Kushluk Shimazu

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

The Strip The most striking skyscrapers are located here in a similar style to Las Vegas where the most successful businesses, casino’s, and hotels are located. In the heart of the city lies New Haven Square, which is similar to its distant cousin in New York. Here is where Channel 6 headquarters is located along with most of the official government buildings. Also of note are the many advertisement screens on the side of the skyscrapers that are the main attraction to visitors, as well as the luxurious and expensive shops, diners, clubs, and clothing stores. Downtown Here is where the heart of New Haven lies, surrounding the Strip. It’s commercialized and you can find most department stores and specialty stores. Mostly has what you would find in any city from Wal-Mart’s to Hobby Lobby. Here is where most of the nightlife happens in the various clubs and casinos that stay open seemingly twenty-four hours. Most good apartment complexes can be found in this area, with fast food chains from all over the US seemingly here in one city. The Backwash Due to many immigrants when the city was founded back in the 1800’s most of them built there homes outside the city limits so they could escape paying taxes on things like safety so they could keep every penny they earned. Sadly the southern district has fallen prey to the many disasters that’s hit California. Earthquakes, wildfires, and even typhoons have made this part of the city a mess. Here is where the Police Department is headquartered, for they are needed to police the area constantly as most crimes in the city happen here. Most apartments are cheap and have reinforced entries due to numerous break-ins and robberies. San Durand Valley Just to the east of the main city is a ring of suburbia streets that holds modest housing neighborhoods, typical of most housing sections they keep a neighborhood watch up for trouble and most mutants are not welcome. Aside from that very little is special about this section of the city, except that a small trial leading east snakes it’s way up into the hills beyond city. The hills are a favorite college party spot called Lover’s Peak and as such gets a lot of New Haven’s young people out there at night; regardless the time of week. Silver Beach To the west are the white beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Many tourists come here to enjoy the summer holidays, take in the sun, and enjoy the luxuries hotels that line up along the shoreline. It is here that condo’s for those who can afford it live by the sea, the sturdy structures built to whether all but the fiercest of hurricanes. To the north there is rocky terrain used jumping from on high down into the water and to the south you are likely to encounter a few private beaches. Salem Forest To the north lies the expansive Salem Forests, whose age defies the passing centuries. It is a popular place for hiking and camping for the tourists who come to visit for the beauty of the forests. Yet this place also has an ominous feeling to it at night, so much in fact most people dare not go out after nightfall in the area. Disappearances and strange events are apparently commonplace as the moon hangs over the treetops. Rumor has it mutants who went feral inhabit the area but it may just be the wild animals, yet no one dares to go out there after darkness falls to prove otherwise. The Badlands Further south of the Backwash is a vast desert called the Badlands. It separates the city of New Haven from the rest of California. The odd thing about it is that back in 2020 it was part of the Salem forest before this huge section was wiped out. It wasn’t by wildfires, as the forests would recover after a time but by another force entirely. One theory that the Savior’s of Humanity have is that it was victim to the first mutant’s who went feral. Other than the Highway I-5 nothing exists in this desolate and barren wasteland. ---------- The factions that matter (more may be added later) The New Haven Government (includes Police and Justice Dept, Schools and other major civilian divisions in the city’s limits) The NHG is the civilian government in charge of the city, officially pro-mutant under Mayor Steven Wiggins’s administration. They try to keep the local gangs in check and anti mutant vigilantes who threaten the stability of the city. Generally comprised of hard working people who try and help one another. Yet there are always a few bad apples that give it a bad name. The Luther Saints A collection of idealistic individuals who believe mutants have been hounded too long and should be welcomed as brothers and sisters to New Haven. They have stations all along the outer edges of the city to greet new mutants with gift baskets of simple goods and references to living quarters. Compared to the Salvation Army for simplicity most if not all these people fiercely defend their views that mutants should be treated as equals. The Outcasts A collection of disenchanted humans and mutants who supposedly live deep in the Salem Forest who are best referred to as a modern sect of druids. To this day hunters, captured poachers, isolated hikers, and even young couples claim that they have seen people clad in nothing but forest garb or camouflage who either scare them away or save them from peril. Due to these reports California National Guardsmen and Salem park Rangers have made many numerous attempts to find the hidden home of the Outcasts but instead have found nothing but the ominous feeling of being watched. Saviors of Humanity The most prominent mutant hate group in the city limits, these people will use anything they can to stir discontent towards mutants. They are comprised of wide variety of people they seem to blame the mutants for everything from the common cold to tornado’s and the polar ice caps melting. While most hard working people try to avoid them they are largely accepted into the city unless they break the law, which sadly few seldom do or it’s just never reported. Note: While the Saints and the Savior’s certainly don’t get along other than a bar brawl no deadly confrontation as happened… yet. Channel 6 News The major news station in the city of New Haven, they are typical of most news stations but seem to be more conservative. In light of the influx of mutants to their city many wonder which side the news will take. More violent actions would tip them one way while peace and quiet might tip them another. In the world of the media everyone watches this station now for the latest on the so-called City of Hope. The Underground A misfit collection of mutants and humans who have been affected or victimized by mutant hate groups. Most are angered individuals who have lost a loved one, a family member, or a dear friend. Some are idealistic young people who want to fight for a good cause. But all have finally grown tired of the City Government delaying them their desired justice against the prejudice they now face. Note: Unwilling to take no for a answer in any more the Underground is considered a dangerous gang in the city. Any and all members of this group are subject t immediate arrest for multiple homicides and government damage. ------------- About characters: This setting in just shy of where we are nowadays in recent years and not much has changed honesty in the way of clothing our styles or hobbies in the United States. Your character can be from pretty much anywhere, hell it can be anime or realistic. Go nuts people. Character sheet On the longer parts such as Bio History or Personality keep it at least one good paragraph to not above three paragraphs) Neo Name: (What Neo knows you by) Alias: (OPTIONAL: be creative and nothing widely recognized) Name: (First and last is a must people) Age: (How old are you?) Origin: (where on Earth did you come from? Nothing made up, unless you speak to me) Mutant: (You can be human or mutant so Yes or No) Gender: (Simple I hope) Appearance: (You must give a written description) History: (While I'm all for you being detailed try to not make a novel will you? Some of us want to play) Gift/Power: (You get one and Be creative but not all powerful, otherwise I WILL have a MIDGET beat you senseless) Fear/Curse/Sickness: (Newton’s Third Law. As you have a power you also have a 'liability' that comes to reality. This can range from clumsiness, to illness to full-blown rage. Just as abilities though please keep it creative and potent enough to offset yer guy, Not world ending unless you talk with me about it) Personality: (A summary so others will know how to relate to your character) Items: (I don’t want to see a walking one man army with a begillion guns or sharp pointy things. PM me if you want to discuss details) Theme: (OPTIONAL : Pick a song you think fits your character, and link it here) Picture: (OPTIONAL : Can be anime, real person, or hand drawn. Yet challenge yourself not to do anything obvious or well known etc… Mel Gibson/Michael Jackson/Barney the Dinosaur) Other: (Anything else that you think needs to be said, put it here) --------- Creator’s Rant: Warning Skip this if you don’t want to hear me rant. Just before we get started I’m open minded about anything but in the end I make the call of what goes on in this place. You have free reign of your characters of course but I’m the Head Honcho in this here parts. Any ideas concerning the plot you will run by me before you do it or otherwise things get messy. And believe me I got no problem being an ass if I have to be. In the end though I created this RP so writers can wing it reasonably and enjoy themselves with fellow writers in a world not our own. We work together and pull this off we can all say we had a good time, if it falls on its face faster than a Wile E. Coyote safety check then we can say we gave it a shot and had a few laughs. ------------ Rules: Alright now we get to me favorite part > = ) First I’ll get the BIG one out of the way :::The Seven* Line Rule::: All Role-Play entries must be at least seven* lines long. This is not meant to annoy you, but rather to give your fellow Role-Players something to work with. It is very annoying when others do not give you something to work with and continue the story, and it might even break a Role-Play, so please, post at least five lines. We also hope that you'll eventually learn to post even longer posts. As a small addition to this rule, Role-Play creators are now allowed to specify the minimum of lines each post in their Role-Play must have, as long as it's five or more. Anyone not following their preference can be reported and their post will be removed. If no preference is posted, it's still at least seven* lines. Personal note: I see shorter then seven lines, you Will hear from me. Now on to my Rules, Yes MY rules. My way or the Loungin Thread Fer Yer Scurvy Arses!! (More may be added down the road) 1. Be polite and courteous to ALL other writers (regardless of age…. Yes I have had to learn that myself recently that age is not a reason to judge someone) 2. No killing or doing anything serious with other people’s characters without their consent (Can’t stress this enough so just don’t do it) 3. I don’t mind you killing thugs and petty criminals or even a few cops but don’t kill EVERYONE in the city. Also no killing the leaders of factions unless you ask me (Your not Rambo NOR are you God, also playing in a empty city just isn’t fun so don’t try it here. Go make your own RP if you don’t like it) 4. I get to decide who joins the story (I’m a picky ole basterd, just the way I am) 5. No God Modding (Big thing for me, I see it, yer gone, end of story … well after I have Justin Beiber kick your character’s ass) 6. You will not have any Pure OOC only posts (See Rule Number 14 .... come on scroll down. YOU CAN DO IT!!! NO NOT the CheeseCake You Fool!!) 7. Communication is the magic word … Use PM’s or IM’s if your going to use other people characters (If you have trouble reaching someone let me know and I’ll be the middleman if I have to) 8. dont typ liek dis. I see it I’ll skip yer post without giving it a second glance, but I’ll at least PM you to fix your crap (Now if it’s stuff you can say like ‘yer’ ‘gonna’ ‘wanna’ ‘lemme’ but say it IN CHARACTER instead of the post in itself then I have no problem) 9. If you have a brain fart or merely don’t know what to do PM me and I’ll get back to you as fast as I can so we can brainstorm together (and believe me when I say brainstorm) 10. Be mature and don’t have things go into a ‘he said she said’ squabble (If it gets to that point let me know and I’ll plant my foot down to end it) 11. Do not go around blowing shit up unless you tell me first (That’s my job and I want in on the fun) 12. This is rated M and there WILL be mature material here (Just a heads up though don’t overdue it yall, I know strange coming from me but come on this isn’t a B-rated movie or porno so let’s keep it on a manageable level) 13. The new OOC Thread is up and runing. While I can understand a few OOC's are helpful in the RP I want MOST of the character and plot discussion either there or in PM's (I'm being personally lenient on the OOC's because I've never had much trouble with them, if that changes then the rules will change.) 14. There are goinging to be new rules and you must check the rules ever so often just to make sure you are not missing anything. (Hey come on guys, not tht hard. Hell it could be worse ... we could all be stuck in a big sweat box with ONE bottled water between us) 15. I am Starting to like this RP so I'm putting this rule into effect, you must post at least ONCE a week. You can post more if you wish as well but ONCE a week at least. (Come on yall one post a week at least is'nt bad, hell I would be willing to help you type MOST of that one post if you just let me know yer stuck, where else you gonna get that kind of deal?) 16. And this last rule I give preps to Corruption from an RP we did way back in the day Regarding battles, we will not be using stats or anything of that sort, so disregard anything of the sort. In battles where fellow RP members are pitted against each other, there will be absolutely nothing like this. Person A: Mah characer is liek teh pwnzors! He beat yer characer dead with his uberness! LOLZ! Person B: Hellz no, biatch! My character >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> grater than yours! GTFO! Person A: NO, U GTFO! My character wil eet yors for brekfust! Person C: -comes in and destroys the world with Jesus- LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! No. It won't happen. Ever. No second chances, it just won't. Further elaboration on the way battles will work out will be posted if needed. I strongly doubt it will come to that since everyone here is mature enough to settle squabbles like that via PM seeing as this isn't Loungin', but I'm just warning you all right now. ------ Feel free to ask me any questions, concerns, and/or suggestions you might have anytime as well. All right comrades I know some people are restricted to PMing and that's completely acceptable but I'm going to dare you to expand it a bit further. I have found that over the years on Neo the ones that MSN Live Messenger is a better way of doing this for character and plot discussion. [e-mail] for me. In fact I would almost make this a requirement if not for me finding out some people can't help it but be stuck to Pming. I also got Skype and a few other means at my disposable, just ask me if you feel left out and I’ll get you back into the mix of things.

