Scarlet held on to Giotto a bit tighter, biting the bottom of her lip once Exile began to draw what he was explaining out on the piece of paper. All of it seemed rather heavy in concept, not to mention some of it sounded new. She looked down at Gio, raising an eyebrow. Why hadn’t he mentioned a lot of this information to her yet? Sure, she just recently found out about herself. She had the feeling Gio probably wanted to teach her at a very slow rate, as too not stress her out. Scarlet shook her head, trying to stay focused on what Exile was explaining. She couldn’t help but wonder how this symbol related to her. She was taught by stories, words, Gio trying to make sense of New York, and his past life. Now that Exile was showing Scarlet a more technical explanation on a magical symbol, it was leaving her with a blank expression. “What the hell are you talking about?” Scarlet said back, her voice not in a whisper. She picked the paper up off the table, looking at it more closely before setting it back down. “This sounds complicated,” she laughed, rubbing her temple.

Scarlet waited a few seconds for him to answer her, but upon glancing up at him, she saw he gaze was instead looking at the woman and child who had just entered. Her bottom lip dropped slightly when she watched his eyes glaze over from hazel to yellow.

So much for being inconspicuous... Scarlet thought secretly, almost smiling. His head turned back to face her, Scarlet flustered to be caught mid smile. She hid it the best she could, the curves of her lips dropping to sly smirk. “You want to know what I can do? Oh, this will be fun!” She took the pen from his hand gently, flashing a grin when she lent in. She then flipped over the piece of paper he drew on to the blank side. Scarlet began to write down the address of an abandoned school across the bridge in Jersey. The area around the school was covered in so much bush and overgrown weeds that the entire outside football field was a gold mine for her practices. “It is over the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn,” she continued to describe, tapping the pen on the table. “I can show you where it is whenever.”

Giotto’s fur rose a little off his back out of the anxiety he was beginning to feel. She disclosed one of their secret training locations. To trust this boy, or not? That was the question. He would have to settle this by the strike system. Three mistakes and he was out of the picture. Scarlet believed him too quickly. Even if he was a dependable guy, that was just a fortunate situation. Trusting someone with the wrong intentions, mage wise, could get you killed.

“People just don’t learn, the ban came in ages ago and I still get people walking in and lighting up. The signs up on the door..!” The man behind the bar muttered while making her drinks, looking over to the table with the redhead. Talaitha was glad the cat was hidden from view in this direction now, but the cigarette was impossible to miss. She tilted her head, letting her lavender mess of hair fall across her face for a moment; she wanted to say hi to the cat and the couple seemed interesting. A small smile slipped across her face, bright eyes fixing on the man before her as she held out the necessary change. The warmth of the glasses filled her palms, picking up the hot beverages with care; she wondered for a moment if she should speak up and decided she would.

Alin sat for silent for some time, posture relaxing in the warmth of the room and easy relaxing atmosphere. Her fingers automatically ran through her short white strands, watching her daughter with hawk like intensity, ever worried for her safety in the city. After awhile she felt the touch of eyes on her, freezing her easy languid motions abruptly. Glancing about the caught the look of a yellow eyed man and shuddered, feeling that something was wrong, like he was doing more than looking. Most of the time this did not faze her, patrons to her club had met her with her daughter before and given her odd looks; undressing her with their eyes, this was different though, he was trying to find something she couldn’t see. Her long slender fingers dipped into her bag, pale tips brushing against the hard leather sheath of her knife; a comfort to her on many dark nights.

“Sir, they are old friends of mine, would you like me to go over? I don’t want you to have to come away from the counter for such a little reason. I’l tell him to put it out.” She let a flash of her pearly teeth show in her wide smile, for a moment looking pointed before returning to normal. The man looked down at her with a look of subtle confusion, wondering if there was something odd about her, she seemed so young when she put out no effort to seem cleaver; her lavender hair making her seem like any other girl about to turn into her teen years. Her intense blue eyes watched him with a predatory edge and soon he nodded just to get her to stop looking. She turned away with a calculated swing, carrying the utterly full glasses with poise becoming of an older woman, not wanting to conform to the idea that children were clumsy. She moved through the tables smoothly, heading strait for the couple rather than her mother. Now she felt nervous, they may just tell her to go away, making her lie to the man obvious.

“Hey, um… The man behind the counter wants you to put out your cigarette, it’s a non-smoking café, I thought I’d come tell you to make it easy.” She stood beside their table her drinks held evenly at her side, she glanced over to her mother who looked a little alarmed but took no notice, her mother looked alarmed at anything that took her away form her side. “He can’t see your cat though miss, as long as he stays in front of you he should be fine. Um, can I say hi to him?” She looked up at Scarlet with such joy and admiration in her eyes; the cat was so beautiful to her mind, almost glowing in its almond coat. Still she kept looking up at Scarlet just to be on the safe side, not wanting to be impolite and just reach out to touch the gorgeous thing. Her mind fluttered for a moment, trying to figure out what was odd about these to new people, the seemed so different, down to the very energy they gave off.

Alin tensed in her chair, watching her daughter head strait for the man who had been watching her; heat beat speeding up as she shot out of her chair. She stood still, hovering for a moment in indecision; ever watchful over her cherished daughter. The hairs on the back of her neck stood strait, the cool damp air billowing past her as a customer left the small café, door clicking quietly in the returning buzz of the shop. Taking her hand out of her bag, she moved through the tables that separated her from her daughter, as she moved her hips swayed with a sinuous grace nothing like her dancing but enough to warrant unwanted attention from the other customers sitting down. She was glad of her lose baggy harem trousers and soft lose cami; hiding most of her body from view in their thick swathe of fabric. She came beside her just after she heard the last bells of her daughter’s harmonious voice chime, placing her hand over Talaitha’s shoulder.

“Hello, I’m sorry if Tarla has disturbed you. She has a tendency to be a little too independent sometimes, I’m sure she meant nothing by doing so.” Alin’s smile was warm with an undertone of sharpness, worried that the strangers would be unhappy to have her daughter talking to them. “My name is Alin and this is my daughter Tarla.” Her hand smoothed over her daughter’s hair, moving her a little closer to her body for protection. Though she had no fear of women, men were a big threat in her mind and she did not like his enquiring look before, now even less. She bobbed her head to Scarlet and Exhile, a polite gesture that had come from her time with her gypsy family, in her ears belled piercings tinkled lightly. Her hand reached out with delicacy, wrist up and took her drink from her child’s hand, bringing to her mouth for a warm sip. She waited patiently, knowing it would be impolite just to drag either of them away from the new people, especially when she could see Tarla was so eager to look at the cat closer.

Scarlet looked back away from Exile, toward the little girl once again at the counter ordering some coffee. She was thrown back a bit when she realized both the little girl and the man behind the counter were staring at the two. And by the looks of the employee, he didn’t look to happy. With a little shoveling, Scarlet skimmed through the tops of the man’s thoughts. It was because of the smoking. Hah. “Maybe you should put that out, we are getting some glares,” she muttered in joking tone, knowing that it wasn’t a good idea from the start to light up inside. Luckily all Scarlet did was put the smoke he offered her behind her ear, so it was really Exile getting the evil glares. She let out a sigh, pushing her almost empty soup bowl toward Exile as if suggesting for him to put it out in the liquid.

A tiny sound from Scarlet’s left made her jump slightly, her head whipping around to see the girl that was at the counter. Of course, the man must have sent her to tell them to put out his.... Yup, the girl just said to put out the cigarette. A small giggle escaped her lips, smiling gently at the girl now by them. Then she had asked to see Giotto. Ah, so he wasn’t very hidden in coat after all, if this girl noticed him. Giotto peaked his head out of her coat at the sound of his name. His bright yellow eyes eclipsed his tiny frame. The little stinker knew he was a cutie, and relished in the admiration of others when complimented. He purred softly, nodding his head in a way as if urging Scarlet to let the little girl see him better.

“Oh, um..” Scarlet mumbled, unsure of letting a stranger pet her cat. She was protective over him just as much as he was protective over her. Yet this girl couldn’t be more than 11 or 12, what harm could it be to let her interact with him? Before she could answer, Scarlet saw what looked to be the young girl’s mother walking towards them from across the room. It was clear they were related, with the vibrant white hair the two shared. Was it her mother? She was very beautiful, and looked fairly youthful herself. The woman had rested her hand on Tarla’s shoulder, then looked at her and Exile. After listening to her speak, the question of if that she was the girl’s mother was answered. She was indeed her mom, named Alin. And Tarla, the girl.

“Well sure Tarla, you can see my cat. His name is Giotto, or Gio for short. He is a sweetheart,” Scarlet said while she smiled gently, drawing back her coat so that Giotto was fully exposed. Giotto climbed from her lap down to the booth seat. His paws reached forward, stretching out his back in a sleepy manner before sitting back on his hind legs. Something is unique about this little girl, Tarla is it?... I am sensing a stronger light from her than the others around. It is interesting... it might not mean anything though, he thought, connecting his words through Scarlet’s mind. Scarlet tilted her head to the side a bit, wondering what Giotto was feeling. Ah, it didn’t matter. Most likely nothing.

Giotto rubbed his head against the little girls hand, purring in a friendly manner. His eyes looked up at the girl, then travelled to the mother, who seemed a bit on edge. Of course, they were talking to complete strangers so who wouldn’t be a little guarded, especially when taking care of a child.

Scarlet meanwhile looked back up over to Exile. She wondered what he was thinking, but didn’t feel like it would be polite to try and breech his mind. Instead, she let her mind shield go down, in order to channel some of her thoughts toward the man. Exile, can you hear me? she thought, eyes narrowing in a sly manner as if enjoying the secret they shared. If he responded, then they could have a whole conversation without anyone seeing them talk. Scarlet flashed a bright white smile towards him, followed by a slight wink and then turned back to the mother and daughter. “Tarla, he loves being scratched under the chin, why don’t you pet him there?” she invited, trying to be as friendly as possible.

The fear that played on this girl's mind was amusing, he admitted it to himself that she looked good being very skeptical about the unknown, especially him, she had a right to be. His eyes shifted back and forth repeatedly as if he were searching for something while he smoked his cig. He had forgotten completely that the calm atmosphere had been lifted, and the approach of the young girl had thrown him off a bit. He had seen a small shocked look cross Scarlet's face and heard the young one speak about the no smoking policy. Hadn't he seen a smoking allowed sign on the door earlier? Why had it taken till now to figure out that it wasn't allowed here. His eyes shifted uneasily from the girl to Scarlet, the feeling of a gaze at his back, why hadn't he felt that earlier? He watched as Scarlett slid the bowl of soup to him, as if saying put it out there. He didn't feel comfortable at all now that someone had confronted him, he was unstable at moments, and this had thrown his momentum off course. He damn near jumped out of his skin when another voice had spoke up about something, he didn't really hear much of it. .....Alin...... Tarla.. What were these words? Names? his eyes still a little shifting a little faster back and forth. Was the backlash happening now?

