[IC] Shattered Roses

[Savi]

As the bus drove the Rose children to the gates, the outer gates of the city. The creatures all waited patiently in the court house, of course. They were waiting for the new humans that would be arriving.

~~~

Adelisa glared out the window angrily. When the cops came to her home and took her, illegally might she add; she threw a tantrum. She looked up toward the others and noticed they all had different looks and reactions to this mess of a situation. She sighed and looked down at her hands with a sigh. Adrien sighed and looked over at the others. Everyone seemed... well, different. Adrien wanted to cheer everyone up, but that seemed like a bad idea seeing as everyone was basically kidnapped from their homes. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

[XxLyraxX]

Autumn sat there with a blank expression on her face, a pair of earbuds visible in her ears. To the others on the bus, she looked very much like she was bored with the whole thing but on the inside was another matter. On the inside she was angry at her so called "parents" for offering her up like that on a silver platter. When the cops had burst in and demanded Autumn, her parents had merely looked at her before her father shoved her at them and thanked them for taking her away. She had stared at them in shock while her two brothers were snickering in the background. Sure, she knew they didn't like her but she didn't think they would be this happy to get rid of her. And so here she sat, scared at what awaited her but none of it showing on her face. Over the years she had perfected her poker face and now it was an unbreakable mask. A mask she hid behind. Her right sapphire eye drifted to look out the window, the left covered by her eye patch.

[ghost]

The silence on the bus was unsettling. Vince was used to noise surrounding him when he was around this many young adults, but everyone seemed to be caught up in their own thoughts. Vince mindlessly scribbled on the dry erase board in his lap, expecting he wouldn't need to use it as a means of communication any time soon. Drawing was not something he was very good at, so his doodles looked like they belonged in the margins of an elementary school student's paper. A small sigh escaped his lips as he erased the board with the sleeve of his jacket, something his mom always scolded him for doing. "Vincent, use a tissue when you do that! All of your sleeves smell like dry erase markers," she would say with a shake of her head, but a faint smile was always on her lips. He clenched the dry erase marker in his hand a bit tighter at the memory. That wasn't anything like she had been this morning. Rarely had Vince seen his mother truly upset, but the second the police came knocking on the door to their apartment, she had broken down. Getting him out the door had been a mess. He could still feel her fingers desperately digging into his forearm, still hear the obscenities and pleas she had shouted at the cops. He shrunk down in the seat a bit, feeling a pang of sadness imagining his mother sitting alone in their apartment.

- - -

Lycus sat on one of the plush couches in the court house lobby, head tossed back as he counted the tiles on the ceiling. Government buildings had a tendency to be very boring, and he was starting to get restless. He drummed his fingers on his thigh, barely feeling the dull pinpricks of pain as his pointed nails hit denim. No matter how many times he clipped or filed them, his nails always quickly grew back to a claw-like point. It was pretty cool, if not inconvenient. Several of the tears in his sleeves and sheets were caused by his nails getting caught on the fabric. Clara never seemed to mind helping him fix thise tears since he really couldn't help it. Lycus glanced over at her, red eyes blinking lazily. "Clara," he whined quietly, dragging out the last vowel. "How much longer do we have to wait? I'm bored."

[Allie]

Clara had been sitting quietly as her and Lycus awaited for the humans to arrive, her eyes fixed on the entrance. She honestly thought that the whole procedure was the most ridiculous thing someone could come up with. We don't even feed off of humans. The only reason we tolerate them is because they're necessary for breeding. Sure we need them, but shipping them off to us like they're slaves? Typical humans. They don't even treat their own kind right. Lycus's voice shattered her inner rant. She turned her attention to him, gazing at him fondly. She gave him one of her rare smiles that only he ever saw. "Not much longer, Lycus. I know you're itching to get out of here." She rested a hand on his shoulder. "Things are going to be different now that we'll have humans with us, but that's never going to change my affection for you. I'll trim those nails for you and patch up your clothes when we get home."

