Rethyn Jadgarus's Story

Grayson was dodging the vines in his own way, some bounced off the barrier he made, as did some of the spears that were coming from Peter, "really need to teach that boy to aim better." He offensive mechanism finally complete. He slightly turned to Kilia, "Protect her," was all he said, as suddenly he had completely vanished from sight as well. He had actually intermingle with the aura of the goddess, something he could usually do during a possession, he was looking from inside, looking for any weakness, and he was looking for her core. He was trying to distract her so the illusion would end, but he would have to find her center first.

Kilia watched Grayson with wide eyes as he told her to protect Julianna. Her heart slammed hard in her chest as she was suddenly left with that order and nothing else. He disappeared completely and she lurched forward with a slight cry for him. Slowly she looked over to the young girl and for a brief moment she only felt terrified at the sudden responsibility that she had been left with. After a moment, she pulled herself together and reached out for the girl. Wrapping her arms around Julianna, she held the girl, "Ill do everything I can," Kilia muttered.

Criea gave a soft growl as she felt the Guardian release himself into the very fabric of the illusion she had created, "Smart, but not clever enough," she said softly, "Perhaps you would enjoy some nicely woven dreams as well? The boys father is your Seer isn't he?" she hummed to herself with a kind of greed and pleasure only a God could commend, "I see, why don't you try harder to keep things from me, Guardian? Your like an open book," she laughed.

Grayson heard her words, but she would have to catch him first. "I've dealt with others like you," he said to her. "Don't think I will be that easy to scare." He realized that she was more complex though, as he she carried so many twists and turns it was easy to get lost. He thought one thing at a time though as he suddenly found a weak spot and attacked it.

Criea screeched loudly as he hit something. Her concentration slipped momentarily as she had been focused on slowly drowning the blonde haired Seer in a heat wave and weariness. With her slipped concentration, the entire illusion wavered, fluxing just enough to reveal the training room once. She gave a scream of rage and flooded the room with her power, twice as strong as it was before. The illusion resettled itself and the creatures that had been attacking, were far more furious this time around than they had been a moment before. Now they were hell bent on killing them all. Criea didn't relent either, pushing as much power as she possibly could into the created illusion and increasing the levels of her illusion forest. The cat screamed in rage to mimic her and thrashed about in a deadly rampage. It slammed into Graysons barrier several times, making Kilia wince in fear and once scream out because she was afraid it would break.

"You'll pay for that, with the lives of these ignorant little kids!" she hollered and weaved her magic to a more deadly potency.

Peter leaped onto the cat, and began to plunge as Many spears into its back as possible. "Leave them alone! Leave them alone Ya accursed wildcat of the Free Marches!!" Peter shouted in anger and rage all his own.

Jonathan didn't know what to do. In fact, he didn't think anyone other then Him and the Goddess heard. He felt like no one cared of his vow. No one cared that he'd throw his life away.

Tristan and Soran

Soran worked furiously, trying to create the weapon that he wanted to use to combat against whatever was in the forest with them. The sound echoed again and he cringed a second time. Glancing up briefly from his work, he backed up faster, hitting Tristan in his haste. Dragging the partially finished spell off the pad, it materialized in his hands. The rifle was large, heavy and he shouldered it without saying a word. Lifting it, he aimed the weapon and fired it off into the fog that was beginning to take an odd shape. The rifle shuddered against his shoulder as it recoiled. The air crackled with the explosion of power he had released into the air. The sound was loud, making him wince slightly. The weapon hissed and then disappeared from his hands. Soran hissed, "Damn it!" he knew it had been partially finished though, but the thing swirling around in the mist before him had startled him so badly that he had freaked out and took the weapon off way before it was ready.

Tristan watched Soran concern on his face, he also watched what was going on with the mist, "did it hit anything," his head was pounding from the sudden noise the gun made. So he wasn't making much sense, "god Soran I wish I could help...," he mumbled underneath his breath. He didn't think he had enough strength even to do the simplest of things and he was feeling useless.

"Fine..." Soran said, his voice shaking slightly, "Its fine, Tristan," he repeated a bit stronger than a moment before. Turning he faced the taller boy and eyed the wound carefully. Though his heart was pounding hard, he had to do something about the bleeding. Looking down at his shirt he tore at it, or tried to anyway. His hands were shaking too much to do anything to his shirt and he was panting slightly. Finally after a moment, he cursed again and removed it completely. Reaching up, he wrapped it around Tristan's shoulder, albeit a bit crudely, and tied it down hoping that would at least help, "Im sorry, Im not a medic or anything close to that," he said and turned to face the growing fog. It shifted eerily and moved around so quickly he couldnt follow it properly. He was starting to freak out a little bit, his shaking was proof of that. Opening his magic system he started again, "I usually do these kinds of things... illusions... but being in one... with no control over it... so much more terrifying," he admitted softly. He was trying to talk and keep his attention off of the growing threat that he could feel edging closer to them.

"Hey you repaying me for the job I did on your leg," Tristan was trying to ease the tension from the other seer, as his also could feel the threat getting closer. "Maybe that is the idea, somehow gain control...an illusion usually is just a trick of the eye most of the time." Damn was he rambling, he didn't think he was anything that made sense. Where was the Goddess, why hadn't she reappeared.


Soran's gaze grew wide and he paused, in the middle of trying to construct yet another weapon. Turning, he looked up at Tristan with wide eyes, "God... I love you," he said and turned back to the system. Scratching the original plan of making another weapon, he started on something else entirely, "Fire with fire... er... illusions with illusions, I guess," he said a bit of a laugh falling from his lips. The eerie sound of something moving in the fog caught his attention again and he froze before shaking his head and trying to ignore it. Breathing heavily he closed his eyes for a moment, "not real, not real," he muttered to himself and worked on the pad. The air moved, cold against his skin and he cringed slightly. "Not real..." he said again, but as he said it he gasped and fell forward, hitting the tree in front of him. Sliding down to his knees, he groaned slightly, making soft sounds of pain. Across his shoulder blade were four long cuts, "Okay... maybe its a little real," he moaned.

"Soran," Tristan called out the other fell, "I've really had enough," again despite hurting his magic system opened, "Angry birds...," well why the hell not, he couldn't think anymore. Suddenly the air filled with these weird looking birds, squawking about. They attacked whatever it was in front of them. They all carried little weapons of their own, some had swords and some had spears. It was mostly a distraction as Tristan bent as best he could to grab Soran, "Finish your spell, and hurry that won't work for long."

Hissing a bit as Soran was helped back up, he nodded his head a bit, "Okay," he offered then glanced around them to see what it was that Tristan said wouldn't last long. He lifted an eyebrow as he watched the weird birds floating around attacking the fog. Was there a sling shot around too? Soran bit his lower lip, he would have laughed had the situation been different, "Angry Birds? Really?" he did give a soft giggle, though. Turning back to his magic system, he continued on the system. His fingers built and rebuilt several aspects of the spell, piling them all a top each other. Sweat was beginning to form on his forehead as he worked, was it getting hotter? He panted slightly, growing weary unusually quickly. His vision wavered slightly as he tried to focus on the pad, "Tristan...Cant... concentrate," he panted. Then, for a brief moment, it lifted and his energy returned. Taking a sudden deep breath he was confused as to what had just happened. Looking up to the red haired Seer, he watched him for a moment, "That was... odd," he said, "I... feel better again," glancing around he noted that some of the fog had shimmered as well and for a single brief moment, the illusion flickered out to show the training room before establishing itself again.

"Tristan... whose doing that?" he asked and then the fog pulled back together and attacked with a vengeance. Soran cursed, covering his face as best he could and feeling long scratches rip across his arms and exposed back. He frantically worked at the pad once more, hissing in pain.

"Grayson..." Tristan whispered, he had witnessed the trick before, a long time ago. He however was distracted as the fog attacked Soran, He suddenly moved Soran in back of him, and the floating flame was now in front of them. He knew that the blond seer might be angry at him later, but in truth, he couldn't pull anymore off his magic system. "Just work...," he said through gritted teeth.

"Tristan!" he yelled and turned to face the boy, but decided against wasting too much time. The best thing he could do right then was to finish his spell. It was probably the last thing he could do for the day having used the system quite a few times already. Trying not to let the situation bother him too much, he worked diligently, fixing things that were wrong and adding to the complex spell, "I'm almost done, Tristan, almost done. I'm sorry, sorry it takes me so long, bear with it a little longer please, just stay with me," he started begging and quickly tried to finish the spell. He gasped in a deep breath of air as he finished the spell, "Done!" he shouted and dragged it off the pad.


Releasing it, the magic did nothing at first and Sorans heart nearly stopped. Then there was a ripple across Crieas entire illusion. Soran glanced around as the forest turned into his own creation. That of a brighter, greener forest with no fog or creatures to speak of. He breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Tristan, "Hey... I did it. Tris-" his illusion shattered and he winced slightly. With a shudder that filled his entire frame, he felt as if he was being invaded by something very powerful. He couldn't breathe, couldnt move or speak. His small frame dropped to the ground where he writhed as the goddess took over.

Peter felt a sudden urge, "She got to Soran! I gotta get to him! But ho-?!" Peter suddenly stopped and realized. "Light bulb. Alright pussy cat! Ride like the wind, I got a Seer to save! Hyaaa!" He stuck a spear into the cat's hindquarters. But he landed on his own spear. "Yeow me Backside!!!" Peter stood up sharply and turned to Soran and readies his spear and then hurls it at Soran.

Jonathan meanwhile was still standing in shock. The goddess rejected his challenge...he wasn't sure if Kilia heard his declaration or no. But he felt his heart shatter. Jonathan still wanted to do what he had just vowed to do, but he felt so shaken from Criea's scoff and the possibility of Oni's reaction. "He has no real power then.." He tried to say shaking. "Your Master is nothing but a power hungry Tyrant! I'll dethrone him after I make him do what I vow! I'll get all the lives he's taken back! You hear?!!"

Jonathan fell to his knees. "I'll.....get her back...I'll do it, I'll get her back. I need her to smile again..." His cheek started to bleed from the earlier cut.

Kilia watched Robin with wide eyes. She was still holding Julianna, but the room had finally changed back to its original state as the Goddess's power was outdone by something else and then eventually shattering completely to put them all back in the training room. Her heart hammered in her chest as she knelt there with the other girl, still behind Grayson's barrier.

"Robin..." she muttered softly.

Grayson felt a shift inside, she had decided to possess one of the seers. He could feel it, that weakened the rest of her illlusion. He could rip it apart and then they would only have to deal with her. "Sorry," he said to the others, as his aura expanding just to deal with the illusion itself.

Tristan watched in horror Soran fell to the ground. What could he do, the fog was still coming. Then slowly it dissipated, "Oh thank god," he mumbled. He then stumbled away from Soran, and fell to the floor as he saw Peter with his fire spear coming. His was sort of hoping for some mircle to happen at that moment, because he didn't think there was much they could do once the goddess was free.


Just as the gun fired the door to the training room shattered, an energy ball had taken it off its hinges. In front of the girls a wall of ice appeared. Alauric stood there, working his magic pad with fury in his eyes. "You messed with the wrong person's family, you damn bitch." His spells fired off fire balls as a speed that she would have to dodge rather quickly to miss. He was trying to distract her so Soran's guardian could deal with the possession.


Peter prepared another spear as Alauric distracted Creia. Smirking he finally took this opportunity to aim and then throw the spear At Soran's back.

Criea ground her teeth as the older Seer launched a barrage of fire at her. She would have allowed them to hit her, but the vessel she occupied wasn't strong enough to keep it from harming her as well. So she dodged, weaving out of each ball of fire's range. Unfortunately she was unable to fire the weapon either. Concentrating on the attack in front of her, she missed the one coming from behind. It was a terrible downfall of having possessed a human. Had she been outside of his body, neither one of them would have touched her.

The spear ran through Soran, slowing down as it starting through his chest to exit his frame and take the goddess with it. Soran felt himself coming back and Criea losing her hold. But she wasn't going without a fight and her last action shocked and terrified him. His hand raised up, releasing the gun so that it disappeared. He knew the target just as she released the magic.

"Ki...llia," he tried to say, but his voice was cracked as she was still attached to him. Kilia gasped as she fell away from Julianna, her hands flying to her throat to grasp something that was invisible to the eye, but not to Soran. She winced, trying to breath as Criea tightened her grip. Soran fought back, his entire frame straining to hold back the goddess that was intent on breaking the girls neck.

Jonathan struggled with his own will to rush for Kilia to try and reach her, desperate to not lose the one thing left in his whole world. He wouldn't bear the weight of his own guilt for much longer.

He winced inwardly as he pulled on the power that held Kilia tightly. The struggle was long and he was burning, "S-sorry, Kilia," he managed and shifted Criea's hold from Kilia's throat to her shoulder. His own arm gave an audible snap as Kilia screamed in pain too. The pink haired Seer crumpled, probably unconscious from having the goddess's hand suddenly tearing at her shoulder.

The spear finally managed to grip Criea and pull her free. Soran dropped, panting heavily and hardly moving.

Criea glowered at them, stepping backwards as she was thinking through her options. Her head turned slightly as if listening to something and she openly growled in anger, "Fine," she mumbled. Without another word, she faded from sight.

With her fading so did too her barriers as Rethyn finally felt the one around him break down and fade away. Sprinting over to Tristan he stopped just behind his seer as the emotions seen through his eyes were wild with fear for him. One of the worst feelings he had ever had begun to eat at him.

Grayson materilized back in form and fell to the ground by the girls, the barrier had faded as did the ice. He was looking at Kilia, "hold on." He barely got a whisper out before he fainted. Alauric survyed the mess around him, "Anyone that can still walk, we need to get the injured to their rooms." His priority was Tristan as he noticed the wound on his shoulder had bleed through Soran's shirt. He went over and pulled the shirt back. At least the cut was clean through and didn't hit bone. It would probably leave a scar. "This is going to hurt," he said as a knife materialized in his hand, the blade had already had been heated up as he needed to stop the bleeding. The sizzle of skin could be heard as well as Tristan crying out.

Jonathan walked to Kilia and picked her up In his arms and was about to carry her off to her room. "Let's go.." He muttered as he started walking.

Tristan looked at his father from a second, before his eyes went to Soran, "Dad...Soran, is he going to be ok."

Alauric looked at the other seer, "I think you guys are all going to make it."

Soran flinched at the sound of Tristan's voice when his father cartorized the wound in his shoulder. Shifting very slightly, he moved his head enough to look towards them. He couldn't help the small grin that played on his lips as Tristan asked if he would be okay, "I'm... alright...you're worse," he managed to say as he rested his head on the floor again. With a groan he looked over to where Kilia had been, "Kilia?" he asked with a touch of guilt in his voice.

Julianna had been looking at the girls injury and finally spoke, "She had only dislocated her shoulder, I will go and see if Robin needs any help." Julianna had been scared but she had not been injured thanks to both Grayson and Kilia. She smiled at her father so he wouldn't worry for the moment. She left the room soon after. Alauric glanced over at the pile of man that was his guardian, who was not only sleeping, but he was also snoring loudly. He had to chuckle for a second, "Peter can you help Soran, its looks like its you and me." He picked Tristan up and was watching the other just in case he might need help.

"Aye Sir!" Peter said as he picked up Soran. "Let's go little buddy." Peter then walked with Soran out of the training room.

Rethyn had moved so he stood just behind Tristan. He now felt a new sort of frustration he had never felt before in his first life or second. It was if he failed his natural duty, he couldn't protect his seer. "Damn those barriers!" Rethyn thought to himself as he looked down to the ground. If he could only break through them! He knew he could have diced that bitch into pieces if he could only get mobile.

Then the question tore at him. How did she know? She never even lost focus on his barrier for a moment. Did she already know of his abilities or had she just kept him off to the side to find out later? It didn't matter, he was useless during the battle. He needed a way to overcome this disadvantage.

Unusual to his nature, Rethyn gently opened the door to the training room as he walked inside. Usually the young man would just teleport into rooms he pleased, but he knew it was something the others didn't like too much. He would have to try to improve on that over time, but he held no promises as of yet.

"Grayson?" Rethyn said into the room after a long pause. At first he didn't seem to see the guardian. Tilting his head for a moment, Rethyn sighed lightly before walking over to the wall. He would just have to wait for the man it seemed. He could of sworn he heard him down the hall, but Rethyn began having doubts as he still had yet seen the man.

The man in question had probably not gotten enough sleep from the day before, yet he actually got scolded himself for stretching himself out. Alauric had to remind him that he was out of it, no one would be there to protect him. He hadn't been thinking, just worried all around for the others in the room. If anything had happened...well he put that thought out of his head. He sighed as he went back upstairs, understanding that Rethyn wanted to speak to him about something.

He walked through the open door and saw the other, "You wanted to see me," he said.

"Yeah." Rethyn replied. "I need your help." As much as Rethyn didn't want to show weakness, this wasn't about him, it was about Tristan and the promise he made to him.

Getting off from the wall, Rethyn walked over to Grayson as his face did not seem as cold as it once was. Something about Rethyn was different as the eyes of the young man had lost their edge and stand offish nature they once held. Extending out his blade he asked evenly "Do you know if there's a way to make this able to cut through barriers? I cannot help my seer if the enemy has me locked down. Even if can't do that is there a way you can show me how to be more effective against these kinds of foes?"

Grayson eyed the sword Rethyn was giving him, somehow knowing and he slightly grinned. "I can work a spell yes, but I am guessing Tristan gave you that...or perhaps did something drastic with it..." he started to chuckle. "Damn that boy..." he sighed. "Sit, let me work on this spell and give you a small history lesson as well." He didn't know if Rethyn would be up for such a thing, but he had to be careful, he still wasn't a hundred percent and the spell would take longer than usual.

With a small nod uncommon words came from Rethyn. "Thank you, Grayson." With that he dropped down as he sat in front of Grayson. "So, what's this history lesson?" He asked with a tilted head. "Is it going to help me defeat the enemy?"

Leaning into his palms at his sides, Rethyn was curious. Was Grayson going to teach him a great weakness of the gods? Or was this to just pass the time?

Grayson sat down, pulling off a starter spell and would build up from there, "It could," he said as a glow extended in front of him. "That isn't an ordinary sword you hold in your hands, it once belonged to an guardian a long time ago. One who didn't really want to be a guardian in the first place, but well he didn't really have a choice in the matter." He stopped as the glow got a little bit bigger, Kinda like many of us have a choice in the matter, he thought to himself.

"His seer was a great magic user, strong, confident...a little full of herself. A trait that runs through her family as it is," he chuckled slightly at that. "She would go out looking for gods to challenge...well cause that is what she wanted to do, and well he didn't have any choice but to follow her."

"Anyways," he continued after a moment of concentration.

The story held Rethyn as he was able to connect to it. He wanted to ask the guardian's name, but he didn't want to interrupt Grayson as he told the story. Eyeing the sword several times he took notice of its glow but held back asking about it. It would be done when it was done. A small grin caught him at the girl challenging gods with the blade. She must of been very skilled.

Grayson had to recollect a memory, "Powerful gods exist in every time, some more powerful in this generation than the next. The god of death found out about this puny human challenging gods. He decided he was going to put an end to her."

Rethyn blinked. "What?" He thought to himself. Shaking his head at Grayson he couldn't be serious. Trying his best to cover up his obvious knowing of this particular god Rethyn asked Grayson "The god of death?" However, his tone seemed a little shaky which meant that either he was lying very well or was just caught in the story.

Grayson paused a tilted his head slightly, "Ah well...ok if you want me to get technical, every religion has a god of death don't they. There can be more then one, it just depends on how you look at it. Yet the god of death...yeah that would be a horrible thing to come upon this earth. Lets call him a minion closely related to death." Grayson had an idea the Rethyn was asking because of some knowledge he particalarly had, but Grayson wasn't going to ask.

"Well...this minion decided that he had enough of the stupid challenges...and well he was going to outright kill the seer. They met at the outskirts of a town, and for days the battle raged. And well it didn't bode well for the area either cause, well when a battle ensues, there seems little care for others." Grayson didn't really sound he cared for that last part.

"The seer and her guardian had finally hit their last legs, and it looked like perhaps the god was going to have his victory. He made one mistake...he actually underestimated the will of human beings. He had the seer corned, bleeding, and down on her knees. She was refusing to beg for her life, instead taunting him, trying to provoke him into killing her. He didn't see her guardian, who had nothing left. He caused a moment distracting that let the seer plunge her blade into the minions heart."

He chuckled slightly..."yeah well human blade against a god, we know that doesn't really work for the most part. He pulled the blade from his chest threw it to the ground. Yet the seer had pulled a spell from magic system that was unexpected. The god began to crack from the inside, she had actually given him feelings. For a god whose only purpose is to destroy...feelings are the greatest weapons. I don't know how she did it, so don't ask me. She supposedly marked the blade with her spell, and gave it to her son when he became seer."

Under his mask Rethyn grinned at Grayson and his tale. So, the blade before him was indeed one to be respected for it did great things. Standing up and arching his back, Rethyn stretched out for a moment and yawned a little. It had been a good tale, it hit a little close to home though on Rethyn. For a moment he had been a little off-guard, but for now he was playing it all as news to him. "Thank you for the history there Grayson." Rethyn said lightly "I shall keep that in mind as I carry on this blades duty to Tristan's family."

"One more thing...,"Grayson looked at him

"Hmm?" Rethyn looked to Grayson.

"A promise on that weapon is a debt not to be forgotten, it will always stand between the people who make it. Even if it is something that one has regrets about, something that at times you wish to break...it stands." His voice became serious but something was behind that, it was as if he knew what happened the other night. "Now it's done, it will help you break the barriers you wish to break, if you ever feel the spell wearing off, bring it to me. It won't last forever, but it will at least last for awhile."

Rethyn tilted his head at Grayson. He begun to ask questions to himself silently. Had Grayson been watching him and Tristan? If so that would mean Grayson knew about him and saw him in that moment of weakness. Doing his best to not dwell on what could of been so, Rethyn gave a slow nod to Grayson after a painfully long pause. "Thank you Grayson, I shall remember your words and hold up the honor of this blade as well as the honor of my word."

Grayson nodded in return, now a little tired after the spell. "Now excuse me, I need a nap," he said getting up and quietly leaving the room.

After Grayson had left the room Rethyn stood alone. Smiling under his mask he said the words to himself. "Thank you, friend." Balling up his hands, Rethyn felt an excitement of which he had not felt since his first life. Besides his own seer perhaps he made a friend.

Later that night

"Alauric!" Soran called, trying to find the man as he moved quickly through the house. This was important! It was imperative! It was.... Soran rounded a corner and promptly hit the side of the wall without thinking, "Ow!! Damnit! Who put that there!" he yelled in frustration but blushed because he knew the wall actually belonged there, "Alauric! I need to talk to you, er... well I need to talk to everyone but..." now he was mumbling to himself.

A door opened in another hallway, "Fuck...," apparently someone stubbed his toe, "Whose calling my name," Alauric's voice came from nearby, he could be heard walking fast down the hallway. He stopped abruptly as he almost ran into Soran, "Soran do you know what time it is," he said with a serious tone, "You almost gave me a heart attack."

He stumbled a bit, "Ah, shit- I mean... crap, uh... crap... Sorry Alauric," he stuttered, "I-I know what time it is, Im really sorry, I would have come sooner but I was.... umm," his face immediately went bright red. Shaking his head furiously he cleared his throat, "A-anyway! I need to talk to everyone and you especially. You see, I was just about to get some sleep and then I had this idea and it woke me up and now I cant sleep. Alauric, I want to go to that town. The one that we... saw the other night."
Alauric yawned, "Well let me listen, and we can fill everyone else in the morning, is that okay"

Soran nodded eagerly, "Yeah, okay. Well, here let me start with this," he swiped open his magic system and pulled off what he had been working on just moments before rushing out of Tristan's room, "here, its a communication device for us," in his hand dropped a slender looking device with a single hook on it and an ear bud. Extending down from the earbud was the slender microphone, "I modified it so that only people who have it from my system can use it and we can all contact each other. I... don't know the range on it yet or if it works under ground or in concrete buildings. Which is one reason why I want to go to that destroyed town. It would be perfect to test these. The other reason I want to go is because I want to test something else. When I was working on my illusion yesterday after the attack and over took Criea's, she completely shattered mine and I felt it. Something like that has never happened before. I want to see if I cant trace something like that with my system. Almost like a residue of sorts left behind when a God or Goddess cast particularly powerful spells. So... I wanted to see if I could do that." he finally finished explaining, and for the briefest moment realized exactly what it was he was saying. He glanced up to Alauric and prayed the man wouldn't yell at him.

