"No problem Kirtha, although I haven't thought about my plans this far. Im sorry, but what do you think we should do? I don't mind you staying here if you want, I can fit up to three other people including me, so there is plenty of space in here but what would you like to do? I don't want to sound controlling or anything like that but I want to see whats comfortable with you and what you want to do"

His question was rather straight forward and caught Kithra off guard, but then her guard was easy to topple. As he spoke she felt her mind go foggy again which was slightly annoying, though she was glad for it as it kept her from worrying too much. She cocked her head to the side as he gave her a stern look, she wasn't sure why he was looking her like that. Did she look like she wasn't going to take him seriously? Maybe she did, she was often told she looked like she didn't believe anyone. Well it served her well this far, even though she didn't mean to look that way.

She looked down at her feet and bit her lip before looking up with her head still cocked to the side, with her damp hair hanging. "Call me Kitty." She said softly as she smiled. She wasn't sure what they should do let alone what she should do. Though she was sure that she wanted him to call her Kitty, as her name sounded funny coming from him. Maybe it was his mind gift or maybe she was just feeling comfortable, both of which were dangerous and she knew it. But she just wanted to be safe and who ever could protect her she would most likely stay with, since she had no survival skills. She knew that if she stayed she would be well cared for and for the moment safe.

She shook her head and refocused on Damien and his silver and silvery blue eyes. "I would like to stay, but only if its okay with you." She paused biting her lip before continuing, "As to what we should do next I'm unsure, maybe wait here or depending on how long you have been staying here we should move." She said as she moved to sit in the passenger seat. She sat so her back was up against the door so she was looking at Damien, she was glad that he found her as she might of been caught or killed or died of the elements. So she felt like she owed him though she was unsure what to do for him. I could make a cake.... Wow that sounds stupid! Right make him a cake Kitty, you would look like a tool! She thought to herself as she felt her cheeks go pink at the thought. Maybe I could dance? She thought again and suddenly realized that he didn't ask her what her gift was. Most Gifted would want to know the others gift right off the bat, but he hadn't asked her. She suddenly had a new respect for him.

---

Lucky smirked and nodded before relaxing, after realizing that Thomas didn't mean him any harm. So far this was good he didn't have to be on the defensive, which was becoming tiring. One could only hold out for so long before the fight became too much, maybe if he had others with him it wouldn't be so bad. But he once trusted someone and that whole relationship ended horribly, he vowed never to trust someone fully. Sure he would trust them enough so that he felt a bit safe, but he would always keep an eye out to see if they were going to betray him. Damn Regulars, fucking up everything up! He thought before refocusing on Thomas.

"Okay, that gift isn't to bad if you wanted to steal something or what ever.... Where are you originally from?" He asked in a more relaxed tone to let the other guy know that he wasn't a threat. "You hungry? Come on lets get out of the open and head over to the rail cars." He said as he waved Thomas to follow him. He existed the old station house and looked around to make sure that the way was clear and that no one was around to watch them. He quickly walked across the platform onto and across the tracks to reach the old rail cars.

Once he reached the rail car he was using he threw open the door and jumped in and waited for Thomas to jump in, all the while he kept his eyes open for danger. He seriously felt like a meerkat, one standing guard while others did their thing. Maybe that's what us Gifted should be.... If only we could all trust each other. He thought as he continued to look out.

---

The sound of his chains and the sound of marching feet was all that Greg could hear as the Regulars marched him to death. He was going to die, all because he was resistant to the efforts of the military that wanted to use him against his own people. He rather be put to death then become a weapon for the enemy, and he was. He smiled darkly at the thought that they couldn't break him, couldn't bend him to their will. I bested you and because you are afraid of me, you will destroy be. He thought as they continued to march, he could see the aura's of the men around him and he could tell that they were relieved that he was going to die but they were also afraid that he would do something. But alas, he could do nothing but march to his death. Forgive these men, as they are weak and do not know that they are fools. He silently prayed as they marched.
One, Two, their steps went.
One, Two.
One, two.
One, two.
One, two.
The lights went out...

Greg didn't even have to think as he let his body move, he hit the guard infront of him then ducked as the two guards took out their electric sticks and went to hit him. But instead they ended getting each other, the two guards convulsed then fell to the floor. Without thinking he kicked out behind himself and got the other guard in the groin. He grabbed the electric stick from the down guards and turned quickly striking the rear guard in the face. The guard fell, his head bleeding badly. Greg turned again to face the front guard that had composed himself.

Greg beared his teeth in a crazed smile, he went to strike the guard but he was stopped. Without thinking he head butted the guard then he struck out again this time the electric stick embedded itself in the guards shoulder. Greg watched as the guard convulsed and fell, he wasn't going to live that much Greg knew. He quickly searched the guards for a key before he unlocked his chains.

