hand to help her back up. Though there would probably be a sudden initiate response of panic being right next to one of the reapers she had originally tricked she would find no hostile intention in his yellow eyes as he waited for her to take his hand.

"As drained as you are to be sighted by the others would end very bad for you. Why not let me escort you until your at a safe distance," Sirius spoke though clearly he wasn't giving her much a option, but at the same time it was probably safer to have someone to guard you when you were near exhausted.

~What Next?~​

"I'll try... no promises," Rizan smiled at Holly as he then noticed a rather odd sight that caused him to raise a eyebrow in confusion. "Um why is that girl tied up," Rizan asked Holly pointing to the unconscious Sabela who everyone seemed to have forgotten like it was a common occurrence for someone to be tied up in the house.

"Oh ya almost forgot about that," Cormac mumbled as Nat sealed the deal by accepting the pact. "Since your Hunters I guess you can have her I really don't care much for interrogations," Cormac spoke to the residences of the house as he slowly walked over to the couch Nat was near, and rested down. With the traveling spell, and the battle on the bridge the giant turtle was feeling a bit famished. "So what sort of drink do humans partake in these days surely you have something to help wet a old turtles whistle?"

 

[Eternal Dream]

~- Do or Die -~

This Nightmare was, for lack of a better term, a soul crushing nightmare. The more Matt struggled, the tighter the invisible demon seemed to coil around him, crushing and squeezing so tightly that he could barely breathe. But Matt soon realized that it was more than just a physical presence the beast had; madness born of fear was clawing at his mind, trying to numb his senses and rationality to all except the need to escape while a sense of futility in that pursuit tried to crush him.

“Oh, very well. I suppose this is, just, a small set back. Mother was just so happy to see both an Old Spirit and a Queen…all in one place…”

Matt forced his eyes open just in time to see the young blonde shove the the women's hand from his cheek. More importantly, however, the Tamer saw the ripple warp around the edges of whatever was coiled around him, and he saw that the thing extended across the bridge and even lay gently across the three Reapers themselves.

“I’ll take this one home for now.”

He dug deep inside himself, searching for what he needed to break free. The Hunters were Legacies, and they had grown up with a multitude of stories involving the War; some had moved on into legend, but even these legends came in handy. He'd never thought he'd run into this Nightmare he was trapped by now, but Matt had heard of its fearsome powers, and how hard it was to escape once it had you in its grip. He also knew that he wouldn't be able to escape on his own.

Nimbus, he thought, just barely registering that the young blonde Reaper and his Nightmare had bounded away, the blonde throwing one last, acidic green glare at Matt before he left, Any time now would be great, buddy.

I'm right overhead, the thought came into Matt's mind, just as a keening cry split the air. The Tamer didn't even have to look up; he could feel the resolve and resurgence in his strength that just his partner being there brought to him. A golden eagle dropped out of the sky, his talons raking forward as he clawed at the invisible bonds holding Matt tight, the surprise giving Matt just enough wiggle room to slip the Nightmare's hold and get some distance. Even if that distance was only an illusion, just the thought of a moment to breathe helped restore some of his sapped courage.

A flash of light appeared in Matt's hand as the man gripped the hilt of a claymore that had appeared in his grasp. Looking to the ancient Reaper in front of him, Matt felt Nimbus circle overhead as he said, "I don't suppose I can convince you to crawl back into whatever pit you climbed out of, can I? Not without you trying something stupid, in any case."

The only woman allowed to take him anywhere was his wife.

~- Poison the Sky -~

Holly didn't want Uncle Matt to face that Reaper by himself. Sky's didn't sit well with her, and Holly had felt Danu's power when she'd opened that rift; it was terrifying, and she didn't know how any of them could ever hope to stand up to the ancient one.

But Ebony had given the young Tamer pause, forcing Holly to concede that they needed to stay put. Her grandfather had died when Uncle Matt was still a boy, and from what her father had told her, it was in almost identical circumstances, with him concerned about her father when he was still learning the ropes, and therefore, not paying enough attention. As much as she didn't want to, Holly knew that it would be better for her, Devon, and Sky to stay here, with the other Tamers.

Didn't mean she had to like it, though.

"Um why is that girl tied up?"

"That bitch?" Holly growled, turning around to face the Reaper that, until that moment, the girl had completely forgotten about after the appearance of Cormac and the ancient Reaper. However, Holly gave a cry of pain as she nearly fell to her knees, a lance of pain having made its way past the dregs of adrenaline to remind her at last of her injury. A hand caught her elbow, holding her steady while the girl caught her breath and regained her balance; when she turned her head to look, Holly saw Devon at her side, a sharp frown on his face and his grey eyes trained on the floor. Following his gaze, she saw the smear of blood that marred the jeans on her lower right leg at the same time that Devon said, "Hey, Sammy, can you check this out real quick?"

A boy with black hair that Holly guessed was Sammy came over, crouching down between them so he could place a hand lightly on her calf. Holly felt the muscle jump, and she had to stifle a soft gasp as she felt a gentle touch of magic sink into her skin. The boy had a look of concentration on his face for a moment before he said, "There's a shallow gash here, nothing that a couple stitches wouldn't take care of; she might have a slight fracture or a bad sprain, though. You'd wanna actually talk to Damhan or Michael about that bit."

The boy rose to his full height, sticking a hand out to her as he said, "Like I told Leah, I wish the circumstances were better, but welcome to New York, Miss Holly. My name's Sammy, and it's a pleasure to meet one of Devon and Sky's cousins."

"I've heard a lot about you too, and I have to say that it's a pleasure to meet you in person as well. Was that earth magic?" she asked him, taking his offered hand.

"Yep; it's my specialty. We'll have someone to help fix you up in just a bit, right Michael...? Hey, Mikey?" Sam had turned just in time to see that the last boy in the room, a slight blonde, had his attention turned his attention to something outside the door to the room, a slight frown on his face.

The dark haired girl, Natasha, having noticed that her partner's request for a drink had gone unnoticed so far, had turned to the blonde as well as she said, "Yeah, he actually has a good point. Is there the possibility of getting drinks...?"

The boy didn't turn to answer Nat's question, however. That frown drawing deeper across his features, he left the room, intent on whatever had his attention. This clearly irritated the other girl, as she said, "What the hell kinda manners does he have that he'd ignore someone that's talking to him, huh?"

Turning in the girl's direction, Sam said, "You weren't on his good side."

Before he could finish, Nat had turned to face Sam, her grey eyes snapping fire as she snapped, "How pissy is this guy that you have to be on his good side to even get him to talk to you, huh? We coulda showed up under different circumstances, yeah, fine, but I don't see how we coulda got under his skin that fast, unless he's just that much of an asshole!"

Sam didn't even try to interrupt her rant. Once it seemed that Nat was done, he pointed to his left ear as he said again, "You weren't on his good side. You were talking to him from the left and from behind, and his hearing is just about shot to hell in his left ear. He didn't realize you were talking to him. You want him to talk to you, make sure he knows that you're talking to him. Tap his shoulder to get his attention, or start out on his right side. Otherwise, you're just gonna have both him and yourself pissed. I'll go see about some drinks, so just wait here."

And Sam left the room.

~- Nowhere is Safe -~

"You might want to better position yourself next time."

It was all Harm could do to keep herself from crying out. As it was, she heard a sharp scream in her mind as Esme realized that someone had been able to grab the Tamer in her water form and pull her through a strange portal and out of the Spirit's sight. The feeling of being underwater surrounded Harm, one that she normally wasn't uncomfortable with, water being her element and all. But in the presence of a Reaper, and this being his domain, she felt that panic begin to rise up right at the moment when she was able to draw breath again.

She scrambled away from him when he let her go, turning to look at him once she had a brief space between them. They were in a part of the city she didn't recognize, and she only felt Esme distantly, but even that brief touch of her partner's mind was enough to give Harm some courage. Even so, exhaustion and being wrong-footed put a slight quaver in her voice as she said, "I'll be sure to remember your advice, Reaper. Now, if you'll just excuse me..."