He heard something at that point, something calling out to him, Can you hear me? Of course he could, his glance going to Scarlet as she gave him a playful wink. His eyes were a little more dialated that normal. "I, I...I have to go." He stood up a little to fast for himself, bumping into the older woman. "I'm sorry." He rushed himself out the door sending a thought back to Scarlet. I can, I have something important that I have forgotten about, meet me later at your training zone. I don't want you to get involved in this little episode.

He rushed out the door hastily heading to his own grounds, a place where the Paradox backlash from earlier could take affect without harming those around him. He leaned against the wall, the world spinning slightly and growing darker. Wait this out....thats all he thought about, wait it out.

He slid down the wall in his sanctum, a place where magical crafting could be done without the backlashes of attracting paradox spirits, they were a pain, but they were a lesser evil that would come if magic was used near where a sleeper could see it. Sleepers, regular humans. Exile had used some vulgar acts of weaving earlier in the week, but he had thought that it had bled off already, but it hadn't it had waited til now to rear its ugly head.

He sat there leaned against the wall as the room around his dulled into a shadowy play of darkness, the windows still seemed to let the light through but it was if the light were being engulfed as soon as they entered the small area he used for a living space. His head hurt, it felt as is his mind were going to explode, though he knew it wouldn't, is still didn't feel all that great. His arm twitched slightly under the weight of his hand, and he looked down at it wondering what could be happening, he had been through a Quiet before, but this just seemed like a minor setback to what he had seen before, his body twitched unnecessarily, but nothing bad so far, perception failure, colors dimmed, he looked at his arm again as he felt pain beginning to well up inside it, it felt as if a dam had suddenly blocked off his flow of energies as energy started flowing from his arm at first and then spreading outward, engulfing his entire body, he tried to scream but nothing came out, it was all too much that even a normal reaction wouldn't escape, though his mind easily connected to the one person that he had met today, someone that he knew how to get through the defenses that were no longer up, his mind screamed in agony for a moment before he noticed what was happening and he cut her off. He was left writhing on the ground as the quintessential energies that he had stored up erupted from his body very violently and very quickly. He lay there in a heap on the floor, not really wanting to move, it hurt too much, and it would hurt more if he tried to move. His head still hurt along with the rest of him, but somehow, he managed to focus his thoughts on healing, making himself feel better, his avatar could work with that, the last thoughts he had was heal. He closed his eyes and the world went black, but he knew that he would awaken again. Sorry went out to the mind of the girl that he had probably scared to death for a moment, he was sorry.....Scarlet.

She ran her hand over the cat’s fine pelt, letting the fine short strands of hair flick deliciously between her fingers. She let out a content sigh, crouching down so her head was level with the cats, muscles bunching under her long skirt. She completely ignored any further talk, her bright blue eyes watching the cats with intensity far beyond her short years. She bowed her head lightly, as one might do to an elder, eyelids fluttering closed for just a moment to long as she contemplated odd energy she felt from the pair. Then she was back, smile dazzling on her young face and eyes back to their usual state. Tarla looked up at her mother, head tilted to one side, wondering if she had indeed missed anything.

Alin moved forward, effectively blocking her daughter from view when Exhale got up; her whole body tensing in anticipation. Her face turning hard as she looked down at him, despite being shorter by a few inches, hand twitching at her side. She gasped when he touched her, knocking her shoulder back in his rush to leave, fear that he was going to say or do something unpleasant. She used the shove to hide the change in her stance, one foot sliding back to support a lunge if it was necessary; she struggled to keep in a normal position. Then he was gone, though she watched him go; eyes trained in the door fir a few moments longer than required.

“Hello Giotto, you have old eyes like my mum; full of light and shadows.” When she spoke it was not like a human baby talking a pet, but someone who interested her and deserved respect. “My name is Talaitha Fonso.” All the while she stayed level with the animal, trying to figure out what was different about it. She tilted her head from one side to the other for some time, lavender hair flipping to cover her face, long strands falling to cover her features completely. She looked up at Scarlet, nodding at what she said, before reaching to scratch beneath the chin of the fascinating creature. The short hairs tickled her fingers, wriggling beneath her nails and brushing untouched skin. She wondered if the had cats like him in their family, cats that traveled the road; sleek animals surviving on almost nothing.

“May I ask your name, I didn’t quite catch it.” Alin moved to the opposite chair, taking it soon after the chills along her spine had begun to ease. “Can I ask a question? If that would be all right of course?” She spoke with an even softness, now watching the woman before her. She struck her as someone who worked hard for the very little she had, it was something to be admired in a person and she did not look down on the fact that it made her a bit scruffy. She had lived on the road, it was a hard life, hoping the next town would pay well, possibly give them a night in the inn for food and a good wash. Most of the time it did not go so well, but they were a happy people, never wanting for what they needed; at least not for long when you had people with such quick hands. She placed her palms carefully on the table, attempting not to let her eyes flick down to rest on her daughters form.

“You’re a young woman and you have your head stuck on the right way, would you mind… I mean you only have to if you absolutely want to, but it would be a great help and well… Tarla is trying to further her studies and the tutor I have come along when I work has just taken ill, I wouldn’t usually ask a stranger; but Tarla took to you quite well. Would you mind tutoring her for an hour tonight?” She paused after the long gush of words, eyes calculating. “I will pay you for your time of course and it would be a great help. I’m sure Gio wouldn’t mind some cream or milk to keep him happy.” She turned her head to one side, she believed that if this new girl got out of hand it would be no problem for her crafty daughter to get away and her grandmother was only down the hall.

“You mean you like them?” Tarla’s shock could not have been more apparent, eyes widening as she shot up on her feet. “Oh please stay, it would be so nice, I’l be extra good and work really hard. If they came back now they could have dinner with us and..” She stopped feeling her mothers finger on her lips, quick as a snake; bringing a smile to her face none the less as they both waited for the woman’s response. She would not be surprised if their offer was turned down, but the fact that her mother had even suggested it bought hope into Tarla’s heart that one day her family would be normal.

(sorry if it makes no sense, im more than a little tired!)

Wearing dark blue jeans and a black hoodie, Erion walked into the same establishment, just as Exile was exiting, nearly bumping into him as he flew by. Blowing him off as just another rude kid, he continued inside, not even giving it a second thought.

He scanned the customers for a moment before walking over to a table near the back exit and sitting across from a man that could have been his polar opposite.

Where Erion was fairly tall, olive skinned and muscular, his companion was short, pale, and a bit on the scrawny side. Their demeanors were similar ,however; both were calm and rather nonchalant, a sign that this was not a first for either of them.

"Scavenger, I assume?" Erion said, considering extending his hand, but deciding against it.

"And you must be Erebos. " The man replied, with a light smile. "It's nice to finally meet you. Before you ask why I chose to meet in such a public place, I'll tell you now: Technos have been tailing me quite a bit for the last week or so... It took me quite a while to lose them. At times like this, I find it best to blend into a crowd."

"Mmm." Erion responded. " I trust your judgement. You've been in this line of work for longer than I've been alive. Those Technocrats, though... they seem to get ballsier every day. It was the same way in Chicago. I cant help wishing that your generation had simply wiped them all out before the became such a big problem."

Scavenger chuckled lightly. "Yet another mess my generation left behind for yours to clean up, right?"

" One of many.." Erion said, politely waving away a server. "Soo... not that I'm not enjoying the conversation, but... what news do you have for me?"

"Well... two important things have come to my attention." Scavenger said, leaning in closer after taking a sip of coffee from his cup. "I don't know if you've heard this yet, but... as of late, it seems that a fair number of high class mages have taken high ranking positions among the Technos... I've even heard rumors suggesting that it was a group of mages who founded the technocrats to begin with, although that part is neither here nor there. What's important is that some of the strongest in the world of mages have teamed up with our enemies, and that the man you're looking for, was apparently leading the charge, so to speak."

"What?!" Erion said, quite a bit louder than he had intended to. He took a moment to regain his composure before continuing. "Are you sure about this? Absolutely certain?"

"I trust my sources, Erebos. I make a living trading information... you cant make mistakes in my line of work. I'm certain."

"You're right... My apologies. I should have second guessed you like that." Erion replied, rubbing his forehead with his left hand as if he had just gotten a headache. "I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around the information, I guess."

He stood up from his chair and walked over to his informant, producing a roll of hundreds from his pocket and nonchalantly slipping it into his hand. "My thanks for a job well, done. I'm sorry... I'd like to sit and chat for a while, but I have a few things I need to attend to. "

"No need to explain." Scavenger said with another half smile. He stood up as well, after safely tucking the cash away. "We have a business relationship... we're not best friends or anything, youngster. "

"Hm... I guess you're right about that." Erion replied, attempting a smile in return, although he failed miserably. "In any case, be careful out there. If you learn anything new, or if you need a temporary hideout from the Technos, you can find my shop in the phone book under the name David Grey. "

"Will do." The older man replied, turning to walk away.

"Oh... and you should be careful yourself, youngster. The things I hear about that uncle of yours.. none of them are pleasant." He continued without turning back to look.

You have no idea. Erion thought as he made his way back toward the exit, his expression going dark.

Frustrated and lost in his thoughts, the ideas of shielding his mind and masking his presence didn't even occur to him, much less the thought that other mages might be around. He didn't even realize that he had built up a charge until he touched the metal on the door and shocked the crap out of himself. Hoping no one noticed the blue sparks, he made his way back outside as discreetly as possible.

The moment the young girl’s hand touched his fur, he relaxed his hind muscles. She was tickling along his back, causing him to purr under the soft weight of her hand. Gio watched as she knelt towards his level, her blue eyes locking with his for an oddly long time. Her gaze interested him, for it was almost as if she was treating him more like a human than a pet. The cat had ran into many kids on the street and not one bowed their head at him like she was doing. He pressed his paws down, arching his head up to where it nuzzled against her arm, a natural habit for any cat that was being massaged and enjoyed it. Usually he was hesitant around strangers but he felt okay to be himself around her. She was too innocent to do any harm.

Scarlet watched Exile with worried eyes as he stated he had to leave, wondering if it was at all her fault for his sudden exit. Her eyes fixated on his form as he got up from the table in a clumsy sway, bumping into Alin and then making a run for the outside. Scarlet sighed, but then froze as she heard his words travel through her mind. She was confused by almost everything he was saying besides the whole going to her training zone. If that was what she needed to do to find out what the hell just happened to him, then she would go there. Right she thought in response him, nodding her head in decision.