He was free and he didn't care who he had to kill in order to get out of the complex. The Regulars will wish they never fucked with me!

Thomas followed Lucky, jumping into the train cart when he was told. He was cautious about telling Lucky where he was from, but he might as well say it, it wouldn't harm him, "I moved over here from North Carolina a few years ago," he told him, "But I put on an accent. It's easier to fit in if you sound like everyone else."
Thomas sighed, remembering happy memories of North Carolina, "My grandparents are from Europe - Scandinavia and Ireland - that's why I've got this hair and skin," Thomas gestured to his hair. "So, where're you from?" he asked.

Lilith was running, but nothing gave chase. Her legs ached, going through phases of absolute stiffness, and a jello-like consistency. She did this everyday, never getting anywhere, but never giving up. Sometimes, she would find places full of people, where she would have to mask half of her face with gause in an attempt to look normal. Sometimes she would stay and thrive, other times she would witness things that would make her leave.

Lilith stood in the center of the farmers market, staring silently at the produce, her mouth watering. She had some money, but she didn't want to spend it just yet, in case it would be important in the future. It was then that Lilith heard a voice, and she froze.

"P-please, you don't want t-" The voice was cut off, an audible thump was heard, and the voice was replaced with wheezing. Lilith turned, and looked towards the voice. What she saw made her mouth gape open, a young man, probably in his early twenties clutching his chest and wheezing, surrounded by a man and a woman. Lilith didn't have to look at the man's eyes to know what he was, he was one of the Gifted. So was the woman that stood next to the tall man, they were both dressed in black, but the woman had unmistakable eyes. One a light neon green, the other a solid blue. The man beside her held a gun, but obviously wasn't gifted.

The man caught his breath, and tried to speak again. "You, you know you don't want to do this. Put down the gun." His voice- a little less panicked now-was alluring, and beautiful. Lilith was put into a state of calm, her mind becoming fuzzy and warm. Part of her head cleared up, and she realized this man must've had some sort of mental ability.

The man with the gun wavered, his hand lowering down, his features becoming calm. His mind was probably blurred, just like Lilith's was. The woman, however, was the opposite. She took the gun away from the man, and grunted. "Don't try that crap on me." She said it in a calm, smooth voice. Before the man had time to react, she pulled the trigger.

Lilith gasped, along with most of the crowd in the farmer's market. They all turned away, but Lilith green eye observed the scene. She watched as the man picked up the body, and she watched as they smiled, and walked away. She gagged, and as soon as they were gone, she ran from the scene.

It had been three days since that had happened, and she still found herself thinking about it. Sometimes she heard gunshots around towns, or along her running trail, and She would always become frightened, but she had never seen it up close before. It made her run away in fear, like a toddler would run away and hide behind it's mother's legs. She wished her gift was having no fear, instead, all she could do was grow plants.

Lilith didn't know how long she had been running for, the constant beat of her backpack hitting her back kept her company, and sometimes she hummed to herself. But she finally started to slow, as a train station came into view. Her eyes went wide, and she crouched down. She looked around, and saw that it seemed abandoned, except for a car that didn't look rusted enough to be abandoned. She wrapped her eye in gause, and started to walk over to it, her legs sore, her breathing heavy from running. If she went in, she would probably make a lot of noise. Still, she walked forward, relieved to find a place to stay.

Before she could even get into the train station, her eyes rested on a man, who probably spotted her a couple steps back. She gulped and stood up from her crouched position, a lazy smile on her face. She saw that the man was opening the door for someone else, and that it would be a two to one fight, if it came to that. She remembered the young man she had seen the other day, and she winced. She opened her mouth, and muttered a greeting. "Hi...I'm Lilith."

"We have the Presidential Suite", Cole said plainly as he lead the group to their room on the ground floor. From the outside you could only see the dirty window and slightly tattered curtains. Once Cole opened the door the real horror was revealed. There was one bed, the sheets were obviously stained with multiple...questionable liquids. The walls were stained by cigarette smoke and were worn away either by neglect or physical damage from the rooms previous guests. The bathroom was missing some tiles and the shower head was rusted terribly. Cole stood at the center of the small room and turned towards Naddy and Miller, "I know it doesn't look like much. But that's because this isn't where we are staying". He didn't say another word before stepping into the closet.

The closet had a false back which revealed a staircase, Cole descended down and at the bottom was another door, opening it revealed nothing but darkness. However Cole had been here before, to his left was a switch which upon Cole's flipping of it revealed a large main chamber. It was well furnished and rather luxurious in design. "This is the living room. The kitchen is through the door at the end of the room. The bathroom is on the first right hallway and the bedrooms on the second. The bedroom at the end of the hall is mine, get yourself settled I have to unload the car. Tomorrow we have to talk..oh yeah and the pool is down the stairs in the kitchen", Cole didn't wait for their reply instead he simply headed back up the stairs and towards the car.

