~:Anticipated Nightmare:~

[Cross_of_Swords]

The scene replays over and over in my head. It's not like I'm trying to remember it. It just comes to me...again. The image is always the same, it never changes. One person bawling because they're loved one died, trades something precious in exchange for something else precious. Sometimes it’s even a life for a life. Sometimes they trade their entire fortune. The price is always the same your most precious obtainment for the life of a beloved. How many times must this happen! It never turns out how right. At first they are glad to see them, and then they realize that it is not them but a...vengeful spirit. The spirit obtains inhuman powers and qualities that surpass anything in this world. Yet a hint of personality remain. They are still blood thirsty and will kill any living thing in their path. It takes complete loss of control for them to kill the one who brought them back. One being above all is responsible for all of this, Ash, or at least that’s his alias. He has the power bring back the dead. In response the heavens have retaliated by sending down angels in human form called exorcist to defeat these spirits. Sometimes the exorcist doesn't know they are one, and what about the humans standing in the way. Why would they allow someone to kill they're beloved they've already lost them once, and they're not willing to go for round two. This war will continue until Ash is defeated. He is too powerful it will take a lot to bring him down. The exorcist have a large job ahead of them...

Akuma: People brought back from the dead only to have lost themselves and become demons.
Humans: You and me.
Exorcist: Have a special ability or weapon used pacifically used for destroying akuma.

[Cross_of_Swords]

~ NO GODMODING.
~Literate. I want to be able to clearly understand the sentence you are writing. That means no 133t, no chatspeak, no ** for actions. You don’t have to have perfect spelling and whatnot, but at least make a good attempt.
~ PG-13!!! I can not stress this enough! NO ONE WANTS YOU TO CYBER! I don’t care if you take it to private messages but don’t let me see it! Romance is allowed though.
~ To be a pre-made, send a PM with the name of the character you want to be, just post if you make yours up.
~ If you want to be a pre-made, please, make sure you are willing to stay for more than one day. If you don’t plan on staying, a least have the courtesy to make up your own character, and not make someone wait on you forever. You can interpret the pre-mades as you like, using the outlines I made for them.
~ I also can add rules as we see fit, so watch out! I’m open to any suggestions, as I only have a slight clue how I want this to progress…if it progresses at all. Which I hope it will. I would like for it to be long term…If you want to be a pre-made, and you have a really good idea for your character, tell me! I’ll gladly take any suggestions I can get.
~ Please make your character one of the following races Human, Akuma, or Exorcist!

Extra Notes:
~If I am not online, then use your common sense. If you are incapable of doing so ask Baa.Baa.Blacksheep.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Username: Cross of Swords
Name: Locke Vox
Nickname: Sniper
Age: 21
Birthday: January 6
Blood Type: O
Personality: A little paranoid, Locke doesn’t like people judging him. In fact he makes his exterior to make him seem antisocial. It’s better people think of him as that than anything else. Once you earn his trust he is a regular goof ball who cracks jokes and is ‘just one of the guys’.
Weapon: Locke prefers a gun of any kind.
Race: Exorcist
Abilities: He can put his energy into his anti-akuma weapon, his gun, to supply an endless amount of bullets.
Occupation: He works as a college student.
Bio: Locke tried to bring his deiced twin brother back to life only to have his instincts try to kill his brother again. He failed and had realized what his brother had become and is set on making things right, and sending him back to the other world. His brother sensing his hatred has also vowed to kill him.
Appearance: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i29/Cross_of_Swords/mado.jpg

Username:Baa.Baa.Blacksheep
Name: Edward Vox
Nickname: V
Age: 21
Birthday: January 6
Blood Type: O
Personality: Edward is very moody and tends to keep to himself. He’s always is picking a fight with someone, just to take out his frustration. He can be very spiteful, and is known to keep a grudge. Some call him childish in his nature.
Weapon: He uses twin swords
Race: Akuma
Abilities: Edward’s speed is second to none; it’s almost like he teleports from one spot to another when he fights. He is nimble enough to be an acrobat, able to perform mid-air stunts that no one ever thought possible. He is able to make the shadows into weapons.
Occupation: Being what he is, he doesn't work for anyone besides Ash.
Bio: Edward wasn't always as aloof and spiteful as he is now. He used to be the happier of the twins; he would go out of his way to help people, and seem to always have a smiled on his face. However, as he grew older, his body grew much weaker, eventually to the point where he couldn't even move from his bed. The doctors did everything to save him, but they couldn't find the reason behind his sickness. He eventually passed away, and Edward was just fine with that. However, all of the sudden, he was thrown back into the world of the living, with no control over himself. He discovered that the reason behind his enslavement was his own twin brother, Locke. He was filled with so much uncontrollable rage; the only thing he could think of doing was killing the person who brought him back into such a chained existence.
Appearance:http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/makenshi.jpg

Username:
Name: Ash Vendetta
Nickname: N/A
Age: 2500
Birthday: October 31
Blood Type: AB
Personality: Ash is easily amused. He gets his entertainment from watching his creations destroy the life of the ones they once loved. He is very powerful and has been attacked several times without ever being seriously injured. In fact you’re quite lucky if you hit him.
Weapon: Ash doesn’t need a weapon. No one has ever really touched him. Weapons are to protect ones self, right? Race: Unknown. He appears to be the oldest being in the world. He is practically invincible.
Abilities: He has the ability to bring those back to life. He can do mental attacks: put images into peoples heads, make them do what he wants, teleport and move things at his will.
Occupation: He makes his living from bringing others loved ones back to life. He takes souls, limbs, talents anything that is most important to you.
Bio: Rumor has it that Ash may be a god of some sort. No one really knows his story. He is quite a mysterious fellow. It will surely be uncovered later in the story.
Appearance: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i29/Cross_of_Swords/lovelydark16.jpg

Username:
Name: Lucria Jen Parker
Nickname: Lulu
Age: 22
Birthday: May 13
Blood Type: A negative
Personality: She loves to make jokes, but isn’t one for socializing. Lulu can be quite the pervert. Also she always thinks before she acts, and can get out of anything.
Weapon: Gunblade
Race: Exorcist
Abilities: Extremely experienced with the gunblade. She is also quick to heal. Her touch can kill.
Occupation: Just getting out of college, she works as a graphic designer.
Bio: Lucria was in a depressive state when the boy that took her in about six years back had died. He was only three years older than her and he was like a big brother to her. His name Vince and he loved the idea of playing hero. She got a call one night that in protecting a damsel he was shot three times in the brow. Ash made her the offer to bring him back to life. She took it in exchange for her ability to touch. She can’t make skin to skin contact now without killing the person she touches. Quickly she realized that he wasn’t himself. Her instincts as an excorcist arose and she subconsciously killed him. She sat in the same place for hours over his dead body looking at the shades of blood that stained him and her. She couldn’t believe what she had done. Now she knows her place and works to rid the world of these Akuma.
Appearance: http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i29/Cross_of_Swords/lenali.jpg

[Cross_of_Swords]

If I feel froggy or just want to add something...

Username:
Name:
Nickname:
Age:
Birthday:
Blood Type:
Personality:
Weapon:
Race:
Abilities:
Occupation:
Bio:
Appearance:

[Twilightkitten]

ooo interestin what do I need to make my own character???

[Cross_of_Swords]

ooo interestin what do I need to make my own character???

((I knew I was forgetting something. Just a sec.
Edit: Okay it's up above! ^^))

[Twilightkitten]

Username:???
Name: kloud
Nickname:chaotix
Age:16
Birthday:unknown
Blood Type:????don't know the blood types sorry
Personality:lonar, can be friendly hasn't trusted anyone for years helpful sometimes rash
Weapon:two swords
Race:unknown she looks human though (she is and exorsit and doesn't know it (is that ok???)
Abilities: she can control space time and the elements
Occupation: she is a part time singer for anyone who will pay her
Bio:she doesn't know she's an angel or an exorsit nor does she have very many memories but for some reason she feels she can't trust anyone at all she helps people but she won't trust them or anyone else she's also seen ash a few times and her exorsist intuition was telling her to hate him but she had no clue as to what or why something was telling her that
Appearance:no wings on her head:http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h192/SolarKitten_2006/chibi_archer.jpg and she wears this:http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h192/SolarKitten_2006/KiariBlack.jpg

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Yeah, thats fine! Username is just your account name. It was planning on having people pm me profiles but decided against it. It was just to tell who was who. Your blood type can be A+, B, AB, O. I don't know them all.))

[Twilightkitten]

(her as an angel before she was sent down as a human and lost her memory: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h192/SolarKitten_2006/angel.jpg I'll choose A+)

[7000dominos]

((Yeah, thats fine! Username is just your account name. It was planning on having people pm me profiles but decided against it. It was just to tell who was who. Your blood type can be A+, B, AB, O. I don't know them all.))

((A + A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+ O-))

((In the US, O+ is most common, AB- is the least.))

((Anything else? H. Bio homework...))

[Charmless_Anachronism]

Username: Charmless_Anachronism
Name: Lenna Thomms
Nickname: None
Age: 19
Birthday: 12/14/ 1987
Blood Type: AB negative
Personality: Lenna is usually very chipper, but due to recent circumstances has become quiet and reclusive. She usually watces the ground when she walks, and talks very quietly, almost in whispers. Lenna has an air about her that is very childish. She used to take things very lightly and viewed the world in sense of black and white. Lately, she sees only black.
Weapon: Mace
Race: Human
Abilities: Adept at sewing
Occupation: Cashier at a Pharmacy/Convenience store
Bio: Lenna's father died when she was fifteen. All she had was her beloved mother. Lenna was staying at her grandmother's while she attended a nearby college. One night, cast over with an eerie stillness, Lenna got a call. Her mother had died in a car accident. Soon afterward, Lenna moved back into her mother's place. At first, she kept up her daily routine. However, depression took its quick control. She stopped attending classes, sometimes running out of ones in progress. Eventually, she just stopped coming all together. She also stopped showing up for work. Lenna has boarded her self up in her mother's home. She had lost hope. Until one day, she began to hear a voice, a voice promising her dreams.
Appearance: Lenna has short brown hair, cut just below her chin. It is smooth; she straightens it. Her eyes are small, almond-shaped with deep brown irises. She is about 5'4" in height and of medium build. She has pink lips, the bottom a little larger than the top. Her nose is thin and hooked at the end. Freckles dot her entire body.

((I was going to pm it, but we're not doing that?

Hey! I just picked on at random...I didn't know that was the least. Neats))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((A + A- B+ B- AB+ AB- O+ O-))

((In the US, O+ is most common, AB- is the least.))

((Anything else? H. Bio homework...))

((Na, I think you covered it. :) This would be a laugh out loud moment if my dad wasn't sleeping in the next room O.o))

[7000dominos]

The scene replays over and over in my head. It's not like I'm trying to remember it. It just comes to me...again. The image is always the same, it never changes. One person bawling because they're loved one died, trades something precious in exchange for something else precious. Sometimes it’s even a life for a life. Sometimes they trade their entire fortune. The price is always the same your most precious obtainment for the life of a beloved. How many times must this happen! It never turns out how right. At first they are glad to see them, and then they realize that it is not them but a...vengeful spirit. The spirit obtains inhuman powers and qualities that surpass anything in this world. Yet a hint of personality remain. They are still blood thirsty and will kill any living thing in their path. It takes complete loss of control for them to kill the one who brought them back. One being above all is responsible for all of this, Ash, or at least that’s his alias. He has the power bring back the dead. In response the heavens have retaliated by sending down angels in human form called exorcist to defeat these spirits. Sometimes the exorcist doesn't know they are one, and what about the humans standing in the way. Why would they allow someone to kill they're beloved they've already lost them once, and they're not willing to go for round two. This war will continue until Ash is defeated. He is too powerful it will take a lot to bring him down. The exorcist have a large job ahead of them...

((Soo....I've read and reread this a few times, and I wanna play, but I wanna be human. What exactly would you expect of me? Or should I just roll with it?))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Yay! Thanks for joining! Baa. is going to be my akuma brother that I wan't to kill! Hopefully...

Also we are in need of an Ash. I would consider him the main character if he wasn't the main villan.))

[7000dominos]

((Na, I think you covered it. :) This would be a laugh out loud moment if my dad wasn't sleeping in the next room O.o))

((:rolleyes: I try.))

((O+: 38%, A+: 34%, B+: 9%, O-: 7%, A-: 6%, AB+: 3%, B-: (thats mine) 2%, and AB-: 1%))

((That part I got offa Wiki.))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Soo....I've read and reread this a few times, and I wanna play, but I wanna be human. What exactly would you expect of me? Or should I just roll with it?))

((Exorcist are human with special weapons. You could just be human but have an akuma loved one.

WAIT! The exorcist could have killed your akuma loved one and now your a human bent on destroying all exorcist.

I dun know just roll with it :) ))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((:rolleyes: I try.))

((O+: 38%, A+: 34%, B+: 9%, O-: 7%, A-: 6%, AB+: 3%, B-: (thats mine) 2%, and AB-: 1%))

((That part I got offa Wiki.))

((I'm not sure why I put blood type on there. I think it was because I was reading something about blood types describing your personalities. Or at least thats what they think in Japan. I don't know what each one means though:confused: ))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((I'm gonna go to bed))

[7000dominos]

((Exorcist are human with special weapons. You could just be human but have an akuma loved one.

WAIT! The exorcist could have killed your akuma loved one and now your a human bent on destroying all exorcist.

I dun know just roll with it :) ))

((Hehe, we'll see what happens.))

((Profile up either tonight or tomorrow....depends on...I don't even know.))

[Twilightkitten]

(I'm not sure what mine is maybe I'll ask my mom or doctor cuz I'm curiose to know and I could be ash if no one else wants to also please join The last of shapeshifters)

[Cross_of_Swords]

((I think I'll give another day for people to join. I mean we woudn't want to start before people have a chance to join:rolleyes: Also I think I might take over Ash. I'm a little picky about him and I will through a fit if someone role plays with him not to my standards. I just might have to get over it though.))

[7000dominos]

Username: 7000dominos
Name: Kiara Stuart
Nickname: Kiki
Age: 18
Birthday: June 23, 1988
Blood Type: B-
Personality: Kiara is a generally helpful and kind person. She is very smart, and a little vain about it. She tends to be extraodinarily independent and stubborn. Her sarcasm often gets the best of her. She is very cautious, but when under pressure, she can become dangerously spontaneous.
Weapon: Bow/Arrows
Race: Human
Abilities: Kiara is very agile, having been a ballerina most of her life. She is also musically gifted, though you'd never know it.
Occupation: Kiara teaches dance part-time, and works for her friend's mother, interning as an accountant. She hates this job, but it puts bread on the table.
Bio: When people around her began dying mysteriously, Kiara made herself numb to the pain of loss. By the time she was sixteen, both her parents and her grandmother were dead, and her twin brother ((Yeah, yeah, I know)) had been missing for twelve years. When she turned eighteen, she moved out of her grandfather's house, intent on starting her own life and forgetting her painful past. The day of her eighteen birthday, though, she got a mysterious letter, and suddenly her intentions changed....
Appearance: Kiara's father was an immigrant from Africa; her mother was white. Kiara was left with an interesting combination of their features. She has her father's dark skin and broad mouth and nose, and her mother's long, dark, wavy hair, bright green eyes and a few stray freckles sprinkled over her nose and cheeks. Kiara is tall and slender. On the back of her right shoulder, she has a birthmark shaped like a crescent moon.