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

Name: Rebecca Ann Stillwater Alias: Shepherd Age: Twenty-four years old Origin: Baltimore, Maryland Mutant: No Gender: Female Appearance: 5 '8' with a fair complexion, Rebecca is a strong and slender young woman who has deep hazel eyes and rich brown shoulder length hair. Even though she has left the Military she still sometimes decides to wear a set of her dress uniform (without the rank) if she wants to come across as all business. Off duty she is more practical in her clothing; from cargo pants to khaki shorts, to loose T-shirts, or whatever else she finds comfortable at the time. History: An only child born into wealthy upper class family in Baltimore, Rebecca Ann Stillwater has had many things given to her for most of her early life. Therefore, when she chose to join the military as an officer it came as a complete shock to her parents, they even threatened to disown her. Not affected at all the young woman blew past every training requirement needed, graduated from OTC (Officer Training School) with full honors. Her parents happily received her back upon seeing her mold into a strong-willed young woman with her own high standards. When it came time for her to deploy though the experience was somewhat more jarring for her as she never expected to be part of a combat unit. Being assigned as Corporal Raynor’s handler after the Paige affected him didn’t do much to lighten her mood, but with the same resolve, she showed all her life she stuck it through and did as she was told with steadfast determination. When she was given a General Discharge after the few incidents that disbanded the group, she didn’t exactly know what to do for a while. Having never failed at anything she excelled at she drifted away from her home of Baltimore to many cities across the USA in a vain attempt to find herself again. At a seemingly nowhere town in Utah she came across Corporal Raynor again, only this time she followed him after she almost had a fatal run in with some local thugs. Her reasoning is still unknown at this time but she now follows Kushluk as he did with her overseas, perhaps she hopes in going along with someone she still trusts Rebecca may find herself again. Whatever the reason the pair are slowly but surely making their way to New Haven across the Badlands. Gift: N/A Fear: N/A Personality: Almost a perfectionist, Rebecca is someone who is very methodical for everything she does. Not one to sit around she would rather be doing something, as she believes hard work and determination will see through to any goal. She will rarely take no for an answer when she believes she is right and will fight to prove her point until she has cold hard proof showing she is wrong. Though smart she comes across as a bit of a bitch as she belittles others in conversation almost as if it was muscle memory, while she holds herself to a high standard. Rebecca is a beautiful strong-willed woman and yet these traits of hers speak for themselves as to why she has very few close friends. Before the setback in the military she's never had a failure in her life until the military gave her the boot and she lost her officer's commission. Around other women (especially those younger than herself) though she adopts a more big sister role, taking care of their needs if need be and even offering them motherly advice which comforts some and unsettles others. With the exception of Kushluk (even that's rare though) she treats all man as hostile threats to herself and the people she is around. In recent days though she seems more lost about what to do with her life, and for a young woman as driven as she was that drives her up the wall. Per Kushluk's advice who is now her closest friend she is trying to change, but It's slow going. Having served alongside him she knows Mutants are no better or worse than normal humans if handled properly and if society works with them. Taking him up on his offer Rebbeca has decided to stay with him for the time being until she can find herself again and move on with her life. Items: Rebecca keeps a small golden locket around her neck which she rarely shows, which seems to have a picture of a smiling family. She also has a small Sapphire ring on her right ring finger, a gift from her father when she graduated Officer Training School. Also she will never be anywhere without her small Glock Pistol and a switchblade knife for personal protection. Theme: NickelBack - If Everyone Cared = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B50BXlKuHo Picture: Other: Rebecca (like Kushluk) is very proficient in the use of conventional firearms but would prefer to avoid unnecessary trouble if it can be helped. While she doesn't prefer it she can defend herself through the use of SOME martial arts techniques that can disable an armed opponent without severely hurting them. She also loves to cook ... if she can ever find someone willing to try her food.

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

5. A New Companion, the Blue-haired Raven He grumbled a bit, his tune being interrupted by the strangely dressed woman, even more so that he didn't really like the french greeting she gave. But despite his demeanor toward a genre of people it would be like him saying he hated all Mutants .. so he couldn't rightly hate this woman if she was french. Looking down at the shivering woman Kushluk finally let out a small chuckle, "New to the city eh?" The woman ran a hand through her long blue hair, "Of course I am," she replied, her french accent not as heavy as one would think, "It's not like I enjoy wandering around in the rain." He groaned a bit seeing that his heart was sympathetic to this woman, but finally he shrugged, "Alright fine, here you go." Taking off his trench coat he held it front of him, "Yer gonna catch a damn cold if you don't at least cover yerself up." he said as he offered his trench coat to her. She looked at the coat he offered her, a bit skeptical at first, but she slowly reached her hand out to take it. "Thank you," she said in a softer tone as she slowly slipped it on, finding that it warmed her up almost immediately, "I will return it to you once I reach the motel... that is if you do not mind showing me where it is." The man smiled a little and gave a shrug, "Honestly I'm new to this place meself, but I'll tell you what. If you got nowhere else to stay, and honestly I can't believe I'm *bleep*ing saying this to someone I just met ... but you can stay with me and my lady friend for the night." With that He led her off under a sign to escape the rain Once in shelter he continued, "It's a condo in New Haven Square so you can get yer own room, and plus if you just came here it's a good place to relax until you get a job or whatnot. If you aren't comfortable with that I can treat you to dinner and then I'll walk you to the next motel we find. And also I'm doing this for an unknown person as well ... I must be an damned moron indeed. My name's Kushluk Von Raynor." he said finishing and holding out his hand in a greeting gesture. Alanis looked at his hand for a moment before accepting it in a shy way, her grip strong for a female her age. "My name is Alanis Cosette," she replied before leaning up and kissing him on both cheeks which was customary where she was from, "And I thank you very much for the offer... I think I will accept, at least until I get on my own two feet." Kushluk stood there for a moment at the strange woman and then shook his head laughing, "Yep yer definitely French alright ...historically I dislike the French honestly. But hell I guess you are just a normal person after all eh?" She looked at him before casting her eyes away, an almost depressing aura starting to surround her. "It depends on what your views on normal are," she said softly, ever since she had gotten over the Paige disease she never thought herself normal and when her father had kicked her out of the only home she ever knew. In her eyes, she was an outcast to society and an unwanted waste of space. For Kush though he merely waved his hand down the sidewalk toward a brighter section of the city, "I think in this city everyone has something they are not willing to say about themselves, but just know I'm more than I appear." To that Alanis smiled a bit,"I guess so am I in that regard." Kushluk laughed out loud, "Well I'm glad we understand one another milady ... they still say milady over in France right?" "I no longer have a title," she said simply, "Alanis is fine with me. I rather not have any ties to the man who sired me anyway... after all... it's his fault I'm in the mess I am in now. I could never understand why someone would disown their.... umm... nevermind, forget I said any of that... just... call me Alanis ok?" To that the former soldier nodded, "Don't worry lass, yer business is yer business as we say in good ole Texas. While I'm a bit curious though I ain't gonna pry into ya about, seems clear it's not a good topic anyways." With that he walked alongside his new french friend as they made their way through the rest of Downtown.