Harm turned to leave, but she hadn't realized just how much energy that technique had taken from her until her vision blurred momentarily and she nearly stumbled. She felt his hand cup her arm instantly, steadying her balance as he said evenly, "As drained as you are to be sighted by the others would end very bad for you. Why not let me escort you until your at a safe distance?"

She didn't want any Reaper escorting her anywhere; but at the same time, Harm couldn't deny that there was some truth to his words. At least until she could find her friends, she didn't have many options but to be this man's somewhat hostage. Putting as much grace into her words as she could, she slipped her hand more securely into his grasp as she said softly, "Very well, sir. Lead the way."

And there was something else to be considered, as well. She didn't know much about this Reaper, but first impressions usually held some grain of truth in them. And she knew that if her path crossed with that blonde haired demon that had confronted this Reaper and his friends, Harm didn't want to face him alone.

 

[Roxie1563]

~ New Plans~

"Mmm.." Leo muttered slightly as he opened his eyes, fluttering around and trying to figure out why he was asleep. Then he remembered why when he got up on all four legs and took in all the sights around himself.

He could feel a presence beside him, so he looked to his right and saw a man whom he recognized right away. It was Eric and so did Leo walk up beside Eric's side. They stood in silence for a brief moment until Eric broke it, his eyes staring straight, unable to look at his friend.

"We managed to put some kind of barrier between them and us while the civilians escaped, but Ariel.." His voice trailing off as Leo's teeth clashed together soon as he put two and two together.

"Ariel was able to teleport our daughter, Melody, to a safe place well within your discretion and I'm sure you already figured it out." Eric continued, finally looked at his King then back to the ocean where you could see bubbles dwelling around, showing the aftermath. "When I finally reached the Throne Room, all the Nightmares were gone.. Except for Ariel."

Leo didn't say anything for if he had said anything right now, it wouldn't be helpful. Instead, he decided it would be best for him to return to Traverse Town and see if Zuko and Caesar has found anything useful. He asked Eric if it was possible for Leo to send some help to ensure the undersea kingdom doesn't get any visitors again, but Eric wouldn't have any of it.

"I need to find Melody, Leo. I know she's safe, but I won't be myself again unless she's in my arms." Eric spoke as he made his way down past the shore and with a farewell, dived down to his home.

Leo simply stared for a minute or so then turned around and walked into a portal of his own making, his heart heavy and wondered why he wasn't fast enough to realize the threat was on its way. He knew they'd be coming, just not as fast as he anticipated and it didn't help he hadn't had enough rest.

Shaking his head and scoffing to himself for making excuses when it was clearly not his fault but couldn't shake the fact that he was missing something important to his heart and soon realized it was his partner as the portal closed on him and the image of Traverse Town appearing to him.

He finally growled out loud and roared in pain for several minutes before stepping through the image to Traverse Town which became real as he stepped out of the portal.

With anger and grief flowing inside himself, Leo decided to take the longer route to his sister's HQ, ready for anything now.

~ Conversations~

Vixen's eyes narrowed at her guest and his friends whom they were dragging his Clancy away. She knew what they would do to him, but seeing how useful he was to her prompted her to ask to let him go.

"I know what happened to him was on him, but this girl is one to blame; not him." Vixen explained her reasons for defying him, but Clancy has been good for him and it would be a colossal waste to make him into a Nightmare. "As for the Station.."

Vixen downed another drink that marked her third but thanks to her disability in her body from years ago, she was able to keep on drinking like nothing. She offered him a drink then continued on with their lovely conversation. "We're close to getting it; Just hard to squash those buggers in District One and Two and whoever this girl is, our jobs just got harder but that's how Reapers grow." Vixen smirked.

"Now.. Are you going to go visit our Queen or do you have any plans, namely helping us out?"

~ Picking up Allies~

Aerith's phone chirped a moment or two before being picked up by her and was not surprised to hear her boss's voice. "Aerith, we found another anomalies in D-1 and D-2. I would like for you to go receive them immediately, and I'd advise you to take caution; I can't take anymore risks as it is."

The medic quickly gave her the understanding to take it serious and closed her phone then taking a deep breath, told Yuffie the news and with that took her leave.

~~~

Leon stood against the pillar that held the Station together for many years as he waited for his old mentor and his friend whomever it might be to arrive and wondered if it was possible that the girl they had brought in might be one of the Queen of legend.

His eyebrows furrowing, he reflected on the memory of her arrival. For her to come here without using the Station.. That would require a strong Will and Spirit to do that. And it doesn't help that her arrival coincides the fact they just had beaten some of Clancy's gang some hours ago before she came here.

"Hmm.. " The swordsman quickly dismissed it, not wanting to go any further without Damhan. If she really is a Queen of Light, then their current problems of defeating Vixen just got a lot worse... A lot worse.

~ Healing Time~

Alex moaned as she opened her eyes in and out, wondering what's going on. It wasn't until pain stabbed her body so hard that she had to grab one pillow that laid atop of her head and screamed into it as not to lose her sanity. After a minute or so, she finally relaxed and rested for a bit.

It wasn't until a second or so passed that she really took the time to realize that she was in a hospital, but it wasn't the same one back.. Rather it was more military-based as there was certain things that made sense to her, such as the fact that her entire being was covered with blankets that seemed to make it lighter but more comfortable to adjust to her own style and the clock that laid across her medical bed has been set to certain times that the Military would use for everything.

How she knew that was because her brother was part of the Marines some years ago until he got honorably discharged for medical reasons and the fact she lived with him in New York whenever her parents got into a fight. Alex wondered how long she has been out and if that Clancy dude ever got the chance to remove that hammer from his friend's face which caused her to laugh at that image for a minute until she heard a noise.

"Huh?" Alex quizzed to herself and while she could tell she was doped up, it didn't stop her from looking to her side. What she saw surprised her was the fact that a girl was beside her side and after judging her for a while, she soon realized that it was the same one that must had saved her life.

Alex then gave her a longing gaze when the girl spoke up.

"It's about time, you sleepy head." The girl grinned at her. "My name's Yuffie and I"m the world's greatest Ninja!"

"Huh?!?" Alex blurted out loud and received another stab of pain that lasted for a bit until it disappeared again, unable to get her shit together.

One thing for sure, Alex knew she would be asking tons of questions once she gets better as she gave out a wary look at the girl named Yuffie.

 

[Eternal Dream]

~- Sickness Taking Over -~

"Are you sure about this?"

He turned to face the vixen, a frown pulling at his brows as he gripped the picture that he held in his fist. He'd found himself in a motel room off a lesser used highway, and found himself was an accurate description; for the last three years, the young man would have moments of clarity when he'd realize that he wasn't where he'd thought he'd been last. The mall, a train station, an amusement park, the bus stop. It had gotten to the point that he'd fed his parents and sister a story about returning to college so he could pick up and move as far away from them as possible. He couldn't really remember what he did during the times in between discoveries, but he could sense that it wasn't a side of himself that he wanted them to see. And he knew they would eventually, if he stayed. The hazy moments were growing longer, that sense of wrongness that proceeded these moments stronger.

His clarity was fading.

Soft pressure came on his right leg, and he looked down to see that the fox had moved from where she'd been sitting before to his side. She leaned against his leg, her dark fur blending seamlessly with his black jeans, before she turned her face up to meet his gaze with amber eyes. A knot formed in his chest, forcing him to look away from her after only a moment, his attention returning once more to the photo he held in his hand. It was a picture of a young girl, one with blonde hair and pretty, blue eyes. Darkness welled up in him, a soft voicing hissing around in his mind the longer he stared at the picture.

Don't you have a job to do?

"You don't have to do this, my friend. Turn your back on it and walk away. Please."

"I can't," he said softly, the shadow of that voice leaking into his own. Even though he didn't understand everything, he did understand that he'd made a deal. A pulsing throb in his left thigh reminded him of it, and his knuckles moved of their own compulsion to rub out the limb as he continued, "You know the stakes. I can't turn my back."

Closing his eyes, he willed the haze to return, dark energy sweeping through his body as clarity faded. Opening his eyes once more, he looked down again, catching the fox's eyes with his own. For a moment, he thought he saw a whisper of something in her eyes that almost swept a wisp of regret through him, but it was gone in a moment as her eyes hardened, all traces of her softness gone as the Nightmare took center stage. A twist pulled at the corner of his mouth, and he said coolly, "Come, now. It's time to hunt."

Reaching out, he grabbed the spear that was leaning against the wall, hefting it in his hand briefly to check its balance. Once he was satisfied, he let it disappear in a flash of light before the Reaper and Nightmare left the motel room behind them, the two vanishing into the darkness of the night.

 

[sephiroth2]

-------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~The Coming Storm~~~~~~

The shimmer around Matt grew tighter by the moment, more mentally by this stage than physically for the old Changeling. Already it would have started to squirm its way into his thoughts, his senses, that ever present whisper that wasn’t his own always rising up out of the nothingness. She knew her children had left the sight of the man, that hooded gown of hers seemingly billowing in the wind a little as she start to take her slow approach towards Matt, that ancient looking staff of hers still in her grasp while her hood-hidden face still burned her sight into the trapped man.

The timely appearance of a radiant golden eagle swooping down to claw and tug on the shimmers was enough to cause Danu to flinch, even if for a moment. Matt soon had enough room to free himself and get away from the invisible things that had held him down, though the Queen could see he knew there were more than what he had just felt, all from the way he stood his ground and held the large claymore.

"I don't suppose I can convince you to crawl back into whatever pit you climbed out of, can I? Not without you trying something stupid, in any case." Said Matt, staring down the supposed ‘Nightmare Queen’ herself with as much courage and strength as if she was nothing but another enemy.

There was nothing but the sound of the rolling waves beneath them all, Matt waiting for a response from the Queen that may never have come, all while his Spirit Nimbus circled him overhead. Still nothing changed, Danu’s hidden gaze staring and stabbing deeper into the Changeling in silence before she began to move her clutched staff towards her chest, almost as if in a hug.

“Oh my…I’m afraid I can’t really do that…you see, I’ve wasted so much of my time already…” Spoke the hooded Queen, just as the familiar mist from before began to roll in, though being so close one could see it not just form out of thin air, but that every little trickle came from the shimmers at one point or another.

Soon the thick, sickly coloured fog started to build and build by the second, seemingly clinging and covering everything leaving just the bare sight of Danu for Matt as the mist continued to build and she spoke for the last time.

“…and you see…I’m much too famished to just leave yet…” It was as the fog finally seemed to engulf her presence in front of Matt, that those whispers that tried to worm their way into his thoughts returned, only this time they were as physically there as they were mental.

All around the whispers grew louder before suddenly switching to almost silence levels of quiet, laughs from Danu rang out through the mist, distorting itself with following additions of many strange, and sometimes surprisingly somewhat familiar, voices and sounds.

This continued on as the mist grew so thick again that even the paved ground of the bridge was hard to see anymore. The first creak would have reached Nimbus’ hearing first out of the two, yet still, as was with everything, the sound was soon distorted and echoing making it pretty impossible to know for sure where it had started. This would have made the things that followed very difficult to see, as the fog parted just a bit as the sight of a now hurdling, crushed, car sped towards the eagle, narrowly missing Nimbus as it crashed into one of the metal frames he circled over and which hung over Matt below.

Glass and bits of scrap rained down from above before the creak and groan of the car flipping over the frame, plummeting down a few feet behind Matt, before coming to an end in the river with an almighty splash sounded through Matt’s ears, before the distorted laughs and whispers started up again just as a crack of the barely shimmering-in-sight tendril swept down out of the mist towards Matt.

