Angel Kato Kijirin's Story

Kato was curled up in a ball on his mat, blanket half tossed off of him and twisted around his legs. Rolling onto hos back, he shot up into a sitting position with a gasp before he shook his head. He always had bad dreams. Untangling himself from his blanket, he noticed that Sam and Artemis were gone. Closing his eyes for a moment, he concentrated and tried to seek out their minds with his empathy. He could feel the brush of their emotions against his mind, Artemis' anger and Sam's worry. Kneeling by his 'bed,' he ran a hand through his dirty white hair before he rolled up his blanket and mat. He had a feeling that Sam's emotions meant they would be leaving soon. Having bound his rolled up 'bed' with a piece of string, Kato got up and stretched. His back popped as he stood up straight, but that was pretty usual for him in the morning, seeing as how he often slept curled up in a ball.

Running a hand through his hair once more, Kato closed his eyes and felt once more with his mind, trying to feel for Sam and Artemis' emotions to make sure they were still alright and that nothing had happened to them. He noticed, in the back of his mind, another person experiencing emotional trauma. It seemed that a child was filled with panic, but that was all he could glean from the muddled emotions radiating off of him. Kato, too, found himself on edge and his calm concentration was lost as the sound of a particularly loud and odd-sounding flock of birds that had landed just outside the warehouse startled him. The emotions of everyone else nearby came flooding into him like a dam had been broken, and the empathic boy found himself on his knees, though he didn't really notice the short shriek that escaped him as he fell into the crouch.

The fight to regain his composure was short, thankfully, and although he was trembling slightly, Kato found his mental barrier erect again. Covering his grime-covered face with his gloved hands, Kato took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down, not really paying attention to his surroundings.

"Some Angel I am. I can't even keep from going half insane on a normal morning like this."

Kato blinked, hearing Sam talking. It took him a moment to process what she said, but as soon as the full meaning of her words crossed his mind an annoyed expression found its way to his face.
"I can't help it. It's a part of me and there's not much I can do about it, especially right after I get up." he grumbled, forcing himself to stop trembling and remove his hands from his face.
Running a hand through his hair, Kato shook his head and stood up. "The birds outside are just a tad loud, is all. I'm fine now, so it doesn't matter." he forced a smile and pulled the hood of his trench coat up to shroud his face, a habit that he had yet to break now that he didn't have to go before normal people so much.

He turned his back to the group, staring at the wall with his head down slightly so that he looked the same as he did in public. "And if someone had heard me, then I would have been an inconvenience to the group and I would have faced the consequences of being who I am. I would have done my best to capture the attention of any hunters and made you all leave me." Kato turned back around, blank faced, and walked towards the door. "I'll try and catch some squirrels or something."

Kato frowned at Sam's words, but didn't say anything. When she started talking again, this time to the whole group, he finally turned around and leaned against the wall, relishing the little bit of cold emanating from the concrete that managed to get through his coat and shirt. He couldn't help but sigh when she said he might have to carry Luke again. Of course, just then he felt a small stirring in the room- someone was experiencing emotion and he knew it wasn't Sam, Artemis, Marquel, or London. His eyes instantly found their way to Luke and Kato opened his mouth to say something to the rest of the group about it when a cry of fury forced its way into his mind.
Crying out himself, Kato crumpled against the wall, hands pressed against his ears like he thought it could shut out the mental intrusion.
"What- what is this emotion? It's.. anger? Fear? I- I don't know!" Kato forced the words from his mouth in an attempt to warn his comrades before he put all his concentration into trying to put up a mental barrier.
He was defenseless against the strength of the emotion. Shaking, Kato seemed to crumple into himself as he fell into half-consciousness.