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

3. A New Home Beckons The condo was not that far from the courthouse, as it lay in the heart of Strip of New Haven. While Kush did groan about the increased traffic that the Strip was infamously known for, they were slowly making headway towards their destination. Rebecca though was gazing out at all the billboards and lights of New Haven Square noticing how similar the city was to New York. As they passed the bustling New Haven Square Kush pulled off on the side of the road toward a VIP parking lot. When the guard at the gate stopped them Kush handed the overweight guard the papers that his father gave him at the courthouse, and whatever it was made the guard merely nod and let them in. Parking was not an issue, and along with two hotel helpers they had their personal luggage in the condo in one trip. Afterwards, there didn’t seem much to do but become acquainted with their new home. -------- It was a luxury condo which Kush and Rebecca were not used to. The front door of the Condo lead to an open sized Common room with a glass window overlooking new Haven Square, a 40 inch HDTV hung on one wall above a fireplace that could be turned on by a small dial, with three couches in U shape facing the TV. On the opposite wall was a various assortment of art pieces, lining just above a small mini bar, which was stocked with a wide variety of soda and liquor. Opposite of the glass window overlooking the city was the kitchen, which was community, two fridges and a deep freezer in between. There was a grill built into the shelf next to the sink with two microwaves and almost any kitchen piece of equipment you could think of. The cupboards were already stocked with some basic spices and cooking supplies, and two dryers and washers lay off on the side of the wall opposite the front door. There were six individual rooms that were split by two hallways that connected to the Common Room. Each room had a Queen-sized bed that basically was it’s own room with closets and a separate bathroom which a big bathtub in each, along with a mini-fridge to boot. Rebecca discovered just behind the opened front door another door, which led to an extensive storage space while Kush in turn found the glass door out to the patio off to the left side of the glass window. Kush made his way past the huge whirlpool spa on the outside patio and leaned out over the railing, his gaze looking out across the New Haven strip. Rebecca had just finished moving into one of the rooms when she noticed her former comrade and went outside as well, joining him in his gaze of the city. Ever since finding out about his mother’s death she hadn’t really known what to say and things were in an uncomfortable silence. Taking a deep breath Rebecca spoke the first words between the two of them since erailer that afternoon in the courthouse, “Why didn’t you tell me your mother died?” To answer her Kush merely shrugged as he looked at her, “It was my business, didn’t seem much reason to tell you as you had yer own troubles.” The former officer scoffed, “Look regardless of the trouble I got into in Utah something like that is … I’m sorry, I just wished you would have told me on the road.” He sighed a bit as he made his way back into the condo, closing the door behind Rebecca as she came in with him. He sat himself down on the couch with Rebecca on the opposite one, “I’ve grieved in my own way Stillwater, anyways another topic though. Are you going to be staying at least for the night? With my father’s cash I think I might have enough to send you back home and get by till he comes back from Texas with this new job in mind.” She looked at him with a studying gaze, her hazel eyes trying to understand his strange attitude. As she looked into his blue eyes she wondered what happened to the passionate Corporal she commanded as a First Lieutenant. He used to take ever lose in their unit very deeply as if they were family, but now with his mother gone Rebecca could see no sign of remorse or loss in his eyes. Having forgotten his question she had to rethink plans seeing oddly enough she was worried for him, would he be alright on his own? Would he do anything drastic to ease the pain, like pick up drinking again or something even worse? She took a deep breath and stood up stretching while saying with a superior tone, “I’ll stay for awhile, though I don’t like getting handouts from others as you know. I’ll earn my keep, wouldn’t say much of me if I had to rely on others now would it?” She looked down to hope to see him flare up in anger at her pompous attitude like he always did, but instead he merely sat on the couch looking out the glass window for a moment. She was about to yell at him but he replied almost as if he wasn’t paying attention to her, “You have a place her Stillwater, I’m gonna turn in for the night. Stay as long as you wish.” With that he stood up and went to the front door, grabbed his duffel bag, made his way into a vacant room, and closed the door behind him. -------------- Rebecca stood there for a moment looking down the Hallway which Kush went and felt an odd shiver go down her spine. She made her way to her room rubbing her shoulders for warmth, “Yep, definitely going to stay her for a while. Damn it’s fraking cold.” As she got inside her room though she muttered aloud, “Well, things could be worse I guess … could be back in Utah with Ivan.” She said taking off her Shirt and looking at the burn marks on her upper necks and arms. With a shiver dismissed the passing misfortunate event and crashed into the waiting bed. --------------- Meanwhile Kushluk had sat himself down on the bed and stared out toward the vacant wall, thinking to himself about the many passing events that had happened all in the spane of a month. Out of the military, returned home, mother died, saw his sister and brother on the plane to this city to be with their dad, meeting Rebecca in Utah, and finally coming here himself … All in the span of six months. He didn’t know personally what he was doing anymore actually; he kept running military cadences in his mind to help him press on with the day as if he had to. To him his mind was still running in his military mindset, and while he grieved for his mother as he did for his slain comrades overseas he didn’t cry for her, as a son should. He realized even after the funeral he hadn’t really mourned for her, he let what pain out he could just to get through the day. That’s all he had been doing, trying to just get through the day without crumbling. Now with Rebecca here he was unconsciously taking her under his protection, and oddly enough other than the usual backtalk she was notorious for he was alright with that. She was his CO in the military, and now the roles had been switched and he smiled a little at the irony. Taking a deep breath the former soldier stood his bulky frame up from the bed; he knew he wasn’t going to get any rest tonight. There was nothing to do tomorrow, no formation, no work around the house that needed to be done, and also the encounter with his father kept running through his mind like a film keeping him wide awake. He grabbed his keys to the Condo, his wallet, Silver Leatherman Knife, his cell phone, and quietly made his way out of the condo so not wake Rebecca. ----------- After taking the elevator down to the main lobby the clerk behind the desk waved at him, “Ahh Mr. Raynor, I trust everything was to your liking ion the Condo? Your father has left you a generous lump sum of cash to do with as you please, so if you ever need anything please just say the word.” He merely said a thank you and headed out the lobby. He tightened his green trench coat around him as the door opener did his job, introducing a smack of cold air to him, “Careful Sir, seems we got a bit of a chill rainstorm tonight.” Kush thanked the man by the name of Bailey on his nametag and made his way outside to the street. Kushluk turned around and made sure to remember the name of the building, which was called “Haven’s Resort”. Easy enough to remember. He still shook his head at the originality of the name but nonetheless he began walking down the sidewalk. Hoping the small stroll would make him tired, he made his way through new Haven Square, stopping to appreciate the attempt the city’s nightlife despite adjusting to his kind. As another chilly gust of wind smacked him he picked a random street, and then letting his feet take him wherever it would take him. He placed the his outdated Ipod earbuds around his ears, and turned up an old tune from his favorite band that he and his father loved, Linkin Park’s New Divide.

