Duagling

Serenetti awoke in a small isolated building in a snowy forest, next to 5 others. "What's going on?" she mumbled, standing up and stepping over the others to look out the window. "I hate snow," she mumbled. "Hate it. This isn't home..." She looked around the room and saw a small piece of paper on the table in the middle of the building. The table was the only piece of furniture in the place. She picked up the paper and read it.

I have picked you go 6 to go on The Journey. If you make The Journey, you will be rewarded in the highest form. You will go on to rule this land. Here's the people I have chosen:
Tefira, 18
Talon, 18
Serenetti, 17
Oan, 17
Annessa, 16
Luciando, 16
Good luck-The High Ruler of Duagling

He had to get up, being in this village would be too dangerous. They'd find him and throw him in the dungeons, he'll be trapped in the metal bars, surrounded by nothing but shadows, hearing the dreaded symphony of sorrowful moans, waiting when it would be his turn to be brought back into the light. Somehow he had found a way out, he escaped the hell hole and found shelter in an abandoned cottage. What did Sephiroth do to deserve this type of treatment? He was a pure being, only mischivous at times. But it wasn't him who caused the fire. It wasn't! It was all Luciando! Luciando was the one to blame! It was his--Sephiroth couldn't had done it for he was gutless! Pathetic boy fearing the world of the unknown.

His eyes snapped open at the sound of foot steps. Sephiroth expected to be laying on rough hay and decaying flesh, but now here was on a hard wooden board. The village that only gave a warm summer breeze was now replaced by the harsh chill of frozen water. Where was he? Where had Luciando brought him this time? But inside he could tell that even the dark one knew nothing about the new location. Still laying motionless, he observed his surroundings, two other males and one female--one now crossed over him to look at the window. Could she have brought him here? But she was merely a female, who over a year older than him. But he knew far well never to judge by ones apperance.

As the female's attention was brought to a peice of parchment. The male slowly and quietly moved to his feet. Because he was smaller and lighter than his peers, he made absolutely no sound as he crouched towards the female. Silently he pulled a dagger, hidden in his boot as he approached her. He hesitated for a while. What if she was a lycan willing to change when she's frightened? Or what if she was and undead, ready to to jump at him even before he could attack? What if--Stop over thinking things, kill or be killed.

In a blink of an eye, the male charged. One hand gripped tightly to her hair and the other pressed the dagger's blade against her throat. "Why have you brought me here, woman?" The male hissed pressing the blade delicately against her skin, his hand tugging at her locks.

Serenetti almost screamed, but she didn't. She only tensed up. She was at the hands of a human with a dagger. She could see the human in his eyes. Although she was hardly ever around humans, she had high respect from them and almost feared them. Almost. The blade was as cold as the frosty air against her long dead skin. "I didn't bring you. The High King did. And I don't know why he did. See?" she said, trying to hand him the paper.

"Now, I would appreciate it if you would get that thing off of my neck and let go of my hair. My gosh, I've already died once. Are you trying to kill me again?"

Some noise awakened him, how troublesome, it seemed harmless so he decided to ignore it and continue sleeping, at least until he recalled that the night before he made his bed of a lake. He sat up and watched where he was, there was nothing he could recognize so he stood up and approached the window the landscape that his eyes saw was covered in white "is solid water, first time I see it" he said without worrying about the volume of his voice, he decided he did not have the slightest idea what was going on so he look at the two who were near the table, the man holding the hair of the woman while threatening her with a dagger, both looked surprised, Oan quietly ask "Would you mind telling me what is happening?"

((OOC @Fencer: You don't mind being 17, do you? The age 18 male slot was taken.))

"This...person is trying to kill me!" Serenetti hissed, not moving her head but just her eyes towards the person. Another male had awaken. He didn't seem nearly as on edge or threatening as the human with the knife held to her neck. He seemed a little suprised to be in this place, but then again, they all were. So far, anyways.

Annessa lied in the fetal position in the corner. In her dream she was at home with her father making him soup. She was dancing around the kitchen to her small radio player. But she wasn't at home now was she. Her dream began to explode and she woke up with a burst of energy. "Agh!" She yelled. She jolted up and put her hands on the walls. She calmed her breathing down a bit then looked up. She wasn't alone. There were 5 others, 2 of which were still sleeping. The sleepers seemed to be somewhat cold, but she felt fine. Annessa always found it hard to tell different temperatures. Whenever she was cold she would just turn and she would be a warm fluffy fur ball of fun. She saw there were 2 guys awake and a girl holding a note. Annie slowly walked up to them "Do you mind if I see that...?" She figured everyone was over there to see it. She looked the girl up and down before taking the note.