Kato flinched as Luke touched him, even the joyful memories sending surging flares of pain through his mind. If he was aware of anything in his half-consciousness, it was the migraine that was threatening to overcome him. There was a strange throbbing in the back of his head, which he knew wasn't due to his powers, that suddenly appeared, startling the light haired boy enough to pull his knees against his chest and cover his head with his hands- a position that he somehow thought would keep him protected from any outside things. Kato faintly heard someone talk to him, but he couldn't really make out the words, so he just sat there, confused as to why there was a calmness spreading through his mind and overwhelming the other outside emotions.

The pain suddenly seemed bearable and Kato opened his bright blue eyes, blinking a few times before his eyes adjusted. He could see London not too far away and guessed that she was the one who had pulled him back from his twilight consciousness. He also noticed Artemis and recognized the calmness that had overtaken his mind to be from him. Raising a hand to run it through his white hair, Kato could feel that soreness on the back of his head he'd noticed earlier, though he still couldn't quite figure out what had caused it. Slowly moving from the protective ball he'd curled up into previously, Kato sat up against the wall.
"Thanks." his comment was directed at both Artemis and London, "And sorry. It's been two years; I should be able to control my powers better than this."

A small smile crossed his lips as he spoke to no one in particular. "Maybe I would have been better off squirrel hunting, after all."
Using the wall to support himself as he stood up, Kato paused for a moment to let dizziness pass before he started walking. Hesitating, he paused to look at Artemis and forced any and all outside emotions to the back of his mind. "You can let go now. I'll be fine so long as no one goes poking at me. Thank you."

Walking over to where his bedroll was tied up, he took a seat on it and ran his hands through his hair, knocking his hood off his head and casting more light upon the mark that adorned his left eye. Laying on his back, he stared at the ceiling. He was thankful that his recovery times had gotten faster. Two years previous it could have taken him an entire day to recover from being overwhelmed by outside emotions. Quietly listening to the group, Kato worked on keeping himself calm and his powers in check.

Kayl could feel Artemis' blood in his hair, making the normally white strands stiff and spiked scarlet. Frowning as he felt other people's emotions battering his calm, Kato sat up. First thing's first, he located where the worst emotional energy was coming from and winced as some of it leaked through his mental 'dam.' Biting his bottom lip, Kato walked over to Luke cautiously and reached into his jacket pocket to pull out a strip of cloth he'd been carrying just in case. Kneeling down in front of the boy that was cowering in the corner, he carefully began wiping away the blood on Luke's face with the cloth, being careful to avoid any skin-to-skin contact. He was occupied enough between the wall that was keeping his power mostly at bay and wiping the blood from his newly awaken comrade's face that he hadn't really noticed Luke whispering, and if he had he hadn't been able to make sense of any of it. However, he could hear Artemis' saying that he was staying behind but that he would catch up.

"Artemis, you idiot. You know what you staying back is going to do? Sam'll be miserable without you- I guarantee it. And if you make the person that I practically owe my life to miserable, I'll be coming back here to whoop your ass. Got it?" he cast a pointed glare over his shoulder in the direction of the couple. "And besides, you've already passed out once. We don't need you fallin' asleep in here all alone now, alright?"
Turning his gaze back to Luke, Kato forced a small smile to the boy and finished wiping away the blood. "You okay now, Tallie?" Kato used the nickname he gave just about everyone who was taller than him.

“You and I swore to protect these kids, we have a responsibility, now follow through!” Artemis said, his voice harsh. He held both her arms in a tight grip, scolding her like she was some naughty child. That, in and of itself, pissed her off. He'd been soft at first, so she'd actually felt a little shimmer of hope, then his entire expression had change into a man she didn't recognize. Not towards her, not ever towards her. He'd been tough on others, he had, but, however odd it might sound, he'd never actually talked to her like she was someone he had to command. He'd looked her in the eyes. They were so hard and determined, like nothing would sway the decision he'd made. She had yet to speak, preferring to let him say his fill before she replied. Until he shoved her.