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

Name: Kushluk Von Raynor Alias: Horizon Age: Twenty-three years old Origin: Abilene, Texas, USA Mutant: Yes Gender: Male Appearance: Bio: Baby blue eyes and brown messed hair that is in stark contrast to his firm build and fierce personality. Prefers to be known simply as Kush by those who know him. Totals at around 240 lbs and 6 feet tall with tanned skin. Wears sage-colored steeled toed boots, weathered denim pants with a brown leather belt, and any earth-colored shirt he can find. Since his home was a bit warmer than New Haven he can be often found wearing a dark green trench jacket his father gave him after his tour in the military. History: The oldest of three children, this young man joined the military in hopes to leave the State of Texas and make a difference in the world. Sadly for him he was not the brightest of his class nor was he the strongest, as such it was very hard for him to stand out among his peers. This did not deter the young soldier though as he fought long and hard, earning him a reputation as a very determined individual. After many months of grueling boredom in the States he was given training in preparation to deploy overseas, of which Kush had fought so long to achieve. During the deployment to a number of classified missions though he was struck with the Paige, and when recovered he was able to utilize his talents for what he thought was the betterment of his country. Yet something happened that made the young man disillusioned and lose the respect of his superiors, which led to a number of incidents where he officially disobeyed orders. In a strange turn of events Kushluk and the squad he assigned to at the time where all given a general discharge with little or nothing to show for their five years in the Armed Forces. In his travels from Texas to California he had come across his old handler from the military, Lieutenant Rebecca Ann Stillwater who was in dire straits. Being who he was Kushluk got her out of a tight spot and the two have been together since. It’s not all buddy chatting though as Rebecca is a pain in the ass and sometimes it’s a wonder that Kushluk only Drinks. Gift: Gravity Hole: This ability allows Kushluk to change the Force of G’s in a select area or around him, though many varying factors play as to the effect it can cause. What is agreed on by officials who documented his powers is that the air affected will ‘shift’ in a way noticeable as it swirls in the direction the gravity flows, meaning Kushluk could allow the gravity to increase or decrease in many strange and creative ways. This could mean a wide variety of things, from collapsing objects, to allowing brief periods of weightlessness, pulling objects toward him, and even forcing the gravity to either side. While most junior scientists joke as it being an advanced form of Telekinesis, experts know otherwise. They fear that if the power was ever aloud to grow or spin out of control they could be looking at a disaster in the making. Fear: Unbeatable foe: Someone or something ‘becomes’ the unstoppable specter that he fears, of which nothing seems to harm or deter it. If it was a person before hand he or she physically darkens and morphs into a shadowy shade of their former self, and this ominous form is single-minded and relentless in chasing Kush to the ends of the earth once it forms. Whatever or whoever it is comes only for Kush but will not hesitate to slay any in it’s path. Only Kush can stop the fiend and only if he either passes out from fear or regains control of himself at which point the shadowy shade will disperse while the person or object it infected will return to normal. In a brief memoir he tells a comrade, “It’s like pure freakish brute strength coming for you alone, and it doesn't matter how hard you seem to try they never stop hunting you. It never stops coming for you till you are dead on the cold floor while it laughs as it beats your lifeless corpse into a pulp. I can’t count how many times it’s happened to me, except when I open my eyes I’m perfectly fine except everyone around me looks at me wondering what the hell just happened. It’s like a nightmare but then It’s not … Crazy huh?” Personality: Having been a soldier in the US military who was raised with a good rough moral code, Kush isn’t afraid to rashly leap into fight to help someone who can’t defend themselves. While not religious he respects people’s beliefs but goes by his own code of ethics that many consider simple but practical. Also of note is that he hates oppressive authority without cause but that being said he respects those in power until they prove their incompetence. While he is blunt in speech and may not mean harm it can come across that way but nevertheless he is always going to speak his mind, even if it’s a grim topic. Though considered by many to be hedonistic with a devil-may-care attitude he is open and friendly to almost everyone he meets so most people get along well with him, yet his laid back nature has led his peers to call him lazy or aloof as well. During times of crisis he adopts a military mindset and will not hesitate to taking charge, so he understandably comes across as a bit of prick in this case. Still his intentions are good in the long run and when he plans things out MOST of the time they make sense … unless he’s drunk. Be careful when he decides it’s time for a drink, as he can’t handle his liquor very well if he drinks heavily and thus he will become probably either the funniest or foulest person you ever have seen. He goes from either not giving a damn to being merry and funny to overly depressed and foul-mouthed depending on his mood and reason for drinking. Known when even slightly buzzed to dance and sing without a care in the world, but he is most notorious for making up random marching tunes with strange lyrics involving people or things around him. Items: A blackened steel Leatherman knife in his pant’s pocket, his dog tags around his neck by a black shoelace, and a small flashlight along with a red laser pointer that is on his key chain. He drives a small blue Ford Ranger Truck that has seen better days but is surprisingly durable. Theme: Matchbox Twenty - How Far We've Come = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxAGGyrvJ9c Picture: Other:: In a fight he is a skilled marksman with most if not all-conventional weapons, and he is more than willing to cause his fair share of damage up close with a combination of his powers, his fists, or whatever else he has. As a former soldier who trained with his powers extensively, he is a very experienced and tough individual.

New Haven: Sanctuary (Closed)

1. Somethings never change Other than Highway I-5 nothing seemed to live in that God forsaken stretch of land called the Badlands, with exception of two vehicles stopped on the side of road.The veteran highway patrolman handed back the expired military ID card to the driver of the Blue Ranger and shook the young man's hand, "Thanks for yer service kid, be Safe in New Haven." Kushluk Von Raynor firmly took the hand with a smile, "Thanks for doing what you do Officer Harrison, Have a good night." As the California trooper went back to his patrol car the passenger of the truck breathed a sigh of relief, "Nice guy, it's a wonder he let you go once as soon as he knew you were a mutant." He gave Rebecca Ann Stillwater, his former lieutenant a smile as he shifted the car into Drive, “Maybe for once the commercials weren’t lying.” When Rebecca merely looked out her window to the afternoon sky while she fiddled with her hair, “Maybe. I guess there is only one way to find out.” Her former subordinate grunted in agreement and focused on the city lights that drew closer. ------------ As they pulled into the Backwash of the City Kush murmured aloud as they came to a spotlight, “Something’s never change huh?” Rebecca took out some change and handed it to a man with his arm around two young children she assumed where his children. The black man bowed his head deeply as the Five dollars came into his hands, “Thank you, God bless you lady.” She smiled and nodded her head but rolled up the window and sighed, “He’ll maybe get drunk and beat the kids … but I’m trying to hope he won’t.” Kush rolled his eyes but said, “Glad to see yer trying to be optimistic at least Stillwater.” She then went quiet as they made their way through the rest of the Backwash, ignoring the shanty houses, the old rundown houses, and tents that littered all but the road ahead of them. -------------- When they finally pulled up in front of the courthouse for them to meet with Kushluk’s father Rebecca stopped him before they got out. “I never thanked you for getting me out of that situation back in Utah Raynor.” She said her hazel eyes looking at him in sincere gratitude. Kush merely nodded, “You would have done the same for me I’m sure Stillwater. Besides you needed help out of there, still surprised you didn’t have me drive you back to Baltimore though.” The former officer then broke eye contact and looked out the window for a moment before going on in a soft tone, “I can’t go home, not now anyways. Thank you for allowing me to tag along, it was … not expected.” He nodded back at his former comrade, “As I said nefore, the offer still stands for you to stay with me until you get back on your feet.” Rebecca merely shrugged, “Lets see what your father gives you as a place before I say anything permanent.” With that the two left the Ford Ranger and passed through the double doors of the typical Roman styled courthouse. Once inside a security, upon seeing Kushluk military ID nodded and directed them to wait until the trial was over. As both of them sat in the lobby it became apparent to both of them that there was a lot of media attention in the building, with hordes of reporters waiting outside the double doors to the courtroom. Upon watching the news they both learned a famous figure by the name Damien Fairview was on trial, but for what the news did not say. Soon enough the double doors opened causing the media to go practically nuts, thus drawing Kushluk’s and Rebecca’s attention. Upon seeing Damien Rebecca muttered out loud, “Well he’s a cute one, broad shoulders, dark hair and handsome. Easy on the eyes too.” She said resting her right hand on her chin, which Kush chuckled at, “Honestly I think if you looked into his eyes instead of his ass you might see he is also dressed like a punk rapper.” Rebecca scoffed and smacked his arm in mock rage, “Hey, I’m allowed to look at who I want to Kush.” To which he merely laughed, “Fair enough, I wonder where my dad is though? The trial ended so he should be … ahhh there he is.” He said seeing a familiar well-dressed man talking to the guard that told them to wait. As Rebecca got up and closed her laptop she sighed, “Hope yer father doesn’t think we are married or anything, I’d hate to have to kick his ass.” She wondered as she made her way to the pair as they finished a firm hug. She introduced herself to his father, a guy named Gerald Von Raynor, apparently some bigwig for the city who explained that the trail for Damien was about him holding a rally for Mutants in the city. Thanks to him being one of the jury it was allowed for Damien to hold his rally by one vote. Now that the media had filtered out of the courthouse following the famous man she could hear mostly what was being said but did not really pay any attention until Kushluk said the following words, “You missed Mom’s funeral.” She about did a double take looking at her comrade in complete shock, as she was never told. Kush’s father sighed and handed him a airplane ticket, “I have a flight that departs in an hour, she’s outside time I assume?” Kushluk merely nodded but did not say a word to which his father sighed, “This trail was important son, I hope one day you’ll understand.” Gerald gruffly patted his son’s shoulder but Kush never said a word. Instead he eyed his father with a gaze that made Rebecca realize that things were not all sugar and spice in the Raynor household. With that Gerald gave his son a set of keys and some papers along with a debit card, “That map should get you to your new condo son, and when I get back from Abilene we will talk about your new job.” The older Raynor then turned to Rebecca and shook her hand again, “Pleasure meeting you Ms. Stillwater, son you take care alright. I’ll be back soon.” The elderly gentleman then turned and with some uniformed men made for the exit of the courthouse. No one but Rebecca heard Kush mutter under his breath, “That’s what you told Mother too.”