I have picked you go 6 to go on The Journey. If you make The Journey, you will be rewarded in the highest form. You will go on to rule this land. Here's the people I have chosen:
Tefira, 18
Talon, 18
Serenetti, 17
Oan, 17
Annessa, 16
Luciando, 16
Good luck-The High Ruler of Duagling

"Good luck?" She mumbled. She gave the note back to the girl, who seemed to be some type of creature. She wondered if it was obvious that she was a were wolf. She didn't look like a wolf, so she decided to keep her mouth shut. "Does anyone know what this journey is about? Or where we need to go?" She asked looking at the others.

The High King brought him here? That can't be any good, now can it? He was somewhat suspicious of the female, she could counter his attack, or have super human strength and send him flying out the window. If that was the case, he would grab onto the window's edge and shimmy his way back and--Stop. Focus. He brought his attention back to the female. By the way she didn't struggle for freedom seemed to show she was friendly, but her calmness about the situation did bother Sephiroth. Even an ogre would have whaled or even struggled if it were his toe being held captive. Whatever the case may be, he decided that acting as a threat in the group, wouldn't be safe at all.

Just as he was about to release the female until another being awoke from their peaceful slumber. He turned on his heel bringing the female with him, the blade still held against her neck in case anyone decided to cause trouble. Though he wasn't planning on hurting the female, to be honest the pure Sephiroth felt guilty heaving to hold the girl hostage. The green skin creature towered over the male, to be honest practically everyone was taller than him--he was practically on his tip toes just to keep the girl's neck around his arm. The male didn't seem to react, though his new undead friend seemed to have a more 'lively' reaction.

"I wasn't planning on killing you," He said shaking his head, he pulled the dagger away from her neck and released her. "it was just for...security measure." A small twisted smirk grew onto his lips, Luciando slowly making his entrance.

He turned his attention to the new female. "Ah, yet another sleeping beauty is awake from her sleep." He turned to her bowing and giving a seductive look. He then opened his palm towards the girl. "Might I see that parchment from The High King?" Perhaps if he read the note, things would make more sense in the place. But the first thing he wanted to find out was, where in the name of Ogharto was he?

"Thanks. I really appreciate your security measure, you know, seeing as how I'm such a threat. And...the note is really vague. All it told me was who I was with. I'm going to guess that you're Luciando..." she said, staring him down. Serenetti then turned her attention to the girl. "Did you get anything out of that note?" she asked, looking the girl over. She looked human, but she smalled of a wolf. For sure.

The other guy, the greenish guy, he smelled like lake water. Like fish. She didn't mind it, she loved fish, but she couldn't imagine what species he was. He seemed laid back and quiet, carefree, almost. Possibly the oppisite of her. She continued looking him over, trying to access her.

Annessa wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a smile, even though she was grinning like an idiot on the inside. She has always had compliments on her looks but mostly from jerks. She shook her head, he's probably a jerk like most guys anyways she thought. Most guys use her for her looks or body, so she never had a real crush on any guys. What really impressed her was personality, which all the guys she knew had none. "No the note was pretty simple. Nothing to it..." She turned away from the guy and looked back at the sleeping boy and girl. They looked pale and had discolored lips. "Is there a blanket anywhere?" She asked looking around the room. It was just one room with one door leading to the winter wonderland. She sighed and looked back a the others. I guess keeping it a secret won't last long... she then closed her eyes as she turned. Turned from her human form to wolf form. She walked on all four over to the two, who were close together, and snuggled up in between them. "Us wolves have super body heat, I don't want them to get hypothermia or something..." She said softly looking at the others who were in shock. Their jaws were almost touching the floor as Annie started playing with her tail.

"If you have walked in my shoes, you'd be as paranoid as I am." He snorted at the female. He was right though, one could never tell who was an enemy, for all they know he could be one. He was more surprised that they more trusting than anyone. He frowned slightly as she assumed his identity. "Sephiroth." He corrected the girl. "Well, Luciando is correct, but in a way--It's a long story." He stopped himself from reveling anything else.