Bedrooms:


Living Room:


Kitchen:


Bathrooms:


The Pool:

(Story Arc Intro)

General James Lockheart

James Lockheart was in his office, sitting at his desk and staring intently at the computer screen in front of him. He was looking at a message that he had just recently received, detailing some rather dark secrets that were not ready to come to light. James continued to read on, his anger rising more and more the farther he went. "...Mission expectations are a successful demonstration with limited Human casualties? At least one Gifted kill expected?!" He read aloud in an annoyed tone, then added his own comment. "Whoever you are, you must be pretty damn out of your head to consider one Gifted kill a success! Especially with this great of a cost..." James scrolled down through the message further and kept reading. ...Not to be underestimated, Eh?...Passed all of our tests and dry-runs...ready for a live combat demonstration?! Ready to accept any cost?! You people can't be serious! I will not allow the testing of experimental research on civilian streets! That could cost hundreds of innocent, human lives!" James said, slamming his fist on his desk. He then leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples as he started to reach the end of the message. "...Nobody in that city is safe...yet you sit idly by as you rely on your spies to play hide and seek?! Hide and seek! This is a war better off fought with tactics and espionage, not open combat!" He shouted, then stopped. He looked at the message closer, then his eyes went wide for a moment before his face flushed with anger as he read the signature at the bottom. "Tom Valentine..." He spoke darkly, and reached for the phone.

...

In a dark office room, there was a desk with a lamp placed atop it, that lamp acting as the only source of light in the entire room. The shape of a man could be seen sitting in the chair at the desk, his face looming just outside of the light...masked by the darkness. The man's arm moved, and his hand brought a lit cigarette up to his mouth. He sat there for a moment before pulling the cigarette away and puffing a cloud of smoke into the air that was lit by the lamp, creating a hazy fog over his desk. "I cannot wait to die..." He started before he took another puff from the cigarette. "...Because even after my death, my legacy will live on...I will be a legend. A hero of the human race...the man who succeeded where the military could not. The man who exterminated the Gifted menace, and put them in their rightful place! Students will learn about me and my ingenuity in their history classes...people everywhere will know my name. And even though my mortal self will have died, I shall live on forever...I shall not be forgotten..." The man dictated, almost as if he was giving a speech or a lecture. He took yet another puff from the slowly shrinking cigarette, and just as he blew out the smoke his phone began to ring. He snuffed out the cigarette and flicked it aside, picking up the phone to answer. He had barely put the phone to his ear when the gruff voice on the other end started yelling. "You expect me to approve a live combat demonstration of experimental research on public, civilian streets?! You're out of your god damn mind, son! Think of the possible casualties! Actual human casualties, caused by the government that's supposed to be fighting for them! The press would eat us alive, Tom!"

James' voice was loud and commanding, one of the many reasons he was such a perfect fit for the rank of general. But the mysterious man, otherwise known as Tom Valentine, wasn't phased by James' authoritative tone, and replied as if it were a normal conversation.
"Oh, general! How nice of you to call...it's been quite awhile since we last talked. I do hope you received my message?"
"Not long enough, you sneaky bastard. And oh, I read your message alright. I will not sign for your little science project, not with so many innocent human lives at risk!"
"Now now, general, there's no reason we can't be civilized about this. And I wasn't asking for your approval of the operation, either."
"You...WHAT?!"
"Did I stutter? Or was I not clear enough? I'm telling you that I don't need your approval, because the operation is already underway. The message was just to notify you of the operation. Ha! I'm the head of a top secret government research division, and a private contractor with the military-"
"WHAT?! How did a god damn son-of-a-bitch like you get promoted to head of the research division?! You may have shown promise all those years ago when I got you hired for the job, but I thought all of your illegal under-the-table actions landed you a spot in a penitentiary!
"Haha! Come now, general. Did you really think they would lay a finger on me? I provide you and the military with valuable equipment, technology, and tamed Gifted dogs that far exceed your own! Speaking of which, I would suggest that you hurry up and contact your spies...because Valkyr, and a very expensive piece of technology, are headed to Triva by helicopter at this very moment. We wouldn't want your little pets to get hurt, now, would we? Good day to you, sir."

Tom hung up and set the phone aside, chuckling darkly to himself. "Those wild Gifted freaks will soon learn their place...no matter the cost. All identities will be hidden from the press, and nobody will know about the 'Valkyrie Project' until it's too late..."

---

---

John Reynolds

John was still on the sidewalk, trying to lead the two other Gifted along. They hadn't made it very far from the library, and they weren't making progress very fast. Although if they went too fast, they might attract too much unwanted attention. "Come on, guys...it's just a little farther...then we can just chill out and catch up." John said just before his phone began to ring. He pulled it out and looked at the caller ID to see that it was general Lockheart. He looked surprised for a moment before looking back at the two Gifted with him. "Uh..hey, look. I, uh, gotta answer this real quick. It's really important, and it's private. I'll be right back, just stay here..." John said hurriedly as he was starting to walk back towards the library, then turned and ran off to hide behind the library so he could take the call and try to keep his cover. Or, at least, what cover he had.