~~~~~~Take My Hand...~~~~~~

"I know what happened to him was on him, but this girl is one to blame; not him." Said Vixen trying to explain to the hooded-horned figure, his slow crawl with the twisted cane suddenly halting as she spoke, causing the horned-knights in turn to stop with the slumped Clancy still in their grasp.

“You seem intent on keeping a failure that, by your own admission, was soundly beaten after the timely arrival of a newly arrived Spirit, a child. Am I to expect even worse performances from your supposed, weaker, Reapers?” The figure’s slow, old, but still deep and strong, voice echoed out as he made little tilts of his head from side to side, causing the Reapers to go even quieter.

“Was my decision to leave you to your whims, placed wrongly? Has our eternal Queen been mistaken in choosing you, for this town, this Station? I do believe we expected you being capable of taking this…place…easily, without much interference. And now, you ask for my aid?” While speaking, the figure slowly began to turn in place, the same small, but strong, taps from his twisted cane sounding with every strike on the floor as he turned inch by inch, until finally he now faced Vixen again towards the far end of the room.

It was almost as if the entire space around the figure started to warp, to stretch and twist in Vixen’s sight, the hooded figure the only thing remaining in any kind of normality to her, and in just another moment everything returned to normal after the figure’s form seemed to rush towards her before settling on the other side of the counter from her. The other Reapers within the room however would have seen some kind of disappearing act happen, with the figure moving from one far end of the room to the other, all in the blink of an eye, that, confusingly to everyone, they must have somehow taken at the same time.

“I will offer my aid…and we will crush these insignificant defenders…However my price remains…others must be given in payment to take my time away from a new revival.” With that being said, one of the figure’s old, hardened, claw-like hands reached out towards Vixen in somewhat of a handshake, the black void which covered everything beneath the hood still staring deeply towards her even when she couldn’t see any resemblance of eyes or even a face.

