RolePlayGateway™

She was crying. Of all things for her to do, to lose her temper like that, it was ridiculous. She had lost herself. The longer she was away from home, her inappropriate self was taking over her prestine, well polished self. She hated it, hated herself. She furiously wiped away the tears that were streaming down her cheeks, her movements hard and robotic. She was so out of herself, so completely... she didn't know how to describe it.

She was so angry with herself; the fury she had felt for the bar-woman was instantly turned towards herself, long lines of curse words strung within a sentence mentally, being projected on herself. She was a whore. She was a tramp. She was worthless. She was ugly. She was fat. She will be disowned... it just kept going on and on.

Her innter turmoil was hopefully well hidden from Keith as he caught up with her. She had successfully wiped the tears away and had stopped crying. Without even trying the emotionlessness had returned to her form and she seemed to be calm. She swallowed as Keith's words barely penetrated through her mental screams.

"I need shoes and clothes," she cut him off, speaking before thinking. She had glanced down at her bare feet for a second before looking back up at the man. "I don't have the money, though." A fleeting glimpse of sadness could be caught within her hardened gaze, but it was gone immediately.

"And we have to wait for William." Her shoulders sagged; what on earth did he think of her now?

William watched the entire event, silent and unmoving. It was not that he didn't fear for Sophia, in fact that was the opposite. If she stayed stuck in the ways that her father and mother had set, she might later get herself in trouble, and William couldn't always be there to save her. He had to create the illusion that she was alone in this, though of course if that vile woman dared put her hands on Sophia, it would become the biggest mistake of her life. Besides, he found the entire show entertaining to say the least, and the ending was amazing. William couldn't have done it any better himself.

After both Keith and Sophia left, William rose to his feat. He had one more thing to add to Sophia's out burst. Slowly William sauntered up to the fuming "lady" covered in alcohol. "Now that you've been humbled a bit, it's time for my threat."

Slowly William reached behind himself and drew his blade. Pointing the tip so it was just a few inches from the woman's throat, he growled, "I have no idea if I will ever see you again or if I will ever learn your name, but if you dare threaten another person I care about, your name won't mean much to anyone. With a burning look in his eyes, William couldn't remember the last time he had been so furious.It had been all he could do not to hurt this woman, and if she had been a man, there would have been no warning.

"Corpses don't need names."

As slowly and smoothly as he had removed the blade from its home, William replaced it. Will new the threat probably didn't mean anything to the vulgar woman, but he felt the need to give the warning anyways. Next time he would just attack and deal with the aftermath later. Turning on his heals, William gracefully walked out of the bar. He didn't hurry, but he didn't linger ether. The whole way he showed his back to the woman, just to show he had no fear of her.

Stepping out to the clean sea air was a godsend. William hadn't noticed how foul the bar smelt until he was out in the open again. The first thing he noticed was that Sophia was very upset, even though she was trying her best to hide it. "See, I warned you that if you didn't eat bad things would happen. Someone as skinny as you get's easily upset if they don't eat regularly, you have no fat reserves." William decided to open with a joke, he was not kidding about the lack of fat though.

"Now that we have found some time, we need to find a place well i can bargain something off to gain some cash, or gold, or whatever they use in this crazy world." With a brilliant smile stuck on his face turned and started walking in the direction of what he thought was the nearest shop, but he only got a few steps before he turned back and said, "Oh and Sophia, I'm proud of what you did in their. It was the right thing to stand up for yourself, and while the way you did it wasn't exactly riddled with finesse, it was amazing. Now lets go, you need some food, clothes, and boots." Without missing a beat William began walking again, he just assumed that Sophia would still follow him anywhere.

She was shaking, she could tell although she couldn't feel it. The moment the cool beer had made contact with her skin, soaking her. She had almost blacked out, could feel the darkness settling over her eyes. That was why, perhaps, she didn't immediately run after the girl.

Truth be told, even if she had ran after the girl she wouldn't have killed her, not for that, even though she would kill others for such a few things. The girls earlier words had triggered something in her, hearing her say she would teach her manners, no matter once, brought the sickly ache to her chest.

The ache was memories, was sadness and hate and anger all together, forming into a condenced ball over her heart. It hurt so much...It hurt so much, these people never saw her as anything, just a thing to be used. Those words she had flung at the girl had been quick, thoughtless, words meant to hurt her as she had hurt her, even unknowingly.

So caught up in her memories she almost didn't hear the male's threat, almost missed the knife at her throat as she stared at him, her lips pulling back, up from her teeth as her body started to shake violently but, he missed that he was gone.

Gone...Gone..GONE they where all gone, having left her, and she missed them, missed the smell of power hanging in the air, missed the beatings, the teachings. She could feel the humans eyes on her, heard one of the waitresses go “Poor hun...lost her boyfreind to a rich gal and looks like she's cheating to..”