Giotto looked up at Scarlet briefly, having overheard the whole conversation between Exile and her. Something seems wrong with him, I am sensing potential pain in his near future, he directed towards Scarlet, whipping his tail in a way that it would brush against her arm. His focus then directed back to Talaitha, who was now beginning to talk to him. Hm, very intuitive she was if she was already able to feel his aged soul through his eyes. Yes, she had to be on the verge of figuring out her avatar any day now if she was already so wise for a human. The girl again reached to touch him, this time tickling under his chin as Scarlet had suggested her to do. It was his favorite spot, so this was a nice treat.

Scarlet shifted her head to Alin, then stretched her arm out as if offering her to sit down in where Exile’s seat used to be. “You can call me Scarlet, Alin.” She said in response, then grew quiet as she listened to Alin began to ask her a favor. As the seconds passed she realized it was about a tutoring position for her daughter. Her eyes diverted between the two girls with hesitance. Scarlet sunk deeper into her chair, the corner of her lip twitching. She hated school and the authority behind it. And even if Scarlet was interested in school, she herself was a drop out and never meshed with the school system. She would be a horrible teacher, just horrible. Giotto even began to laughing secretly to Scarlet, knowing that if there was anything this girl disliked, it was obligations, commitments. Scarlet sighed, placing her hand on Giotto’s back.

“I appreciate the offer, Alin. Your daughter seems like a very smart child,” she bit her lip, pushing a few loose strands of hair behind her pale white skin. There was already an expression of guilt on her face because she hated disappointing people. Besides, she had plans later. She was to meet up with Exile, so tonight wouldn’t have been a plausible chance to tutor either. He wanted to see her safe getaway, so to speak. A place where she often practiced spells and shields with Giotto. “I am afraid I would be an awful tutor though.” Scarlet reached forward, brushing the cheek of the young girl in a friendly manner, prepping to compliment her. “And I’m sure you are probably smarter than me in the school category. Plus I have some business to take care of tonight.” She knew that as soon as she would get quiet, Tarla would be showing her reaction, which would most likely me that of sadness.

Giotto, mind doing the room relaxation spell again? I don’t want them to be upset with me, Scarlet swiftly thought to Giotto, who immediately began leaking some of the effects from earlier once again. It spread like an invisible cloud of smoke, wrapping its blanket of warmth around the relaxed. It wasn’t too heavy, but enough to where Scarlet would feel more comfortable. It was a minute after this when Scarlet felt a piercing noise in her head. The intense headache caused her to wince in her seat, outwardly trying her best to conceal the shock. It sounded almost like a scream, but it couldn’t have been, could it? Giotto did say he predicted some sort of pain for Exile, and they did just connect thoughts with her. Was she hearing him in pain? This day was getting more complex by the minute, but altogether turning out to be a fun adventure.

Scarlet relaxed her face once more, trying to erase any sign of disturbance. She wouldn’t be a proper tutor for the girl, but she still felt these two were some very interesting people. She wasn’t quite ready to part her ways with them for good. “But how about this, Tarla... I am in central park everyday basically. If you want, Giotto and I will be there tomorrow doing some fun routines for the public. It is how him and I make a living! He can do some pretty amazing tricks. If your mom doesn’t mind, you all should definitely come and see the show!” She smiled, nodding her head in a confident urge. She couldn’t leave this cafe knowing she upset this cute child. Scarlet did know she had to exit soon though, to see if she could find Exile and see what was going on. Her foot tapped against the floor, nervous habits sinking in.

Erion's home was a two story brick building, in the middle of a sea of similar structures. The bottom floor, he used for his business, and dozens of his wares were on display there. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other jewelry hung from their shelves; swords, daggers, gigantic warhammers and axes, spears, and just about any other type of weapon you could think of hung from or leaned against walls, or sat neatly on their decorative stands. That stuff was typical merchandise, mostly there to satisfy the curiosity of the "normal" people who happened to wander in. Of course, all his good merchandise, the enchanted jewelry, weaponry, clothing, and tomes were stored in a hidden section of the wall, invisible to the eyes of normal humans and mages alike due to a warding glyph he had created years ago.

The top half of his building was the large apartment he called home. This was where he found himself a couple of hours later. He was dressed in a pair of pajama pants, seated cross legged in the middle of his living room on the hardwood floor. With all the lights out, the room was pitch black. His back was straight, his eyes were closed, and his hands sat on his lap, and even though the room was cool, sweat dripped from every pore on his body.

The news of his uncle's involvement with the Technocrats had left his mind in a state of turmoil, and he had felt a cold rage brewing inside him. Even after an hour and a half of meditation, he could still feel traces of that anger. Granted, he had always been something of a hothead, but he had become very adept at controlling it. Or so he had thought, at least. Lately, his fuse seemed to grow shorter and shorter by the day, and it was beginning to concern him. It just seemed unnatural somehow.

Finally deciding that he was as calm as he cold be at the time, Erion reached out with his mind, drawing in the ether around him. He had tested the limits of his strength daily sine he was a young boy. Back then, he could only draw in a tiny trickle of that invisible river of power, but now, as a man he could summon enough power to wipe out a city block if he felt so inclined.

Not that he flaunted his power or anything. He lived in a world where knowledge was the greatest weapon an enemy could use against you. He didn't enjoy killing, but anyone who had forced him to use his magic hadn't lived to share any details of his abilities with anyone else. All the world of mages knew about him was that he was an enchanter, and he intended to keep it that way. That was also the reason the entire property was warded with glyphs to mask his presence from any prying eyes. No form of energy sensing, clairvoyance, or clairaudience he knew of could reach him within the confines of his home.

Filled to the brim with the power of the storms, his unruly black hair stood on end as he called out to the wind and clouds. Clouds from all over the city gathered above his neighborhood, growing larger and darker, blocking out the light of the moon. It wasn't the size or strength of a natural storm, but it was a storm nonetheless, and he rose from the floor, making his way to the door that lead to his small balcony to greet it. He hoped that the icy rain would help cool his head.

“That’s quite all right, I didn’t think you would say yes anyway; but better ask and know, than never ask and always wonder.” Alin smiled taking a sip of her luke warm coffee, grimacing at the bitter taste. “I didn’t want you for your school training anyway, not that I suppose that will make any difference to your decision, you have business to attend.” She brushed a hand lightly along her daughter’s back, not wanting her to make Scarlet uncomfortable for refusing. She ran her fingers through the pale lavender hair, humming an almost silent tune to fill the small silence that had filled the room. In a casual gesture she looked down at her watch, looking at the time, knowing that she had plenty of time before she needed to be at work.

“Oh shot.” She muttered standing up. “Chickie I need to run, I must have lost track time, too relaxed in here.” She smiled tightly; worried she might be late. “Here take a taxi home, you have your.. thing don’t you? Ok well keep it in your pocket so you can reach it, you know what I think about people.” She handed over a small fold of notes, giving her a severe glance. She knew her daughter knew only to well what she meant, Alin wanted her daughter to carry a bladed weapon with her wherever she went for protection. She did not trust many people of the city, especially when it came to her daughter; she hated to leave her so suddenly. “I’m so sorry to leave so suddenly, it was a pleasure to meet you and we might pop down and try to find you tomorrow… Ok Tarla, you play safe and don’t be a pain, finish your hot chocolate and go home!”

“Ok mum.” Talaitha spoke with her head off in a cloud. Be safe mum she thought to her mother, causing Alin to pause, glancing back into her eyes. “It would be nice to come see you and Gio, he seems so intelligent; like he’s talking I just don’t understand. I bet he does some amazing tricks.” She sat down opposite the pair, her eyes staying locked on the cat; after all she loved cats more than anything else. She laughed slightly at herself, hurrying with her drink now it was becoming cold. Her long slender legs cloud not quite get her feet to touch the floor, so she let her legs swing beneath the table, relishing each small brush against the ground; despite the fact she hated how tall she was.

“Soo, where do you live? Can I come visit you some time? We are over the park and down three streets…. It’s not that nice, but I have gnana to keep me company.” She tilted her head, slipping into a more childish state of mind now she was away from her mother. Her mother’s fear for her could often be a bit restrictive, making her act even older than she already felt, though most of the time she did not mind, knowing in other ways she was more free than most children her age. She took large gulps of drink, finishing it as quickly as possible, leaving a dark smear around her mouth. She dragged the sleeve of her shirt over mouth, hoping this would dispel the chocolate stain.

“Anyway I should go home, mum worries so much about me, she’s sure to call once she gets to work.” She stood slowly. “It’s rare for mum to ask a stranger to our home, it’s good that she’s being better about it. Do you want to catch a lift part way with me? Or is my cab going the wrong way?” She brushed her hands over her clothes, glad for once that she looked almost normal in the croud of people that were filling into the café in the post work frenzy. “Good bye Gio, it has been very nice to meet you.” She gave the cat another deep nod, reaching out a hand to scratch under his chin. She stood waiting for Scarlet’s answer, eyes fixed to the little cats; head tilted to one side.

**************************

Alin walked through the crowded streets, her white hair whipping around her head, making her vision hazy. She hoped that Talaitha would be ok left with the stranger, but she had little choice, she was late as it was and would have to run to get into her changing rooms on time. She hated being late, priding herself on always being on time and helping out the other girls, making sure everyone was ready for the stage. Above her clouds gathered, but she didn’t stop, knowing she had little time; none to get out her jacket. She pushed her muscles into the movement of her run, dashing forward to shelter and a place she could retrieve her coat; if she was ill when she got into work it would be worse than being late.

She paused beneath the balcony, pawing through her bag to find her small rain mac. To her left she heard foot steps, causing her body to still, tensing for anything that might go wrong. Her hand snaked into her side pocket, taking a grip on her knife; shivering at the idea that anyone had been following her despite the many layers she had on. She had dressed to look as unsexy as possible, wanting nothing to draw attention to her or her daughter. She often passed her clients in the street, it was rare for anyone to notice her. The footsteps passed by her, their patter lost in fall of water as she stood shielded in the opening to a metal workshop. She laughed to herself, so tense over such a little thing.

“I need to get a grip, not everyone in this world wants to hurt everyone else.. or at least not me.” She smiled to herself, pulling off her heavy layers of clothing, hoping that the rain and dark would shield her from any unwanted looks. She dumped her thick jumpers on the floor by her feet, stretching in her thin camisole, glad to be out of the necessary disguise for just a few moments. Her slender form was lit by the light inside the shop, touching on her strong features and slender, well-muscled side; but only for a short moment. She slid her waterproof mac over her shoulders, laughing at the glaring red of it the only shade the shop had left to offer. She pulled the hood up over her bright eyes, hiding her face in shadow as she picked up her discarded clothes, tucking them into her bag.