“Do you agree…?”

~~~~~~Return of Bad Times~~~~~~

The sound of glass clinking lightly against one another as something shuffled them around filled one of the hallways of Damhan’s base, the wheelchair bound man knowing precisely what he was doing, mixing and pouring with the experience and learning of years. Some of the small vials were carefully placed in little pouches that hung over the man’s shoulders, while some of the more volatile mixtures were slowly poured into small metal, and bullet-like, canisters which were then just swiped into the small bag Damhan kept hidden underneath the blanket which covered his legs.

The footsteps which sounded in the hall was something that caused Damhan to turn briefly around and away from his preparation, a small smile appearing for a moment at who it was. The large, lively discussion was still just a fainted collection of introductions far off down the hallway, and so Michael’s arrival made it so Damhan had no need to go looking for him.

“Ah, I was just about to find you, Michael.” Damhan said while spinning his chair around towards the door, the small machine whirling as it moved forward to Sam and the doorway.

“I received an urgent call from one called Leon, an old acquaintance and ally. It seems a human Spirit is gravely injured and he thought it best to ask for my expertise. I want you to keep things as they are while I’m away, but if you’d be kind enough to have someone or two follow after me, they can meet with me down at the old construction yard near the city limits.” He said, moving just between the doorframe as he spoke and just now able to see the second person to leave the gathering far down the hall.

“And here's Samuel! You know where the mixtures and chemicals are, right? And anything that needs stitching or getting, you can ask any of Utorem’s Replicates to help.” Damhan added as he wheeled himself out into the hallway, Utorem clinging to his shoulder as they both looked to Michael and Sam.

 

[Story Keeper]

~- Huh? How'd that get there? -~

Siam purred as Rizan gave her attention, listening as two of the newcomers, Natasha and Cormec made a pact. Perking her ears up at that, she watched the little mallet-thingy showed up and Natasha took it. Twisting to watch them as Rizan got up and moved around, she kept her eyes glued on them as Rizan greeted another of the girls. Looking at her as she spoke with Rizan, Siam cocked her head to the side and squirmed her way up to Rizan's shoulder, being careful not to dig her claws in. Curling around her partner's neck, the feline watched the rest of exchange with curiosity, only to get distracted by something on the floor.

Flattening her ears, she started to tense a little only to remember where exactly she was perched. Carefully hopping off of Rizan's shoulder, she landed on the ground with a muted plop and then proceeded to stalk what had her attention. Tail twitching in concentration, she blocked everyone out as she continued to stalk what had captured her attention until she got by Cormec, pouncing on the object she landed between the old Spirit's feet. Looking down, she frowned as she saw that what she'd been chasing had escaped her grasp.

Spinning in a tight circle, her eyes darted around to see if she could find it again. Growing agitated that she lost the object, she started to sulk until she noticed it in the corner. Bolting over toward it, she pounced again only to see once again she missed it. Huffing in annoyance, she looked around, searching for the aggravating little thing that kept giving her the slip. It was red and shiny, and it was also pretty fast. Meowing pathetically, Siam sat down on the floor and continued searching; only to see that the object of her attention had wound up by Holly.

Getting close to the ground, she crept her way over to the location, being as stealthy as she could be. After she was practically on top of it, Siam jumped and peeked hesitantly under one paw to see that it'd moved again. "Why does the red dot keep moving!?" She howled in complaint, looking back up at Rizan with a mix of emotions playing tug-a-war in her eyes.

~- Friendly Chat -~

Angie had to admit, she was impressed. Dante didn't attack Sirius for walking away from them, but instead focused on a conversation with Mor'du. A look in Nightshade's direction told her that the feline was equally impressed. Turning on her heel, Angie started to walk away before she called to Dante, "Come on, it's past midnight and you know how Lucas can get with his curfew."

After getting her coworker's reply, Angie continued to head out of the park. She wasn't going to say it out-loud but she was exhausted and she didn't want to deal with whatever might show up tonight. She was just determined to get home and sleep.

~ Present Day ~

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Angie rolled over and almost threw her alarm clock against the wall. Glaring at it through a sleepy haze, Angie grumbled and hit the snooze button. She ignored the angry little huff from Nightshade as tigress readjusted on the bed so she could sleep a little longer. Looking at the feline, Angie contemplated shoving the feline off of the bed but decided against it. "Come on you lazy bum, it's time to get up." Angie chided, this was as the girl carefully climbed over her partner so she could grab the rib cage shirt out of her dresser drawer.

Pulling it on, Angie fidgeted with the material until it laid correctly over the blue cami that she had underneath. She could tell from the silence that Xeo and Celeste were out of the house, along with her parents. Walking out of her room and downstairs, she smiled softly as Nightshade quickly followed behind, grumbling the whole way about who created mornings should be sentenced to Tartarus, after they'd been drenched in honey and berries and fed to a bear. Grabbing a bottle of vitamin water from the fridge, she took a sip before she looked down at her phone (which she'd left in the kitchen last night to charge) and frowned when she didn't see a text from the one person she was hoping for.

"Angie, don't we have to work today?" Nightshade questioned, the feline's eyes were only slightly hazy from sleep now.

Shaking her head, Angie headed for the door to leave the house, and again found amusement in Nightshade's muttered complaints about mornings. She knew eventually Nightshade would stop her complaints, probably about six o'clock, but for now it was entertaining to listen to. She's so much like a little child that doesn't want to get up, Angie mused to herself, reaching down she scratched the feline between the ears even as they walked along. Feeling Nightshade bump her hand, Angie looked down at the feline to see what was wrong.

Watching as the feline turned her head toward a little coffee shop, Angie looked in that direction and saw what was so interesting. Curiosity getting the better of her, Angie headed in that direction, Nightshade having raced ahead to see what the other two felines were up to. Walking inside a few minutes after Nightshade, she spotted Christa and Xeo sitting down together with their heads together talking.

Catching Christa's attention, she tilted her head to the left in question. Getting an affirmative, Angie headed over and sat down next to them. This earned her a playful shove from her brother and a teasing comment of, "About time you woke up sleeping beauty!"

Flipping him the bird, she ordered a water with no ice when the waitress came around to their table. She noticed the quick hand signal Xeo sent her, sending one back to her brother, she watched as he relaxed a little in front of Christa, but she could tell Xeo was ready to bolt or fight at a moment's notice. A quick check told her that they were the only "special" people in the shop, so they didn't have to worry about anyone freaking out about three big cats being in the shop.

Turning to Christa, Angie smiled politely and listened to the older reaper's report. Spinning the straw in her water, she watched the ripples that were caused. Looking up when Christa finished talking, Angie frowned a little as she answered, " That's not good news, I don't trust them as far as I can throw them."

"Personally, neither do I. I think you should stay away from them, sister."

Xeo's words were soft but firm, leaving very little room for argument. Nodding in acknowledgement of the warning, Angie noticed that Christa seemed to second what her brother said. So, that was going to make it difficult for finding out what they were planning. Leaning back in the chair, Angie tried to figure out what to say to change the topic, only for Dallas to do it for her. "Is it just me or is Dante not the sharpest tool in the shed intelligence wise?" Dallas asked innocently, all while he was busy plucking loose pieces of carpet from the floor.

Okay, Angie really had no idea how to answer that. It turns out neither did Christa or Xeo, since they were starting at the panther in horror.

~- Sand in the Bottom -~

Jason heard the orders to investigate and he didn't need to be told twice. Turning away from Danu, he quickly walked away from the much older reaper. Throwing a look in Eric's direction, an impish smile spread across his face, he grabbed the shorter reaper by the collar of the shirt and walked away, half-dragging Eric behind him. Ignoring the various insults that were being thrown in his direction, Jace kept moving away from the bridge.

"Let me go you freakishly tall carrot!" Eric snapped.

Jace almost compiled with the request, only to decide to yank on Eric's collar, causing the shorter reaper to choke a little. Releasing Eric after they were a safe distance away, Jace didn't pause in his stride and tuned out anything Eric might have been saying in response to that stunt. He knew he'd hear about it later, but for now he didn't care. Tapping into the link with Jezebel, he didn't have to ask anything before she answered, "I haven't had any luck yet, sorry. "

A frown coming to his face, he replied back, It's fine pretty girl, keep looking.

Jace heard the affirmative that was given. He scanned his surroundings, both to see if he could find anything and to mane sure nothing got the jump on him. Seeing nothing, he kept moving in his patrol to get this mission done. More like to keep as much distance between him and Danu as possible, because he hated seeing her mad. Feeling Jezebel at the edge of his mind he noticed her own impish mood and grinned as her idea hit him. Tapping into the mental link he shared with Eric, he asked innocently, What's your twenty, pip squeak?

Jace laughed at the comeback, it was typical Eric.

It was only a moment before Jezebel scolded him for such a comment. Rolling his eyes, Jace kept moving and searching the area, looking for any trace of their targets. Zeroing in on the faint thread of power, he noticed how it seemed to be familiar to the dark haired girl that was a familiar stranger to him. He didn't hear Jezebel's question, and he didn't hear the huff of annoyance the bird of prey gave in answer. It was only when Jezebel landed on his shoulder that Jace took notice, but he quickly returned to what had his attention. Following the trail, he chatted absently, "At least one of them went this way, I'll contact Eric in a few minutes after I get a better idea." He tuned Jezebel out, not even paying attention to what his partner thought about the strangeness of his actions.

 

[Kingdomkeylight]

~♦A Game Of Cat & Mouse♦~​