The girl twirled around, quick on her feet as she grabbed a glass of beer and chucked it at the wall, a harsh sob building up. It was not true, she didn't have a boyfreind, she didn't have a friend..but she wanted one, she needed one and that thought, the knowledge that she was all alone, and always would be, drove her to her knees, forcing her to crawl from the tavern, long white hair trailing along the ground.

She saw them once again, all three of them, the girl was sad, angry. The two men starred at her, where trying to help her and that...it made her sad. She blinked back tears, thinking only of things to make her mad, the feel of fabric sticky agisnt her skin, trying to hold back the tears as she watched them.

She pushed herself up, to her feet, and sank backwards into the shadows, allowing her small frame to be hidden within them as she watched the trio, her heart breaking and tears falling from her eyes, down her cheeks. Her body still shook, this time in sadness through, and she kept the sounds she wanted to make locked in her throat, wishing for them to leave so she didn't have to walk past them and show them what they had done.

He's proud of me?

That single thought broke the tumult of angry voices within her head, the sarcasm and hatred easing away as she focused solely on William. Her face still beheld the emotionlessness it was comfortable with, but she seemed more intense as she followed behind the young man closely. She cast Keith a quick glance, making sure they were all together still. She noticed the importanceof needing to gather some form of coin. She sighed, looking down at her clothing; she knew buying an entire new outfit plus boots would cost a small fortune.

"We can always try to trade, my old clothes for new. Even though they're torn, they're still good scrap material. And there's nothing wrong with the skirt... it's light cotton, too. Would be of great use in a town like this."

She offered a light shrug, as she fell into her usual stance. She wasn't even noticing she was doing it in front of the young men now. She expected them to now accept the stance she was so comfortable with. She sighed as she gazed down at her shoeless feet, disgust rising in her stomach.

Johnthan was seen standing outside of the entrance to the rather good looking inn, hopefully not a dirtly place like the bar, Keith waved at him saying.

"Johthan! Hey man!" he said as he smiled brightly waving as he approached the inn. Keith smiled as Johnthan raised his head and gave a faint grin as he looked to be sure all of hte other companions were with them. Johnthan still had considered that they might be faking, and be trained assasins, due to Will's skills, it was never out of the question. Johnthan pointed to the inn saying.

"I already paied for you guys a room tonight. I am going to go make some trades, and some money in a minute. I'll be sleeping in the ship tonight, just try not to get in any trouble while I am busy." he said grinning as Keith rubbed his head, remembering how he had to fight those pirates just recently he nooded and said.

"No problem.." he said as he began to think about how their trip had come thus far. He began to think about WIll most though. Some guy who thought he was bad-ass, and the way he talked made Keith feel demoted in terms of rank to him. He dismissed it, considering him a rather good guy for saving his life, as he heared the comment about Will being proud of Sophia he gritted his teeth. Obviously smooth with words. Keith was getting jealous but he didn't realize it as he prepared to open the doors but before hand saying.

"You two love birds should get a room together..." he said coldly as he oppened the door, the bandana covering his face as he walked inside the half decent place.

A smirk crossed Williams handsome face. Keith was a good man, but he was obviously lonely ever since that girl named Yuffie disappeared and Will saw the mild malice in Keith's eyes. So William didn't retaliate half as harshly as he could have. Following Keith inside the building William spoke loud enough for anyone who was listening to hear, "Aww, are you jealous Keith? Don't worry, metal skin is a definite turn on, you should have women flocking left and right just to hear your name. I think," William said mocking to look out to the horizon with one hand placed over his eyes as if to shield them from the sun, "I can see some of them now."

Now to put the final nail in the coffin, "Now while you go relax in the room, I'm going to go get us some money. you know, do something actually useful." Without waiting for Keith's counter, William walked leisurely out of the hotel, as if nothing had happened. As he passed Sophia, he whispered to her an order. "Stay close to Keith alright, he may be childish at times, like with that comment just moments before, but as far as I can tell, he is indestructible. You are safer with him than you are with me."

The hurt on his face was easily recognizable as he admitted that simple fact. Growing up, William took to Kali so quickly that he was practically untouchable. At the young age of 16, he could beat any of his instructors one-on-one, and he could serverly damage any two of them. Since then, he had one every kumate he's ever participated in, in fact only one man had ever came close to beating him, and he was a Thai kick boxer who had at least 6 years on him. Admitting that he could not even compete with Keith humiliated William deeply. So before Sophia could understand what his last sentience meant to William, he took off, heading towards the nearest weapons store.

She had remained outside, waiting until the men had entered the inn before she would allow herself to go indoors. She couldn't believe what Keith had said, such a rash assumption on his part. Lovebirds indeed, she thought, a mental smirk sliding across her lips. There was no way it was even possible for something to be sprouting between them: her father hadn't set them up for the courtship. It would be highly inappropriate for anything of that sort to happen at this point. Perhaps, if her father met with William once they got home and deemed him worthy, he would then innitiate the courtship, and Sophia would be at William's every beck and call. She pushed those thoughts from her mind; she was actually enjoying the thought of tying William's shoes for him.