“I knew it was you.” Came a voice from the dark as she left her little shelter. “Your Candy from that Black Viper club.. I go all the time, you’re so pretty.” A large figure loomed over her, making her heart beat quickly in her chest. She stood frozen for a few moments, trying to look through the darkness into the face of the man. Was this the man that had been stalking all the girls? She shuddered, moving away quickly breath coming quick as her tried to put her hand into her bag. She cursed herself briefly, she had both popered and zipped her bag, giving her no way to her knife. She took a few small steps back, glad of her flat shoes as she shook silently, watching the man advanced on her.

“I’m sorry sir, you must be mistaken. I don’t know the club, just on my way home from work.” She tried to sound cheerful, wanting to seem unthreatening. She took three more steps back, hand reached out behind her to touch the glace of the shop. If worst came to worst she would shatter the glace and hope that it had an alarm. No sooner had she thought about smashing the (Erions) window, than she felt a large hit fall against her face. She had not time to move with the blow like she had been taught, flying a few feet through the air and smashing back into the pavement, far away from the window. She clutched a hand to her face, groping for her bag with the other, she would be fine if only she had a knife in her hand. She flinched at the pop of the popers, frantic as she looked up to find him looming over her.
(sorry went a little ott... havnt edited yet, just wanted to get it up first O.o)

After a few minutes standing in the cool rain, Erion found that his mood had indeed improved. A slight smile spread across his face as the water ran down his head, weighing down his hair, and straightening it,making it hang almost to his shoulders. Storms always seemed to have a calming effect on him, not matter how large and destructive they may be. He had never questioned it, assuming it was natural, considering his affinity for them.

It wasn't long, however, before something disrupted his calm.

He took notice of the woman first. She was perhaps a few years older than he was, tall, and even in the dim lighting, he could tell that she was quite attractive. He had never seen hair like her's before... He wondered if white hair like that was a natural occurrence. He had seen stranger things, after all. She was walking in the direction of his building, and seemed to be in quite a hurry.

His attention stayed on her only for a moment, though. He had been with a few women over the years, although they never amounted to anything serious. Lately he had given up on both lust and romance altogether, seeing them as distractions from his goal. No matter how beautiful the woman was, distractions were the last thing he could afford.

He was bout to turn and walk inside when he noticed the man as well. As he was a bit of one himself, Erion had always had a sixth sense about predators, and that man definitely set off his asshole alarm. The way he moved, the way he carefully kept out of the woman's view... he was definitely a hunter stalking prey. This wasn't going to end well.

"Not my problem..." He told himself, although he stayed outside instead of going back in as he had planned, standing there with his arms crossed.

When the woman stopped underneath his balcony to escape the rain he had caused, he knew exactly what would happen.

He heard an exchange of words, although his ears couldn't pick up the entire conversation at that distance. And then, a dew moments later, he heard the sound of a fist hitting flesh, making him flinch.

"Damn it... this is not my problem!" He told himself again, and, again, he turned to walk away. "I don't have time for this..."

Then, something peculiar happened. Like an old war veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, he had a flashback of that time, years ago, when his uncle tried to kill him. For a moment, he could feel the blows as they landed on his then-fragile body. He felt the flames burn his skin. He felt his bones crack as he was slammed into the walls. And in that moment, one of the mental chains he used to keep his emotions in check snapped.

With a feral growl, he vaulted over the edge of the balcony, infusing himself with the force of the wind as he descended, landing soundlessly behind the man. As he approached the woman on the ground, with that greedy, demented grin of his, Erion approached him as well. The man reached out to grab at the woman, but found that he couldn't move any farther. He turned his head around to find Erion, with a death grip on the collar of his shirt.

"What the hell?" The man said, right before Erion literally tossed him away. He flew about ten feet, crashing into the side of a nearby parked car, and setting off its alarm before he slid to the ground.

"Guess what?" Erion said, slowly advancing on his prey. Once he reached him, he used his left hand to lift him up to where he could look into his eyes.

"It's not nice to hit women!" Erion continued, using his right hand to slap the man repeatedly across the face, bloodying his mouth and nose. Then, literally dragging him across the wet ground, over to the woman. "Now apologize!"

"Wha? I-I-I I'm-" The man stuttered, receiving a smack to the back of his head. "I'm sorry!"

"Good." Erion said, lifting the man to his feet, before forcefully turning him around and kicking him in the butt, causing him to crash to the ground again. "Now get the hell out of my neighborhood! And if I ever see you again, I swear to whatever god you worship, that I'll personally cut off what little manhood you have left and feed it to you!"

Once the woman's assailant had limped off into the distance, he walked over to her and offered her a hand. "I'm uh.. sorry you had to see that. I think I went a little overboard."

He shook his head as if he couldn't believe what he ha just done before continuing. "Are you okay?"

Exile awoke on the floor of his little sanctum, a bit confused, he tried to move and grimaced at the pain that it brought, deciding that moving at the moment was a bad idea. The good thing was, was that his sanctum had a Demense activated at all times, which allowed him to use magic without causing scryers to pick up on his weaving. Healing magic wasn't his most advanced area, but he had a basic understanding to kill pain. He focused his mind into a calm state and focused his mind on healing the best he could. He laid there a moment while he collected his thoughts and just allowed his mind to do what it needed to. In the midst of his healing process, he felt a weird edge of fear, but it soon passed, where had it come from though? He didn't mind it, he just let himself heal for the time being.

A few moments he felt like he was able to move without wincing, but not enough to completely feel uninjured. He stiffly walked about his room, trying to relax his muscles and get them into moving again. He looked about, seeing the little library he had, and his vast archives of newspaper clippings and such. He had kept all of the relative news articles of the Technos and other paranormal activities that had surfaced over time, just in case another case had emerged. That and the man that had taught him of everything had said to do so.

He looked out the window, noticing that it had only been a few hours since he had passed out, he wondered what everyone was up to now. He thought of Scarlet, and with that came Alin and Tarla. He hadn't known much about them but they came into mind. Where had he seen Alin from before. He looked into the distance, noticing a storm growing off in the distance. He liked storms, they were calming. He walked away from the window, and decided on a change of cloths, new khaki pants and a black shirt, doubled with a matching black hoodie, this one with a pair of white angel wings on the back. He hadn't really liked fashion but for some reason, he had brought the extra money for this hoodie. Along with that he packed a poncho in his bag just in case, it rained cats and dogs again. He liked rain, but he hated being really wet. He walked out the door, locking it on the way out.

He walked the streets, blending the best as he could with the crowd, that wasn't hard and that was how he kept from being found. Old habits, "look like the others, and you won't be found." It echoed through his mind, the famous words of his mentor. He made his way across town, the rain picking up as he walked through the side of town where the storm had picked up. His eyes wandering the streets. A man had walked around the corner, in a limp, and it made Exile wonder. He passed the man acting as if he didn't care, looking down the street, where he had come from seeing off in the distance a woman down on the ground and a man offering her a hand. The woman on the ground looked familiar, but he didn't have much time before he bumped into someone on the street. "Ah, sorry, lost in....." Exile cut off as the man pushed him back and continued walking on, cursing under his breath. People round here weren't that friendly, and they sure as hell didn't like people they didn't know. He had tripped backwards catching himself, before he fell, and watched the man walk away. He had stopped, so he had more of a time to look at the woman and man down the street. He headed that way, pulling his hood up to keep the rain off, and to hide his face a little.

Her fingers fumbled at the zip, trying desperately to get into her bag; everything would be all right as long as she had a knife in her hand. She didn’t even look up at the man advancing on her, so focused on getting into her bag. When she heard the wet thud of his feet, only three paces from where she lay, she looked up, abject terror on her face. Instead of feeling the crush of his boot against her, she saw he was frozen, unable to move forwards under the grip of yet another man. Her bright blue eyes shone briefly, was he their to help her, or did he just want her for herself? She cradled one side of her face, letting her lids shut out one single tear of pain, unseen in under the fall of rain. Her other hand continued to burry through the thick press of her jumpers, searching for the elusive touch of her knife. She feared men, knowing that they could be violent and unyielding when it came to women and she had no thought of not defending herself.

All to quickly she watched the other man play with her stalker like a toy, he was strong and she was unsure as to whether that was a good thing for her. The sound of the car alarm ripped through her, making her jerk where she sat sprawled. Water soaked through her jeans, seeping up from the floor and down from the rain, unable to force herself to stand. All she could think about was her little daughter, she had to make everything ok and then go home. At last her hand felt the solid touch of her oak covered switchblade. Her hand slid out of her bag, clicking open the illegal 8-inch blade, old and warn from practice. Now, despite the fact her clothes were socked, sticking to her skin; she felt in control once more. Her eyes flicking up to the two men, noting the first one was apologising to her. She spat at his feet, knife perfectly balanced in her hand; hatred flowing through her veins at her attacker.

“Uh, thank you.” She blushed, reaching up to take the hand with her empty hand. “You may have been a little rough, but I can’t defend myself in that way.” She pulled herself up using his hand, aware that she wanted to keep a safe distance. She moved out of his personal space quickly, glad that he let her go. She spun the knife in her palm, watching him closely; he didn’t seem to want to hurt her, but she had thought it before. With a final flick of her wrist she closed the knife with a click, deciding that the man was trust worthy enough not to see the way she played with knives so eagerly. She cringed at the lingering pain that laced over her body and face, eyes closing briefly, tilting her head into the cool droplets of rain. Her body ached from both her pain and the fading rush of adrenaline, wet even on the inside of her mac, water seeping along the inside from the puddle she landed in.

“I’m fine, I just wont be able to work for a couple of days.” She chuckled to herself “No one wants to see this.” She pointed at the rapid swelling over the left side of her face, a small smile on her lips; people were so vain and she hated it. She slid her knife into her pocket, offering him a hand in thanks. Up off the floor she could now see that he was only a few years younger than herself, with looks good enough that he could get places he wanted. She sighed, people like that could go anywhere, and while she waited for her daughter to come of age so she could go home. Not that she begrudged her daughter the time she had, but she hated living in the big city, paying her way by dancing like a whore in one of the dingy clubs. She shook herself, she never thought like that, it must have been the knock; taking away her senses.