"Ok so, let me repeat what you are saying, you created a communication device...which I do see the usefulness in that, but the other thing...you want to trace a goddess' spell. Why, where do you think it will actually lead."

Soran reached up and scratched at his cheek a bit, looking away from the older Seer, "Umm, well. I thought that if I could trace it, then I could detect it before they ever sneak up on us again like they keep doing, those rat bastards... I mean!" Soran flushed and looked back up at Alauric with a small, hopefully, innocent smile, "Its just a starting point really. If I can trace it, then I can detect it, but I have to trace it first."

Alauric stood there he was really thinking about what Soran was saying, knowing when the 'rat bastards' were coming was an advantage. Yet, "I really don't know Soran, its risky, and sending you or anyone for that matter."

Soran swallowed dryly, "Funny thing was, I was originally going to go do this myself, probably with Peter to tag along, but I think Tristan would probably have my as- butt on a hot plate, and that wouldn't be fun really. Um, don't tell him that was my original plan he will kill me for sure. So, then I thought that maybe all of us together would be alright. A-and we could have Tristan and Grayson use that one spell they did to see the place. We could see if any Gods or anything are there. If not, then... we would be alright."

Alauric looked at Soran for a second, the kid had a good idea. "We will be more exposed out there," he said, "maybe that can be helped someway. Can we discuss this with the others though before a final decision is made."

"Y-yeah! So... in the morning then... Okay, thank you Alauric and... sorry for waking you, Ill try not to do that often," he said with a faint blush.

"Yeah, yeah...," he muttered as he turned back to his bedroom, "you should get some more rest as well."

That Morning

Kilia yawned. It was so early. Why were they up early again? Oh yeah... Soran wanted to tell us something she reminded herself and made her way to the training room with Johnathan in tow. Making her way up to the second floor of the Belvedere home, she mumbled to herself about wanting peaches. She was hungry and something sweet and juicy was exactly what she was in the mood for. Opening the door to the room, she spotted most of the gang there already. Soran was just about bouncing as he was waiting for everyone. How the hell does he have so much energy right now? she complained to herself. Kilia wasnt a morning person in the lest. Taking a seat on the floor she stretched and yawned.

"Ah man, Soran, why so early?" she complained, puffing up her cheeks a bit.

"Sorry," he said with a smile, "I couldnt wait any longer," he glanced over to Tristan before looking around the room, "Ill start when everyone is here."

"And what was it you couldn't wait for any longer?" Jonathan asked very bluntly. He was blunt in the morning. Always was. Always will be. But that didn't stop something from slapping the back of his head.

"Rise and shine Jonny boy!" Damian shouted at him. He was walking to an elusive spot So that he was within earshot of the two so he could make signals and suggestions to them.

Kilia saw the ghost from the corner of her eye and she couldnt help the laugh that escaped her, "Well, what a wake up call there Robin," she grinned.

Alauric and Grayson were standing against the wall, Alauric had already filled in his guardian on what was happening, and told Soran since it was his idea he would have the floor. Tristan though didn't really look that happy for some odd reason. He wanted to go back to bed...for more then one reason.

Standing a little ways away from his Seer, Rethyn stood with his sheathed sword between his arms. He had not exactly had his night like shift end just yet and seemed wide away still. Glancing over at his Seer he took notice of the look upon his face but didn't say anything about it. Looking to the rest of the group he said "Morning everyone."

"It's not A good Mornin laddie...." Peter said, half dragging himself to the room. "Soran, what kakamane scheme did ya come up with now little buddy??"

Jonathan looked at Kilia and whispered softly. "Don't acknowledge him, he'll only cause more antics and make us look crazy talking to him." Damian was chuckling at the reactions Kilia gave him as he prepared for his usual eavesdropping thing.

Sorans face flushed, "L-little! Im not little! Wait... never mind thats not the point," he stuttered, his voice cracking just a bit as it squeaked slightly, "A-anyway. Sorry for the early morning. I was up all night," he coughed hard, face a brilliant red.

"It's okay to be little." Rethyn interjected before going quiet again. His attempts at social interactions were very much so lacking.

Soran turned to him and opened and closed his mouth, unsure of how to take that, "I-I... oh fine, whatever. Anyway! On topic here!" Soran said, desperately trying to keep things off of his small size though he was blushing furiously once more and seemingly cursing himself. Kilia tried to keep her giggling to herself as she nodded to Jonathan in regards to ignoring Damian.

Soran cleared his throat and opened his magic system. Pulling off the item he had created the night before he showed it to everyone.

"This is a communications device, like a radio except it only works with others like this one from my system. No one else can tap into or listen in to its frequency because its directly linked through my magic system, which is really next to impossible to hack into," he grinned a bit as he showed the little device, "Now. The only things I don't know about it are the range and if it works in concrete buildings or underground or anything like that. I have two proposals," he started off great, but then slowed down. He was desperately trying not to look at Tristan or Alauric for that matter.

"I... need to test these and I wanted to test them at the destroyed city that we had seen. The other reason I want to go there is because the other day during the fight with Criea, when she broke my system I sort of felt her power and I want to see if I can trace a Gods power. If I can trace it, then I can build a system off of that to detect it."

"Jonathan...Jonathan! Bail out! Bail out! Bad idea! No go!" Damian started wheezing out in lowered whispered like stances.
"Would it be possible for me to take one teleport into the city, test it, then teleport back here?" Rethyn asked.

"Or better yet, test it in the Backyard into the woods for a few miles. Also, to the second proposal, are you out of your mind? We can't risk anyone's safety on something that could potentially kill any of us trying to get something as ambitious as a Radar." Jonathan said in a manner of a debating tone.

"Oh sure, like going toe to toe with big bad Oni to try and restore lives lost wasn't a stupid idea Laddie?" Peter said in a peeved tone. He hadn't had Anything to eat and was becoming extremely crabby at the nearest person he saw. Namely at the moment, Jonathan.

Alauric looked at the people in the room, and sighed. So many different attitudes...it was a bad thing. He looked at his son for second...Tristan was being extremely quiet.

Rethyn's tone shifted in annoyance. "If I am correct Soran here said he wanted it to go in the city, not the woods. And to defend my "insane" point, you don't seem to realize how fast I can preform this act. My max range of distance is roughly around two miles. I could flash in, test two words into the device and flash back here. But you know, don't listen to me I am crazy." Rethyn rolled his eyes.

Soran raised up his hand shaking his head a bit, "Alright alright, damn. Rethyn, though you do have a point, I already know for a fact they wont work at that distance. That city, town, whatever, is like four hours from here, thats too far. And, Jonathan, though the idea of testing the distance in the forest is great, what I need to test is concrete buildings and things like that. A city is the perfect setting"

"Then you may leave me out of it. I will not risk it just to test communications and pull off a suicide mission. Even if one idea is better then the other." Jonathan said. "And tell your guardian keep his nose out of MY affairs."

"Alright fine...the hell?" Soran was caught off guard at the request.

"Oh, oh your affairs is it hero?" Peter retorted as he began to circle around Jonathan. "Your Affairs? I'm sorry about this but you're out of Line boyo with me. Dont piss me off either. I can lick you any day, anytime!"

Jonathan swiftly punched him in the jawline sending Peter back a ways. "Bad mistake Boyo." Peter muttered.

Soran sighed heavily and glanced over to Alauric, "A little help please," he mouthed.

Alauric sighed again, and nodded toward his guardian, Grayson grinned slightly as he put himself between the boys, "Either one of you two move again, you will be shut inside a barrier all day, except for your hands, which I will glue together. Let the boy finish..please."

"Thank you," Soran sighed, "Maybe should have waited till after breakfast," he muttered to himself as he ran a hand through his hair, "Well if no one else is willing, than Ill just do it myself which was the original idea-" he shut up real quick then and coughed
hard, "I-I will do it. It wont take me long anyway. I just need a few things," he continued a bit louder than before, "And we can always look at the area too using that spell you and Grayson used the other day," Soran waved his hand at Tristan but didn't look at him, "To see if anything is there, like another God or something. If there isn't anything there then I can go and do this real quick. It will be easy and Ill be back by the end of the day."

Alauric knew that Soran going alone was a bad idea, "Kilia...do you have an opinion," he asked out of curiosity, he wanted to hear what everyone had to say

Peter glowered at Jonathan who only stared back in an almost calm relaxed manner. "You and me Boyo, after Breakfast." Peter stated angrily.

"If you insist." Jonathan said calmly.

Kilia barely caught Alaurics words through the other two boys. She stood up and glowered at Jonathan for a moment, "Good god, you two, knock it off," she said and walked between them to better se Alauric and Soran, "Well... I have to admit it’s really dangerous and I really don’t know if it’s worth the risk. On the other hand, being able to tell when a God is coming before it comes could really help a lot. We have been struggling lately against them because they tend to pop up on us without any warning. Especially the stronger ones. They have been getting through the barrier with ease these days, which has me worried," she tapped her lip gently as she watched Soran who looked relieved that at least one person was on his side for the moment.

Shrugging she looked over to Alauric, "If he goes, I am going. You’ll need someone who can heal should something happen. But I insist on looking at the place first before we even go. Or!" she brightened up as if an idea had struck her, which it had, "Rethyn! How many people can you teleport at once? I mean, if we check it out from here, make sure it’s clear, and then have Rethyn teleport some of us there, we could have this done even faster than driving out there."

Soran mentally thanked Kilia a million times, but he was worried about Tristan out of all of them. He hadn’t said a word yet and that was scary in and of itself.


Jonathan raised an eyebrow at Kilia's proposal but he then sighed with relief at the amendments she made to the plan to make it quick and efficient. "That's my Girl." He muttered to himself in an almost praiseworthy manner.

"Wait... Are you?? You're sweet on the girl!!!" Peter said in slight surprise.

Alauric shook his head, before he turned to Rethyn, he looked to where his son was supposed to be...when had Tristan left and no one noticed. "Um...well Rethyn, I guess that leaves the questions that Kilia asked you, which I am kind of curious about myself."

This is resting on you Rethyn, Soran thought frantically as Alauric called for his attention to the matter. It wasn’t until that moment that he noticed Tristan’s absence from the room. His chest experienced a heavy pressure then as if something heavy were sitting on him. Soran swallowed dryly wondering where the other boy had gone and what he was thinking. It couldn’t have been good. Soran frowned as he looked down at the floor, flipping the little device between his fingers unconsciously while he stood there. Tristan... you’re not mad are you? Maybe... God I hope he isn’t. This is going to be hard to deal with, he was a bit lost in thought then.

Rethyn's eyes shifted to Kilia as the question was asked. He never thought about teleporting them along with him. Thinking about the question he lowered his chin for a moment as dipped off into thought. A moment later he looked back to her as he said "I can take just about everyone here. My distance will be reduced however, and only after a few teleports my energy will be sapped faster. However, if I were to take a smaller group it wouldn't be as strenuous." Rethyn breathed gently through his mask as he finished with. "If I go to hard I will lose consciousness, my body would have to be watched over...I would prefer that not to happen."

Kilia nodded, "Well then. Like I said, I will go if Soran is going, which I think he is. In that case, we won’t all go. Only a few of us. How many exactly, Rethyn?" Kilia asked, watching him as she held her chin between a few fingers, an arm over her chest with the other settled atop it.

Rethyn brought his fist to the chin of his mask as he thought again. "I would have to say three would be the best number of people. It would be hard, but I can manage that number."

Kilia smiled gently, "Alright, well then I think it’s decided. Me, you, Soran and Tristan...." she looked around the room, "Who isn’t here... damn. Alright, someone has to go tell him," she said, her gaze leaning over to Soran who blushed furiously.

"Yeah yeah, I’ll tell him," the blonde Seer said. Kilia smiled and nodded. Looking to Alauric, there was one last person to get permission from.

"So, what do you say Alauric? Or is this up to us for now?"

Alauric looked at the floor for a second, not really knowing if he liked this idea or not, "I say give it go..."

"Alright. Then it’s settled for sure," Kilia nodded. Soran gave a sigh as he felt a slight bit of tension release.

Soran left the room like everyone else did, he had to find Tristan, one to figure out why he left and two to tell him that he was going with them to the city. Rushing down the stairs he wondered where it was the boy had gone to. His heart pounded hard as he bit his lip.

Kilia turned to the two boys still seemingly glaring at each other as if they wanted to tear each other apart, "Really?" she asked in a sharp tone, one hand up on her hip, "This early in the morning?" With a roll of her eyes she stormed past them to go down to the kitchen, "Well, I’m making something to eat, you two hot heads can either come eat with me or take your stupid squabble outside," she said and gave Jonathan a meaniful look before she disappeared down the stairs.

Bringing a hand to the back of his neck, Rethyn rubbed it gently as he walked over to one of the chairs to take a seat. His night shift sleeping pattern was almost up as the daylight was coming. Dropping his head back he wanted to sleep, but he was worried that someone would take his mask from his face. He was trying to give more trust but it was hard. He couldn't, he wasn't ready yet.

Jonathan looked at Kilia's retreating figure and calmly walked to follow her. "Coming Kilia!" he said as he hurried. Peter sighed as his own stomach grumbled as he silently agreed with his own stomach and ran like a fire. Peter can have plenty of time to fight the upstart later.

Jonathan managed to catch up with Kilia At the bottom of the stairs. "Sorry about that honey... He was asking for a punch to his face." Jonathan explained calmly trying to not anger her further.

"I'd say that meeting went a little well. Nice save there Missy by minimizing time and risk." Damian said keeping his pace with the two. "Jonny boy, nice left hook. Let's see if that upcoming sparring session does anything useful later on though. Speaking of sparring I interrupted your moment while asking...did Darion rough ya up some?"

"Let's get off that party wagon before too many questions are raised on that session." Jonathan muttered in total embarrassment. "Didn't have time to explain to Kilia that yet." Jonathan flushed red at the thought of it. How would he tell her he had to fight against the ghost of Damian's mortal enemy the other night??


Soran, in the meantime, knocked on the door to Tristan’s room, hoping he was there. If he wasn’t he was going to have to scour the entire house for him.

From inside the room it was safe to say Tristan had been sulking, and thinking, and then sulking. When he heard the knock though his heart went in a rapid motion. "Go away," was his first response, still to mad at Soran.

Soran sucked in a sharp breath, his head raising to look at the door in shock, eyes wide. Hurt crossed his features as he bit his lower lip and turned a full circle before he opened his mouth and leaned against the door, "Tristan... I’m sorry. What are you mad about? Did I... say something?" he asked, though he was almost a hundred percent sure he knew what it was.

The door suddenly opened, "What the fuck, Soran...," Tristan looked at with anger in his eyes, "Don't play stupid and naive now, you know exactly why I am angry." He didn't want everyone to hear this conversation though, "Come in, close the fucking door after you do." He walked back over to his bed and threw himself on it.

Soran gasped as the door opened for him. What met him though, wasn’t the nice, sweet Tristan he was used to. This was the Tristan he had seen the very first night they had met, except now the red haired boys anger was directed at him. Soran couldn’t speak, he couldn’t find his voice as he stared at the other, speechless and shaking slightly. As the other Seer retreated into the room, he followed slowly, his footsteps like lead, and closed the door. He pressed himself against it, staring at the floor unsure of what to say. "Tristan... I..." his voice was soft as he stood there, "Sorry. I won’t go alone, I promise."

Tristan looked at him slightly in disbelief, "What...that is what you thought I was mad about, and yes I know you won't fucking go alone, I am going with you, and you can't say anything about it." Tristan sighed trying very hard to calm himself down, "I really thought you trusted me, yet you couldn't tell me any of this last night. And don't think I didn't notice you missing, that sort of hurt you know. You went to my Dad before everyone else...even me." Tristan was just a mess of emotions at the moment, he didn't know what to say to the other.

"Tristan..." Soran gasped. Wow... I was sooo wrong he thought to himself, "I-I’m so sorry... I... honestly thought you were asleep... after all that," he scratched at his cheek, blushing again, "Tristan... I didn’t mean to leave you out, I really didn’t," he said and stepped away from the door. He knelt down next to the bed and put his arms up on it where he propped up his head, "Tristan?"

"Soran..." Tristan was ready to forgive the other, he had been since the knock on the door, but he wasn't have a hard time saying the words, "I need to know that you are actually going to let me in on things before running into danger. I told you last night...I want to protect you in everything."

Sorans gaze grew soft, he felt the threatening burn of tears as he knelt there, "Sorry, Tristan. I didn’t mean to blindside you. I really wasn’t thinking about it like that. I promise that from now on you will be the very first person I talk to about anything, okay?"

"Oh god...did I sound that selfish," Tristan was trying to figure out if he wanted to laugh or cry, "Soran, I am sorry...you were right with you said I was possessive, god I can't even think straight when you are around, what kind of person would I be when you need me the most. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Soran laughed lightly, dropping his head into the crook of his arm to hide his tears, "It’s alright," he said softly, "You shouldn’t be apologizing. I can’t think either when you’re around. Jeez... look at the pair we make," he muttered. With a slight sniffle, he lifted his head to look at the red haired boy, "So, Rethyn says that he can only take a few of us. It’s you, Kilia, him and me. We should probably get ready soon. I would like to get this done today if at all possible. Is that alright?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"You wanted to check out the area before right," he asked, wondering if he had heard that before his left.

"Oh right! Yes, let’s do that first!" Soran said, nearly jumping up to his feet as he remembered that small detail of the plan. As he got to his feet though, his stomach gave a protesting growl and he blushed furiously. With a slight laugh he reached up and ran his fingers through his hair shyly, "Perhaps we should eat first?"

Tristan chuckled, "Yes...I am a little hungry myself," but the way he was saying it, it didn't sound like he was talking about food.

Soran flushed even more as he retreated towards the door, "H-hey, I meant f-food, Tristan... besides... what about... last night?" he squeaked the last part, his voice rising in pitch without his really wanting it too. His fingers curled around the handle, "Hey! Food!"

Reaching the entrance to Tristan's room Rethyn peaked in as he said to Tristan and Soran. "I'd just thought I mention...I ate the last slice of cheese last night. This house is completely empty on food. Perhaps a little looting wouldn't be too frowned upon when we head to the city?

Tristan was about head towards Soran, when his guardian peeked in, "Wait what, we can't be out of food, Grayson would never allow that."

Soran clutched his chest at the sudden voice that came behind him as the door slowly pulled open, "Rethyn!" he stumbled forward in shock and surprise right into Tristan.

Tristan put his arm around Soran, just more of a reflex then anything.

Ah! He caught me.... crap.... now he'll eat me.... Aw man! he froze in Tristan’s grip, a strange fear washing over him as he thought about how Tristan had just spoken to him. He tensed up and looked up at the other boy, "Um... y-you arent thinking what I think you are, right? I-I mean... we really should go get some breakfast, Tristan... Seriously, food, food is good.... I’ll need it to keep my energy," he was bumbling but he couldn’t help it. He was trembling in Tristan’s grip, but at the same time enjoying it

"You both are obvious." Rethyn said rather venomously. Turning around and grasping the door handle Rethyn shut it rather slowly as his eyes held an icy glare. "At least lock the door." He said just before finally closing the door.

As the door closed, Sorans gaze grew wide, Seriously! He’s just going to leave me! And close the door! Looking back up to Tristan he tried to smile, "U-uh... Hi..."

Tristan looked down at Soran, still a little confused, sort of wondering why Rethyn looked like that, "Relax Soran, I was teasing before...but since I caught you, how about a kiss." He didn't want to scare the other, so this time he was asking for permission.

Soran stood up straight, though he didn’t really get any taller or anything, "You don’t need to ask," he said and reached up to drag him down for the kiss requested.

Tristan let the other drag him down until their lips met. It lasted only a minute or two, before Tristan had the same problem that Soran did and his stomach growled loudly. He stood up, "Ok...right food, but you know he is right, we really should lock the door."

Soran laughed, "Yeah... he does have a point. Okay time to eat and then it’s off to business. Come on," he said and pulled the door opened.

Later that day

"Alright," Soran said, "Lets see whats there," he looked to Tristan as he spoke.

Tristan had pulled up the area, but gave the widest view of the area as zooming in cost more energy. It was clearly seen how much destruction was present, "Grayson anything." Grayson was concentrating on the area. "I felt faint aura's...but nothing like what was there before."

Soran was nearly bouncing, "So then we are good to go, right?" he glanced between them. Kilia nodded a bit as she stood there, watching the area too.

"Those faint auras, Grayson, that means that whatever was there is gone, right?"

Grayson tried to pick them up to to figure out, "It could be from them, it could be someone else, an ex-seer perhaps. I am having trouble really determining the cause of it." Tristan glanced at Grayson remembering his words from the other day. Grayson looked at him, knowing his thoughts and shrugged his shoulders.

"Seems like something then. But I still would be on your guard Kilia." Jonathan said, watching the screen carefully. "Since I'm not there the moment you see trouble, get Rethyn to pull you out." There was genuine worry in his voice. He felt almost torn about staying behind. He didn't want to lose her. Not when so much has happened already.

Kilia smiled at him, "Ill be fine, I promise," she said, gently touching his arm, "Besides, they are good fighters, nothing will happen, I promise. Well be back really soon."

Soran nodded, "Are you ready, Rethyn?"

"Wait," Tristan let the spell go out as he stood, "Soran...take Peter instead."

"What?! No way. I don't want to wear my energy out before the big Spar match I got with fancy pants over there!" Peter shouted angrily. "I'll knock his ears right off I will!"

"Oh stop complaining, we've postponed as it was to make sure I have Kilia back safe and sound." Came Jonathan's reply.

Within Tristan's closet, Rethyn had teleports and begun taking a nap. He had been up since the evening until now and it was the usual time he usually went to bed. He knew that he wasn't going to be able to get full rest, but since he knew he was needed he could at least get a nap in. At the time the only worry he had was having his mask removed. He had a good feeling that it wouldn't happen though as they'd never get him to go if they took his mask. Besides, he had gone through the hard work of washing it the previous night. They wouldn't dare touch it.

"Tri-Tristan! I.... why?" Soran was shocked, stunned was an understatement. The red haired Seer had definitely thrown him for a loop.

"He is a better fighter, if not a little hot-headed, and well if you should get possessed, what purpose will I serve in that." He wanted to continue to say everything he was thinking but that would have to wait.

Sorans chest clenched tight. He stared at Tristan for a very long time, trying to figure out something to say but he couldn't. Unfortunately, he knew that Tristan was right though. If something did happen, like a possession, then Peter was the one to take, not Tristan. Still, he felt crushed immensely by the words. Grinding his teeth his gaze went icy cold, "Peter, you're going," he snapped, "Rethyn!" he screamed, " Lets go," hoping to get the other boys attention.

"Fine... But be ready when I get back pretty boyo..." Peter said roughly walking to Soran's side. Tristan was slightly right. But Jonathan still felt uncertain as he sighed nervously. He didn't know which way was up or down at the moment he was so worried.

Tristan grimaced had he made a mistake in his decision, he admitted regretting saying anything. There was reasons, he didn't want to be a distraction, he wanted Soran to be able to focus. He sighed a little and sat back in the corner. "Grayson I sort of thought we could track them, I know it won't serve any purpose for protecting them but...." he stopped trying to figure out what he had done.


Hearing the calls of Soran, Rethyn teleported back. For a moment he seemed bummed at his nap hadn't even really begun. Quickly getting himself over it, Rethyn looked to the others with a blank face as he said quietly "Grab onto me." He didn't really want them to latch onto him, but he accepted this was for the good of the group and not himself. As every member of the mission gathered around him he was surprised to not see Tristan. However, he was not going to question his Seer as he guessed it was for a good reason. As everyone at least placed a hand on him Rethyn spoke in a serious tone. "This may feel weird, but I need you to trust me." Rethyn himself begun to tremble as the human contact of touch was making him a little nervous. Since coming back this was something that had never really happened to him.

With a loud crack! They vanished.


Soran closed his eyes feeling strange as Rethyn took them. He had never been through something like that before, so it took him off guard. When he opened his eyes again, though, after Rethyn was done, he found they were standing in the middle of the rubble. His heart lurched a bit. It was so much more worse in person. Looking around, he noted that the sun was dipping down low to the east. I'll be dark soon. Probably in a few hours he thought to himself. He glowered at the rocky street beneath his feet though. What the hell was that, Tristan... he thought sourly.