The Elemental Legacy

50.

Another training demon was sent flying into one of the castle's pillars, dissipating into a fine mist, though the impact of the illusion would make anyone jump on the other side of the wall. From the training yard came the howling war cies of the Sage of Light as he wailed on the training demons that surrounded him. Though the small impish creatures could not really harm him with their clubs, but when they hit a person it does feel real though the damage is non-life threatening.

Clearly Ostel had no such liabilities, and using his newly acquired warhammer the Grimward bastard tore his way through the nine remaining minions like a giant broom, sending their shadowy figures flying this way and that. With one mighty upward swing an imp fell high into the sky, and with a downward strike another one's head was crushed into the ground with a resounding thud. Before he could bring the Dawnbringer back into his firm grasp though, one of the creatures got a swipe at his heel, which made Ostel howl all the more wildly as he spun round and sent the minion into a fountain with a loud splash and puff of black smoke.

The fight continued few only a few of the imps actually hitting Ostel, but the end was predicable from the start. After the final shadowy figure evaporated, a sweaty and slightly bloodied Ostel stood in the arena with only himself standing. He took a few moments to look himself over for injuries, and felt a bruise on the back of heel and head, and a small cut on his right cheek.

Aside from that he shouldered the Dawnbringer and walked over to the training bench to rest for a brief spell and treat the injuries.

"Knock knock?" Calixta asked, letting out a small giggle. "I was just out and I wanted to ask you if you had seen Summer anywhere... Oh! You're hurt! Do you want some help with that?" She entered the training yard then, quickly walking to where Ostel was seated. All thought of Summer was gone, and the nymph stepped forward to inspect his injuries even as slight as they were.

Though Ostel tried to put up his hands he could not stop the persistent nymphe from doing what she desired. With a pathetic sigh he gave up politely declining and let her help him as he treated the injuries. As he mended the cut on his cheek he turned to her with his sky blue eyes and said, "Thank you Milady, I appreciate your kindness as always." He said with a small nod of his head as his glowing palm went over his cheek, and as his hands past the wound, the injury sealed up.

The blue eyes that were so clear seemed to pierce Calixta right to the soul, and she blushed slightly, fascinated by the healing process. "My healing is very different from yours, though I can see how light has healing properties. Are you hurt badly? I saw you swinging at those training imps, and you did a very good job. Although... they are very different from fighting real demons. Real demons are tall, fearsome, and they take away loved ones." A hard glint lit up her sea foam green eyes, though it quickly passed into nothingness.

The Human sage placed his sword hand on his head and grimaced in discomfort at the healing effort, but thankfully the injuries only let the headache stay for a brief few moment. However Ostel was listening to Calixta, and noticed her tone drop a bit at the mention of the demon's taking away loved ones. He decided against asking how she knew, as he knew some secrets were better left buried.

The Sage of Light then straightened himself on the bench and began, "I've had worse injuries, but I am touched by your concern. I'll be fine Calla, trust me. My healing powers allow me to heal fairly quickly. However, the more grievous the wound then the more it takes out of me to heal it. It goes from being a slight headache to the possibility that I could black out entirely. Thankfully I have not had to exert myself that much yet."

He then nodded his head and said, "And you are right, REAL demons would hurt alot worse. But that's why I train myself like this, it is not like the real thing, but it helps me to keep my mind sharp and reflexs quick." He then sighed and realized he was probably yammering on like a crazed loony.

The Grimward bastard then chuckled and asked, "So, you adjusting to life here Calla?" He said leaning back and smiling at the Sage of Water.

"Life here is very different... There is no water surrounding the land, for one, and I often feel like I'm out of my element. But I imagine that most of us here feel that way very often. I know for a fact that Summer does, and that's why I like speaking with her. We relate in many ways." She smiled and looked up at him, surprised that he would know about what real demons would be like.

"Nothing can prepare the body and mind for the aggression of a demon, no matter how much physical and magical training a person has had. They are simply wild cards and no one, not even my immortal people, has begun to understand the inhabitants of Tenebra. Aegar is different though, that much I can say." Calixta quieted for a few moments, then gave Ostel a dazzling smile. "While we're here, would you care to show me some combat tactics? Nymphs rarely ever fight, as most of our fight is mental and magical... a dance of minds, if you will."

With a simple nod Ostel eased himself up from the bench, "I'd be honored Milady." He held out his hand, which Calixta took gladly, and Ostel noticed her cheeks turn slightly red. He knew she had a fancy for him, and truth be told he did not mind. It felt nice to actually be held in high esteem, it felt like he was special to someone. But he didn't dare bring it up, and he knew that as Sages they would be facing the worst situations. So he cleared his mind of such thoughts... for the time being anyways.

He then went over to a small training rack and grabbed two training wooden swords, to which he handed one to Calixta pommel first. Once she had it in her hands Ostel then began, "Alright, I'll try to teach you some basic defensive moves. Since I am guessing you are not trained in swordplay I'll be teaching you how to deflect and get away from combat. It may not seem herioc, but by buying yourself some time, your allies can deal with whoever is assaulting you." with that he raised his training sword and gave her salute by bringing sword up to his face and bowing.

"Are you ready to begin Calla?"

The Sage of Water let out another feminine giggle as she got a feel for the wooden sword. "If you wanted to engage in swordplay, I could have used my long knives. I'm not completely devoid of training. Acheron had taught me many things in his lifetime. But yes, I would like to begin!" She twirled the sword around, surprised at how heavy it was despite it being made out of wood.

And so Ostel began his lessons, teaching her of how to fend off a skilled attacker. Though he did his hardest to not actually hit her when he got by her defenses, he did land a few whacks to her arms and legs, and one good solid jab at her stomach. He taught her that merely deflecting the blow was not the objective, but to use the opponent’s momentum to throw them off balance. After a few failed attempts, Calixta started to show promise as she almost threw Ostel's brute strikes off.

Finally as the sun began to set on the pair, Ostel gave her one final try before they called it a night. The first swing he sent to her midsection, but she parried his attack and spun inward to strike him back. In response he tried to use his arm as a battering ram to shove her back, but the Sage of Water continued to move around him as graceful as a dolphin around a jagged cliff. Expecting her to strike him in the center of his back Ostel spun with her and swung at chest level with his sword.

Usually this would get her as it did before, only this time Ostel felt a solid kick in his midsection, which sent the Sage of Light sprawling onto the dirt. For a moment he lost his ability to breath but then he laughed, "Calla you beautiful damn nymphe! What a kick!" He said as she stood over him as the victor.

Rasinging his hands up Ostel then admitted meekly, "I surrender to your mercy Miliady! The day is yours." He said with a broad smile of pride etched across his face.

Calixta grinned at his praise, breathing heavily from the physical exhaustion. It had been a while since she engaged in such heavy training, but the times for relaxation were over and the girl needed a reminder of how to fight. The exercise left a thin sheen of sweat on her brow, and she sank to the ground to kneel beside him. She would have offered a hand to help him up, but he was tall and she she was much too short for that. Instead this was her way of helping him even after she brought him down.

"I apologize for the kick," she said, a look of worry on her face, "but I just got so excited! It's been a while since I've really been challenged and you provided just what I needed. Thank you, Ostel." Her cheeks turned a deep pink at the mix of emotion and exhaustion, and the nymph girl leaned forward and placed a hand on his chest as if to kiss him.

At first Ostel did not know what to say or let alone even think. He actually was going to be kissing a beautiful woman? But was it right? ... in his gut he heard a resounding no, and thus he regretfully knew what he he had to do. He then began to stand himself and his fellow Sage up who was starting to give him a worried look.

Ostel then took her hand and said kindly, "Milady, I fear I am not ready for this." He then took a careful step back, "If you want to yell, go ahead, I won't stop you." He said as he seemed to ready himself.

Confused, Calixta cocked her head to one side a bit. "But I thought... I must have read things wrong, I apologize... again," she giggled out once more, though it sounded empty and a bit heartless. "I won't yell at you, I promise. I was just... mistaken, that is all." A sad smile turned up her lips, and she took a step back to distance herself even further from the Sage of Light. "Are you... upset with me?"

The Sage of Light merely shook his head, "I can never be mad at you Calla, I just do not wish ... something that special to be based off a lie. You are a beautiful young nymphe, and I can see your kind soul, your caring nature, and happiness yearning to grow again. It would be wrong of me to take advantage of your quest for happiness."

He then shrugged his shoulders and said with a smile, "Then again I could just be acting like a fool. But ... hell's I don't know." He then gave a sad look to his fellow Sage, "I do not want us to grow apart because of this Calla, you are a good hearted person. And my life would be less joyful if you distance yourself from me. Am I making sense?" He said as if asking himself the very same question.

"Of course you make sense. And why would this make us grow apart?" she asked, genuinely confused. Back on Nymphe, finding a mate was often confusing and it was never easy. But despite all the failed attempts, they all remained on good terms with one another. It just meant that things were not meant to be. "I am glad you told me now rather than later as it probably would have upset me more later..."