Behind her she heard footsteps, spinning around her knife once more in her hand; though the blade was concealed. Her eyes slitted against the rain, she moved to the side of her shining dark knight, slightly behind as ever. She did not want or need a stranger behind her, no matter how much he had helped her, she had no trust for men. She saw a figure she recognised and immediately her adrenaline shot up, the creepy guy from the café, he had kept looking at her even though her daughter was right there. She had a good eye for body shapes, it was all you could see when you were up on stage and you had to keep an eye out for rough customers. She did not like how he had looked at her, or that he seemed to want to hide that he was here this time. Unconsciously she reached out, tugging lightly at the newer man’s shirt.
(sorry i didnt wait echo.... emergency friend time tomorrow and i dont know if il be able to post again till that's over in a couple of days! sorry)

(ah sorry guys, didn’t think I was this behind! I’ve been working XP)



*Earlier that evening, before Alin stepped out of the cafe--

Scarlet kept a steady nod as she listened to the mother, taking note that it wasn’t school training at all that the woman wanted for Tarla. Scarlet narrowed her eyes slightly, passing an inquisitive look from the daughters face then back to Alin. There was only one other tutoring subject Scarlet would be able to relate to and that was her magic. Spells, enchantments, the works. How could the mother even have a clue about her being a mage, about magic in general? Unless she was one somehow as well. No, that couldn’t be it, either. or she would have sensed it. Snap out of it, god dammit. It was a silly thought, to assume that a cluster of mages happened to bump into each other like so. Impossible, she thought. From all Giotto had said, mages were a hard kind to find, keeping their secrets secrets. Spread out are they, huh?

Giotto had been listening to Scarlet’s mind train, so to speak. He was truly baffled by the inner working’s of a females mind. How it looped like a circle, one thought trailing and connecting to another. Scarlet was one to get lost in her mind, if no one shook her out of it. And the blank gaze that seemed to wipe Scarlet’s face wasn’t looking to go in a good direction. Extending a right claw, he dug it into his owner’s pant leg, Scarlet flinching at the sudden pinch of pain in her skin. She shot a ‘why did you do that?!’ gaze at him before looking back up at Alin.

The conversation seemed to be ending abruptly, as did the quick meeting of Exile. Either these two didn’t know how to keep track of time, or something was up. Maybe it was a little bit of both. Either way, she would much rather stay out of it. Letting Exile in on her secret, whether she could have helped that or not, was not discovered, and that was enough for one day. Her palms gripped the seat of her chair; being in doors was suddenly not so comforting anymore, even with the tiny trickle of rain outside that was leftover from before lunch.

Scarlet responded to Alin quickly before she got out the door, letting her know it was a pleasure to meet her, but still expressing a look of sorry. After all, Scarlet felt a little uncomfortable being put on the spot like so, saying no was her quickest reaction. Usually the safest. A wave goodbye was all she could do before the mother sprang out the door. So all was left was Gio, Talaitha, and herself. The young girl, full of energy now with her personal cup of coffee, took what was once Exile and her mother’s seat. “Seems as if this has turned to a game of musical chair, eh?” Scarlet finally chimed in to the girl, smiling a grin that would make anyone feel better. She set Giotto back on the table, stroking his back, then his tail. The cat tip toed towards Tarla, nudging her hand with the tip of his tiny wet nose, meowing a hearty meow. “Seems he likes you,” she added, letting the new found silence in the room take set. Giotto’s relaxation enchant returned to the same drowsy level it was at earlier. She crossed her arms on the table, listening to her ask where she and Gio lived. That was a good question, one that would require a long answer.

“Hmm.. where do I live? To keep it simple I guess.... I’d like to consider Giotto and I as nomads in the concrete jungle,” Scarlet answered, letting excitement trail off in her voice towards the end. Tarla seemed fairly intrigued by the response, but then spoke up quickly, changing the topic from short chat to a farewell. Do I smell weird or something? Jeez, Scarlet thought to Giotto, who was chuckling inside. Listening to the young girl finish her sentence reassured Scarlet slightly, for she asked her to join her in leaving. Great idea, actually.

“I’d love to join you, and I’m sure Gio would too. I don’t think I would sleep well tonight knowing I let you adventure these evening streets alone,” she answered, and it was true. Even grown woman have the risk of getting hurt by some crazy, let alone a child out alone. Figuring Exile would make it own his own, being a little late to the meeting spot seemed alright. “How about instead of a cab, we walk? Unless it is too far away. Looks like the rain is clearing a little up, and I can show you some of Giotto’s tricks while we walk.” Yeah, a motor vehicle would get them there faster, but the catch? Taking a taxi was expensive, and she didn’t have the cash. And she wasn’t about to let a girl younger than she was pair her fair. Besides, the girl was in very, very safe hands. Scarlet was no fool, and she knew her tricks of the trade. To anyone that would dare bring them issues, they would be taken care of. And with Giotto, Scarlet’s secret weapon, they were in better hands than if they were to hop in a taxi with a complete stranger.

“So what do you say, hm?” she offered, the young girl seemed pleased with the proposal. Scarlet gathered her things in a swift swoop off the table, then tucked Giotto back under her jacket, his tiny head popping out as if constantly on watch. Exile had already paid for their meal, luckily, or she would have been pissed to spend the cash he gave her on his and her food. Her tip money was shoved in her pockets. She exited out the store, holding the door open for Tarla, then taking a step in the direction that her home was in. They weren’t outside for maybe 10 minutes when the rain began to pick up again out of no where. The cafe was still in sight down the street. Scarlet let out an exasperated sigh, glancing down at Tarla. They were going to get wet if they continued to do nothing about it. “I want to bite my tongue for speaking too soon, looks like the weather is taking a turn for the worse. Lets buy some ponchos, hm?" Two rain ponchos, the cheapest one could find around, would be at the corner CVS for only $4.00. That was an expense she was willing to take rather than a 20 dollar taxi stroll. With the idea in place, Scarlet took the girl’s hand in hers gently, guiding them through the hustle of the streets to a CVS she was quite familiar with. Little did either of them know why the rain had started to pick up like so again, or what else was happening as they spoke.

Scarlet flew through that drugstore like a mad woman, keeping Tarla quick on her toes, while constantly making sure her own grip on Giotto was secure. “Ponchos in sight!” she said in a quirky voice, tainted in leadership. She grabbed the first two she could reach, a yellow and a blue. With a quick exchange of cash, the tiny group was out of the store in the blink of an eye. If one didn’t move fast in there, expect to wait in an unappreciated, slow moving line of turtles.

“Here, doll,” Scarlet chimed, trying to keep Tarla cheerful in spite the gloomy rain. She handed her the yellow one already open and out of the bag, now working on her own blue one to throw over. Giotto hopped down for a second so that Scarlet could pull it over her head, but quickly pawed at her to pick him up again. He didn’t like the rain, like most cats. The street tricks would have to wait for later, once again. Curse this weather. And curse who ever might be behind it, if there was! Of course, she was over reacting to the situation. Rain helped the Earth, no matter how much it sucked to walk in. She kept her mouth shut about the walking situation, hoping Tarla wouldn’t ask why they were walking instead of taking a taxi now. Curse being POOR, for pete’s sake. She let out a gruff as they walked in a swift pace down the streets, taking under shelter whenever it deemed possible. Getting close to her household, she could feel it.

The silence between the two was now making Scarlet anxious. Best possible solution would be to break the ice, once again. “So this tutoring thing,” she began, wondering if she is going to regret what she was about to say, or hear, “what exactly did your mother mean?” A cough escaped her chest, right hand patting above her heart to clear her throat before continuing, “.. if it wasn’t for school, then?” Her eyes of carmel ruby seemed to lighten up a bit on the topic, mind working quickly, curiosity beating her to the core. What Tarla was about to say could cause this conversation to split in two entirely different situations. And for a brief second, Scarlet wasn’t sure which one would be the better.

(OOC: Erion is currently shirtless, Mercy lol)

Erion watched the woman toy with her knife cautiously. He knew first hand that during traumatic moments, many people had difficulty determining who was friend and who was foe. He may have been a mage, but a knife in the chest would kill him just the same as a normal human. He relaxed quite a bit when he saw her put it away.

He noticed something then, at the edge of his perception. A wave, a ripple in the ether that created a buzzing in his head. It was a sensation that he knew well: another mage was approaching. Still wearing nothing but his pajama pants, and with his daggers back inside, he suddenly felt very exposed.

He knew someone was there well before the woman he had just saved did, but chose to act ignorant of that fact, even as she became uneasy and clung to him.He had already drawn entirely too much attention to himself and didn't want the woman to think that there was anything... unnatural about him. He was already toying with the idea of erasing her memory.

He waited until he could hear footsteps before he turned to face the newcomer. He was surprised to find the young man who had almost run him over earlier that night.

"I've seen you before..." He said aloud, softly. "Earlier tonight.. at that coffee house, or whatever it was. So you think you could give us a hand?"

I assume that since you didn't attack me from behind, that you're not an enemy? He said telepathically, immediately afterward.

Exile kept his head low, his hood shielding his face slightly. The man standing there helping the woman was shirtless, that had come off as odd to him. He had turned his head slightly too look away knowing that the woman was the one from the coffee shop earlier. He had probably came off as a little creepy with his little episode so he didn't want to cause another scene. He had his hands in his hoody pockets as he walked by, and was surprised when he saw the woman reach to maybe tug on a shirt that she thought was there, it had brought a smile to his face but his mind wandered on how she may really feel. He walked by the two paying no heed to that they were there, or to that the guy standing there looked ummm how would he put it, attractive standing there in the rain shirtless, with a seem fully helpless woman there reaching out to him. Why did he think like that? He didn't know but it was truth. He half paused when he heard the thought enter his mind about not being an enemy.

You would be wise to not trust someone unknown to you with such secrets so quickly. He sent back to the man, as he stopped and slowly turned back to face him. That is a good way to make yourself perished. He looked at the woman again. "Hi again." He simply put it. There was no staring this time he seemed too focused on the male mage that stood in front of him. There hadn't been alot of mages in New York recently, why had so many turned up in the last few days, well seemed like a matter of hours. What were the oracles doing in their unknown areas of the world, be it the spirit realm or the physical realm. "Are you going to be okay?" He directed it to the Alin, she had seemed to be in shock about something, did something happen before? She was on the ground a few moments ago, but with the help of this man, his eyes diverted back and forth between the two. The fact was was that he hadn't the knowledge on what had transpired before he had arrived. I take it that because you haven't attacked me either is because you hold no grudges with me either? I have business to attend to at the moment. He made it a question to the male, not really expecting an answer, he had to meet up with Scarlet, though he had made sure that no one could get that info off of him, if they tried to read his surface thoughts.

