xodus

Over

Chapter two......HAS BEGUN!

Over

CHAPTER TWO

Credit to @fallenreaper for the lovely banner

Ante Mortem
"We do not know what comes after death, but before it there is only us"

“Big brother we are so late right now, we would reach so much faster if we would take a car for once!” Rena complained as she twirled around her partner who grudgingly paced himself onwards, her gold twin tails fluttering as if ribbons dancing around her.

“I have faced countless monstrosities and yet these cars are the bane of this world, well cars and instant coffee.” Her partner replied, a kind smile adorning the face of A.M.R.O’s Blood Draped Angel with his hand resting atop the Chrono’s head.

“Nope nope, you are making excuses, we both know you have hodophobia,” the child chirped as she continued to spring about in her partner’s proximity while chanting, ‘my big brother is afraid of ships, cars, trains and planes’.

While for the first few minutes Angel continued to ignore his partner’s provocation, ultimately the Silver Reaper surrendered to the alternate of retaliation. “Oh look Rena, a clown!” He exclaimed with his fingers pointing in the direction ahead of them and the following reaction was his just recompense.

EEEP

Following the Shriek it took but a second for Rena to instinctively pivot behind her partner, her eyes shut and face pressed against his back. “Tell it to go away, go away!” the child murmured as her hand ‘shooed’ away the nonexistent entity in front of her. Though her cowering subsided as soon as she heard Angel’s muffled laughter.

“Not funny, not funny!” The Chrono yelped, proceeding to pout and give her brother the silent treatment despite his attempts at apology. However after multiple promises of gifts amidst additional bribery Angel successfully managed to regain favor with his overly zealous partner.

“Looks like we are finally here,” Angel couldn’t help but heave a weary sigh at the impending realization of the increase in workload that was to come with this crucial mission. Despite his expressions of dread the Chrono appeared to be overjoyed at discerning the location of their designated briefing point. “It’s an ice-cream parlor!”

“I apologize for the tardiness,” the introductory words had been spoken as soon as the doors were flung open allowing Ante Mortem to nonchalantly walk in, the door being locked and windows draped behind them by one of the waiters present.

While Angel lazily dragged his feet towards what he viewed as A.M.R.O’s cattle, his partner wasted no time in burying her face against the frosty glass covering a wide variety of exquisite Gelato delight.

“You will have to pardon my partner, currently I believe she has forgotten we exist. The space we are in is one of A.M.R.O’s bunkers; I suppose it would be more precise to say this one is designed to be one of my partner’s personal bunkers. The point being we can all be at ease, we are among associates of A.M.R.O.” The Lost Number spoke, a sense of eerie causality in his tone as if comforting one near death’s door.

“I believe introductions are in order, my partner who is currently going through a brain freeze over there is the Chrono. I am also required to provide a disclaimer when introducing her.” After a brief moment of trying to remember the exact wordings he assumed his casual pace once more. “Ah yes, for your safety as well as the safety of the structure in your vicinity kindly avoid irritating the Chrono Asylum number six, unless at your own peril. “ As soon as he finished a fiendish lay across his face, as if he had just remembered the cause for this disclaimer.

“You may call me Crow or Angel, I am Reri's partner and elder brother,” by now the Lost Number had removed the metallic coffin hanging behind his back and casually taken a seat among the Asylums, his silver tinted spectacles scanning each individual before continuing his introduction. “Now there are quite a few unpleasant rumors surrounding us, most are true which you may or may not discover however some are plain ridiculous. I believe there was one Asylum who accused me of being a vampire, I believe his name was VaRtronious. Kindly do not attempt to stake me through the heart, I would like to avoid the unpleasantness that will follow.” As soon he finished the routinely introduction he waved his hand across the table as if to signal the Asylums to introduce themselves. While he had already read the files on all the Asylums present, there was certain personality and behavioral characteristics which only disclose themselves when people speak. This would serve as an interesting lesson in understanding the collective mindset hence making manipulation much easier.

Once the introduction finally subsided multiple holographic screens appeared in front of the Asylums present, providing mission details. “I can’t believe how dreary this whole debriefing thing is, I would quite possibly stake myself through the heart if I were sitting where you lot are,” Angel shared his opinion, clearly not bothered about its blunt nature. “Well onto missions details, I don’t really need to read the rubbish on the screen right? Honestly if you meet a superior who does so, I recommend shooting him in the head; your justification can be self defense for your sanity.” The Silver Reaper continued, clearly evading the lengthy protocol which he considered tiresome and suicidal. “The short of the matter is that this mission is very important, preventing an all out war type of important, the kind of importance that severely reduces my leisure time.”

“Big brother you didn’t even mention the bloodlines!” The Chrono chirped waving her spoon about, deciding it is about time to rescue her partner from the threat of going into a comma from sheer boredom. “You are all supposed to be pretty super strong huh?” She continued, finally acknowledging the others present within the room. “I read that all of you survived when the island went boom,” the Chrono mimicked the explosion with her palms and then proceeded to applaud their valiant efforts with a clap. “Big brother says the word coincidence was invented by an idiot, so I guess that all of you being here means that this mission has something to do with the prisoners who escaped huh? A.M.R.O probably thinks one or more of the bloodlines has allied with the prisoners and are trying to cause all out war. I am super smart huh?” The Chrono proudly waved her head about, her twin tails once more dancing about her.