[Cross_of_Swords]

((We have six people. Thats enough to start))

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(Um... I'd be Ash if that's alright. I'm fairly picky about sticking to the GM/TC/Author's vision so I don't think you'll have too many problems with me playing him wrong.)}

[GrayRose]

Username: GrayRose
Name: Muna
Nickname: Mew
Age: 18
Birthday: 4/15/89
Blood Type: B positive
Personality: She is reserved, but is very sympathetic and hates to see anyone in pain; however this can lead her into trouble. She is extrememly loyal and vengeful- she would do any thing for someone she loves.
Weapon: none...yet.
Race: human
Abilities: She can read people well and has random moments of clarivoance.
Occupation: Clerk at an antique book store.
Bio: Muna had the quintacentail childhood- big house, loving parents, long summer days at the beach; but one day everything went wrong. They were out on their Sunday drive after church. It was a beautiful day; sunny, partly cloudy, birds singing and fresh country air. But this pretty picture was about to be ruined. They heard the engine before they saw the car in the review mirror. It was a corvet with teenage boys hanging out the sides with beer bottles in hand. They drunkingly shouted and swerved in the road. Muna's mother told her father to slow down so they could pass and as he did the other car smashed into the side at seventy miles an hour. Her father was dead upon impact; her mother was paralised. Muna was fine; no one knows how she escaped death. Her mother is a living corpse, she just sits in her wheelchair and stares out the window; completly unresponsive. Muna makes the money and takes care of her mother. If only there was a way to bring her father back and return to her happy life...
Appearance:http://www.darkmirage.com/images/blog/20060509_madokas.jpg

[Cross_of_Swords]

{(Um... I'd be Ash if that's alright. I'm fairly picky about sticking to the GM/TC/Author's vision so I don't think you'll have too many problems with me playing him wrong.)}

((Thats fine by me))

[GrayRose]

((are we gonna start soon! I'm uber excited for this RP!!))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Yeah))

Locke quickly sat up in his bed rubbing his eyes to adjust to the light. He pulled back when his hands touched the wetness from the tears that had fallen from another devestating nightmare. It was always the same one.

Locke sat next to his brothers death bed. He was sick and the doctor had told the family that it was only a matter of time. He never left his side except to use the bathroom. The bond they shared was unbreakable and he couldn't stand to see his brother dying. One day it happened he went limp and never woke up. Locke wasn't even allowed to go to the funeral because his mom thought that he was to sensitive about the topic. The next day and beautiful person, going by the name Ash, offered him his one wish in life. Because he agreed he couldn't recall a memory with his brother before the death bed insident. All that was left was the erge to do what was right for his brother.

"Thats why I have to kill him." It was only right. He had turned his brother into a monster and it was up to him to correct his mistake. In the mean-time he was also searching for the god Ash to kill. One problem they both were too powerful. Locke had tried to kill Edward the second he was brought back. His exorcist insticts kicked in and he instinly knew what he had to do and what his brother had become. He hated himself for doing it. For being weak.

Locke swung his legs over the side of the bed and looked at the digital clock on the nightstand. "Two a.m." He read. He sighed another night of painful sleep. He had hoped that if he fixed his mistake they would go away. It made sense, didn't it?

[Chaotic Hero]

Username: Chaotic hero
Name: Yuki Amono
Nickname: errr...ummm Yuki?
Age: 19
Birthday: December 29th
Blood Type: O
Personality: When she was still alive she was
Weapon: Fauchard
Race: Akuma
Abilities: She can make it snow to her will and change the temperature one direction. (Cold)
Occupation: Collage student with a part time job at Wendy's
Bio: As she walked throw the opaque parking lot she was seized from behind by an unknown man with a knife. She was stabbed and murdered for the little money she had on her. The murderer was never found. The one who was the most affected by her murder was her older brother Ishida. He was placing flowers on her grave when he was confronted by Ash. He said he could bring his sister back at a small fee. That fee happened to be his fiancee.
Appearance: http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/Raine_Faye/SytheGirl.jpg

[Wolfgang Hype]

A striking young man sat on a bench just outside the local cemetery, mid length black hair brushing past eyes that sparkled as he recalled delightful memories of the dead; memories that weren't his own. The young man was known as Ash Vendetta, and he was hardly young, having lived over a hundred times what most men did. He was a god, or a devil, able to bring back the dead for a terrible cost: the thing most precious to whoever he was serving and... the humanity of those he revived.

A chuckle rose from his throat as he thought back to when "he" and "his brother" were participating in a three legged race and managed to trip half the other racers when they fell. It was one of countless memories he'd taken as payment for his services, he himself didn't have a brother that he knew of and had never participated in a three legged race. He shook his head and turned to look at the people moving slowly in and out of the cemetery, his mind reaching out gently to catch stray thoughts, his eyes scanning the obituary in his lap, waiting for a name to match up.

{(Hope that's alright CoS. If anyone wants to be approached by Ash go ahead and put yourself in the cemetary.)}

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

The night was cold and still. Cold and still...Just like his heart.

Edward sat atop an abandoned building, looking at the bright crescent moon that dimly lit the sky. He polished one of his blades, bright crimson with fresh blood. He had no ill-will against the one he had killed; he felt nothing towards the man. But it was an order. He could not disobey orders, no matter how much he disagreed with them. He was only a puppet of Ash; he had no voice to protest. When he was first doomed to this second life, he felt so much uncontrollable rage, so much hatred toward the one who had doomed his soul. However, after living the life, he came to accept it. He was only a tool...a weapon, and a weapon had no reason to think for itself. He could barely remember the being he had once called a brother anymore. He could barely remember himself.

Ash's presence made itself clear in his mind. Edward knew he should go, yet he still hesitated. Ash had a demanding aura that Edward could never quite get used too. The fact that Ash was most likely the only one who could defeat him in combat didn't help to quell his apprehension. But, he always had to heed Ash's call. Sheathing his now clean blade, he stood and headed toward the cemetery at a speed so fast, he seemingly vanished in thin air.

Edward came to a halt at the cemetery gates. He walked slowly up to the grave where Ash was sitting, standing a few feet away respectively. "Sir, the man you mentioned has been killed." Technically, Ash was his "master" now, but Edward had too much pride to call him so.

[GrayRose]

Muna brougth the dafodils like she did every Sunday to the cemetary. She bought them from the florist down the street from her book store, the girl that was there didn't know what they were for; but Muna thinks she guessed. She knelt by her father's head marker and placed the flowers at the base, removing the ones from last week. It was a ganite stone was sanded until it was smooth and lacured until shiny. The edges were perfect, but the top was rounded off. In the middle it simply said "Franklin B. Howard 1967-2007: Husband and father. The headstone was a monument to the type of person her father was, crisp, clean, straight laced but soft around the endges. She clasped her hands together and prayed for his soul, her mother and thanked God for what he had given her... she still hadn't figured out what that was. after kissing his marker and letting tears trickel down her cheak she went to the three boys graves; the driver and two of the four friends in the car that killed her father. She laid carnations down, prayed for thier souls, their families and for their forgivness. She walked out of the cemetary, her heart a stone in her chest, her tears still falling.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke bent down, reaching for his boots under the side of his bed. He slowly pulled them out and slipped them over his feet. He stood up his legs a bit shaky from the sleep. Locke walked down the hall opening the door to the outside.

Tears still swelled his eys, how he could do that to his own flesh and blood was beyond his comprehension. He blinked back the tears, "I can't even cloud the bad memories with the good ones." He had traded his most precious memories of his brother for his brother's life. How could he bo SO stupid. It had only made everything worse. His brother was no more than a monster hidden beneath the angelic exterior of his once only friend.

He stepped out and onto the broken sidewalk. This was a nightly routine of waking up from the same dream and trying to calm himself in the cool night air. It did him some good, but it never did erase the feeling of hatred and fear. How managed to escape his lunitic of a brother that night was not clear. All he remembered was attaking him and the devilish grin on Ash's face. Locke had vowed to kill his brother for his brother, but he would kill Ash for himself. Because of that night Locke had distanced himself from almost everyone afraid of making the same mistake twice. He swore he would never do anything so reckless again, but just in case.

The air was foggy and he couldn't see a meter in front of him. The small city looked like a ghost town. He ignored the creepiness of the roads.

[7000dominos]

Kiara sat on the edge of her bed, aware of the shadows and light the TV was casting on the walls around her, but not really looking at them. What held her eyes was a simple piece of paper, crumpled, ripped and stained with age. And eerie script furled across the paper, black as pitch, and just as ominous. It was a simple scratch piece of paper, and yet it held for her something so much more. Holding she felt things, emotions she'd hidden for years, pulse through her body. Pain, and hope, loss and joy, and above them all confusion, and fear.

Kiki- it read, It's not over. All is not lost. I'm still here. I can help you. I can help us. Just watch.

-J

J. J for Jaden. Her dead twin brother.

[Wolfgang Hype]

A mischievous grin spread across Ash's face as he received the news from Edward, habitually scanning his mind to view the scene through his servant's eyes. "Well done, Edward." He said, producing a picture of the man he'd had Edward, one of his best Akuma, kill and his close cousin from the inside of his long coat. He'd briefly watched both of them and decided the cousin would be willing to pay his price if the man was killed.

Suddenly Ash's mind touched that of one of a still grieving visitor and he handed the photo to Edward, communicating to Edward with his mind. "Watch the second man in the photo and tell me when you think he's ready to pay my price." Idly Ash brushed his hair back, ignoring the fact that it fell right back into place. "You're dismissed."

Ash muted his steps so as not to seem eager as he approached his target as she left the cemetery. She was a dark haired girl just out of high school he surmised as he closed the distance. She was here first off to see her father and brother, the image of two gravestones with the surname "Howard" attached to the words in her mind. Ash had to mute his smile before he called out to the girl, "Miss Howard! A word if I may?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria ran a gloved hand through her hair, sighing. Memories....Such terrible memories kept screwing with her mind. She put her face in her hands, taking a shaky breath and exhaling. How could've I been so stupid..? So idiotic? she thought as she tried to compose herself. The young, twenty-two year old let her head fall back against the wall with a soft thump, looking out at the lace-white moon from her window seat.

Images flashed like a slideshow through Lulu's mind, seemingly never ending.

Vince's cruel smirk, twisting his lips back into something almost...a non-human grimace.

Lucria's gunblade shining brightly in the ominous moonlight. She couldn't do it. She couldn't kill him. She didn't want to lose him a second time..and all three of them knew it.

He ran toward her, so fast, so fast....And she struck without thinking-'

She shivered, trying to shake away the horrid thoughts and memories as the guilt flooded through her conciousness. By now, it was almost like..an old friend come back to visit. It never left for long. No, never for long...

"Ah, as if a simple head shake could dispell what happened," Lucria murmured to herself sadly, staring at her now-always-covered hands. "If only, if only..."

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward only nodded, disappearing into the night shortly after Ash had made his leave.

Edward fingered the hilt of one of his blades absent-mindedly, fighting back the urge to yawn at the actions of the man he was forced to yawn. "All these people ever do is cry...Not my idea of a good time..." He rested his head on his hand, lazily watching the man through a window. "Why does Ash always put me on watch duty? It's wasting my abilities..." He itched for action; the thrill he got from killing the man early hadn't lasted long. Killing...it was the only thing he could do anymore. The only thing he wanted to do. Other akuma would live double lives; Edward enjoyed living in the darkness better that in the light. "Hopefully, Ash will find something...fun to do. Maybe he'll let me kill an exorcist..." His body shook just thinking about it. Not from fear...but from excitement. Exorcist were the only thing Edward deemed, "fun" anymore.

He turned his attention back onto the man. The conditions hadn't changed; he was still bawling. "He seems like the type to accept the offer...blinded by grief, lost without that other man..." Suddenly, a massive headache hit Edward like a brick to the head. He rubbed his temples furiously, gritting his teeth to prevent himself from screaming aloud. As suddenly as it had appeared, the pain ceased. Warily, he lifted his head. "...That was strange...Hmmm?" The man had vanished. "Dammit." Edward was on the move, seeking out the man before he did anything drastic.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke's blood-shot eyes iched. He sat on a bench next to a sign that read 'Bus Stop'. He cradled his head in his hands rubbing his eyes and then his face. He looked up his eyes now sore, he saw a figure from across the street.

"It can't be." He was confused. Was he still dreaming. No this was real life. His twin brother was across the street pearing into a window. He felt sudden relief fill through his body. Soon after he realized that it was just fear and remorse. He was glad that his brother hadn't gotten himself killed. He wasn't sure what he would do if someone else got to him. It was his fault Edward was what he was. If handled wrong Edward could be stripped of happiness completly and cast into a horrific world. Thats why he had to be handled by Locke...by an exorcist.

Locke stood up stumbling over his feet. He half couldn't believe it. It had been quite awhile sense he had seen him. He stopped in his tracks trying not to draw attention to himself, although he was sure that it was too late.

[7000dominos]

Kiara had been telling herself for days that it was impossible. People don't come back from the dead. Because her brother was most certainly dead. Toddlers don't just go missing for decades at a time, then write ominous letters explaining--trying to explain--themselves. That didn't happen. It was abnormal. It was just plain weird.


Then again, why was it that Kiara never really laughed, or cried, or even felt angry? She'd gotten rid of those emotions long ago when people around her had started drying suddenly and mysteriously. Emotions meant pain, and pain meant....

So...maybe it wasn't impossible. Returning from the dead? Child's play.

[Twilightkitten]

kloud had no idea why she was in the graveyard but soemthing told her to come there and so there she stood looking at two tombstones blankly reading the names or at least what was left "koru y....beloved father and husband kari y.....wonderful mother and wife....who are they? why am I here? kloud looked around at all the people crying then saw ash and glared at him "it's him....why can't I figure out why I have so much hatred for him this ash guy who in the world is he to me?! ash...koru...kari I can't seem t figure out why these names interest me or with koru and kari make me feel sad and lonely"

[Chaotic Hero]

Yuki sat back into the leather cough located in the living room of her brother’s apartment. She stared blankly into the television not really paying attention to what the chubby white-faced man was saying. She sighed in boredom as she waited on Ash to give her, her next assignment.

Her brother burst threw the door grinning from ear to ear. He had been like that ever since Ash had given her a new life.

"If only you knew." She murmured under her breath so the he would not hear. He hung up his coat and spun around the back of the cough and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Hello Yuki what-cha' doin...watching the news I see, scary thing all of those murders. I'm going to start dinner don't go running off now."