He had a slight sense of wanting to get a move on his foot tapped momentarily, but he caught it and stopped before he thought it would be too noticeable. "I'm sorry but I can't stay, I want to apologize about my actions earlier, something came up and I had to get it done with, and the staring, I meant nothing by it, I've seen you around before, I don't know from where but I have and I was trying to figure it out." He made is simple as he began to turn his left foot leading the way away from the too. They were gonna stop him again, he knew it, but he had prior plans to attend to. "If you want to speak again, you know where to find me Alin, I frequent that place you met me at." He began to make a little distance between them, before he had remembered about the man asking for help with something. He stopped in mid step. "What was it that you need help with?" He turned to look back again. "I don't have a lot of time on my hands, but I guess I can help someone in need before I rush off."

((OOC: Sorry didn't know if i could get a post in tomorrow so I had one done tonight, gotta wait for Echored to catch up lol, so hold off on posts until Scarlett is caught up please.))

“Thanks.” Erion replied to the younger mage, with his usual faux smile. “ This woman... -Alin, you said her name was- she was just attacked by some pervert. I don't know if she needs medical attention or not, but I thought that perhaps since I had seen you two together earlier, that you knew each other. I was hoping you might take her to the nearest hospital to be seen?”

Who's revealing secrets to whom? He said to the man telepathically, with more than a hint of arrogance. I sensed no malice in you, so I knew you weren't an enemy before I asked, and even if you had been, I wasn't too concerned about you attacking me in the presence of a normal human. I didn't know that you were telepathic, but you proved it to me by responding. You then proceeded to confirm my suspicions that you knew this woman by continuing the conversation and calling her by name. That's about half of what I learned about you in the last five minutes, not including what I picked up based on your tone and body language.

He let those words sink in before continuing.

Since you're apparently in the business of offering pointers, here's one for you: You should keep in mind that although you may be strong, and you may be wise beyond your years, there are some of us who have been doing this for longer, and are much better at it than you. Now... since our posturing seems to be done, would you kindly take this mess off of my hands? I'll trade you a favor for a favor. You already know where to find me if you need anything. He said, nodding in the direction of his building.

He then turned his attention back to Alin before the other man could respond.

“I was intending to get you to the hospital myself, but as you two know each other, wouldn't you feel more comfortable going with him?”

Still in a semi-emotional frame of mind, seeing the distraught state she was in, he did a couple of things he probably shouldn't have done. He gently ran his fingertip over her now black and blue cheek, simultaneously using a small electric current to stimulate the part of her brain that would make her more calm and compliant, and using the healing power of the wind to ensure that the spot would heal quickly. The bruise was probably already starting to hurt less.

There. He said to other man. I just made it that much easier for you. I'm normally not one to ask for favors, but, I get the feeling I shouldn't spend too much time around this woman.

(OOC: Sorry... couldn't resist. But as we now can't continue until Mercy posts, that should give Echored plenty of time to put up a post of her own.)

“Yeh, sorry about that, we were running late when we came here.” Tarla smiled a little “It’s so relaxing in here today, she must have lost track of time… Again” She reached out, rubbing Gio as he poked her with his sweet damp nose. She watched Scarlet, marvelling at her bright red hair and how it suited her complexion to the tee, envying that she could do such a thing to her hair. She tugged on her own pale lavender strands, pulling it out from her ponytail and letting it fall across her shoulders, framing her delicate features. She ran her hands over her school uniform, tugging at her short pleated skirt; made by her mother in the half style of her uniform, only more flared and fluffy. She looked slightly different to all the kids in her school, her whole uniform made by her mother, all subtly different from what everyone else was wearing, a little more wild and daring.

“I don’t mind not getting a taxi, then you can see where I live…” She stood slowly, following Scarlet’s actions to leave “Then if you like, you can come visit some other time, maybe?” She looked up shyly, long black lashes fluttering in a childish manner. She stepped through the offered door, school bag slung over her shoulder; she looked proud and ever so slightly offbeat. She moved along her new friends side with ease, her long legs keeping up with the taller woman easily and found a small bubble of joy in her chest; happy that this woman did not look down on her as many did. She was tired of being seen too young or too old, always the outcast in a society where age matters so much and mind so little. She kept quiet though, swept through the store at such a pace as to confuse her. She merely stayed mute, allowing the passing seconds of time spin through her mind aimlessly, unable to keep up with the pace.

“Thank you.” She spoke quietly, pulling the bright yellow poncho over her head. “I bet I look ghastly in this, lavender and bright yellow do not go well on me!” She laughed at her own reflection, watching as it the glaring colours appeared in the large glass windows of shops and houses. For a moment her mind changed the image, making her the gypsy girl she felt like, the yellow moving down to become harem pants, bedecked with glittering gold coins, that laced up over her lavender slip of a shirt and up to raven black wild hair. As soon as she had seen it though, it was gone, leaving her with a wish for family. All to often she had watched her mother practice her sinuous movements, colourful clothing and hypnotic dancing filling the room to the brim. She sighed, taking a skipping step to catch up.

“My family comes from all over and we live as a travelling troupe of gypsies and entertain the smaller towns of America, where we are not seen as lowly trash.” She tilted her head “I guess mum could tell that you were a little outside of what normally goes on too, living in the concrete jungle. Maybe she wanted you to teach me something of your experiences.” She shrugged, unsure of why her mother had asked Scarlet to be her tutor. She moved off down a street to the left, taking them towards her flat, eyes ever watchful. They did not live in the worst part of town, but neither was it particularly safe for girls her age. A year ago some boys had tried to mug her, cornering her just around the block from her house, on one of the few occasions that her mother had allowed her out alone. She was smart for someone her age, handing over her wallet with little thought, muscles tensing as she tried to keep from taking out her knife. The boys would not have known how to use knives properly, but she did not put her luck to the test and allow them the chance to harm her. Since then, every time she walked home, she thought of how many evil people there were.

“It’s just down here. We are flat number 12b.” Her mouth quirked a little, she was not proud to live here. “ Do you want to come in?” She asked, eyes trailing down to look at Gio once more. Something about him made her feel older and different; she could not understand what was happening, but it made her feel more untamed. She slipped her hand into her pocket, pulling out her key as they walked up to the tower of flats. As she did so she reached out to a plant, touching its dying leaves with gentle fingertips. She let out a subtle breath, telling it to live; allowing some of her chi to flow out into it, something she had been taught to do though years of lessons. As she walked away the plant looked ever so slightly healthier, less on deaths door. A few of the spots denoting some form of disease disappeared, leaves taking on a little more green with every step she took away. Inside her chest she felt a huge swell in her soul fire, white light touching her mind in a gentle caress. She slid her key into the door, looking over her shoulder to Scarlet, wondering if she would come up.

********************************

As soon as her saviour spoke of knowing the other man she moved away, wary of anyone who might have been a threat to her. She had thought that this man was ok, but now she had her doubts; why would he know Exile? Her hand toyed with her knife, still captured in her hand, but the blade kept safely away. She watched their body language, trying to gauge how much they knew each other, fearful of their silence. What were they going to do to her? Had she only been saved to be taken by yet another creep? She did not want to stay around, but her feet refused to move more than a few feet from Erion, sure that he was still her dark knight. He had scared off the other brute only moments before, how could she so quickly think him bad? She shook her head, trying to clear it of all the rapidly changing thoughts.

“Hmm? Oh, yes I’m quite fine, this.. Um, gentleman saved me.” She took three large steps away from Exile, uncaring that this bought her closer to the other man. She watched him now, her sharp blue eyes piercing the veil of darkness his hood shed. He looked younger than she remembered, around the 20 mark, but only just and she wondered what it was that made her feel so afraid of him. She shuddered, cold in her sopping wet clothes, finally pealing of her useless waterproof jacket, soaked as it was on the inside. As the plastic came off it created a wet sucking noise, making her wrinkle her nose in distaste, eyes downcast and unwilling to reveal her slender frame as much as this. She reached a hand into her bag, but sure enough it was soaked through, the puddle had done its work well. As she bent over, she felt the soft touch of raindrops; cold drips dappling pleasantly over the base of her neck, washing the dirt from a graze she had from her fall. She sighed, pulling out a small chemical hand warmer, clicking it with practiced fingers and enjoying the warmth that flooded her palms.

“You do not know me, unless you are yet another pervert who watches as I work.” Her voice was low and harsh “Anyway, that’s fine, I’m sure you didn’t mean anything by it. I will remember that you can be found there.” She gave him a slight nod, knowing that she would never allow her child to set foot in that café again. Her head whipped around, shock clear on her face, her saviour wanted to get rid of her and even worse, he was trying to put her off on the creep. She shook her head, this she would not take, she may have been tossed about, but she was more than capable of walking herself home. She would never go with the Exile, he kept looking at her, his apologies doing little to deter his eyes from her seemingly weak, frail, female frame. In truth she felt a little saddened that they wanted to be rid of her quite so quickly, but if that was the way of it she would not rest, the walk home would not take to long, even though her leg was in quite some pain.

“No it’s fine, I’l walk home…” She stopped as soon as she felt the tantalizing touch of fingers on her cheek, calming her greatly. “I don’t need anyone to take me, particularly not him. He looks at me with the same eyes as the brute before and I would not let him know where I live. I’m sorry for the trouble I have caused you both.” She gave a short semi-bow to them both, uncaring that just this once she had been rude. She moved away from Erion’s heat reluctantly, turning towards the entrance of the narrow street. She moved her knife from one hand to the other, comforting herself with petty tricks, slights of hand and swift tumbling. She moved past Exile, bedraggled hair swaying rhythmically against her back. She half wondered if one of them would stop her, bleeding from small grazes along her arms, shoulders and hip; she looked in a sore state.

“Thanks guys.” She raised a hand, not looking back as she started off, for once glad of the constant sound of cars, giving her comfort that soon she would be surrounded by life. Her shoes felt heavy with water, but it wasn’t anything that she hadn’t felt before. She longed for her bed, even more than to go back to her troupe, which spoke of how bone weary she felt. Moving her knife to her left hand, she dug out her mobile phone, ignoring the pain of having coarse material against her raw flesh. She flicked it open, dialling her work number.