"John, listen, we've got a situation. Where are you?"
"I'm behind a public library, why? What's happening?
"An unknown asset is moving towards Triva by helicopter, sent by the Research Division. Don't know when or where they'll arrive, but we know it'll be soon. I'm entrusting you to look after them, make sure they don't jeopardize human safety. Do whatever you have to do, just make sure no human lives are lost, or you'll lose yours. Got it?"
"Yes sir...I'll handle it..."
"Good luck."

General Lockheart hung up, and John put his phone away, neither of them aware of the fact that someone had tapped their call. Someone had been listening, and had heard every word. It was, in fact, some unknown person working under Tom Valentine in the Research Division, who then reworked the feed back to Valkyr - who had just stepped off of the helicopter and officially arrived in Triva. She was wearing a strange looking suit that covered her whole body, painted red and black, equipped with a bizarre looking collar, two strange bracelets, and two anklets. Valkyr quickly looked around before bolting off, heading towards the library.

A few moments passed and John was still behind the library, pacing back and forth trying to decide if he should wait for this "asset" or if he should head back to the other two gifted. But before he could make up his mind on what he should do, Valkyr arrived and stood quietly. When John saw her his eyes went wide with surprise, she looked freaky. "Uh...hello there...uhm...sir?" John started, untying a piece of cloth that was around his left hand to reveal a branded mark that he then showed to Valkyr. But Valkyr just growled in reply. "I'm a girl, asshole." She said, her voice muffled by her helmet. John facepalmed and tried to apologize yet Valkyr continued to speak. "Gifted sighted, what is your plan of action?" Upon hearing this, John gave Valkyr a quizzical look and offered a confused reply. "Uh...right, my plan of action was to blend in and pick them off when I had a chance..." John tried to say in a believable tone, when he had no real plan to kill any Gifted so long as they didn't have lethal powers. But Valkyr didn't seem to be listening, and instead laughed. "Exterminate the target and all nearby Gifted?...Yes sir, this will be easy. This one is very stupid."

John stood there for a moment in shock; she wasn't talking to him, she was talking about him! He then tore the bandage off of his eye and the hamburger meat he had underneath fell to the ground, then reached underneath his coat to pull out two telescoping shock batons. Valkyr laughed and charged at John, who side-stepped and aimed a jab at Valkyr. She smacked his arm away before his shock baton could connect, but John continued to swing at her. Valkyr proceeded to block swipe after swipe, until John finally jabbed her in the gut with one of his batons to shock her continuously. He kept the shock baton pressed to her gut and electrified Valkyr to her knees, before she started to scream. But it wasn't a scream of pain, necessarily, more like a scream of frustration. John was then surprised as Valkyr reached for his arm - despite the intensity of the shock she was receiving - and moved the baton away. Once Valkyr was free from being electrified, she punched John square in the gut and sent him straight to the ground. But before John could get up, Valkyr pounced on top of him and pinned his arms to the ground. "Now you've made me ANGRY!" She growled, gripping John's arms with such force that she began to draw blood. John screamed through clenched teeth and let go of his shock batons, and then Valkyr let go of one of John's arms to grab his throat. She had only just began to squeeze his throat when John picked a shock baton back up and jabbed her in the side of the neck, causing her to rear back and let go of his other hand. John quickly grabbed the other shock baton to thrust both of them into Valkyr's gut as he freed a leg to kick her off of him. She fell on her back and didn't move...

John slowly got up to stand and began to walk away slowly, looking at the bloodied holes in his sleeves. Though when he glanced back at Valkyr, she was slowly rising to her knees. John watched in horror as he saw vials unfold from her suit on her back, seeing the liquids being injected just before she rose to her feet. John immediately turned to run back to the two Gifted he had left behind, a look of terror spread on his face. The vials on Valkyr's back hissed and ejected, falling to the ground as she let out an almost inhuman scream. John ran until he saw Nice and Chris, still where he left them, and began to shout at them. "Go! Gogogogogo! NOW! Run! There's a fucking MONSTER after me!" His words were quickly followed by the appearance of an angry Valkyr chasing after him in full sprint. "GET BACK HERE SO I CAN RIP YOU APART!"

A monster. Betrayed, hunted, squeezing red ragged rips, running, can't kill it can't kill it can't kill it.

The fear cracked into Chris's mind like a lightning bolt. Something was very, very wrong nearby.

That was when he turned to see the bandaged man (now sans-bandage) sprinting towards him. On his tail was someone or something else, a woman in a red and black bodysuit, a collar around her neck. Another Gifted, he thought. One they'd made a slave of.