She moved towards the door. She caught the last sentence of their conversation as she took a small step inside.

As William walked out, he caught her in the doorway, their forms nearly touching due to the enclosed space. She took a sudden inhale as she noticed how close they were, immediately scooting around him to enter the building completely and give their bodies some space.

"Nothing's going to happen," she reassured him, the hint of a smile upon her lips. "But I will stay with Keith, if you desire. I'm sure he could use a compliment or two now that you're done with him." The last sentence was said with a bit of malice as she turned to Keith, her form walking delicately over to him.

"Keith, are we all forced to sleep in the same room? If so, I claim the bathroom. It has a lockable door."

Meghan opened one eye, realizing vaugely that something had happened, for she was resting in the sand in a strange world. Her mind moved slowly as she sat up, running her fingers through her long,black hair, brushing out the grit. She stood up, wobbling at first, but racing away from the shore.

The night made her uneasy. It always had. The darkness hid everything, good and evil. Meghan shivered, picking her way toward a lighted area. Her mind was now fully aware, and she read the inn sign quickly. She searched her pockets in vain, knowing that whatever change she had was more than likely not going to be accepted.

Maybe I should just enter, she thought, suddenly feeling spontaneous and light. She walked into the inn, ignoring the fact her clothes were probably tattered and worn. Well, I may not be looking my best, but at least they're staring. She sat at an empty table, surveying the room cautiously, noting all escape and entrance routes. A somewhat nice place though.

But what mostly caught Meghan's skeptical eyes most were the other people there. A girl, faintly reminding her of those hated tea parties and girls who let their parents play them like pawns. Yes, she most certainly was one of them or seemed to be, one of the girls who had not excepted Meghan all those years ago. A boy, with a look on his face that sent shock rippling up her spine. Meghan had seen it so many times in the mirror, despising it everytime. And another boy, obviously strong and tough, who was leaving.

From what Meghan quickly collected, something drew herself torward them. She wanted to disect them, in a sense, find out if not everything wasn't what it seemed about them. An overwhelming feeling made her stare at them intensely, all candles flickering violently.

She gripped the table tightly, narrowing her eyes that resembled ones of an eagle. Meghan felt the stares from the other humans in the lounge, and she knew they were double-taking. She had that effect. Someone had once told her bluntly that she had a haunting kind of beauty, at first glance, just another face. But at a second glance, vivid and real, making you stare more and more until you finally figured out every line, every curve. You belong on the runway. You have a light inside, even if it isn't noticable at first.

It made no sense. Why were thses people so important? Meghan shook her head, even more puzzled.

Keith still found himself completely upset by the comment that was aimed and shot at him. Keith gritted his teeth, as he brought the bandana down covering his eyes, as he thought of how much he hated will at the time, being a bit stubborn as he stood their. He didn't budge at all, just stood their, as if he was trying to catch his breath, making the same noises, begining to breath a tad hard.

Keith's mouth went from wide open gritting his teeth to a normal slit across his face. He began to walk, leaving the bandana in place. As he felt watched, but that feeling didn't really disturb him as much as he felt it would.

"Whatever.." he said as he began to walk up the staircase with the key in hand, and made it to the top, as he made a left, and put the key into the door. The door opened, and the medium sized room was revealed, 2 beds inside, preety good size, and nicely decorated. Keith said nothing as he took his pirate bandana off, revealing his lush yellow hair that he shook around a minute, as he then slipped of his gloves, and took of his rather small backpack, sitting it all in the middle of the floor

What a strange day it had been. He had nearly drowned, and then ended up on some strage ship with a crazy lady, and a laid back pirate, in which Keith was saved by Will, who he happened to hate. He also had gained powers somewhere along the line, and took on a violent Hydra, that when things got terribly wierd.

Will didn't mind what had happened so far. He began to think about why he was here, and why with the people he was with. What made them so special, why did they get plunged into this strage world? Will wanted answers more than anything, but knew he would find the answers soon tomorow. Keith stared at the roof, as he began to remember is freinds, family, and his dear or once dear Yuffie.

"Why did you leave me all alone.." he said looking at the sealing tears entering his eyes as he cletched his fist, it turned into a shiny silver metal.

"Why did you leave me here, why did you break are promise to stay together forever..you lied to me..why?" Keith said, as he layed on the bed, still starring at the ceiling.

A soft whimper escaped her as she feel forward, onto her knees and clenched her head. God it hurt, it hurt so much..She wanted someone to stand up for her, someone who would love her..Her keen ears heard their foot steps as they rushed away and she couldn't help but to follow, god she was a glutton for hurt, pain.

It didn't take them long to locate an inn, nor for them to part. This was when she came up with the stupidest, most fool-hardy plan of her life. She would steal the boy who helped her, she would make him come with her and...and...

That was where she lost it, where she had no clue what would happen but..the vampire in her told her to take him, to hell with the consequences. She would take him and then find out why he reeked of power, how he had survived two gunshots, and why he wanted to...help such a stuck up rich bitch.

