Aden only could remember one thing. Alaska. She remembered her and her friends sneaking out to see the Northern Lights. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her entire life, but where did it take her exactly? Everything was dark and cold. It felt like a void full of nothingness. Her eyes fluttered open to a strange colored sky. Rubbing her head she sat up slowly seeing her other friends were all laying next to her. Her eyes widened a little seeing this strange place. This all had to be a dream right? It couldn't have been though. Everything was tangible.

Even the air felt like you could touch every single molecule in it. Slowly she rose to her feet to get a better look around. They all were laying in a field of mid length grass. The grass was purple though. Did her friends drug her or something? Nothing seemed...normal. Her heart rate picked up as she began to realize this was all real and wherever they were, they weren't on earth anymore. "Guys? Guys come on wake up!" She tried to wake her friends up so they could look at the same sight that was before her. It was amazing to look at but scary to think about where they were exactly. It had a homely feeling to it though.

Aden was certain she had never ever been to this strange place before in her entire life. She didn't even dream about it. Yet it still felt like home? She hoped her friends would wake up soon so they could figure out where they were. For all any of them knew they could be in grave danger. She always wanted an adventure though, but this looked like it was going to be too big of an adventure for her. But Aden wasn't the one to back down from a challenge no matter what.

Ryu woke up, but didn't stand up directly he was thinking about what happend,He remembers following some people and the next thing feel alot of pain like he got torn apart,He slowly stands up and looks around him seeing some people laying in the grass and notice one was standing and was looking around her,Before he slowly walks to the others trying to wake them up he whistle's so that the girl that was awake noticed him,he points at the people in the grass giving a sign to help out waking them,While doing that he looks around looking at the pruple grass and the most beutifull things, but he stayed alert because they where somewhere unknown while looking around and trying to wake some people up he thinks 'i think i have been here before maybe im just dreaming'

Demming felt weird, like she was dreaming and conscious all at the same time. She was lying in an uncomfortable position with her arms pinned under her and what felt like a rock embedded in her back. Struggling, she worked to free her hands before slowly lugging her body up into a sitting position with her eyes still closed. "Ahhg! My head is killing me!" Demming groaned, sandwiching her head between her hands. Slowly opening her eyes she rubbed the fogginess away so that she could take a better look at her surroundings.

Deja Vu she thought taking in the long purple grass she was sitting in and the foreign yet familiar surroundings. Looking around Demming noticed all but two of her friends laying, sleeping, in the grass, before remembering what had happened.

They had been studying in Alaska, the Aurora Borealis, late during the night when all of a sudden Demming felt excruciating pain, like her insides were ripping apart. She had passed out after that and when she woke up she found herself in this strange place surrounded by purple grass.

Slowly hoisting herself up onto her feet Demming walked calmly over to Aden, "This isn't a dream is it?" she asked her looking first at the scenery and then to the rest of her group that lay sleeping in the grass. This is all real. We're not in Alaska anymore. Demming thought humorlessly. Even though she was in a strange place it didn't unnerve her the slightest, she wasn't scared, nor frightened. In a way you could say she felt contempt, like she was on familiar territory.

A wind started blowing from the south, rustling the red leaves of the forest that surrounded the field. The trees were a sea of different hues of red, their glittering gold trunks reflected the sun that hovered mildly in the sky. The wind grew stronger by the second, harolding a dark storm cloud that moved to block out the sun. As the field fell into a dark, ominous shadow, the trees rustled wildly, singing the song of the strong cold wind.

Zephyr appeared at the tree line, looking to the group that was looking around confused in the long violet grass. He usually favored stealth, but in this instance he figured he shouldn't try to surprise them. He started walking towards the group, his movements silent against the grass. His features were hardly discernible, only deep blue eyes and a bit of black hair could be distinguished from his face. He wore a long cloak with a hood covering his head while a mask hid his nose and everything below it. Not even the heavy cloak could hide the power of his body. As he moved, his muscles rippled with strength. The katana on his hip marked him as dangerous, but even without it he was obviously capable of dealing damage.

The dark figure approached the new comers, his eyes studying each of them carefully. Then he turned his penetrating gaze on Aden, watching her carefully. Zephyr stopped a little ways from the group, close enough to speak to them but far enough they wouldn't assume he was on the offensive. He knew his appearance was a bit unsettling.

"Hello." His speaking voice, a gruff, but smooth terror, added to the aggressive impression he conveyed. There was a touch of contempt in it, even towards people he liked. His salutation was directed to the group, but his deep blue eyes were still on Aden.