"Go! Gogogogogo! NOW! Run! There's a fucking MONSTER after me!"

"GET BACK HERE SO I CAN RIP YOU APART!"

Now it was starting to make sense. The bandaged man was a hunter, or worked for hunters, and he'd known this thing was coming, or maybe he hadn't but he'd known something, and he knew that Chris and the girl were in danger. That's why he did what he did, but now he was in danger.

The monster had hurt him, that much was clear from his pain and the dripping red holes in his arms. It would kill him if it could, and then the girl, and then Chris, and maybe other people too. Innocent people.

All of these thoughts flashed through Chris's mind in the fraction of an instant it took the man's frantic pace to reach his position. Fortunately, his next action required no thought. None at all.

With one hand he flung the scarf and glasses from his face and dropped them to the ground, along with his bag and guitar case. He took off running, running towards the monster, and slammed his shoulder into it from the side.

"Go! Run! Get out of here, get away from the library, there are people in there!"

Lucky smirked hearing where Thomas was from, though he was right about the putting on the accent that area. It was easier to get people to talk to people if you sounded like them. Though it was hard to fit in now, being Gifted stopped all chances of being normal and interacting with others. Though it was nice to be able to talk to someone like yourself, so talking to Thomas was nice. He didn't feel so alone but at the same time he was waiting for the knife in the back. It was a constant struggle in his head, he wanted to trust but the past betrayal was hard to get over. So simply put, he was on the fence about trusting.

"I'm from Prince Edward Island, Canada." He said before chuckling softly before continuing, "If you heard my natural accent you would think I was someone fresh off the boat from Ireland or Scotland." He said with a smile remembering how heavy his accent was when he first was on the run, people thought he was from the old country. But he needed to blend in, that was when he met Siri.... He quickly shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. He looked out the door of the old rail car when he noticed movement. "Be ready to make yourself unnoticeable Tom." He said lowly as he continued to look out for danger.

As he watched a girl suddenly popped up from behind some old train parts, "Hi...I'm Lilith." The girl said with a slight smile on her lips. Lucky locked his eyes on her and stood still for a moment before jumping down from the old rail car. He could see that she was Gifted by her Jade and Maroon eyes, though he was going to be careful like he was with Thomas. He made his body rigid as he watched Lilith for a moment, he had to wonder if she was hunter. But as he watched her he noticed that her hair was wind blown and that she was slightly dirty, so she was mostly likely not a hunter as hunters were usually clean.

"I'm Lucky." He said with a slight tension in voice but he didn't sound as threatening as he did with Thomas earlier. "You thirsty or hungry?" He asked though he was still weary of the new comer. He was glad to see another Gifted, but he was realizing that he was rusty in his communication skills. Damn you Siri! He thought as he held an arm out ushering Lilith to the old rail car that would give them some cover, for now at least. Maybe they could plan what to do next or in the very least get to know each other.

But Lucky was waiting for the ax to drop and his luck run out.

After exiting The Suite, Cole sat in the driver's seat of his car. This time there was music, only silence as he sat there trying to decide whether he was doing the right thing. Last time he tried something like this...it didn't end well. It seemed as though being around Cole was bad for people's health. The more he thought about it the more the memories of those he'd lost came back to him. It got to a point where it was too much and Cole punched the car stereo causing the display to crack and the dial to pop out again. Cole sighed as he sat back in his seat. "..What are you doing?". There was a silence as he rubbed his forehead, the pain in his knuckles had begun to fade but was still throbbing somewhat.

That was when it happened, all those memories of his old friends came once again but this time instead of agony Cole felt a growing rage which added to the already existing pool of anger he had within him. The Hunters would pay for what they did to his friends, what they do to all Gifted. Starting now his crusade would begin, and those two down in The Suite would be the first out of many other gifted he'd recruit to exact revenge on those who oppressed his kin. "I don't usually let you out...but I cam tell it won't matter soon", of course Cole wasn't talking to himself. Technically he was but now it was a different being all together.

Exiting the car Cole went to the back and opened up the trunk, inside was the same dufflebag from the gas station but instead of opening it he took it out with him along with one other bag which was for clothes. Once he was back inside The Suite he laid his clothes bag on hos bed and laid the duffle bag on the living room coffee table. Opening it revealed that it's contents were more than just money, inside were two Remington Colt 1911 R1 pistols and a G36C Assault Rifle. Cole laid the 1911s on the table but took the G36C with him to his room. Once inside the room he placed his rifle by the nightstand and headed back into the living room. He sat on the couch and turned on the tv.

Lilith looked at Lucky, her eyes widening. The offer of food and water made her lip quiver. The offer of shelter and company made her want to cry. She was so desperate for a place to stay, for people she could actually become friends with. So Lilith approached the train car without a second thought, she stood only a couple of steps away from Lucky now.