That was how she found herself climbing up to the second story window, sitting on the window leg and staring at him. He had tears in his eyes, and she just wanted to...and she did just that, she got up, knelled by his bed, and placed a hand on his chest. “Sorry..” she whispered, as if it would make up for everything.

Keith felt a gentle hand touch his chest. The first thought that crossed his mind was Sophia, and he prepared to tell her to step away, but then he heared a nice gentle voice, somewhat sorrowfull as she said.

"Sorry.."

Keith turned his head to see the vampire woman, the one whom he had fought in the bar. He looked at her, and just continued to look. How had she gotten their without him knowing? Although that was a good question, thats not what he was thinking. His thought was diffrent, and he was puzzled a tad, but his thought process was diffrent that how a normal person in his world would have thought of it. Keith sighed.

"I-Its ok...Aren't you mad at me..." he said as he continued to look at her, into her eyes, making sure to make eye contact, as the tears faded, he felt relaxed, and not alone for awhile as he said that. Though lord knows what she was here for, he was hoping it wasn't a fight, in which he would be screwed because he was way to tired to fight, and wanted rest more than he wanted to go home at the moment.

"I'm sure he could use a compliment or two now that you're done with him."

The words burned in William's ears like an acid. He could practicably taste the malice in her voice, the coppery taste of a rattlesnake's venom. Hate burned in William's veins and he couldn't control it much longer. It was such a simple sentience, and she probably didn't mean it with as much hate as William imagined, but it didn't matter. William was starting to care for Sophia and he couldn't handle any real malice from her. Ironically he wasn't angry with Sophia, he wasn't angry at Keith, Will wasn't even angry at his situation. William's hate was reserved for one person, his father.

That selfish bastard! How dare he spout his BULLSHIT about loving life and then run like a coward after his mother's death. How could he leave his only son to fend for himself in the world? His death made me stronger, but at what cost? I don't even know what it is like to even love another person! No someone will pay for this!

William saw the blacksmith's shop, it was an amazing store, and probably would be the only place that would have enough money to buy one of his weapons, but he kept walking. William would take care of business later, for now, the call of his dark side was too strong. William needed a release. So he angled down the shadiest allay way he could find, there he knew he would get exactly what he bargained for.

William did not wait long before he got exactly what he wanted. "Hey you, this is private property!" A bull of a man shouted. He was at least 6 feet tall, maybe as much as 280 pounds, his dirty and tattered clothes had to stretch to their limits just to fit over his body. He was leaning on what appeared to be junk, trash collected from all over town. The man carried no weapons, just one look and anyone could tell that this man would prefer using his fists. It is just so much more personal that way. "Maybe we should make him pay, maybe he should pay a lot!" The man that slowly stepped out from the shadows was the exact opposite of the first man in every way. This man, at least William thought he was a man, was only a good 5 feet 5 inches tall, and as lean as a scarecrow. In fact, from the way his neat and clean clothes hung from his body and the evil snarl formed on his face, if you were to hang him up in a corn field you'd never see a crow ever again. "Yeah," the giant of a man's rough voiced flowed though William's ears, like sandpaper dragged his brain, "This scrawny bastard looks like the type that would someone some money, maybe we ought to do him a favor and collect for him. . ."

A smirk crossed William's handsome face as he lifted his head so his dark blue eyes could bore holes into the faces of the "men" who had threatened him. "Fatty and The Worm, ha, I just thought of that, a great nickname for you two. Too bad for you guys, you had both just made a decision you will regret, if i let you live long enough to lament anything." William didn't even raise his voice, but the very sincerity caused the two men to start in spite of themselves. A screeching peal of laughter escaped The Worm's mouth. "I hope your skill's with those blades match your skill with your tongue," The worm gesturing with one of the two 3 foot blades he seemed to produce from know where, "because if this end to fast, I will be very angry, and I don't kill those that make me angry quickly. I make them suffer!"

Without saying another word, The worm was on the move. His speed was amazing and he cleared the ten yards in between himself and Will so quickly, William barely had enough time to unsheathe his kalis and gunog before he had to block the rain of blows. One after another like lighting strikes the worm attacked and it was all William could do to parry all the blows. Then the worm changed tactics, griping both blades with white knuckles, he raised the blades above his head and brought them down on William's crossed blades as hard as his thin arms could. The blow rattled William's arms, but it gave him an opening. As The Worm raised his arms for another blow William flipped the goung over in his hands, now holding it in an ice pick position. Just as the blades came dangerously close to William, he rammed the butt of the knife into The Worm's stomach. With a spin, William dodge the still oncoming attack just before dragging the blade of his kalis across The worm's right arm, causing a minor flesh wound. That however was not the main offense of that particular move. As william was completing the 360 degree spin, he dropped the gunog onto the ground and he griped the kalis with both hands. The spin ended with William facing the same direction as when he started, but about one and a half steps to the right. Without missing a beat, William brought the kalis down upon The Worm with all of his might. With a Sicking thwack, William felt the blade carve through thy muscles and lodge itself into bone. A scream ripped through the relative silence of the mid afternoon, but William had no time to enjoy his success, for he was not the only one springing a trap.