[wxnter]

Athena had happily gone along with the cops when they found her. She hadn't yet eaten in two days, and it was starting to bore her. The hunger wasn't something that bothered her; her boredom was, so when her arms were grasped roughly and she was hoisted upward into a car, she thanked the two men, who faced her with a puzzled expression. She bounced a little in her seat, humming a soft tune she had heard over the television playing in the display of the electronic store. She swayed a little as well, kicking her feet; the chauffeur glanced at her through the rear mirror, feeling a little uneasy at the fact that she was simply overjoyed. When she was on the bus, she sat silently alongside another, who clutched a board and had seemed upset. She wanted to stand up and break the silence between them, but considering the others' current state, she decided against it; her lack of energy refused to allow her to do anything more than manage a weak hello, anyway. She leaned her head back, a finger of hers tracing along the dark red tattoos on her arms.

[Sharyxe]

Isadora rested comfortably on one of the couches, her back leaning against it. She, like many others in the court house, were waiting for the humans. While some talked with others though, Iz was snugly relaxing on the plush couch with her eyes closed. No sooner had she almost drifted to sleep had her eyes flickered open, hearing and smelling the bus full of humans nearby. She shifted in place, so her back wasn't leaning against the couch anymore, and clutched the pendant hanging from its chain around her neck, questions swirling in her mind. She recalled the state her house was in: neat, tidy, and her unused father's room prepared for its to-be-inhabitant. Overall, she thought it looked pretty welcoming. Iz lightly sighed, wondering if the human would be uncomfortable living with her. She sensed fear from many of the humans in that bus.

[Smile4Ever]

Alexander hadn't been around other creatures since his parents left and sitting on a couch in the government room surrounded by other beings was getting on his nerves. He wanted to ask them all questions but he couldn't bring him self to start speaking. How do you start a conversation with someone you don't know? What would I ask first? Who would I ask first? These questions swirled around in his head making him even more curious and nervous at the same time. He started to tap his foot on the ground and think. How to I greet this human? What do I do with the human once it gets here? What even is a human? How did the government know to contact me? What is this tradition meant to be anyway? I remember mother and father talking about a tradition I would take part of but... They never said what it was. Alexander sighed and stilled his foot looking around at the surrounding building. He returned his eyes to the floor and continued to tap his foot hoping this would be over soon.

[wxnter]

She began to whistle softly, her arms crossed behind her back. She closed her eyes and slowly, the sound trailed off; it was all she could do to not buckle and faint. She heard her stomach growl and she grimaced; patting her stomach, she tried to make herself feel full. She gnawed on her lower lip, before slowly dozing off in her seat.

[gamer5910]

Monty sat in the back of the bus staring out the window. He was thinking how greatful he was for an angel to finally come and free him from his personal hell. In his lap Monty had a sketch book and one of his broken pencils, but that's really all he needed. The rest of the trip was probably gonna be him starring out the window and sighing every now and then. "Life is strange." he said to himself.

[Teknonick]

Maosu hadn't been picked up by the police, instead, they had called her house's phone and let her know the day had come. The police knew about her current situation, and had even talked to her about the coming event during the time of her husband's death. She had agreed to come on her own, to save them the hassle, if they were to call her on the day-of. The moment she received the call, she was in one of her depressed states again. She made her way to the phone and answered it, acknowledging what they told her. She had forgotten about Free, and left the house without her. She met up where the next bus was to pick up someone, and jumped aboard after they had already entered. She picked a spot near a window, away from everyone else. After the bus jolted, and started moving, her mood slightly lifted. Free, came across her mind. But it was too late. They weren't going to let her off the bus at that point.