As Rizan continued to try, and understand all the conversations going about especially as far as the "war" he was slowly starting to realize he was getting no where with all the words getting thrown around him. He was starting to get a bit upset that no one was trying to help him understand though he was trying to be polite in front of the apparent queen of light to avoid making things hard for Siam. Speaking of said partner he watched with curiosity as she hoped off his shoulder apparently chasing after something so far to the point she suddenly leapt between Cormac's front feet.

"Wow lassie," the ancient turtle chuckled as Siam leapt away trying to rediscover her prey. The tortoise continued to laugh lightly as he, and Rizan continued to watch with a smile at the young feline's activity. "Heh to be young again... well then back to you," the turtle turned to watch Nat's little aggressive conversation which once was over the tortoise laughed loudly at Nat. "Oh we will indeed get along quite nicely lass. Don't worry about it there is no way you could have known that boy had ear problems," Cormac said trying to ease his new partners tension while the knowledge of inbound drinks brought a smirk to his tired face.

"Why does the red dot keep moving!?"​

"Red dot," Rizan's suddenly tilted his head in confusion was someone teasing Siam with a laser pointer? He looked over to everyone else in the room yet no one had said technology in their hands from what he could see. Looking back down his eyes suddenly saw the red dot Siam was chasing, and suddenly he could feel his own attention completely on it which unbeknownst to himself had caused his eyes to morph into that of a cats a fact everyone else would be able to see. Yet unlike Siam who only had interest in catching it Rizan's mind wanted to know where it was coming from, and slowly everything in his vision started to literally turn black, and white like in a old Charlie Chaplin movie. His now cat eyes shrunk as he concentrated extremely on the dot until somehow he was able to see a solid beam of light that led his eyes straight to the window which revealed something that snapped his eyes back into human nature as he blinked a few times from the new experience... he really didn't like how this apparent power liked to come out by instinct. "Hey does anyone know the woman on the window," he asked loudly hopefully pulling everyone's attention to Rika who was currently playing with the laser pointer that was driving Siam crazy. Rika was pretty well plastered on the window with quite the devious smile as she kept moving the red dot enjoying the sight of Siam moving about until her eyes moved up, and noticed Rizan pointing right at her causing her to now have a blank stare directed right at Rizan. She was right there right in front of all of them, and just like Nat had discovered last night their was no smell of her reaper scent apparently she, and her friends could turn it off and on. Without warning Rika suddenly bolted away. "HEY." Rizan suddenly ran after giving chase to after Rika as a loud thud sounded off as he exited the house.

"That's a reaper... and clearly a skilled one," Cormac growled as he suddenly dispersed into orange magic as he house himself into Nat's mind. "After the boy we can't let him do this alone he has no prior experience," Cormac noted pretty sure his partner would agree. As soon as all activity had calmed down, and those who chose to leave after Rizan had left a good minute or two later a soft tap could be heard at the door of the hunters house.

.........................................................​

To be Continued... in a epic collab post with Eternal Dream & Skitty x3

 

[Eternal Dream]

~- Cyanide in Her Plastic Veins -~

Gold flooded into Matt's eyes as the bridge was engulfed in fog, Danu's voice fading into the thick blanket of moisture as she answered him. The Tamer hadn't really been expecting her to leave, not after getting on Holly's scent; and even he'd never seen a Spirit as old as that turtle, so Matt could understand the Reaper's fascination with him.

Nimbus circled high overhead, trying to pierce the fog with his own eyes as the whispers rumbled around and through the partners. Even with Matt's senses enhanced by the Changeling magic, it was damn near impossible to try to follow where the Queen of Nightmares might be hiding. All the while, her partner's power tried to seep into Matt, and it was all the Tamer could do to keep his head clear enough of its influence to keep thinking, even with Nimbus just overhead.

Watch out!

The screamed warning from Nimbus rang through Matt's mind just moments before the car came hurtling out of the fog. Tamer and Spirit both split off in opposite directions, just avoiding being struck down by the massive machine as it hurtled over the side of the bridge.

Matt came out of the roll Shifting, scales sliding over his skin and his teeth lengthening into foot long daggers as his pupils turned catlike and his face lengthened into his dragon's muzzle. Matt twisted his head around as the final details worked themselves out, snapping his teeth together on the tentacle that had come whipping forward at his head. His tail lashed behind him, slamming into the abused concrete of the bridge and across another of the tentacles.

Matt shook his head, the violent motion shredding the tentacle he held in his teeth. Jumping into the air, the dragon roared before unleashing a long, white-hot plume of flames from his maw, sweeping long walls of flame across the bridge in an attempt to incinerate at least a portion of the monstrous Nightmare that lay across the bridge's expanse.

~- Alive and Breaking Out -~

"Oh we will indeed get along quite nicely lass. Don't worry about it there is no way you could have known that boy had ear problems."

Nat's shoulders tensed, and it was all she could do to keep a scream of frustration back. Even so, she grit out, "No good, freaking, jerkass..."

"Natasha! It's not something that any of us could have known, with how recently we got here. Put aside your pride just because you got something wrong and drop it!" Leah snapped, her patience wearing thin. Nat hung her head, trying to calm her temper while Leah turned to face the unconscious Reaper before them. Irritation still rippling through her, Nat heard Leah say, "This Reaper, she's the one who attacked Holly in the first place, correct?"

"Yeah, she was," Holly answered. Nat looked up to see Devon help her over to the couch. Holly tumbled onto it, her face pinched in pain, but the way she held herself speaking of training as she pushed past it to continue, "She attacked, Cormac showed up, knocking her out, and then... well, you saw the rest."

Even as she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, Nat knew what Holly was talking about. Danu herself had showed up, throwing everything to hell and back. Her temper finally easing, Nat asked, "So, what do we do about this Reaper?"

"Wake her up and question her, of course." Nat looked up, seeing the eagle that had landed on the cushions behind Holly's head; Nat realized that he'd been the one that had spoken. Allegra leaned in closer to her partner's side as the eagle continued, "However, we can't do that just yet; there's too many Unbonded in this room for it to be safe."

Letting the last shred of her impatience slip out, Nat snipped, "Then why don't you hurry up and..."

"Hey does anyone know the woman on the window?"

Nat whipped her attention to the window at the same time that everyone else did. She had just enough time to see the woman and recognize her as Rika before the Reaper slipped away. Her fist clenching at her side, Nat hissed, "That's one of the Reapers that was at the club the other night. How'd she find us? And thinking about it now, where the hell's Harm?"

The boy didn't wait around to find out much more. He ran out of the room, Siam hot on his heels, and Nat just knew that the greenhorn was going to get himself killed. Before she could say anything, however, Leah said quickly, "Follow him, Nat, hurry! I'll help Devon with Sky and Holly, and then we'll join you once they've Bonded. Go!"

"That's a reaper... and clearly a skilled one. After the boy we can't let him do this alone he has no prior experience."

"You don't say?" Nat replied to her partner's comment within her mind, her feet already carrying her swiftly after the boy. Her hands flexed at her sides, but she held her peace for the moment. As much as she hated fighting, she knew that's where this was heading; the fight that the female Reaper seemed to have wanted so desperately the last time they'd met.

Well, she was about to get it.

~- Since the Day of the Fall -~

Rio had stayed outside of the room even after Sammy and Michael had entered, the Spirit preferring to listen from the outside instead of adding yet another body to the overfull room. It gave him an edge when Michael suddenly left, following after Damhan when the older Tamer had left, but the Spirit still had to struggle with his lame leg as his partner set a brisk pace as he followed the wheelchair bound Tamer. As such, the Spirit arrived in the room just before Sammy did, as Damhan was in the middle of speaking with Michael about preparations and what the young Tamers needed to do while Damhan was gone.

“I received an urgent call from one called Leon, an old acquaintance and ally. It seems a human Spirit is gravely injured and he thought it best to ask for my expertise. I want you to keep things as they are while I’m away, but if you’d be kind enough to have someone or two follow after me, they can meet with me down at the old construction yard near the city limits. And here's Samuel! You know where the mixtures and chemicals are, right? And anything that needs stitching or getting, you can ask any of Utorem’s Replicates to help.”

Rio gave a soft bark as Sam's face twisted in pain; Samson wasn't exactly a common name anymore, so it was understandable that the older Tamer had assumed Sammy's full name was Samuel based on his nickname. Michael hid a snicker as he said, "I could go with you, Damhan. I think Sammy should be able to manage things here, especially since it seems like these girls know what they're doing."

His face still pained, Sammy said, "Actually, I think I should go with him. Devon and Sky's cousin seems kind of banged up, and it's something I think you and Utorem should take a look at, Michael. Besides, I'm not quite sure you should go out on patrol yet, just considering the events of a few days ago; just in case the Reapers get the idea to after Damhan, that kinda goes with the idea of you going with him. Sorry, buddy."

Michael turned a sour look on Sammy, but a brief flash of memories flitted through Rio's mind, memories of Michael's early teens and seizures, having to relearn some things as well as learning a whole new, visual language. At the same time, Rio caught a subtle scent, one he recognized as he said softly, "Pills, partner. And regrettably, I think Sammy's right, at least for now. Let's just sit this one out."

Michael shot Rio a look, but his hands popped the top off the capsule he wore around his neck as he said, "What the hell ever. Get your ass moving, Zeydan. I'll take one of Utorem's replicates back with me and see if one of the new girls want to help you."

Throwing the pills back, Michael gave Damhan and Sam one final look before stalking out of the room, Utorem's daughter and Rio hot on his heels.

 

[Roxie1563]

~ Minor Change ~