"We shouldn't go this way, I don't like the feeling I'm getting you guys." Riley had spoke in a smooth voice that was on the verge of hysteria. "We need to turn back, now!" she went on, having grabbed Aden's arm a bit roughly. "Do you-" Her voice trailed off as she starred in awe at the Northern Lights, the colors reflecting in her fierce blue gaze. 'Wow,' she thought, just watching the lights dance across the dark sky, almost as if taunting the friends, saying, "We can drift along in the wind and you must be kept upon the ground." 'What a dreary existence,' Riley thought, going to step forward when a intense pain seared through her body, from her neck to her toes. She fell to her knees as a loud gasp escaped her slightly parted, pale-pink lips, and then a scream as it seemed she was being ripped in two. Like a simple piece of white paper, effortlessly being reassembled.

"No!" Riley gasped, every muscle in her toned body aching as she arched her back, blue eyes flashing open. She remembered, she remembered seeing those lights.. And the pain. If she thought hard enough she could still feel the intensity of it. Laying upon her flat stomach, her face was in front of deep purple grass. For a minute she became dumbfounded, pressing her slim hands against the ground as she pushed upwards, her whole body screaming with protest. She got into a sitting position, practically ignoring her friends as they bustled about trying to wake anyone else up.
Riley ran her hands through the so-called grass, plucking a single blade. She held it up to her face which was shielded by thick, white hair, studying the strand with curiosity. This was either a dream.. Or a completely different planet all together.

For a odd reason, she didn't feel the need to freak out. With a gentle shrug Riles pushed herself up, standing in a rather fluid movement which almost scared her. Too fast it seemed.. She dropped the piece of grass, looking over as a figure stepped from the tree-line. She had already studied the area, the muscles in her arms, legs, and stomach tightening. You could never be too careful, after all, they had no idea where they were. "Hello," This person's voice met her ears maybe faster then the others', her hands going into fists at her sides. She watched this, male she presumed, watch Aden behind her security blanket, her hair which shield everything but the bottom part of her nose, mouth, and chin. Riley didn't speak though, her jaw clenching the slightest bit. Where were they and what the Hell was going on?!

Ryu looks at the man that said "Hello" but didn't put his guard up for some reason he could tell that man had no plan of attacking us, So he walked over a bit and greeted the man back using some gestures that make it understandable that he means that as saying hello. He also notices that the man looked at Aden, And so he stands right between that mans sight so he had to look at me. "Thinking that man keeps looking at her if hes that " type" of guy he wil be in for alot of pain"

Aden watched as her friends started to stir awake. She was relieved to see them waking up. It meant that she wasn't going to be alone now. She looked at Ryu as he woke up then Demming. Riley was last but nonetheless she was awake now. "I'm so happy you guys are awake now! But do you feel like you've been here before?" She question looking around again. Her eyes fell onto a male figure who was walking over to them. He looked suspicious because of the cloak he was wearing over his body. Half of his face was also cut off, just making it harder to see his face. She watched him then jumped a little when her eyes met his. Who was he? After hearing his greeting, she looked at him as he looked at her. He seemed familiar to her but who exactly was he? Just when she was going to take a step forward she saw her friends get in front of her.

"Hey don't worry about it guys." Aden spoke up as she took s couple steps forward and stood next to her friends. "We can trust him." She spoke not really sounding like herself. "Who are you if I may ask?" Crossing her hands over her chest she waited for an answer. She continued to study him. She could barely see his face but if would help a lot if she could see it.

Azrael walked along the tree line, keeping back in the shadows as her gaze rested on the group not too far off lying in the grass. She paused for a moment as Zephyr approached them, observing the situation silently. Two fingers slid down to the gunblade placed in the holister strapped to her half-bare thigh, brushing against the cool metal almost affectionately. After waiting a few moments, she decided to join the party. Making her way towards the group in silent, graceful strides, Azrael let her eyes slide over each member of the newcomers, taking in their appearance. They all looked...confused, flustered, and weak in general. A moment later, Azrael appeared at Zephyr's side, glancing up at the tall man from the corner of her eye. As usual, his eyes looked dark and serious. To people on the outside looking in such as the group in front of them, he probably seemed dangerous and agressive.

Azrael turned her attention back to the group in front of them, her cold, calculating gray eyes jumping over each on of their faces. "We can trust him. Who are you if I may ask?" Azrael arched an eyebrow, her gaze sliding over the girl who just spoke. She seemed to be the leader of the group and the most outspoken. The question was directed towards Zephyr, that much was obvious by the way the two were gazing at each other, so Rael remained silent for the time being.