He pushed me... was her first thought as she steadied herself, taking her weight off of Kato, though still standing close to the boy. He actually pushed me. She blinked several times as it really sunk in. Then she narrowed her eyes at him, brushing her hair aside. She still didn't say anything... her mind was reeling. She looked down on her arms, where marks after his fingers were still visible, and her anger increased. He did have a point. She didn't think he should do it, due to his lack of strength, but if he wanted to get himself killed, then fine. That was just fine. His choice, whatever the king wanted. Who did he think he was to act like that towards her? what was she? his littlesister?

Then came his next words: “This is the path we both set out on together, we’ll see the end together. But for now get to the town and get the kids out… the sooner you leave the sooner I can start making the false trail…” Again, he did have a point, but he didn't have to say anymore. She'd hit breaking point. He could do whatever he wanted, being a grown man and all. She was done pleading, done trying to convince him not to get himself killed, because honestly... what was the use? Sam took a single step towards him, staring him down despite her lacking height. She wasn't risking the others for him. She'd merely refused to do it the other way around. One didn't necessarily bring about the other, and she was now officially sick of his attitude. He felt responsible? fine, he wanted to kill himself? fine too, he wanted to get rid of her? whatever. But accusing her of not caring, that was low.

Voice tired, more despondent than Sam had been in a long time, she spoke; "You know what? Do whatever the hell you want, Artemis. You're a grown man, I'm not your mother. I'm not in charge of what you choose to do, but don't start bossing me around." she said simply, then glanced at the others. "We're leaving in half an hour. Pack up your things. Kato, please help Luke." Then she walked out of the warehouse, regaining her posture slowly, her usual blank expression returning, looking completely void of any of the emotions battling inside her; anger, annoyance, despair, worry... love. And she was so tired. Tired of it all. Tired of responsibilities, tired of life really, tired of running, tired of fighting. Things had been so much simpler with just her and Artemis, that sometimes she actually wished it still was so, but she didn't want to leave the others. She couldn't. Both Kato and Luke still needed her help. Luke in particular.

Besides, she cared about them. Se did. Well, not so much Luke just yet, but it would probably come with time, if he could learn to control himself and maybe regain some semblance of sanity. She just wasn't sure how to go about that, exactly. She had a spell to bind powers, but had always been hesitant to use it for several reasons. One was that it packed some serious power and made her tired for days. Last time, once when Kato had just arrived, using the spell had caused her to faint. It had been worth it though - the right thing to do in his case. However, she didn't know Luke's powers. She would consider going into his mind to find out, but she didn't like it in others' minds, much less that of a maddened young practitioner... which was why she didn't use mindreading unless absolutely necessary. Well.. that, and she thought people's minds to the most private of places - she didn't like to intrude. Sam sighed, moving to sit against the outside wall of the warehouse. The grass was warm and green, so it was actually quite comfortable. What am I going to do now? she asked herself, resting her head against the wall, still aware of her surroundings. This whole situation is a mess...




(OOC: London helped Marquel get a car, but the owner saw them and started shooting. London tried to avoid a bullet and threw herself into a brickwall. She is now unconscious. She has a big bump on her forehead under a big scratch from where she hit the wall. It's bleeding. They both got away alive, however, but didn't have the time for getting food. This would be a pretty good time for Marquel to return with car and London.)

Kati couldn't help but chuckle. "A Tallie is what I call people that are taller than me. And you certainly fit the description."
Before he could say anything more, he felt a weight hit him in the back, and not lightly, either. He was thankful that Sam quickly got her weight off him, but even that close proximity to her strong emotions was overpowering. The argument that filled the room was suffocating to the empath and he was thankful, although guiltily so, when Sam icily left the warehouse. Releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Kato stood up and turned to give Artemis a dark glare- something that most people wouldn't expect the normally upbeat (at least where his powers aren't concerned) guy to be able to make. Turning his blue gaze away from the stubborn man, Kato walked back over to his bedroll and picked it up as well as his small bag of hygiene items. Unlike most of the others, Kato didn't have any personal items- nothing that he was very attached to that he didn't constantly wear.
Ready to go, he walked to the door, forcing himself not to mutter an insult on his way past Artemis.