A comfortable pause colored the air, and then Calixta turned back to the human. "Well then, I must be off! The sparring was fun, but I was trying to find Summer... Ah, I'll find her later!" She moved to put away the wooden sword, and she had returned to being her bright cheery self again, almost as if the entire ordeal never happened. But nymphs were like that; they were emotionally all over the place.

Before she left though Ostel then intercepted her departure, and again she tilted her head to the side in confusion, to which he merely bowed, "If I may at least have the honor of escorting the victorious conqueror back to her quarters?" He said hooking his strong and sturdy arm out to her with a warm smile.

"Of course, Ostel." The girl brought her raven hair over to one side then gladly took his arm with a smile. "You truly are unparalleled when it comes to being ever the gentleman!" She awarded him with another dazzling smile and lead the way back to the castle towers, leaving Ostel with a friendly kiss on the cheek before heading up to her room.

The Elemental Legacy

47.

The sky was clear, the sun was shining, and the classes were done for the day. The sun decided to stay awake for a bit longer before letting the moon take over, so Damien decided a nice nap would suit well. However, his bedroom seemed too stuffy, and there was no where around the school that seemed like a good spot, so he settled on finding somewhere outside the school but close by if one should need him. The front of the school was too bland for his liking, however, the back of school gave a much more impressive picture. A couple of hills were just behind the school, which Damien and Ember both ran up to get a good look at the picture. Once they reached the top, they saw that a dense forest about a mile out, stretched for what seemed like forever, "Now this is a view." A small boulder jutted out of the ground nearby, which proved to be a good back rest. Damien sat down with his back to the school, and his eyes fixated on the picture in front of him. Ember crawled into a ball beside him, and without a word, the two let sleep take them over.

As the hours went by and the the Sage of Fire rested along with his canine companion, they were oblivous to their surroundings, trusting their safety to the nearby presence of the University. As the sun was starting to dip into it's afternoon cycle a tall cloaked figured moved toward the sleeping dou, stopping just shy of a few few meters of the Sapiens Ignis.

The figure shrugged and chuckled a bit at seeing the sleeping pair and nudged the sleeping Damien, "Wake up sleepy head, you found my spot. Can you believe these guys Snow?" The broad figure said to a familiar white wolf behind him.

Damien groggily woke up, and when his eyesight cleared up, he saw that Ostel and Snow were standing over him. "Oh this spot?" Damien began still half asleep, "Sorry about that, it's very nice spot though. Would you mind sharing?" Damien straightened himself up, and got into a more comfortable position to relax while patting Ember to wake up. "I'm still not used to the bustle of that many people. It's nice to get away and find some peace and quiet."

With a grin Ostel looked out to the vast plains and the setting sun as it painted the clouds many strange and exotic colors. The Sage of Light nodded his head and smiled, "I cannot blame you for that, it's a view that I'm sure many painters would pay to see." The Sapientis Lux rested his back to the rock, and Snow sat himself down beside his companion's legs before resting near Ember, the two wolfs playfully poking one another with their noses.

The Sages watched the exchange between their companions for a bit with a smile on both of their faces, for no words needed to be said. Ostel finally broke the silence with a sigh, "You worried about what kind of foes we well be facing Damien?" The Grimward asked as he crossed his arms.

Damien thought about the question for a second before answering, "Worried? A little, yes, but I think anyone would be if they were in our shoes. Either that or their foolish. I'm not worried as much as I am wondering. We at least know a few things about Bonketsu and his enforcer. It's his minions that have me thinking. They could be anything, and that I don't like. I might be worried about our enemies, but it's our group that has me worried more. I don't think you could have found a more ragtag group of heroes. It will be a long time before our team fully melds, and if we aren't when we hit the battlefield, then I'm afraid we would have already lost. How about you? Are you worried about anything?"

Ostel did not answer right away as he pushed himself from the boulder, walked a few paces away from Damien, and started to walk back and forth. All the while his shield hand rubbed his chin hair, thinking about his concerns on the matter. After a few seconds Ostel turned his head to the lycan, "Too many things worry me Damien, but I try to not think about the things outside my control. I understand your concerns as well, and they make sense. I know Jade Fist can handle himself and our mutual 'friend' Aegar can do the same. As for me I imagine I would fair just fine, I've had some fights and skirmishes under my belt."

The human then shrugged, "As to you, Summer and Calixta ... well no offense meant, I just have not seen any of you fight except for Calla. Me and her spar regularly so she can at least hold her own sine I am training her. Plus we all have our spells, and we would not be Sages if our talents were not the best now or in potentail." It was then that Ostel stopped his pacing.

And then he let out a chuckle as he grabbed a small rock, "Then again I could just be talking nonsense ... hell I never considered myself a hero anyways." Ostel said as he threw the rock high into the sky, and grinned seeing the distance he managed to get.

Damien chuckled at that last comment as well and stood up from his own spot. "Honestly, I haven't had too many tustles with other sentient races, but my father trained to be an excellent hunter and master with a bow, but it's not our physical prowess and magic skills that concern me." He let the idea sink in before continuing, "Think about it, A bastard son from one of the most powerful families in Lucerna, a former slave girl from said family, an anti-slavery outlaw, a royal commoner nymph, a demon with a past, and a revenge-seeking nomad. Many ideas, history, and races are being thrown together and told to get along to save the world. What worries me if we will be able to put our differences and pasts behind us and band together as a true team to defeat the greatest evil."

Damien then picked up his own rock and chucked it just as high as Ostel, whether Damien's went higher or lower than his comrade's was impossible to tell at the angle. "Maybe I'm putting too much thought into the matter."

Ostel tried to block out the sun and follow Damien's thrown stone, but gave up, "Good throw." When the Sage of Fire nodded with a hint of pride in his eyes Ostel then admittted, "Look I don't pretend to have all the answers Damien, but maybe there is something we can do. BUt I'll need your help." Ostel said looking his way as if expecting a reply.

Damien met Ostel's gaze, "What do you have in mind, friend?"

The Sage of Light took a deep breath and began, "We need to get the Sages together, by that I mean as a fighting force. I have some military training, and I think if we all discussed our strengths openly we can figure out how to organize ourselves in a fight.." Ostel then pointed to Damien, "From what you have said, you are a good archer, and I am more of a melee fighter. I keep them focused on me with my light spells to disoreintate and confuse them, you pick them off. That's just the two of us, which can be effective." The Grimward bastard then held both his arms out and said, "Now imagine if we can organize the whole damn group. If we master our spells, accomodate one another, train beside one another ... well then I think we can at least survive most of the encounters we will face."

Ostel then let his arms drop and chuckled as he scrathed the back of his head, "Then again I might be wrong. Hells that mean Aegar will have to be part of the group, and Summer may not be effective in combat. But .... it's something at least. What do you think?" The human asked as he watched Ember and Snow playfully wrestle on the grass.

Damien thought about Ostel's proposal for a short time before replying, "While your idea is sensible, practical, and overall a very good idea, which I fully support, that's not the point I was getting at. Physical prowess and combat skills are important, yes, but our team is composed of radically different personalities, conflicting backgrounds, and, to each person, strange cultures. The physical is not what worries me the most, it's the mental aspects that I'm afraid may be the obstacle that keeps us from completing our goal." Damien stood there, making sure he got his point across this time.

With Damien's words in mind, his friend scratched the chin hairs he had and paced around a bit, "Well, we could all sit down one evening and talk frankly, might do us some good. I could go first if need be. Do you think that might help, or do you have another idea?" He asked as he stopped to listen to his fellow Sages response.

"While that's a viable option, maybe what we could do is combine both of our points. We could have ourselves and the other sages spar one on one, and possibly have the others observing. After the session, we could discuss what could be done to improve ourselves and in-between, talk about our inate differences." What say you, Ostel?

To that Ostel nodded his head and smiled to the Sapiens Ignis, "Sunds like a plan Damien. Come tomorrow let us both talk to the others. Hopefully they will see the wisdom in this as well."

Then suddenly Ostel gave him a hard look, "By the way, what are your thoughts on Summer?" He asked simply, with his sudden cold tone implying more than then he was letting on.

Damien cleared his throat at the question, " Summer is a fine girl. She may have much to learn in the way of magic and combat, but I'm sure she will come into her own light." While Damien may have given a simple and literal answer, he knew what Ostel was getting at. He let out a sigh before continuing. " Summer is a sweet girl, we may not have everything in common, but there are a few similarities. I've helped her through her first change, and when she has night terrors. I'm sure one day she will help me. I will be honest with you, I do feel like I have feelings for her. I'm not fully aware of your own relationship with her. If there is something between you two, let me know and I will back off, if not then I would like your blessing seeing as you freed her."

With a sigh Ostel looked off to the setting sun in the distance and shoke his head, "I wish I could say that it is Summer's choice Damien, but there is a reason I am asking. I am sure she has told you about what has happened to her and what would of happened to her had I not acted." When Damien nodded his understanding Ostel put his hands on his hips and his gaze fell to the ground, "Look as long as you care for her, then I guess I'm alright with it. But keep in mind, if you hurt her, then you answer to me. No need to think about it, but let's pray we never come to blows, because it seems like the world has enough troubles without the Sages fighting each other over love."