Vixen glanced down the old man in the robe's hand, unsure of his intentions but clearly realizes the position she and her army of Reapers has been since day one when they hit Traverse Town to gain more ground over the Tamers of the Spirit Realm. After such a brief fight broke out, it was clear from the start that this Town would be much harder to gain yet they had achieved the simple task of taking over the Fourth and Third District; The Second and First would be much harder to do so over the years.

"Heh, I'm not the foolish woman you met all those years ago," Vixen spoke to him as she downed another drink. "However, your strength is unparalleled and with my army, those Tamers are to be outnumbered anyway. I wouldn't be surprised to see them running away for their lives."

With that being said, she didn't shake his hand but acknowledged his speech as she watched the old man take his leave to make ready for the fight to come, possibly within hours or so, maybe even days.

The young yet luscious lady went back to her business as usual starting off where she left off and that was enjoying her midnight snack as she walked up the stairs to her large bedroom, untying her robe off as it fell down to the ground.

Yeah, it was going to be most interesting from now on.

~ Questions, Questions Part Two~

Alex wondered to herself if she should take her chances against her and anyone that came across her path, but with the wounds she suffered from school and less than 24 hours earlier, she was pretty sure there was no way she could do it without help. So, she decided to take the plunge and see where this goes from here on.

Her thoughts on the subject was shaken when the girl Yuffie asked her if she was okay. Shaking her head mentally and having the decently to answer her, Alex just smiled to her.

"Yeah, I'm okay though. Just kinda of dazed after all that fight back there in the bar or whatever it was." Alex spoke to Yuffie as she made herself comfortable even just a bit.

Yuffie gave out a grin while putting her hands on her hip, one eye closed. "Yup, that was quite a doozy you did back there! Actually, I'm surprised you managed to hold off Clancy and the Dark Ones yourself; Very few could do that and that's Leon, our leader here in Traverse Town."

Alex could tell just from the tone of Yuffie's that indicted full on surprise and possibly awe. She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "I'm not big on bullies; I don't care where they're from. They have no right to do that to people who just want to have a honest life for themselves."

Even Yuffie had to agree with that answer. She eyed the new girl and wondered maybe that by just meeting her, they might have the chance to even up the odds against the Reapers here in the Spirit Realm. The lightly brown-haired girl could tell just from looking at her that she could be so much more at dong her job with more training.

Of course, there hasn't been any sort of Tamers here in town for so long and while Leon is capable of teaching people how to use weapons like swords, knifes and whatnot, he isn't able to do what Tamers do and that is teaching them how to use Spirit Evolution and of course, Spirit Linking through the use of the heart.

Even as Yuffie plays around with her mini knives, she wasn't sure what kind of questions Alex would ask but as long as things didn't get too confusing, she would try her best to answer them no matter what.

Alex prompted the important question to which Yuffie knew the answer to that. "So, when do I get out of here? I'm supposed to be looking for a Spirit who seems to know where my partner is"

"Well, I can answer the second one and that's simple: You'll get to meet her but only on her time." Yuffie could tell Alex was confused, so she explained it to her that the Spirit is her boss and as of late, she has been running all kinds of things around here and it'd take some time to see her. "In fact, I think when the doctor comes in and talk to you, I'm sure she'll be ready for us."

Yuffie gave her a calming smile then with a finger to let her know she'll be just a minute as she picked up her phone, dialing Leon. But to her surprise, it kept on ringing after the fourth ring and from her mouth came out a sigh of annoyance as she shut her phone down and back in her left pocket.

She always hated it when Leon does this, but after all this craziness surely Yuffie would had figured him out easily. Only her sister could ever understand him on every scale, except her.

One thing she does know about Leon is that he does care for everybody but rather works alone and Yuffie was pretty sure he'd pop up when the time was right.

~Allies picked up~

"This is the second time we went around here!" The ape moaned out loud as they walked around throughout the Second District.

Zuko held back his tongue, not wanting to make this situation anymore worse than it already was. They had been walking around, trying to find the hidden base but with no luck. Apparently, the rebels made it a point to keep on moving so the Dark Ones can't find them and so far it worked out well. However, it made it harder for people or Spirits like Zuko and Caesar to find them as well.

It went on for several minutes until Caesar felt something tapping on his shoulder behind him. With a loud hoot, he jumped up on the Dragon King's back, eyes closed. Zuko barely held his mouth shut as to not to bite the dirty ape off his back and glanced to see who it was and to his surprise, recognized the impressible yet sturdy medic Aerith as the attacker.

Like a voice of a beautiful singer, Aerith apologized to her visitors and after bowing to the two great Kings, explained why she came to see them. "I presume the King sent you as to check on us?"

Even the two were surprised to hear that they were here, however it seems to Zuko there lies an hidden agenda of sorts. "Yes, that is right. I do hope you'll guide us back to your base as seeing we're unable to locate it." The Dragon spoke respectfully to her.

Aerith gave out a chuckle, her hand covering her mouth and with that, she took them down the street and jumped off down to the stream then uttered the magic that protected the base down. With a smile on her face, they went through the waterway as they walked on, the barrier already back to work.

"Just so you know, your King already is here and speaking to our leader. I'm surprised he managed to figure out where we were, but he's the King for a reason, hmm?" Aerith chucked quietly as Zuko and Caesar felt themselves filling with surprise then a slight twitch of annoyance that Leo pretty much had them beaten to the base.

~Waiting on a Friend~

Leon had gotten tired on standing on his two feet, so now he was sitting on the bench next to the water fountain waiting on Damhan to arrive from the Mortal Realm by the use of the Station. It was one thing for Leon to wait on, but this was ridiculous; surely, it didn't take this long for his old mentor to hop on by, but it had been some time since they last saw each other in person and that was just like either ten or twenty years, depending on the difference in the Mortal Realm and Spirit Realm.

Now, the worry has been set and the man didn't like it one bit. "He had better not be in trouble or else this would be quick enough." He muttered to himself as he glanced up the clock above the ticket station.

Just about seven in the evening and it would be a few hours before him in whatever timezone he was in. As much as he would like to go back to the base, Damhan was his responsibility through and through. After mulling it over in his mind, he figured it best to hold on just a bit longer until then.

As soon he's here, the better for all of Leon and his team. And so he waited more.

 

[Story Keeper]

~- Get Back Here! -~

Siam was glad to know she wasn't crazy. Watching as Rizan's eyes narrowed on the window behind her, she spun around to see what had caught her partner's attention. Eyes widening as she saw the Reaper, Siam felt her pulse jump in her throat. Cursing softly, she bolted after Rizan as he headed for the door; there was no way she was about to let her partner take on a Reaper alone. Shifting mid-step from house cat to human, she quickly fell into step next to Rizan and bit out, "Don't get reckless, partner. Neither one of us is that experienced, so if she's Bonded, or more Reapers show up, we're to ditch the fight, understand?"

Practically sliding out of the house, Siam threw out her senses to try and figure out which way that Reaper had gone; because she didn't like the idea of a Reaper having played her like a fiddled in that fashion. Finding the Reaper's power signature, she pointed in the direction and said hastily, "She's in that direction, and I have no idea who she is. So, tread with caution Rizan, please."

After getting a response, Siam started running again, effortlessly keeping pace with Rizan; but something didn't feel right. It felt like they were heading for a trap; but that couldn't be helped at the moment. And she couldn't necessarily take the time to figure out why her lungs felt as if they were on fire; it'd just have to wait for now.

~- Vigilante? -~

Renaissance Italy

Nico felt the sun beating down on him, and he had a nagging feeling of how today was going to go. "di Angelo! Come on fresh meat and stop spacing out!" The barked order snagged his attention, drawing his attention away from where it'd been. Feeling Thrash readjust on his shoulder, he reached a hand up and rubbed the bird's head before he got walking, moving toward the Reaper that had called out to him. He knew the older gentleman as being a friend of his dad's, but the fourteen-year-old wasn't exactly sure who the man was entirely.

And he wasn't about to ask, given what had happened a couple months ago.

Eyes flashing dark, Nico felt the reassuring squeeze of Thrash's talons. He welcomed the pain, it was a great distraction; even if it meant his shoulder would be practically useless later in a fight. Thrash eased his grip a moment later, apparently having noticed what he'd done. Shooting the bird a sidelong glance, he noticed the tightness in Thrash's eyes. Giving the bird an awkward pet again, he lowered his hand when he finally reached the other Reaper; granted he'd deliberately been taking his time.

"di Angelo!"

The barked words didn't draw a reaction, he was a little too used to that tone. His late father had used it on him constantly before his accident. Which was something Nico didn't feel like talking about.

Clenching his fist at the memory and in reflex, Nico ground out, "Is there something you need, sir?"

He saw the way the older Reaper's eyes flashed in anger, but Nico didn't care. Nor did he care that he was getting himself into a potential world of hurt by turning his back on the older reaper before he started to walk away. Feeling the man reach out and grab his shoulder, Nico was forcefully whipped around to face the guy again. Flinching at the brief stab of pain, Nico was self-conscious about the fact that Thrash had taken off.

Shifting his weight so it was more evenly balanced, Nico took a step back, figuring it would be in his best interest. Cocking his head to the side, he started to say something before shutting his mouth. Looking around them, he didn't bother looking at the guy as he started to yell at him. Raising a hand for silence, Nico walked away and down an alleyway, trying to figure out what it was that suddenly had his attention. The scream that cut through the air made him flinch, before his feet were slapping against the pavement as he ran to find out who was screaming.