“All out war is something A.M.R.O can’t afford, the panic and aftermath would be disastrous which is why you all are sent to mediate the Meeting of Crests which will take place within a few days.” Angel continued, holding back his laughter at the mention of mediation. “Isn’t the irony amusing, hounds designed to destroy are sent to prevent destruction. Honestly I for one prefer the alternative of war, allow those Bloodlines to wipe themselves off the planet, less refuse to deal with. Sadly the task of implanting suggestions for war and self destruction is rather tiresome, I am more interested in watching these human affairs any ways.” Once Angel finished his debriefing a cryptic smile slowly adorned his face while his fingers gently tapped the frame of his spectacles, an iconic act which Angel performed ritualistically when he schemed.

“Now we can go to the cruise, the ship should be at the harbor as we speak!” Rena chirped as she sprung to her feet, twirling once more expressing her excitement. “Let’s go everyone I want to see all the rich people!” The Chrono joyfully nudged her partner to his feet, quite literally forcing everyone outside the door.

“Lovely….a….ship. Nothing is better than traveling on a ton of metal…..in the ocean…..I am sure those on the Titanic said the same thing.” The Silver Reaper complained as he exited, his sight scanning the Asylums wondering who would serve as a sufficient floating instrument, ultimately facing Bits. “Hmm you would definitely float,” the Lost Number cryptically spoke before joining his partner, doting on her once more.

Over

The Laofengs

Bloodline Name: Laofengs

Region: China

Crest:

Industrial focus: Banking

History: The Laofengs are a family of an ancient culture, with their influence spanning across the world and even within A.M.R.O itself. The Laos are the last remaining 'Old Bloods', a title which bequeaths upon them great power and respect. While the exact age of this bloodline is unknown it is estimated that the Laos have existed for over two thousand years, however the details of their history before A.M.R.O's existence is shrouded in ambiguity. It can be said the Laos had always been reclusive, their contact with the outside world minimal and their primary focus always being in honing their craft and maintaining the ideology of balance. It is this ideology that brought the Laos to ally themselves with A.M.R.O which was conceived in the early 1400s, they viewed the organization as a tool of correction and as such decided the world could no longer afford bystanders. The Laos contribution to A.M.R.O had been so great that some argue without them the organization may have crumbled, it was the Laos who pumped ridiculous amount of funds into A.M.R.O, they gifted land which became A.M.R.O's first base. There is also the undeniable fact that throughout the generations they have always presented A.M.R.O with alchemists of immense power who become Chronos.

Balance brings peace, these words have been the foundation for the Laos who have spend their lives perfecting the art of Taoism. Their very alchemy is a reflection of their believes and as such throughout the ages they have designed an abundance of alchemic innovations. They are the true pioneers of 'the way of tao' which utilizes alchemy in sync with the human body which soon came to be known as the alchemic art of 'Motem'.

However despite the sheer power and influence the Laofengs possess they rarely interact in the matters of humans or bloodlines, they adhere to the principal of indifference and neutrality unless and until the balance is threatened.

Key Members

Patriarch

Name: Lei Gong Laofeng

Appearance:

Appointed as Patriarch when he was just 21, due to the sudden death of his father, Lei's ascendance was viewed with much scrutiny by the main family. For the Lao's it went against tradition to appoint someone so inexperienced as the head when other worthy candidates existed, however blood demanded such and the claim could not be refuted. The next five years Lei toiled and endeavored to prove the naysayers wrong, which he did and earned the respect of the Bloodline, being the youngest ever to do so. However this wouldn't surprise most, Lei was trained from early childhood to take up the mantle of Patriarch. Much of his youth was spent in learning the ways of Taoism, the culture and traditions of Laofengs and alchemic arts; it was almost as if the last Patriarch foresaw his death to ensure a brutal upbringing for the next heir. However despite the hardship there was little Lei could not accomplish and soared above all expectations, he was after all a prodigy like his siblings. While his brother and sister; Yan laofeng and Yin laofeng were sent to A.M.R.O to be trained as Chrono candidates, he served as the rightful heir with the alchemic potential to rival his siblings.

Currently Lei gong Laofeng is 26 and despite his lack of experience, he hold just as much influence and respect as any patriarch before him. His upbringing isn't the only thing that is credited for this but also the sheer talent Lei holds in terms of alchemy, his potential is said to rival his brother Yan Laofeng who is currently a Chrono Asylum.