If Lucky looked close enough, he would realize that Lilith's eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, her hair was disheveled, and her body was cleansed roughly, as though she had very little time to get clean. "T-thank you. That's very generous. I think I'll take you up on that offer." She understood this was generosity, and that he was offering it because she was desperate.

Still though, she managed a bold smile, and reached out her hand. "What's your gift? We might as well exchange them, since we're going to be sitting in a train car for who knows how long." Her voice was a bis stronger although it was rough as if it hadn't been used often. She offered a hand to Lucky, and then peered around him, at the other stranger. She pressed her lips together and frowned. "Um hi to you too. How are you?" She asked, glancing between Lucky and the man who hadn't spoken yet.

Valkyr took the hit from Chris and fell, but as soon as she hit the ground she was getting back up. She screamed at him and prepared to charge, but John tackled her back to the ground and shocked her with his batons. By now, people were screaming and running away from the library in panic. Valkyr kicked John off of her and sent him flying into Nice, resulting in a cracking-thud sort of sound. John moved slightly but didn't get up, one of his shock batons had fallen near Chris while the other was in the pile with him and Nice.

Valkyr had gotten to her feet and grabbed a man who came out of the library, swinging him around to slam his face into the wall. The man was killed instantly as his skull fractured on impact, and then his lifeless body proceeded to be thrown at Chris by a screaming Valkyr.

What is that thing, it's got me, it's got me, hurts-

The dead man's pain was flung at Chris just as surely as his corpse was, and of the two was probably the more agonizing. A person's dying pain had always hit especially hard - his knees were buckling even before the body crashed into him, sending him sprawling to the ground, the hunter's and the victim's pain mingling with his own.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be. One innocent was dead already, and it looked like more would follow, judging by the crowd of people spilling out of the library to catch a glimpse of the tumult. The hunter was still on the floor, in a heap with the girl with the closed-off mind. The monster was roaring now, frothing with rage. Something metal rolled against Chris's foot - one of the hunter's batons. He rose to his feet, a hand closed around the weapon. He couldn't fight the monster, that much was certain, but maybe someone could fend it off long enough to get the people away. What happened to him after that didn't matter.

A sentence flashed into his mind as he tossed the weapon to the hunter. He hadn't been around the man long enough to be certain it was the sentence he needed, but if ever there was a time for a shot in the dark, this was it. "Get up, John! You can still save them!"

With that done, he whipped around, baring his face at the crowd of humans and advancing on them quickly, waving his hands. Confusion at the scene unfolding turned into dread, horror, and nausea. People stumbled back, their hands over their eyes. There were screams of revulsion, fear, as he drew closer and closer to the crowd. "Run!" He screamed. "Leave!"

They complied. With one mind, the crowd of humans turned and fled from him, fled back to the library, back inside, where they would be safe.

Naddy used her bike as seat as she un-zipped her coat and leaned on it. It took a few moments but it seemed like Chris wasn't to chatty at the moment. She sat there leaning against her bike when Cole walked back out side. "well it looks like our fearless leader has returned" Though as she spoke cole hadn't even walked out side as it took a few moments before he opened the door and walked out of the office and she turned back looking at the door. "We have the Presidential Suite" Cole said as she fallowed behind him, though it didn't much look like this place had much of any form of suite. Once she walked in she looked around the room. She had a little smile on her face tough. It looked like a dump, but she could feel the soft air current flowing through the room leading into the closet. She looked over at it as she stepped into the room. She kept quite though before soon he walked in and opened up that false door.

She fallowed him down descending into the room and walking in behind him. She let out a whistle "Fancy digs Mr. Wayne" She said walking in and looking around the room "Now the real question. What's the bar like, and where is the pool table?" She walked further into the room before flopping down on the couch "I can get used to this" she said getting comfortable.

Sitting beside Naddy, Cole heard what she said about getting used to living here."Don't", he stated plainly before continuing "This place comes with a price from the both of you. Besides even if it didn't this might only be temporary, if the Hunter find this place we are either dead or out of here before they make us dead". Despite that bit of news being a bit of a killjoy it bothered Cole little. If these two were going to be a part of all this they had to work for their stay here. The work he had in mind wasn't an office job obviously, instead it was something not entirely legal. "...but to answer your question there should be drinks in the kitchen if not then oh well we'll have to go buy some. As for the pool table there is none, all we have is...well the pool". Cole got up from the living room couch and headed towards the kitchen, he needed a drink.

Once in the kitchen he searched the cabinets for what he was looking for. Last time he was here he hid a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka for himself incase he returned. Fortunately it was still there and after adding some ice to his glass he added the Grey Goose and instead of sipping it Cole just downed it. He filled his glass again, this time holding it up for a second before drinking it as if he was cheering. It was clear that he was drinking for more than himself. An observation confirmed once he said out loud, "This one's for the old crew...".