Eyes darting around, he tried to figure out where the scream had come from. Nico flung himself against the wall, colliding hard against the brick and banging up his shoulder even more. Looking at the peasant girl that had suddenly appeared before him, he scanned her up and down to see that she had a red handprint on her cheek, and it was quickly darkening. The girl collapsed to the ground and started to cry, sending a pulse of sympathy through Nico's body as he watched. There was no way she could've been more than thirteen.

Clenching his teeth, Nico pushed away from the wall and walked toward her. Crouching down at her level, Nico smiled weakly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you're going to be okay. There's a woman just down this alleyway that'll help you out. She's got dark hair and dark brown eyes, her name's Sara di Angelo. She'll help you."

He sighed in relief when he saw the girl nod, before she got up and ran in the direction he'd told her to. Rising to his feet, Nico turned down the alleyway the girl had come from and walked down it, whistling sharply to call Thrash to him. Feeling the raptor land on his shoulder, Thrash asked mentally, "Why did you show her compassion Nico? It's not like you to do that to a stranger."

Remaining quiet for a moment, Nico chewed that fact over in his mind; before he answered, "You should know why, I've basically been in her shoes until a couple months ago. Even then, Sara would kill me if I didn't protect a girl that needed it."

Thrash didn't get a chance to comment, because they came across the group of thugs that had been harassing the girl. A scowl coming to Nico's face, he looked from one to the other before he noticed that they didn't seem to be willing to talk. Sighing in exasperation, Nico ducked low to the ground just a second before one of the thugs swung at his head. Looking up at the sky, he saw that it was stained red and orange, signalling the approaching night. A quirk of his mouth hinted at a subtle amusement at that.

One of the creeps questioned him, but Nico didn't care. Returning to his full height, Nico felt Thrash take to the air again; fully prepared for the upcoming fight. Yet at the same time, Nico knew Thrash wouldn't interfere. These guys were normals, and they were small fry too; so he didn't need the extra help. Luckily though, it also meant Nico could finish up before curfew.

Good thing, he didn't feel like getting caught in the bloodbath that was bound to happen tonight.

~- The Way Things Have Changed -~

Feudal Japan

Rioichi stirred a little, blinking the sleep from his eyes. Dazed from sleep, he tried to figure out where he was based on sounds alone. Hearing a soft, quiet sigh beside him, Riocihi's eyes darted to the owner of the noise and smiled at the cause. Sakura was cuddled up next to him, a happy smile on her face as she dreamed of only who knows what. Looking out around the yard, he noticed the barest shift in the air that told him that someone else had just arrived. Reaching out even more with his senses, but suppressing his power so to not tip off his enemy, Rioichi relaxed after a moment as a cool breeze enveloped him before it slid away from him.

"Come out Shirayuki," he called, his eyes flaring gold before settling back to the pale violet that they usually were.

It only took a moment for the she-wolf to step out from behind a tree. Her blue eyes were focused on him, and he was again taken aback by the intensity of the she-wolf. Shirayuki was small in size, maybe about a foot or two at the shoulder, but she was incredibly fast and strong. Nodding at the wolf, he waited until she came closer before he reached out and scratched her head; knowing that the she-wolf would permit the contact.

"We need you back in the Spirit Realm milord." The wolf spoke respectfully, refusing to break eye contact.

Looking away from the she-wolf, he ground out, "You know I can't, I gave that life up because of Sakura."

He heard the huff of disgust from Shirayuki, and when he glanced at her the small wolf was up in his face; a snarl exposing her teeth. "I know that, and you forgot milord I know the pain of losing a pup; which is why I switched from her to you." Her eyes flashed cold and icy, just like how the temperature had suddenly dropped in the immediate area.

Looking up at the cherry blossom tree, Rioichi frowned at it and muttered in compliant, "Can you please refrain from freezing the tree?" The unspoken thing of 'and my wife and child' hung in the air between them; but it worked. Shirayuki quickly reined in her cold, and the chill plus slight frost melted away due to the sudden return of heat. A glance at the wolf told Rioichi many things of what had been going on, and that apparently things had gotten worse since the last time he'd fought in the war.

Flinching inwardly at the thought, and the phantom pain that coursed through him; Rioichi rubbed at his neck. The motion didn't go unnoticed, but he was grateful that Shirayuki decided to be quiet. Pushing himself up, he looked at her and ordered bitterly, "Go get your brother, and meet me back here in a few minutes; we have work to do my friend."

The she-wolf nodded and fled from him. After she was gone, he bent down and picked up Sakura, his eyes sad as he looked at her sleeping face. Walking toward the house, he was careful not to jostle her; because he didn't quite want to tell her that he was leaving, or at least he didn't want to do it yet. He would tell her before he left, but it's just if possible, Rioichi wanted to let Sakura sleep for just a little longer.

~- Prelude to Madness -~

United States, Virginia.

Year: 1857.

Adrian felt the crisp air against his skin. Shivering a little bit, he pulled his coat closer only to get a grumpy growl. Glancing down at the bear cub, he smirked a little as Mor'du huddled deeper in the jacket, attempting to hide from the cold. A chuckle escaping him, the Reaper started to say something only to quiet down. Glancing around him, he pulled his hat lower over his head; trying to avoid drawing attention to himself. He didn't feel like being forced to flee this country like he'd been forced to with Ireland, and his home of Wales.

After all, he didn't need a repeat from the last time.

Feeling Mor'du tense, he spared another look at the bear cub to see what was wrong. Seeing the intensity in the bear's red eyes, Adrian tensed as Mor'du growled in his mind, "A group of Tamers at four o'clock, they seem to be slightly suspicious of newcomers. Just be careful not to get their attention, they seem like they'd sooner carve your face up then listen to reason."

He acknowledged the advice, and he ducked his head lower. Picking up his pace, he didn't dare risk making eye contact with the group as he passed; and he didn't falter when one of them called out to him. He ignored the slurs that got sent his way by his refusal to respond; even though he wanted to turn around and retaliate. "Don't rise to them, Selkis. You'll only get the both of us killed----Ow!"

Adrian couldn't blame Mor'du for the complaint. Staggering backwards; he quickly got his footing under him before he looked ahead to see what had caused him to stagger. Looking ahead at the teenage girl ahead of him, he saw the way that she was knocked flat on her backside. Flushing a little in embarrassment, he reached out a hand and said, "I'm sorry miss, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. If I may, I'd like to help you up and maybe escort you to your destination as apology."

Her sea foam green eyes flashed in irritation, only to soften because of something the lass saw. Although what, Adrian wasn't entirely sure. He smiled a little bit when she took the offer of his hand before she let him pull her back to her feet. Noticing the way that her eyes dropped to the bulge that indicated where Mor'du was hiding, Adrian saw the question in her eyes and he stammered, "I-It's my partner, he doesn't like the cold very much."

Watching as her mouth turned up in a smile, he watched as the girl laughed, "Sounds like Jez, she hates the cold as well." Then, much to Adrian's disappointment, her eyes hardened as the girl said, "I should be going, and while your escort would be nice; my father wouldn't approve. Later!" Before the last word had left her mouth, the woman was walking away; leaving Adrian standing there confused.

Shaking himself after a moment, Adrian quickly got moving again before someone else could ask him a question. All he had to do was find somewhere to stay that would give him a quiet place to hide for the next few days. Too bad though, unknowingly, that was not going to happen to him. Not to mention that Adrian's world was soon going to be flipped onto it's head.

 

[sephiroth2]

-----------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~The Bridge Between Realms~~~~~~~

The conversation between the young Tamers grew from small hints of concern to nearly a full on fight with Michael and Samson, the older chair-bound form of Damhan seemingly content to be outside the talks and more interested in stroking the marble coloured hide of Utorem. Little clicks and purrs escaped from the massive spider throughout all the talks, and as Michael made his leave with Rio and one of Utorem’s hanging replicates, it left only Damhan and Sammy to continue on down the hallway and eventually out into the wide junk filled train yards that surrounded the hidden Tamer Refuge.

The segments of rusted tracks were rare to have nothing on them. For the most part, large steel carriages and boxcars sat idle and appeared to have been left to rust or rot away in time. And while to most people it would seem that way, in this never-ending war each and every one had been placed precisely where it needed to be to protect those within the refuge. Navigating the maze of boxcars, derelict trains, and crates with ease, both Tamers would have made it out onto the dirt covered road running passed the abandoned train yard rather quickly. Now with only having to navigate its long stretch back towards the distant city and the towering shells of towers that rose partially ahead, the small group went on.

The tower was to be the beginning of a massive development in the area, something that was to make the Tamer Refuge look just like the hole in the ground it was. Protected by the best wards... made from the best material of both realms… the most advanced security measures possible… it could have been the deciding factor for many things, but in the end nothing would come about it, except the now empty skeletal structure that remained standing after all these years.
Damhan’s wheelchair rolled through the large cavernous arch, the numerous levels of the building clear to see above them, floorless for the most part except perhaps for a few panels, and stairs leading high up through the shell and down into its hidden depths.

“The old place is still holding up… any Nightmares Utorem?”

“The Wards are weaker, but they are strong enough still to deter the weaker Nightmares away from the surrounding areas.”

“That’s something at least…”

Damhan’s voice echoed throughout the large, empty, ground floor all while Utorem spoke out into the minds of everyone there with her. The faint blinking of a light was the only sign of any sort of power within the shell of a building, and as Damhan motioned for Samson to follow as he rolled his chair across the dirt and dust covered floor, one could see clearly in the shadows the growing outline of an elevator and its still powered buttons.

With a rushing sound of air and metal growing louder by the second, a familiar ding resounded as the large elevator doors parted open, with Damhan and Utorem immediately entering the sterile clean box.

"Let's get going now, Samu... I mean Samson. They've been waiting long enough."