Attendee/Body guard

Name: Yin Laofeng

Relationship: Younger sister of the current Patriarch and twin sister of the Chrono Asylum Yan Laofeng

Status: Lost Number

Age: 22

Appearance:

Alchemy: Darkness manipulation

Over

The Laveaus

Name of Bloodline: Laveau

Region: Louisiana/New Orleans

Crest:

Industrial Focus: Premium dolls and antiquities production. (They produce a line of dolls which are regarded as an exceptional work of art by the elites of the world, which is why these dolls and other ambiguous antiquities sell for exorbitant prices)

History: The history of the Laveaus is a tale of oppression and submission, the very first Matriarch of this family was a survivor of the Salem witch trials and the last of her kin. It is no secret that A.M.R.O was in fact behind the slaughter that occurred during the witch hunts and to this day the family has duly offered their subservience with a foul taste in their mouths.

The Salem Witch Trials were a mere ruse to distract the public eye, in reality countless Alchemists were mowed down indiscriminately so as to thin the herd. Devina Laveau was a famous healer within Salem village (Danvers) and soon enough her exploits brought forth the wrath of misguided crusaders. While Devina escaped utilizing her alchemy her mortal parents and siblings were the innocent casualties burned at the stake.

It is during the next thirty years Devina finally settled down with her children and grand children, alchemy all but forgotten along with their roots in the art of witchery. In 1730 A.M.R.O finally managed to track down the Laveaus however, despite the Matriarch’s fears, it was not their termination that the organization sought. Instead A.M.R.O wished for subservience and in exchange leniency would be granted, the alternate however was to watch her second family burn like the first. Swallowing her pride, the Matriarch became a servant to A.M.R.O and in doing so condemned her family to a life of slaves all so as to guarantee their survival.

Nearly a hundred years later, the next generation sought to retake New Orleans and utilizing their Voodoo alchemy played a detrimental role in convincing Napoleon to sell Louisiana to the United States. As recompense Charles Laveau became the acting mayor of New Orleans and from there the family spread their roots throughout Louisiana.

Their relationship with most Bloodlines is of mutual respect, this is mainly because they have actively avoided breaching other territories and have always maintained good faith in terms of upholding treaties. The Steins are the only exception, the relationship between them and the Laveaus has always fluctuated between passive to aggressive violence. Like the Stein’s the Laveaus have also tried to recreate life however each attempt has failed to produce results hence their vendetta against Steins.

Key Members

Matriarch
Name: Clair Laveau
Age: 54
Appearance:

Clair is a woman who has always upheld tradition and culture and takes great pride in her ancestry and voodoo roots. She has a strong disdain for oppression a trend common among the Laveaus, it is for this reason many opposing Bloodlines believe them to possess rebellious tendencies. She has taken active interests within the Meetings of Crests and has created many treaties among other Bloodlines; Clair has also shown to have a friendly relation with the Queen Anne family. However despite her diplomatic nature, her violent and malicious tendencies have made judging her personality rather ambiguous. Within the last five years alone the Steins and Laveaus have clashed on multiple occasions, she has also shown to issue threats to the Pallindinos, often stating “I will make sure you and your God will burn”.

Over

The Steins

Name of Bloodline: Steins

Region: They possess no influence in any region, instead they reside within one of A.M.R.O's HQ

Crest:

Industrial Focus: None, they are purely dedicated to research and development of alchemic knowledge. As such they are dependent on A.M.R.O for finances and share the results as part of a treaty.

History: While the Steins always kept themselves distant from others they were not always dependant on A.M.R.O for abode and finance. After the Bloodline's inception they quickly rose to fame and prosperity within the Alchemic world for their research and findings, even A.M.R.O showed a vested interest in the work of the Steins.

For the Stein's it wasn't a mere craving but an obsession, each complex alchemic equation presented would soon be solved and an even harder one desired. It is this thirst that lured the Bloodline to explore forbidden arts, dark alchemy the knowledge of which was purged by A.M.R.O in the days of old.

Their greatest obsession of all was quite possibly the desire to destroy God, they wished to prove man could ascend to Godhood if he could create life, this began the Frankenstein Project. So they delved into dark archaic arts and this began a brutal tale of horror within London where the family once called home. Children would disappear, graves were robbed, organs stolen from living victims all in the pursuit of resurrection and manipulation of life itself, a taboo above taboos.

It is this madness that ultimately brought A.M.R.O's hounds upon them, once the truth was uncovered most of the Bloodline was eradicated, all except the heirs, and their research confiscated. To this day it puzzles the mind as to why A.M.R.O did not annihilate the Bloodline completely despite doing the same to other Bloodlines for far lesser reasons. This led to the rumor that the Stein's had in fact succeeded in their madness and A.M.R.O had sought an interest in it.

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Key Members

Matriarch

Name: Cassandra Stein

Appearance:

Very little is known about the current Matriarch, aside from the fact she is roughly 48 years old and became the head of the family when she was just 18. In all her time as Matriarch Cassandra has only visited the Meeting of Crests twice before, despite it being mandatory for all Bloodlines. This is no surprise however, the Steins have always been aloof and rarely socialize with other Bloodlines and Casandra is no different.

The only interesting trait known about her is that she has never revealed her face to other outside the family; many speculate this because the woman has experimented on herself. Her personality is stoic and callous when it comes to most Bloodlines, all except the Laveaus whom she severely dislikes.

Cassandra also has multiple charges of experimentation on prisoners of other Bloodlines; however this has never been proven as all victims had their memories altered.