"Holy...that felt odd." Peter said to himself. He looked around at the ruined area. "Alright, test your communication doohickey and let's skedaddle out of here!! This place gives me the willys.."

"It's what we might of been able to prevent." Rethyn said darkly as he walked over to a nearby crashed vehicle. He held back his internal shudder at the site as it reminded him of not so pleasant memories. Gazing off into the distance Rethyn could only see fog. The fog brought with it a lifeless feeling of which put the young man on edge. Something felt familiar, but he just didn't know exactly what it was.

Kilia groaned a bit, "That was really loud," she said with a sigh as she rubbed at her ears. Soran nodded in agreement. Swiping his hand to get his magic system, he opened it and worked on the system for a while in total silence. He figured getting the data he needed for the remaining power in the area was what he should start with and then end with testing his communication devices.

Peter looked around feeling as nervous as any other person. He didn't like this place. And Rethyn's grudge against not saving it (along with the lady present's mother) didn't help him calm down In the slightest. He was looking around for any signs of danger. "Soran..hurry up..."

"Yeah, yeah," he waved his hand in annoyance as he worked. He didn't really mean to be so cold to his Guardian, but with Tristans suddenly leaving him, he wasn't feeling up to anything right then. He worked as quickly as he could. Even so, it was still about an hour before he finished the spell he wanted to start tracking the residual power that was still lingering in the air. When he released it off the pad, it let out a pulse that looked like a simple ripple through the air. Shocking himself, he watched as it came back to him and with it, drew in a ton of information. Ill have to take a look at this all back at the house, he thought to himself. Putting that aside, he opened up the communications spell and summoned four of them.

"Here," he called and handed them out to each of them.

"Alright, where do you want us to go?" Kilia asked him gently. Soran frowned slightly before he glanced around the area, "Kilia, go down the street towards that building there," he pointed to a ruined structure with the sign still barely hanging to it. It read something along the lines of Nail Salon. She nodded and started towards it while fixing the communication to her ear. Handing one to Peter, Soran turned and pointed down the street that intersected theirs, "Go down that one, and go inside the building, just inside the door is fine," he said pointing to one that was a little bit farther than where Kilia was heading.

Finally, he handed one to Rethyn, "Um... Go ahead and go down that way," Soran said slowly, pointing behind them, "Go farther than Peter though and maybe go down a street, left or right it doesn't matter. I just want to see if buildings in the way of line of sight do anything, okay?" Soran fixed his own to his ear and looked at the building next to them, "Ill go in this one."

Peter sighed as he ran down the street towards the building, running past several ruins as he does so. He stopped in front of the building and walking in. He didn't like the feeling of being here. He didn't want to be here at all. "This feels too creepy and scary for my tastes..Dullahan might come and get me anytime..." He said, forgetting he had the communication piece on his ear.

Soran laughed a bit, "Well, I can hear you just fine," he teased Peter, "Go in a little further, Im going in the building over here. Kilia?"

"Here," her voice was crystal clear over the communications, "I agree though, this is really creepy out here."

Soran sighed, "Yeah, it kind of is, sorry. Keep walking Kilia, just dont go too far," the blonde said as he walked into the building he wanted to be in.

"Mm... okay," she answered.

Soran sighed slightly as he moved into the building that was nothing but concrete. Perhaps it was some sort of store before, but it was nothing really now. His thoughts wandered and he found himself being back to angry with Tristan. First the red haired Seer had been mad at Soran for not talking to him before anyone else, he told Soran that he wanted to protect him but then turned around and told Soran to take Peter instead. Soran knew the reasons why, they were both Seers, so if anything happened in the way of possession, then neither of them could do a thing about it. He understood the reasoning, he really did, but that didnt make it any easier to deal with.

Peter decided to walk a little further, his legs starting to shake for no reason. "Keep calm buddy..keep calm." He said to himself. "Soon as I get back, I can kick Mr. Fancy pants where it hurts and everything will be back in the balance..."

"Can you try not to be so mean to him, Peter," Kilias voice said over their intercoms.

From his location Rethyn tried to speak into his communicator, however his voice didn't seem to go through properly. Glancing around to make sure nobody had their eyes on him, Rethyn lifted up the bottom half of his mask as he tried again "Rethyn here?"

"Oh good, I was beginning to think it wasn’t working," Soran replied with a sigh, "Well, I think that pretty much answers-" he paused as a soft rumble filled the air. His heart lurched and everything shifted suddenly. He gave a sharp cry as the floor under his feet completely gave out. How far he fell, he wasn’t sure, but when he hit, it was hard and completely winded him. Lying at an awkward angle, he was surrounded by rubble.

"Soran?! Hold on buddy I'm on me way back!" Peter shouted as he turned around.

Kilia stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding hard as she heard the scream and then Peters yell over the intercom. Turning on her heel she started towards where they were at as well, her heart in her throat. One moment, though, she was on her feet and the next she was on the ground as it bucked underneath her. With a sharp cry of surprise, she caught herself on her hands and knees, "Rethyn!" she gasped as he appeared right before her and took her hand. In the next instant, they disappeared again.

"Dont Peter!" he yelled as the stones still shifted. Looking up he watched as the building literally seemed to roll right above him and loosen more concrete. It fell, down towards the hole and he cringed as it busted the stone above him. Curling into a ball he screamed as it came crashing down and then stopped.

"Soran!!!" Peter in his anger and panic he started running back towards his location. "Rethyn, you and Kilia come help me!! Now!!!" Peter suddenly fell flat on his face. The whole area was rocking. "Cow dung... An earthquake?! We need to get outta here quick!!"

With a loud popping sound Rethyn appeared behind Peter as he latched his hand onto the back of his head. His left hand had already grasped Kilia's right hand as he had gotten to her first. With yet another loud flicker of a teleport, Rethyn headed towards Soran along with Peter and Kilia of which he brought along.

Sorans breathing was heavy, he coughed hard from the amount of dust that filled the air. He shook uncontrollably and shifted around to feel his back right up against heavy rock. He gasped. Turning his head he looked at the rock that was groaning right over him. He let out a terrified rush of air. The only thing keeping the stone from crushing him flat were a few little rocks and they were moving back and forth very gently due to the slope like incline he was on. He could feel himself starting to hyperventilate as he lay there, frozen in fear.

"Tristan... Tristan..." he said softly over and over, unable to think of anything else.

"Soran!" Kilia called over the communication. She looked up to Rethyn, shaking her head, "Hes in shock, he wont listen. We cant stay here any longer... its so dangerous," she said.

"We gotta get him out first! We gotta!" Peter said almost shocked at the ground. "If it's not Gods it's mother freaking nature!!!"

Kilia shook her head, "I dont know if Rethyn can get to him, I cant even see him. Soran!" she yelled, pressing the com closer to her mouth and ear.

Soran startled, panting heavily he tried to look around but froze again as the concrete groaned, "Kilia.." he whimpered.

Shouting to overcome the sound of the crashing rubble around them Rethyn said "It's not always about seeing! Peter, can you feel him? Point me to him!"

Peter tried to use the link he felt when he knew Soran was in danger that day against his brother. Peter felt all along the earth for Soran and he felt a jolt in his brain and pointed. "He's down there! Hurry! If we don't get out we're people flavored pancakes!!!"

"Soran!" Kilia yelled again, "Soran, you need to move."

He shook his head, he couldn’t move. He was frozen. The grinding of the rocks made it hard to think straight as he lay, face down on the solid gray slab he had fallen onto, "Cant, Kilia," he replied.

"You... cant?! Are you stuck?"

"Dont know... but I just.... cant," he panted, then gave a low cry as the rocks groaned again making him flinch. He could feel the enormous piece of concrete rubbing gently across his back.

"Then we shall go to him." Rethyn said as he gritted his teeth and begun the teleportation again. It had begun to take it's toll as Rethyn felt the strain nip at him a little as the three of them moved to Soran. Appearing just in front of him, Rethyn turned to see that they didn't have much time. "Grab ahold of me!" He called to Soran. At this moment he could only hope Soran would do so, or at least the other two would bring Soran to him.

Glancing up again he narrowly avoided a piece of rubble as it had almost clocked him in the back of his head as it tumbled down. Flashing a little of worry on his face he extened he let go of Peter as he extended his hand out for Soran. As long as Peter held onto Soran as well they would both come with him.

Peter nearly fell on his face again but he made sure to grab onto Soran before he hit his face. "Ow! Crazy fiend!"

Soran felt the hand grip him and he stretched out to hold on as well, his heart was loud as it hammered in his chest, almost drowning out the noise of the falling buildings all over. His only thoughts were for Rethyn to quickly get them back home, "Go..." he muttered in the device that still hung from his ear, "Hurry..."

Unknowing to Rethyn just as the initial flash of the teleport started a jagged piece of rubble came down upon him. Feeling the shattering of his mask's safey glass, Rethyn yelped in pain from the shock of it. However, it seemed to of not have interrupted the flow of Rethyn as the others warped back into the home of the Belvedere's. With the landing a second sound could briefly be heard as Rethyn wasn't there beside them. Upon the floor now laid a ruined mask with shattered glass scattered around it. In the top left corner a splat of blood was apparent.

Peter rubbed his head and shook it briefly. Then he looked around and saw the mask on the floor. "What the?!" He shouted in surprise. "Rethyn!? Where'd ya go?!"

The room was silent for a moment as the onlookers stood in disbelief at the appearance of the others. Grayson was looking, "Ah, he is ok Peter" he couldn't really explain the disappearance but he had an idea it had to do with the mask on the floor.

Tristan though was a little shell-shocked, "Soran," he left his corner not caring if the other was mad at him or not and went to him to see what he had hurt. He also glanced at the mask for a second, a little torn on his feelings at the moment, something inside was pulling him to go seek out his guardian. Yeah, I will, don't worry,

"Rethyn..." Kilia called softly, her heart skipping a beat as she stared at the mask, but at Graysons words she setted slightly. Turning her attention to Soran, she eyed the boy that looked utterly stunned. He hadn’t moved from the floor since Rethyn had teleported them back to the house. His face was pale and his bright green gaze was wide as he stared at the mask with the blood spatter. She moved to touch him but Tristan got to him first. Looking around, she sought Robin.

"Kilia!" Jonathan shouted as he ran from the bottom of the stairs and hurried to her and nearly slid onto his knees when he got to her level at the moment. "Are you hurt??"

"Safe!" Damian shouted.

"Im fine," Kilia answered as she reached out and hugged him, though her eyes were still on Soran, "I want to see him later," she said, just loud enough for Tristan to hear though he was probably too preoccupied.

Soran heard his name and turned slightly. His entire frame trembled, still frozen by fear and almost thinking that he was still trapped with the rock sliding precariously right above him, "Tri- Tristan.... Tristan.... "

His heart wrenched from his chest as he heard his name, he took the other and pulled him closer to him, "I am here, and I am sorry, please forgive me," Tristan said to the blonde seer.

"Okay," he muttered, burying himself against the other boy and using him as a solid form that kept his mind off of what he had just been through. The near death experience made him cold and all he could do was tremble violently


Rethyn upstairs bathroom alone


Click! Clink!

Rethyn had locked the entrance to the bathroom as he did his best not to get blood on the door handle. Using his left hand he held his index finger and middle finger together under his left eyebrow. This had prevented the blood from getting into his eye as he begun looking for something of medical use.

The saftey glass had prevented the worst of the inpact of the rubble as Rethyn only needed stitches just above his left eyebrow. However, he had lost something of much greater value to him. Taking quick breaths, Rethyn begun frantically looking for what he needed in the drawers.

He knew he should be able to breath, but without his mask it felt he couldn't. It wasn't the same as the comfort and security it brought were gone. With the ducking of his head he kept trying to breath, he needed to. Now was not the time for weakness, he needed to get his wounds patched and find his mask. "My face..." Rethyn harshly whispered. "I need my face."

Cuffing his palm gently over his mouth and nose he spread his fingers just enough so that he could breath through the small gaps. Feeling a little comfort in this he dipped his head lightly so the blood could drop from his forehead into the sink. With that he took his other hand away from his brow as he continued to hunt for something.

In the course of about five minutes Rethyn had found a needle, dental floss, and some Hydrogen Peroxide. Looking at the needle he felt his stomach loop. Rethyn disliked needles, not to mention the idea of having to stitch himself up. Wrapping the end of the floss around the needle, Rethyn prepared it by quickly dipping the needle in the Hydrogen Peroxide. Just before reaching the needle to his head Rethyn heard a voice.

"Ohhh...that looks like it's going to hurt!"

Rethyn froze as he felt a crawl up his spine. He knew the voice all too well as it drifted like musical notes throughout the room before slithering up the walls. Twisting around rapidly he quickly found his gaze upon the man. He wore a white striped suit with a red and black striped tie. His shoes were black, recently shined by the look of it. Upon his face he held a light grin with slightly raised brows. For the moment he seemed unarmed as he had raised up his arms for a moment to Rethyn.

"I should at least get a hug. You're practically mine anyways. Well, you were. But you'll come back, they always do."His grin then grew even more as he chimed in "What? No hug? I thought that's all you needed, you seemed so happy the other day when you got one."

Rethyn bolted to the other side of the bathroom as he felt his heart slamming against his chest. It had become even harder to breath as he looked at Death in the eyes. The blood from his wound had begun to drip down the left side of his face as he started trying to reach for his sword with a shaky hand. His vision for a moment blurred slightly as he glanced around the room quickly.

Another blur, Death had stepped closer. Rethyn felt his head grow heavy as he bobbed his head trying to keep it up. Death had stepped even closer to him. Trembling, Rethyn bared his teeth at the god as he withdrew his sword and lunged forward to slash him!

The words "Go away!" echo'd throughout the house as Rethyn had roared them at Death.

After following through with his slash, Rethyn had looked away in fear. Did I get him?

Raising his gaze Rethyn saw nothing. In his feeble attempt to kill Death he had managed to slice off a part of the shower curtains. Grasping, Rethyn spun his head around as he tried to find Death in the room.

He was alone.

The scream echoed through the house and Kilia jumped as she hung onto Jonathan. Looking around she felt her heart beat rise as silence followed after the shout. It took her a minute or two to process and she finally was up on her feet, "Rethyn!" she yelled in response and left the room in a near sprint. Rushing around the house, she tried several doors before she finally found one that was locked. She was sure he was in it, as she could hear someone breathing heavily. She leaned against the door gently, her heart in her throat as usual, "Rethyn.... Rethyn, I know you are injured. Would you let me in? Please, I can heal it for you, it wont hurt, I promise and it will only take me a moment. Okay?" She called out as she knocked gently.

Jonathan flinched from the scream and noticed the mask on the floor. Kilia had ran off frantically searching for it's owner, Rethyn. Jonathan tilted his head in examination of the mask. He could see the shattered safety glass on one side of it, along with a small bit of rock powder upon it, and then the bloodstain. "Guy who wears it all the time, he must be in small shock of not having it on his face, or rather, he can't look at himself without it without episodes of anxiety attacks." He muttered in close examination. Carefully leaning over to pick it up Jonathan took great care to not get injured by the broken edge of the glass.

"Oy! Fancy pants! We gonna fight or not?" Peter said, looking at Jonathan as he got up. Jonathan looked at Peter almosf in disbelief at how Peter almost shrugged off the disaster that almost gotten them killed. "What? I've had plenty of brushes, don't tell me you haven't had any either boyo or I'll call ya a coward."

"If you're that itching for a fight with me meet me at the training room, if I'm not there in a bit, well, I'm sure Julianna will oblige you in a fair amount to warm you up for me." Jonathan said to Peter as he got up and walked to search for Kilia, mask in hand. Peter, almost looking enthusiastic, ran for the training room.

Soran flinched at the sudden scream. His heart was already erratic and the loud sound caused him to clutch Tristan harder. It took a moment to realize that it was only Rethyn screaming something, but he still couldnt help freaking out for a second. His eyes dropped to the mask that was still on the floor, broken, "R-Rethyn.... what happened? What happened?" he asked, though it wasnt clear if he was asking about the other boy or the entire situation as a whole. He was trying deperately to stop shaking, to calm his near hyperventalation, and relax but it was almost impossible at the moment.

Tristan still holding onto Soran again had a leap in his chest as he heard the scream across the house. What was he going to do, there was a major argument going on between his head and his heart. "Tristan," the boy turned slightly and saw his father. The man seemed ready to say something, but saw the expression on the boys face. It seemed to be one he understood, "He needs to be calmed down, can you do that...or will you make him more upset." Tristan looked at Soran, yeah he could do that so he said slowly and calmly "Soran, its over, your safe, look your inside the house, surrounded by people who care about you. Remember you went to go find the traces of the goddess, Rethyn is ok, he just got hurt a little bit." Tristan didn't actually know that, but if it had been worse, maybe there would have been more blood.

"Just breath, nice and easy..."

Soran heard Tristans voice, but didnt register it at first. After a moment, he chanced a quick glance around him. Moving slightly he turned his head from one side to the other to see that he was indeed inside the house. The training room to be exact. He met the gaze of Alauric, Grayson, andf Peter as well, then finally up at Tristan where he watched him for a while longer than the others before retreating back into the dark shoulder that was Tristans body. Tristan continued talking, reminding him of what he had been doing before. The goddess... her aura.... oh yeah, he recalled slightly. He had gone to find the traces so that he could create a detection system for them. Then the earthquake happened. He cringed, giving a low whimper.

When he heard the order to breathe, he found that he was having trouble doing so. He concentrated on it, working to slow it down as it was too quick and sharp. It was starting to burn his throat. He turned slightly and tried to match Tristans breathing. It took him a while but he finally managed to breathe normally, "Hes... okay?" he was thinking a little bit clearer now.

Tristan was trying to remain calm as it seemed Soran was coming together, "Yeah, he is okay," Tristan answered, god knows he wanted to find out for sure. He hated being torn between Soran and Rethyn, but he was and he couldn't deny that. Rethyn was his guardian, his protector. But Soran...well Soran was his heart.

"You all made it back, everyone is okay," he said.

Slowly, he nodded his head. He was starting to recall the whole thing clearer and with it, his earlier anger at Tristan. He frowned deeply as he turned his head further in on the boys chest. He didnt want the other to let him go, but he also didnt want the other to think that he wasnt in trouble, "You... youre an ass, Tristan," he muttered against his chest, but curled his fingers tighter into the shirt, "You should check on your Guardian, though," he said, keeping his voice steady as best he could.

Tristan slightly grinned, yeah he deserved that...probably much worse than that. "Yeah I am an ass," he repeated,"Can I let you go," he asked. He wasn't sure what he truly meant by those words, but he was going to give the other the space he needed, but wasn't going to leave until he told him to.

Sorans first retort probably wasnt the best one to give, so he held his tongue on that, "Yes. Im fine, now," he lied and pulled away, "I will go to your room, I want to lay down," he said, though what he really meant was that he was going to be waiting for the red haired Seer to return to the room where they could have a talk, one that Soran knew he was going to be very angry about. Even so, he did worry about Rethyn and honestly did want Tristan to check on the other boy. He would feel terrible if something really bad had happened to the Guardian who had saved his life.

Tristan looked deflated, and nodded his head to the other without another word. He left the training room ahead of Soran, so he wouldn't have to watch him leave. He went the hallways just like Kilia had, until he found her against the door.

Rethyn had backed himself into the tub of the bathroom. With his blade still out he would constantly check to the left and right of himself as he looked for Death. With wild eyes he could hear voices, as they echo'd through the head of Rethyn they at first sounded different. However, as moments passed he could hear Kilia. "Don't come in!" He repeated over and over again as he kept with checking for Death.

Locking onto the mirror Rethyn saw him within it. With a wink and the tip of his head he said. "I'll catch you later, Rethy."

"Rethyn," this time is was Tristan's voice at the door, "please let us help you." Tristan was hoping to get some response, though he didn't truly understand what the other was going through. "We can help you, and we can fix the other thing." Tristan didn't want to actually say the word, as he knew what that did to Rethyn.

"You mean his face?" Jonathan said carrying the mask. Walking carefully to the others.

Death was toying with him. He had even called him "Rethy" it was his favorite tactic of taunting the young man back when he was dead. Sliding up the wall, Rethyn move along the wall of the bathroom as he feared to show his back. At any moment he could strike now, or he wouldn't to cause mind games. Gritting his teeth Rethyn wanted to shout something else, but held himself back as the fear would only empower the monster.

"Jonathan," Kilia hissed.

Tristan glared slightly at Jonathan also, he wasn't really helping the situation right now, "Rethyn...whatever it is... remember...," yes it was vague, but he had promised he wouldn't reveal anything.

"Jonathan, give that Tristan," she whispered, noting the mask he held, "There are too many of us. Can you wait for me in the kitchen please," she asked him, looking up at Robin, her gaze flicking between his briefly, leaning back, she held his eyes as she called to the boy, "Hey, Rethyn, its just Tristan and me, okay? I want to see if you are alright, I can heal it, you know."

Jonathan silently passed on the mask to Tristan, and silently headed for the Kitchen, he didn't know if Kilia was gonna slap him when she got to him or not. He swallowed nervously at that. He also had to remember that he still had to settle things with Peter... Hopefully he would find a way to keep his fighting mind occupied until he got there.

Moving towards the door Rethyn had his back firmly to the side of it as he spoke softly through the door. "Are you guys okay?" Blood had gotten into his left and Rethyn had it shut for the moment. "Please, don't come in..." At that Rethyn brought his other hand to his face as if it were his mask. Breathing heavily through it he closed his eyes.

"Rethyn..." Kilia frowned a bit, "We are okay, I promise you. Thank you very much. Soran is a little shaken, but he is fine too. You were amazing. I dont know what we would have done without you there. I am worried about you. Could... Could you at least let Tristan in? He can tell me if you need anything. Is that alright?" She was trying to be gentle, to coax him out of his shell and to allow them entrance, even if it was one at a time only.

Tristan let Kilia talk, sort of surprised about how grown up she sounded. Well he tell that to her later on though.

A long moment passed of silence. Rethyn remained quiet as he slowly went to unlock the door. He didn't want to, but he felt there was no other choice as his eye started to string. The bathroom looked ruined as Rethyn had bled all over the place and sliced the shower curtains. However, just as the door was about the opened he felt a flinching fear inside of him as he tried cloaking himself in invisibility. He couldn't hold it however as he had used so much strength teleporting the group from before. Taking a few steps back he was revealed for the two to see. There was nothing he could do.

As the door opened, Kilia watched it slowly swing to let them in and she glanced over to Tristan, "Hey," she said softly and moved inside slowly. Her gaze immediately noted the blood and her normal reaction was to hurry to the person who was hurt and immediately treat them. However, Rethyn didnt seem the kind of person who could handle that very well and so she restrained herself. She hadnt had a lot of contact with him before, but he had always seemed shy and didnt talk much. Moving towards him, she noted the blood and bit her lip, "Hey, Rethyn. Can I see? I wont touch, I promise, I just want to see how deep it is okay? Then I can work on a spell really quick and it will be just you and Tristan, I promise."

He wanted to run, but he couldn't. His eyes looked to Tristan and he remembered the promise he had made to the boy. Looking to the floor he placed his blade back in its sheath as he looked to the floor. After a long, painful pause, Rethyn said quietly "You may." He begun shivering, he wanted to tell them this wasn't his face though. He wanted to run away and get a new mask, He didn't want to look in the mirror and see the face he had. The old scar from the car crash was now visible for all to see, and Rethyn could now feel the scar over his heart burn painfully for a moment.

Stepping back Rethyn leaned against the wall as he shivered.

"Kilia," Tristan said, "just be careful."

She nodded as she moved towards Rethyn steadily, but slowly. As promised, she didnt touch him, kneeling down, she did get a little close as she looked up under his hair to the wound on his head. With all the blood, she wasnt sure how bad it really was. In all honestly, she was amazed at how much energy he had. With a head wound, people tended to get sleepy, weak and sometimes even collapse. But he was still standing and though he was shaking, he didnt seem to be about to pass out. Shaking her head a bit, she smiled at him reassuringly, "Hey. Its alright," she said gently and opened her magic system. She would start with the golden one to tell her what was wrong, which might help in telling her how bad the cut was. As she worked, she spoke softly to him, "Ill be done soon, alright? Has anyone told you, you have really nice eyes, Rethyn. They are very pretty," she said, trying to keep him calm and put his mind on something else.

Tristan watched as he hadn't actually ever really watched Kilia during her healing. Mostly because he had been on the recieveing end of it. He gave his guardian a smile trying to reassure him.