As it turned out, Fatty had slowly creeped his way around the battle and lined himself up for the attack. When William made his move, so did Fatty. Fatty's double-handed hammer blow caught William across the back and sent him sprawling to the ground. Round two had begun.

Not wanting to be mercilessly pounded to the ground, William scrambled to his feet. Unfortunately he wasn't quick enough to avoid a right-handed hook that sent him careening into the building behind him. Blood gushed into William's mouth and his anger doubled. This time William was ready, he had lost his sword in The Worm's thy, so he would have to do this hand-to-hand. Bring both fist to bear, the idea of meeting the beast of a man in a boxing match was met by fierce laughter by his opponent, who seemed unfazed by his partners possible fatal wound. Good he's over confidante, William thought as he slowly pressed his back against the wall, that means he will fall for this simple trick! Fatty, obviously decided enough was enough, charged William with all the speed he could muster, raising his right hand for what was meant to be the finishing blow. Instead of the fist breaking bones, the bones of the fist were shattered. Just as the blow was about to land William ducked it, so the fist hit, and shook, the brick wall behind him.

Knowing if he didn't take this opportunity, he could very well die, William started pounding the flesh of the man's stomach, each blow rewarded with a sicking thump. Before long, Fatty was being forced back, unable to both nurse his damaged hand and ward of blows at the same time. "We are done, this is over!" William whispered, as he reached out with his left hand to grab Fatty's ruined left hand. A squeal left Fatty's mouth as William got a hold of the wounded appendage and he lashed out with his free left hand, but it was a weak and worthless blow. William dodged it without making much of an effort. Stretching Fatty's right arm out, William brought his right fist up and under Fatty's right elbow, breaking the joint completely, but he still wasn't finished, not just yet. While Fatty was still standing, William lifted his right leg and brought it down on Fatty's left knee, stomping as hard as he could. This time the thick, wet snapping sound was enough to turn William's stomach. Fatty hit the ground, fainting from the pain alone.

I'm still not finished, William thought as he searched for The worm. He found him a few yards from where he downed the thug, crawling to get away. Tiredly, William walked up to the wounded bandit, oddly pitting the pathetic man. The Worm was still whimpering when William bent down and griped the sword, which was still imbeded in his thy. With a quick yank, the blade came free. The Worm didn't even scream, he just passed out cold, the copious amounts of blood he had lost probably added in the transition.

William was suddenly extremely tired, so tired he could no longer stand. Staggering back against the nearest wall, William sank down to a sitting position. William knew he couldn't stay, not only could he not be caught at the scene if any local authorities should show up, these two probably had a number of thugs working for them, and they could show up at any moment. But William couldn't force his body to move. He shook violently and he couldn't breathe. This was the first time he had ever damaged anyone this badly. Looking over the aftermath of the battle, William realized either man could easily die. What have I Done? Scrambling to his feet, William rushed to the aid of the men that just seconds ago, tried to kill him.

The worm's wounds were easy enough to fix. Tearing strips of cloth from The Worm's clothing and scouting around for a bit of wood, William made a splint for the leg wound. Knowing the cut on the arm was barely a flesh wound, William still made a bandage for it and applied pressure to curb the bleeding. As for Fatty, his wounds were much more complicated. William again went about finding scraps wood to make a splints. This time, William was not so sure about his work. Setting bones was the work of a surgeon, not something you are taught in first aid, but William gave it a try anyways. After he was finished, William took a look at Fatty's abdomen. Bruises covered his stomach, and it looked like William broke a rib or two. Knowing the was nothing he really could do about that, William rose, collected his weapons and the weapons of The worm, and left the dark alley, never turning back.

It wasn't until the stares of the people caught his attention did William realize his arms and hands were covered in blood. Sighing with weariness, William struggled on, the split knuckles of his hands dripping blood the entire way. Despite all that had happened William still sauntered into the blacksmith's shop, looking to sell some goods.Lucky for him, only the blacksmith was there, or he might have been turned away immediately.

"Good god man, what has happened to you?" It wasn't until later did William find out that the right side of his face had swelled up to twice it's normal size. William had no time for pleasantries so he stated everything as plainly as possible, "I was mugged on the way to your shop, I have three weapons I want you to look at, and I fought the two men off. If you think this is bad," William said, gesturing to himself with one bloodied arm, "just imagine what the other guys look like. I won the fight." All William received as an award for his honesty was stunned silence from the blacksmith. To tired to start the conversation back up again, William took a look around the shop, for the first time really seeing everything.