Matriarch's Brother

Name: Williem

Appearance:
Willem is considered an odd Stein. Rather than be aloof he is often seen cheerfully talking and mingling with other bloodlines and people. He goes to meetings and parties, creates contracts that will help the Steins, and generally puts a friendly, outgoing face for people to associate with his family.

The fact that wherever he goes people who have met him start to disappear is obviously a coincidence, as is his perpetual habit experimentation with mutation.

Over

The Queen Anne

Name of Bloodline: Queen Anne (They rarely reveal this name to the public and go by several Aliases)

Region: They are a regionless bloodline. While they lack a strong influence in any specific region they tend to have minute influence in a multitude of regions.

Crest:

Industrial Focus: Shipping freights. (However they have a habit of delving into the industries of their rivals)

History: They history of Queen Anne dates back to the notorious Black beard aka Edward Teach, the first patriarch. While history declared him dead in 1718, he lived well past that fabricated ruse. The reality of Blackbeard is known but to a select few; that he was in fact a fearsome alchemist and wanted not only by the British Navy but also by AMRO. It didn't take long for it to dawn upon him, the world of piracy was fading and a life of a wanted rogue was a pitiful existence and a curse upon the cherished.

Blackbeard was renowned for inflicting fear into the hearts of his enemies; this had little to do with mortal aesthetics but the fact that Teach was adept in crafting illusions. By utilizing his craft Blackbeard successfully managed to fake his own demise, fooling the Royal Army as well as A.M.R.O for a fleeting moment of peace.

It didn't take long for Edward to settle down in the Caribbean and start another family, marrying an Alchemist like himself and starting a family under the name of 'Q.Anne', all the while missing the thrill of bloodshed. The opportunity which he had yearned for soon enough presented itself, A.M.R.O tracked down the pirate however a complication resulted in them recruiting the Queen Annes for the 'event' and in exchange offering them leniency in the future.

This began their rise to prominence along with other Bloodlines; however the taste for thrill and deceit remained a consistent factor among the descendants of Edward Teach. No amount of illegality and debauchery could quench this thirst, treasure without struggle bought them little amusement. Near the 1800s the Queen Anne began interfering with other Bloodlines, they began not only invading their territories but also their industries, proving to be a trend that has continued to exist to this day. Their continued existence is testament to their guile; their deeds of sabotage always carefully concealed, the bloodshed conveniently blamed onto bystanders and the treaties forged but a camouflage.

Key Members

Patriarch:

Name: Henry

For the most part, the Patriarch of Queen Anne seems like a genial, jolly fellow. He's always smiling, always laughing, and always smoking. He, oddly enough for a pirate, always seems to be willing to go with the flow and doesn't seem intent upon stirring up trouble with the other families. In fact he claims he wants nothing but to work with the other families.

Yet somehow, their shipments still often get set upon by surprisingly efficient, well trained, and ruthless pirates. The recent murders haven't seemed to affected him, as he still appears his jolly self, but there are rumors of more and more Rogues, knaves, and mercenaries being hired by the Queen Annes.

Note: his left hand is removable. It can be replaced with a hook or a gun.

Second Heir:

Name: Apate Queen Anne(First name from Greek deity of deceit and fraud

Appearance:
Two years older than her brother, Apate has always been quite a handful for the Matriarch even before the duo started to tag team. With lies being her native language and mischief composing the very essence of her being, very little has changed now that she is entering her adult years besides being more sly with her methodology.

Second Heir

Name: Dolos Queen Anne (His first name is taken from the Greek spirit of guile and trickery)

Appearance:
The birth of Dolos is an event that is often discussed at parties and as a matter of fact is what gave him his name. When he was conceived there was a brief period where he wouldn’t breathe, petrifying the entire family. However just when things appeared to be dismal the baby began to move and breathe, the doctors testifying to his perfect health. It is from this very event that his mother realized what a mischievous child had been born to her and lovingly named him Dolos, after the Greek spirit of guile. In this case the Matriarch’s intuition was spot on and Dolos grew to be a conniving 16 year old boy, always plotting things greater than life would allow and forever locked in an endless duel of wits and pranks with his older sister.

The Queen Anne siblings are renowned as being a fearsome duo who very few have ever managed to subdue. Their success in thwarting enemies and competition is credited to their guile and improvisation rather than sheer strength and talent.

There you have it, the second Bloodline is up =D This one will be shared by Rtron, Ryvvy, Kirra and me. Guys get your characters up soon.

Over

Part 2 is up and with that this is the end of chapter 1!

Awesome job everyone =D

Now we shall move to chapter 2! Ooh yea B)

CHAPTER 2: THE TAINTED CREST

Over

PART 2

Petrified, her partner stood there gazing at her in disbelief. One could hardly blame the veteran for escaping into this state of denial; the one person he cherished had been subjected to a fate worse than death. Geko's hands trembled as he mustered the courage to stare at his wife once more; the only emotion he could feel was fear, a fear of what was needed to be done.