Reno Kane. 
A name for one being alone. 
A man of power and lust for destruction and chaos. 
He sat in the corridor of the Lamentation's residence. He sighed, his pointer and middle finger repetidly beating his chin in a rhythm of constant synchronization. 
His hellish orbs were staring down the fireplace that crackled before him, his mind only on the blazing flames that he himself had created.
His fingers traced through the ash like it was something natural to be done, a steaming lick of heat would not affect him. 
He was so bored, taking over everything could get annoying, then you need to push people around. 
A sly grin pulled at the corner of his lips and he knew that was the small bit of conciousness that he had led to grasp, telling him, he was in fact wrong for his deeds. 
But he didn't care. Why would he? He had everything he could want. 
He let his neck crane, a breath escaping quickly as he arched his back when his wings began to emerge, physically wripping his skin and tearing it from tendon and muscle. 
The feathered wings flapped meraculously. As though they had a mind of their own, but it just showed his inner beast that craved the clawing of flesh to bring blood and screaming. 
He wanted to drive his sharpened black nails inside of someones stomach, able to wrip or squeeze any part from the inside. 
The idea sounded absolutely wicked and his smile soon turned into a manocal grin. 
"Lacie!" He called, one of the many slaves that wandered around. 
She creeped up slowly, the frail blonde girl unsure of what to expect out of the Leader. 
"Y- yes s-s-sir?" She stumbled with her words, her fingers fumbling with the edges of the tray that she carried. 
Atop it sat a teapot and two saucers with cups and a little decorative saucer for crumpets or something or another. He wasn't sure.
His hand flew up, smacking the platter and sending it flying to the other side of the room. 
She immediately cowered, backing against the wall slowly, followed by the sinsiter President. 
"Are you scared?" He asked, his teeth, he could feel were sharp and pulling against his lip. She could surely see. 
"P-please don't hurt me!" She pleaded, dropping to her knees.   

Ryu noticed the woman when she was almost standing next to that guy in black, He looked at her like his eyes where piercing trough, After a while he looked back at the man in black clothes, And he sighs and walks away towards a tree to sit against, But before he reaches the tree he accidently touches adens hand.

Zephyr didn't move as Azrael joined him. His lips curved into a smirk under his mask after Ryu tried to shield Aden from him. He was pleased she refused the subtle protection and to hear Aden assure the others they could trust him. He was surprised her instincts were already very good. He heard her ask him who he was, but he decided to ignore the question for the time being. Zephyr turned his eyes on Ryu, surprised the boy felt no fear towards him. He was confident and brave. He would prove a good leader.

"Ryu." He said simply, nodding his head which was his very impersonal way of greeting people. He then turned his eyes on Riley, feeling her distrust and confusion. He nodded to her as well. "Riley." He said, looking into her eyes. Then he turned his gaze back on Aden and nodded again. "Aden." He knew they would have to trust them; they were in a strange, dangerous world and he and Azrael were the only ones who could help them. Their knowledge of their names would help convince them of their connections.

Zephyr then noticed Demming, his eyes actually revealing a flicker of surprise. Now he turned towards Azrael. "Is that Dem?" He asked, unable to keep the surprise and suspicion out of his voice. He walked towards Demming and stood in front of her, trying not to look too menacing as he crossed his arms over his chest. She looked unharmed and severely confused. He saw the lack of recognition in her eyes. He looked back towards Azrael, not needing Demming to speak to confirm his suspicions. "She doesn't remember us. Someone must have put her with the humans and erased her memories." He then surveyed the area carefully, wondering if somehow he didn't sense that they were being watched. Only one of their enemies would dare to kidnap the Paladin leader and erase her memories. But why would they trap her in the human realm? And how had she come to be in the company of the Advent? It was all very strange. But he was glad to have her back. They all thought she was dead.

Rain started leaking from the dark cloud that loomed over them. Zephyr turned back towards Azrael, meeting her stormy eyes. He walked back to her and put a hand on her shoulder, then turned to the group, his voice low, "We need to get out of here. It's too dangerous." His blue eyes were darting all around the tree line, looking for threats. "I'll lead the way." He turned back to Azrael, his severe gaze softening, which rarely happened. "Rae, watch our backs." Zephyr moved his hand on her shoulder and started walking back the way he came, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He looked behind him to be sure they were following. "Stay close," he said quietly, his eyes quickly looking at all of them before he turned his gaze back to the tree line.

A slow, sarcastic smirk made it's way across Azrael's lips at Ryu's attempt to throw her an intimidating glare. A glint of half amusement lit her stormy eyes as her gaze made it's way around the group again, stopping for only a few brief moments on each face. She recognized Dem right away, but waited patiently and silently as Zeph greeted each member by name. "Is that Dem?" Rael's gaze flitted back to Zeph, her eyes meeting his as she gave a slight nod. She picked up on the hint of surprise in his eyes and voice, as well as his suspicions right away as he turned back to Demming, looking her over. "She doesn't remember us. Someone must have put her with the humans and erased her memories." She heard him mutter as she met his gaze again in silent agreement. They had thought Demming was taken by Reno, and if that was the case, then she was most likely dead. But there she was, in the flesh with wiped memories and confusion plain on her face.