"Why are you helping me? Aren't I..." Rethyn trailed off as he glanced to Tristan. He was still shaking as he didn't know what to do. Seeing his hand still upon the hilt of his blade he took the blade within the sheath from his side and dropped it to the ground. He didn't want to hold it right now. He was not doing well to uphold the honor of that blade. It was to fight gods, something of which he had failed to do with the blade so far. He could have fought Death. He could of at least tried harder, he felt as if he was pitiful in his attempt to take on the god.

Kilia smiled at him, "Im helping you because you are my friend. I care about you, just like I care about Tristan and everyone else. You are all very, very special to me. You scared me, you know. I was so worried about you when I didnt see you. And when you screamed," she shook her head as she dragged off the spell and his body was encased in the glowing gold of her magic, "I thought something terrible happened to you and I wasnt sure how I was going to hold up to that if something had happened," she said as she looked up and watched her spell. When she was satisfied with what it showed, her she started on the healing one.

"All of you think I am insane." Rethyn said in shallow voice. "How do I know you're not saying that to just keep me calm?"

Tristan spoke, "No one thinks you are insane, Rethyn, anyways, we are all slightly cooky."

Kilia giggled at Tristan, "Especially him. Hes just nuts," she said with a roll of her eyes as she gave him a wierd look, "Besides, what have you done that would possibly make us think you are crazy? The answer, is nothing," Kilia said with a shrug of her shoulders, her fingers still working the magic system, "And I am not just saying that. Its true. You are family to me. Like a brother. Everyone here is my family now, since I am the only one left," her eyes softened for a moment but she quickly shook herself and smiled at him again, "So dont think that we are just saying things. Its all true, we really do care about you. And you know who else is really happy to have you around?" she glanced over her shoulder to Tristan, "here, Im done," she said and dragged off the spell to allow it to heal him.

Tristan smiled at her too, her words had more meaning then anything he could say. "I am happy you are here, Rethyn, I do hope you know that."

A small smile played at Rethyn's lips as he kept looking down. He felt the same warmness he felt the other night. After a long moment he finally said to them both. "Thank you..."

Tristan looked at him, So that is what it looks like when he smiles Tristan thought. He turned toward Kilia waiting for her spell to complete.

The green glow faded out and his wound was healed. As much as she wanted to wipe away the blood for him, she had promised not to touch him so she backed away from him, "There. All done. See? Very easy, and quick. Well... semi quick, Im really bad at going fast, so Im sorry," she turned around and made to leave the room. Pausing by the door she looked back at Rethyn, "Oh and, one more thing. Smile more, its really cute." she said, then left the two alone.

Tristan laughed slightly...was she reading his mind or something. He looked at the other this time, taking in the unmasked features as he talked, "Are you okay," he started, " I mean other then the injuries."

Rethyn felt like he was having a hard time breathing as in response he moved his hand to his mouth and nose to act like a makeshift mask. "I don't know if I can handle this Tristan. This isn't my face..At least it doesn't feel like it..."

Rethyn brought of other hand to his face as he slid it gently across his cheek to the scar upon his flesh. Forgetting for a moment Tristan was still in the room, Rethyn quickly removed his hand from the scar as glued his gaze to the floor. "Sorry about the curtains Tristan...also..should I go and cover up? I mean this old face mustn't be too pleasant to look at.." As he asked the question he felt weak as he had just admitted to another soul that this was indeed his face. He didn't want it to be, after the things in the afterlife he didn't have the pride to call it his face.

Tristan glanced at him, unsure at first what to say. "Rethyn, I don't want you to be uncomfortable, but I do think you have a good face. And like Kilia said a good smile," Tristan had to figure out his words carefully for what he was going to say next. "If you want that...back, we can fix it. But...maybe try...I mean figure out if that is what you really want to do. It will probably take a few days as it is...to fix that."

Rethyn sighed a little, but at least offered Tristan a small nod as he kept his eyes downward. It had been placed in his hands, was he to ask for the repair of his mask or try to live with the face he tried so hard to conceal from the world. One one side he didn't want to burden anyone with the repairs of his mask, and the mask itself wasn't a good long-term solution. On the other hand he wouldn't know if he would be able to carry out simple daily tasks without it. Almost forgetting Tristan was still there, Rethyn dove into thought as he pondered his choice.

Tristan let the other think, it was much to ask of him and he rather give him the moment to do so. Even if Tristan was now thinking about Soran and what to say to him. He surveyed the bathroom curtain, it was almost like Rethyn was fighting something. He glanced down at the sword that had been placed on the ground. It was like he sort of understood that Rethyn was feeling unworthy or something, "Rethyn, I don't know how to thank you for what you did today. You saved everyone's life, and you did it for them. You've become a part of this team, even if we are somewhat of a wacky bunch of people. I think Kazar would have been and still is proud of you." Tristan scooped down and picked up the sword and held it out. "Whatever you decide, I will be okay with, just take the time you need to figure it out."

Taking the sword in hand Rethyn didn't really look to Tristan as the words traveled through him. He wanted to smile again as the words brought warmness to him. Tristan's words felt genuine, and he had the feeling that they came from the heart.
Rethyn looked up and held his gaze to Tristan. His clear blue eyes looked soft as he spoke to Tristan. "Thanks....thanks to you and Kilia."

Tristan nodded and left the bathroom, he had someone else to see.




Soran lay on the cool bed, his arms wrapped up in Tristan’s pillow. Granted it wasn’t the first time he had been on the other boys bed, but alone was different. He glowered at the wall, his back to the door as he used the pillow as his own teddy bear so to speak. Having already cried once, he was slightly red eyed but still very angry. Though he wasn’t sure if he was angry at Tristan for abandoning him right before he left for the city, or if he was angry at his own incompetence during the whole ordeal. Maybe it was a mix of both. He was certainly hurt, that much was for sure. Groaning slightly, he hugged the pillow closer.

Tristan returned and as he neared his door, his heart beat faster. He was in an highly emotional state as it was from before and during Soran's absence. He stopped and for a second almost knocked on his own bedroom door, but concluded that it was a slightly silly idea. He opened it slowly though and saw the blonde on his bed. Yes the sight of that...made him happy, had him thinking of other things. However he put those thoughts away for now. He walked in and closed the door behind him, and mostly locked it so he didn't have a means of escape. Tristan really did feel like running away, but that wouldn't help anyone.

"Soran," he said.

He flinched slightly as he heard the door open gently and then close. His heart jumped in his chest and he tried to think properly as Tristan came into the room and called his name. Everything he had prepared, everything he wanted to say went out the window. Unable to figure out what he wanted to say and only feeling angry, he turned around and flung the pillow at the taller boy, "You ass! What the hell was that all about! Fuck, Tristan! Why? Why did you do that!?"

Granted Tristan was little surprised by the pillow, and tried not quirk an eyebrow at it as it landed at his feet. He stepped over it and moved closer, away from the door, but not to close. "Because I would have made it worse for everyone," he said quietly.

Soran’s face grew red slightly as he tried to hold back a scream of rage. He couldn’t understand, how was that helpful? He sat on the bed, on his knees with his fingers curled into fists, glaring daggers at Tristan, "How? How could you have made it worse? What happened to wanting to protect me? Were those just words, Tristan, and nothing more?"

"No," Tristan responded, "I do want to protect you, even if that means from myself." He was going to figure out a way to put this, "You needed someone who could think on his feet, and well could make rational decisions. I am not very good at thinking on my feet in the first place, and I wasn't making rational decisions. I was afraid...ok, afraid of getting you hurt, of getting someone else hurt."

Soran stared at him, unsure of how to respond, "Tristan... I just.... don’t understand. How could you hurt me? Besides telling me to go without you, or to leave you, or have nothing to do with you. Those hurt me," he said, feeling himself getting worked up and trying hard not to. He was going to cry again and he didn’t want to, "So what were you thinking, Tristan? You saw it, right? What happened, when that building.... What were you thinking? Because I certainly wasn’t, and neither was Kilia or Peter and I’m sure even Rethyn wasn’t sure too. You can’t tell me that you weren’t thinking of something."

Tristan looked at the other for a second, "To tell you the truth, all I was thinking about was you. What could I do to save you, what could have happened if I tried...what if one of us..." he looked away unable to continue as tears were coming down his face.

Soran opened and closed his mouth as he watched the red haired boy. He was crying, which shocked Soran almost completely from his anger. He sat back on his feet, wrapping his arms around his small frame and frowned at the floor, "I was thinking of you too," he muttered, "I was... terrified," he closed his eyes. He wanted to apologize as he sat there, but he wasnt sure how right then. Simply saying he was sorry probably wasn’t enough. He worried as to what Tristan meant when he said to protect Soran from himself, but he didn’t want to ask. He was tired and still shocked really, "Tristan..." he called, looking up with his head tilted slightly, his gaze watery as well.

"I...am sorry," Tristan said, "I should not have done that to you." If only he could reverse the decisions made that morning. Yet there had been so many things going on that morning, he still hadn't really gained control of his own emotions before they left, he might have played it off well. He knew if he went into the situation still feeling that way, he would have done something stupid He looked at the other as he heard his name.

Soran shook his head slightly, "Come here, please," he said, trying not to sound like he was a child.

Tristan walked to his bed, but didn't sit down. He just sort of stood there, trying to calm himself. He looked at the other, wanting to reach out, but at the same time unsure of what to do next. So he waited, letting the blonde seer decide for him.

Soran released a heavy breath, almost like a sob. He raised himself up as he started to cry, "Don’t... just... stand there.... Tristan," he said between his crying, each breath he took was shuddering as he fell forward, and wrapped his arms around the taller boy, "You... idiot. Don’t just stand.... there. And don’t... leave me like that again!"

Finally overwhelmed with his own emotions. he wrapped his own arms around Soran, and cried with him. "I won't," he said finally. He sat with the boy still in his arms, and just held him.

He held onto Tristan for a long while as he slowly calmed down. Eventually he had stopped crying but hung on the other’s shoulders anyway because he was comfortable. As he rested there, he took a breath and then hiccupped. It startled him because it was so sudden and he blushed slightly. Shifting around against Tristan, he ignored it. Normally, Soran only ever hiccupped once or twice. So when it came a second time he wasn’t worried. It was when it happened a third and fourth time that he fidgeted.

"The... he-ll" he hiccupped as he said the word and quickly covered his mouth. He was squeaking. Totally not happening! he thought as he blushed furiously and hiccupped again.

Tristan was sort of surprised at the hiccups, well it wasn't usually to do that after crying, He however was trying to contain his laughter as the boy squeaked, "Soran do you want some water", he asked.

Blushing, he covered his nose and mouth to try to stifle the slightly high pitched sound he was emitting, "N-no! Damnit... No I don’t. It w-ill go a-way... shi-t!" talking seemed to make it worse, that or his body was just being cruel to him, "S-top laugh-ing!" he ordered, but in vain he was sure. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and held it, sure that looked absolutely hilarious as he did so, but if he wasn’t looking at Tristan, then he could concentrate on making them go away.

Tristan was trying to hide his laughter, and trying to look serious, unsuccessfully though. He was about to offer another suggestion for assistance when Soran took a deep breath and held it, oh geeze, he is so cute. Then something else came to Tristan's mind but he let the other finish first with his attempt.

He held it for a while, and then released it in a heavy whoosh, his gaze was slightly dazed as he opened his eyes and regretted that tactic as he was now a bit light headed. With a sigh he glanced up to Tristan, "Okay. I think its be-tter," he gasped, "Shit! Tri-stan!" He gave a soft cry, almost as if it were the other Seers fault.

"Well can I perhaps help," Tristan was really trying to look innocent in that moment.

Soran nodded, "Yes ple-ase," he grimaced as he tried to contain it, but only managed to squeak even higher.

"Are you sure," Tristan was beginning to drop the innocent look, with a rather crooked grin on his face.

"Yes! Tris-tan this isnt fun-ny," he started at first, but then noticed the grin and he went wide eyed even as another hiccup attacked him. He attempted to back away, "W-what are you pla-nning?"

Tristan didn't answer him instead pounced from his position and attacked with tickling the other boy. He was trying to scare him a little hoping that would get rid of the hiccups.

Soran gave a cry of surprise and fell backwards with Tristan following him. Soran had never been tickled before and found out soon enough that his skin was highly sensitive... too sensitive. With a slightly girly scream, he tried to grab Tristan’s hands to get him to stop, but the other boy was far larger and stronger and he had gotten the jump on him, "Ah!! Tristan! S-stop!" he was laughing now, the poking was driving him nuts as he writhed around, trying to get free. It wasnt long till he was crying and laughing hurt, "Tristan.... seriously," he giggled, trying to breathe, "Your gonna kill me!"

Tristan couldn't help but to laugh too, that was just how it was when you tickled another person. He let up though after Soran said he was gonna kill him...jokingly of course. Tristan was looking down at the other, "Oh I can think of other ways...of torturing you," His eyes were intense again as he said those words.

"Tr-Tristan," this time his stutter wasn’t from the hiccups at all. Those eyes... again. That look, Soran thought and his face went completely red. He knew that look pretty well by now. After all, he had incited that look a few times before. He could only stare in those eyes, unable to look away almost as if the other Seer had cast a spell over him just by looking at him like that. He was tempted to ask what that meant exactly, but he was pretty sure he was starting to get a good idea.

At the sound of his name, Tristan dove in for a kiss, yet after a minute pulled back, "Are you ok," he asked in all serious and he didn't just mean about the hiccups.

Breathless.... every time he thought, dazed. It took him a moment to register the question, "Hu? Oh..." he took a deep breath. After a slight minute, and his gaze moving to Tristan’s shoulder, he answered, having figured out his own feelings on the question. Yeah, he had been angry, but he knew the reasoning. Tristan had apologized and promised not to leave him like that again, so it was enough for him. He turned his eyes back up to the other Seers, "Yeah. I am. Are you?" he asked, his fingers playing with the boys shirt that hung right over him.

"I am now," he answered softly.

Soran smiled. Reaching up he ran his fingers through the boys hair. It was soft, "Good," he answered and then wrapped his arms around the boys neck and pulled himself up to his ear, "Want to know something?"

"What," Tristan asked curious

With a smile, he pressed his lips against Tristan’s throat briefly, "I love you," he said, "Totally... freaking in love with you. You could even say Im high off you. Kind of funny, isn’t it?"

"No," Tristan answered sort of blushing and breathless at the same time, "I love you also, Soran. I am not ever going to let you go, you know that right."

Though he blushed, he nodded. His heart pounded hard at the boys declaration, "I know that. Although," he said with a glint in his eye, "about that whole, torture thing, you’ll have to catch me first," he grinned and then slipped out from under Tristan, landing on floor neatly and pounced for the pillow to prepare to throw it at the other.

"Oh you sneaky little tease," Tristan said in a huff and turned, "and yeah I know...you aren't little in the least." He grinned slightly. "Just give up Soran, you know you want to."

He blushed, the pillow clutched tightly in his hand, "You...." he huffed, eyes wide, "Now who is sneaky?" he stuck his tongue out and flung the pillow at Tristan anyway, "I won’t make it easy for you this time, you want it, you better come get it, sexy man" he grinned as he moved to get some distance.

"Okay if that is how you want it," he said after catching the pillow and placing it back on his bed, he got up slowly, and almost prowled around the other as he looked for any weakness

Soran grinned at the red haired boy, his heart racing though as he moved with Tristan, keeping the distance as best he could, "You know, I really must say, that shirt... very revealing. Look at all that muscle, so hot. God, Tristan, you really are attractive. I think I might want to kiss you everywhere," he teased, trying to see if he could provoke the other so that he could continue his little charade.

Tristan blushed slightly, "I know what you are doing Soran, and well the shirt is just getting in the way." He took it off and threw it toward the closet. "Now what if I start with you, those absolutely breath-taking eyes of yours."

Soran blushed furiously now, Crap... he’s onto me... I really gotta try something else next time he thought to himself as his gaze left the boys face to his shirtless upper frame. He sucked in a deep breath as he took a step back. Unfortunately, he hadn’t quite been paying attention to his surroundings, and his foot caught the chair. Stumbling, he hit the floor, "Ow..." he moaned, and then gasped, "Crap..."

"Soran," this time the tone was serious, he tried to catch the other as he fell, "Are you ok," Tristan asked looking at him trying to determine if anything was hurt.

He nodded a bit, "Yeah... just a bit... bruised up I think," he said with a laugh, "totally fine otherwise," he grinned at the other so that Tristan knew he was indeed alright, "I’m a lot sturdier than I look, jeez," he said and gave a playful shove to the boys shoulder. He bit his lip, "So... uh... Tristan.... about your shirt... Your leaving it off, right?"

Tristan smiled back at Soran, and then he began to chuckle, "Only for you, Soran."

He gave a light humm in return, "I see... same for you then," he reached down and pulled the edges of his own shirt up and over his head. He was going for sexy, but it probably came out as funny as he got one arm stuck for a moment and blushed furiously afterwards, "T-there. Now we are even."

Tristan was shaking his head, "Nope, wrong again, I think I won." He grinned as he leaned over to first catch the boys face and then his lips in a kiss.

Later that night

A note was slipped under everyone’s door clearly done very quickly, but with great flare (having a daughter who is a particularly good artist doesn't hurt either.) It read simply… “To all individuals, you are invited to a get together…lots of food, games, and fun to be had.” It had a map on it, which clearly showed the kitchen, if not slightly on the abstract and pointed to a door. This door looked to be off to the side, probably one that was passed and no one noticed. Or thought nothing of, as doors were passed by often in the house and never opened.

This one had though a big red enter sign on it, and one could clearly see that it led down a set of stairs, to a metal door. Now this one had a sign that said… “knock three times those who dare to have fun.”

Inside was a small hallway that entered off into a larger room, decorated with as many balloons that could be found, a table laden with food, and several other signs pointing in different directions. There was a game room, pool table, test your strength, fortune teller. A thumpa thumpa was already sounding through the sound system, though, one really couldn't hear it from outside the metal door.

Lights were flickering and black lights were going…and the party really hadn't even started yet.

As per directed, Soran knocked three times on the solid metal door that he had found following the well designed map. One of the girls must have done this, he thought to himself. Also, admittedly, the blonde boy had spent far longer than he should have with clothing. A party was a party after all and in light of that he had wanted to try to impress a certain someone -though he was sure he really didn't need to... still-. With some of his blonde hair pulled back, it flared around his face quite nicely in small spikes of blonde locks. He had on a nice pair of jeans with boots and a black shirt that hugged his small frame with the insignia of one of the bands he liked. Adorning both hands were long black gloves that only covered half of his hand, leaving his fingers exposed and reaching up to just under his elbow. Each one had a silver zipper on the top and a buckle around the wrist. A couple of silver necklaces laced his throat, and his earrings were now visible as they usually weren't. He bit his lip as he waited for the door to be opened to him, rocking back and forth and his heart fluttering ever so slightly.

The door which must have been magically programmed, opened upon the third knock. As it did the music got louder, which was slightly annoying at first. This was something the person would have to get use to though as the music was going to go for most of the evening

Soran grinned as he passed through the door, "Ooh, now I like this," he hummed to himself as he surveyed the room.

Kilia was having a dilemma. Like Soran, she was being rather picky about her clothes. Since the message had been slipped under her door, she had been very curious and then elated, and now she was frustrated as she stared at two different styles of dress. She tapped her lips as she eyed them carefully. One was a nice shirt with a skirt, another was a nice shirt and jeans. Kilia wasn't really one for dresses. The first was color schemed in blue, a nice compliment to her eyes, she did like that color after all. The other was a pink tank-top like shirt and dark blue jeans. She wasnt sure at all. With a huff, she closed her eyes, held out her hand and swayed it back and forth whilst counting to three.

Slowly peeking out, she ignored the other ensemble and dressed herself quickly. She was sure she was late after all. It ended up being the skirt after all and she pulled it on. The blue shirt was slightly silky to the touch, low cut and with a bit of a scrunch to the sides of it. For her hair, she put in only one tiny little clip to pull it from one side of her face. One twirl as she looked in the mirror was all she need -finally- and she left the room in a hurry.


Meanwhile Peter was on his way down to the location with the aid of the map. He had little time to get ready, but he left his usual attire, which included his hoodie behind. Peter was wearing a green colored shirt along with his jeans. The most shocking thing about it was if people could see was that his eyes could be fully seen for the first time.

The yellow fiery eyes he had seemed to inspect the now closed door as he approached it in odd curiosity and hit the door three times. When it opened he was shocked by the loud music, but he walked into the room nonetheless, and the moment he spotted the table of food his eyes went wide in anticipation. "Meet your Maker Lads!!"

In Jonathan's room, things were slightly more crazy.

"I said try to wear the armor!" Damian shouted at him In a hint of disappointment in his voice. "You're my descendant and it's formal attire!"

"I'd risk not being able to use my system for 24 hours. So that's a negative on that. But what do you think? Black Polo and jeans. Green Nice shirt and Black slacks, Or Gray Shirt, Black jeans with silver lining??" Jonathan asked, displaying each shirt in front of his shirtless, defined frame, whilst pointing at each pants with one foot.

Damian inspected each article of clothing carefully, before grabbing the gray shirt and threw it at Jonathan who caught it. "Grey family colors it is." Jonathan said to himself as he quickly got changed into it. After that, Jonathan rushed out the door and followed the directions to the door and knocked three times before entering.

Inside a few people were milling about as Julianna was bringing out some more food for the table, she was wearing a short black dress, as her dad actually gave her permission to attend if she helped out. Her hair was in a messy bun as placed the food on the table, she noticed some people by the door, "Guys come in," she said with a smile.

Peter's jaw almost dropped at the sight of Julianna's appearance and nearly put his head and heart out of sync for a strikingly three seconds before he slapped himself and walked down the hallway. "Don't have to tell me twice Lass." He muttered to himself as he proceeded to begin sampling the food on the table trying to not make his gaze wander over to the young lady near the table.

Rethyn's New Room

Rethyn had spent a long time pacing back and forth in his room. It was quite the upgrade from Tristan's closet as he even had his own bed and closet now. After the incident Grayson had been kind enough to lead Rethyn from the ruined bathroom to his new room. However, many still had not seen Rethyn without his mask. Looking into the mirror of his room he felt out of place for a moment. He was debating on not going until he heard the words of his Seer's within his mind. If he was indeed a member of this team then they'd want him there right? However, he had a lot of work to do before he could just go.

Walking over to the closet Rethyn was surprised at the amount of clothing of which had become available to him. Smiling to himself weakly he would have to thank Grayson later as his eyes caught onto a white button-down shirt. Quickly removing his almost tattered hoodie and the rest of his clothing Rethyn went quick into changing cloths. After getting on the shirt for a long while he debated on a pair of black shorts or a pair of black dress pants. Upon looking down at his legs he saw several scars from the car crash and quickly decided on the pants.

Lastly, Rethyn looked to his face and hair. After all of those days being under his mask his hair looked beyond unkempt. With a quick flash Rethyn returned to the ruined bathroom as he started to wash his face and hair in the sink. With a sigh he realized he had gotten some water on his shirt. "Damn it.." He said to himself quietly.

Stepping back from the mirror Rethyn took one last glance over himself as he felt just about ready. He had combed out his hair and had removed the helmet head he had developed from all of those days of wearing the mask. He had been able to dry off his shirt for the most part, but sadly the shirt was still a little damp at the collar.

Teleporting back to his room, Rethyn laid his sword against the wall as he figured he wouldn't need it. However, he chose to reach into the pocket of his hoodie and retrieve his pocket knife. He knew he wasn't going to need it, but it was just in case something was to happen. After sliding his knife into his dress pants he then reached down as he begun to slid on a new pair of sockets and tie on his dress shoes.

Glancing quickly into the mirror he practiced a smile, but grew frustrated as he thought to himself "How do they do it so easily?"

Giving up, Rethyn begun making his way to the party.

Down at the party

Soran walked around the table of food, eyeing it as he tried to figure out what he wanted, or if he even wanted anything right at that moment. Julianna was nice enough as she beckoned to the group to enter the area without pause. After a moment, he finally decided on just a small drink before he went looking. The flashing light made it look like everyone was moving in a weird way but he sort of like it, the black light was cool too. He read the signs as he wandered about slowly. The fortune teller made him laugh but he didn't go in. He was really good at pool and grinned as he thought about having a game with Tristan. Sipping his drink he kept an eye out for the tall, red haired Seer, his heart at the back of his throat. Good god... its like a first date or something... he thought to himself with a sigh. The music, though, was really amazing, the beat was perfect and he seriously felt like dancing, but didn't. That would come later he was sure. He spotted Kilia as she came into the room sometime after. She looked adorable of course, her long pink hair feathering around her face and dressed in a nice blue shirt and skirt.