It was an amazing shop. Weapons and armor from around the world adorned the walls. The floor, which William was now dripping blood on, was actually carpeted. Gawking at all of the precious items, the Blacksmith had to cough twice to get his attention. "Alright then, show me your items, then get out of my shop. You've already bled enough on my carpets as is!" William did as he was told, and he offered up his Filipino karambat (even though it was one of his favorite knives, it was really quite useless here) and the two swords salvaged from The Worm. Unsurprisingly, the two swords were of little value and only gained William a couple copper pieces each. But, the knife made it all worth while. The smith was so excited about the weapon, he offered 8 gold pieces on the spot. William was unsure how much money that was exactly, but he decided from the high pitch in the blacksmiths voice, the was room to bargain higher. Eventually he go the man to settle on 10 gold pieces and without any more words, William left.

It wasn't long before Will returned to the inn, but he just couldn't force himself inside yet. So he sat down beside the door and thought. That hate, that rage, I thought I had it conquered. But, did I just hide from it, not controlling it after all? I haven't felt that way since just after my father died, all my anger lashing out at those closest to me. It was the original reason I ran from my home and all that it meant. I fear my rage. What if I were to hurt Keith, or Sophia? No i could never do such a thing. . . or could I? Will sat there for at leas an hour, not noticing the people walking by, staring and whispering. To him they meant nothing, he was to absorbed in his own fear to allow anything else in. But when he felt the time was right and he had regained enough strength, William reentered the Inn, actually excited to see Sophia's face again.

She watched Keith walk away, watched him pound up the stairs, his voice strained with anger. He was so upset with William, so intensely upset. She started to follow him, her thin fingers wrapping about the bottom of the stair railings. She took a single step up and paused, wondering how she would handle the situation. Afterall, they would be alone in a hotel room. Now, Sophia knew very little about sex, but she knew that this was a probably situation for possible beginning to something she didn't want to get into. The men she dated... their anger usually translated into something sexual, at least in some way, and Keith was so angry...

She took a deep sigh and moved on, she trusted Keith; and if he tried anything she would simply scream as loud as possible.

Her thoughts inevitably turned to William as she ascended the stairs, her hand sliding up the banister regally. He had acted just as heatedly as Keith now felt. Both of these men she began to worry about. They needed to talk to someone, needed to vent about something, it was so obvious to her. And what is a woman better for than a wonderful object to release pressure on?

She headed towards the room, gently pressing against the door; he hadn't pulled the door completely closed. She had one foot in the door and was in just in enough to see the room. It was an adequate room, she worried about those two beds though. She knew Keith and William would strangle each other as she slept if they had to share a bed. She knew it was best if they slept seperately. So, of course, she would be placed in the bathtub. She had done that countless times. Any time her parents and she went out somewhere mother and father slept in the two beds and she got the bathtub. It was just so much easier when she was younger to fit in the thing...

And then she saw her. Her frame kneeling at the edge of the bed, a hand on Keith's chest. Sophia nearly screamed. Instead she slapped a hand over her mouth and accessed the situation. Keith was calming down with her there, they weren't doing anything extremely wrong...

As quietly as she could she stepped back and closed the door. Her hand lingering on the doorknob for a moment before she turned and left. She knew William would be upset if he found her without Keith, but she didn't care. She would not intrude on whatever was going on up there.

She ran downstairs as quickly as possible, her head slightly swimming. She moved through the inn door, so fast she didn 't even see William sitting outside next to the door. She moved straight towards the town; she was determined to try and swap her clothes for new ones. She was tired of running around like a lunatic with a messed up collar and no shoes.

It was only a look, that was all it took for her to know, to feel, that something horrible had happened to him to, something as bad, or maybe worse, than what happened to her. He was...a young man, cute as the waitresses in the bar had seen so he must have lost a love.

- Why then...why did he hang onto the girl?- In her world, caught in the traps and the ever evasive lies and tricks of her kind, no one would hang on someone, it was all about survival.. And she had survived, always would and always will but...tonight..something had changed.


Tonight, the first time in roughly 70 years she had felt sad, and not for herself. The sadness washed over her once more, like a black tide trying to consume her body. And suddenly she was tired, so tired, tired enough her eyes were dropping, tired enough that all the tears were welling up.

-What's happening..- That was her thought, as she stared up at the boy, she should fight. She knew that, she should and she could but...the sadness tugged at her bones, made her heavy and she almost couldn't carry on. “Sorry...” she whispered once more, standing to go back to the window, only to fall forward.

It seemed as if an eternity passed, within those few seconds of falling but, it was not, and it came to an end. The smack of her head on the table made her cry out, small tears rising to her eyes and this, this stupid, small, thing made her lose it all, made her start to bawl like a little baby, trapped in someone's room, someone she had came here just to watch, and she was balling...god...She was so weak.

Meghan frowned as she watched everything pass in front of her. I didn't always do that, she thought miserably. It was true, and it was pathetic. The way she blended, letting herself go unnoticed and unspoken. She reached into her pocket, pulling out the heavy ring.