Rael lifted her gaze to the dark sky as the rain caressed her cheeks and lightning flashed in the distance. They needed to get going before things got too dangerous. She felt a strong hand on her shoulder as she met Zeph's blue eyes again, her own gaze softening a little, another rare occurance. "Rae, watch our backs." His usually gruff voice sounded a little softer than usual. She nodded and waited for the other's to pass before bringing up the rear, her fingers tapping against the cool metal of Biz, the gunblade strapped to her slender thigh. Her eyes slid across the area around them, surveying the trees and open area to their right. If all went well, they'd get to safety without a fight.

Aden looked at Ryu as he walked pass her. Looking back forward she stared at the pair in front of her. What were they talking about? It seemed the guy knew an awful lot about them already and it was creepy. Just how did he know all their names exactly, and what did he want with Demming? So many questions went through her mind as she started to walk after them. No matter how weird the situation was, something in her was telling her to trust them. Looking back she waved at her friends. "Come guys I think we should listen to them." Aden had to trust someone here cause being in another world who knows what could come there way, so why not follow someone who is obviously from there. Sighing she looked over at the lighting going across the sky. This place was definitely strange.

It hit her that the guy never answered her question. How rude. Crossing her arms over her chest she studied the back of him. He looked more reserved so maybe his name was something like Shade? No that would be too easy to figure out. Something more complicated. His face seemed familiar as well as the girl who was with him. They both seemed familiar. What were they're names?! She started to get frustrated. It was right on the tip of her mind, but she couldn't quite grasp it. They were in another world so maybe it was something like...well she didn't know yet. It suddenly hit her. Z. it began with a Z but that was as far as she could get with it. And the girl she was completely clueless, but she was pretty for sure. Maybe something with a C? No the girl didn't look like the type. Shrugging it off she continued to walk as her mind tried to think of what they're exact situation was. Maybe if she stayed here longer something would come to her.

Reno could only laugh, the sound of pure evil stepping forth in this display. 
"Hurt you?" He mocked in harsh words. 
His fingers found her hair and immediately he tightened his grip in the shining lockes. 
"Now, why on Earth would I do that?" He inquired, raising an eyebrow curiously. He wasn't one to beat the ones who served him unless it deemed necessary in his eyes. So far, this woman had been polite and helpful, but ever so horrified. It moved him. 
"Because you hate me?" She basically asked, and he responded with more chortling. 
"No, no! Never hate you. Reno only hates those who put him in the necessary spot to be conquered. 
Like those nasty Advent whom I took care of." He giggled nastily, rubbing his hands together in obvious pleasure. 
She was still shaking under his body, and he had almost forgotten that he was cornering her. 
He reluctantly scooted back, his eyes lingering on her chest before he dismissed her. 
"Retrieve one of the other members for me. I need someone to entertain me besides peasants." He could only smile at his words as she bowed and retreated quickly.
"Oh, how I love being evil." He mused to himself as he sat down in his appointed throne. He would never admit to calling it that, but he treated it as one, it stood against the wall in the middle and he was almost always in that room. But he only referred to it as his chair, and not a soul was aloud to touch it without his permission. Others had, and soon regretted it, for he would take their hands for such acts, rather then slaughter them. It was more humiliating and cruel that way to keep them living being forever reminded of their faults to him. 
He cleared his throat as his eyes scanned the room. 
Large Oak doors with studded leather surrounding the outside accompanied the front. In the back with his chair displayed many portraits and artwork. There were two statues to the sides of the chair, each of them being of giant dragons breathing fire, wings expanded. 
The ceilings were high, dotted with few gothic chandeliers with dimly lit red candles. There were two red rugs, one in front of the fireplace off to the side, and another in front of the smoked glass coffee table. On top rested a stack of ancient looking books with withering pages and deteriorated spines. 
A spiraled and black bookshelf towered over two black leather recliners and a black leather sofa, next to it sat a sturdy side table that was, of course, black. Three different sizes of white vanilla candles stayed lit on top of the table, filling the air with the warm sweetness. 
He could feel the bitter coldness seeping into his skin, finally. That was saying something for the king, he usually stayed hot except when it got below freezing. 
He pulled his black trench coat tighter to his body, then shook his head. Why would he suffer like this when he could just boil his own blood? He shrugged off the coat and began the process, already feeling himself being rejuvenated and fresh. 
"Much better." He muttered almost inaudibly. 
His red eyes zeroed in on the elegant, purple, oversized, pillow. Laying lazily there was a giant, pure black German Shepard. 
"Bruce." He called, and without skipping a beat the dog perked up and returned to sit at his feet, the dogs golden eyes turned upwards as if to ask, Yes master? Or at least that's what Reno heard. 
"Good dog." He praised, patting him twice on the top of the head, then his fingers slid to his neck to thumb at the spiked collar.
"Yes, what a good boy you are." He said, in a trance-like voice. 
In fact, he was very distracted, thinking of all the times he'd had with his pet. The powers he had given it, and the blood he had shed with him. Bruce was the ultimate killer. And on Reno's command, there was no stopping the beast. He was almost as petrifying as his master. 