She gave him a small smile to satisfy him but her face fell when he turned his back to her.

[GrayRose]

Muna heard her name and quickly wiped away her tears as she shot her head up and looked around. a shadey man was the one who had called her out, he seemed harmless, but something about him was very omines. How does he know me? She thought. Cuoriose, and agianst her better judgement she walked over to him. "Yes, sir, how may I help you?" said replyed politely. She looked into his eyes, for only a moment, and shivers ran down her back. Her subconcious told her to run, run far and fast. But there was something intreging about this man and she wanted to know more.

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(Quick spell check: ominous, curious, intriguing. Hope it's not offensive, just thought I'd let you know.)}

Ash gave a slight bow to the girl as he came up to her, an old greeting he'd never quite gotten out of the habit of using. "Miss Howard, I heard about your situation from... a friend and wanted to offer my condolences. Caring and providing for your mother in such a state, it must be hard." His voice was filled with concern as he said and he gently laid a hand on her shoulder.

A hint of hope peeked into Ash's voice as he continued. "However it doesn't have to be this way. I could bring your father or brother back, if you'd like. Give you someone to ease your work." His hand gave her shoulder a light squeeze and he looked into her eyes, planting a seed of hope in her mind as he made contact.

[GrayRose]

((Ha, ha, that's fine; I suck at spelling. Correct away!))

His words flowed out of his mouth so smoothly and sincerely, Muna couldn't help but look into his eyes. "I could bring your father or your brother back." at first she was confused, "I... don't have a brother. Those boys... they were from the other car." She felt his warm hand on her shoulder and its comforting grip. It was the only thing holding her from collapsing. Tears welled up in her eyes when what he had said finally hit her, "How, how dare you! You mock me? Don't you think I have it hard enough; working part time, caring for my mother and trying to scrape up enough money to go to colloge; all while grieving for my father! Don't patranize me, don't say you can bring him back; because what you really mean is you can replace him with some monument," tears streamed down Muna's face, "and tell me that with it his memory will live on. Well screw you! Unless you mean you bring my father back- flesh and blood, screw off! I don't need your sympathy or..." She broke down. Tears poured down her face uncontrollably. She was sick of people offering her pitiful thoughts of immortality for her father. These "comforts" only carved deeper into her soul; her father was never coming back and the sooner she accepted that the better. Muna just stood unmoving, crying and shaking. She could hardly breath. But yet she couldn't stop staring into the man's eyes. They were so deep and endless; as if he had a thousand thoughts streaming through them- all offering her something of comfort.

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(oops, I thought you'd mentioned a brother somewhere, my bad.)}

Ash weathered the storm of her grief and disbelief well, supporting her with his hand as she screamed at him. When at last she fell silent and let the tears simply flow he spoke again. "I'm sorry if I offended you, but I truly bring him back from death and give him flesh and blood." His other hand came up to grip her other shoulder, his voice intense. "You don't have to suffer alone anymore!"

[GrayRose]

"How, how can you say such a thing? are you Frankenstine? God? To me you are just a man, a man full of empty promises." Muna's face grew red with anger and she beet on his chest, "I don't even know who you are." Once agian she was drawn to his eyes, they were no spiteful, or mocking; but kind and consoleing. His hand felt strongs and warm. Muna felt his strength and geniality and fell to the ground. "If you speak the truth, tell me... how?" She spoke softly now, all most inaudible. Her hands were limp in her lap and she stared at them. What do I have to do? was all she could think, as if her hands would tell her. "How?"

[Cross_of_Swords]

((In case I forgot to mention, you do NOT get to chose what obtainment you trade for another's life.))

Locke saw his brothers eyes meet his and he ran down the empty street. Ran from his problems just like he had done eight years ago. Again he was weak and could not endure the pain that had often been handed to him in akward doses.

He stopped and rested his hands on his knees. He was hunched over gasping for breath. The running hadn't worn him out, it was the gaping hole in his chest that painfully grew with time. He looked up witnessing the moonlight clear the areas of fog with its angelic light. He saw the cemetary.

Locke walked in observing the tombstones. Once again he was in shock of what he saw. It was Ash. The very demonic man who had haunted his dreams. Ash didn't come off as evil, but under his halo Locke could see the cruel intentions that were opaque to the human eye. He covered his head, his hands clapped over his ears. "THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!" Tears started to stream down his face. Like in his dreams he didn't know what to do. The wrong and the right paths were both hidden in the fog of his conscience. Neither was clear or obvious. He never knew if he could trust anyone or anything again. What seemed to be like the right choice always had mysterious strings attached.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria pounded the back of her head against her wall, wishing for sleep, though she dreaded the act fiercely. When sleeping, she let her guard down, and when she let her guard down,...the nightmares came. She unconciously shivered. I must get some sleep....I have that huge project to start tomorrow and I'll be braindead without sleep. But still... Lulu shivered again. She needed some air.

She stood and sighed, grabbing her long, leather coat that seemed to cover every inch of her but her large boots, face, and gloved hands. It was hell having to cover herself every moment she was around people... Fresh air, here I come.. Lucria thought, heading out her door with yet another sigh escaping her lips.

[7000dominos]

Kiara couldn't stay here anymore, couldn't stay in silence and allow herself to linger on the issue at hand. Grabbing her coat and sneakers, she shoved a ten dollar bill into her pocket and left her tiny apartment.

The moon shone, high and full, in the sky, illuminating the swirling for to an eerie silver. The windless neight grabbed at her hair, and she walked faster, feeling uncomfortable. She tried to clear her head, looking forward to her late night coffee. There was nothing a latte couldn't cure. Even family returning from the dead.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria shivered from the cool air, ducking her head and hunching her shoulders against the breeze. Why'd it have to be so damn cold? She reluctantly pulled her hand out of her pocket to push her hair back, the wind sending it flying around her head. She wished she had thought to bring a hair tie.

Lulu suddenly saw a small coffee shop ahead and had the sudden hankering for a cappachino. She quickened her pace in the direction of the little shop, having forgotten her wild hair for the moment. The thought of caffine only encouraged her to walk faster.

[7000dominos]

Entering the coffee shop was like entering a new world. The soft lights played about the room, honey-brown and deep burgndy in colors. The warm colors made it feel like a summer night, even in such cool weather. Gentle music gave rich, calming undertones to the whole enviroment, and the scent of coffee filled Kiara's nose. She breathed deep, already feeling better.

It was a prank, a cruel prank someone was playing on her. She'd let it get to her. After all, J could stand for a number of things. There was no one else in the shop, except the girl behind the counter, looking tired and bored, and maybe a little irritated that someone had come in so late.

"Yes?" she said, trying to sound polite and failing.

Kiara scrutinized the girl. She didn't look much younger than herself, pale skinned with a bouquet of freckles sprinkled across her delicate features. Fine, mousy brown hair was tucked behind her ears. She held the page of a magazine open on the counter with a carefully manicured, but well bitten thumb. Grey-green eyes stared expectantly at Kiara. "Ma'am?"

"One vanilla latte, please," she said. "Non-fat. No whip. Decaf." She rattled off the words without thinking, more habit than actual desire. She wondered what that said about her. Oh well.

[scorpio grl]

{:eek: I have to go. >< 'Night! ^^;;}

[7000dominos]

((See ya!))

[Wolfgang Hype]

"How, how can you say such a thing? are you Frankenstine? God? To me you are just a man, a man full of empty promises." Muna's face grew red with anger and she beet on his chest, "I don't even know who you are." Once agian she was drawn to his eyes, they were no spiteful, or mocking; but kind and consoleing. His hand felt strongs and warm. Muna felt his strength and geniality and fell to the ground. "If you speak the truth, tell me... how?" She spoke softly now, all most inaudible. Her hands were limp in her lap and she stared at them. What do I have to do? was all she could think, as if her hands would tell her. "How?"

"Some might call me a god, others a devil, but does it really matter?" Ash said as the girl finished with another spasm of grief, getting the unknown priviledge of hitting him, something many others had tried and failed to do. His gaze lifted from hers for the first time since they'd locked eyes, and he spoke his price. "I can bring back your father from the world of the dead, the thing closest to your heart in that world, in exchange for the thing closest to your heart in this one."

Almost as though he'd said too much Ash drew his arms back and turned around, looking at the night sky.His voice was almost apologetic when he spoke again. "It is a heafty price... but a sacrifice is always needed to gain something in this world." It was the final bait, laying the last of the cards out on the table for her to see.

{(Cross, I would figure that the rper would choose what their character would give up, after all they'd know what would be most precious to their character... unless you meant that as the character doesn't choose.)}

[GrayRose]

Muna looked from her hands to his face and thought. What is most preciouse to me? She stood back up, her knees were smeared with mud. "The thing most preciouse to me... in return I would get my father back?" She looked at his eyes and they said yes. She looked away, "I... I don't know what is most preciouse to me. Before, before he died it would have been my family, the love we shared and the times we shared. But since he died, there is none of that. My mother is a broken woman, I simply exist with out goals or desires. I don't really care about anything now. I don't have to prove anything to anyone, I don't have anything. If you're a god then you must know; because I don't. Look into my soul; for surely you can, and tell me what I must give up. Nothing is too preciouse in return for my father and the return of my happy family." Muna sighed and thought deeper, looked deeper into herself. "The only thing I ever cared about was my family, and now that's gone. I don't know what I have to offer." She looked away defeeted, she didn't know what to do.

[Twilightkitten]

kloud turned to go when she saw someone who seemed to be in pain (Locke) so she against her better judgement went up to him "a-are you alright?"

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(Twilightkitten, please don't make another post like that. This is meant to be a literate rp and that hardly seems to fit here. You didn't capitalize but once and you only used one punctuation.

GrayRose, I'm going to wait on CoS before I respond to your post, just so I know for sure what I'm doing.)}

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Username: [Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]
Name: Raine Rose Delacroix
Nickname: Rai
Age: 20
Birthday: May 23
Blood Type: O
Personality: Raine hides her despair behind a childish mask. She's shy around new people, but once she finds a friend in a person, she can seem hyperactive and ditsy, always prancing around. Alone, she seems meek and aloof, hiding from the discriminating eyes of the public. She's extremely sensitive, and can either break down in tears or give people a glare that can send shivers down there spine. She tends to stay away from new situations and has many bouts of depression. Since she can’t talk out loud, she prefers not to talk telepathically with many people, in fear the would think her strange.
Weapon: Needles and knives, plus a broadsword
Race: Exorcist
Abilities: Raine's very agile, like an acrobat, and uses this to her advantage in battle. She's very attune to nature, and can sense changes in the weather. Her moods can sometimes cause changes to the things around her. She is able to converse with all animals. Since she is no longer able to speak out loud, she has to converse telepathically.
Occupation: Since she’s still in school, she works at a local café part time.
Bio: Raine grew up mostly alone. Her parents, who were researchers, liked to travel, and she would go with them on their explorations. One night, when she was only seven years old, she couldn’t get to sleep, and noticed her parents weren’t in the tent anymore. She went to go looked for them, and noticed them talking to some strangers. Before she could react, the strangers shot both her parents. Afraid for her own life, she fled into the forest, stopping only when confronted by Ash. She gladly took up his offer, but lost her beautiful voice in the exchange. Her parents immediately tired to take her life, but in a moment of remembrance, killed each other instead. Rai lived with her grandparents after that. Realizing what she had done as she grew older, she vowed to hunt down those who killed her parents, and destroy Ash to regain her voice.
Appearance: http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e223/Raine_Faye/Animegirl.jpg

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Wolfgang: I meant their character doesn't chose. It's okay if they tell you in out of character. It's suppose to be kinda like a surprise for the character. Does that make sense? Sorry for the delay.))

[Cross_of_Swords]

kloud turned to go when she saw someone who seemed to be in pain (Locke) so she against her better judgement went up to him "a-are you alright?"


Locke ignored the girl, after all this was all a dream and he would wake up holding himself just like he had in previous nights. The pain pulsed through him, the regret of bringing his brother back still haunted his every thought.

Happiness was such a rare thing these days. What was he suppose to be happy about? At first when his brother had his second life he couldn't figure out what he had given up. Later, almost a year, he had realized that no happy memory of his brother lingered, no bad memory lingered before the one of his brother's death bed. Why was he cursed with remembering such hardship? Why did it haunt his dreams when he slept. Was it just a perk for Ash? Certainly Locke wasn't that interesting.

He reached up and grabbed the tree for support. Sweat beaded on his brow while his heart throbbed in his throat. Just seeing his brother's face brought back such pain. Even if it was a dream the pain felt so very real.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria slipped into the cafe, a soft sigh of contentment the only sound she made besides the clunking of her boots and the faint swishing of her coat against the shiny, varish-coated floor. She glanced about the room to take in the cheerful, friendly atmosphere of the small shop. The aroma of coffee and hot chocolate soothed her nerves and the edges of her lips curling up slightly to give the impression of a smile.

Lulu looked to the almost annoyed-looking cashier, the only other person there besides the stranger in the corner. It was probably odd to have this many people come in so late. Ah, well, business is business. The young girl cleared her throat in indication that Lucria should actually order instead of just stand around dimly. "Oh, a french vanilla cappichino, and don't spare on the whip cream, please," she stated quietly as she went to sit in a miniscule window table for two.

[7000dominos]

Kiara's quietly simple reverie was broken by a sudden flush of cold air, the tinkling of less-than-gentle bells, and another person entering the cafe. She raised an eye brow, unaccustomed to seeing a fellow late night coffee drinker.

Kiara shrugged and sipped her coffee, returning to her table alone, the only sound in the small building, the soft background music, and the whiring of the froth machine((...thing)). Finally, Kiara decided she couldn't stand the silence any longer.

"Rough night?" she asked, deliberately loud enough to not be ignored or dismissed.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria thanked the cashier girl quietly when she brought her cappachino and sipped it, the contrast of the cool whip cream and the scalding liquid lifting her spirits in a way no other worldly object could. She blinked and looked up at the girl a few tables away. .....??

She shrugged. "...You could say that, I suppose. You?" Lulu inquired, her voice just loud enough to be heard clearly, before finishing off the quickly-disappearing white foam.

[7000dominos]

Kiara smiled. "'Rough' isn't the word I would've chosen. You come here a lot?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria chuckled softly, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Only every chance I get," she replied. "I haven't seen you here before, though..New?"

[7000dominos]

Kiara raised an eyebrow, suspicious now. "I was just going to ask you the same thing."

The girl behind the counter "ahemed", and Kiara looked up. "Yes?" she said with a falsely polite smile.

"She's at a two person table, you know."

"Right. Sorry to disturb the other customers."

The girl galred but said nothing else. Kiara got up and moved to the other woman's table. "Sorry," she apologized sheepishly. "Hope you don't mind, but we are being terribly noisy." She grinned.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria inched her chair back out of instinct, making sure her hands weren't near the other girl's. Even though she wore gloves she still worried. "Ah, I don't mind the company," she lied; she wasn't much for being sociable. "And no, I've lived here for awhile now..."