I am tall? asked Luke surprised at the comment, he never felt particularly tall and these people seemed so much taller then him... even Kato.
Luke was ignorant of the reasons for the argument between Samantha and the man named Artem.. something, all he knew of the matter came from his visions still unclear and confusing but death was quite apparent. This didn't mean a person's death was guaranteed in the near future relevant to Luke's existence now forever bound in destiny with Samantha and the rest of the group, it was simply the most extreme and all too familiar outcome and Luke could make sense of death with much greater clarity then life; Death was an end or a beginning life simply carried on with confusing landmarks, only death was final to a beings existence.
Luke wanted to help, he wanted to show he was not a burden but he could not; he was a burden and he was useless to himself, the group and Samantha. If they left him now it would probably save them unwanted problems. But Luke was not about to do the "noble" action of pointing this fact out and leaving the group, he didn't want to go back to the madness. Every moment with Samantha and the rest of the group gave him new found strength and clarity, Luke knew he would eventually get lost and go back to the madness but at least he could enjoy the little time he had with his sanity and identity... maybe he could find a way to control his power, some magic or trick perhaps?

For now Luke simply did as he was told, he wanted to stay and help Samantha's friend but knew in his heart that he would simply reduce his chances of survival. He stood up and followed Kato but found it hard to leave the barn, was there nothing he could do to prove himself?
Luke was quite anxious and looked back and forth from the man to the car, whatever he did would change destiny! how could he simply make a choice now?!

Luke spoke to himself but not in a whisper but in a steady voice "whatever action I take can lead to hundred different paths which in turn can lead to a hundred hundred more paths... knowing this how can I simply make a choice?"

Sam had listened to Marquel's words, not really saying anything. Honestly, they'd been around eachother enough for him to know she was on the same page as him, without words. In stead she presented him with a nod and glanced at the car with London in it for a little while, before following him inside. She almost bumped into Kato, but gave him a slight smile, just that little, familiar upward turning of her lips. It didn't reach her eyes... not by a long shot. Then she looked up to find Luke walking behind the smaller man.

"whatever action I take can lead to hundred different paths which in turn can lead to a hundred hundred more paths... knowing this how can I simply make a choice?" She heard the words, realizing Luke was conversing with himself, but she couldn't merely ignore him this time. In stead, she sighed softly and gently took his hand in her's. "Luke?" she said, fighting to keep everything but calm out of her voice. She needed to focus on the kid in need for just a second, then she could return to her girly whining, however much she might hate the idea. "Choices are what you make them out to be," she reasoned, catching his gaze, her eyes friendly and calm. "We all make choices, we all make mistakes, and we all have to live with that. Don't feel like you need to take any action at this moment. You just woke up, and you look positively starved. We have little to give, but I will do everything I can to find you some food, all I have for now though, is water," she said, taking out the small bottle she always kept in her pocket, and handed it to him. "I promise, I will find a way to help you." she then finished, giving his hand a gentle pad before letting go.

Then, without looking at Luke again, she walked to her things, which were uncomfortably close to Artemis. She managed though, ignoring him besides a little glance once in a while. They weren't friendly, more like tiny glares, but it was all she could do now. She vaguely noticed how much the man was in his own world, even when Marquel tried to reason with him. It appeared he didn't really register the other's presence, but she supposed he didn't want to. She gave Marquel a little thankful smile, knowing he'd understand her meaning. Artemis was just standing there, against that damn pillar. It made her furious all over again... he still couldn't stand, yet he wanted to stay. The arrogance and foolishness of the whole thing irritated her to no end. He should know better.