He walked over to her and smiled, "Hey. What do you think of this?"

"U-uh... never been to something like this," she answered, her gaze shifting around and her fingers curling around the edges of her skirt. She looked really nervous, almost as nervous as he felt too. Soran giggled a bit.

"Well, this should be lots of fun. I think we have all deserved this, don't you?"

She smiled in return, "Yeah, I guess. Why... why is the music so loud?" she asked, and this time he did laugh.

"Because," he answered with a giggle, "Its supposed to be. You dance to it. Do you know how to dance?"

Her face lit up a bright red, "Oh god... no..."

Soran laughed again, "Its alright, you will be just fine. So, wheres Jonathan at?"

She shook her head slightly, "Um..."

As if by magic, Jonathan was just making his way down the hallway and into the main area. Jonathan scanned the area and all the signs for different entertainment venues. "Wow," he said to himself. "This place has a lot of stu-whoa..." He stopped short when he noticed Kilia. She was wearing a blue dress shirt with a skirt and wore her hair at one side. She seemed to have stepped out of her attractive scale Damian deemed her in the day they met, and had become very very beautiful.

"Son of a Dragon Broodmother." He said in almost shock and awe. "I must be imagining this right now..."

Peter was in the meanwhile taking in the scenery and looked around, whilst trying to keep his eyes off of Julianna as he now felt almost very nervous to talk to her for some unknown reason. Actually, the very thought of trying started to make his cheeks turn slightly pink. He just simply tried to concentrate on the food. If she said anything or went near him he wouldn't know what to do.

Three knocks came from the door. Behind the door Rethyn didn't know what to do with his hands as he held his right wrist behind his back. He felt nervous, as he was trying his best to hold back breifly trembling at the thought of judgment.

Almost jumping, Rethyn was caught off guard by the magical opening of the door. Breathing out a small breath, Rethyn stepped into the room as his eyes caught that of several others in the room. For many this would be the first time they would be seeing him in different attire. Forcing his right hand up he offered a small wave to the ones who had spotted him. "Evening" he mouthed.

Behind Rethyn entered Alauric and Grayson, both looking slightly more casual than usual, "Hmm they did a nice job...despite the lack of decorations," Alauric offhandly commented. Grayson rolled his eyes, "There is never a lack of decorations in this house." Alauric chuckled as he passed Rethyn he gave the boy a nod and smile. Grayson though paused, "Its nice that you are here, now go find something fun to do," he said. These two seemed to have a destination in mind as they made their way past the others and toward the room with the pool table.

Passing by one of the rooms, Alauric paused and shook his head, he turned to his guardian, "That boy gets stranger everyday." The two walked on and disappeared

"...Yes sir." Rethyn said quietly as he only gave the man brief eye contact. With a quick glance around the room, Rethyn spotted a spot to shift off. As he passed by the food he heard his stomach make a small growl as he was starving. However, he resisted the urge to go and get some as he had just gotten there. The feeling of being out of place crawled back as he didn't know what to do. With a rub to the back of the neck the boy stood near the wall as he would now and then glance to someone then back to the floor. It was starting to feel like a painful start to the night.

"Hey, look," Soran pointed to the boy who had entered. It was Jonathan and Kilia, without thinking twice, looked. She gave a squeak of embarrassment and then promptly slapped Sorans shoulder. It wasn't hard, and hardly moved him but he had to laugh, nearly doubling over at her reaction. They all had been living in the same house for a long time and still she was so innocent like that. Of course, not that he could say much about himself too. Either way though, he was having fun teasing her a bit.

"Soran! You...."

"Hey? Just pointing it out. I mean, you are all dressed up."

"And you aren't?"

He coughed as he had taken a sip of his drink, "Gah! Kilia!" It was her turn to giggle then.

"Ha, so there. Pay back."

"I didn't think you could be so cruel..." he pouted.

"I'm not cruel," she stated matter of factually, "I just get even, so there."

"Well, miss get even go talk to your man or I will drag him over here for you."

She flushed and turned quickly to look at Jonathan before giving Soran the evil eye and walking over to her Guardian though she looked very nervous to be doing so. Soran watched her go with a bit of a grin on his lips and soon found himself standing there sort of awkwardly. Okay... there's Rethyn he thought and gave the other boy a smile. He was amazed to see him without his mask, but Soran thought it looked much better, not that he would say it though. Alauric and Grayson were even present, but Soran had yet to find Tristan. With a slight hum to himself he started wandering the room again. It took him quite a while to look through all of the different areas that were set up, but he finally spotted the red head and grinned as he watched him silently from the doorway, enjoying the nice view and waiting ever so patiently for the other to notice him.

Jonathan was slightly still in shock from her appearance that when she finally came over to him, he still had to mentally shake off the shock. "Kilia," he finally got out. "You look, amazing." He had no other words to say save for those. His heart felt like it was about to come out of his chest he was apprehensive in his speaking to her. He had to figure out something to do with her or by himself to distract his mind for a few moments, and fast.

Tristan wasn't inside the room pacing, but he was nervous. He was actually trying to remember on how to hook up the karaoke machine...but it had been a distraction as he knew exactly what he was doing, but was playing dumb for a second. Standing there, his outfit consisted of black pants and a white button down shirt. He really wasn't as adventurous as some, but still was one of his nicer outfits. A gold chain hung around his neck, and small diamond earring was in one of his ears. He took a breath and turned to finally join the others, only be be met with the one person he most wanted to see. The outfit was so cute on Soran as Tristan's eyes caught each detail, and gosh aren't the gloves sexy was his last thought. "Hi," he finally said as he looked into the other's eyes.

Kilia blushed, looking down she wasn't sure what to say in response to Jonathan, but felt her lips pull into a small smile as she twisted gently with shyness. Finally she looked up at him properly. He was looking good as well and she noted that, "Thank you. You look amazing too," she added, her face growing red once more. She was thankful for the darkness, though the flashing lights were sure to illuminate her reddened face. "So... what shall we do first?"

"Hi," Soran replied as well. He had been star struck, staring at the other boy until Tristan had turned around and spotted him. He fingered the cup gently, playing with it as he leaned against the doorway. He didn't hide the fact that he was totally staring, nor did he hide it when his gaze slipped down the boys frame and then came back up, slowly. He grinned at Tristan, that mischievous glint coming back into his blue eyes, "I didn't know you wore jewelry," he commented, he laughed a bit. He was still trying not to giggle too much about Tristans greeting. That simple hi had been so damned cute, and really distracting..., "So, why are you hiding in there, sexy? Aren't you supposed to be out here?" he teased.

Jonathan looked around, trying to think of what to do. The game room seemed to be the best interest at this moment. "Let's go to the game room. I'm curious to see what they mean." Jonathan suggested as he took Kilia's hand gently and lead her towards the room. He turned to look once more at the Table and saw a Red-faced, Nervous Peter. Peter was still debating whether or not he should man up and try to talk to Julianna and either engage in playful flirting, or just talk like a friend.

Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Poor Peter." he muttered to himself as he lead Kilia into the Games room.

Tristan wasn't paying attention to Soran's words in as much as looking him over again, "oh...um just every once in awhile." he said. "I am not hiding...I was trying to get the karaoke machine to work...but then I thought who the heck likes karaoke." Okay so maybe he was hiding but at least he had a story to cover it up, "So everyone here," he asked as he walked to the door.

Rethyn peaked around the entrance of the door to the game room. "Should I be in there?" He asked without much eye contact to the others.

With everyone else retreating to the other rooms, it seemed to have left Julianna and Peter alone in the main room, she couldn't help but notice how he was trying not to look at her. Well at least he could be friendly and say hi she couldn't help but think. She sighed and decided to find something to do cause she was going to wait around for him to make up his mind.

Peter saw her finally and it looked like she was about to get bored and might leave him. Peter looked around to see the others heading off to other rooms. Peter realized he was on his own. No time for advice from anyone so he decided to just go for it. He walked to Julianna silently and quickly. "Hey, fun party so far, isn't it?" He said trying to sound confident and hide his current confused and shy state. If he had his hoodie he'd cover his entire head In embarrassment. Also, the slight pink on his face wasn't helping his cause any.

Julianna couldn't help, she giggled slightly, "yes I suppose," she replied. "You know what might make it more fun...how about you and me, on the xbox."

If Peter didn't have steam coming out of his ears then, he'd sure be having it now. "S-s-sure." Peter replied, trying to mentally slap himself back to confidence. "What games ya got in mind?"

Julianna sort of got that glint in her as she actually grabbed Peter's hand, "Oh...something fun." she said as she lead him to the room where the others were.

Kilia saw Rethyn peek into the room that her and Jonathan had ventured into and she smiled at him brightly, "Hey, come on. This could be a lot of fun. Some of this stuff is really old and kind of cool."

Offering the two of them a nod, Rethyn stepped into the room. "I've done quite a bit of exploring around the house, but I didn't know about this place..."

"I think this is actually their bunker area," Kilia said in response as she glanced around, "The steel door was kind of a give away," she said with a grin.

There it was. A smile. Glancing over to the two of them Rethyn tried a smile of which could use a little work as he said in return. "I guess I didn't do much of opening doors when I first got here."

Kilia giggled and then spotted Julianna as she came in with Peter in tow. If she didn't know any better, she would have thought the poor boy was a captive or something. Tugging on Jonathans sleeve she giggled as she leaned on him, "Hehe, I think Peter has been captured," she laughed, leaning forward she looked at the games.

"Does he need rescue?!" Rethyn said back in alarm as he clearly missed the joke of her words. Shooting his head in the direction she was looking he tilted his head. That didn't make much sense, he didn't look in danger. Looking back to Kilia and Jonathan, Rethyn momentarily looked like a lost dog.

"It's a joke Rethyn." Jonathan said with a Chuckle. "She meant Julianna got a hold of him so it looks like he won't just be gorging on the snacks and get ridiculously fat."

At the remark of food Rethyn heard his stomach hum at him. He wanted to go invisible, he really did and he could. A slight bit of red hit his face as he looked down in embarassment.

Kilia laughed at Jonathan, "That's mean Robin," she said gently giving him a shove on his shoulder, "Anyway lets see what they are going to play, I want to play too," she urged and took hold of Jonathans hand, leading him to the couch where Julianna had gone with Peter in tow. Glancing over her shoulder, she beckoned to Rethyn, "Come on, you too."

Jonathan chuckled as he let Kilia lead him to the Couch where Peter situated himself in. Peter looked at the Controller in his hand and then to his up and coming opponent. "Alright, let's get this started lassie." He said finally getting a shred of his confidence back.

Rethyn was not sure if there'd be enough room next to the couch so he chose to sit on the floor to the left of it. He then watched the group get ready for whatever game they had in mind. He found himself curious, he was really wondering what game they'd be going for.

Julianna had the other controller, "Ready," she said to Peter.

"When you are." Peter replied with a smirk on his face.

"Uh oh," Kilia said, her lips pulled into a grin as she watched them eagerly. She was seated up on the arm of the couch, one hand steadying herself with the other holding Jonathans arm in her slender fingers, "Julianna, do me a favor. Win," she giggled.

"No problem," Julianna looked over at Kilia a smile on her face. The game went into countdown and at go the action began.


"So, karaoke, hu?" Soran said as he rocked back and forth against the wall he was leaning on, he giggled a bit, "Mhmm..." he hummed, obviously not believing the other boy to a certain extent. Glancing over his shoulder he watched the others disappear, "Yeah, everyones here... Oh, damn. Your sister just totally stole Peter... I hope he survives..." he said as an off handed remark, "All except for you that is," he cooed gently. Setting his cup down, he reached out and stopped Tristan from going any further, "Hold on," he said softly. His fingers trained up the boys stomach to the top buttons of the shirt which he promptly undid the first two. With a grin, he adjusted the shirt a bit, "There, now you are ready," he grinned mischievously.

Tristan grinned at Soran, "Yeah she is pretty harmless..." he said, "well unless prompted to protect herself." He probably should have not said anything at all, but he didn't care as he looked slightly down at Soran unbuttoning his top two buttons. He caught the hands of the other, "Where did you get these," he was asking about the gloves.

Soran blushed damn, this always backfires he thought to himself, "Those? I... got them from an online store a long time ago, right before I entered college actually. Why?" he asked, genuinely curious as he looked back up at the taller boy.

"Cause they are incredibly sexy Soran," Tristan replied, "that is why."

His heart literally skipped a beat as he was held there, frozen by words as well as by Tristan's hands holding his, "Y-you like them... that much?" he couldn't think of anything else to say as he was burning a bright red, he could feel it even if it was too dark to see. He smiled then, "Maybe I will wear them for you more often, but you... should wear this more often," he said, gently reaching up from the others hands and brushing his fingers across the single earring, "Now that.... that is fucking hot. Have you even noticed? I mean seriously... baby, you should look in a mirror right now," he said with a grin.

"I don't need a mirror, with you saying that to me," he said as he glanced at the other, "I like your jewelry as well, Soran." He was slightly wondering why he never noticed the earrings before, and felt rather bad about it. "So are we going to stand here all night in this doorway, not that I wouldn't mind that, or should we go join the others."

Soran leaned forward, resting his weight on the boy, "What if I like the doorway?" he teased, "But I do want to see what else is down here, especially with you. There is just so much we could do Tristan. Not to mention this music," he wrapped one arm around the others shoulder, while his other hand fell against Tristan's chest and he traced circles there with his fingers, "I really want to dance too. I think Ill take you by surprise for sure. And last but not least," he leaned forward, rising up on his feet to get to Tristan s ear, "Who ever wins at a game of pool gets to do whatever they want," he laughed and then bit Tristan's ear before pulling away while laughing uncontrollably.

"You little tease," Tristan whispered, "I hate when you do that, my heart beats so fast," Tristan was breathing a little fast as well. "We will have to wait on the pool table," Tristan looked slightly disappointed in the fact, "but I am up for anything else until then." He didn't even shy away from the word dance, which sort of surprised him, but to get a chance to hold Soran close, he would try.

Soran grinned at him, "I know, that's why I do it. Gets to you, doesn't it?" He ran his tongue across his lower lip, "Hmm, fine, I suppose I can wait on that." As Tristan said he was up for anything else, the small blonde lifted an eyebrow. Reaching up, he brushed his hair upwards, the long tendrils of blonde fell from his fingers just right to have slender locks fall over one eye and fan out over his forehead, "Anything, oh my, you best be careful what you say. You don't know what kind of mood you'll put me in talking like that," he laughed. Offering his hand, he turned slightly to face the open room ahead of him, "Dance, or get beaten at some of those games you have set up down here?" he offered with a wink.

Tristan reached for the hair in front of Soran eyes, and moved it to the side, "Oh so you think you really can beat me, baby, this is my house remember." He chuckled slightly, "ok, lets go play." Tristan grinned at the other.

"Look who is all sure of himself," Soran commented as he put his hands on his hips, "I am going to beat you at any game that you want, my sexy man. Are you sure you're prepared for this? I wont go easy on you, you know," Soran teased as he started for the game room where the others had gone to. He could already hear a game going and the cheers and laughter were loud, but the music was just enough to drown them out ever so slightly.

As Soran and Tristan walked into the game room, Tristan noticed what game was going on..."Oh shit, now how the heck did she talk him into playing that."

"Gotta, beat you, somehow!!" Peter was saying under clenched teeth whilst pushing all the buttons he could press. "Come on, come on!!!"

Julianna was looking a little bit more relaxed as she pressing every combo she knew..."HA, super power." she exclaimed and hit Peter's player with a fire attack. Tristan shook his head at his sister.

"Super Attack? What the, Oh no..." Peter realized too late. "No no. No!" Julianna's character suddenly threw a fire attack at his and the avatar burned to a crisp as it was the last sliver of health left. "Nooooo!"

Julianna was giggling, "Maybe better luck next time," she said as she put down her controller. She turned and caught her brother's look of disapproval, "Oh well would you look at that, I need to go do something." She got up from the couch and escaped the room, she sort of knew what was going to happen next.

"Peter, I hate to say it, but I think you've been bambozzled," Tristan said from behind the others, "she knows every freaking move in that game without having to think about it."

Kilia couldn't control her laughter. She was laughing so hard, tears were coming from the edges of her eyes as she leaned heavily on Robin for support. She couldn't remember the last time that she had laughed so hard. It felt good to do so, and of course, once she had started laughing, it was terribly hard to stop.

Soran, on the other hand, was astonished at how brutal the end result of that game was and was starting to re-think his earlier challenge to Tristan. However, he wasn't about to give up, walk away or whatever. He was determined, and even if he lost at these games, he was confident in his pool skills at the very least. Walking up to the game, he reached for the control and gave Tristan a challenging grin, "So. Care to give me a try, baby? Or shall we call it my win?" he teased.

Peter sighed as he set the controller down. "If there is a next time...I'll pick the game." Jonathan tried hard to both laugh and keep Kilia from falling off her seat and crash right onto him. He then scanned the room to see if there were any other systems and or Games that he himself could entertain himself with. Either that or get Kilia to join him in a Co-op game and see how they'd both fare.

Peter simply glowered in defeat at Julianna when her brother said she bamboozled him. "I see... So again, next time, I pick the game. And maybe throw in a random bet on the table." Peter actually frowned when she actually left. "Darn! So close..."

Tristan not one to usual miss one of Soran's teases, was slightly distracted by Peter and then Kilia with her laughter. He turned back and looked at Soran standing there with the controller, "Did you say something," he asked the other, "how about something else...team game or something. We can see how we work together."

Rethyn tilted his head at Tristan's idea. What team game would he have in mind? Glancing over to the food again, Rethyn knew he would be snatching some later.

Soran grinned, "Oh, I see. Afraid Ill beat you, hu?" he teased again, though he did admit, playing together sounded a thousand times more fun than against. That way he could tease the boy even more, "Sure, sounds like fun though, what did you want to play?"

By this time, Kilia had calmed down enough to listen coherently. Looking at Jonathan she nodded eagerly, "I want in! Come on Robin, lets do it."

Jonathan chuckled and sighed. "As you wish, let's get on with it. Hey Peter, you gonna be a couch potato or are you gonna run after her?"

Peter turned into a shade of red. "What?" Peter said, saying the first thing that popped into his head.

"I saw the way you looked at her." Jonathan said in a matter of fact tone, "So what are you gonna do about it? Ignore it for the rest of the night or actually try?" Peter by now, started to look like a ripe tomato and quite literally steam started coming out of his ears.

"You're out of line buster! Sure she looks hot currently but-Darn it!" Peter exclaimed before realizing he said too much in front of a crowd. "I'm... Gonna shut up now."

Tristan was looking at the guardian a little in shock, but couldn't help but to stifle a small laugh. "Eww gross man...don't talk about my sister like that," he said as he started toward the center of the powered on a game. This one pretty much took a good chuck of space up as lights went off, "Ok this is something like capture the castle, or somewhere along those lines. Main objective is to well capture the enemies flag, take it back to your castle. While trying to defend your own castle and your own flag...everyone got that."

The lighted area popped up two 3-d castles, and Tristan went to a nearby table for the control pads. "Hmm, now how we dividing up."

Rethyn had quietly wondered off as he was hovering over the food. Almost everyone had left the room with the food so he had the feeling he could grab whatever he liked. Having practically starved himself the past day he begun stacking his plate with food.
Looking around to make sure nobody was watching him, Rethyn begun shoving the food in his mouth as he quickly devoured several kinds of cheeses and hard-boiled eggs. After what seemed like five minutes of eating he begun to wonder back to the game room. Looking quite content, Rethyn casually dropped back to spot in the game room. He wanted to ask what he missed, but he didn't want everyone to focus on him.

"I'll just spectate thanks very much." Peter said, still looking red in the face from his outburst. Jonathan looked at Kilia before turning to Tristan. "I think teams of two should be nice enough I do believe."

"Jonathan and I," Kilia said, a bright smile on her face. Soran glanced to Tristan and then to Rethyn and Peter. Since Peter had opted out -which Soran was half tempted to tell him to play anyway even if it was to tease him a little- he figured it was probably just him and Tristan than. He smiled warmly at the red haired boy.

Putting one hand on his hip, he rested his weight on one leg whilst titling his head slightly, his hair feathering out over his eyes again, "So, I guess that leaves you and me. Im down for it."

Tristan gave the blonde seer a smile, but couldn't help but noticed the others he glanced at. It kinda messed up his thought on not leaving anyone out, and the dilemma of what to do was apparent on his face. "Okay," he said finally. hoping his guardian would understand.

He handed one tablet to Kilia, and the other to Soran, "Ok these control troops, and defenses, if you push on archers, then a group of archers appear on in the game. Defenses also include items to repair any damage to your own castle, should you be lucky to be able to do that. Ok now you got to pick your main player, the one who is actually going to capture the flag. Under the customize button on the screen."

Rethyn was happy he had not been handed a controller. Watching others play video games was always a good way to see who people really were. In life while skipping class Rethyn often would go over to the homes of his friends who had skipped as well. It was a form of interaction of which you really saw how people would handle things.

Peter just watched the instructions of the game go on quietly. He was mentally slapping himself for everything he even did when Jonathan made him accidentally blurt out his innermost thoughts on Julianna at that particular moment. "She must've worn that outfit on purpose to confuse me during our match..." he thought to himself bitterly and thoughtfully.

Jonathan watched the rules be explained carefully. "Okay, what will you and me do Tristan?" He asked in earnest. He knew it was a cooperation game so he wanted to know what he was about to do to help Kilia.

"Oh sorry," Tristan said, "the pad is for both of you, I had four of them at one time, but they were broken."

"Figures." Peter said, half wishing he had his hoodie to hide his red face.

"Fair enough." Jonathan said as he sat by Kilia to have a look at the pad she had.

"When the game starts, this will be your map also, it will give more detail then what you can see happening on the board," he looked at Soran wondering if the other had any questions.

Soran's gaze had gone bright, sparkling even if one wanted to call it such. The game highly intrigued him, it was just the right amount of complex whilst giving freedom to the player to a certain extent. He was in love with it immediately. His gaze was locked on the pad as he was already playing around with it, checking things out and listening. Glancing up he grinned at Tristan, "This is going to be awesome." he commented lightly then saddled up next to the boy and held the pad out to him, "So, whats the battle plan?" he asked with a slight giggle. He was going to have to ask Tristan about that system later. He really wanted to look into how it was made.

"Why don't the both of you attack at night? Is there a night time mode in the game?" Rethyn asked curiously.

"Actually there is," Tristan said, "but it gets kinda advanced in that mode," he answer the others question and turned back to Soran, "how about you do offense and I take care of defense," he suggested. A slight grin on his face.

Soran leaned in on Tristan, "Sure thing. Cant wait to show you what I can do," he prompted with a wicked grin. Turning to the tablet he starting going through it again to see what he could use to go and capture the flag. The character he would create was going to be stealthy, quick and hard to attack -at least he hoped anyway-.

"I like that character. It's always more effective." Rethyn chimed in.

"Oh...and because there is one pad per team, every round there are two turns, one is offensive and the other defensive, five moves on each of those turns. That way then you both are working and there is a time limit on each turn, up to one minute."
"Sounds good to me," Soran said as he was buried already in the offensive detail.

Kilia on the other hand, was a little bit lost and so she looked up over to Jonathan and handed him the pad with a gentle smile, "You go first," she said, "I will watch and figure it out that way. Whatever you dont do, I will do the other, okay?"

Jonathan nodded as he decided to take the offensive as well and try to pit his own mind against Soran almost as if it was chess rather then it being the other game. In which he had to anticipate and surprise him. He started to set up the offensive detail and when he felt satisfied on that end, he handed it back to Kilia. "Take the defensive, I'll try and handle Soran."

Soran laughed a bit, "Show me your worst, Jonathan," he edged, his gaze flicking up from the pad and towards the Guardian. His grin had turned to one that could be considered a bit mischevious as well as wicked. Kilia gulped at the look and leaned over to Jonathan.

"Um... I... I think hes kind of serious..."

Soran finished up his creation and handed the pad to Tristan, "All yours baby. Though I doubt you will need to protect anything, this will be over soon," he said and stuck out his tongue.