[7000dominos]

Kiara raised an eyebrow again but decided to let the matter ((the scooting matter)) drop. She nodded appreciatively. "Guess we always miss each other, than. What do you do? If you don't mind me asking." She'd noticed the young woman's gloved hands. It was cool outside, but a coffee shop hardly seemed the place to wear gloves.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria unconciously tightened her leather coat around herself, shrugging. "Oh, I'm a graphic designer..Not as fantastic as it sounds, I'm afraid," she answered with a small smile. She slurped more of her cappachino quietly. "And what about you?"

[7000dominos]

"Oh." Kiara's shoulder's sagged. She didn't know why, but she had the feeling this woman could help her decipher the cryptic message if nothing else. "I'm a dance teacher. And an accountant intern. Just until I find something else."

[scorpio grl]

Lucria noticed her change in moods, blinking. "Are you alright?" she questioned, her head tilting to the side slightly. "Is something wrong?"

[7000dominos]

"Not in the slightest," Kiara answered. "And yourself? You'd said you have a rough night? Maybe I can be of some assistance? You know...you scratch my back, I scratch yours?" She didn't know why she was speaking as such, but some odd, electric tingle was passing through her body. It was as if someone else was speaking for her.....

[scorpio grl]

"Ah.." Lucria's brow furrowed slightly and she fingered with the tips of her clothes under the table. "Oh, just some...thoughts that won't go away and I can't really sleep, you know..Nothing major," she said carefully, watching her. The girl was acting, to be frank, a little strangely. Lulu blinked as she felt a sort of...shock going through her? Like the feeling you get when your leg is falling asleep, only not as intense and annoying..

[7000dominos]

"Thoughts about what?" Kiara said, suddenly intent, all traces of a smile gone from her face. 'May as well,' she thought. 'It's worth a try.'

[scorpio grl]

Lucria leaned back in her seat, her face guarded. "...Life," she stated coolly. Her tone was slightly defensive. "And yourself? What brings you here so late?"

[7000dominos]

It was obvious the other woman didn't trust Kiara. Fine. The best way to gain trust was to trust someone else.

"A note," she said. "From my brother." She waited for a reaction, a dramatic pause before adding, "He died thirteen years ago."

[scorpio grl]

Lucria stiffened, her breath catching in her throat. She forced herself to swallow. 'Did she...? Oh, no.....' "...Have you ever..met a man named Ash?" she asked, disguising the slight waver in her voice.

[7000dominos]

Kiara was skeptical. Clearly, this woman was making fun of her. She shouldn't have said anything. "Ash. What, like burning wood Ash? No. 'Fraid not." She started to gather her things. "It was nice to have met you..."

[scorpio grl]

Lucria grabbed her hand without thinking, but she quickly pulled back as if burned. She searched the girl's face for any sign of pain, terrified, then sighed in relief; the gloves worked. "I'm serious," she said firmly, having regained her composure. "Have you met a man named Ash, or has anyone of your family mentioned him...?? A mother, father, aunt, cousin, anybody?"

[7000dominos]

"No....They're all dead." said Kiara slowly, unsure of whether to be more startled by the woman's reaction to Kiara's hand, or her words. "What are you getting at, exactly?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria struggled for words. "I'm...I'm sorry for your great loss," she said quietly. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe there was no connection at all... "I apologize if I bothered you. It's nothing." Just a paranoid nutjobber's fears jumping out at every turn. Pay no mind.. she thought sarcastically, standing and grabbing her now-cold cappachino and setting down enough payment for them both, plus a tip. "Really, I am sorry.." she said quietly, starting to leave. I suppose I am just a hopeless, paranoid slab of a human now...Ah, well, all the more reason to become a b.itch hermit, I guess.

[Chaotic Hero]

She lay in her bed staring intently at the ceiling. She had no use for sleep. She had no use for anything actually. She was getting restless Ash hadn't given her a new assignment in what seemed like forever.

She could see her breath threw the darkness. She slid out of her bed and walked over to her window. She reached out her hand and touched the glass. She watched cautiously as the window fogged up.

"What a foolish thing to do brother...A life for a life, I wonder do you even realize what you had to give up do you think her death was actually an accident? No, you know you just won't believe it will you brother?"

The human inside her shook with guilt and anger.

"Look what you turned me into brother, open your eyes. I am a weapon now a vessel for Ash to use as he pleases."

[7000dominos]

Lucria struggled for words. "I'm...I'm sorry for your great loss," she said quietly. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe there was no connection at all... "I apologize if I bothered you. It's nothing." Just a paranoid nutjobber's fears jumping out at every turn. Pay no mind.. she thought sarcastically, standing and grabbing her now-cold cappachino and setting down enough payment for them both, plus a tip. "Really, I am sorry.." she said quietly, starting to leave. I suppose I am just a hopeless, paranoid slab of a human now...Ah, well, all the more reason to become a b.itch hermit, I guess.

Kiara's curiousity had been sparked despite herself. "Who is this...Ash?" she asked. And why did the woman seem so upset about it?

Kiara had lost her brother long ago, and since number herself to the pain of it. She hardly thought about it anymore. People said they'd never found the body, and that there was still a chance she'd find him one day, but she had known. It was a twin thing.

In fact, she'd been so broken up about it, she'd never even told anyone? What kind of joke was this? How could anyone know about him? He was dead, gone and a secret...

[scorpio grl]

Kiara's curiousity had been sparked despite herself. "Who is this...Ash?" she asked. And why did the woman seem so upset about it?

Kiara had lost her brother long ago, and since number herself to the pain of it. She hardly thought about it anymore. People said they'd never found the body, and that there was still a chance she'd find him one day, but she had known. It was a twin thing.

In fact, she'd been so broken up about it, she'd never even told anyone? What kind of joke was this? How could anyone know about him? He was dead, gone and a secret...
Lucria stopped at the door, turning halfway to look at her. Visions of Vince's lifeless eyes flashed in her mind, though she tried to surpress the pain. This girl had lost her brother so long ago, how could have she made the deal? There was no way...Though, Ash really was that sick of a..whatever he was. He just may have prayed on the girl's mother's hopes. But still..

She shook her head. "It's nothing. He's just a man..." That I plan to kill.. "Sorry for troubling you." Lulu turned and started to walk back out into the cool night again.

[7000dominos]

"When...when he died," Kiara started, desperate to keep the woman there, though she could never say why, "when he died, my mom told me he'd just dissappeared. She went away for a long time. When she came back, she didn't have him, but she was.....different. Right after he died, I got sick, and maybe I heard the name Ash...from her. But I was sick, and I just ignored it. If...If I had heard his name, what would that mean? About why my mom always acted so haunted after that? About my brother?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria smiled sadly, looking at her gloved hands. I wonder what price she had to pay... She hesitated before answering. "It would mean your mother," she glanced at the disinterested cashier, her voice soft, "made a deal. And she payed a very dear price for that deal..." Lulu stood at the door, not sure how she should put this into words.

[7000dominos]

"Made a deal?" Kiara frowned. "For what? With who? What are you talking about?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria bit back her reply. "Maybe you'd...like to talk about this elsewhere with me?" she asked, glancing pointedly at the cashier girl again.

[7000dominos]

Kiara glanced over her shoulder at the barista, who was looking up from her magazine, clearly eavesdropping. She ducked her head when Kiara caught her eye, but not fast enough to hide her wide, interested eyes.

Kiara gave a half smile. "Yes, okay," she said, tossing her garbage. "After you?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria threw her cup in the trash, because there'd be no way it'd be as good if she reheated it, and walked out, holding the door for the girl. "First things first, I'm Lucria Parker.."

[7000dominos]

Kiara stuck out a hand. "Kiara," she said. "Just....Kiara. So, what do you really do?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria watched her hand for a moment and hesitantly reached out, shaking it briefly. She smiled faintly. "I really am a graphic designer. But...I guess, " she struggled to find a word to describe what else she did, "I guess you could also say I'm an...'exorcist' of sorts. Yes, I know, it sounds insane.."

[7000dominos]

Kiara stared dubiously. "My apartment is down the street. I think we have quiet a bit to discuss, yes?" Her breath fogged out in silver clouds in front of her face. It suddenly seemed much colder. What was going on? First her brother's note, now she was taking someone who called herself an "exorcist" home? Things were changing. A year ago, she never would've pulled such a stunt. But...this woman seemed different. To calm to be crazy. Maybe she really would have answers. 'After all', she decided, thinking of her brother, 'stranger things have happened.'

[scorpio grl]

Lucria looked at her in surprise. She..believes me? Maybe I should get around normal people more often...?? she thought. "Err, OK. Yes, we do. Lead the way.." She had no idea how this girl believed her. She had been sure that she was either going to laugh or run away screaming, the latter seeming a more logical outcome than this.

[7000dominos]

Kiara nodded and started down the street, trying not to let her thoughts run away with her. Some part of her mind, dripping with logic, told her to run away and call the police, not lead this woman home. But if things really were as she said--if her brother way back from the dead because of some secret deal with a strange man--then perhaps she could help. Help with what, Kiara didn't know yet, but she felt like things were going to bigger than she could handle in any case.

[scorpio grl]

Lucria followed silently, still puzzeled, but grateful she was at least willing to listen. Best case scenario, she listened and believed her. Worst case scenario, well,...she didn't exactly want to think about the worst case scenario.

[7000dominos]

Kiara pushed open the door of her small apartment, tossing her keys on her bed. She flipped on a light and walked into the kitchen, motioning to an empty chair. "Wait here," she said, going to get her note.

Touching it, she felt a shock flood her fingers, and she pulled her hand back as if she'd been burned. Swallowing, she grabbed the peice of paper, walked back into the kitchen and grabbed the woman's gloved hand, putting the note into it.

"There!" she said, suddenly frantic. "See? Do you feel that?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria sat as she was told, looking up when Kiara rushed back in with a slip of paper. She shoved in in her hand and Lulu dropped the second she felt the shock transfer to her hand. What the-?!

She reluctantly picked it up and set it on the table. "Yeah, I felt it.." she said uneasily. That had never happened to her before. "Is this the note from your brother?"

[7000dominos]

Kiara sat down, relieved. The stupid note wasn't normal. It couldn't be just a joke. It was real. Her brother was alive.

Suddenly, she paled. Her brother....was alive. She shook her head. "Yeah. It is. I was out the other day, and I came back, and there it was...."

[scorpio grl]

Lucria massaged the bridge of her nose. This wasn't good, not good at all. "Why do you think he...waited this long to contact you?" she asked finally, looking up.

[7000dominos]

Kiara shook her head. "Waited this long? As far as I knew, he's been dead for the past decade and a half of my life. I didn't even know this was possible! He said...he wanted to help me. Help me do what? Why am I talking about him as if he were alive? What's going on here? What are you? What is he? Please, just tell me what you know."

[scorpio grl]

"Wait, wait..Calm down," Lucria said, holding up her gloved hands to stop the flow of questions. "OK...Umm, let's see, how do I put this??...First off, let me explain who Ash is. Ash is someone otherworldly...No one really knows what he is but himself. He's been called both a god and a devil, and everything inbetween. What he does is prey on the grieving and give them what they want.." Lulu took a breath.

"What I mean to say is, he finds the people who have just lost someone and are grieving the worst. He confronts them with the hope that he can bring back their loved one, but only for a price: what is dearest to them in this life. He brings their person back, and collects his price, but what they don't realize is..is that what he brings back, it's not completely human. It's not the same person.....Do you understand what I'm saying?" she asked hopefully.

[7000dominos]

Kiara's mind raced. "So....what you're saying is...my mother traded....something to get my brother back. And now, fourteen years later, he's trying to contact me?" Maybe he'd been lost. Trying to find her. But why? And if he'd found her....was he dangerous? This woman...Lucria said that her brother would be different. Her eyes widened suddenly. "She died a few months after...after that trip. Could she have given herself?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria nodded at the first question, fingering the tips of her gloves again. She sighed. "That is entirely possible...If her life was the most precious thing to her, then that would have been the price Ash demanded..."

[7000dominos]

Kiara frowned, remembering her mother. "That doesn't make sense. Why would she have even gone to Ash, if she was most important? She wasn't perfect, but she wasn't shallow, either. She loved us kids. She'd've given anything for us. Anything...." She trailed off, looking at Lucria, eyes wide. "You don't think...?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria shrugged slightly. "I really don't know what to tell you.." she said softly, still fiddling with the tips of her gloves. "Anything's possible.."

[7000dominos]

Kiara sighed, her mind racing. Was she really the object of some man with the power to riase the dead? It seemed bizarre, and yet....She shook her head, looking at Lucria. "What are you doing?" she asked. "What are those gloves for, anyway?"

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Resting her head against the cool glass of the sweet's counter, Raine watched as the people passed by the cafe`, laughing together...Talking together...Something she could never do again. No sound could escape her lips anymore, her vocal cords whisked away with the lives of her parents. She closed her eyes, listening to the gentle sounds of a popular songstress wafting in the air from the stereos on the wall. She fervently wished to be the one singing, the one talking, the one laughing...But she could not. It was surprising how little one could do without a voice.

A soft touch on her shoulder brought her back to reality. She sat up, looking at the kind man who gave her this job despite her "disability". He smiled at her, patting her on the shoulder. "It's past closing time, darling. Why don't you go on home?" Rai nodded, smiling sweetly. She changed in the back, and walked out the door, greeting the night outside. Her face fell from the plastered on smile to a look of melancholic sadness. She made her way to the park, sitting under her favorite tree. She sat so still it was as if she was made of stone, eyes staring blankly into the gloom. She really had nothing to go home to, so why go home at all?

[GrayRose]

Muna thought for a long time about her father and their relationship. Sundays, Sundays were the best. after the drive we'd come home and go into our little study and read to eachother, listen to the radio, discuss art or just talk. and sometimes we did nothing, just enjoyed eachother's company. But the Sundays that dad would get the record player and I would get my boom-box... those were the best of all. He would play his classic rock, my mother would play her blues and jazz, and I would play my hip-hop and rap. We'd make fun of eachother's music, but then really listen and try to pick out what made each good music. We'd compare and contrast them and discuss them, get to know each genera, each peice for its good and bad; and learn to appericate them. Oh, then on some days mother would roll back the top of the mini-grand piano, and father would get his bow and tighted the strings of his chello and I would sit behind the harp. Then we would play. Sometimes we read music, but mostly we made it up. One of us would make a beat then the song came alive; jazzy, classical- we'd even try rock and hip-hop! We laughed so hard when we were done with those. If only we could play together agian and make music... Muna was tearing up, but shook her head, I'd give anything. She blinked to fight her tears and looked up at ash.