~~~~~~~Mother Nature's Rage~~~~~~~

The flames ripped through the thick fog, carving a clear path straight across this one tiny section of the bridge, but more importantly searing the invisible tendrils that laid in Matt’s attack. For a brief moment the tendrils affected by the fire could be seen, the dragon fire managing to tear through the hide of this Nightmare and showing the smoking stumps of tendrils that quickly skirted away, back into the remaining fog and leaving the now wiggling chunks behind.

Most were nothing more than charred remains, their wiggling movements soon ending as they began to fade just like any other Nightmare. It was those that survived that soon presented a bigger problem. Closer to Matt and the circling Nimbus, the tendril pieces that remained continued their desperate wiggling just before leaping, as if on complete instinct, towards Spirit and Changeling, and managing to coil and twist over one another once making contact with the legs and swinging tail of Matt’s draconic form.

For Nimbus, the fog below seemed to almost rise, bulging up enough to envelop the arching pillars of the bridge, and to have what would still be a loud, guttural growl, to sound much deeper, louder, and closer to the spirit than anything heard before. The arising of the, still hooded, Queen from the fog coincided with a barrage of tendrils, that though thinner than the others, were much greater in number as they shot out from the thick mist and around the great Spirit. The rubber like substance stretched and whipped with every twist and crack of the tendrils, and with every swing the tar-like liquid which covered them like oil splattered out towards Nimbus, adding further danger to this almost relentless attack.

The mist that had been carved out by Matt’s flames had begun to slowly seep back into the gap that was made, Danu watching all from her perch now high above the concrete ground. And as she watched the seared tendrils begin to squirm and wrap around Matt’s lower body and tail, it was then that she raised her staff once more, the air itself feeling colder as the surrounding heat seemed to suddenly drop and the crashing waves below grew wilder as the seconds ticked by.

There were no words spoken as the Queen swung her staff, just her bright purple eyes staring straight towards her Changeling prey as her swing brought on a mighty eruption of water from beneath them all. Rising quickly upwards like a geyser, the torrential water crashed into the concrete and metal, shaking the bridge enough that it quaked with the tidal wave of freezing water that poured up and over, and all towards Matt.


~~~~~~~Clear The Streets~~~~~~~

The Nightmares swarmed the Fourth District gate in a matter of minutes. They were many, but weaker and untamed, and as long as the armed Rebels held their position from atop of the gate, and preventing not a single Nightmare from spilling over into the Second District, they were no problem. That was until the alarm from the Third District gate began to sound. Unlike the Fourth with its swarms of lesser Nightmares, the Third soon had marching towards them two streams of huge armour clad beings, knights from the looks of their claymore strapped sides, and leading the charge a most unlikely of sights.

The Nightmare was large, and was most definitely not of the lesser kinds normally dealt within the large town. Its dark furred body and hunching body remained toned and tight like rock as its large knuckled fists and bulging arms cracked the paved ground with each of its steps. The shots fired seemed to ping off both the unwavering marching knights, but especially off the hulking hide of the Nightmare. And even when the most basic of spells were sent hurtling off the wall and into its path, the blank eyed Nightmare Gorilla continued onward through scorching flames and crackling explosions of ice.

“Go on now, Kerchak… tear it down… tear all asunder…”

The voice was slow and deep, resounding out like a rumble in the very earth and air, and as the giant Nightmare Gorilla reared one of its massive arms and smashed its tight boulder-sized fists one after another on the giant gates, the small bent figure and gnarled cane could be seen to have been hidden from sight by the Nightmare’s great size before slowly disappearing with the marching lines of the horned-helmet knights that soon followed after the once great spirit king, Kerchak.