Kilia flushed, "So mean..." she moaned slightly and set to work at trying to create some decent defenses as best she could.
Tristan bit his lip, trying to chuckle, "oh so that means...I am completely in your hands," he said to Soran, kinda of nonchalantly as he took the pad, and throw up his own defenses. "Ok we are ready to start," he pressed something on the pad. And some trumpets sounded over the board game, a 'Round 1 appeared so everyone could see, suddenly little people started to appear, whatever was chosen before the game began. The main character could be see with a star above its head, "red is for you guys," Tristan pointed out, "and blue is our team." The sounds effects had horses and hammering going on, "Oh, if you want to see inside your castle..." he pressed a another thing on the pad, and suddenly the castle on the game board was completely see through. "Its the view button."

He handed the pad back to Soran, "ok start your turn," he said.

Receiving the pad, he smiled warmly at the taller boy and then turned his gaze over to Jonathan. His smile turned to a grin again and he almost had a slightly evil laugh in his tone, "Alright, game time," he said and pressed the flashing button for it to start. His character was just as he wanted him to be, quick, stealthy and hard to target. Soran made the character rush the other castle, his fingers working the pad rather quickly and the little person on the 3-D view sprinted for the other castle.

Kilia gasped at the sudden charge and gave a slight squeak as she tried to figure out how she was going to defend against Soran, "Oh God.... this isn't good..." she muttered to herself.

Jonathan quietly observed Soran's first move with almost a straight face. Peter knew that could only mean he's going to do something very devious or worse, devastating, like the moment he got punched in the stomach hard. "Bold move. I just wonder however, how good will your defenses be against what I have planned."

Tristan quirked an eyebrow at the guardian, but kept silent.

Soran laughed, "Sure Jonathan. If you even get the chance too," he cooed back, still working his character closer to the castle. It was at the wall now and Kilia was still freaking out.

"Oh... man... Soran?!" she whimpered slightly, "You couldn't have gone easy could you?"
"Sorry... not really my style," he glanced up at her and smiled though Kilia didn't feel like it was a warm one in the least. He certainly was competitive, "If you don't do something, Ill have that flag of yours in a few seconds, Kilia."

She gave a sharp hiss of air through her mouth and started trying to do something. The little figures moved around like crazed dolls and she glanced over to Jonathan, "Robin!! They arent stopping him! What should I do??" she asked.

Jonathan whispered silently into her ear so Soran couldn't hear. "Take your Archer nearest to him and order him to shoot at His guy. Then have your Axe thrower throw a well aimed Tomahawk at him if his guy is still moving if injured." Jonathan smiled at her before returning to his almost emotionless face.

"I'd probably lose at cards if you use that face Jonathan." Peter muttered, slowly recovering from his embarrassing Confession. He wanted to actually leave and see where Julianna ran off to, but he felt his presence would be missed.

The timer chimed at 30 seconds, "30 seconds guys," Tristan said just so they knew what that meant

"Easy," Soran muttered.

Kilia did as she was told to the best of her ability, but even so she was probably a slight bit too slow. Her archer missed completely, but the tomahawk thrower did manage to clip the avatar that was Soran's, slowing him down. The blonde haired Seer gave a slight groan, but pressed on, his grin turned into a frown, "Ha!" Kilia offered as she was elated to have finally done something worthwhile.

Soran sighed, "Okay, so I wont make it... but I got damned close," he said as he pushed the character to its limits to reach the flag though it had slowed considerably from the tomahawk attack.

Jonathan whispered again, "If you did set up any traps, now would be a good time to use them." Jonathan suggested in a quiet playful tone.

"Uh...." her face went completely red as she glanced up to him. She offered him a small smile and a very nervous laugh, "Sorry?"

"Oh well, he's slowed down, try shooting at him with your archer one more time." He then suggested, "But when it's my turn build some traps."

Tristan was impressed with both Soran and Kilia, even though you wouldn't hear him say it out loud. The chime went off. "Ok next turn," he said

Rethyn yawned slightly as he tucked himself further into the side of the couch. After eating all that food, he found himself feel drowsy as he watched the group interact in silence.

Jonathan waited for Kilia to hand him the pad as he would then Unviel what his hero would do. It was slightly something a tad more to his liking, a Knight Character as said Avatar started to rush headlong into the troops and cut his way towards the castle. He was hitting a precise angle in how the troops were placed by how he looked at them when he was sitting out with Kilia defending. Jonathan kept a straight face only to smirk to anyone noticing him as he neared the castle.

Soran watched the character charge the castle, much like his own had, but instead of being without a weapon to fight back, this one had one. He lifted an eyebrow as he glanced up to Tristan. He wondered what the red head would do in response and decided to hold his tongue until something absolutely dire happened and Tristan needed his help.

Tristan had his eyes on the pad, as if the attack didn't bother him, yes his troops were being cut down. However he had more surprises closer to the castle. One was the very thing that Jonathan had mentioned to Kilia. A trap had been placed, now all that was needed was someone to set it off. He pulled up a sudden calvery rider behind Jonathan's character. It was to drive him to where he needed him to go.

Jonathan read the move as both an attempt to run him down and possibly to push him to something very unpleasant. He openly smiled as he then ordered his character to run away from the rider, seemingly to follow what Tristan predicted, but he then made a mad dash to the left of the rider and gave a swiping slice to the Rider in an attempt to trip him up.

The rider fell, and Tristan just shrugged, as he continued using his pad. He put an archer on the wall, to far away to openly attack, and it was shooting at Jonathan to keep him away from the wall.

Jonathan made his character run head long for the gate once more, whilst trying to make him run in a serpentine fashion to avoid getting shot, although Tristan's behavior gave Jonathan a slight chill, but he didn't let Kilia notice.

Peter could only chuckle at how this part of the round was going, he looked at Rethyn who looked like he was falling asleep and sighed. He almost looked like he was about to get bored. He needed another spectator buddy, either that or he would try to slip out of the room to the Dance floor.

The gate was heavily protected as it was. Three guards stood there, each weilding two scimaturs, an open attack would almost be sucide. There were barricades present as well, which would slow down Jonathan's character. And just in case...Tristan had another surprised waiting. The chime again sounded, and he finally spoke "30 seconds Jonathan."

Jonathan smirked as he made his character pull something off of his belt and hurled it towards the guards, hoping that if it connected, it would set some of them on fire. Jonathan then made his way slowly through the barricades while the fire bomb did it's work, hopefully.

Peter sighed boredly and then suddenly laughed at the hurling of the bomb, but it wasn't enough. With A sleepy companion, spectating was getting boring. He half wondered if he got up and went to the dance floor would anyone notice?

"Hmm," Tristan kinda glanced at the fire bomb, as it hit two of the three guards, the third advanced though waiting it seemed. The two guards on fire quickly vanished from the scene, but with a slight push of a button, they returned...as skeletons. The stood their ground though, as they were there as a backup.

Jonathan sucked in his breath as he tried to think about his next strategy, hoping he had enough time in his turn to deal with them. He couldnt tell what to do. Peter was chuckling at Jonathan's predicament. However, he decided that After Soran's next turn he would sneak off to the dance floor to try and do his own thing. And Maybe find Julianna and slightly confront her about Bamboozling him.

Tristan noticed the hesistation, and it seemed like his guard stopped and the chime went off at the same time. He looked up at Jonathan, "saved by the bell," he said even though he left it vague about whom he was talking about. He gave a smile to Soran as he handed over the pad, "Next round"

Taking the pad, Soran smiled, his fingers brushing against Tristans as he accepted the device. Glancing over to Kilia, he gave her a smile, "Ready for me?"

Kilia looked as if she were going to pop any moment as her cheeks were puffed out, slightly red as she concentrated on the pad. Soran laughed at the sight so hard that he doubled over giggling. Kilila, startled by the sudden laughter, looked up at him raising an eyebrow, "What are you laughing at?"

"You!" Soran answered as he took a breath. Standing up straight, he leaned against Tristan knowing that his small size and wieght were nothing really.

Puffing up her cheeks again, she narrowed her eyes, "Just wait, Soran. Ill get you this time."

"Uh-hu," he said and worked on his character. This time he was going a little more heavily armored, though he still tried to keep the speed. Even if he wasnt agile, he would be fast enough to reach the castle. He worked silently just as Kilia seemed to be agonizing over her own. Soran still giggled every now and then at her determination.

"Ready?"

Kilia glanced up and nodded, though she didnt look like she was ready in the least.

Soran grinned at her, "Alright, here I come," he said his eyes sparked with their familiar fire again. The game started and Soran was completely surprised that Kilia had done nothing with her defenses. He hesitated, glancing up to Tristan, he looked back to her and lowered an eyebrow. Pushing his character forward, he charged for the castle.

Kilia watched him carefully. It seemed she was waiting for something. Soran halted his advance. Kilia glanced up at him, tilting her head a bit. She smiled innocently at him. That is soo not innocent he thought to himself as he glowered at the playing field that was literally only himself. What is she planning.... His first thought was to go directly through the gate, but he figured she was waiting for that as it would seem obvious. So instead he rushed to the wall. He would climb up to the top and over it. As he did so, Kilia still didnt do anything which made him even more nervous.

As his little 3-D character climbed down to the other side, he stopped again for a moment. He wasnt too far away now. With a slight groan, he pushed the character forward, bolting for the flag. Then it happened. In a slight flash and bang, his character was trapped in a tiny little metal box with bars. Soran gasped, "Ah!"

Kilia, on the other hand, lost it. Laughing uncontrollably she rocked back and forth as Soran fumbled with his pad.

"Shit!"

Peter began chuckling too as he got up from the couch and started to walk away and head for the dance floor. "Too funny." He said to no one in particular as he headed out of the Game room. "Off to the dance floor." He then said, hoping to find his own entertainment, or at least, find the Bamboozler who beat him. When he caught up with her he's gonna.....wait. What was he gonna do? Peter stopped a moment to think on that before shrugging and continuing on his way.

"Nice one Kilia." Jonathan whispered. "Got another surprise?"

Still giggling uncontrollably, she shook her head, "No," she answered between breaths.

Soran was struggling, frantically trying to free himself when the timer went off. He paled, then his face flushed red which made Kilia laugh harder. She was fanning herself now with one hand as she tried to breathe properly. Soran was freaking out, trying to get his character free, but to no avail. The worst of it was that he was mere inches from the flag.

"Nope... nothing else. But... hes not going anywhere at all," she laughed.

"Aww man! The hell...." Soran groaned as the timer slowly melted down to zero. He hung his head at the defeat and heaved a heavy sigh, "Well... I have to admit, that was pretty damned good there Kilia."

She grinned at him.

Rethyn had most definetly passed out as he was snugged into the side of the couch. His hands were together on his lap and his breathing was soft. Ocasioanlly he'd shuffle a bit in his sleep, but never all that much.

Tristan couldn't help but to smile slightly at Soran's predicament, he had to hand it to Kilia that was a good move. "I guess this round is theirs," he said.

Jonathan was chuckling at Kilia's move. "You bet it is ours, how do you call it Peter?" Jonathan asked but realized then and there that Peter had promptly left to go to the dance floor, "Either that or he is searching for Julianna, I don't think he liked what she pulled on him..." he thought with a small smile on his face as he shook his head. "Well I guess he got bored." He commented more to himself Then anyone about Peter's sudden disappearance.

As the game went on, it kinda looked like some of the food (other then what was the consumed) had been put away, what was left was things that wouldn't spoil as badly. One thing that had been added though was some sweet stuff for dessert. Julianna had caught Peter leaving the game room, and promptly hid. She wasn't scared...well maybe a little. Her hiding place seemed to be on the other side of the food table, which wasn't a very good one to say the least.

Tristan turned to Soran, "So what's next," knowing the other had a few thoughts in his head.

Looking up at Tristan, the blonde haired Seer seemed to take a moment to think. He tapped a slender finger against his lower lip as he filtered through his many options. Finally, he met Tristans gaze and smiled at him, "How about a dance first? Since... you know, Im feeling nice and will challenge you to that pool match I mentioned earlier a little bit later. How does that sound?" he asked with a small laugh.

Peter was heading for the general direction of the dance floor when movement near the table caught his eye. Most of the perishable foods was moved away and Peter smirked slightly as he saw a bit of red hair hiding at the end of the table. "You're in a lot of trouble with me Lassie." He said rather pointedly yet not in an angry tone for some reason which shocked him. Was some part of his mind actually trying to flirt with her. He mentally slapped himself a few times for saying it in such a way. "I'll be either wanting a rematch or some other way of making it up to me Miss Julianna. If you want to talk or anything I'll be on the dance floor." With that Peter promptly left for said location.

Was there giggling coming from behind the food table as Peter left, Julianna couldn't help it, the boy was funny. What was he going to do...make her dance. She stood up as he walked away, lucky for her, she knew the back way out of the bunker. Yet, she was curious, and kinda wanted to know how he wanted her to make it up to him. She had a look of indecision on her face, and sighed slightly.

She picked up some chocolate from the dessert and popped it into her mouth and headed for the dance floor. She found Peter and walked up to him, "Ok I am here."

Tristan also looked like he couldn't decide what to do. "I guess a dance sounds ok." Frankly Tristan was slightly scared, but he didn't show it.

Soran laughed, reaching up he gently patted the boys chest, "You guess? Well if that doesnt tell me anything I dont know what would. Alright, come on big boy, lets go. I think youre going to enjoy this," he said with a wink as he grabbed Tristans hands and led him from the room to the area outside where it was considered the dance floor. The music was loud once again and the dancing lights really got him in the mood. Releasing Tristans hands, he hummed softly to himself as he watched the boy, taking a few steps away from him. Tilting his head slightly he smiled as his small frame started to sway slightly to the music. A few minutes after and he had started dancing without a care. He wouldnt say he was the -greatest- but he wasnt terrible either. His hands were on either hip at one point as he moved, then reaching out to grip Tristans waist, hooking his fingers in the belt loop as he pulled the boy to him. It wasnt long until Soran had completely lost himself to the music.

Kilia looked over to Jonathan, her face flushing slightly, "Um..." she started. She wasn't a dancer at all and was seriously intimidated by the prospect of having to dance in front of him. At best she could just move from side to side without looking completely ridiculous. Going to the door, she chanced a peek out and grew even redder. "Wow..." she muttered as she watched Soran. Boy knows how to dance... she thought. wonder if I could do that.... wait no! No, that's really... really bad... she thought to herself frantically.

"I'm thinking one of two things Lass." Peter said in a bit of a challenging tone. "Either we have a dance off here and see who out of the two of us is the best one, or, we go back to that game room and have a rematch with whatever game I pick. Take your pick. Loser does whatever the Winner wants them to do for the evening."

Jonathan looked at Kilia who looked slightly nervous about going to the dance floor and dance. He almost chuckled at her state but stopped himself so she won't yell at him. "Well, if there are slow dances in any of this music's loop, you and me can do that and I can show you step by step how to dance, if you want Kilia." He said in an almost polite matter. "It's easy to start from there."

Tristan having being led to the dance floor, was completely lost in watching Soran. Lost meaning, mesmerized, and slightly dumbfounded. He let the other boy lead, as he didn't really want to do anything other then watch. Words seemed to have escaped him as the blonde continued, and all he was doing was staring and moving along with him.

Jullianna giggled again at Peter, "hmm, dance off or a game of your choice, well I am a little to tired to dance, so I go for the other." It wouldn't have been fair to Peter anyways, as Julianna had been dancing most of her life. She thought she would be nice and not trick him twice in one night.

"Oh my," Kilia breathed as Soran did something rather... bold.... while dancing. She lifted a hand and covered her mouth as she went bright red. She turned back to Jonathan, trying to get something to distract her from the pair that were definitely heating the dance floor... well the blonde was anyway. With a bit of a sigh, she looked towards the food, "Slow dancing hu?" she said, finding something concentrate on, "Well... I suppose if you don't mind me stepping on your feet or anything," she said, twirling a piece of hair in her fingers, "First... I am a bit hungry and those sweets...." her mouth was practically watering as she laid her eyes upon the decadence.

Soran grinned as he moved, slipping out of Tristan's hold, he allowed his hands to release the boy and then rest on his own small frame as he continued dancing, no doubt teasing the other. He was graceful, and moved back and forth, getting closer to the other boy before slipping away again. Doing a complete circle around the red head, his fingers trailing along Tristan hip and back as he went, he laughed as he was having far too much fun now.

"Alright then. Back to the game room for us then lass." Peter said with a smirk as he turned around and started heading back for the game room. He looked through the selection of games and found a perfect game he could try to beat her with. He smirked to himself at the thought of getting his revenge.

Julianna followed Peter back to the game room, looking at the sleeping Rethyn as she did, it took her a second to realize who he was, and she looked away. "So what is it?" she asked Peter.

Peter pulled out a shoot em up Multiplayer western game, "This one, Dueling mode. Best of Nine wins." Peter said with a small smirk of confidence. He knew this game pretty well enough to try his luck against her if she knew it as well. He smiled in his mental state in confidence however that speed is key and that he'll be faster on the draw.

Jonathan chuckled. "Trust me Kilia," he said with a small confident smile. "We'll minimize the toe casualty a lot with slow dancing trust me." He was actually nervous on the inside as he hoped the toe stepping wont be that painful on either person if there was a slight bumble. Worst case scenario all ten of Jonathan's toes would be aching by the time he got to bed.

Julianna slightly pouted, "Well if that is what you want," she said to the other.

Tristan's gaze followed the other as he went around him, that gaze becoming one that Soran would know quite well by now. He was being to wonder if they would even make it to the pool game, especially if the other continued like that. He licked his lips as they had gone dry, and continued watching.

Soran caught the look that he was being given. He felt himself blush and was once again thankful for the darkness of the room. Hiding it quickly with a grin that grew wider, he sidled up to the boy and wrapped both hands around Tristan's neck. leaning backwards while bracing himself with his arms, "Having fun yet?" he asked, his gaze dropping to the other Seers ear. He was so tempted to bit it again, but wasn't sure if he was quite ready for what that would entail afterwards. He would certainly have to distance himself quickly if he didn't want to get caught that easily. He was also curious as to how far he could push it too.

Kilia nodded her head, "Okay... if you say so," she said though she was seriously nervous about that portion. She was certainly going to step on him more than a few times. The pink haired Seer wasn't the most graceful thing around, and as her Mother had known very well, she was seriously clumsy -if Robin hadn't picked that up upon their first meeting-.

Peter smirked in victory and started to set up the game whilst passing Julianna a controller as he prepared the game in the right mode and set up their avatars. He knew this would end up being fun to both of them because if either of them own or lost wouldn't matter. This would end up being fun in the end.

Jonathan nodded in affirmation to what Kilia had said in agreement to it. He simply stood with her and simply waited for any song to signal for a slow dance to take her out on the dance floor. He knew she was slightly clumsy, but how bad could it possibly extend to???

As Peter handed her the controller, Julianna pout went away. Her straight face look perhaps even more scary, cause you really couldn't tell what she was thinking. "So its simply who can draw the fastest," she asked.

Tristan cleared his throat before he could answer Soran, "Yeah I am having fun," he said as if Soran wasn't doing anything to him. Even though his heart was racing a mile a minute and he was having trouble with coherent thinking.

The little blonde couldn't help the giggle that escaped him as he hung on the boy, still dancing a little bit, but not quite as hard as he had been moments before. The music was going to switch soon and he had gotten rather hot with all the moving around he had done. A drink was probably in order. But... before that. He leaned forward and kissed the other boy, covering his true intentions. His fingers dropped down to the taller Seers waist and ran along his hip playfully under the shirt and he moved over to bit the boys ear lobe. When he finished nibbling, the song had stopped and he quickly pulled away laughing as well as making a mad dash for the tables to get a drink before Tristan could catch him.

Kilia was eating peacefully when the song ended. She perked up, her heart skipping a beat as she waited for the next round of music. To her elation -or maybe her horror- it was something a lot slower than what had been playing a moment before. To make things worse, it seemed that Soran was finished dancing as he was suddenly at the tables with her and looking out of breath as well as unable to stiffle his laughter. She lifted an eyebrow at him as she was curious as to what he was laughing so hysterically about.

"Whats wrong with you?" she asked innocently as she swallowed her food.

Turning to her, he laughed harder, bracing himself against the table, "Oh... god... He's gonna kill me," he managed through the laughing.

Kilia, completely confused, tilted her head for a moment and stared at him. Finally she gave a shrug and turned to Jonathan, "Well... shall we, Robin? Better now than never I guess and its probably best that the dance floor be empty since I'm terrible at this.."

"As you wish Kilia," Jonathan said as he took her hand and lead her to the middle of the dance floor as he put his other hand on her waist and then slowly stepped to show her how it's done. "Like this, can you try without too much casualties?"

Kilia was slightly startled by Jonathan's taking her hand and leading her to the floor. She blushed as he showed her what he meant and then tentatively tried it herself, "Um... Yes, I think I can handle this. And I sincerely apologize before hand if I do step on you..." she added as she glanced up to him briefly.

"It's quite alright. Now then," Jonathan said, "Step to the left, then the right, then we do a small turn." As Jonathan said this he started to step in the beat he instructed. "It's almost as easy as counting to three if you figure it out right there on the spot Kilia." He said with a smile.

With a soft laugh, Kilia followed him as best she could. Wow... this isn't... so bad, she thought to herself as they moved slowly to the song. She giggled as she leaned against him and took her eyes off the floor where she had been concentrating on her steps, "I think... if you are leading me, Robin. Anything is easy," she grinned up at him.

Smiling down at her, Jonathan gave a soft chuckle. "Thank you, that does mean a lot coming from you." He said as she leaned against him as he heaves a sigh. "It really does Kilia." He kept dancing with her for a little while in that fashion.

The silence between them was nice as she rested against him, allowing him to lead the dance. She was enjoying his presence to its utmost. Closing her eyes, she focused on his warmth, his strong heart beat and the embrace that held her. As the song ended she pulled away gently, just enough to look up at him, "Another? I think I am enjoying this far too much with you. You should be careful Robin," she said with a wide smile, "I might just fall in love with you all over again."

Jonathan looked at Kilia with a smirk on his face. "You'd do that wouldn't you?" He asked in a happy tone as he wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "I wouldn't mind, I'd fall in love with you for a thousand years if we had that sort of time. Would make this life all the more worthwhile." He looked at her with a sincere, loving look in his eyes, just to prove his point.

Kilia laughed a bit, "I would do that," she confirmed as she looked up at him and smiled, "Such a charmer, Robin. You have no idea what that means to me." Pulling herself up as far as she could go, she kissed him. This one was far more passionate than the other kisses she had given him. One hand curled up into the back of his hair around his neck, the other clinging to his shoulder to keep herself balanced as she was much smaller than he was.

He accepted her kiss with all his thoughts about the many ways he loved her. He kept his arms around her to keep her in the one spot she was at as she kissed him. This kiss almost made him want to explode in a fiery flash of light he was so happy to be at that precise moment of time. If he could do his life over again, he wouldn't change this moment. Not at all, he'd keep it this way.

Kilia pulled away gently, her breath all but stolen. Her eyes were languid as she watched him, "You're... really good at that," she commented softly. Allowing herself to fall down to her normal height that was up on her tippy toes, she took his hands and started backwards, "I think... that maybe we should turn in for the night. It is rather late... and well, I think I may have other plans. What do you say?" she asked as she tilted her head slightly, her lips fluttering between a smile as she bit her lip.

Jonathan observed Kilia for a moment before smiling with her as well. "I agree, it is getting late." He commented, "We should turn in for the night. Wherever you go I'll go." he half wondered what she meant by other plans as his mind started turning like a mechanical clock.

Kilia laughed as she started to lead him from the room. It was clear that he wasn't quite sure what she meant and that he was trying to figure out what it was she meant. So she left it to his imagination instead and continued towards the metal door of the bunker and exited the play room as she had now dubbed it, "I think you will enjoy what I have in mind, Robin. The... things I will do."

Jonathan slowly processed Kilia's words as all of a sudden, it all clicked together as he slowly began to turn a bright shade of pink. He had no way of saying anything about it that would come out right in his his head. So he only bashfully nodded to confirm he heard her quite clearly.

Glancing over her shoulder, Kilia grinned at him, "You look a little pink there, Robin. You're not thinking of... certain things too are you?" she teased knowing full well that he was. She was just exploiting it and enjoying herself very much as she lead him up into the main part of the house.

Jonathan's pink color only turned deeper as she teased him. "I never pegged you to be the teasing type Kilia." He muttered just to try and say something. He was starting to feel embarrassed as she did all this. It was like she knew how to push his buttons entirely and she was pushing every single one with glee.