Ryu follows the strangers wich he tought looked very familiar, After walking for a while he started to not feel wel but he didn't mention it to the others, And after a while it got worse evry second, At some point he got pain in his head like it was getting ripped apart and he yelled"AARGHH my head it feels like splitting!!"He clenches his teeth and "HHHMMM!! very loudly" after a while he just colapse,He fainted of the pain an he got a very bad fever, but how that he got it is the question.

"Slice slice slice! Sprays and splatters of blood dotted and streaked the ground around him. The piercing cry of agony only excited him more. "You know, for a guy your voice is pretty damn high." A noise that was a cross between a childish giggle and wholehearted laughter. If anyone else was around, surely they would be yelling and running for their lives, that or too stricken with fear to move at all. The scene was grisly, a male somewhere in his mid-twenties lay on the hard ground drenched in his own blood. Broken bones, fresh bruises, and a leg that was nearly severed from the rest of his body. There wasn't any real reason why Aspen had decided to attack him, other then the fact that he was bored, he thought that alone was legitimate enough a reason to do as he pleased. That poor man had just been in the wrong place at a horribly wrong time. Losing so much blood, and so quickly too, he was bound to die a slow agonizing death. He had quieted down though, maybe blacking out from the blood loss and pain, or had he died already? Aspen knelt down beside the man, not caring about the fact that he was kneeling in a decently sized pool of blood.

His own body was covered in crimson, not his own of course, but he didn't seem to pay his own bloody appearance any mind. He was having so much fun, did it have to end so soon? "Hey," he nudged the guy with the tip of his sword, in the process leaving a new, tiny wound on his skin. Blood blossomed from the cut and for a moment Aspen had forgotten about what he was saying and simply stared at the blood as it flowed down the man's body. "Oh, are you dead or what?" He proceeded to poke the man roughly with his index finger, earning a barely audible groan in return. "Ah I see. It's no fun when they aren't screaming anymore." He pouted and folded his arms over his chest. "Well there's no sense in prolonging the inevitable my dear, I'll just finish you off now." He spoke dully like a child that had suddenly lost interest in his toy and raised the blade of his sword. "It was a pleasure playing with you."

Aspen swung his blade down and in one swift movement, he cut the man's head clean off his shoulders. More blood splattered on the ground, but in the current mess, you wouldn't have been able to tell. The sadistic grin spread across Aspen's features as he stood up and stretched his arms out. "Bye bye." He strode away confidently. He would be content to return back to what he called the Lamentations lair and relax for a little while. With the Advent gone, as far as he knew, life had grown to be rather boring. He filled his spare time, which was just about every second of his life, with merciless killing for entertainment. Oh how he wished something exciting would happen again, anything to give him more fulfillment. He loved killing, but there was no real challenge to murdering the helpless citizens of Genesis. They didn't fight back, or when they did, it could hardly be considered fighting back. The place soon came into view and Aspen first order of business was to change out of the bloodied clothes he was in now.

Sometime later Aspen was clean and spotless, not a streak of red anywhere to be found on his skin. He wore an all-black outfit, as always. The long-sleeved shirt resembled a straight jacket, with straps and buckles decorating the torso and dangling off the sleeves. He wore a pair of tight fitting black pants and a pair of equally dark boots. He took his time traipsing to what he deemed the Throne room since that was where he could often find Reno sitting on his 'throne'. Aspen opened the double doors and took a few steps before bending over in a deep bow. "Your royal highness." A snide smile played across his lips and soon wispy shadows rose up from the ground and moved around him like there was a gentle breeze in the room. "I come bringing no news, as always you know. Nothing dramatic has been happening now that the Advent are gone. It's almost a pity, there isn't much to do these days." Aspen stopped a few feet in front of Reno, looking as unenthusiastic as ever.