"Guys we need to get out of here, the Vile was a distraction!" A panicked child spoke between gasping breaths, it was none other than Cams who appeared as if he had just trekked down a mountain. "I saw- I saw a prison underground," the child exclaimed, exhaustion making him unable grasp what had happened to the Chrono. "It was Joux!" He screamed in a grave tone so as to stress the implication of this matter. "It was this he and this prisoner who caused Ben to become a Vile, but that was just a distraction! It was done so that he could free the other prisoners, he has done it!" Cams cried as he nudged at Maeve's shirt, signaling everyone to leave.

"Now it makes sense," Geko finally spoke up, his voice callous and flat. "Do you realize what you have done?" He questioned, turning slowly to face his pupil.

"A necessary evil, you should understand." Joux casually replied as he limped his way towards his old friend. "I am sorry about you wife, but we needed to send a message. A.M.R.O will fall and so will its Angels," the instructor continued with a look of regret.

"Don't you fucking say her name you bastard, she adored you! Do you have any idea what you have done? You released four of the most dangerous criminals in this world and what have you done to my wife!" Geko howled, engulfed in rage at his pupil's betrayal.

"And who made them criminals?" Joux retorted as his eyes calmly stared at the docile Chrono who was now whispering gibberish while clenching her head. "It was A.M.R.O or have you forgotten? How long will we serve this corrupt organization, it claims to be this world's savior but in truth it is a taint. Who can go up against it, what can clash against the Chrono Asylums? Clearly not any of us. Those four are the only ones who can hurt A.M.R.O, who can destroy it!" Joux spoke, justifying his actions to his mentor.

"You know as well as I do, they are trying to replicate the singularities. We thought the singularity project ended after that fiasco but it didn't, they are attempting to restart it. How many of us will die this time when the project fails?" The instructor screamed, his finger pointing to his mentor. "Will your blind loyalty save us?"

"Those four are the ones who killed our comrades!" The Lost Number hissed as his tolerance boiled.

"No you are mistaken; it was A.M.R.O and their desire for power. We are nothing but disposable tools for them and I was okay with that as long as it meant a safer world, but it doesn't! They will destroy this world! This is an organization that took those 4 as mere children and subjected them to horrid experimentation for decades. They grew up without seeing a sky, without knowing the warmth of an embrace. It is A.M.R.O that made them into monsters and then when shit hit the fan, they sent us to get slaughtered all because they couldn't risk getting Chronos involved. I will not allow this tyranny to go on, A.M.R.O will fall and this moment right here is what will set its demise into motion."

A brief pause followed where Joux returned his attention to the Chrono whose behavior had become erratic and volatile, she had begun to convulse and scream, cry and laugh. These were all blatant signs which Geko refused to acknowledge.

"A singularity is an individual who successful returned to sanity after being engulfed by insanaddiction, as such that individual is no longer hindered by insannadiction making him a deity among alchemists. There is no record of this ever happening before and yet it did. A.M.R.O found one of its Chronos regress to a stage 3 and then return to sanity, making him the strongest Alchemists in existence. It’s no wonder they tried to replicate it among those 4, it’s a surprise it actually worked. Once of those is a bonefied artificial singularity, pity that caused a disaster in which all records were destroyed and we had to pay the price. Any sane person would have killed them but not A.M.R.O, it knew its experiment was a success but didn't know who of the four became a singularity. So naturally they would try to probe them even more with the ambition of making an army of artificial singularities. That is the end of the world my friend." Joux disclosed one of A.M.R.O's greatest secrets to everyone present around him, including the children.

"Now say we manage to kill A.M.R.O's own singularity, what would be able to stop us then? Nothing at all!" The instructor jeered, taunting his mentor. However something appeared to be rather strange, Joux was talking far too much and what was even stranger was, he was disclosing sensitive information about their plans.

"So I ask you, what would cause A.M.R.O to send its singularity to intervene? Why an Armageddon event of course. That is where your wife came into play; a Chrono going insane is a situation which poses an end of the world threat. By now I am sure we have A.M.R.O attention and once their singularity arrives we will eradicate him. Quite an amusing plan isn't it? Though I don't deserve the credit, that belongs to the singularity present here with us, Mr. - "

Before Joux could make the revelation, his head rolled of his neck. A fountain of blood spraying as his body fell to the ground.

"Well color me impressed, he actually had the balls to try and reveal one of our identities, guess he was regretting aiding us. A pity." One of the prisoners thought out loud as he calmly wiped the blood of his hands with a handkerchief. "This is hardly a problem though, all of you will be joining your friend here.....because," he continued, this time directly facing the Lost Number and the others present.

With a fiendish smirk, the prisoner finished his sentence, "The Chrono is finally about....to...lose it."

As if per queue a horrendous scream echoed from the Chrono and the Island itself began to shake, as if the world itself was terrified.

"Honey you still love me right? Then can you please die for me!" Julie shrieked as she charged her husband who could only kneel helplessly, accepting his demise. Before her hands could clench around Geko's neck, yet another stranger appeared blocking her path, effortlessly holding her at bay by her shoulder.

"Why won't you let me love my husband, leave me, leave me!" The woman repeatedly shrieked these words as she unsuccessful tried to escape out of the stranger's grasp.