She finished packing, no saying another word, until she stood and turned only to find that Artemis was right there. Apparently he'd moved. When he reached out for her hand, she let him have it. Not because she forgave him, but because she was helpless not to. He could turn her to butter when he wanted to, and he knew it. She had to give him a chance to talk... perhaps explain himself. Her thought were cut off when he put a small piece of paper in her hand, and she frowned, feeling him move her hand into a fist. What's this all about now? she wondered, as he started speaking; “I’ll find you guys here… hopefully…” he said, and as he started letting go of her hand, she felt a little breathless, a weight settling on her heart, so in stead of letting him... she held on, still not uttering a single word. He would understand. But she was starting to figure out what the paper was all about... "Here" he'd said... so the note would have to be an address of some sort. Since when did they ever have specific destinations? She didn't have time to ponder it further, because Artemis spoke once more:

“Though, after this, I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t there… just keep these guys safe Sam, too many of us have died…” She cleared her throat slightly, feeling tears pushing on and she turned her head slightly, taking a deep breath to collect herself before looking at him once more. They looked at eachother for a while, apparently both out words, her eyes warm, but she knew... also ful of hurt. Unfortunately, they were also out of time, though. So even as Sam would've liked nothing more than to stay, figure things out with Artemis and forget about the rest of the world, she couldn't. Just as she was ready to speak, however, he did. Uttering two final words... two parting words the only way he knew how. 'Goodbye' or *see you in a bit' were just... not fitting. Nothing really fit.

Sam looked down at the ground for about a second, before meeting his beautiful eyes for maybe the last time. Her heart was pounding heavily in her chest, her eyes were glazing with unshed tears, and her breath was so unsure of itself, she almost felt like kicking her own stomach, just to set things straight. In stead, Sam, overcome with another of those bowls of feelings she'd had way too much of lately, took her hand from his, only to put her arms around his neck, pulling herself close to him, though gently, knowing he was still week. "I need you," she whispered softly, and just a tad shaky too, in his ear, burying the tears she could no longer keep from flowing in the crook of his neck, hiding them from anyone but him. "Please come back to me," she then added, not able to say anymore. It was all she needed him to hear in this instant. She had questions, many questions, but this wasn't the time. This was a time for goodbyes, though hopefully not for long.

Then Sam gathered herself, drying her tears off in her sleeve and standing on her tippy-toes, she softly brushed her lips against his, telling him she'd wait for him. "One week," she said, aware that he knew it was her time-limit. One week was all she could give him at this point. She wasn't sure she could even stay that long, but she'd fight to. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself from him, clutching the note in her hand as she picked up her bag and walked outside with the others, ready to leave.

Marquel's grey eyes shot daggers at Artemis for a moment, a small unveiling of the anger within. The man may be older thea him, more experienced and altogether better than him but there was no excuse. He could have said at least a word. The small moment passed and Marquel stepped towards the door, stopping at the entrance and looking back. Once again his features were almost blank as he listened to the exchange between the lovers. He didn't watch, they deserved that much privacy, his eyes were fixed on the wall across the open portal. His attention was fixed on the exchange, listening to every word. There was still tenderness in their voices, several years of relationship couldn't be destroyed so easily it seemed. Love, in a way it was beautiful yet so fraught with complications and intricacies that no one in their position should intentionally pursue it. Marquel was not one to allow emotions to take hold, they only caused problems. He felt a pang of sadness, a small sliver of feeling; Perhaps one day he could pursue the fullness of life he abandoned. Perhaps one day they would all be safe to live. On that day he would gladly allow those quenched emotions back in.

