Artemis Maximus's Story

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.

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.