~~~

"They're coming." called into the room as he opened the door and walked in. He had gone back outside to leave his weapon in the car... being told he can't bring it inside. During which time, he saw the bus off in the distance drawing near. Naoto continued into the building and found himself a corner to stand by himself. He leaned up against the wall, and eyed everyone else in the room. Ugh. I don't recognize anyone. I need to really find some like-minded people. he thought angrily to himself. He wasn't even thinking about the coming bus anymore. He could care less, even. He wasn't going to be picky, he was going to let whoever he was given, be given. Then he returned home he would set her in a corner, and tell her not to mess with anything. Curses I knew I should have finished the guest room sooner.

[ShadowVentus]

It had been a long time since Terra had been surrounded by so many demons. The most recent gathering he had been a part of was whenever he had accidentally stumbled upon an extremely territorial tribe of imps, who which had quickly became his next meal. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to resort to any violent tactics around this group. As he entered the building, he simply walked past the others and leaned against the corner opposite of Naoto without a single glance at anyone else. Normally, he'd at least try for some small talk, but he had a particular reason for being here. Apparently, he would soon be taking care of a human. Personally, since he used to be a human, he felt like this wouldn't be a chore. In fact..it might even be an interesting experience.

[TheTwistedOne]

A sigh escaped her lips. Dani had no idea what really happen back at her garage it was like everything was a blur when the police came for her, one minute she was working on her bike the next moment the police were pounding on the door. She gave them a run for their money of course, bolting out the back door the minute they told her why they were here earning a few cuts and bruises along the way. 'I can't believe I'm here' her eyes traced over the bus at the other young adolescents she sat with. She studied their faces wondering what they were thinking too, if they were taken against their will like she was. She stared out the window the whole ride there, it crossed her mind a few times to leap out the back every time the bus stopped, but she knew it would be no use. Either way they'd find her and anyone else that tried to escape the bus with her.

[Savi]

Adelisa looked up when she heard the bus come to a jerked stop, as did Adrien (whom had been previously babbling Adelisa's ear off). Adrien smiled and hopped up from his seat. "Time to see what's going on!" He shuffled out of his seat and walked down the aisle of the bus. The bus driver smirked and said "good luck" to Adrien, who waited for the doors to open. The bus driver pulled the lever to open the door and Adrien stepped out. Adelisa stood up and followed Adrien's lead, a little less enthusiastic. Adrien watched as the officers who were waiting for them stood in front of the bus, waiting for the others to exit.

[CallaLily]

Name: Leveasha Location: Some Government Area Time: To get a watch Leveasha stood alone,  her graceful figure now imposing. She watched the others, and sighed quietly. She paced in long strides around the room, not anxious, but feeling tired and bored. Today she would getting her rose child, and she prayed to the gods that she would get a good one. Usually the Lapades let her suspend the life of the rose child when they were good. And secretly...Levy usually enjoyed the company of humans. They were almost all polite to her, because they were afraid they would die, and while they usually did, she would pamper them while they stayed. Her house was ready, full of food and decorations, all of her weapons were put away in there. She had a couple of gifts waiting for her rose child for when they went home. She huffed under her breath, who knew if she would make it home? The humans here had made her leave her weapons outside, and being without her bow made her a little concerned. She wanted to become a small flower and box herself up. She cupped her face in her hand, feeling tired and now, with the awkward air in the room, uncomfortable. "They're coming..." A voice said in the distance. Leveasha snapped to attention. She found herself a seat and sat down, crossing her legs and folding her arms. Her nerves were bunched up, and she sighed. She was having a difficult time hiding her emotions today, and she had no idea why. What the creature said was a good thing, but she felt anxiety creep up on her. Levy, you've done this a million times before. What's wrong with you? Levy nodded to herself, she had done this at least a million times before? What was there to worry about? "Nothing," she said aloud, and smiled. She leaned back in her chair, feeling her nerves relax. She had no reason to worry, so she calmed down, at least for now. She surveyed the other creatures in the room, and her calm, cheeky grin danced on her lips. She didn't know if what she wore today was a good choice. It was a long flowing dress, made entirely of flower petals, leaves, and branches. She didn't see any of the others wearing things like this, but she shrugged. She had to at least look presentable today. It was important after all. She wanted to break the uncomfortable silence, but her mouth clamped shut as soon as it opened. Humans would arrive soon, and she wouldn't need to break the ice.

[wxnter]

Ena happily hopped off the bus, a few inches away from clicking her heels together in glee. She skipped alongside the others, a huge grin on her face. She wanted to get this over and done with, so that she could get food in her once more. She glanced at the others' uneasy faces, and shrugged silently to herself. Whatever. They wouldn't be of any special use to her anyway, so she needn't care about how they felt. She mused to herself as they moved along, nearing the court house. She felt her excitement spike and ebb, like an ocean tide. She wanted to see who she would be with. "Let's go, let's go!" She yelled cheerily, bouncing with each step, tucking a lock of her silver hair behind her ear. She raked her fingers through her hair and undid her bobby pins, sliding them into her pocket. Her hair fell into her eyes, which she promptly swept away; she began to tidy her hair as well, but didn't bother to tuck her dress shirt properly into her pants, and kept herself busy with her hair. They were nearing the court house.

[XxLyraxX]

Aragorn was leaning quietly against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He was required to leave his weapons at home and so he was feeling slightly uncomfortable and frankly a bit naked without his bow and knifes. His crystal blue eyes swept around the courthouse, taking note of the different kind of creatures that were within. He seemed to be the only elf though he did spy a Dryad across the room. Interesting. His thoughts then turned to the reason he had been summoned to the building. To think, he was getting his very own human. He frowned. No, that made them sound like a pet. He had been raised in the High Courts and as such he would be courtesy to his guest. He had readied the guest room of his abode. As he had been studying humans for some time now, he was fairly confidant of his knowledge of the species though he looked forward to be able to view one on a daily basis. Even though his home sat in the middle of the forest, he had gotten electricity installed and even purchased appliances the human might need or want. Although why humans were so entertained at staring at a box with colored pictures was beyond his comprehension. Nevertheless, the human would have it. He had even, disgustingly, purchased some meat since humans seemed to need the vile substance to be properly healthy. He gave a slight shudder thinking of the poor animal that had be sacrificed in order to provide the meat. He then forced himself away from such thoughts and focused on the rattling of the bus engine he could hear coming closer. +~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+ When the bus stopped Autumn sat there blinking for a moment, surfacing from the thoughts she had been lost in. Upon seeing the other kids standing and exiting the bus, she stood, gathered her meager luggage and followed them off. She then stood off to the side, sapphire eyes downcast as she seemed to be ignoring them all. Her earphones were still firmly in her ears though her music was turned down low in order to hear if the officers watching them said something she might need to know.