He looked back over the couple when he heard soft footsteps, standing upright and aside as Sam walked outside where Kato and Luke had already assembled. Yet he didn't follow her outside immediately. Instead his gaze remained facing the direction she had come, and Artemis standing alone. Marquel didn't need to read the other's features to at least understand what was going through his thoughts at least a little. Sadness, determination, anger and perhaps guilt. Marquel could only guess but he was generally good at that. Would Artemis hold to the deadline? If he blamed himself for something then there was a chance, Samantha's words may drive him away more in a effort to protect her. There was a small thud as Marquel dropped a pair of bags, marching towards Artemis. In a fast, sudden movement he pushed in close, grabbing the other's shirt. He was careful, he had the advantage of Artemis's weakness but Marquel's should stung from the exertion. Grey eyes locked on to his target's and anger on his features in an almost alien way for the usually cloistered boy.
"Listen this time!" He hissed, words next to silent and loaded with venom. "I don't know why you think going your own way will help us at all! Sam won't abandon you and she won't abandon us. Don't make her choose." Every syllable he spoke was determined and convicted, even if he missed the truth of events between the two. "In the end you can do more for her then we can ever hope. She needs you!" He emphasized his words with releasing his elder, carefully to accommodate Artemis's weakness. Yet Marquel hadn't finished. "One week. You WILL find her after the one week or god help you!" The Reverend stepped back after to fulfilling his nickname. A hand dropped to his waist, pulling out the shiny shape of a old-fashioned revolver. The weapon he recovered from the earlier assailant, loaded with only five of its six bullets. he pushed it into Artemis's hand without a word. The last traces of anger dropped from his visage and he turned back unceremoniously.

Marquel's steady, uptight gait seemed unaffected by the recent situation. As he stooped to pick up the bags he abandoned at the doorway he seemed the same as ever. It was a relief for him to release his anger like that, all he did was assist to punch home what Samantha said. If Artemis didn't respond to her Marquel doubted all that he said would change the man's mind. He could only hope that Artemis would return to them in a week's time. If he didn't Marquel worried about what affect that would have on Samantha, could she continue on with the same strength she used to if her other half was snatched away. He kept his mind of the subject, they would know in seven day's time. For now he focused on moving on with the others. He caught up with them down b the car, the keys were still in the ignition and he gave no suggestion that he would drive. His gaze was drawn to London in the back seat and he spoke his concern out loud.
"Do we leave London there or move her to the trunk?" He asked generally. The car's rear was big enough to accommodate London's prone form and possibly more securely then her precarious position on the seats. It also meant it would easier for someone to actually accompany her during the trip.

Samantha had stopped next to the car, her petite form leaning against tha door of the driver’s seat as she watched her group. She was waiting for Marquel, really. For some reason he was taking a while, which was a little unusual. Marquel wasn’t one to linger… none of them were, really. She had yet to look at the note Artemis had given her, because… well, she didn’t quite know why she hadn’t just unfolded the little slip and read it, but somehow it felt a bit too real… like she was letting go of Artemis by letting go of the note. Silly, true, but it was what it was. She would look at it once they got in the car, and thinking of the car, her mind wandered, along with her gaze, to the unconscious girl in the backseat. She’d have to do something about that… didn’t know what, but she was certain she couldn’t let London stay where she was. It was too unstable, and she took up room.

The flash of light startled her and her body instantly straightened just as her head whipped around to determine the direction from which the brightness had come. Of course Sam recognized it as one of Artemis’ warning seals, though she could tell it was still a while off, but that only made things worse. It meant they were running out of time, and they desperately needed to get moving. She only just took one step towards the warehouse when she spotted Marquel stepping outside, and stopped in her tracks. Good, so she wouldn’t have to urge him on. Her relief, however, was shortsighted and she honestly didn’t have time to deal with that anyway. Relief, like many other emotions, was a waste of time, and it was so often beat down in no time, anyways. She nodded at Marquel, expressionless as he made his way to her and the others.

Upon hearing his words, she almost smiled, gratified that Marquel had thought of the trunk. Of course. The car was big, and so was the trunk. Big enough for bags, London and another… Kato, she decided in the next instant. She didn’t want to leave London back there alone, in case she woke up in a daze, and Kato would not only fit by size, but also by personality. He was gentle of nature, and he probably wouldn’t mind a little solitude… albeit it was with an unconscious London, it was the best he’d have had in weeks. She made no facial-expression as her eyes fell on her companions one by one. She didn’t take her time, because honestly… she was a bit short on that particular product, but she did want to make damn sure that everyone was looking at her. Once she determined that, she glanced at the car and spoke.