Thomas thought more about begin back in North Carolina, and how much he wanted to go back. But he knew he couldn't, he'd probably die within a week. Suddenly, a girl popped into the view, beginning to talk to the two of them, "Hi...I'm Lilith." Lucky replied before Thomas had a chance, but then the girl turned her attention to Thomas. "I'm Thomas," he told her, but then realised that he was speaking in his native southern accent, and quickly changed back to one that sounds more normal, "I can make myself unnoticeable. What about you?"

Damien looked at Kithra smiling as he waited for her answer to his question, with her answer being "I would like to stay, but only if its okay with you. As to what we should do next I'm unsure, maybe wait here or depending on how long you have been staying here we should move." Smiling at the choice she had made, he pondered on what was the two going to do. It wasn't too bad here yet but you could never be too sure. Deciding in the end that they should leave, he gathered up his items and in the end piled up with several books. He contemplated on whether he would turn these back in or just keep them, but in the end he didn't have the room to house all of the books sadly so he made a note to head to the library. He took some extra time preparing the RV so it was at least suitable for travel, as he didn't want anything to fall on people now. After several minutes he deemed it worthy enough and safe enough to travel in and went up in front. As he sat down in the driver's seat he said to Kitty.

"Yeah, I think we should leave too, but I have some errands to do first. So lets hit up the library so I can return some of these" He said sheepishly looking at the books the piled up. So he headed up to the drivers seat before clicking in and waited for Kitty to strap herself in either by the passenger seat or by the dinner table where it was strapped up, there were two sofa seats that had seat belts as well if she wanted there. He looked at his dashboard checking for any signals and his gas before starting the engine and waiting for Kithra to sit down, he didn't mind where she sat as long as she was strapped in.

She wished she could help him clean or put stuff away but she wasn't sure if there was a certain way that he did things. She knew that there were people that liked things done a certain way and if it wasn't done that way then they would take everything and redo it. Her mother was that, and god was it frustrating as at times it seemed that she couldn't do anything right. She loved her mother but she had quirts that were borderline insane, but her father stayed with, though she wondered why at times. She waited for Damien to return to the front as they seemed to be leaving, which she was greatful for as she didn't like staying in one place. Well not since she became a Gifted.

"Yeah, I think we should leave too, but I have some errands to do first. So lets hit up the library so I can return some of these."

She smiled and nodded as she looked at the books, she hadn't realized that he read alot until she really looked at all the books. He seemed to choose good books but she hadn't ready anything, other than road signs, for a ling while. She last read the Hobbit and that was just before she became a Gifted. She really wished that she ready more, as she would of liked to think of the books while she was on the run. But it seemed like she would be able to take her time and read what ever she wanted.

She smiled at Damien as she sat in front and buckled up, "You read alot, so what's your favorite book in old literature?" She asked and nearly laughed at herself for sounding half smart, like she knew much about classical literature. But she was sure he did, give the amount of books that were around, plus she liked the sound of his voice. Which probably wasn't a good thing, but when your gift was smooth talking who couldn't resist. Keep your head Kitty, don't need to get all fuzzy and stuff. She thought as she played with her hair a bit.

---

"T-thank you. That's very generous. I think I'll take you up on that offer"

Lucky suddenly felt sorry for the girl as he could see that she lacked sleep and almost seemed over whelmed by the offer of foo, water and rest. Sure he had gone through the same stuff as she did, but he was lucky enough to have a gift were he could get out of tough situations. And from what he could tell she didn't have such a gift. He pitied her, but he didn't show it as he knew most people hated being pitied. He sure hated it so he didn't show it.

As he shook himself internally he realized that Lilith was offering her hand, "What's your gift? We might as well exchange them, since we're going to be sitting in a train car for who knows how long."

Her comment made him smirk and nodded his head, "Yeah might as well tell ya." He said as he shook her out reached hand. "I can make people forget me and what they were currently feeling when around me." He said in a matter of fact tone since it was a fact. "You?" He asked in a kinder tone as he smiled and ushered her over to the rail car where Thomas was.

"Here Tom take her hand and help her up." He said as he returned to look out as he didn't want to be caught off guard of someone suddenly showing up. He still felt uneasy, he still didn't trust anyone fully. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was dreadfully wrong, I hope I'm just paranoid. He thought before hopping up onto the rail car once Lilith was safely in.

Blurred images of people running, muffled screams filling the air...the faint humming of a helicopter getting louder...getting closer. Looking back down at the ground...is that blood? Is that...my blood? John thought, a headache setting in as he moved to put his hands on the ground to push himself up. Suddenly an immense pain shot up his left arm, and John rolled onto his back and looked at his arm to see that it was broken. He slowly lifted himself up into a sitting position with one hand, looking over at the body of Nice. Blood had been pooling up beneath her, seeming to be pouring from her head. Oh shit...I hit her when I was thrown...her skull must have fractured when it hit the concrete. John thought as he stared at Nice's face in the puddle of blood...she almost looked asleep. John was soon snapped out of his trance when he heard and saw one of his shock batons hit the ground beside him, accompanied by Chris' rallying words. "Get up, John! You can still save them!"