"What exactly do we have here? I figured A.M.R.O would send their singularity, who are you supposed to be boy?" The prisoner questioned, clearly fascinated at the individual in front of him. The stranger appeared to be a young boy of perhaps 17 or 18 and by the timing of his intervention it was rather clear he had been present at the Island.
Perhaps a Chrono in training? The prisoner thought as he casually walked up to the child, his curiosity overwhelming him. "I am going to ask this just one more time, who are you bo-" The prisoner had placed his hand onto the boy's head for but a second but sheer pain interrupted his threat.

"Mother fucker!" The prisoner cried out in agony, kneeling and clenching his arm which had melted, skin and bone molting away.

"This complicated things, I was unaware they have another singularity....we are leaving...now. We have far too much to do." Yet another one of the cloaked prisoners spoke, heeding his command each of the four immediately vanished.

"Unleashing restraints, ninety three," The boy finally released the Chrono who wasted no time in her counter attack.

"Die, die, die I will eradicate this world and everyone in it!" The Chrono shrieked as pillars of unstable energy began to erupt out of the ground, she was attempting to turn the entire Island itself into a nuclear bomb with enough force to shake the world itself.

"I am a thousand suns," the boy calmly whispered the first verse, the space around him began to gently warp, as if surrounded by an aura of heat.

"We finally made it! Move it get everyone to safety, this is the only place that is left!" Yet another group of stranger suddenly appeared in front of the confused masses of Asylums and students. They appeared to number roughly twenty one; though it was clear they were not hostile and from their attire appeared to be a militia.

"The cast is ready, move it, move it. This Island is about to go to hell!" The leader of this group screamed, ushering all the soldiers to spread a massive sheet across the floor. It was a giant

twenty sided pentagram

, in mere moments each soldier had taken their positions, standing firmly at the end of each triangle where as the leader stood in the middle. This cast was performed by a single team in A.M.R.O and that was a specialized division of Asylums known as Porters.

"Ignite it!" The leader commanded and in sync each of the twenty soldiers stomped onto the sigil, activating it and sending a surge of blinding light across several miles. Once the light finally faded they along with all the individuals present aside from the boy and the Chrono had disappeared, whisked away to a distant base.

"Now turn to ash," with the second verse the heat wave that surrounded the boy extended to the entire Island and in mere moments the Chrono along with the vast land which once served as A.M.R.O base of tutelage had turned to a molten pile of sinking rubble.

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A week later
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"Director, this is the report of the events that has transpired," a tall and intimidating individual passed a file into a man calmly seated in a wheelchair.

"Thank you Tabion, I fear nothing good is to come now. It is a relief that we were able to dissolve the Armageddon event, guess we were lucky we had him on standby. If only I could have authorized the boys intervention earlier but convincing the sponsors was far more tedious then I foresaw." The director replied, his fingers gently flipping the pages of the file in front of him.

"Sir what do we do about the individuals that were present? They have knowledge to the existence of the singularities as well as the artificial singularity project?"

"Relax Tabion, we will not silence them. They have endured far too much and their survival shows the potential they all hold. We have to handle this discreetly and as such they will prove vital in the battle that is to come. I will groom them to be the counter singularity unit."

Over

A saint's Alchemy

FIRST PART

Faster....faster or they will die, my students, my children. Visions of tombstones haunted Julie as she firmly planted herself on the ground. I am certain, it has already begun transitioning. Its strength and vitality are all surpassing the preconceived limiters, there really is no other way. The Chrono couldn't help but fear the worst, it is her students and her comrades that were engaging the Vile and it is their valor and ingenuity that kept the monstrosity at bay. Even so, their

"Please keep them alive!" her screams echoed amidst the chaos and destruction, her tone conveying the plea of a weeping soul. A prayer hoping to reach the Angels in heaven to envelop those she cherishes in their protecting embrace.

There is no room for hesitation when a Chrono must enter the fray, their resolve must be iron and their hearts barred and thus she silenced her mind. The screams of agony drowned away, the smell of blood it faded and all that was left was a melancholic serenity. The state of mind in which she had ventured was not one of retreat, but rather inciting destruction. The birds had long since seized their chirping but now appeared to be fleeing the Island; howls of disturbed creatures echoed from within the jungles and any alchemist sensitive to the force of alchemy could foresee an unnatural compression in alchemic energy.

All alchemists are capable of performing feats of wonder, however few know of how these feats come about. It is hypothesized that alchemists actually harness energy or a force and transmute it into what they desire; they are conduits capable of drawing forth from a pool of ungodly potential. This is what is known as the alchemic drive, an alchemist’s capability to draw from the endless pool of power, as such those that are sensitive to the ripples of alchemic energy can sense a disturbance. What Julie had just begun was no mere ripple, it was a tidal wave that was felt by nearly every other Chrono in the world.

My Angel's have fallen

The first verse of the incantation had been spoken and with it nature too began to sway to the rhythm of mayhem, clouds brewed and rain began to pour out of the blue. Wind encircled the island, wailing and shrieking as if a banshee's warning.