“We’ll move London to the trunk, although I do not want her to be alone in case she wakes up, so Kato… you’ll have to join her,” she said, looking at the boy when she spoke his name, “Luke, you’ll have the backseat to yourself, and Marquel,” she added, gaze on Luke, next on Marquel, “I’m going to need someone to help me look out for trouble, as well as keep me awake when I’ve driven for about 10 hours, so I’d like having you next to me. So yes, I’ll be doing the driving. And guys, I know this is a lot of drama on top of us all trying to stay alive, but I need everyone to stay alert and hurry up. I’m hoping London will wake up soon, to take care of that arm, Marquel.” She said, glancing at his graced shoulder. “Otherwise, we will need to stop by and apothecary along with a grocery-store. Everyone could use some food by one, I’m assuming.” She spoke fast, but they were used to that from her. She never really did spend a lot of time speaking, when they could spend time getting away from danger.

Thinking of danger, her thoughts made another attempt of reaching Artemis, but she put a mental lid on them and took a deep breath, before walking to the trunk of the car, opening it. “C’mon… help me get London in here. Carefully.”

...

Once London was safely tucked away in the trunk with Kato, everyone else got in. Sam took the keys from Marquel, glanced back at the warehouse one last time and put the keys on the ignition. In that exact second, another bright light made an appearance, but this time Sam wasn’t surprised. Several gunshots managed to catch her immediate attention though… they were too close; the sounds were way too close by. It had been a long time since they’d last come into contact with the hunters, mostly because Sam had managed to get them out of there before the hunters made an appearance, but all of this drama had delayed the group, and… oh god, Artemis was still in there. The thought made Sam freeze for just a second, breath caught in her throat, before she somehow managed to keep moving, and turned the key, getting the car moving.

Sam didn’t speak, though her insides were in turmoil. She glanced behind her, but saw no hunters, which somehow reassured her. Artemis had made his decision… she couldn’t go back for him now, so instead Sam, knowing she had no other choice, unfolded the paper he’d given her to take a quick look before she started driving… fast. Away from the warehouse, and away from Artemis, gunshots still ringing out behind her. It made her draw in another breath, glancing at Marquel after about five minutes of driving. “How far away were they? Could you tell?” Marquel’s hearing was excellent… supernatural, to be truthful, so she assumed he’d know… or at least have a qualified guess as to the destination.

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(OOC: left it up to you guys to decide who helped get London in the trunk, though I’m assuming it’d be Marquel and Kato, as I didn’t want to godmod too much, but still had to get them on the road. ^^ I know a lot of things happen, but I think it was pretty necessary at this point.)

Kato grimaced when Sam said he'd be in the trunk with London. Well, at least he'd get a little peace and quiet. Following Sam over to the rear of the car, he tugged open the car door and waited for someone to come help him get London out. Thankfully, getting her into the roomy trunk was mostly painless. Stepping back from the trunk, Kato paused to stretch and pick up his bags from where he had dropped them onto the ground.
He tossed the bags into the back seat of the car. "I'm putting these up here so we've got a tad more room in the trunk."
Kato jogged back around the car and slid down into the trunk. "You'd better let us out eventually. Gonna be awkward back here when one of us realizes we've got to pee."

Laying on his back on the stiff lining of the trunk, he shut his eyes as the back closed, shutting him in alone with London's unconscious mind. It wasn't long before Kato was bored. The car shut out most of the noisy buzz of his companions emotions, thankfully, and created a sort of lukewarm peace in the darkness. The heat, however, was uncomfortable and Kato swiftly removed his coat and gloves, revealing the seldom-seen black t-shirt that he always wore. The shirt was obviously well worn; the fabric was ripped and torn and in desperate need of repair Reaching up to his neck, Kato found himself fiddling with the ruby pendant that he always wore. Another thing that was seldom seen. After a while, Kato found the vibrations of the car lulling him into a doze, which he reluctantly surrendered to.