Tap, tap, tap. Thud, thud.
Someone was coming his direction and he could hear the peculiar pace of heart beat and footstep together. the two both calm, but seeming intrigued. He already knew who was rounding the corner before the doors even creaked open. 
He was so used to the different strengths and speeds of everyone's tempo around him that he could easily put a label to those he knew well. 
"Aspen." He hissed, drawing out the 's' a bit, just as a snake would. 
"I'm glad you've come." He nodded when he bowed, allowing him to stand upright as he listened to his mellow story. 
"Ah, of course. And how many heads have rolled since the last time we spoke?" He asked, his orbs wavering on the male in front of him, then moving to the canine still under his hand. 
His hand stroked his head as he talked, the dog panting in reply. 
"Tell me, have you seen Alva 'round lately? She seems to always sneak off that conniving woman." He snickered and lightly pressed against the dogs head to send him away. 
He stood, stuffing his hands into his deep pockets. The only thing over his shoulders was his long trench coat, he tended to stat shirtless and most woman never complained either. Black tight pants adorned his legs, covered in few zippers and a chain. A black and white studded belt accessorized in his belt loops and black combat boots made his feet look huge. 
He stepped past his underling to the coffee table in the middle of the room. He retrieved the top book which lay open to a certain page that had a red ribbon marking the placement. 
"There tells a great story or more of a prophecy that the Advent will return. I don't know what truly to think of this until I am given some sort of proof. Besides, I am sure we dismembered the entire race." He smirked, sliding the book into the Aspen's grasp so he could scan the page himself. 

Zephyr whirled around gracefully after hearing Ryu's distress, his muscles were coiled, his knees bent, and his hand gripping the hilt of the sword on his belt. He didn't sense any enemies, didn't see any. He shot a glance at Rae, but saw the same confusion he felt mirrored in her silver eyes. The storm intensified, a flash of lightening flickering, followed almost immediately by an angry, loud, clap of thunder. Zephyr ignored it, moving quickly to the boy as Ryu yelled in agony. He put his hands to his head and felt the beginnings of a fever. What could have possibly happened to make the boy's health deteriorate so quickly?

As he saw the pain evident on the boy's face, he knew they had to move fast. Zephyr stepped away from the boy and over to a nearby tree. He placed his hand flat against the bark as the wind kicked up violently, wildly flapping his cloak. Beneath his gloved fingers, a bright light shone and then quickly disappeared revealing a line that bisected the gold trunk of the tree. He went back to Ryu, and helped him up, supporting most of his weight. He turned back to Riley, Dem, and Aden.

"Our enemies will be able to trace this kind of magic, so we have to move quickly so they can't figure out exactly where we are. I'll lead the way. It'll be dark, but keep walking until you see the open door. Don't touch anything, don't speak to anyone. We are lucky to have Azrael to protect us from the illusions," he said grimly, gesturing in her direction, "but there may be other dangers lurking. Once you're through the door, you'll be safe." Zephyr gripped Ryu across his lower back, the extra weight didn't mar the grace or speed that came naturally to him. He moved back to the tree and opened the line like the fabric of a curtain, slipping through it. His footsteps were silent, but the sound of Ryu's uneven steps were loud in the unnatural quiet. He reached the door without incident and opened it, walking into a dimly lit room.

The room was medium sized and minimally furnished, with three doors: the one they came through and two others that were closed. The walls were covered with weapons of every kind. At first glace, it may seem decor, but this was their arsenal. A window seat was the only seating available in the room, and the window let in the low light from the storm outside. The raindrops were falling rhythmically against the window. Zephyr sat Ryu down gently on the bench and turned back to the open door, watching for the others to walk into safety. He kept a hand on his sword, listening carefully for any enemies that may trace them. The Lamentations wouldn't know that the Advent were back. There were prophesies and hearsay, but no definite evidence of a second coming. Now they would know the Paladin were up to something. They wouldn't be safe for long.

Zephyr walked to one of the closed doors and opened it, revealing a closet. He walked in and pulled a medical kit off the top shelf. The closet was filled with cloaks, coats, dusters, scabbards, thigh holsters, quivers, and armor. He walked out of the closet and took a small vial out of the medical bag, uncorked it, and carefully dripped a drop into Ryu's mouth. It wasn't the first time he'd administered first aid to a patient in that very spot. The medicine wasn't curative, but it would ease his pain without slowing his mind. Zephyr was worried they would need a healer. He could treat physical wounds, but something internal was beyond his abilities.

Riley was a bit dubious as she followed after the two strangers. She hadn't talked at all, and simply gave a suspicious glare towards the mystery guy when he spoke her name. She stayed more towards the back, gritted teeth barely visible due to the fact her hair covered most of her face. How could Aden judge them so fast? It was a stupid move on her part which caused Riles's blood to boil the slightest bit. She had to admit though, these people, these.. Whatever they were, looked familiar. As weird as it may seem, Riley found herself studying them with a careful gaze. Her pale-pink lips stayed in a straight line, yet her hidden, bright blue eyes were wide, never resting on one person too long. The "girl-ish" muscles beneath the creamy colored skin on her arms seemed to be frozen, coiled up like she was waiting for a crazy person to jump from the trees with an ax.