"Teasing?" Kilia asked, her innocent voice probably a bit too innocent as she looked back at him. Her smile though, was far from the tone of her voice. She couldn't help but to laugh a bit as she led him up to the room that was hers. It was dark in the house, but at least there were some night lights to help light the way. Plus she had been sure to leave a light on in her room for when she did return. Once inside the room, she closed the door. Her heart skipped a beat as she moved to seat herself on the bed, "Come here, Robin. I want to enjoy sitting with you." she said lightly, her voice shaking just a bit as she patted the bed next to her.

Shrugging but almost suspicious in a good way about Kilia's intentions, he walked over to her bed and sat down where she patted. "Alright," he stated in a neutral tone to try and keep his emotions intact, "I'm here, are you enjoying my presence?"

Giggling yet again, Kilia nodded slightly, "Yes. I would enjoy it more if you would kiss me though. What about you?" she asked gently.

Sighing, Jonathan gently turned his head to her and pressed his lips against hers in a kiss that was just as passionate as the recent one, pulling away to get air into his lungs shortly thereafter and looking at her with a small smile on his face. To him, this was going a bit better then he had originally anticipated.

Kilia smiled up at him too. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she fell backwards onto the bed, dragging him with her. She leaned up and kissed him again taking her time as she let her fingers trail down from his sculpted shoulder to his chest and a little bit lower. Pulling away for a moment, she shifted around to a better position, "Is this matching what you were thinking earlier?" she asked softly, her words slightly breathy.

"Approximately, yes." was Jonathan's only reply as he moved a small strand of hair away from her face.

Having wondered off from the rest of the group, Rethyn found himself alone with a quite open looking room. Through the darkness, Rethyn keenly noticed an object he remembered clearly in life. With little sound to each of his steps he approached the dusty looking microphone upon it's stand. With a small smile to himself he begun to use his shirt's sleeve to brush off the dust.

A flood of memories rushed into him as he stared at the microphone. He found himself remembering his tenth birthday. Chuckling quietly to himself he remembered how embarrassed he was when his aunts had begun to sing for him in a karaoke style. Looking back now he felt a little guilt. He had never got to tell him how much they meant to him, he never got to tell how much they all meant to him.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Rethyn inhaled slowly as he let the memories linger on for a while longer in his mind. After a long while he opened his almost glowing sky blue eyes as he begun to follow along the wire of the microphone to see if it was still plugged in.

Rethyn had found the end of the wire and plug he heard the audio flicker as the microphone awoke. Smiling to himself he looked around to make sure for a moment nobody was within the room. Casually walking over to the microphone he hummed into it for a moment as he tested it. After a few hums the microphone seemed good to go.

Stepping in close Rethyn begun to sing the words softly.

"If you really put your faith in me
When you're lost, here I am
"forever" with your soul
Waiting here above you patiently,
Just like the shining moon.."

Rethyn then stopped as he glanced towards the entrance of the room. He could of sworn he heard someone. With the feeling paranoia eating at him, he reached for the switched and flicked the microphone off before stepping off. Waiting quietly in the darkness he paused as he wanted to see if someone had indeed been spying on him.

Nobody came. With a sigh Rethyn returned to the microphone and begun thinking of other songs he could preform to the audience of none. Stepping up to the microphone, Rethyn placed both hands at the side as he begun again. However, as he did so he didn't find the second song as powerful as the first. With a little frustration he tried again and again. He did not want to keep preforming sad tunes as he kept trying, however much to his own frustration those were the ones he seemed to remember.

After what felt like an hour Rethyn gave up. The only songs of which came to him were sad. With the thought of his next song he stretched out his neck before continuing again. Yet another sad tune passed through his lips as he felt sad in not remembering something of which would bring him joy.

"This was the world we knew
Forsaken as we grew
Truth lead to loneliness I couldn't bear

Shadows once cast by you...
Dreams that were dear to you...
Chasing what wasn't there..."

Rethyn's voice echo'd throughout the room as his song continued. Within he didn't even really know where the words came from, but he kept with them as he tried further to sing them. They just seemed to sound right as the tune carried throughout the room and beyond as Rethyn grew more confident in his ability. He had forgotten in the moment how far sound could travel when carried right.

A slow clap emerged from the shadows as a pair of yellow eyes could be seen through the darkness. As the man walked forward his step was slow and casual. Wrapped around his suit he had a metal chain of which he was twirling in his right hand. Unlike Rethyn's step from before his echo'd through the room with a chill.

At the notice of Rethyn's frozen status, the man gave a toothed smile. "Why did you stop? Rethyn."

Rethyn in response flicked the switch of the microphone. The fear of Death ate at him again as he stared at him. However, this time the shock wasn't as potent as he spoke weakly to the man. "Why are you here? This isn't your realm."

"Neither is it yours Rethyn."

Stepping back and away from the microphone to avoid Death, the trembling Rethyn felt confusion as he saw the god reach for the microphone and flick it on. "Shall I start?" He said Rethyn in a soothing voice. It was unsettling to the Guardian as he clearly knew it was feigned.

Rethyn didn't respond as he slid back further away. The door wasn't far away, a part of him knew he could escape by merely teleporting. However, at the same time he couldn't he felt drawn in and trapped. The feeling of being without his mask seemed to return as he felt like he was choking and struggling to breath when he knew he could.

"I'll take that as your version of a yes." Death whispered with a grin into the microphone.

"This is a special song for a young girl out there." Death said glancing over at Rethyn. "She will soon be mine, and her name is Kaza-

"NO!" Rethyn roared as he saw red. Reaching deep into the pocket of his dress pants he found his knife. Ripping it out, he flashed forward and begun swinging madly at Death. As he did so it felt like lights were flickering with each swing. It was like a powerful strobe light as Death would always be just outside his swing.

With a powerful lung, Rethyn armed to bring Death to the ground by ramming his shoulder into mid tackle. Finding himself successful in his attack, he was straddled over Death as he twirled his knife in his right hand to face it downwards before throwing his finishing blow. "Damn you!" Rethyn roared as the knife traveled to the eye of Death.

With yet one last flicker it was over. Rethyn looked down to only see his knife sunk through carpet. Dropping his head back he wasn't over his foe at all as he vanished as quickly as he came. Writhing in the room alone, Rethyn curled his hands into fists as he yelled angrily to himself.

Jumping a little, Rethyn heard a familiar tune play throughout the room. The voice he then heard was niether his nor Death's as the words "Hey now, remember that it's all in your head!" carried throughout the room.

"You're lying." Rethyn hissed to the microphone. "I will not break."

Quietly rising to his feet Rethyn pulled the blade from the softness of the carpet as he made his way to the exit of the room. He spoke little to those he passed in the halls as he made his way back to his room.

As the house shook, everyone was scrambling in different directions, "Tristan where are you going..." Alauric asked as he saw his son race for the stairs. "Soran and Kilia, they are upstairs." Alauric nodded and soon followed his son. "Why are they upstairs alone..." Alauric kind of mumbled to himself.

Jonathan heard the noises and summoning his swords, he ran straight for where he knew Kilia would be, he approached the door carefully and counted to three as he leaped in. "Kilia! Soran! Are you okay?!" He shouted as he got in a ready stance. "Kilia!?"

Tristan got to the door second, and looked inside. All he saw was Kilia and the goddess, something didn't really feel right. "Where's Soran?" He threw his weight against the door and it cracked opened. Grayson had been next door, but it seemed like something had blocked him from getting out of the training room. Tristan looked around the room frantically almost, his eyes settled on the goddess and Kilia, "Where the fuck did you take Soran." He was working on something in his magic system while he was watching her.

Peter was stuck in the room as Grayson was in. He was trying to bust down the door. "I can't feel him Grayson!!! Something took him! Something took Soran!! Something took my Seer" Peter shouted in near borderline panic, he felt almost close to losing his mind at that exact moment.

Grayson put his hands on Peter's shoulder's, "Calm down boy...you will not do him any good by panicking." Grayson didn't have a good feeling about this, there had been more then one god to appear, he could feel the one next door. Something else was the in the house...why didn't it show itself though, "we got to get the door open." The handle wasn't working...what the hell was wrong with the freaking door.

The Goddess turned around slightly at the sound of people getting into the room. Her lips twisted up into a wicked smile, "Oh... you must be the blondes lover. How unfortunate for you," she cooed at him, "He is going to be enjoying the company of Oni and a few others very soon, dear little Seer. While here..." she turned around fully and with a flick of her hand Kilia suddenly stood up. Her beautiful blue gaze was dull now, glazed over and unfocused. She wobbled as she stood as if she wasn't quite supposed to be on her own two feet.

"Do you like her? I do. She is beautiful," the Goddess said, her words sultry as she spoke, "Here, play with her for a while, wont you?"

Kilia's frame suddenly straightened and she moved towards them with amazing speed. Her fingers opened and swirling around her hand was a mix of crackling static and black mist. The concoction was sure to be deadly if touched. Her target was the closest person to her.

Jonathan's eyes widened as he moved out of the way of her strike. "No..no. NO!!!" Jonathan cried out as he got in a ready stance. "What'd you do to her?!?" He angrily shouted as his eyes flashed Its Emerald anger. His mind was racing, how to save Kilia, attack this goddess, then find a way to get Soran back. His mind raced but one thought repeated. "The Silver Knight spell." he thought. It could give him the edge needed to prevail in this battle. "Either that or a Giant 400 foot lizard steps on everyone right now." Jonathan realized that wasn't his own thought.

"Sorry! Thought something along the lines of that would help!" Damian shouted.

Peter in the meantime was trying to calm down from the apparent shock he's been going through. "Door won't open?? How to open the door then..." Peter said almost sounding distant but he felt almost lost in some shape or form.

With a small whispering crack, Rethyn appeared in front of Tristan blade drawn. With his free left hand he placed it on the center of Tristan's chest in preparation to wisp them off just in case. With one quick glance, Rethyn looked over Tristan for injuries before looking darkly in the direction of Kilia.

"Don't hurt her you idiot! I'll deal with her!" Jonathan shouted as he knew he probably had no choice but to use the spell he thought. Dismissing his blades he quickly opened up his system and began to quickly draw out the Basis he knew would put together the spell he had in mind. "This might shut down my system for a day, but I must save Kilia." Jonathan thought as he managed to get the spell halfway done.

The Goddess waved her fingers around as she made Kilia dance to her rhythm. The little Seer skittered between all of them, her first target was Jonathan whom had dodged her attack. Swiftly turning on her heel she headed for Tristan and Rethyn, the magic still swirling around her fingers as she outstretched her hand to touch the boy who stood in front of his Seer. The crackling of the power was just enough to be heard. Slowly it spread upwards from her fingers to her elbow.

"Just so you know. That magic of mine... is a double edged sword. Don't figure it out in time and it covers her completely, she'll die," the Goddess sang from her corner whilst laughing, "Too bad for you all," her gaze shifted over to the red haired boy, "Oh my, you look utterly shocked. Whats the matter little Seer? Is this just too much for you?"

Jonathan could only growl his inhuman growl as he finished the last part of his spell. He has to save Kilia swiftly, no. He MUST save her. He slid the spell off the pad and it hovered in the air before entering in Jonathan's Body. It slowly started to glow as he readied to fight again.

Tristan narrowed his eyes, "Rethyn, get me on the other side of her."

Jumping back into Tristan to avoid the outstretched hand of Kilia, Rethyn nodded at Tristan's request as they both flashed instantaneously to the other side of Kilia. Still in front of Tristan with his blade held up, Rethyn stood guard over his seer with gritted teeth and bags under his eyes.

Tristan was about to pull a trick out of his spell pad, one that he actually owed to Kilia in its making. The spell hit the air and formed a cage hovering in the air, yet it didn't come down yet. He had to make it wasn't going to trap Kilia inside with the goddess. He needed to separate the two, yet he hadn't an idea on the how yet.

Turning the Goddess looked over to Tristan and his Guardian. She grinned at them, "And what might you be planning?" she hissed and with her free hand she lowered it to her side. Her fingers her curled around something invisible and she lunged forward at the two of them. The only thing that made it apparent that she was wielding a weapon of any sort was the dark hue that curled around her hands. It was sickly looking, and probably far more dangerous than it looked to be as she swung it at the Guardian.

Tristan ducked, and rolled hoping that Rethyn could hold her off for a second, a second spell flew off his pad as he was trying to piece together a distraction

Bringing both hands to his blade, Rethyn did his best to intercept the coming swing of the unseen weapon. At first, as Rethyn heard the familiar sound of clashing blades he though he had blocked it. But with a sharp pain to his side he soon realized he had only blocked some of whatever it was. With a quick glance to his right he saw his own opened flesh as the weapon had come in just above his left kidney. Closing one eye and dipping his head in pain, Rethyn did his best to hold the line.

"Rethyn," Tristan shouted as he saw the wounded guardian, he through the second spell in the air. It looked like a mirror, a giant one at that...it landed underneath the goddess' feet. He moved to step in front of his guardian, "Hold on, okay. The mirror reflected the magic the goddess was using back on to her.

A silver armored fist suddenly swung at the Goddess, whether the hit connected or not didn't matter as the bearer of the gauntlet back flipped out of the fray. The individual landed on his feet, wearing armor that looked almost comprised of Silver plates. Underneath the plates seemed to be a scaly underclothing comprised of black. But what seemed more devastating was it's helmet adorning the individual's head. It seemed to be like the rest of the armor, a beautiful crafted silver, with the intricate carvings of similar designs on his blades. The Helm had a concealing visor upon it, hiding the user's face.

The Silver Knight breathed heavily, in between breaths were almost inhuman growls, it glowered at both the Goddess and Kilia, whilst trying to find a way to save the latter, he would try and fight the former. He let loose an inhuman war cry that almost seemed to be mixed with the growls, almost as if it was meant to be a roar.

He drew a Claymore blade that didn't seem to be anything like the two hand in a half blades, It was just Silver with only a Distinguishing mark at near the Hilt. The Silver Knight was ready for Battle.

"Cute," she said softly as she glanced down to the mirror beneath her feet, "You think quickly," she commented to Tristan. Turning her blade around she slammed it down into the mirror, shattering it into a thousand pieces. Glancing back up at them, she smiled, "Oh look, its up to her shoulder now. Perhaps I should add that it does hurt her... will you fight harder now? This is so boring for me," she added as she turned to face the Guardian dressed up in silver armor.

"And you, well. Don't you look serious? Entertain me wont you?" she said as she flipped her weapon -whatever it was- around in a large arc in preparation for him.

Tristan grinned, "Don't you know breaking mirrors brings you bad luck," he hissed at her. The pieces suddenly took flight, surrounding the person that broke it. Sharp edges swirled around the goddess

Rethyn winced in pain as the blade was removed from him. Bringing his left hand from the hilt he held it over his newly gained wound. As the wound continued to bleed he felt the warmth of his blood move to the top of his left leg.

The Silver Knight only growled, saying almost no words except what could be told by his body gestures. He gestured to Kilia then at the Goddess, as if telling her to free her or face some form of Consequence and force her to do so. At her ready stance he only roared in acceptance of the challenge. He got into his own ready stance, lifting his own sword up to his concealed face, but if you look carefully at the side of the blade facing outward, one could see Jonathan's face, twisted into some form of harsh sneer, he looked no longer the charming gentleman underneath his armor. His eyes were a deep emerald, almost focused on fighting the enemy. He was a monster now, a monster that wants to fight monsters.

The Goddess glanced around her body as the mirror that she had shattered was suddenly floating around her body. A frown pulled at her lips. The sharpened pieces of glass presented no real threat to her other than being an annoyance.
Ignoring that, she returned her attention to the boy in silver armor. With a grin she motioned for him to attack her, "What are you waiting for my dear Guardian? Certainly not for your precious little Seer to die a very slow and painful death right? Oh look at that, its covering her side now. Best not touch her, it may hurt too," she said with a wicked grin. Her free hand moved towards the other Guardian whom she had wounded and Kilia obeyed, rushing towards Rethyn without a second thought.

Something popped into Tristan's mind, it was a wild idea, again his magic system came alive. He was working on something that he actually kinda thought about a few days ago. He focused on Kilia, or more on her magic pad, the spell worked like a virus...more of a computer virus. It hit Kilia, but it wouldn't cause any pain. It would effect her magic system though, almost making it short-circuit. It also like a virus attached to anything controlling her and effected it. Tristan noticed the direction of Kilia's attack, and there went that wall again. Only this time much more effective at protecting against spells and other attacks. "I really do got to think of a better barrier," he mumbled. This wall had its own defenses as spikes presided on its outside.

The Silver Knight Growled and seemed to speak. He would sound like Jonathan, but it would seem to have some sort of growling backdrop. "No, only for thou to make the first move." The silver knight growled out as he rushed at the Goddess and sliced towards her in as he tried to nick her own side. "I won't let you, or your Master win!!" The Silver Knight roared his inhuman cry again, as if the man inside the armor was dancing with something very dangerous in his own mind.

Meanwhile Peter heard the Inhuman roars from the room. "Holy crap, it's him. The Silver Knight." Peter said in fear, he then turned to Grayson. "The guy's a nightmare to bad people, Drug Lords, Serial Killers, you name it, he either wasted them or beat them to a pulp. If he's here, in this house, we are either very grateful, or we are screwed..." Peter started shaking in a slight fear went up his spine.

Grayson quirked an eyebrow at Peter, and heard pounding on the door, "That must be Alauric, the other god must have done this, kinda have a feeling he was warned or something about certain people." He was thinking Criea...she must have something to do with this, as well as her master. That didn't bode well for Soran. "Peter watch that door, if anything comes through that isn't Alauric or someone we know, fry its ass." Grayson was working with his magic system and sat on the floor. He needed a few minutes to do this the right way.

Peter stood back yet did as Grayson had ordered him too. But he had that sinking feeling Creia had something to do with this new attack. He started to get extremely angry. Very angry indeed.

Rethyn pulled in air as he quickly glanced around. Their main foe had lost her attention on him as she had to focus on whatever the hell was attacking her. Taking this into his mind, Rethyn stepped back as he allowed the shadows to cloak him as he seemingly vanished from combat. However, the young man had forgotten the blood dripping from his body as occasionally droplets of blood would be seen striking the floor from the air. He had become unseen, but not undetectable in this moment of combat.

Moving past Tristan, Rethyn's eyes locked upon the Goddess as he awaited the moment to come in. With his blade in his right hand he couldn't help but feel a little light headed from the strike upon him from earlier. He wasn't going to let it get in the way, he couldn't afford to.

Raising up her sword, "Oh my, did I finally get you to be serious?" she asked as she blocked the strike to her throat and moved backwards. All the while she manipulated Kilia in the meantime. The young Seer hit the wall, most likely done on purpose, and stumbled backwards, cuts forming across her small frame. Moving the Seer around the blockade that kept her from the red haired Seer, she pushed Kilia to attack yet again. The dark magic was down to her thigh now, curling around her small frame almost like a blanket.

"Well... I do believe things are getting rather dangerous for me. You see, I can be anywhere and she will still continue to rampage, isn't that nice?" the Goddess said as she swung her blade at the man in silver armor. Kilia, in the meantime, opened up her magic system to prepare to heal herself. As soon as she created the spell to heal herself the system went haywire and seemingly exploded on her. The Goddess, in the middle of her taunt, screamed. Kilia collapsed as if she were a rag doll just tossed to the side and the Goddess seemingly freaked out.

Her magic exploded and the invisible sword disappeared as she stumbled backwards.

The van ride home had been slightly on the quiet side. Victor had done his best with healing Soran, and Sina, but what really worried Alauric was that the healer was very quiet. Alauric glanced at Rethyn who was sitting next to him in the passager seat. He had questions, but it looked like he would have to wait for answers.

Rethyn quietly pulled off his vest as for a moment he reached to the inside of it and pulled out a small framed picture. Looking downwards at it, the half-bare Rethyn looked over the picture for a moment before leaning back in his seat.
Several times Rethyn glances around the van. There were two new faces, but he didn't say anything to them. However upon catching Alauric's glance, Rethyn begun to take out his ear piece as he said to him. "Something on your mind?"

Alauric sort of smiled, "I was wondering, what you heard if anything, that is..." he couldn't even look back at the seer lying down covered in the horrible cuts. "I don't even know how to describe that, what were those fucking gods doing to him."
"They were harvesting us." Sina cut in. "They were cutting into him and using his blood as a source of energy."

Alauric glanced at the new seer, even if he was open-minded, this sort of threw him for a loop. "Harvesting..." Alauric paused, "because of the magic system...that is fucked up." He had never heard of such a thing, now the gods were just being sick. He sighed, "I guess I should introduce myself, Alauric Belvedere," he said to Sina. "This is Rethyn, he is my son's guardian, the small healer back there with you is Victor.

Sina made a small laugh as she said. "I was just going to ask if blue eyes there was your son! Hi, I am Sina Virye! It's a pleasure to meet you guys. If I may ask who's he?" Sina lightly poked in the direction of Soran.

Alauric knew who she was talking about, "Soran, Soran Reigailia, he is a member of one of the seer families."
"So are you guys a team or something? Back while I fleeing Japan it was like every Seer and Guardian duo for themselves." Sina asked as she brought an index finger to the side of her mouth.

"Um," Alauric started, "team...family, kinda got all mixed together. Its a rather long story."

"Well, I'll fight for you guys!" Sina said beaming at them. "I kinda owe you now don't I?"

Rethyn begun to stare out the window again as he grew worried he would see the suited man again. His eyes drew heavier by the minute and he knew he needed rest badly. He was self-aware he was seeing things.

Alauric smiled slightly to himself, he couldn't help it, he was starting to like the girl. She was at least enthusiastic about helping out. He had to wonder what the other's would think. Another seer from another place, it was a little different. He pulled into the final road that was heading to where they were going.


Soran

The voice came again. This time it told it him that the woman had his back. He shivered.

~

He bounced slightly, and groaned. Hands were on his frame, they were hot, really hot. Or maybe he was just really cold. He couldn't tell. The sharp motion made him wince, a gasping intake of air filtered between his teeth. Both hands curled in on a strange material that was beneath him. It was cool and hard, perhaps it was leather. Once again, Soran couldn't tell.

~

Voices were around him. Several of them. The burning was still there, but some of it had faded away. He still felt cold, and shivered as he lay there. Then he was hot, extremely hot and he moaned, panting slightly. Moving a bit, he felt hands holding him in place. His heart skipped a beat and his breathing grew erratic. What the hell was he up on anyway? And there was a loud sound coming from somewhere to his left.
"Tristan...."

~

Opening his gaze slightly he could only make out blurry shapes. Nothing made sense. Where was he? Where were the Gods? It was dark around him. Shifting slightly he moved his head which had been propped up on something rather warm. He shivered yet again. When was he going to stop being so cold? He didn't know and also knew that he had been scorching hot at one point too.
Looking to his right he caught the blurry outline of someone whom he was laying on the lap of, shifting his gaze down he noted another figure on his other side, light filling one part of the air next to them. Soran moaned, slightly unnerved but unsure as to why exactly. Then everything went dark again.

~

He felt someone holding him, lifting him, he winced, heaving a breath out from tight lungs. There was light from somewhere, but he couldn't tell what it was for. He tried to get the strength to move, to free himself from the arms that held him, but all he could manage was a slight motion upwards that caused an intense amount of pain to flood him. A sharp cry echoed from his lips in his ears and he fell limp in the hold. Soft sounds of pain filled his ears, almost drowning out anything else until he heard a louder yell, a frantic cry from somewhere.

Voices once again filled his ears, but he couldn't piece it all together. They were jumbled to him. Besides, he didn't want to focus. If he focused... things would happen. He couldn't pin point the noise at all, he didn't know who was talking and he was trying to listen but he couldn't.

"Tri...stan," he muttered again, a string of incomprehensible words followed, but the ones most apparent were the red haired Seer's name. Until he fell unconscious again.

The Silver Knight saw Kilia go down, seemingly almost free from the influence of the Goddess then saw the Goddess in a sudden moment of weakness. Readying his sword he slowly walked up to the goddess, dragging its point across the floor, making a scraping sound and making the sword spark as he stalked towards her like a triumphant carnivore about to make the kill, growling in sweet satisfaction.

"Wait," Tristan shouted, not knowing if he could reach the human inside that piece of armor, "We need her alive, she needs to tell where Soran is..."