That's odd. I always wear it. Meghan peered at it, greatly confused. The large diamond set in the silver band made her uncomfortable. Maybe this is worth something here. The thought shocked her completely, hot tears threatening to spill over.

She stood up, knocking her chair over and storming out of the inn. It was useless to her until she had enough money to pay for anything. Meghan took a deep breath, and started out toward what seemed to be a general store.

She stepped into the store, slightly impressed. She walked up to the counter slowly, clutching the ring tightly. The man woke with a grunt, watching as she placed the ring tentatively on the surface. His eyes narrowed as he weighed it carefully in his palm, as if he wasn't sure if it was real or not. " I- I want to exchange it for money." she said quietly, and the man nodded, pulling out two leather bags full of what seemed to be coins."I don't see why you would give up such a rare diamond up. Before you gave me this, only one was known of. How lucky am I?" he grumbled, pocketing the ring carefully.

Meghan nodded and turned around, her breaths short and shallow. What have I done?
She blindly grabbed a clothes and shoes. She took out a few coins and handing them to the man, stepping into the dinky bathroom and changed.

She walked through the store,lagging. Her hand brushed against the many fabrics, memories floating through her mind, stiff parties and stiff people, shaved poodles and fat cats. My life is much different from now. Surprising, actually, She shook her head, laughing quietly.

(Her appearance: Sorry, the link would not work, so I'm just posting the picture here. I guess I'm going with the theme.)

"Sophia, I'm sorry I am late. . ." Panic rose in William, his throat closing as if he were allergic to fear itself. Scanning wall to wall to wall, William desperately searched for any sign of Sophia. Spinning on his heals to see the entire building, he saw a bright flash of red. Red hair. Gripping one of his daggers with his right hand, William used the left one to slam the door of the inn open, weariness and panic making him unable to control his strength. Another flash of red and he saw her. Sophia at that moment was the most beautiful thing in the world to him. More precious than water to a man dieing in the dessert. His hunger for her greater then that of a hundred starving men. He had only a moment to realize that his emotions raced, he was no longer in control before even the warnings of his mind were smashed to bit's by thoughts of Sophia.

Before he even said anything, William walked right up to Sophia and embraced her. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew she would recoil at his touch and it hurt him deeply that she would react that way, but he couldn't stop his body from acting. Just like with the thugs, he was on autopilot, driven by raw emotion. It scared William, but after nearly five years of restraining himself, the release felt good. After embracing for a couple more seconds he let her go and stepped back, to get a good look at her face.

Whispering now, his voice slightly distorted by the swelling in his face, William bared a little peace of his soul. "Why didn't you stay with Keith? You could have gotten yourself hurt wondering around here. This town. . . it's dangerous." William couldn't believe what he was saying. This town dangerous? Did this town purposefully wander into an ally way to pick a fight? Did this town mercilessly beat two mean nearly to death? No I'm the dangerous one. William wished he could force the words from his throat, but it tightened up in response, not even letting a squeak out. All he could do was stand there, blood and sweat soaked, and plead silently that she would understand.

She felt the hands wrap about her stomach, felt them pull tight, her back and rump suddenly against another person. Her entire form went into a single, violent convulsion as she tried to pull away, tried to pry the fingers about her stomach away as she screamed. It was a pathetic squeal, starting -- not from her stomach, for she was caught too off guard -- but from within her throat. She tugged and tugged, fingernails driving into the fleshy arm of her capture... until she was released.

She spun about, wide-eyed with fear and uncertainty, hair flying around to slap her within her thin face. She didn't recognize the man as she backed up, terrified, hands flung high to protect her horrified visage if he had decided to come upon her again. She took in his features, the blood, the sweat, the swelling... but he seemed so familiar, too familiar. She recognized the clothes as her brown eyes slid down his figure.

"W...William?"

It was the first time she had used his first name; it felt good on her tongue. The fear upon her facial heightened, but not for the original reason. She dropped her hands immediately, palms gracing against her thighs. She hurried to him, cupping his chin in her face.

"What...what happened?" She was stammering, she couldn't believe how bad he looked. She ran a light finger from his chin to his earlobe, the soft caress an attempt to calm him, whether he needed it or not. She was scared, so very scared. She trusted William, she thought the world of him, especially when it came to his strength and fighting abilities... and now he looked like this. She blinked as he spoke, his words slightly slurred, obviously from the swelling. She blushed slightly as she answered, "Keith... I followed him up to the room after a while... the girl, from the tavern... she was kneeling in front of him with a hand on his chest... I wasn't going to bother them..."

Her breathing was rapid as she took both of his hands in hers, gently pulling him towards town, "Come on, lets get me some clothes and see if someone can clean you up while we're there." Without thinking she manuvuered about, placing herself next to him. She wrapped a hand about his waist, "Go ahead, lean on me."