Sam nodded quietly to Marquel's reply. She trusted the man with her life, and so she always had absolute faith in his evaluations. If someone could get it accurate, it would be Marquel with his heightened senses and unbiased observational skills. He had proven himself time and time again, so she was not about to doubt him now. She gave him a sideways glance and a weak smile of appreciation. He had provided relief, something she really needed right now, however weak it might be; it still told her nothing of Artemis, but she hadn't really expected it to. She could only hope she would see him again in a week's time. Or maybe even before them. A slight gust of air passed the young woman's lips as she refocused he eyes on the road, shoulder visibly relaxing as she slowed them down enough to only not cross the speed limit. They couldn't afford to be pulled over. Sam might have her driver's licence, but the car was stolen, and their overall condition would be a dead give-away.

Sam's breathing had finally evened out when Luke spoke up. Her lips twitched slightly at his words and she glanced at him through the rear-view mirror. She had no clue if she could trust him, she had no idea whether his words were accurate, and she wasn't one to trust words of a complete stranger. At the same time it made her doubt what his magical abilities were. He'd talked a lot about time; both present, past ad future. Perhaps the boy's powers weren't all that different from her premonitions. Although , she had a feeling his gift was there all the time, not just in little flashes, and that it was quite worse than hers, considering how it gave him glimpses of... well, pretty much everything. Who wouldn't go mad from that? Not being able to tell past from present, or future. It made her sympathize with the boy. If his words were accurate, then they were in troube. Or, rather... Artemis was in trouble. Then again, he had wanted their attention and she couldn't make herself feel sorry for him. She worried, yes, and she feared for his safety like crazy, but she did not feel sorry. He had chosen his won path. She really needed to stop thinking of him all the time.

She was brought back into reality when Marquel spoke again, reassuring the young man on the backseat. It made Sam smile slightly, because it meant Marquel was growing to accept Luke, or he wouldn't bother. She was aware that he was just as ready as her to dump him the second he became a problem, but still... it was nice to hear. Of course, the reverend was never one to be all soft and caring; his voice carried no emotions. In time, however, you came to appreciate his little shows of affection, so she'd learned to be thankful for the minor things with the reverend. He was just that kind of guy, not that she minded. Sam herself wasn't usually the expressive kind, although she had showed her emotions more than she would've liked today. She had herself under control now, though, which was nice. Or, at least her exterior was under control.

She glanced at Marquel once more, mouthing a slight "thank you" without actually wording it. She didn't need the others to hear. She figured Kato would be asleep by now with London, and Luke looked all troubled, fidgety even. It worried her a little; made her wonder what was going on in that head of his. "He's right, Luke," she said calmly, her voice soft yet without actual emotion. "Everything's under control." Really she had no clue, but Marquel had a knack for these sort of things, and she had a feeling Luke would be more ready to listen to her than Marquel, so she felt like she needed to back up his statement. She turned a corner, catching sigh of a sign up ahead telling her that she could speed things up a notch. She almost smiled. Almost. However, she couldn't help being worried by how far she was from Artemis now. They hadn't been parted in years, and now they were suddenly away from eachother. It was weird.

The woman glanced at Marquel again, "how's your shoulder?" She asked him, worried. She would be pulling in at the first apothecary she saw if Marquel' wound was critical. If not, it could wait. They didn't really have time to waste yet; they needed to get further ahead. However, she cared about Marquel a lot, and she wouldn't have him hurting. They could, if absolutely necessary find the time for a little pitstop soon. Food was also something they critically needed, but it would have to wait even more. They had no money, which meant they'd have to steal. Not that she had issues with that, but she honestly didn't need the extra attention. That would only bring cops on top of hunters. There was only so much she could handle just now.