[scorpio grl]

Kiara sighed, her mind racing. Was she really the object of some man with the power to riase the dead? It seemed bizarre, and yet....She shook her head, looking at Lucria. "What are you doing?" she asked. "What are those gloves for, anyway?"
Lucria looked up in surprise, the look on her face like that of a deer caught in the headlights. "Oh!..Uh, I was just...fiddling with my gloves." She swallowed silently, looking back down at her hands. "They were--are--my price.. I had someone, too. He died and...and Ash found me. The most precious thing to me after..my person was my touch. A simple touch on the shoulder from someone can show that they care...That was one of the ways I communicated, I guess..."

Lulu smiled faintly. "Odd, I know..But it was dear to me, and Ash took it away in return for bringing back my person. Now,..now, if I ever have skin-to-skin contact with someone....they die immediatly." The last part was soft and sad, and it was one of the things that pained her the most.

[7000dominos]

Kiara had no idea how to respond. ((It is an odd dinner topic.)) Her mind raced, looking at this woman--this exorcist--who'd given her everything to get her own brother back. What had her mother given, she wondered. Where was her brother now? And why was he trying to contact her? Would he even be the same? She could hardly remember him as it were.

"I...I'm sorry," Kiara said, meaning it in every way. "Where is he now, your brother?"

[scorpio grl]

{True, true..:P}

Lucria looked back up, blinking. She smiled faintly again. "Oh, oh, no...Vince," she stopped for a moment; God, how it hurt to say his name, "Vince wasn't my brother...And now..he's dead, again," she finished softly. How funny, she thought sadly, that would sound if taken out of context...

[7000dominos]

"Dead....again?" Kiara pondered, wondering at the awkwardness of the simple statement. "But how? Did....did Ash give you your...Vince back afterward?"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria chuckled humorlessly. "I was forced to kill him..And no, he didn't. I don't think there is even a way....The first time he, Vince, died, he was helping another girl...He always did like to play the hero.." This brought a small smile to her face, though it quickly disappeared. "In doing so, he was shot three times in the head. After Ash brought him back, he wasn't the same. You see, Akuma, that's what the raised spirits are called, seem much the same when first brought back, but then they become angry. So,..so angry...And the only thing that quinches that anger, that uncontrollable rage, is killing.

"More often than not, they usually end up killing the person who gave up their most precious thing in order to bring them back. Then they go work for Ash; they are like his malicious puppets. They kill whoever he wants killed, they watch for potential people who might be willing to make a deal, and everything inbetween, I suppose. The only ones who can stop them are Exorcists, like myself, and now you, too, I guess."

[7000dominos]

"You....you think he killed my mom?" Kiara stared wide-eyed, trying to take in everything she'd just heard. "You think my brother....what used to be my brother killed my brother and is now working for the man who brought him back? So why does he want me? And why wait? Do you think...maybe he wants to kill me to? And how can I be an exorcist? I have to kill...." Her head was spinning. She shook it clear. "This can't be happening. This isn't true! My brother is dead. He's dead!"

[scorpio grl]

Lucria bit her lip, watching the girl with sympathetic eyes. "I really can't tell you for sure. I can't answer those questions for you; I hardly know the subject myself...All I can tell you is I'm sorry..and that from what I've already told you, you should know that 'dead' doesn't neccessarily mean the person can't come back.." She sighed, standing.

"Look, I'll leave you to your thoughts for now, and if ever you have some questions you think I might be able to answer, or you just need to talk, give me a call." She set a small card on the table, it containing her name, business, phone number, and address. "And don't worry about calling too late...As you can see I'm not much of a sleeper." Lulu smiled sadly and headed for the door.

[7000dominos]

Kiara nodded numbly. "Thank you," she said. "I suppose you'll be an invaluable ally. Now that we're...parteners." The word sounded odd, but felt strangely right as the same time. She was an Exorcist. She nodded slowly, the fear and confusion that emanated from the noted slowly waning. She managed a smile. "We'll be in touch."

[scorpio grl]

Lucria stopped in the doorway, slowly thinking over the world. Part...ners? Huh... She slowly smiled a bit and nodded. Partners. "Alright. Goodbye." She walked the rest of the way out, closing the door behind her, and shoved her hands in her pockets. Then she made her way back to her own flat.

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(Well.... this is annoying. I'm in the process of moving and have just started the final stage (we can spend the night at the new house now). Unfortunately that means I probably won't be on at all for the next couple of days before my trip as we don't have internet access down there. This means I won't be on for a week or more. So if you wouldn't mind CoS could you countrol Ash until I'm able to return?)}

[Cross_of_Swords]

Ash gave a fake smile, "Anything you say." He paced around her eyeing her closely. His steps made no noise while others in his presence couldn't help but make noise.

It annoyed him so that she had no idea what she would have to give up. He could read her thoughts. She was recalling memories with her loved ones, but what if those memories were no more to her. That was a common price to pay for bringing one back. Sacrificing your memories. He looked at her anticipated face.

He looked down at her, "Your wish is my comand." He smiled a pleased look on his face. He looked from her eyes then back down to the grave. The spirits came out first being see-through then becoming solid. "Your wish has been granted for your most precious obtainment." He watch her as she looked away and vanished.

He was back at his mansion of a house the thunder cracking outside his window. He was sitting on a leather couch. "My, my, my." He shook his head. "Humans ARE gullable creatures, aren't they?" He thought about what needed to be done. "I haven't gave Yuki a call in awhile. She must be missing me." He then shut his eyes and layed his head against the back of the cusion. He looked like he was sleeping. His eyes opened back slowly and he let his head fall back into place. "Thats done, Yuki should be here within the hour." He had summoned Yuki mentally.

[Twilightkitten]

Locke ignored the girl, after all this was all a dream and he would wake up holding himself just like he had in previous nights. The pain pulsed through him, the regret of bringing his brother back still haunted his every thought.

Happiness was such a rare thing these days. What was he suppose to be happy about? At first when his brother had his second life he couldn't figure out what he had given up. Later, almost a year, he had realized that no happy memory of his brother lingered, no bad memory lingered before the one of his brother's death bed. Why was he cursed with remembering such hardship? Why did it haunt his dreams when he slept. Was it just a perk for Ash? Certainly Locke wasn't that interesting.

He reached up and grabbed the tree for support. Sweat beaded on his brow while his heart throbbed in his throat. Just seeing his brother's face brought back such pain. Even if it was a dream the pain felt so very real.
(um ok sorry 0.o) Kloud looked at him coldly. "fine whatever I should've come up to you anyway you are like everyone else! you ignore me, but what do I care no one loves me anyway I'm all alone with no one I don't even remember who my family is but you probably don't care I was just trying to be nice against my better judgement and now I know why!" she turned then glared at ash and spoke what she was thinking. "why do I hate him so much I don't even know who this ash person is!"

[GrayRose]

Muna could barely see the head marker, but she could see her father. Her heart pounded in her chest and a smile spread across her face. She turned around to thank ash, but he was gone. She looked back and ran to her father collapsing into his arms; they were warm and welcomeing. He had a smile on his face as he hugged Muna tighter. They were both crying tears of joy. She breathed in his scent- Old spice and 100% cotton jacket with sweat from a long day at the office. They pulled away and looked at eachother, only too happy; no words could be spoken. Finally her father kissed her forehead and said, "It's so wonderful to see you, Sweets. She laughed, "I'm so... so happy to see you daddy. I missed you so much. We have to go home! Mom will be so happy! But things are not as you left them; we had to sell alot of the furniture to make ends meet, and mom... well she's parellized from the waist down and she doesn't talk. But after seeing you she will!" She grabbed her father's hand and started running home.

[Chaotic Hero]

Yuki eyes opened fast from her false slumber as if someone had taken a cool glass of water and poured it on her face.

Her words were sluggish in fact much of her actions had been sluggish ever since Ash had given her a second life. "Right away master." She said weakly and as if she had disappeared in thin air she was gone and at Ash's side in a flash.

".........." She said nothing. She was as quiet and still as a statue. She never spoke unless spoken to. She gave a slight curtsey her dress fanning out a bit.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Ash smiled half heartidly. "Yuki! It's a pleasure to have you!" He smiled but the look didn't touch his eyes. "I don't need you loosing your touch. After all it is a waste not to but you on the battle field. He thought of her an asignment.

He was silent and he let the silence reign.

"How do you feel about working with Edward?" He asked reaching over to the small table next to the black couch. He lifted a glass full of clear liquid. He put the edge of the glass against his pale lips and tilted it back so that it poured into his mouth.

"He's quite the gentleman. I'm sure you two will do fine working together. Besides, there seems to be a large number of exorcist in that part of town. He'll need as much help as he can get."

[Cross_of_Swords]

Once again Locke ignored the girl, "I-I got to get out of here." He almost screamed. He got to his feet and sprinted almost tripping over himself.

He hopped the grave yard fence, his shirt tail snagged on the spicked edge tearing his shirt up about six inches. He ignored and kept running.

He slowed to a jog his breathing was heavy. He looked around the dark green scenary. It was almost black. He saw a swing set and many other play-ground equipment. "Were am I?" He asked still dazed and refusing to think.

He looked over and saw a girl. ((Raine))

[GrayRose]

Muna flung open the door to her house and ran into the living room with her father shouting, "Mom! Dad's back, Dad's back!" Her mother didn't move but only said, "Dareling, do not joke about such things." "Mom look just turn around, he's really here!" "Muna! Just leave me be if you're going to torchure me so!" Muna frowned alittle then looked up at her dad and smiled. He nodded as he placed his had on her mother's shoulder. Her mother's head perked up as her father said, "It's true, Love, I'm back." She slowly turned around. Upon seeing the face of her husband she weeped; he crouched down next to her chair and held her. "How... how is it you Lovebird?" "I don't know Love, but I'm back." They just held eachother, crying, staring out the window; Everything is going to be OK now, Muna thought with a smile on her face.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine opened her eyes, snapping out of her daze with a start. A hand went to her chest, were a dagger was hidden just in case. She looked toward the noise that had disturbed her, relaxing a bit. It was a man, and a distraught one at that. She raised her guard a bit; a man could be just as dangerous as an Akuma in some cases. However, her curiosity couldn't be satisfied by just watching him. He seemed disturbed about something. She stood slowly, dusting herself off. She walked up to the man, a curious look on her face, her sadness pushed aside.

She rubbed the back of her head, smiling sheepishly, while sizing the man up discreetly. He seemed to not be an Akuma, but had the stench of one all over him...possible a fellow exorcist? She could hear the faint mummers of the man's heartbeat; being mute gave one a lot of time to listen to the sounds around you, so Rai had extraordinary hearing. She resisted the urge to peer into this man's mind; she deemed it impolite. Rai wasn't skilled enough to hear tangible thoughts anyways, she could just sense emotions, and predict intentions from what she saw.

Slightly confident that the man wasn't an immediate threat, she smiled sweetly, offering a hand to shake while the other remained close to her heart.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke stared up at the girl from were he sat shocked, but not scared. Tears stained his face. The crying had made his eyes grow bloodshot. He rubbed the tears away with the sleeve of his shirt. He stood up. He remembered seeing her in his dreams also. Sometimes he could see hints of the future mixed with his dreams that were haunted by his past. She wasn't a bad person from what he could remember. He took her hand and squeezed lightly. "Who are you?" he asked. His face relaxed a bit. Not nearly as disturbed as it had been. He tried to feel the changes from the inside so he could guess what she was seeing. He pulled himself off the ground using her hand as support.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine helped the man up, smiling apologetically. She opened her mouth and motioned with her hand like she was throwing something out of her mouth, and shook her head sadly. She opened her mouth a silent gasp, remembering something. She rummaged through the pocket of her jeans, producing a name-tag with "RAINE" printed across it. She pointed to herself, smiling sweetly once again.

She pocketed the name-tag and replaced it with a handkerchief, offering it to the man. She always kept one on her, since she had a habit of crying herself. Sometimes, the stress of not having a voice got to her, it being a constant reminder of her loss. Her sweet smile was encouraging, even though her thoughts were still a bit suspicious. She knew appearances could be deceiving, no matter how much this man looked like a normal, grieving human being.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward finally managed to track down the man he had been ordered to follow, sighing inwardly. "Good...he hasn't killed himself yet." He looked out from an alley, watching the man drink away his sorrows. "Ugh...I'm so bored...It might be a little fun if he actually did kill himself...Sure, Ash would scold me, but it's better that this..." He straighted, fingering the hilt of one of his sword, Yin. "...Whatever. He looks good enough to me." Edward set off at lightning speeds, heading toward Ash's lair.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Ash could sense Edwards presence before he got to the door. He looked over at Yuki. "It seems that I can go ahead and introduce you to your partner in crime." He watched the door fly open and a handsome young man walk through. "Yuki meet Edward."

He turned his attention to Edward. "Edward this is Yuki. I felt it best for you two to be partners in that area of town. Oddly, several exorcist have picked up residence their. You can use all the help you can get." He waited for Edward to resist.

"Please, you two, have a seat and get better aquainted. He smiled sweetly but as always his eyes remained neutral giving an air of fakeness to everything he said.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke took the handkerchief and nodded a thankyou. He wipped his almost dry eyes. He looked back up to see her fumble to get something. "Raine? Your name is Raine?" He asked not fully grasping the concept. "I'm Locke." He pointed is thumb to his chest as a jester.

He looked down at his watch and noticed the late time. "What are you doing here?" He asked. Then he thought for a minute. "You can't talk, can you." It wasn't a question. He finally picked up on the hint from when she pulled out a name tag. He shoved the handkerchief into his pocket asuming that she wouldn't want it back.

[Chaotic Hero]

Ash could sense Edwards presence before he got to the door. He looked over at Yuki. "It seems that I can go ahead and introduce you to your partner in crime." He watched the door fly open and a handsome young man walk through. "Yuki meet Edward."

He turned his attention to Edward. "Edward this is Yuki. I felt it best for you two to be partners in that area of town. Oddly, several exorcist have picked up residence their. You can use all the help you can get." He waited for Edward to resist.

"Please, you two, have a seat and get better aquainted. He smiled sweetly but as always his eyes remained neutral giving an air of fakeness to everything he said.

She gave a slight curtsey and a small smile.

"It’s nice to finally meet the great Edward." She said lengthening out her arm.

She glanced at his face he was a rather dashing young man. She watched as the fire made shadows dance on his face. He was very muscular. But his expressions were cold.

She looked down at her feet in embarrassment and muttered a small apology.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine nodded, a melancholic smile on her face. She hoped he wouldn't look down on her; many people ended up treating her different once they found out her little "inoconvenice." She was mute, not stupid. Her inablility to talk didn't take away her ablility to think. Actually, not being able to talk opened her mind to many other things that normal people never notice...One can learn a lot from just listening.

She tried to explain what she was doing. She couldn't tell him she was sulking...Even if she really wanted to, he doubted he knew sign language. She pointed to the tree, pointed to herself, then pointed to her head, tapping her skull. She smiled.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward stared at the offered hand for a moment, then looked up at Ash, clear disappointment on his face. "First you make me follow some human, now your trying to set me up with lesser Akuma? What are you playing at, sir?" He scowled, mind spinning with ideas and conjectures; he may have to obey Ash, but that didn't mean he had to trust him.