[TheTwistedOne]

The bus came to a stop and she slowly arose from her seat. "I can't believe I'm doing this" the thought of belonging to someone didn't sound appealing to Dani, she was wild at heart and she didn't want to feel caged. She was unsure of what might happen. How she was supposed to act, what she was supposed to do, all she knew is she didn't want anyone to try and change her. "And here is my new life." she sighed before taking her first step off the bus, her eyes scanned the surroundings, it was her first instinct to run the minute her feet hit the ground, unfortunately, they were met with more officers. If she had any thoughts of escaping now there was no way it was going to be possible.

[Teknonick]

Maosu

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

After the bus had come to a stop, and most of everyone had stepped out the bus, she stumbled as she started to stand up, bumping into someone by accident, but she didn't look up to see who it was. After exiting, she continued to look at the group. The thoughts racing through her head slowly became jumbled, until she couldn't even recall what she was thinking about. New thoughts were entering into her head. I'm a Rose Child. I... I just got on the bus awhile ago... and... now I'm here. she thought, before looking up with brighter eyes. Her worries of the past were forgotten for now, but the future that lay shortly ahead was a road left unexplored. In her world anyway.

Maosu followed after the other Rose Children that had exited the bus before her, and now taking in everyone around her. Wow. How could I not notice all of this before? I must have been really depressed! she laughed inside her own head. Deep down, it was a struggle to survive. Such deep and dark depressing states like that are extremely unhealthy, and could possibly lead to her own death. Her body has figured a way around this, and that is to make her forget, and make her act as her old childish self. Mausu eyed several people that had stepped off before her.

"Let's go, let's go!" one girl had turned to pull everyone else along with them, before turning around and leading the way with a bounce. Another woman, one who seemed to be in a state Maosu had been moments before, was walking ahead with her head down and baggage in her hands. Aw. How sad! she thought to herself with a fake frown appearing on her face, visible to those around her. Oh! I forgot my own luggage! she then stomped in place after stopping for a few seconds, before being pushed by one of the guards to keep moving. "Sorry! It's just... I forgot my stuff..." she tried to tell him. "Sorry lady. I'm sure your'll be cared for." the guard said as friendly as he allowed himself. He didn't go all out, as was obvious in his tone. Maosu rolled her eyes as she turned herself back into line.

Another woman, the woman who was standing before Maosu herself, seemed to have more readable thoughts. She was ready to bolt off, but had thought better after the guards were obviously at full attention. She was most likely thinking about the moments now, maybe a little bit into the future. Maosu wasn't a mind reader, but she thought it fun to put words into other people's heads. "The second I see a break in the formation, I'm going to hightail it! I'll show theses guards one for!" Haha, yeah! I bet that's exactly what she's thinking! she thought to herself with audible giggles, adding a fake, 'slighty-gruff' (as she thought it sounded), voice to the person she was now walking behind. I bet that's what they sound like.

[gamer5910]

Monty was so lost in thought that he didn't notice they arrived until he heard the sound of the others getting off the bus. He quickly followed them since he didn't know what he was suppose to do. One thing Monty did notice was there were a lot of guards he mostly assumed they were there to keep us from running. Another thing Monty saw was one girl tried to go back to the bus because she forgot her stuff, but the guards wouldn't let her "thank god I didn't forget my stuff" Monty said to himself. With yet another glance around Monty took it all in, he took in this is really happening, he took in that this will be his new life, and he definitely took in that it would be better than his old life.

[Savi]

The gaurds surrounding them started shoving them towards the building, but Adelisa caught on and retracted herself from them to walk freely toward the building. She wasn't going to let some big tough guys shove her into a building. She was going to do it herself.

Adrien followed Adelisa with an excited smile, almost sprinting into the building. He, unlike most of these people, was excited to start a new life and make more people happy.