When Ryu's voice was heard loud and seeming deeply in pain, Riley immediately stopped. She twisted around, almost stumbling in the abrupt movement. "AARGHH my head it feels like splitting!!" He had screamed out, causing her to wince inwardly. She took quick steps towards him, but stopped immediately as Zephyr got to him first. Of course. She watched him with a skeptical gaze, glancing away briefly when Ryu simply crumbled to the ground. Was he alright?! What had these people done to him? Was it their fault?? Questions binged around Riles's brain as she watched the man step towards a tree. What, was it time for his nap or something? Her eyes narrowed and she slunk back as the wind picked up, it bothering her to no end. She found herself slinging a hand through the air as if to smack away the wind. When she noticed this she quickly stopped however.

She listened to Zephyr with obvious disgust for unknown reasons, gaze of one of her collapsed friends. Would he be okay? One word struck Riley, causing her head to snap it the direction of the one speaking. 'Enemies'? Particularly our enemies. Her eyes seemed to glaze over, hands clenching into fists at her sides. They had enemies? When did that happen?? She gave a inaudible snort, eyes on the ground, wincing every once in awhile from the deep thunder and lightening. Don't speak to anyone. It was something Riles could do well. She looked back up in time to watch Zephyr disappear through the tree with Ryu and with the slight tightening of her jaw she gave a large stride and followed after.

It was most definitely dark. She didn't miss a beat once entering, however, simply kept on walking, following the sound of clumsy footsteps ahead. She figured they were Ryu's instead of the guy who was supposedly "helping them", Riley was still skeptical about the matter. She always was, and not one to trust easily at all. As she got into the room she paused for a split moment, taking in her surroundings pretty fast. Simple. She liked it, surprisingly enough.
Admiring the many types of weaponry that hung from the walls, she walked over to a secluded little corner across from the closet Zep was walking into. Her slim, rounded shoulders slid down the bare wall as she crouched down, pulling her knees to her chest, holding them there. Riley then rested her head upon her knees as she watched the others enter, yet her gaze was then focused on Ryu as a drop of some sort of liquid was poured into his mouth. What if it was poison?? A low, raspy sound started in Riles's chest but was cut short by her surprise. She brushed it off however, hidden blue eyes finding the floor. Her mouth was down turned like it was half the time. Most would think it was some pout, but it was a bit of a grimace.

She wanted to know where they were. Who these people were. How they knew their names, and How to get home, the place she belonged.. Or at least pretended to belong there.

Azrael brought up the rear of the group, pausing outside the tree for a few minutes after everyone had entered. Her silver gaze slowly slid over their surroundings, taking in each detail in a matter of seconds. Her fingers remained at the holster strapped firmly to her thigh, gently grazing over Biz's handle. Because of Zeph's little trick, the Lamentations would probably pick up a trace of them, making their time window of safety that much smaller. After scanning the perimeter once more to be sure she didn't miss anything, Azrael turned and disappeared into the tree to catch up with the others. Her boots moved silently across the ground in a naturally stealthy stride as she walked through the door and stepped into the dimly lit room. She moved out of the shadows quietly, as though she appeared out of thin air, and made her way across the room to the window seat that Ryu was resting in.

"We should be safe for a few hours. The storm should put them off for now. We need to move as soon as it clears." She adressed Zeph, speaking for the first time since they had found the Advent. Her voice was surprisingly soft and bounced off the walls of the small room in a light echo. She pulled a lighter from her boot and flicked it on as she leaned against the wall lazily. The flame reflected in her silver eyes as the warmth and glow from the new light caressed her cheeks and silvery hair. She flicked it on and off boredly as a small sigh escaped her lips. The room was almost completely silent except for the clicking of her lighter and the rhythmic patting of the rain against the window. After a moment, she flipped the lid of her lighter shut and dropped it back into her boot before shrugging away from the wall gracefully. Of all things, Rael hated being bored.

Her eyes jumped from one face to the other until her gaze met Zeph's. She shot him a look that only he could decipher as unenthused. She and Zeph had known each other for a long time, and it would probably be safe to say that he knew her more than most and understood her spite for boredom. She turned back to the other's and folded her arms across her chest, thinking a moment.

"So...any questions?" She asked, arching an eyebrow as her gaze made it's way around the room once again. If they were going to be stuck here for a while, they might as well get the explaining part out of the way.