He sat down, ignoring the girl completely. "I don't need to work with anyone; I've been fine on my own up until now. I'm not becoming your babysitter." He was very cross now; his antisocialness got in the way of being polite.

[Chaotic Hero]

Edward stared at the offered hand for a moment, then looked up at Ash, clear disappointment on his face. "First you make me follow some human, now your trying to set me up with lesser Akuma? What are you playing at, sir?" He scowled, mind spinning with ideas and conjectures; he may have to obey Ash, but that didn't mean he had to trust him.

He sat down, ignoring the girl completely. "I don't need to work with anyone; I've been fine on my own up until now. I'm not becoming your babysitter." He was very cross now; his antisocialness got in the way of being polite.

Yuki bit her lip in frustration and anger. She allowed her arm to shake violently to release some of it.

"Lesser Akuma?" She murmured under her breath.

"Ya know you might actually be some what attractive if you weren’t such an arrogant fool." She said the room temperature going down drastically as she allowed her anger to wear on.

"With such hasty actions it’s a wonder how you can even manage to even control your powers. What can you do anyways shoot of your mouth."

She allowed her temper to get the better of her. She spun around on her heals curtseyed slightly to Ash and stormed out of the room with a slam of the door.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Ash's face remained neutral. He turned to watch Yuki on her way out the door.

"Edward, she is on the assignment whether you like it or not." He reminded him. "She will automatically go to the areas assigned. I suggest it wise to try and get on her good side. Yuki may be a lower class than you, but not by much. With a little more experiance she will be up to your standards. If you wanted I could have assigned someone completely useless to your case. It's just that more exorcist than you have noticed are around that area. Some of them with great potential and they are finally realizing their abilities. Some are even meeting up and forming groups." He rose one eye brow. "Your brother included." He was sure that would get his attention.

A butler walked in carrying a small plater of drinks. Ash had sent a message telepathically when Yuki was still there. There were three drinks being balanced. He took one and set it on the table next to him, then he handed Edward one. "Yuki won't be joining us." The butler nodded and went through the door he came in.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Raine nodded, a melancholic smile on her face. She hoped he wouldn't look down on her; many people ended up treating her different once they found out her little "inoconvenice." She was mute, not stupid. Her inablility to talk didn't take away her ablility to think. Actually, not being able to talk opened her mind to many other things that normal people never notice...One can learn a lot from just listening.

She tried to explain what she was doing. She couldn't tell him she was sulking...Even if she really wanted to, he doubted he knew sign language. She pointed to the tree, pointed to herself, then pointed to her head, tapping her skull. She smiled.

He shrugged, "You...were... admiring the beauty of the tree?" He shook his head possitve that wasn't it. I was never good at cherades. He half laughed at the thought.

Still he had to find someway to communicate with her. He wanted to know more about her. Thirsted for it even. Maybe she was the key to unlocking his memory and solving his problems. "Do you wan't to go get a coffee." He asked. He wasn't sure if she would approve of someone she had never met before asking her out. He did look a little bit shady running from the graveyard straight to the place she was at. He wouldn't be surprised if she disagreed. A gust of wind blew his crimson hair into his face. He brushed it out of his face only to have it return.

[7000dominos]

((hey, Cross, d'you ever decide who choose what they lose?? And also...hey! I'm online!))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Yeah, the choose in OOC:

Whoot!))

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

If speak of his brother sparked his intrest, he dare not show it to Ash. He took the glass from the butler, sipping as he milled over what Ash had said. "...If I don't have to track any weepy humans anymore, I'll work with her." A devilish smile twisted his handsome face. "Besides...Exorcist are MUCH more fun to play with."

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine opened her mouth in a silent laugh when he came up with what he thought she meant, shaking her head fervently. It was nowhere close, but at least he tried.

She thought about his offer. Of course, she didn't know for sure if this man wasn't an Akuma, but she felt a sort of...kindred between the two. If anything, his life had as much darkness than hers did. She twirled her finger in her brown locks, looking at the dark sky. It had gotten late since she had been sitting there, and she was hungry...And Raine wasn't one to refuse a free meal. Finally, she nodded, smiling.

[Cross_of_Swords]

If speak of his brother sparked his intrest, he dare not show it to Ash. He took the glass from the butler, sipping as he milled over what Ash had said. "...If I don't have to track any weepy humans anymore, I'll work with her." A devilish smile twisted his handsome face. "Besides...Exorcist are MUCH more fun to play with."

"Thats what I had in mind." He took another sip from the glass. His cool lips left proof from where they had drank from the glass. "You see, lower class akuma are being killed by these exorcist. I want them to have a chance to be victorious. Against humans they at least have a chance. But against an Exorcist. Well you get the point." He folded one leg over the other. "So, you'll accept her help." It wasn't a question, but not a demand either.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward took another sip. "I don't need help...but I will work with her...for now." He finished off the drink, setting the glass down on a nearby table. "I hope you don't expect me to do things like this all the time. I do have my pride." Ash had control over his body, but not his mind. "At least she doesn't seem like she'll weigh me down too much." He fingered the rim of the glass, face unreadable. "So, we're to go to town and destroy any exorcist on sight, hunting them down to extinction? Or, do you want us to wait in the shadows, killing them only when they try to kill us?"

[Cross_of_Swords]

Raine opened her mouth in a silent laugh when he came up with what he thought she meant, shaking her head fervently. It was nowhere close, but at least he tried.

She thought about his offer. Of course, she didn't know for sure if this man wasn't an Akuma, but she felt a sort of...kindred between the two. If anything, his life had as much darkness than hers did. She twirled her finger in her brown locks, looking at the dark sky. It had gotten late since she had been sitting there, and she was hungry...And Raine wasn't one to refuse a free meal. Finally, she nodded, smiling.

Locke finally let out the breath he had been holding. "Good. Its a nice night why don't we walk." It was the best excuse for not having a car with him.

There was a dirt path that was visible by the moonlight. They both walked down it the silence not akward but rather comforting. It was a little over a block to the coffee shop. He would have plenty of time to know all he needed to know about her.

The blued moonlight played shadows across his pale skin. He looked to his left and noticed that it did the same on her complextion as well.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Edward took another sip. "I don't need help...but I will work with her...for now." He finished off the drink, setting the glass down on a nearby table. "I hope you don't expect me to do things like this all the time. I do have my pride." Ash had control over his body, but not his mind. "At least she doesn't seem like she'll weigh me down too much." He fingered the rim of the glass, face unreadable. "So, we're to go to town and destroy any exorcist on sight, hunting them down to extinction? Or, do you want us to wait in the shadows, killing them only when they try to kill us?"

"Thats all I'm asking for Edward. Besides you sound like you approve more of killing Exorcist. I dare not put you on that job alone. Not until you've had more experience. This is the only way to get any." He paused. "If you wait there will be a chance for them to kill the lower levels. Don't take them for granted. I wouldn't put two of my stronger Akuma on this assignment if I didn't need to." He thought that would be enough of a hint to point him in the direction of removing all Exorcist from this place. Besides. If they could be brought back to life as Akuma just imagine their potential! A grin creeped on his face from the thought.

[GrayRose]

Muna was on a mission, a mission for coffee! She lesuirly strolled down the side walk to the coffee house. She opened the door that ran with obnoxiouse bells and the cashier looked up from her seventeen magizene. Muna walked up to the counter with the biggest smile on her vocie and said in a sing song voice, "I'll have on esspresso with a vanilla shot, one hazelnut coffee and..." She hadn't thought what she wanted, she was too busy thinking about how her parents hadn't moved from eachother's side since her father's return from the dead. She scanned the menu for something.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine noticed his gaze, smiling. She looked at the moon; nights were beautiful, but the always brought a feeling of unease to her, along with a wave of melancholy. The unease for the Akuma wandering around, the melancholy for the memories the night brought of her parents and their deaths. She shivered at the thought.

Before she knew it, they were at the coffee shop. She opened the door, blinking against the brightness inside. The wondrous smell assaulted her nose, her mouth wandering and her stomach grumbling. The cashier greet them with a overly blissful smile. "What can I get you, lady?" Raine eyes scanned the menu. She tugged on the mans sleeve, pointing at a hot chocolate and a chocolate eclair.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward watched Ash's grin uneasy, rising to his feet. "Well, I best find the girl...Yuki did you say? The night is young, and I want to have some fun before daybreak." He flashed a devious grin, waving a hand as he walked out the door. He head after the girl, hoping he would find her soon.

[GrayRose]

Muna finally had made up her mind, "I'll have decafe with a shot of villina, to go!" The obnoxiuse bells rang agian and Muna smiled at the two strangers entering, a man and a woman. The cashier greeted them warmly, Oh, so they get the warm welcome; and you haven't even filled my order! she thought. But the she shrugged it off and sat down at a near by table and waited for the couple to order. She couldn't stop smiling, her father was back from the dead and at home with her mother reminising about... I must be too excited to remember things, she thought flippantly. It still amused her that one of the first things her father asked of her was for hazlenut coffee! It was just like him, to leave the past behind and focas on the now.

[Chaotic Hero]

Yuki wandered the town inspecting every person diligently. She kicked a pop can into the gutter and started ranting under her breath.

"Lesser Akuma! Baa! I'll show him lesser Akuma I shall complete this mission by myself and we'll see what he has to say about that!"

She let out a hefty sigh and stopped walking completly.


"Are you going to hide back there all day?" She asked the young Akuma as he followed her.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Edward snorted, walking up in stride with her. "I thought I was plan as day. It surprised me you didn't notice earlier." His fowl move was over now; he just felt like being particularly cynical to this girl.

"I pardon my behavior earlier. You caught me at a bad time." He smiled, white teeth flashing dangerously. "I hope we can learn to work...together."

Ash must be rubbing off on me, Edward thought a bit bitterly. Nevertheless, he kept up his plastered on smile for the girl, amusment twinkling in his eye.

[Chaotic Hero]

Yuki raised an eyebrow but didn't return his smile.

"You’re still on thin ice bub!" She murmured obviously still angry.

"So what are your fighting methods?" She asked curiously quickening her pace. "You look like the kind of akuma who doesn’t wait for a battle plan...no offense." She said placing her hands up in a defensive motion.

She knelt down on one knee inspecting the foot prints in front of her looking for anything to tip of that an excirsist had been threw here. She had changed out of the formal dress she had been wearing at Ash's mansion.

She was now wearing a pair of loose fitting jeans, a baggy, aqua blue sweet shirt, and a pair of old tennis shoes. She looked up at him awaiting his answer.

[Wolfgang Hype]

{(Well I'm back, how much did I miss?)}

[GrayRose]

((Not much Muna traded her memories for her dad; two akuma were sent by ash to exterminate exorsists; Two exorsists are at a coffe shop (Muna is there as well), but other than that nothing much has happened.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Raine noticed his gaze, smiling. She looked at the moon; nights were beautiful, but the always brought a feeling of unease to her, along with a wave of melancholy. The unease for the Akuma wandering around, the melancholy for the memories the night brought of her parents and their deaths. She shivered at the thought.

Before she knew it, they were at the coffee shop. She opened the door, blinking against the brightness inside. The wondrous smell assaulted her nose, her mouth wandering and her stomach grumbling. The cashier greet them with a overly blissful smile. "What can I get you, lady?" Raine eyes scanned the menu. She tugged on the mans sleeve, pointing at a hot chocolate and a chocolate eclair.

Locke took the menu from Raine's hand and showed it to the cashier. "Well have one order of the chocolate eclair and two hot chocolates, please.."

The lady nodded, "That will be $7.75." He pulled out his wallet and took out a ten dollar bill. She agreed to go with him it was the least he could do to pay for her. The lady handed him back his changed with a forced smile.

In no time the lady came back with two drinks and the eclair. He took the tray carring it to the back of the restraunt. "Lets get a table in the back." He responded leading the way. He sat down at a table for two near the window.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

((Yeah, and Ash is at his mansion right now...))

[GrayRose]

after the couple got their order Muna was steaming, So they just walk in and get their orders, and I was here first... ah! She stormed up to the counter, "Listen, chick, I was here first and not only do you let them order before you fill mine, you serve thme before me! Now I'd appreciate it if you get around to getting my coffe." The girl behind the counter glared at her, "Well, I'm sorry miss, but I've been alittle overwhelmed tonight." "Bull sh.it! You've got three people in this joint! Now are you going to fill my damn order or argue with me?" "Listen, lady, I do not have to fill your order, so just take a chill pill." Muna's face was beet red and her fists were clentched, "Listen, smart ass, all want is my coffee; the sooner you get your bimbo blonde head out of Seventeen and fill my order, the sooner I leave!" Both girls were pissed off.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine tried to hide her silent giggles with a hand as she walked past the two fuming girls at the counter. The ability to talk had its plus sides...For Raine, at least. She let herself be lead by the man, sitting down at the table indicated.

She looked outside the window at the moon for a moment, then back at the stranger. He looked...troubled. Troubled was a complete euphemism to what he looked like, but she decide to put it in simplest terms. She yerned to look into his mind, to see if she could soothe his heart, but resisted. The mind was the only place people could truly be by themselve. To invade it without permission would be...vile.

Raine placed her chin on her hands, tilting her head to the side in a question. Her face was calm, but encouraging.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Raine tried to hide her silent giggles with a hand as she walked past the two fuming girls at the counter. The ability to talk had its plus sides...For Raine, at least. She let herself be lead by the man, sitting down at the table indicated.

She looked outside the window at the moon for a moment, then back at the stranger. He looked...troubled. Troubled was a complete euphemism to what he looked like, but she decide to put it in simplest terms. She yerned to look into his mind, to see if she could soothe his heart, but resisted. The mind was the only place people could truly be by themselve. To invade it without permission would be...vile.

Raine placed her chin on her hands, tilting her head to the side in a question. Her face was calm, but encouraging.

Locke stirred his coco with the straw. He looked up at her curious face. "Oh! My names Locke." He was confinced that this wasn't a dream anymore.

He noticed that her expression of worry didn't change. He smiled reasuringly, "Don't worry about me, I'm just crazy." He choked a laugh. He hessitated for a moment, "Um...Not to seem forward, but" he took a deep breath. "Not to sound corny or anything. But I've seen you in my dreams." Dreams wasn't the right word. "Well, I normally have hints to something might happen...and...well." His words started to speed up as he neared the end.

[GrayRose]

Muna tapped her fingers obnoxiously on the counter. Finaly the girl behind the counter got her coffee, slamming them on the counter. She gritted her teeth, "Have a nice day mam'." Muna smiled sarcasicly, "Oh, I will and I look forward to doing bussiness with you again... soon!" "as do I." They glared for a moment then Muna grabbed the bag that held her coffee in triump. She went for the door and looked at the couple, "Sorry for the noise, have a nice night!" She smiled and walked out.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine smiled at the girl, waving happily. She froze for a moment, staring at the door. Was it her imagination, or did she smell an...Akuma on the girl? She shook her head, rejecting the thought. She didn't seem like she was grieving over anyone, and she was still in one piece...