The Silver Knight turned to glare at Tristan before turning to the Goddess. "Stay Back you fools. This Kill is Mine!" He said in his growling voice. "She is a vestige of evil and will pay for her Crimes, and if you want her alive, I suppose MAIMING is the only satisfaction I shall have!!" At the last word he uttered came out as a Growl as he roared again and raised his sword and aimed for the Goddess's shoulder to impale her And thrusted forward, Roaring all the way. "But it won't matter either way if I Maim her or Kill her!!!"

Still within the shadows, Rethyn stood behind the goddess. He held his hand open like a knife as he held his other hand over his wound. He had put away his sword at the request of Tristan. If they needed her alive then so be it.

Coming from the shadows, Rethyn sidestepped away from the goddess as he narrowly avoided being impaled himself by the Knight's blade. Wincing in pain, he cursed as he failed to extract the goddess before the Knight got too close. Stumbling off in the direction of Tristan he at least took comfort in the protection of his Seer. "Tristan..." He said quietly as he moved towards his Seer.

"Rethyn," a look of concern sat on Tristan's face, as he looked at others wound.

Walking past Tristan to a nearby wall, Rethyn pushed his back against it as he slid down into a sitting position. Within his clear eyes anger could be seen to be seething. With a drop of his sword Rethyn brought his hand to his face as he puffed out a tired breath. Awaiting the next move his team took he sat there breathing slowly.

The sword went through her shoulder and she screamed. With the strange virus that attacked the magic system that Kilia had, she was thrown off and unable to protect herself from the oncoming attack. They slammed into the wall right behind her. Pinned there, she growled as she struggled, still feeling the virus coursing through her veins. Just beneath the skin, there were tendrils of black spreading from her neck down her frame. Cursing she struggled against the sword that pinned her, "What did you do?" she spat in anger, "You will all die! Slowly and painfully!" She laughed then, "At least one of you will go through the most excruciating, slow death possible," she said as she reached up and tried to tug the blade away from her shoulder.

The Silver Knight only glared at the Goddess. "Release her." He growled as he raised his free hand and moved it above the outline of her body and stopped right at her neck and began to clasp it. "Now. Or I'll crush your pathetic, corrupt neck." His eyes flashed it's gleaming emerald gaze as he said it, showing his seriousness. "Then answer the questions given." His Claymore refused to budge all throughout his statement, as it was embedded in the wall as well.

The Goddess coughed a bit as the fingers clasped over her throat, " She is... already.... free, idiot Guardian," the woman gasped. Her lips twisted up into a wicked smile as she gripped his wrist as well as the blade that held her pinned there, "Foolish human. You insist on continuing with me when she is in danger right now. Or do you wish for her death? If I were you, I would be paying more attention to the little girl than to me," she hissed with her grin playing wide on her face. The black distortion of her skin continued to spread and she winced slightly from the strange virus.

The Silver Knight realized Kilia was still injured from the dark magic and he slowly let go of the goddess, but he gave her a resounding backhanded slap as he left her pinned with his Claymore as he studied the black distortion carefully. Slowly one of his gauntlets began to glow with light as he carefully waved his hand over Kilia's body, sending a light coursing down her body to try and combat the black distortion. "Kilia..." The Silver Knight growled as he said this, not helping that his voice sounded horrible, as deep down under all the armor, He was still Jonathan. "If you saw me like this during all that, I'm sorry."

The goddess laughed as she watched the display though her present situation wasn't any better. Halfway through her laugh she coughed, hard, "Damn that boy," she cursed as she looked over to Tristan, "I hope that little blonde lover of yours," she coughed as the black distortion began to take over her face slightly, "I hope he suffers three times the pain," she hissed between her teeth as she doubled over from the strange magic that Tristan had invoked.

Tristan looked at the goddess with such an intense hatred, "Tell me where he is, bitch. I will make you suffer all you wish upon him and more." Tristan was trying to battle with the order to just finish her, but he needed to know where Soran was, he doubted she would tell him though. Oni would be a worse person to betray then anyone of them. That actually gave him an idea, "Or maybe I should send you back to him, defeated such as you are, is he as forgiving...for a defeat. I will make it quick and painless, first with extracting that virus coursing through your veins. It will only get worse the more you delay."

Her lips twisted into a wicked grin as she set her gaze upon Tristan. Tilting her head to the side, she only stared at him for a while, "Well, someone is fairly smart. You're right, Oni would be one not to betray. But I think you underestimate him. Even if I should return without having defeated you, he would not punish me, or kill me. He has other plans, other things that he wishes to do."

The tired Rethyn glanced up for a moment as his bagged eyes caught the goddess as he said. "Just shut the fuck up." Looking back down he shook his head for a moment before placing his blade back into his hand. "I'll start removing your fingers one by one if you don't answer the questions asked."

"So scary," she mocked, "Idiot little Guardian. You really have no clue as to what is going on around you. Try all you want, I won't tell you where the blonde Seer is. Have fun trying to find him, perhaps you should listen for screaming," she licked her lip as she grinned at them, leaning forward against the blade that held her pinned to the wall. Her fingers opened at her side. With a quick flick, she sent a flash of dark misty power at Tristan.

The Silver Knight straightened and only turned to Glower at the goddess, calculating at what he should do next, it would not be long but he had to either make his final blow against her or simply change back, which puts everyone in danger.

With a flicker, Rethyn appeared behind Tristan as he shoved him out of the way of the mist. As it almost struck him Rethyn's eyes went wide as he hit the ground next to Tristan. Feeling a sharp pain at his side he said. "I'm getting real tired of this shit."

Tristan cursed, mostly because he saw his own guardian get more hurt, he pushed himself off the ground. "Rethyn...damnit." He wasn't angry at the guardian, he was angry at the goddess. This was going in a bad direction...yet he hadn't a clue how to actually turn it around, nor did he really want to.

"Permission to rip her eyeballs from her skull?" Rethyn asked darkly as he glared at the goddess from the floor. He wanted nothing more than to kill the goddess, but he felt like if he were to take the kill the man in armor would rage at him. The honor of the kill belonged to that man and that man alone.

The Goddess lifted her head up, smiling wildly as she watched Rethyn and Tristan, "You have one very loyal Guardian, Seer. Would it pain you to see him go against you? Maybe even try to kill you?" she uttered as she weaved her fingers again. The air seemed to shimmer and the pulse of magic was now directed at Rethyn instead of Tristan with the sole intent to control him just as she had done to Kilia moments ago.

Tristan watched slightly in horror, but his feet were moving to try and protect the guardian on the floor. "Move," was his one order. He slide slightly getting there and was on his knees trying to get the other out of the way. He decided that he had enough of the goddess, he would find Soran his own way.

Rethyn knew the moment the wavelengths hit him he wouldn't be able to teleport out of the way in time. However, upon seeing Tristan trying to move him Rethyn growled angrily at his Seer. Brining his heel to the center of Tristan's chest he pushed his Seer back as he yelled to his Seer. "Better me than you! Stop trying to prot-.."

Rethyn became static as emotion wiped from his face and his left hand removed itself from covering his wound. With arms limply by his side he looked like he was being held up by a stick impaled through him. His head drouped downwards as he was now under the influence of the goddess.

Tristan shook his head as he couldn't believe Rethyn kicked him out of the way. He watched as he was slowly taken over by the goddess. Ok this wasn't good, he knew that Rethyn was injured, but if the goddess has access to his teleport powers there was no way he would be quick enough. Yet...he had forgotten about his cage in the air. He didn't want to harm the guardian, but he needed to keep him out of the way. He would need to modify it, his fingers went to his pad and was working fast. He could have really used Grayson on this one.

He kept his eyes on both guardian and goddess, and while trying to protect himself from one, he actually thought it would be fun to torment the other. His modification was done, he was wasn't going to wait for an attack. He let the cage fall over Rethyn, hoping it would catch them both off guard.

The cage fell, encasing Rethyn inside and the Goddess lifted an eyebrow at the result. Her lips flickered between a sneer and her grin. Obviously she didn't like that turn of events. With a huff, she waved her fingers, drawing circles in the air as she watched Rethyn. He didn't have a magic system per say... he was different. The Goddess frowned now, clearly irritated about something as she worked her magic around Rethyn's frame. She could feel he could do something, but getting hold of it was slightly different than getting a hold of Kilia's powers through her magic system. Finally, she realized what it was.

"Oh... how interesting," she muttered to herself, her grin returning, "This will be fun."

"Yeah...fun," Tristan wasn't looking worried for some reason. "Why don't you leave him alone, he isn't going anywhere." His hoped that his modification held up...nothing like a spell completely collasping on you to get you really in trouble. This one wouldn't allow anything but long distance transport. Which really would't work to the goddess advantage, as she would have to figure out distance and other stuff.

Her eyes narrowed at him. The Goddess returned her attention to Rethyn as she swirled her hand around again. Rethyn's frame faded out slightly, then returned still standing in the same spot. She grit her teeth angrily and tried again only to have the same result.

He looked at the silver knight just standing there, "Hey you got another weapon in that hunk of junk you are wearing."

Jonathan smiled under his helmet as the Silver Knight spoke in his voice. "An enhanced version of my other weapons. Grave is more finished then the wings of freedom twin swords are." As he said this The Silver knight summoned a Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum Revolver. "Ya feel lucky?" he growled his words. "I dont have much time to shoot...tell me where to do so."

"Yeah, aim it at her fucking head," he was making one last thing on his pad, and it would probably be his last for the night the fact that he wasn't creating bigger spells was sort of apparent with how easily they were defeated before. The virus one luckily was something he had been working on, but even that wasn't to its fullest potential. This one...god he hoped that it wasn't going to completely backfire on him.

The Silver took aim at the Goddess's head and seemed to glare once more, as he uttered several words before pulling the trigger. "This is for my Seer's Mother." He growled as his finger pulled the trigger. The shot fired. After he fired, the spell began to deactivate, each silver plate of armor slowly began to vanish. When the last plate vanished Jonathan was standing, garbed still in the slowly disentegrating scaley underarmor clothing as his regular clothes appeared underneath said underarmor. He gave out one last Inhuman roar before the underarmor vanished completely.

Jonathan then fell on his knees and started dry heaving.

As the gun fired Tristan let loose something a little odd. It looked liked a box used for christmas gifts, he shoved it underneath the goddess. And the lid popped off, and a pair of hands popped out. They grabbed onto the goddess holding her in place.

The sword faded as the armor faded from the one protector. Released from the pinning sword, she started forward, her eyes flashing dangerously. That was until she heard the sound of something popping open beneath her feet. Glancing down she ground her teeth as a pair of white hands grabbed onto her. They were surprisingly strong and in the next instant something passed through the center of her forehead. The Goddess froze. It took maybe a few seconds, perhaps a minute, but her body cracked, starting from the dark hole in the center of her forehead. Then it shattered with a powerful explosion outwards. Her hold on Rethyn gave way at the same time, the cracking sound of her power releasing from her body in one go was deafening and the house shuddered violently one last time.

The God that had been outside to try to distract felt the dispersion of the other and stopped his attack immediately. He faded away, leaving the house in an eerie silence for a moment.

Tristan's cage disappeared a second later, as Tristan was now breathing hard. He looked over at Jonathan, "Breath dude, can't have you fainting on me," well he was sort of expecting something of that nature, especially since he figured whatever spell that was that the other created took lots of energy.

Funny enough on the words "fainting on me" Rethyn dropped from blood loss over the course of the fight. However, thankfully enough he pushed himself back up to his hands and knees as he moved back to sit on his heels. With his left hand he covered his wound once again as he closed his eyes and opened his mouth in pain.

Jonathan breathed almost in a shallow way his face started to look extremely pale as if he was sick. "Used...too much energy whilst in that state." Jonathan gasped out. "Where is Peter and everyone else, need help with Kilia. Body..feeling sick."

Grayson was mediating as Alauric finally got the door open, it must have something to do with the weaken goddess next door, he glanced at Peter and then at Grayson, "Peter I am going to need some help. We are going to have to do some triage up here, can't really move anyone just yet. I need my first aid kit, lots of water, Julianna can help you, just hurry please." He was trying to distract the boy at the moment from his own feelings, He needed to keep him busy, god knows he was going to have enough trouble with Tristan.

Peter only nodded his head, he was possibly still in shock from the fact Soran was taken, and had grown slightly afraid from hearing the inhuman roars of the Silver Knight. How did he get there? Last time he heard about him in the recent news he was in another city, so what divine prank sent him here? He only started to walk past Alauric, not saying a word when he heard another roar from the Knight. He rushed past the door, only catching a small glimpse of the next door's scene, and saw him, his heart grew fearful as he ran. "Julianna!" He shouted in fear, "Quick help me!! First Aid Kits, Tons of water! Help me get them! Now!" He then suddenly realized he saw Kilia, Tristan, and Rethyn with the Silver Knight. "Where's Robin?" He wondered aloud, his shock unable to put two and two together at the moment.


After Peter left Grayson opened his eyes and sighed, "Damnit, I had him...but that god that is with him must have some good senses...a third sense or something because he blocked me. I am going to need Tristan for this." He turned and looked at Alauric, and he wasn't one to miss the pained expression now present on the seer's face, "It’s not your fault, don't stand there and blame yourself." Alauric shook his head, "I don't know if I can do this, these attacks keep getting worse. This one was well planned, they knew who to target, Kilia would be the most threatening to them. I think Soran was taken for revenge of some sort, from what I gathered from the attack by Criea...I am almost tempted to get everyone out of this house and hide while we train. We need an advantage at one point in this battle."

Grayson looked at him, "You mean up to the mountains don't you."

"I can't say anything positive at the moment, we got people next door that need help, I am going to need to help with it."

Grayson nodded and got to his feet, he didn't say anything else to the other and walked out the door.

Julianna was walking up the stairs as the two adults exited and returned to the other room. She had already been found by Peter and had been rushing around trying to gather as much as possible. She gasped slightly as she entered the room, but her first attention turned to Kilia. "Tristan...wheeze later, need some help." Tristan though had turned his attention to his guardian, trying to stop the bleeding as best he could. There was almost to much blood loss. Grayson stepped over and was weaving a spell to stop the bleeding from the inside. His healing powers weren't as good as Kilia's, but it would help in the long run.

Peter rushed into the room with as much as he could carry as well and looked around darting his eyes. "Jonathan?! Where were you, I only saw the Silver Knight doing your dirty work!"

Jonathan only laughed bitterly as he dry heaved again. "Idiot. I am the Silver Knight." Jonathan replied. He then tried to help Julianna with Kilia as best as he could.

"Wait....what?" Peter replIed. "Never mind that, where is Soran!?"

Moving to his feet shakily, Rethyn mumbled a "Thank you." to Grayson, Tristan and Julianna. He had no idea if all three had helped him or not, but he felt that was best to thank all of them anyway.

Twisting over to face Jonathan the baggy eye'd Rethyn barked at him in anger. "And you, shut the hell up! How dare you call me an idiot when I was merely guarding my Seer! I just saw a fucking ghost and I don't need your shit!"

Dropping back to his knees Rethyn growled in frustration and anger at his wound. He wanted to smack himself now in admitting what he had seen the previous night. It wasn't something he had wanted to share, but anger had gotten the best of him.

Jonathan chuckled. "My sympathies Rethyn. I see the ghost of my Ancestor all the time. No offense though but he didn't mention you." He coughed slightly.


"That's not what I fucking meant!" Rethyn roared at Jonathan from his knees.

Alauric shook his head, "You two that is enough, you aren't helping us by arguing, Grayson can he be moved." He was indicating Rethyn, Grayson nodded, "Tristan help me with him," Tristan got under one shoulder as Grayson had the other. And the started moving him out of the room. Julianna was looking at the puncture wounds on Kilia, "Some of those look deep,"

Alauric turned his attention to the other seer, and looked at Peter to finally answer his question, "We well get him back, I promise ok, we got to look after them first."

Peter's face turned to disbelief, anger, and upset all at the same time. "He has to be here..He's gotta be!" Peter shouted as he started shaking as He pulled his hood over his face to keep anyone from seeing his tears flow.

"Will she be okay though and can we bandage them?" Jonathan asked almost in a weak tone and coughed again. He clearly did not feel well.

"Yes, we will do what we can," Alauric answered for his daughter, "I know an ex-seer who is still a pretty good healer. He owes me one, and will be here shortly."

"Good..." Jonathan said as he suddenly fainted from exhaustion. He felt totally and completely drained of energy and he had begun to feel the world around him spinning around him.

"Soran,"

The map faded again in the training room, "Tristan you aren't concentrating, that is the third time," Grayson was in the opposite corner this spell wasn't working as well as it usually would..Grayson sighed and decided to use another method.
"Tristan I know...this is hard for you, but if you want to get Soran back you must not think the worst." Tristan looked at the guardian, it was apparent that his eyes were red probably from crying earlier, but really trying not anyone see him.
"I am sorry Grayson, I am trying to be strong, I just keep thinking I am hearing him scream... or something." He probably needed rest too, but he wasn't thinking about even trying to go to bed. "Ok, I will do it this time," he took a deep breath and let it out.

Tristan threw his map up again, it was an aerial view of the entire area. "Ok...lets see, we will try with Soran first," Grayson said, he was trying to get a hold on Soran's aura...yet he couldn't quite reach it. He kinda expected that. "I get buildings...probably abandoned. Maybe a warehouse..." Alauric who had been standing there was studying the map. He had left the healer in with Rethyn first, because he had been the most seriously injured. "Well if we backtrack to where we first saw them...Tristan zoom in slightly, on that area..." Tristan didn't need any more direction, and the devastated area popped up. "Ok move south slowly," Alauric said, it had to be the direction the gods were taking, or at least it was his best guess.
"Well that didn't help, there are several areas with abandoned warehouses, Grayson try again in these three areas." Grayson had been watching and nodded, "Hmm, well I am not getting Soran...but I feel another seer."

Alauric blinked, "do you think its the god...or another seer." Grayson concentrated harder..."No definitely another seer." Alauric silently cursed, what the hell did that mean another seer. "Ok well we will go with that," he said because he couldn't think of what else to do with that information.

---

Eyes jolted open. Sitting up in his bed, Rethyn reached quickly to his side as he felt dull pain. Upon contact, he felt bandages at his side. His wound felt closed under the bandages, but at the same time not completely healed. EIther way it was going to be a new scar without the help of Kilia, but that wasn't important.

Moving from his bed, Rethyn quickly slid on a black tank top and soon after replaced his blood stained pants with a pair of black cargo shorts. Lastly Rethyn reached for a pair of socks from the drawer and a pair of tan boots. As he tightened them he'd ocasioanlly feel a slight bit of flashing pain. Doing his best to ignore it he headed for the door of his room.
His door opened before he got to it, standing there was an extremely short man, probably not more then 4 feet tall. "Ah, you are up and about...good sign," he said as he stopped at the doorway. "Nasty cut you got there, how does it feel, probably not very good, you need another heal before you leave."

Rethyn looked down at the man with a tilted head. Had he had died? Who was the imp? Mentally shaking the thought from his mind, he did his best to be polite to the man as he said to him "Are you sure? I feel fine." He wasn't exactly telling the truth, but at the same time he didn't feel like he had the time. The others would need him, especially Tristan.
"Fine...you feel fine, heard that before, not really believing you, but its your body, " the healer looked up at the other...I mean he actually had to crane his neck. "I always get lost in this house, where is the girl seer's room."

"Sir, it's just a little down the hall and to the left I believe. I'm not exactly positive myself." Rethyn lied as when he first got here masked he teleported into just about every room he knew. It would just sound weird if he explained it like that. At the time he was scouting out the place. Looking back now he felt rather awkward at the thought of what he was doing.
"So, can I go?" Rethyn asked slowly.

"Down, left...and gosh don't call me sir, it makes me feel old. I...well who am I to stop you from going, Could probably kick you in the shin..oh why did I say that, haha forget it. Don't mind me, just going on my way." The healer turned in the opposite direction of where Rethyn told him to go. "This way..not its the other way...like I said getting lost."
He moved rather quickly for one as short as him as he walked away from Rethyn.

Shaking his head in just general confusion of that man's being, Rethyn turned the opposite way as he headed in the direction of the training room. Every once in a while he'd find himself stumbling, but overall he had vastly improved from his condition from before. In his mind he couldn't stop thinking about his Seer. He could feel the torment within Tristan and in turn it was coming to eat at him.

With a small click Rethyn walked into the training room. Locking his gaze onto Tristan and Tristan only he slowly walked over to his Seer. Through everything he no longer cared that people like Grayson could see him without his mask, he no longer cared about people seeing him.

Wrapping his right arm under Tristan's right arm he hooked it up as he embraced his Seer to comfort him. "Hey Tristan...I know I am not the best person to really talk to..But I'll listen."

Lowering himself to the ground and leaning a little into his Seer, Rethyn placed his face at the back of Tristan's neck as he waited in silence. The loss of Soran for the moment must of been killing Tristan. Breathing out a gentle breath of air Rethyn said to Tristan. "I believe in you, we'll bring him back."

When the training room door opened Tristan had not only been surprised that Rethyn walked through it but had this look in his eye that Tristan had never seen. What surprised him more was the embrace, but it actually felt nice to be comforted in such a way. "Thanks Rethyn, that means alot to me," Tristan said to him, wiping away an absentminded tear that rolled down his face.
After what seemed like a long moment, Rethyn gently moved away from Tristan. As he got up though he went to ruffle Tristan's hair a little before moving over to the far wall and sliding down it into the sitting position. "So, any news?" He asked quietly.
A small chuckle could be heard before Rethyn's question was answered. "We have narrowed it down to a certain area, but the exact building is still a mystery," this was coming from Grayson who was kinda in shock by the scene he just witnessed. The chuckle had been because of the expression he had on his face a moment ago.

---

Julianna had been sitting in with Kilia since the attack, trying to make sure she wasn't going to bleed from any of the wounds that occurred. Jonathan was also present but his state of being was starting to frighten Julianna, he didn't look well at all.
The door opened and popped in the healer...all four feet of him, "Well, this room looks promising, people are actually present," he said to no one in particular. Julianna turned and smiled, "Oh thank goodness, Master Lee, I was wondering where you were," she said as she moved aside for him. "Hmm, this one looks familiar, oh she has her mother's nose. Funny I could never look Yve in the eyes...oh nevermind that wasn't very nice of me." The healer opened up his magic system and a white light expelled over Kilia, what took Kilia slightly longer was done in a matter of moments with Master Lee, "she's got the healer's touch, I can tell. Kinda nice to be able to help one of my own."

Jonathan stirred as he heard talking. He slowly opened his eyes feverishly to see someone looking at Kilia and using magic on her. He tried to stand up to fulfill his futy as a guardian but he falls back onto the chair, beginning to feel cold all of a sudden. He didn't like this feeling. Not at all. "Kilia..." he croaked out pitifully.

It was warm again. It had been so cold for so long and Kilia was sure she had fallen into an ice box or frozen over. She hadn't ever felt so cold before. It was starting to worry her that she may never feel the warmth again. However, it washed over her like a tidal wave and she was relieved in the feeling. It felt amazing to have heat once again scorch her skin. It even seemed to loosen her lungs as she took a deep breath.

With a soft mumble, she cracked open her eyes. Everything was blurry for a while and she had to blink several times to see properly. Finally, when she could make out the faces that hovered over her she took a deep breath and hummed softly, "Hi..." she said feeling overly tired even though she had been in darkness for quite some time.

It seemed like that hi got a chuckle from the small healer, "Hi yourself, back from the darkness I see. Hmm, everything should heal fine." He had slightly turned to look over at Jonathan, "Hmm that one looks sick...catch a cold or something." Julianna only shook her head, as she figured it was much more than a cold. "I am sure my father will want to see you, Master Lee, would you like to come upstairs," she asked as she walked to the door. She hadn't noticed the healer go over to Jonathan, and poke him in the shoulder, "hey you need some healing."

Jonathan felt his touch, the touch felt warm. Too warm. He yelled out in alarm of the touch. "Don't! The touch!!! It burns!!!" He shouts in surprise.

Master Lee jumped back slightly, "Don't get your panties in a bunch, young man." He went to his healing pad, but something was off and he felt like he shouldn't heal the boy. "Ah...must be love," he exclaimed, "ok well, I can't do much about that," he produced a small red pill though, "This should help, not instant but at least he might be able to talk coherently." He left the pill on the table by the chair. It would actually start to smell in a second, smell like something the boy would love to eat, whatever that was for the moment.

"Ok lets go...I think these two need a moment alone or something." Julianna rolled her eyes and led him out of the room.