John offered no reply, and simply spat out blood before slowly rising to his feet. He took hold of his broken arm and shifted it back into place as best he could, grunting through his clenched teeth. A news helicopter had arrived on scene, which was doing a decent job of distracting Valkyr as she screamed up into the air. John picked up the shock baton that Chris had tossed at him, and put it away in his coat before picking up the other baton by Nice's body. "We've got to go...n-now! We won't be...a-any help...t-to these people if...if we're d-dead. We've got to...r-run...l-lead her away..." John tried to tell Chris as quickly as he could, before Valkyr could focus her attention back on the two of them.

By now, this event was broadcasting live by the news helicopter, and sirens could be heard in the distance. John looked down the street and back at Chris. Valkyr then heard the sirens herself and snapped her head around to look dead at Chris and John. She growled menacingly as another set of vials raised out of the back of her suit, injecting the liquids they held into her body once more. "F-Fucking hell! W-We...n-need to go...N-NOW!" John shouted as he turned to run away, holding his broken arm with his good arm almost as if he was carrying a football. Once Valkyr's fresh set of vials had been ejected and fell to the ground, she released a bloodcurdling shriek. Whatever humanity she still had was now completely gone from her, as she continued to growl like she was some wolf defending her claim over a fresh kill.

Chris saw the remains of the girl's body a moment after John. She looked peaceful, pleased almost - a thin smile tugged at the corners of her still lips. He wondered, idly, what she had been feeling when he died, if she had been afraid, or sad, or if she had suffered long. He wasn't accustomed to not knowing, and now it seemed like he'd never have cause to be.

For a moment, Chris glanced between the news chopper, the monster, and the girl's dead body on the ground. "...Right. Run. Run sounds good." Squinting from the helicopter's lights, Chris took off down the street, trusting that John would be following behind. "Follow me, I know a place where we can hide!"

Without turning to see if the hunter had obeyed his directions, Chris turned into an alleyway. The place he had in mind wasn't far, but the path was long and twisting - with any luck, they'd lose the monster in the turns. And, failing that, at least the place was always empty - if he and the hunter couldn't shake their pursuers, at least nobody else would die.

Miller Anderson

Becoming wide eyed and awed at the immense place at what he thought would be a dump, he whistles then says, "Wow, you really struck it big, this place is sweet. with a grin, he quickly set off to explore the area, he set off right before Cole could explain the area but Miller was enthralled by the place and quickly found one of the bedrooms. Placing his backpack down, and just admiring the place, he quickly took a change of clothes since his old ones were sweaty. Putting on his new clothes, he left the bedroom and looked around. He still couldn't believe the size of this suite, the Bathroom was nice, the Kitchen was huge, but what took him by surprise was the living room, it was sweet.

Stumbling upon the Pool, on impulse he decided that he'd want to take a quick dip, removing his clothes to reveal hard rock abs... No who am I kidding he doesn't have any. Running back to his room, he luckily had boxers that were fit for swimming and he changed again and ran back to the pool and jumped it, yelling "CANNONBALL!"

Cole had finished his last drink, the fourth, and was now sitting in the kitchen trying to determine his next course of action. Of course while this was going on he heard Miller yell, ""CANNONBALL!" from downstairs. That triggered a memory of Cole's last time here. What was happening now was almost exactly like last time. The only difference was Cole wasn't drinking the first time. Well at least not for the same reason. His memory reminded him of the youngest in the group, Alex. Alex was a lot like Miller, the only difference was that Alex knew when to shut up. Still so far Miller has proven to be an alright guy.

His last group even had someone like Naddy...no, no one was like Josie. Cole tried hard to forget the memory of her. It was too painful to revisit, not after what happened. Cole got up from his seat in the kitchen and headed downstairs. Once he was near the pool Cole didn't wait for Miller's undivided attention he simply yelled, "Hurry up, we got a meeting in the living room real soon!". Cole headed back upstairs and sat back on the couch. He didn't waste time and immediately handed Naddy one of the 1911s. "Just incase", was all he said before grabbing the remote and turning the tv to the news.

What he saw wasn't good news. There was...something terrorizing the nearby town. What it was exactly Cole had no clue but it wasn't the first time he saw something like this. The Hunters had used gifted before in strange experiments but it was the first time he'd seen one actually completed. From the looks of it that thing was pursuing Gifted no doubt. The problem was what course of action should be taken. Cole wanted to help as many Gifted as he could but that thing...was there even stopping that thing?