The Grimward bastard smiled and looked up to his fellow sage and nodded, "You have my blessing, don't abuse it, please?" He added the last bit with a bit of a joking tone.

Damien turned his gaze towards the setting sun and nodded a few times. "You have my word, friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way." He then outstretched his hand for Ostel to shake, who grabbed and shook firmly. "Now, I think it's about time we got ready for supper. What say you, Ostel?"

"Agreed." The two then did an about face and gingerly walked back to the school with their pets right by their owners' sides.

The Elemental Legacy

41.

It was at that moment that Ostel came into the room, which prompted a fair number of the occupants to look in his direction. The Sage of Light was talking to to the big white wolf who trotted beside him, " ...is the last time I try to make sense of this castle Snow. How about next time you lead us to the food. Deal?" Snow barked and playfully ran around his human companion's legs.

Shaking his head with a sarcastic grin at Snow's antics, he then said absentmindedly, "Sorry I'm late, It's a damned maze in here!" He then realized the amount of people staring at him, which instinctively made him stop in his tracks. Usally when a large number of people were looking at him, it was because of something he did. A brief image of a number of such accounts flashed through his mind.

But before he could dwell on it further Jade Fist waved at him, "Take your time Ostel. I'll eat your food. I'm sure you won't mind."

Again the human shoke his head and the scenarios in his mind dispersed, followed soon by a wry grin, "No need to get yourself killed so soon my friend." He walking by and softly planting a fist on Jade Fist's shoulders before heading over to grab what looked the most delicious. He settled for what seemed to be a hearty well cooked cut of chicken, steamed ham, buttered bread and he finished by grabbing a flagon of honeyed mead to wash it down.

With a boyish grin the Sage of Light sat took his place and sat in the only available seat left at the circular table, between the Sapiens Terrae and Sapiens Ignis.. He gave his cooked ham to Snow on a separate plate on the ground, which his canine companion gladly dug into.

He nodded to Damien, "Hope I did not miss much."

The Sage of Fire shoke his head, "Nope, glad you could make it. Was wondering were you went actually."

Ostel shrugged his shoulders, "I was exploring, and figured I'd get a lay of the land. But Gods! This place is really easy to get lost in."

"Maybe you should ask someone for a map then." Jade called out, "I'm sure a handful of students here get lost occasionally."

He shoveled a piece of turkey into his mouth and said with his mouth half-full, "Perhaps another day I might do just that Jade." Ostel then looked across the table and smiled at the fact that Summer was speaking to other people, but then his smile went away as his gaze focused on the cloaked figure the Sapientis Ventus was speaking to.

He did a quick head count around the table. Beside him sat the lycan known as Damien and formidable Jade Fist, each being the Sages of Earth and Fire. Then across the table he counted the innocent Summer and the friendly Calixta as the Sages of Wind and Water.

So then that only left ... Sapiens Tenebrae. Ostel's eyes quickly focused on the one he assumed was the Sage of Darkness.

He was dark-skinned and matched the cloak he wore, though the cowl of the coat was drawn back and his white long hair seemingly shined in the candlelight. From his skull protruded two horns about three or more inches tall, the tell tale signs of the demon race. His eyes narrowed on the suspected demon and his hands begin to form into fists around his utensils, and his teeth began grinding his food as he felt his blood began to boil.

Before Ostel could fume further though, he was interrupted as from across the table someone was waving at him to get his attention. He shoke his head and noticed Calixta was asking him something, to which he asked, "Sorry? I was ... briefly lost in my thoughts. What was your question Calixta?" He said as he took deep breaths to calm himself.

The nymph let out a small giggle, charmed at his protectiveness over the elf-girl. But she didn't comment on what she saw and instead repeated her question. "Are you enjoying your... whatever that is? What does animal taste like?" the girl asked innocently, pointing at the pile of chicken on his plate.

At first Ostel gave her a confused look as he first looked down at his plate and then to her, "Well the chicken is good. But as to what it tastes like ... you are phrasing that rather oddly Calixta. Do your people not hunt in your homeland?" He asked genuinely curious

"Please, call me Calla," she said with a grin that was quickly replaced with a look of surprise. "Oh, gods no! I just explained to Summer that nymphs live on a vegetarian diet, so I wouldn't know what any type of meat tastes like. Well... except fish. I had to eat that twice. It tasted very... fishy?" Calixta laughed then, a bubbly, feminine sound.

Upon hearing the bubbly laugh Ostel could not help but laugh himself, a hearty laugh that infectously went around the table. Upon coughing to clear his throat he managed to say, "Gods be good! Was not expecting that, sorry Calla." He then breathed deeply to gain control of himself before continuing, "Well, it tastes sort of like stuffed bread with a warm meaty taste. My apologies Calla, it's hard to describe really, we humans have long hunted on our lands. It is hard for me to describe something that is second nature to us, would you like to try a piece?" He asked as he cut a small piece off.

"No, no!" she squeaked out, eyes wide. "I mean, that's okay. I'm accustomed to the sweet taste of vegetation, and I'm sure chicken is a far cry from that. Besides, you know what they say... women who eat meat, even once, are... you know... bad. They end up dying old and alone and-- ugly." Her voice had dropped to a hushed tone, and she was leaning forward in her seat, her cheeks tinged a deep pink from embarrassment.

Ostel merely bowed his head and then smiled at his fellow Sage, "No need to explain, I understand Calla. All of our races have different customs I suppose, but that does not mean any single race is right on whatever that custom is. It just means we have our own ways, and indeed I commend you for sticking to it. But just so you know, I don't think you will ever be considered in my eyes bad or ugly." He said with genuine sincerity.

Calixta beamed at his words, lips turned up in a wide smile. "You're very kind, Ostel. But I'm sure I'm not the first to have told you that, especially since Summer speaks of how you saved her. You two must be very close... But then, I imagine all romantic relationships are close, are they not?"

The Sage of Light's smile then faded as he looked to Summer, whose gaze did not meet his as her own eyes looked away. Ostel than half-heartedly grin and said simply, "I would not know Calla, I have never been in one. I would imagine they would have to be if the tales I hear have any truth them. And, Summer and me are not in a relationship Calla. She is free to choose her fate. My only intention was to save her from an unkind and cruel fate. She deserved better ... You deserve better Summer." He said with a sad smile to the elf he freed not too long ago.

Summer smiled at Ostel much like she had when she had told Calla about the Honey Dew, "And I have you to thank for my new chance at life... to even find out what 'better' is."

Calixta nodded along, a troubled look upon her face. "I am happy that Summer was saved. There are many people that deserve better in the world, and yet they couldn't escape a cruel fate... we couldn't escape a cruel fate..." And with that, the nymph looked down at her food, gently cutting up the fruit and slowly eating, the sadness of Acheron on her mind.

Seeing tha his fellow sages seemingly reflect on Calixta's words, Ostel then solemnly said, "We cannot save everyone my fellow Sages, that fact we sadly will have to face. But what matters is that we do what we can, to ensure that everyone at least has a chance at a better life. Whether it's by defeating our foes, helping the next season's crops grow, or giving some soup to someone who has lost everything." He said ending with smile at the Sage beside him.

Jade raised his head at Ostel's mention of soup. Which, consequently, he'd been helping himself to while everyone else was talking, sipping it through the carved mouth of his mask. The only kind of meal he was capable of eating without taking his mask off, which was preferable in such a public place as this. Surrounded by students. As he raised his head, everyone else at the table gave him a... rather wry, curious look. After a moment of silence, Jade said aloud, "If you thought it was going to be that easy..." He pointed towards his mask and said, "You were mistaken."

And then he continued to eat his soup.

Shaking his head and laughing a bit, Ostel then raised his flagon of honeyed mead, "To giving others a chance. I can drink to that!" He said as he chugged the mead.

---

Soon after Summer and Damien departed, Ostel felt a wave of sleepiness over take him as well. Before he made a move to stand up though he knew that a certain weight sit covered his boots. He then looked down at his feet and saw Snow, who was already fast asleep and curled up in a big white ball of fur. With a simple rub on his companion's ears though he woke up and groggily waited for Ostel to finish up with the group.

With Snow off his feet, Ostel stood himself up and unexpectedly belched, "Damn, Excuse me. That hit the spot, a good end to a fine day." He then stretched a bit with his gaze falling on the Sage of Earth, "I think I'm gonna turn in Jade. What about you?" The Sapientis Lux asked as he let his arms drop.

"I'll head back to our room in time." Jade replied, "I'm more interested in exploring a bit though. Late evenings mean not as many students will be about. I should only be an hour."

With that Ostel said his goodnights, but not to the Demon among them. Who ever the Sage of Darkness was he merely sat there as the remaining sages departed. Just as Ostel was about to leave the room as well he suddenly felt the Sapiens Tenebrae's gaze upon him. The Sage of Light turned and sure enough the Demon was looking at him, to which Ostel met his gaze with a glare of his own.

"You don't like Demons I take it?" The Sage of Darkness asked plainly.

"No. And I bet you do not fancy humans either?" Ostel shot back.