“Hey Cherry, can you put me through to Peter?” She spoke in the soft fluted tones of Candy, her stage personality. As she spoke, her knife slipped away, body taking on a seductive tone, acting like Candy, despite the fact her boss could not see her.
“Hey there Candy Cane, how’s my favourite dancer?”
“Hey Peter, I’m sorry to call you on such short notice, but I can’t come into work tonight.” She sighed, biting her lip. “I was attacked by the brute that’s been following some of the other girls and he messed me up a bit. I’m fine. Someone saved me, but I’m not something the customers are going to want to see for a couple of days.” She stopped at the entrance of the ally way, her body breathing seduction.
“I’m so sorry Alin, of course take a few days off to fix up. I hate those kind of people, praying on you girls like so much meat.”
“I know, I know, at least it wasn’t as bad as last time… Though there is another guy I’m a little worried about now..” She arched her back, wincing at the pain, but glad she had come off better this time than last. Her eyes flickered playfully, watching the swift travel of strangers in the rain.
“Do you want me to send one of the bouncers down to take you home? I don’t want anything happening to you when you’ve already had a fall tonight.”
“Um, no, it’s fine Peter. Tell the girls to behave while I’m gone. I’m gonna head off now, I’l call you when my face looks better.” She sighed, closing her phone and letting the waves of fatigue knock her to the side, falling against the wall. She stood there for a moment, body shuddering from both the cold and shock. She held in a soft sob of pain, her body aching more from being thrown than the actual punch, despair finally rearing its ugly head. She shook herself, ordering her to get a grip and go home. She moved away with little of the grace she usually held with such ease, feet tottering across the pavement, small pumps scuffing as they went. She looked up when she reached the road, knowing she had to pay attention, rallying her remaining brain cells. She looked to her left, noting no cars and took a step out.

The blaring horn made her freeze, only a second too late, bright lights searing her eyes. The car had been overtaking and come into her lane, she had stepped out right before it in her daze. She started to move back, but knew it was to late; her mind filled with sorrow and fear. This time the emotions weren’t for her, but rather her dear daughter, who would be left so alone without her. A scream caught in her throat, unborn as she tried desperately to move fast enough.
(I hope this makes up for my long absence! Glad to be back!)

Exile watched as Alin, declined, he didn't show that much interest anymore as she passed by him talking. What had he done to make her so uncomfortable? He watched as she walked off. "Take care." He stated to the man that he had just met. Why had he been so willing to show him where he was? It was interesting that there were so many mages surfacing in such a short time. He turned throwing a wave back to the man before he started walking in the same direction as Alin. He didn't hide the fact that he was going in the same direction, it was in fact a way to his destination. The streets where so alive at the moment, even the rain hadn't bothered him anymore. He watched the crowds in front of him, the hustle of the cars and everything he could at the moment.

He saw Alin, stopped near an alleyway. Dumb idea with what could happen down one of those. She had been attacked once already, why would she take that chance again, standing there she talked on her phone, he couldn't hear the conversation, but it was short lived. Why did she hate him so? Better yet why avoid him, yea he had some qualities that people didn't like, but it was like she actively felt discomfort around him. He wondered why, he had closed the distance a little from her phone call, she had leaned against the wall for a moment and he watched as she went to cross the road. The horn blazing from the taxi made him realize that she wasn't out of the jungle yet. Without thinking he dashed forward into the streets, slowing time ever so lightly to give him the luck of the draw. He grabbed her by the back of her shirt and pulled her backwards, ripping the shirt she had a little, but it was something she would have to deal with, it was a small price of not being creamed by a taxi. He then took the fact on hand, the time shift had only slowed it for a moment, and now it resumed, he had enough time to jump and hit the windshield of the oncoming car. It crushed under the pressure of a human body and sent him into the air again, he landed on the street with a dull thud, pain shooting through his body once more, not like before though. His arm fell limp under him and he rolled on the ground for a moment cradling it, not crying out too much, but enough to know that he was hurt, his face also stung from the landing, there was probably more damage than he could feel, though he was sure that his arm was broken and needed to be casted. That was going to be an issue.

The driver of the taxi got out frantically to see if the boy he had just hit was still alive, and noticing the fact that he was moving, he went for his phone, Exile hoped that he would be calling for an ambulance at this moment, but at the same time, didn't want all the trouble. Why was it that he was always throwing himself into situations like this? He hadn't thought of the child that she had, it wasn't a thought he had until now, he had just kept her from being like him. He didn't like the fact of having no one as he grew up, but was that a sub conscience thought or was it something else? He was still feeling the pain from the fact that he had been hit by a car, but he had enough wit to look to Alin, seeing that she was still ok, maybe a little frantic about everything that just transpired but she was fine for the moment at least. He cradled his arm close to his body, and tried to stand, getting to a knee before falling down again, he got up in a slouch and made his way to the edge of the street, falling rather harshly on his butt as he made it to the sidewalk, people asking how he was but he ignored it the best he could, not really wanting to deal with people. He waited patiently in pain, waiting for the ambulance.

((OOC: Had to post, the 10th is my Bday so i have plans throughout the day lol. WAIT FOR ECHORED lol :P. Have a good day guys and girls.))

The duo was a match to see, yellow and blue ponchos walking down the sidewalk in unison. Though the night was looming ahead, the streets were as bright as ever. This city never slept, and no matter what time of day, there was traffic and hustle to and from. After being in New York for a while now, the loud honking from cars and the cloud of voices only seemed like music. As they walked, Scarlet always saw it as a game to pick out the locals and tourists. Most of the locals were in black, or business attire, where as the tourists on the other hand had their fair share of tacky colors. The mirage of rainbow colors mixed with black would be a pretty sight to see from arial view, she thought as they continued down the dirty, littered walkway.

Scarlet looked at the young girl, Tarla, as she spoke of her family and their business, how they were gypsies that travelled around. She was genuinely interested in what she was saying, for she had never once met a real gypsy or knew what they looked like, expect from movies that she had seen from her childhood. Tarla and her mother didn’t seem like the gypsies from the movies as far as Scarlet could recall, but movies made things too flashy anyway. The idea that Alin wanted Scarlet to share some of her experiences with being out in the street did make perfect since, and boy was that a relief. For a second Scarlet could have sworn her mother was trying to hint at magic training, and Scarlet was ready to deny, deny, deny any knowledge she knew in that case. Letting Exile know she was a mage was already one too many, but he seemed like a trusting guy. He even gave her a free lunch, which in Scarlet’s mind meant he was good.

As they turned the corner down the street, the quality of the apartment homes seemed to diminish slightly. The street looked rougher, darker, and oddly quieter than the main road they had just turned off of. Scarlet’s forehead creased, fighting the feeling of guilt. She had almost considered letting Tarla walk herself back home, but Scarlet was thankful she didn’t. Knowing that the young girl could have been walking these corners alone seemed amazingly dangerous. Scarlet was used to adventuring the streets alone, but she still got afraid sometimes, and that was even with her magic as a defense. And though Tarla seemed like a very bright, intelligent child, it was still shocking that her mother let her take these journey’s to home alone.

12b was in the clear now. The tiny numbers on the door were faint, but easy to read none the less. Her pace slowed slightly the nearer they got to the home. Rain was still streaming down, but seeming to finally let up a slight bit. Giotto was curled up into the tiniest ball in Scarlet’s arms. The poncho was barely covering him, so his fur was indeed damp. He never liked to get wet or cold, so he wasn’t particularly in the best mood at the moment. She asked us inside, Gio. The thing is... I haven’t been inside a real home in years. I don’t know if I am ready to see how a family really lives... Scarlet though to her cat, as he tried himself to relax her nerves.

I understand, Scar. In time, that will change though, I know these things... besides, right now you have to focus on your mission. Over the bridge, at the abandoned school. Weren’t you supposed to meet someone? Giotto purred back, clawing in tighter into her blue poncho. He didn’t mind the option of going inside Tarla’s home, away from the rain. It would be warm, and there would be food. But he already knew Scarlet’s answer, and he knew they were in for more rain, for as long as it came down. They came close to the door, and Giotto watched as Tarla took the steps up, touching a plant on the way in. It was dying and old, but in seconds after the girl touched it, it began to look a slight better, with more vivid green colors. His eyes studied this, his claws digging inside Scarlet’s arm. She had saw the plant look a slight better as well, and it made her wonder.... this was no joke anymore. Yes, every human had the potential to become a mage, to realize their truth, but it rarely happened. Did Tarla know she was on the verge of figuring out what she was? She was already showing slight powers, impulses of magic. And though what she did to the plant was miniscule, it was still something.

She will learn soon, Giotto finally said, trying to clear Scarlet’s run of thoughts. She seemed stressed, afraid of facing the obvious fact. He could tell she would do anything to ignore that the girl would indeed awaken to her avatar soon, if she wasn’t already experiencing the change already. The thing was, Scarlet shouldn’t be afraid of this. Tarla wasn’t a threat to them in the slightest, in fact just the opposite. Gio could see her becoming a great ally. But for now....

“I’m sorry, Tarla. I must go, I have made some plans for tonight. I just wanted to get you home safe, but here is where I must leave you. Come see Giotto and I at Central Park tomorrow, we will most likely be there all day if the weather is nice,” she said gently, trying to not crush the young girl’s spirits. The weather better be nice tomorrow, Scarlet thought. If it wasn’t, she would have to start looking to some new spells, and figure out some way of manipulating the weather herself. She could learn to, should learn to, at the rate the weather has been lately. Constant sun above her already was beginning to sound nice.

“Bye, Tarla!” Scarlet waved, tracking back down the concrete steps outside their apartment. She gave the small girl one final look, then headed back down the direction they came. She traveled under sheltering roofs, dodging the rain whenever possible. Hopefully this storm wouldn’t cause her to get sick, but there was no stopping it if it did. She sighed, standing under a makeshift roof back out in the main street. Scarlet picked Giotto up under his arms, holding his tiny, wet body out in front of her. His tail swung gently back and forth between his outstretched legs. She gave him a huge hug, rubbing her hands against his fur to try and wipe off some of the water.

“The rain doesn’t seem to be letting up, Gio. I really didn’t want to take a taxi, but the bridge into Brooklyn is such a long walk. What do you say?” she gave a weak smile, putting him back under her arm. She put out a thumb, waving it in the air to catch a taxi’s attention. One pulled up seconds afterwards, the drivers always in need of business. “To the old Haymore Height School district,” she asked, the taxi driver giving her a slightly confused look, but began off anyway. He most likely knew that area had been abandoned for a while, but he wouldn’t argue her destination. Especially when he knew he would be making some decent cash out of it.

The drive started off slow, Scarlet looking out the back passenger window with a blank expression. Hundreds of yellow taxi’s filled the streets, honking in that New York melody only locals enjoyed. Scarlet was snapped out of her train of thought when the taxi slammed on his breaks. Her head hit the cage that separated her from the driver, since she had not yet but on her seat belt. Her hand fluttered to her face, touching her forehead with an aching noise. It was bleeding slightly, but nothing to rough. “HEY! What the hell was that about?!” she yelled, then looked forward out the windshield. They had almost rammed into the back of another taxi, who had also slammed their breaks on quickly.