She turned back to Locke, mouthing his name to make sure he knew she understood. She sipped on her coco through a straw, listening carefully to what he said.

Dreams? It sounded like to her that he was having premonitions with her involved...But why her? She stared at him, deep in thought. What did they have in common...She felt something before, but now what he said really opened the feeling in her...She patted him on the shoulder, still smiling, as if to say it wall okay. She didn't think he was crazy, he just needed to let out his bottled up feelings. And Raine was the perfect person for that.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke smiled looking at her. She knows something. He suspected. He was dying to know. He took another sip of his coco. "Do you have any ideas?" He asked her directly this time. He noticed her mouth his name and nodded in response. He rested his head on his hand that was propped on the table. He yawned the endless days without a good nights sleep was starting to get to him.((Why is it that everytime I say a character of mine yawns I do!))

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

((Cuz joo krazy?))

Raine smiled, siping her coco. He didn't understand how hard it was to fight the urge to just peer into his mind to see the answer for herself. She took the napkin out from under the eclair, producing a pen from her pocket. She quickly scrawled a note, slidding it in front of him.

I don't think you're crazy. You were probably having a premonition or something. Why of me...I can't fathom it. Maybe we're connected somehow.

She watched him yawn, smiling. She wasn't tired at all; she never seemed to need much sleep now adays.

[Cross_of_Swords]

He read the note a laugh excaping from his thin lips. But he couldn't ignore the fact that his life had revolved around turning his brother into an Akuma, then realizing he was an exorcist. Unless...

Should I ask her about it? Maybe she is an Exorcist too! But what if she just thinks that I'm crazy. Locke could smell Akuma on her, but you could smell it on him too. What if she's Akuma. Nonsense! My dreams have never sent me a message that far off before! Then again that might be his wishful thinking.

He hesitated again. "Do you believe in Akuma or Exorcist." If all else fails he could just pretend to start a conversation about a book he read involving them.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine's eyes widened for a second. She looked around, making sure no one was watching. The only people who knew, or even believed, such things were Ash, the Akuma themselves, or exorcists. She still couldn't believe he was an Akuma, but she just didn't want to blurt out her position to just anyone. She scrawled another note, sliding it over to him.

Did you make a deal with the devil and lose, too?

She figured only exorcist would know the answer to that one. Even the Akuma shouldn't know that the exorcist loose more than the one dear to them. She nibbled on her eclair, eyes watching Locke carefully.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke's mouth went dry. She did know he was talking about! He looked up at her making eye contact and nodded. His voice was a dull whisper. "I lost all the memories that I had with my brother." His tone sounded sad. He allready guessed what she had lost.

He finished the rest of his coco. "Umm...Sir we're about ready to close....Not to be rude or anything." He nodded at she looked relieved that she wouldn't have to deal with another customer that wouldn't agree with her. He looked over to see if Raine was almost done.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine eyes widened. His memories of his brother...It was obviously the person he tried to bring back...But losing all your memories? Even the good ones? She didn't know if she could go on without looking back on the good times with her parents. For him, only knowing his brother as a monster...

She poined at her throat sadly. It pained her not having a voice. When she was younger, her dream was to be a singer. Her parents even took her to lessons. Her teacher said she had great potential. That dream was crushed in one night.

She heard the woman shout at them. She smiled sheepishly, drinking the rest of he coco, ans stuffed the half-eaten eclair in her mouth. Standing up, she looked back at Locke. They had much to talk about.

[GrayRose]

Muna ran home and burst through the door, "I'm home, you don't know how much trouble I went through to get this! I hope I got your orders right." She didn't hear a respondse, her heart beat wildly. I knew it was too good to be true; what has happened? She ran into the living room where her mother sat looking out the window silently. Muna quickly put the coffee on the table and ran beside her mother, who didn't even seem to notice she was there. "Mom, mom, what's wrong? Where's dad?" She crouched down beside the chair placing a comforting hand on her mother's knee and looking into her eyes. Her mother just stared at her for a long time them said, "He just left. He was kissing me and he just left. a shadow seemed to fall over his face and his eyes went blank. He didn't even say goodbye... he just... left. I kept calling his name, he didn't even turn around or winc; he kept walking towards the door. I tried to go after him, but I couldn't manuver my wheel chair down the front steps." She tried to fight back tears, "Oh, Muna, all I could do was sit in the cursed chair and watch him leave, shouting his name." Her mother clentched her hand and Muna sqeezed back; she was crying too. "which way did he go, mommy?" Her mother choaked down tears, "To the left and then turned the corner." Muna sqeezed her mother's hand and stood up, "Don't worry mommy, I'm going to find dad. When we get back, everything will be ok; I'm sure." She ran out the door.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke escorted her to the door. The night air welcomed them with his cool breeze. It felt good after being in the coffee shop. He took it in for a moment not going anywhere. The door shut behind them with an annoying ping.

He looked over at Raine. "Where to now? My place, your place, walk?" He guessed almost simultaneously.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine shivered; the night air was cold. She swallowed the remains of her eclair, pondering his question. To let a man inside her house was almost unthinkable; her grandmother had pounded the evils of men into her head since she was little. The prospect of the being alone in that big house was frightening, but something in the back of her mind still refused. Going into a man's house was almost as bad, or even worse, than letting him in her own house. She felt that she could easily defend herself if it came to that...But she rather not risk it.

She held out her palm, walking two fingers across it, and smiled at him. They still had much to talk about. Something pricked her senses. She froze, whipping out a dagger in the blink of an eye, seemingly out of nowhere. She put a finger to her lips, her carmel eyes scanning the area. Suddenly, a man came lumbering out from around the corner, as if posed by something. He noticed the two, and came straight for them. The stench of him was overwhelming; It was an Akuma! She groped at her bath, then scowled. She didn't bring her broadsword with her, or even her roll of needles.. She would have to rely on her daggers alone.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

((Gah....I gotta go....Bye!))

[GrayRose]

The moment Muna ran out the door she noticed a strange odor and ssome how knew if she followed it she would find her father. It started out faint, but quickly grew stronger. She ran faster than she ever had, her heart was pounding in her chest and her breath because short shallow gasps. The smell was pungent now, it only made her run faster. Finnaly she saw him, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" He didn't turn around. Now Muna was frightened. No matter how loud she yelled he didn't turn around. Now she was about five feet away from him and slowing down, that's when she noticed the couple from the coffee shop. Fancy seeing you here, she thought. She came to a jog and hugged him from behind. She wrapped her arms around his, pinning them to his sides. She burred her face in his back crying, her vocie was muffeled, "Why did you leave mommy? We need you, we have to go back to normal! You don't know what these past few months have been like, everything has gone wrong. You can't leave again, ever." He had stopped and touched her hands with his. "I know it's been hard on you, birdy, but I have something I need to do right now. Go back home and be with your mother," he said creepily sedate. "No!" she screamed, "You're coming back now! You're need at
home!"

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke pulled his hand gun out from under his shirt tale aiming at the staggering man. The girl from the coffee shop was following him.

"Daddy?" She called. Locke felt his heart sink. His mouth now felt dry. Why did Ash insist on doing cold-hearted deads. It was almost unbearable. Locke didn't want to kill anyone, but if she got in the way she may die too.

[GrayRose]

Muna heard the sound of the safety being turned off a gun, her eyes flashed open. Her father pulled her arms away and began walking towards the man from the coffee shop, who was the one with the gun. She ran in front of her father, inbetween him and the gun. She streached her arms out yelling, "Daddy, are you crazy, you're going to die again. and you can't, things will be even worse than before!" He continued walking. She turned around to face the man, "Please don't shoot my father, he never deserves to die; he's a good man and he doesn't want to hurt you. Please, don't take him away from me." "Muna get out of the way," her father said in a monotone vocie. "No!" She screeched, "Not until we go home!"

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke's eyes were apologetic as if to say 'sorry' in advance. "Get behind us." He warned knowingly that she would not obey. "He's not your father. Not anymore."

The breeze this time didn't feel so good. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. There was a trace of moisture in the air. The moon played hide and seek behind the passing clouds making the street lamp the only real source of light.

"Please." He almost begged, "Please move."

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine watched as the girl fought with what was once her father, a mixture of sadness and rage building in her chest. Sadness, for she knew what the girl was going to. She had tried to reason with her parents, tried to get them to remember the good times, as her mother pinned her down as father choked her. She could still remember his clammy hands, with her waking many a times in the middle of the night, still feeling those hands around her throat. She could do nothing as her parents ripped each other apart, just to save her from themselves. That had been the last time she screamed, before her voice belonged to Ash.

The rage was seeing what Ash had done to yet another child, making them watch what they knew as their parent slowly lose themselves, becoming a monster. She had to kill the Akuma, before it killed any innocent. Not only that, but she had to put this poor soul to rest. She needed to make the daughter see that this was not her father anymore.

The girl's pleas broke her heart, but she knew this was not the father she knew. He was a monster, and he had to be destroyed, before he destroyed what he once loved. Raine raised her dagger to her lips, giving it a kiss. It shone with a blinding white light. She threw it at the feet of the Akuma. When it hit the ground, silver threads shot up, circling around the man. It wouldn't hurt him, but it would bind him from movement for a while. She wanted to have enough time to explain to the girl that this was not the father she knew, and if she couldn't do that...Hopefully, Locke would know what to do. She charged at the girl, grabbing her and dragging her to the ground, a safe distance from the Akuma, in case worse came to worse.

[GrayRose]

Muna yelped startled when the silver dagger landed between her father's feet, "Daddy!" she screamed when the silver threads began to entwine him. The moment she scream she felt a great force hit her from the side and her body hit pavement. The girl was pinning her down. "Help! Help!" she screamed, "They're trying to murder us! They're trying to kill us!" No one seemed to hear; they were in the middle of an empty park. She twisted and squirmed but the girl had a tight grip on her. She yelled, "What do you want money? I'll give you everything I have!" She looked over and saw her father struggleing out of the treads. "Why do you want to hurt us, we've been through so much already," she said quietly. "Please, as a human being, leave my father and I alone. We just want to go home, please." She was crying now and quickly losing energy, but she saw that her father only gain streangth from his growing rage. She could just see into his eyes, but they were not his. They were full of hate; he had a look on his face of pure loathing that she had never seen in her life. She was only getting more hopless and weak as time went on.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine shifted so the girl would have room to move, but still keep an iron grip on her arms. Her face broke into a melancholic smile; her eyes became over-bright with unshod tears. She knew how this girl must be feeling; she had felt it herself, she still felt it to this day. The thought of losing your parents twice, having them displayed in front of your face just for them to be taken away from you again was enough to make you want to end your own life. But the girl was being unreasonable! Raine was not going to let someone else get hurt just because of this girl's selfish desire to see her father again. She had learned her lesson when she tried it herself.

"Please...Understand me. That...is not who...once was. Akuma. Monster. Killer."

The voice was shaky, but sure. Raine's lips had not moved. She had sent the message directly to the girls brain. Raine only relied on this method when there was no other way to express what she needed to say. Not only so people wouldn't think her strange, but Raine still wasn't skilled at talking with telekinesis. It put a strain on her mind, and she was rather good at making her point clear without it. But she had to have this girl understand.

"I know...your feelings. I know...because I also...."

Tears now flowed down her cheeks, and Raine was unable to stop them. She knew; She knew how this girl felt. Raine pleaded the girl with her eyes. Understand...Understand...

[GrayRose]

Muna heard a soft beautiful vocie in her head, her first thought were, That sound matches the girl. She stopped struggling and layed on the pavement with tears flowing onto the cold surface. Suddenly she heard a huge cry, the sound of beast comming from her father. He had somehow broken out of his restraints and ran to Muna. He reached under the girls body to his daughter and forcefully pulled her out. Once Muna was free he started to violently shake her by the shoulders, yelling in her face, "Muna! I said get out of here!" He then thrust her to the side. She was wailing now. Then the girls "words" made sence; her father was not the type of man to hurt anyone, let alone his own daughter. He was a monster and she understood this. But there was still a part of her that wanted to take her father away and lock him up forever, just to see him. No, no, she thought, running to the man holding the gun. That wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be fair to him, to me or to mom. That's not my father anymore. That thing is a demon. She held her hand out to the man as her father slowly advanced upon them, "Please, give me the gun. I don't want a stranger to kill him; let me do it." Her eyes were sincere. "Let me put down my own dog."

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke walked toward her a dissapointed look on his face. "I can't do that. The only bullets that work in this gun come from my Aura. Not to mention that he has to be killed by an anti-akuma weapon or he won't go to heaven. He handed her the gun as proof keeping an eye on her 'father'. "With saying that there is a sure bet that your father will lead a happy after life. Will you let me rid him. If I don't and Ash get to him he will live in eternal damnnation." He paused. "I'm sure you don't want that to happen. Not to mention I'm not sure what would happen if a human kills him. It's better to be safe than sorry."

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine listened to Locke, a look of sadness on her face. She understood where he was coming from, and yet...

An idea hit her, she looked at the girl, her eyes thougtful.

"Have you....lost anything? Memories....voice..." The question went into both Locke's and the girl's mind. Maybe if she lost something, she gained something too, like Locke's premonitions and Raine's telekenisis. If she did...She may be able to send her father to heaven.

[GrayRose]

Muna thought, I still have my voice, my hearing, touch... I remember the time when... now when was that... She froze, "Oh my God, I can't remember anything! I can't remember the day he died or him being at my birthdays." He father was slowly approaching now with both hatetred and sarrow in his eyes.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke stood in confusion. What was going on? They got all silent all of a sudden. He didn't move, almost afraid to disrupt the peace. ((sorry short post ><))

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine looked at Locke, eyes pleading.

"Maybe...is an exorcist...We should...let her do it herself...Find some...weapon..."

This statment was for Locke's mind alone. The next was for both. She watched the approaching man warily.

"Can you...fight? Dagger...hands...feet..."

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke contiplated the idea. "How can we be sure?" He asked still not convinced.

He held up the gun pointing it at the staggering man. "Whatever it is, make up your minds before I do it for you. Do you wan't to risk it!?" His tone was more hesitant. He knew how she felt. He would kill if someone reached his brother before him. He didn't even want another exorcist to do it. It was the least he could do for Edward. "It's your decision."

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

((Crap. I gotta go soon...Well, I'm supposed to be off now...But I'll see how long I can last...))

[Cross_of_Swords]

(( Nevermind.))

[GrayRose]

((I know, I just replyied))

"Fight?" Muna said treambling. "I thaught myself a few things from a book I read from the store I work in." She looked around her and saw a fallen tree branch. She ran to it, testing it quickly to see if it was sturdy. Indeed in was solid. She ran to her father and knocked him in the knees. "agh!" He screamed as he fell to the ground. She put her knee between his shoulder blades and held her make shift staff at two ends puting it under her father's chin. "I love you daddy, I'll love you forever." She whispered into his ear. She looked at the two and said, "If I do it now, will he go to heaven?"