"Depends on the human." He said as he drew the top of his cloak over his white hair and then stood up.

He was taller than Ostel by about a head, but not quite as broad as him. But the Sage of Light knew just from the way the Demon stood that he was not a weakling by any stretch of the imagination.

The Sage of light kept his composure though and said sternly, "I'll work with you since we are both sages. But I got my eye on you." Ostel said firmly.

The demon merely responded sarcastically "Nice to know I have your permission Ostel Grimward."

Shaking his head in annoyance he then asked, "So, your name then?"

The answer could not of been simpler "Aegar."

Ostel recalled that name once, but the memory was fuzzy at best, "Aegar ... I've heard that name before. What's your last name?" He demanded.

What the demon said was cold and direct as it could be, "That is my business Ostel. Maybe I'll tell you sometime." With that the Demon left the main hall and made his way toward his tower.

After Aegar left, Ostel merely turned and went his own way, watching behind him to make sure that the Sage of Darkness was not following him. One thing he learned at the School of Light was that you should never trust a demon. Added on to that warning was seeing the results of demon attacks on Lucerna, and cruel was an understatement of how they acted. Then again, the same School of Light also preached that the elves were lesser then humans.

Perhaps Ostel was wrong to be suspicious of Aegar, but he preferred in this case to be on the side of caution.

The memories of the aftermaths of demon attack plagued Ostel's thoughts till he finally got his and Jade Fist's room. Once there he finally got out of his armor and gear, leaving him only in his leggings and white undershirt. His white wolf friend also welcomed the prospect of sleep as Snow literally collapsed right next to his bunk. The Sage of Light did make sure to keep his keen hunting knife underneath his pillow though.

You never know with a Demon.

The Elemental Legacy

30.

As their host left the six sages in the main hall Ostel glanced over to Jade Fist with perplexed look, wondering for a moment if he might survive the night with the most notorious elf on Lucerna. He then shoke his head and smiled as he remembered the oath him, Summer and the outlaw took. The Sage of Light looked down to his canine companion and saw Snow staring at the departing warlock.

Truthfully the human did not know what to make of all of this, the caste, the fact he was a sage, and to top it off he was now supposedly the only hope for his race. Thankfully a rumble in his stomach reminded him of other important things. As if hearing his tummy, Snow began wagging his tail in agreement.

Ostel then walked toward his bunkmate, and the armored Earth Sage turned to meet his advance. With a friendly nod Ostel said, "Not sure about you Jade Fist, but I'm hungry as a bear in fall. Want to see if we can find some food?" He said pointing his thumb behind him.

"You can eat if you want." Jade Fist replied, "I just want to look around the place. Get a feel for it." He walked past Ostel, towards the first hallway he saw, unsure of what he'd find. He turned his head and said, "Let's go." And the two proceeded further into the university side by side, with Ostel's canine companion following suit.

As the trio began exploring down one of the many corridors, the bastard and the outlaw strode side by side in silence for a while. Each of them however was looking with awe at the architecture of the university's many tapestries and pictures of a forgotten time. Sometimes the mosaics and pictures seemed otherworldly as well.

So entranced was Ostel that he could not help but whistle and say aloud in wonder, "Impressive. And here I thought that the City of Light had the best art and culture. I know many a person who would give their fortune to be here to see this." The Grimward said as he ran his hand across a richly decorated banner of twin red lions on a gold background.

"I'd say any noble could buy their way in here..." Jade Fist said, scanning the area around the trio. "But I'd be wrong. This place seems... sacred. Not really my kind of living arrangement."

Ostel then turned to the Earth Sage and asked without thinking, "Really? Where would you prefer then?"

"Somewhere I'd be sure were away from prying eyes." Jade Fist replied.

At that the Sage of Light sighed, "I can understand that, I think." He then crossed his arms and said bluntly, "But if you always think you're being watched, how will you ever find some measure of peace?"

"Peace?" The elf said to Ostel, "I won't know any real peace for some time, Ostel. Not until my kind is liberated... or even to a point after that. But I'm content with my current lifestyle, however overzealous it may seem to you."

In response the human put his hands up, "I take it back then. I do not understand, then again I guess I hope I never do. I cannot imagine the injustice you have seen, and no amount of apologies from me is going to make up for all that has happened." He said with his tone dropping a bit as a familiar feeling of remorse resurfaced.

"You don't have to apologize for anything." Jade Fist replied, "I can tell you're a good person. You haven't done anything to wrong me, or any elf, as far as I know. It's not humans in general who need to apologize for their actions. It's each and every individual who carried them out."

With a nod the bastard said simply, "I could not agree more. Let's just keep in mind that first we have to figure out what we can learn from this place, and then we can change the fates of both our peoples." he said continuing down the elaborately decorated hallways with Snow accompanying him, his tail waggling all the while.

Jade Fist paused for a moment. Better question is... what does this place already know about us? He shook the idea out of his head, catching up with Ostel.

As the armored figure caught up Ostel gave him a smile, "So, Jade Fist. If I may ask, is your family back on Tellus? What are they like?"

There was a brief moment of silence before the elf replied, "They're... not on Tellus."

The Sage of Light's smile faded briefly, and after a deep breath he grinned again, "Well, I'm sure they would be proud of you."

"They're not dead either."

Ostel could not help but chuckle, "Well then you'll find them. Of that I am sure as well. Besides, for better or worse, I think since meeting Summer and you has made my mind up on something." he said with his eyes rolling upward in though, a mischevous look in his sky blue eyes.

"Yes?"

With a shrug the bastard answered, "I am lending some serious thought to joining you in freeing the elves across Lucerna. Hell I'm a bastard anyways and they expect that of us. And it just feels ... I guess right." He said nodding his head as they continued to walk down the hall.

"If you'd join me, then I would appreciate your assistance greatly." Jade Fist replied, and without thinking about his next words too much, said, "But... it's not just Lucerna that must be freed..."

With a raised eyebrow Ostel pressed his companion further, "I was not aware that there were other places that kept elvish captives. Was there another war that did not involve Lucerna?"

Jade Fist paused, lowering his head. He didn't know if this was the right topic to bring up with a human, but... he just felt the compulsive need to inquire with him about... that horrible place. He looked back up at the Sage of Light and said, "Ostel, you're associated with one of the most well known families in Lucerna. So I'd have reason to believe you might know about..." He paused again, thinking of what to say. "Have..." He said in a hushed tone, "Have you ever heard of a company known as South Solitude Jewelers?"

Ostel brought his sword hand to his chin and rubbed the small patch of chin hair he had in thought, "I have heard of a few of my mentors in the City of Light mention them in passing, but I must admit I know very little about them. Are they some sort of buisness I assume?"

"They haven't been active for several decades." Jade Fist replied, a bit more focused in tone now, "Do you remember any of what they said about it?"

Ostel stopped for a moment and thought carefully, trying to recall the last time he heard the name. A brief image of the Temple of Light came to mind where Master Elwrick spoke to one of his many associates. He closed hi eyes in concentration as he tried to remember what was said, but in the end he gave up after a few moments and sighed, "I recall my old Master speaking to one of his many colleagues about them, something about dealings gone south if I recall." But then the human shrugged his shoulders, "But I may be mistaken, it's a wonder I remember that. That was about ten years ago, a long time for a human anyways."

Jade Fist paused once again, unable to help but think. He then said in a low voice, "I know slavery in Lucerna is terrible, but..." He shook his head and continued, "But that place... it's an atrocity unto itself." He sighed and simply turned his head away again, saying, "I can't stop thinking about it since Zemlja brought it up. It's... disturbing me greatly."

Sensing his comrade’s uneasiness Ostel then stopped in his tracks and looked with concern at the armored figure, in fact this was a bit serial. He never expected he would meet Jade Fist, let alone have a conversation with the outlaw. Strange times call for strange allies I guess . Unsure of what to say the bastard said, "Take your time Jade, it's alright. You can tell me now or whenever you think you can." he said resting his back against the wall opposite of the armored figure, waiting patiently with Snow sitting down beside his left leg.

Jade Fist shook his head again. "It's..." He said, "It's best not to dwell on it right now. I should keep a clear head for whatever the Headmaster has planned for us. I'm going to head back to our room, just... think. I'll be there for the remainder of the afternoon. You go on ahead and find something to eat."

With a simple nod Ostel straightened himself up and took a step forward towards the Sapiens Terrae, but not too close to invade his personal space, "If you ever need to talk my friend, you know where to find me. Take it easy, and rest well." He said gently balling his fist and planting it on the armored figure's shoulder, nudging the figure with with a big grin.

"Resting won't be the solution." Jade Fist said, turning away from Ostel and backtracking down the hallway. "Action will." He called out as he left the Sage of Light to his own devices.

As his new-found comrade walked away, Ostel breathed deeply and shoke his head in disbelief. As he put his hands on his broad hips he recognized that Snow was giving him a confused look, to which Ostel shrugged back, "I don't know Snow, but he knows we are here for him if he needs us." Snow then got up on all four and whined at his human companion.

"Heh, alright pal, lets go find the food. I'm hungry too." he said aloud as the pair made their way back towards the main hall.