Then she felt it. It was like a painful slap in the face, but nothing had touched her. It was a magic draw back, she could feel time cutting speed, the brief slowly moment, and then it disappeared. A mage was near, and they had used magic in front of the human population. If that made was still near, it would draw Techonocrats out of their filthy corners, well... unless Scarlet got to the mage first.

She poked her head out of the back taxi window to look around for the cause of the sudden stop. And there he was, Exile laying on the pavement like a rag doll, groaning in pain. “Hell, no,” she muttered, eyes gawking at the man she had just ate lunch with. It appeared he had been hit by the taxi right in front of hers. Her eyes travelled a little farther to the woman, Alin, who had left her daughter alone at the cafe with Scarlet. From the look on the woman’s face, it was clear to tell she was in shock.

Techonocrats are watching, and the more that gather to check out the situation, to see if a mage is nearby, the more dangerous it is... I say, get him, throw him in this taxi, and tell the driver to floor it out of here. I might be able to take care of his injuries on my own, but we can figure that out when it comes that times, Giotto thought, sounding for serious than ever. Scarlet couldn’t remember the last time he was so forceful and instructive, but it gave her comfort. She needed a leader that would kick her in the ass if need be.

“Hold the taxi here, I am putting that man in the vehicle! He is my friend,” she said to the driver, who was looking at her like she was crazy. The man needed a hospital, not a taxi ride to Haymore Heights. But money was money, wasn’t it? Scarlet jumped out of the back seat, running to Exile’s side. Mentally, she spoke to him, I don’t think there is much time, and you know that. I felt a draw back, like you used magic... Gio says Techno’s might be watching. I’m not sure, but he might be right. Come in my taxi, you can’t be here long, she pleaded, red locks drenched with rain and sticking to her cheeks. Her eyes looked pained, hollow, as if just being there right then was making her feel sick. He did look badly injured, maybe even with a broken arm, but he had to overcome that unless he wanted to stay there for an ambulence. Come with me, it will be safe where we go, she sent to him once more in thought, brushing some of the hair out of his eyes so he could see more clearly as he sat against the sidewalk, gripping his arm. Scarlet pointed to the taxi that was behind the one that hit him. It was strange, as if like fate had brought her here to whisk him away, deliver him. It was indeed strange to find him here, but then, it felt right-- follow me she continued, standing back up and stretching her arm out, as if an offer for him to take her hand. Meanwhile she tried to not look up. She didn’t want to see the look in Alin’s eyes, partially because the shock on herself was eerie, but as well, she still felt guilty for leaving Tarla alone down that dangerous street. Giotto could be seen poking his head out of the taxi window, urging Scarlet to hurry back in the car. He didn’t want her to be in the middle of a situation like this. It was bad news.

Erion stood silently as the other two went their own ways. When he was alone once again, he made sure no one was watching and with a little aid from the wind, jumped back onto his balcony. He took a seat at a table that the building's last owner had left behind, and stared up at the stormy sky, lost in thought.

He had spent his entire adult life moving from place to place, never allowing himself to grow close to anyone, never involving himself in the problems of others. It was safer that way.. for him, and for the would-be friends and lovers. He had acted completely out of character with both that woman, Alin, and with that male mage. What he couldn't understand was why.

With the male,he could justify his actions. He had been attempting to manipulate him into coming back to his building sometime. He didn't know much about the area, about the state of the city in general, and had hoped he could become a guide of sorts. He seemed to be as big a misanthrope as he himself was, so he thought that it would be a good arrangement. A part of him grudgingly admitted that the guy had seemed interesting as well, but he shrugged that though off quickly.

" I suppose I could have just asked..." He said aloud, momentarily amused by his earlier miscalculation.

Then that Alin woman came to mind. He could excuse his behavior with the guy, but not with her.

"What the hell was I thinking...?" He said to himself. He thought he had gained complete control over his emotions,but all it had taken was the recollection of one bad memory for that control to be shattered. But he had to ask himself... was that really the only cause?

She was quite attractive. Said a voice from his side. Perhaps you've finally succumbed to human loneliness... or perhaps it's only lust.

Erion looked over to see a very familiar raven as it landed on a nearby banister. He shot it an irritated glance, before turning his attention back to the sky.

"Stay out of my head, Ebon."

The black bird jumped off the banister and fluttered over to the tabletop, tilting it's head slightly to the side as it looked at him.

Then might I suggest that you hide your thoughts a little better? It's not my fault that I was granted telepathy upon becoming your familiar. In any case... as I was saying, it you're starting to feel lonely, then it may behoove you to seek this woman out. You're obviously a bit taken with her. Of course, I'll expect full details upon your-

Erion looked down at his familiar once again, raising his right hand and flicking his finger at it, and with a loud caw, it was launched completely off the balcony mid-sentence.

"I'm obviously not in the mood for your crap at the moment..." He said, looking back the lightning filled sky again. 'Don't you have some dead things to go and peck at?"

I assure you... the dead are much more lively than the company here. Good day, my sexually frustrated Master. Ebon replied, flapping off into the distance.

Erion sat there for another hour or so, contemplating, before deciding to go inside and shower. Maybe if he went back to the place he had first run into that other mage, he'd run into Alin again.

“That’s ok.” Talaitha spoke softly, turning back from the door “I know you need to be places, I hope your plans go well.” She nodded to the invite, standing on the cusp of her open door. She was sad that Scarlet had not wanted to come in, but she understood her reasons. She stood watching the cat for a moment and gave it a brief little wave, deciding against the idea of walking down to give it a final pet. They seemed to be such good people she would not fail to come meet them tomorrow if her mother agreed to it.
“Bye Scarlet, Bye Gio!” She called out, giving them a final wave before turning inside the door. She shut it quickly behind her, feeling a little bad about leaving a friend out in her neighbor hood, she hope that nothing happened to her, wherever she might be going.

Small lights flickered overhead, never having worked since she was born in their very apartment. She slipped up the dingy stairs, the sound of her feet rattling against the cold metal, likely to disturb many of their neighbors. As she walked down the dimly lit corridor to the flat, she hummed to herself, today had been good and she had enjoyed herself. She opened the door, clicking it closed with a yell of “I’m home Gnana.” Down there own little hall. The walls were stacked high with oddities that their troupe could no longer carry around or thought they would not need again for awhile. She stepped down to her room, slamming the door in her excitement. There on her bed, just where she had left it sat the parcel. She had been waiting to open it for days, her Gnana telling her it was from her father and to only be opened when the time was right. Today was the day, she knew it was the only time for it to be opened and it lit a fire inside of her.

She snapped on her music, hips moving rhythmically as she loosened up. If she was quick, she could losen up enough and open her gift before it was time for her to go and learn from Gnana. Her body moved with fluidity that most women could not match, years of training flowing through her mind. Her mother had said she was on stage as a support dancer at her age and she wanted to be ready when they joined the family. Her breath came deep, pulling in the air through her nose and letting it sink into her lungs, before pushing the air out of her mouth. Her arms took up the movement, her wrists moving freely, almost akin to a snake; as though her bones were much smaller, with many more. She watched herself do this for several minutes, correcting each fault she saw in the mirror, before giving up and slumping on her bed and taking a hold of her present.

*******************

Alin flew back, air pushed from her lungs at the ferocity of the movement, her shirt ripped as Exile let go, flinging her away from the on coming vehicle. She clattered on to the pavement, eyes never leaving her savior; though it felt odd to think such a thing twice in one night. She was surprised to see that it was Exile, catapulting above the car after saving her. She had not expected that of him, but then maybe she had taken him wrong, maybe he had just recognized her. She lay still for a few moments, eyes locked on him. Her body suddenly spoke up, sending shock waves of pain through her body, all apart from the arm beneath her, which was void of all feeling. She gasped a breath in, feeling like her first, painful and unsure. She lifted herself slightly, moving to sit, cradling her arm. She didn’t understand, how could she have been so wrong about someone?

“Don’t get up.” She yelled, watching him attempt just that. She got to her feet swiftly, moving to his side and helping him to the sidewalk. Pain arched through her, swift as an arrow and just as deep, causing her to moan in pain. She sat down beside him, wondering what they must have looked like, all scraped up and broken. Her left arm she was sure she had dislocated, but it wasn’t something that hadn’t happened before; many times. She ran her still working hand over his side, barely noticing as yet another taxi pulled up, spitting out yet another of the coffee shops people. She sat numbly watching as the other woman got him up, lending a hand where she could.

“Will you take care of him?” She asked frantic.
“Please, he saved me, even after…” She shook her head, puling a wad of cash from her pocket.
“Please take this and look after him, it’s all I have, but here’s my card… Please look after him.” Her body shook slightly, both from the cold and the beating.
“Thank you for this, I will repay you.” She spoke honestly, knowing that Scarlet would have taken care of her little girl to. She moved away, head shooting up when she heard the wail of sirens. She backed off, eyes wide, clutching her limp arm to her side and dashed away, hiding her face as best she could. She moved through the ally way once more, heading back to the spot beneath Erion’s shop. There she would at least get no wetter and the rain might just protect her from being seen, this was exactly what she needed. Her white hair was now mussed beyond recognition, full of grit and mud and fell across her face in an ugly fashion. She stepped under the waterfall created by the balcony, dropping her bag and sagged aginst the shop window. She stayed that was for quite some time, tears falling down her face, how had everything gone wrong in such a short space of time? Her head played over the night again and again, it didn’t seem to get any better over the short time.

“Well I couldn’t be in any more of a mess, look what this city does to you Alin, you silly old woman.” She shook her head, taking a look at her arm. Sure enough it was only dislocated, something years of training had taught her to expect and she grabbed a hold of it. Bracing for the sharp pain, she pushed the joint back in, allowing a high yelp to escape her mouth as she did so. Then she let herself rest for a moment, laughing that it would take her even longer to get back to work with the road burn. The laughter had a slightly hysterical hint to it, but it didn’t hold for long, her laughter quickly turning to sobs. She dragged her bag closer, fingers searching for her mobile, hoping to call for a taxi and just be home. That was all she wanted now, to be home and curl up in bed, her little angel at her side. She smiled at the thought, sure that Tarla would have been home ages ago. Her fingers found her phone and she wasn’t surprised to find it crushed after the fall, getting rid of her last hope.

“Hello? Is anyone home?” She yelled, rapping her fist against the door. “Hello? Can I borrow your phone? Mine is broken and I really need to get home.” In truth she was to scared that going out to the street might cause yet more problems. The second though she had was that her first savior might be inside; he would keep her safe. She stood up slowly, leaning on the door heavily.