She placed as much of his weight on her as possible without causing her to completely topple over. It wasn't too far to the clothing shop, which she was highly thankful for. She passed into the shop with William upon her, gently lowering him down into a nearby seat. She walked up to the counter, a fake smile upon her lips as she spoke to the clerk. "I'm in need of clothing and shoes, and if you could be so kind, please take care of my friend...he was, mugged."

She watched the woman's face brighten in surprise as she looked over at William. She offered a nod, motioning towards the clothing for Sophia and walking over to William, accessing him. Sophia dug through the clothes quickly, fingers pressing against fabric to tell the quality of the clothes. It was mostly average person fabric, wool and such, stuff that was a bit scratchy. But she luckily came to a section of racks with light cottons. She squealed happily as she found an ensemble that would fit her. She went into the dressing room and changed; as she came out she placed her old clothes on the counter, allowing them to keep it as scrap fabric. She quickly sifted through the mound of shoes, finding a knee-high pair of boots. She undid the splint upon her ankle and eased the boots on. Luckily the splint had allowed her ankle to heal rather fast; it wasn't completely healed, but much better than earlier.

While Sophia had changed, the shopkeep had retrieved a wet cloth and had successfully wiped most of the blood away from William's face and hands. She was now holding a small cloth full of ice against his swollen cheek. Sophia eased over to them, pulling the coins from William.

"How much?"

The woman glanced over Sophia's new garb, "One gold," she mumbled. Sophia tossed it atop the counter, offering the lady a thank you for her work on William. She grasped William's hand, helping him up. They manuvuered over to the door, but as soon as she opened it, a dark mass seemed to be moving outside. She gasped, nearly knocking William over. Hordes upon hordes of what seemed to be oil slicked birds were flying out from the forest down into the town, taking out anyone that was in their way. She cringedm looking up at William, "So now what do we do? I would really rather not die by bird, Sir Fleming."

Keith quickly shifted in the medium sized, but comftorable bed, made of oak wood. He could see the girl had fell, and without thinking twice, dashed out of the bed, landing right next to her. He knelt next to her and could see she was crying. Was she crying because of his pain, or hers? It was hard to tell as he looked around to see if Sophia was around, which no one was around. He looked back at the girl and said.

"Shhhh stop crying..." he said a tad gently as he heared yelling downstairs, as if their was a fight downstairs. A man busted the frame of the room, people behind him holding him back shouting things like "Crazy man Stop!" and "What the hell does he think he is doing!" as the man who was trying to be held back said.

"I'm not crazy! Evil lurks around the outskirts of this town! We are at the beginning of the end of our lives! Run while you can for death is all that awaits you!" he said as he pulled back, causing the other men to fall back a bit. He ran to the room next door, as Keith stared for a minute he then redirected his attention back to the girl. He stared and felt like their was nothing he could really do, he wasn't good with this, he then decided to do what he did with Yuffie. He took her hand and began to rub it as he said.

"Shh..its ok..everything is going to be alright..but by the sound of that man we have to get away and fast..they think he is crazy but I saw truth in his eyes...I don't know particularly who you are, but I am sure you can be strong!" he said determined to get her back on her feet. He could feel this wierd feeling up his spine that made him shiver. He shook, and then decided it was time to leave, in the best way possible. He picked up the girl, as his legs turned metal, he turned around, and back first jumped out of the window. His back turned metal, as he held on to the girl tight hitting the ground hard, making a loud smack noise. the second floor was still quite away down, and people didn't stare much, for the man had all of their attention, most of them atleast.

"Are you ok?!" he said making sure she was fine, but smiling at the same time, full of spirit, ready to do whatever it took to get things done.

"Are you?"

A soft gasp, barely audible, left her parted lips at the feel of strong arms around her. Instinctively, and perhaps even stupidly, she circled her arms around the male's neck, a soft blush rising to her cheeks, turning the pale color and almost rose pink. She looked about, away from his face and bit back a small
yelp as they fell through the air.

If she had been looking at her face, which would have been to damned embarrassing, she wouldn't have seen the birds. What strange creatures they were never in her long life had she seen such..Odd creatures, they seemed to spread filth, covered in vile black gunk that was dripping from them. She bit back a girlish scream as one of the birds swooped, soared, for them, small splatters of the black liquid.

She let out an actual scream, leaping from the male's arms and landing on the ground. She could feel her fangs elongating, could tell her pupils were dilating, face becoming more animalistic, vampiric at the sudden spray, attack, of whatever the black gunk was.

She was afraid, for a moment, of turning around and allowing the male to see her like this but...whatever was on the black stuff positively reeked of undead, and the electricity in the air, bitting at her flesh and sending shock waves of pain like sensation throughout her body told her that it was powerful but, she could handle it.

She tilted her head back, long white hair shifting in the breeze, as she sniffed once, twice, delicate nostrils falring as she took in the scent, the scent of blood, death, with under hints of insanity, mental sickness and ancient monsters rising from a grave. “Something is wrong...” she murmured, not even aware she had spoken allowed as she started to step forward, to the forest, following her nose and the light pull of undead on her conscience.