Their wings, I now feast

The desolate sky soon began to roar and ignite, lightning and thunder manifested through the second verse. The very environment shared in the Chronos emotions, the sky it wept and screamed, the tides they raged and darkness befell. The orchestra and the stage was set, the instruments they hummed and the verses sung and so this elegy neared its climax.

Forever ravenous, my hunger knows no peace

The crescendo of this piece had arrived, the final portion before the grand finale. The alchemic power had begun to concentrate in a single spot, the sheer potency of which appeared to draw the Vile's attention. The monstrosity could no longer be distracted; losing its interest in the Asylums it began a mad dash towards the anomaly. However at this stage the Chrono had completed her preparations, something which would have been impossible to do without the brave soldiers that volunteered to aid in her suicidal wishes.

Eternally I shall walk starving, EXCEED

The incantation of the 'Chrono's Exceed' was complete.

"I pity you," Julie whispered as she gazed upon a lifeless figure mindless charging towards her. "I make it a point to leave something behind to burry; even my enemies don't deserve such a fate." She continued her tone apologetic, a kin to a sinner's repentance. "After this I am afraid.....nothing will be left not even your ash."

The warped image of Ben suddenly drew to a halt mere feet before the Chrono, despite the creatures attempt to get closer its efforts appeared to be in vain. The answer could be seen through any trained Asylum's eyes, the sheer alchemic energy that had accumulated near Julie was serving as a barrier to the mutation in front of her. Simply put, her alchemic drive alone was enough to halt the creature in its tracks.

With the Vile stationary the prerequisites had been met, her arms instantly stretched out and her palm slowly converged into a fist. Mimicking the motion, the accumulated energy began to envelop the Vile and form an orb around him, a dome of sorts.

After that, the Island itself began to shake asunder. Mountains began to topple and the ground caved in, the Island was sinking all from the escaping energy that could not be contained. Such were the results of meddling with anti matter.

This was Julie's true ability and burden, her annihilation alchemy was not restricted to explosions but to convert matter into anti matter and cause a rupture which could theoretically be of biblical proportions. A single gram of anti matter clashing with matter has the potential of causing a nuclear explosion three times greater than the one dropped on Hiroshima.

"I have used this alchemy twice before, this is the first time I have created anti matter of such quantity, of course this is the first time I have actually tried to control the backlash." The Chrono thought to herself as the woman began to cough blood, her hands straining to maintain the fist. Cuts and tears slowly began to appear on her body as she screamed and struggled to hold the shield intact. The creature inside moaned and shrieked as its body began to vaporize, despite ungodly regenerative capabilities the Vile could not regenerate if the very matter that composed it was destroying itself. In but a minute not a trace of the Vile remained, only compressed energy that sought release.

"Thank god," Julie whispered as she felt her legs finally give out, with the last ounce of energy she could muster, the Chrono redirected the energy to be emitted into space. An immense column of pure energy erupted skywards, as if a divine staircase ushering the soul of Ben to the peaceful place he deserved. While nothing of Ben remained to be buried, he did possess a tombstone or a monument to be remembered by, a tiny speck of spatial distortion which had occurred due to Julie's unfathomable power.

After that the Chrono found herself on the ground gasping for breath and clenching her body. Her entire body was a canvas of wounds and while most would heal some are an eternal reminder. Julie's left hand which was clenched in order to control and suppress the alchemic energy had been burnt; the flesh had been seared and turned into a sickening charcoal colour.

"Julie, what have you done?" Geko finally appeared before his wife, his breath frantic and his eyes gaping at the horror that was in front of him. "Why damn-it, why did you have to bear it alone. I told you I would help you, I could have shar-"

"Are the children alright? Please tell me?" The woman pleaded as she continued to cough blood, the sight alone causing her husband to weep silently.

"I evacuated all other areas, only this area remains and we are about to teleport all of the students to safety. You saved them Julie; they are safe because of you." Geko continued with an incoherent tone and tears continuing to trickle down the veteran's face.
You idiot why do you have to always harm yourself to protect others Geko thought to himself as the Lost Number wiped his tears and gently embraced his wife, quietly weeping next to her.

"That is an alchemic wound, it will never heal, the pain will never stop. It’s my fault, I left you. I should be the one to bear your pain, I am your shield." The man whispered, his fist clenching till his nails would pierce his flesh such was his fury.

"Come now, you will always be my knight in shining armor," Julie consoled her husband as her left hand gently brushed his hair, while her right one lay helpless. "You are a gentle soul, I know Ben was one of you oldest students and I know it had to be me and as such you were the only one who could assist with the evacuation. It’s like you always say, we have to prioritize what A.M.R.O tells u-." She continued only to be suddenly interrupted by her infuriated husband.

"Forget A.M.R.O, YOU ARE MY PRIORITY!" Geko screamed, clearly infuriated with his reckless spouse. "We are done with it all; you are done being a weapon. We have given everything and that is enough, there is no more debt left to pay. We can buy a villa in Rio De Janeiro, I know you have always loved that place, let me be the one to take care of you now." The Lost Number continued, concluding with a gentle kiss on his partner's forehead.