A childish tune flitted around the air, the voice humming it fitting the hymn. It was one that Alva had heard a young girl singing and it had gotten stuck in her head. Of course the tune sounded much creepier than the originator had ever expected it to be, but it only made sense that it would. When Alva did something, even the most dull of things could turn eerie in mere seconds. But that was besides the point, the tune was a smooth one that was incredibly addictive. She couldn’t get it out of her head and in had bothered her in the beginning. Of course she had murdered the child in quite the gruesome way for irking her with the song which had soothed her a bit. But now it was four days later and the song was still constantly running through her head, it was bothering her a lot more that it should have for a normal person.

The harmony was cut short with a short whimper and Alva grinned, the tune all forgotten. Her little project was awake again, she hadn’t expected him to still be alive. The man had surpassed all others in his will to survive, something that excited her greatly. He was a special human specimen and perhaps she would let him live to serve her, he was already broken after all. She knew for a fact that is she let him live, he would be reduced to a babbling idiot; although he would still follow orders. Pain would make the strongest person into something more than docile and it was incredibly easy, not to mention amusing.

Alva danced over to him, the humming starting once more. She could see him cringe, something that told her that he still wasn’t brain dead, the man knew danger when he saw it. His sight made her giddy and she felt a thrill go through her body, she loved torturing him, he made the most unique noises. His naked body shivered from the chill that was probably shooting through him and she tilted her head, a small smile breaking out on her features. He was also quite the sight to look at, she wanted to show him off to the others, like a child would proudly show off their first place trophy. His flesh was burnt and bruised with small cuts along the whole of it, nothing deep enough to really prove fatal. The beatings had weakened him down along with her energy bolts and flame, something that continued to amuse her. He seemed to be constantly glistening with sweat and he was starting to smell of decay, something that she was more than used to. Blood pooled around him and his left eye was a pool of ichor, she had torn it out in the beginning, along with a sight that would make any male cringe. In between his legs, where his manhood was supposed to be, there was a neat scar where Alva had cut it off. His limbs shook out at awkward angles and his fingers and toes where mostly black from the lack of oxygen they got thanks to the tight cords wrapped around them. Neat holes were drilled into his head, sweat grossly dripping into them. The sight made her smile with glee.

She played with him for a bit, listening to the small symphony his screams where making, smiling each time a new one ripped from his body. Anyone other human wouldn’t be able to scream any longer after the torture this one had gone through but he kept on hanging one, yes, Alva quite liked this one. She worked tediously on him, almost going through an order of the torture she wanted to do for him, the humming growing louder and louder the longer she tortured him. It was lovely music to her ears and nothing would ever make her happier. But she got fed up easily and soon cleaned up, putting instruments away and so on. He was no fun to work on after he passed out which was becoming increasingly sooner each time. Oh well, she would soon make a decision with what she was going to do with him.

The harmony followed Alva away from the torture room somewhere in the massive lair and found herself skipping to the main room where Reno usually stayed. She enjoyed visiting with Reno just as much as she enjoyed visiting with Aspen, they were just like her, just like all of the other Lamentations. They enjoyed to murder things in the most grotesque and gruesome ways, it always proved to be amusing around them. Alva felt closest to those two out of most of the others, mainly because she had been out with them before fighting and had seen there work. The two of them were merciless and took no prisoners, just the way she liked doing things. They took the more painful route and sometimes even gave her permission to play with her targets before she offed with them, which made them the best people in her books.

She opened the doors to Reno’s room and immediately spotted the two of them chatting. She felt a sly smile grace her features, her sharp eyeteeth poking out from the smile. “The two of you are having a party and didn’t even think to invite me?” She asked, the smile soon turning into a fake pout before going into a giggle. She went to sit on a couch, her yellow eye darting back and fourth between both men, wanting to know what had been happening before she had arrived.

Reno could feel Alva's quickened pace. It was obvious she was skipping. She seemed happy and her heartbeat was to match. 
He whistled for a moment and Bruce's ears were raised and directed in his location before he was trotting to his master's side, the dogs long nails clacked against the black tiled floor. 
Both of the sets of eyes went to the door as the small girl flitted inside and sat down. 
Reno smirked and his fingers slid over the back rest as he circled once around the couch before he sat down next to her. 
"I was actually just wondering where you had gotten off to." He smiled, something rare given to another. But it fell fast. 
"I was just discussing the prophecy with Aspen, the idea of new Advent snooping around doesn't really excite me." He growled between his bared teeth, if he'd been an animal, his ears would have been pulled back completely. 
"It's almost as though I feel it is true. It makes me want to go out. It is raining, and I do greatly enjoy rain and such. It's so cold and inviting." He sneered and his eyes slid to the female placed next to him. 
"What do you think, darling?" He whispered in her ear. He pulled away to view her expression before pushing himself up again to squat in front of the German Shepard again, his nails scratching under his chin, the other hand scratching behind his ears. 
He really loved that dog.