[Cross_of_Swords]

"I can't be sure. The only way to be sure is if your an exorcist. Do you have any new abilities that...I don't know...That you didn't have before." He tried to choose his words with care. But they also had to hurry. He was sure that if someone saw this they would report it to the police. If I'm correct then she may be a staff or a sword weilder. She may be able to use any type of weapon like that and it would be efficiant to use as an anti-akuma weapon just like I can with any gun. All she needs is the power within her. He didn't want to give her false hope so he kept the thought to himself.

[GrayRose]

"I don't know! I just made the deal this afternoon!" she felt her father's hands come up to throw her off of him. "God damn it dad! Be still!" She shouted this and his arms fell to the ground, but they were stuggleing to come up. "What the Hell did you do to me Muna, I can't move!" he father seemed to be panicking. She looked to the man, "Does that mean anything?"

[Cross_of_Swords]

"Just do it! Just have faith, you appear to have the potential of an exorcist. Risk it." He couldn't help but noticed that her problems struck to close to his. She would regret it if she didn't kill him herself. "He'll go to heaven." he reassured her even though he wasn't sure it was true. "Do it now before he turns on you!" He was unaware the he himself was screaming. He was focusing his energy into the gun ready to pull the trigger if she didn't act soon. All Akuma had to be ridded of this world.

[GrayRose]

"I love you daddy," Muna said again as she tightened he grip on the staff. "I love you too, Muna. Tell your mother not to give up; I love her forever." The small human part shown through and Muna wanted it to be the last thing he did. With all of her strength she pulled back on the staff quickly; she heard the snap of his neck and threw up. His head fell lifelessly to the ground, but he was smiling serenely. Muna smiled as well and crawled over to him. She flipped his body over and craddled his head in her arms, "I'm sorry I did that to you." She kissed him on the cheek and closed his eyes. She was crying, but they were tears of relief.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke watched as her father almost disinigrated into light springing towards the clouds. "You did it...Your an Exorcist." He felt relief fill his body as he heard his own words. "Now it's your job to protect humans from the Akuma. It always surprised him how the Akuma's human form showed through the darkness as they died. It made his job worth while. "Do you understand." He wanted to clarify. He put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm Locke." He nudged toward Raine, "Thats Raine. We too are Exorcists like you." His tone was soft.

[GrayRose]

Her father dissenagrated out of her hands, "Goodbye agian daddy." She looked to the man, "What exactly is an Exorstis or akuma? I'm so confused." She moaned, "How can I go homw to my mother now? How can I explain to her that I killed dad? What am I saposed to do?" She dropped her head in despaire.

[Cross_of_Swords]

"You'll think of something." He paused. "Akuma are demons created by Ash. No one knows what he is, how old he is, or how he makes them. But he does and he feeds off the despair of humans. Taking an advantage of their depression. He plans to create an army of Akuma. Basically Akuma are vengeful spirits that only seek to cause pain. They respond to Ash's demands. They have no choice but to obey. Exorcists were created to keep everything undercontrol. Unfortunatly there is none as strong as Ash. We have to team up and defeat him. Then all this will end." He looked at her to see if she understood.

[GrayRose]

"I am begining to understand," Muna said. "But I'd like to talk to you more. Could we meet somewhere tomarrow?"

[Cross_of_Swords]

He nodded, "You choose, I'll be there." He was willing to do whatever it took to get every single exorcist on his side. He had to build up the alliance. He would sacrifice anything to end this. His time was nothing. "Raine will come too?" He looked to see Raine's expression.

[GrayRose]

"Ok," Muna said, "I work in an antique book store; I have a feeling some of those old volumes might help us. We close at four, so come in at three fourty-five and we'll discuss this in the back room. If that's ok?" ((I'm going to bed now, I'll be on early tomarrow morning and maybe late tomarrow night.))

[Cross_of_Swords]

"Thats perfect" He said. ((Crap another short post. I run out of ideas. Night!))

[GrayRose]

Muna stood and nodded, wiping away tears. "I'll see you tomarrow." She started walking towards home, but thought the better of it. Tonight she could not face her mother, she could not be in the house that her father had lived in, she could not be where so many happy memories had happened- even if she couldn't remember them. So she headed towards the book store, there was a small cot in the back from when some one would stay overnight to gaurd the building- but no one had done that for many years. She unlocked the door and quickly punched in her security code. as she walked to the back passing many must books she thought, One of you may hold the key to stopping the devil. She opened the back door and layed down on the cot, soon she was asleep.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine's body heaved in a silent sigh; she had been holding her breath for a while through the whole ordeal. She had hoped with all her being that the girl, Muna, the man had said, was indeed an exorcist, so that she could send her father off herself. Her body was drained, as well as her mind. She had used her telekinesis too much that night. She stood, only to have her legs collapse under her. Her mind was reeling, and she could feel a killer headache coming on. That would be the last time she would think so much and so hard in one night. She looked up at Locke, a drunken smile on her face.

"Take me...Home..."

Her beautiful mind-voice was marred with terrible slurring. She was awarded with a strike of pain with the effort. Her lips parted in a silent groan, rubbing her temples to try to soothe the pain.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke caught her with one arm before she hit the ground. "Whoa! Easy now." He heard her voice in his head. He hesitated to ask his next question afraid that she would strain herself when answering. "W-where do you live?" He considered just taking her to his house but didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

With his free hand he shethed the gun. The night air sent a frigid shiver down his spine causing the hairs on his arms to prickly under the goosebumps. He noticed that the same was happening to Raine. He unbuttoned his dress shirt and slid it over Raine's shoulders. He didn't wear a shirt under the one before. His pale torso was apparent in the given moonlight. His white skin almost seemed blue because of the light reflected from the moon.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine clutched his arm, head spinning. Her body shook; not just from the now frigid night air, but from the strain on her body. She still lived at her grandparents empty house. It may have cause her discomfort to be completely alone in such a big place, but the big house was completely paid off and furnished, so she never bothered to look for another place.

"Brick house...21st street...Key...pocket-...."

Her body heaved in completely silent coughs. She grasped at her throat as it constricted, making it difficult to breath. When the fit calmed, she slumped against his chest, eyes closed. Her breathing was faint as she faded in and out of consciousness.

[Cross_of_Swords]

He lifted her up and cradled her in his arms. "Thats fine only what, like ten blocks. I can carry you that far." His voice was sarcastic. He looked down at her angelic face feeling relaxed again.

Once he finally made it to the house he propped her against the porch. "Pocket, huh?" He gulped. "I don't want to seem like I'm groping her!" He reached into her front pocket and was relieved that he managed to find the key on his first try. He unlocked the door and picked her up again. He swiched on a few lights and laid her gently on the couch in the living room. "Should I go?" He asked himself. He looked at her a worry line forming on his brow. He didn't know if he should get her some help or if rest would be enough he bit his knuckle uncertain.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine's unconscious mind was assaulted with painful memories of better times slowly being ripped away from her with the shot of a gun. She ran toward her parents, who were forever fading more and more into the distance. After what seemed like an eternity of running, she made it up to her parents, becoming seven again. She wrapped her arms around her father's legs, looking up into his face. He only smiled at her, stroking her cheek. His hand slowly traveled to her throat; he grabbed her neck and yanked, ripping out her vocal cords. She slowly fell back, falling into darkness, her parents cold smiles following her all the way done.

She woke with a start, flinging up, her mouth open in a voiceless scream, a hand clutching her throat. Slowly, realization dawned on her, and she fell back into the couch, a hand over her eyes. Her head throbbed painfully; she tried choking back the tears.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke jumped by the sudden movement, "What!?" he was by her side again. He realized that he was clutching her hand and let go in embarassment. He looked at her his eyes pained realizing that her dreams too were haunted by the memories of her past. He was afraid to make eyecontact. Afraid to see the fear and pain that was hidden in her eyes. Afraid to see himself. He distracted himself by tucking her back under the blanket.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine moved her hand slightly to see Locke still at her side, tucking her in. She flashed a weak smile, her body still shaking from the dream, and head still throbbing from the strain.

Grabing Locke's hand before he could take it away, she opened his palm to her. Using a finger, she wrote A-S-P-R-I-N. Another weak smile and she let go of his hand, covering her eyes from the light again.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke wasn't sure what she spelled but he could guess. He walked down the hall to the bathroom and opened up the medicine cabinet. She took out two tablets of Advil. He then walked into the kitchen grabbing a glass and filling it full of water. He walked back to her side in the living room and handed her the medicine. "Feeling better?" He asked. He bent down to her level sitting on his knees. The shag carpet felt cusony under his tired legs.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine popped the pills into her mouth, taking a quick swig of water. Being that she wasn't tolerant to medicines, she quickly felt the effects of the Advil, her headache fizzing into an annoying buzz instead of a deafening roar. She smiled at Locke, nodding her head slowly. She truthful still felt pretty bad, but worry etched every line in his body, and she hated when people fussed over her.

She really wanted to sleep, but she had so many questions to ask him. She had never seen another exorcist besides herself. She absent-mindedly stared at his pale chest, mind wandering.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke noticed her staring at his chest and couldn't help but feel a little selfconscious. "Thats good." He said to divert himself away from the thought. "Are you gonna be okay for tonight? I mean do you want me to go?" He asked not really wanting to go back to his home alone for another night in a row. He realized that now he was just making excuses to stay. "I could stay here and help, if you want."

[7000dominos]

Kiara awoke late, feeling like she hadn't slept at all. Her dreams had been haunted with a thousand thoughts, all of them frightening, none of them real. Well, none of them seemed real. It was all too much to handle. Her dead brother wasn't really dead. Her mother had traded....something to get him back. But when he came back...he'd killed her? She hadn't thought of that before. But that would make sense. She thought of how her mother had changed after Jaden's death, and what had happened only days before she died....

She shook her head, trying to clear it. It was all too much. There had to be someone, something out there to make it clearer. Reaching across her dresser in the darkness, she felt Lucria's card, fingering it gently. Next to it, she felt the uneartly vibration radiating from her brother's letter...

[GrayRose]

Muna tossed and turned in her sleep. She dreamed of her father, a shining figure, bending down beside her bed and kissing her on the forehead. Don't fret, birdy, you did it, I'm in heaven. This time I'm not leaving. But I'll be here, in you dreams when you need me; just wear the cross when you sleep if you need help. In her dream she saw his very unreal, transparent hands lay a very real simple cross pendant of two nails attached by string with a lether cord in place of a chain on an upside-down crate that served as a night stand. Now sleep well dear, I've visited your mother as well; but do not tell her about that cross, she will not understand. He faded away. In the state after a vivid dream in which one is concious but still sleeping Muna's subconsious thought, Ok, but only when I really need to. But her rational consious told her that there would be no cross when she woke up.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

A deep voice broke her from her daze; she looked up into ruby orbs, worry lining the mans face. She smiled, waving a hand in the air to say she didn't mind. To make sure he understood the message, she pointed to the recliner next to the couch, inviting him to use it instead of the floor. Truthfully, she felt better when Locke was there, even if she didn't really know the man enough to fully trust him. another person in the house really helped to quell her paranoia of the "monsters" hiding in her closets. She reached for the coffee table, grabbing the remote for the big TV against the fair wall. She turned in on, reducing the volume to that of mere background noise so her headache wouldn't be induced again.

[7000dominos]

Kiara replaced her phone on her dresser, rubbing her eyes. She couldn't call. The woman was insane. Clearly. How could she believe in such nonsense? Evil necromancers and zombies walking the earth? It was absurd.

Outside, dawn was creeping toward the horizon, and Kiara had a class to teach in the morning. She needed to sleep. She crumbled up her brother's note together with Lucria's card and threw them away before collapsing on the bed, and pretending she couldn't feel the electric tingle running up and down her arm.

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke felt relieved that she invited him to stay. He pushed himself up off his knees and walked over to the recliener. He sat down and watched the channels fly by. "We're gonna meet Muna tomorrow to discuss...you know..." He didn't know how to fraze the last part. It had been the first time he'd ever met another exorcist. He knew that if he said the words they would seem fake and ruin the aura they actually held.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine hadn't heard him. She was already fast asleep.

She woke up a few hours later, the sun shining in her eyes. Goggly, she sat up, taking in her surroundings. After a moment, she finally realized where she was. She threw off her blanket, her mouth open in a yawn. A good, dreamless rest had completely cured her headache; she got to her feet, stretching. She noticed Locke sleeping in her recliner, a smile creeping on her face. Picking up the blanket, she draped it over him, then made her way to the kitchen down the hall. Getting some things together, she brewed up a pot of coffee, and started working on making bacon and scrambled eggs.

[GrayRose]

Muna woke at 6, not by sunlight streaming in through open windows or an alarmclock blareing the lastest rap song; but by her body telling her that it was time to face reality. She swung her feet over the bed and rubbed her face; she then walked over to the standing lamp in the corner to illuminate the windowless room. She had folded her clothes neatly on a chair the night before, she now put them on. Now she was nervous. She walked over to the possibly only chord-phone left in the whole town and called home; as exspected she got the answereing machine. It was odd hear her own vocie, "Hello, you've reached the Sewart residance. We are unavalible right now, so leave a message! We'll get back to you as soon as possible." at sound of her fake cherry vocie Muna rolled her eyes. "Beep." "Hey mom, it's Muna, I'm jsut calling to let you know I'm ok. I'm at the bookstore and I'll be here for a while, give me a call if you need anything," she knew her mother wouldn't. Swallowed the spit that had accumulated in her mouth, "I, uh, I found dad. He's, not... coming home. Ever. Just, please, call me when you get this. I'll be home around... 10 probably. Ok, bye mom, I love you."

[Cross_of_Swords]

Locke rolled over in his sleep. He stretched making the chair creak. He took a deep breath taking in the scent of breakfast. He stood up walking into the kitchen. "Something smells good." He smiled sure that he looked like crap.

He looked over at the clock on the stove. "10:15," He read the digital clock.

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

Raine smiled, pouring a cup of coffee. She handed it to Locke, then prepared a plate of food for him, setting down on the big dinning table. She fixed her own plate and cup of coffee, sitting down at the table.

[Cross_of_Swords]

((Theres no one on this roleplay anymore. We only have three exorcists! :mad: Our Ash even quite. I'm tempted to let it die!

Wait one Akuma...Baa's))

[GrayRose]

((Recruit, put it in your signature.))

[Baa.Baa.Blacksheep]

((It's not that bad...It's basically like Livi's))

[7000dominos]

((I don't really know what to do w/o Scorpio. I could play other characters, if you want. Lord knows I have nothing better to do. And by better I mean, "less academically beneficial"...))

[Cross_of_Swords]

((I'm taking off the people who havn't been here in forever.))

[scorpio grl]

{I'm back! ^^ Please excuse my extended absence; I didn't know I was going to be away for so long...^^;;;; If someone would care to fill me in, I'd be more than happy to start rping again....}