"You stupid idiot, its about time you said those things!" The Chrono finally replied before beginning to sob, tears dripping down her scarred face. "Now I want to give a hug to the best hubby in the world!" She joyfully exclaimed, her left arm struggling to lift her off the ground and after repetitive tries she finally managed to sit straight and say something she had longed to say.

"I love you Mr Varen Gekk, now come here and give this adorable wife of yours a hug and maybe a kiss?" The Chrono chirped playfully before opening her arms to greet her husband to a good morning with sun gently peeking out to see the show as well.

How adorable is this? It is rather rare to celebrate when what you experienced was just the prelude, let me show you what comes after." Before Julie could actually embrace her husband a silhouette of a tall man appeared next to her, clenching her head in his palm.

"Who are yo-" Geko found himself soullessly staring at the person in front of him, his expression terrified to death, something that seemed to scare Julie even more. "Please not her, take me plea-"

"Let’s make her laugh, shall we? We all laugh when we are a little insane?" The man jeered before an intense burst of energy appeared to emanate from his arm and be forced into the Chrono, causing her to go in a vegetative state for a few seconds.

"WHAT DID YOU DO, I WILL KILL YOU!" Geko screamed, rage clouding his judgment. "I will level this entire island, heck half this damn world and bury you beneath the rubble!" The man continued before suddenly freezing at a familiar touch. "Ju-Julie....yo-you're...okay?" He spoke, too frightened to phrase his sentences right.

"Do you want me to smile?"

"What are you saying Julie....I...I don't understand. Of..of course I like you smiling.." The Lost Number spoke, warping reality behind a layer of denial. She is okay, she is speaking, she is just in shock, nothing is wrong with her.....we will go to Rio....we will live peacefully.....we just have to get of this Island

"Lets...KILL...them..ALL....that would make me smile!" The Chrono shrieked before bursting into laughter, a laugh that sounded like no human but something else, something disgusting and horrid.

Over

Bloodline # 1

The Adesolas

Name of Bloodline: Adesolas (Meaning: The Crown has honored us)

Region: Central Africa

Crest:

Industrial Focus: Farming, specifically within Central Africa, ranging across various countries.

History: The origin of the Adesolas was one of survival and oppression. This family was a tattered group of scavengers forever locked in a losing battle against opposing tribes and slavers. It is during this trying time, an outcast happened to unintentionally trespass upon the Adesolas, being captured that very instant. It had been a time bound tradition for the Adesolas to sacrifice prisoners to their Gods, however before the ritual could take place the tribe came under heavy siege. The annihilation of the tribe seemed inevitable, however as circumstance would have it the very prisoner they sought to sacrifice became their salvation. The outcast easily overwhelmed the opposition, somehow bending the will of the wildlife and with claws and fangs assuring the clan’s survival.

Performing such marvel the man was immediately heralded as their king, marrying the chief’s daughter to sanctify his ascension. A brief time of peace followed where the clan enjoyed their fleeting prosperity, however word of their power travelled across Africa and with it dread. To combat the rise of the Adesolas several tribes united and assaulted the clan, their sheer numbers wrought havoc upon the clan. Despite a valiant display the clan members began to fall, one after the other, there was only so much they could do without their king. It was an act of betrayal by the Chief’s brother, who consumed by jealousy, assassinated their king in his sleep, mere hours before the onslaught. However the clan did not fall, due to the selfless sacrifice of countless; the pregnant queen managed to escape along with a few soldiers and the tribe’s young children. The bloodline’s origin takes place when the Queen’s triplets grow of age with each, inheriting alchemy and with it assuring the clan’s survival.

It is during this endeavor A.M.R.O enlisted the clan and in return promised prosperity beyond their imagination. Once the deed had been done, the clan began to grow in power and size, with alchemists being born in each generation. Soon enough the Adesola’s grew to have a strong influence within Africa, however by choice they refused to empower themselves financially. Their fortune came from the multiple farm lands they occupied, however much of it was offered back to improve Africa’s condition. “To protect one’s own”, this became the motto of the tribe and as such they cherished their people and held every outsider in contempt, the only exception being A.M.R.O to whom the family has remained steadfast and loyal.

Key members:

Matriarch:

Amaka Adesola:

Like the meaning of her name, she is noble both in her cause and her loyalty to A.M.R.O. She treats all members of her bloodline as family, even the rogues who have pledged their loyalty. However the woman is highly vindictive to outsiders and has a strong distrust towards other bloodlines, especially after the murders within her clan. Like her ancestors she is proficient with alchemy that lets her control animals. Her age is 45 and her husband died several years ago, she has refused to marry again in respect to him.

Heir

Name: Folami Adesola

Appearance:
Folami is not like her mother. She realizes that the Adesolas family cannot survive if they are forever pushing away and being suspicious of outsiders. She is convinced that the only reason they have survived is that the other families are idiots. Unfortunately, her efforts to convince her mother to open up a tad have been ruined by the recent murders. She is patient, however, willing to wait and watch for the right opportunity to talk and convince her mother again.