But right now, Sephiroth had been pushed away to hide in the darkness. Something about the new female seemed to stir something inside of Luciando. Normally that grin would cause human girls to either run away--knowing well that he was not a man their 'daddy's' would want to see them with. But not even a threat to stay away? Interesting. "Alas, the Beauty decides to play hard to capture--get, I mean." He smirks watching the Beauty turn to a Beast. For a moment, he thinks to himself that he shouldn't advance with a creature, but it would be a thrill trying.

He turns his attention to the window's opening. "As much as I'd love to cuddle that fur of yours, my lady, I believe that staying here would be useless." He pushes the glass covering of the window inviting the snow's harsh winds to enter the room. "The way I see things, if we don't move now the snow will barricade us. And I for one would enjoy a cod fish during a winter's night." He teased the green skinned male.

"Either you stay here and freeze, or we start our Journey." He looks over to the slumbering couple and considers kicking them awake. If they don't wake up soon, they would be nothing more but dead weight. "If you wish, my dear amphibian friend, I could assist you on the way, provided that you act as my sea horse once we are forced to travel through sea." That is if they ever get to see spring time again.

Oan looked with interest, the situation was rather peculiar, first a male threatened to kill a female, it turns out that he did not have that intention, then another female wakes up and takes note that the first was holding, by the conversation that took he discovered that the High King brought to them, then to his surprise the second female transforms into a wolf and then declared that her temperature was higher, she lies down between two persons who have not awakened.Oan wondered why she has to do it, after thinking he said "Oh right, some beings cannot stand the cold" everyone looked at him surprised.
The male's personality had changed, now from the window he asked derisively if he agreed to be his "Sea Horse" Oan laughed, "Sure, if you can breathe underwater I would not mind", then fixed his attention to the other and asked "We must be six or each one can start separately?" and then he added, "I will accept any decision of the majority".

Tefira was curled up in her dark robes shivering lightly. It was colder than she had expected it would be. She knew the colder season was coming but this temperature was ridiculous. Her village was never freezing like this so something was wrong. Tefira suddenly felt a rush of heat come near her body as if someone layed a few blankets over her. It was a relief, naturally, but Tefira soon realised the "blanket" was moving and had a peculiar smell of the canine species. Did someone lose control of their pet again? Tefira knew it sounded stupid, but that was a reguar occourrance in her village. The elves that lived there were nt meant to have pets, they were mostly oracles in training. Foreseers of the future and guardians of the destinies of the royals and bla bla bla. Tefira was happy she wasn't training to be an oracle. She loved having her freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted, of course after she finished her chores.

Tefira stretched and started to wake up, hearing voices. Did she have visitors that had barged in? Strange, very strange, especially because she couldn't feel her bed underneath her. Her first thought was that she had rolled out of bed uring the night, but her wood at home was wooden, not stone. Something was going on. The vampiric elf blinked her crimsom eyes a few times until her vision stopped being blurry. "Noisy..." she mumbled and got to her feet cracking her back. Her entire body ached from the nap on the floor. "A few questions" she said. "Who are you, where are we and what's going on?" she asked and glanced at the others. The wolf on the floor explained the canine smell. Tefira nodded at it recognizing it had kept her and an unconsicous male warm. Other than that there was 2 males in he room, one of them carrying the scent of water and fish. There was also a female. Somehoe Tefira knew she had elf blood on her. Strange, but she just knew it somehow. A quick glance out the window told Tefira why it was so cold. The snow outside was merciless.

Serenetti glanced at the newly awaken girl. "Elven?" she asked under her breath, staring at her before shifting her visions towards the greenish person again. "We should travel together. The High King obviously meant for us to be a team..." she said, taking the paper from "Sephiroth" and giving it to the newly awaken girl rather than explaining everything. These people were odd to her, severly odd. They were nothing like her people.

"I suppose if someone wanted to go on their own, they could, but I'm going to advise against it. It does not seem wise. Now, everyone, I'm going to ask who you are...I'm Serenetti, but you can call me Netti, if you'd like."

She looked out the window again, not ready to go into the snow. She hated snow with a passion. She almost feared it. They may have to drag me. Not really sure who to trust, she glanced at the sea person worriedly, then the other elven girl. She was worried, for sure. Maybe more than anyone else. It's just snow. You'll be okay.

Tefira took the paper and narowed her crimsom eyes looking at it. "Good luck... " she mumbled and sighed. This was going to be troublesome and from what she could hear on the other elven girl people were talking about splitting up already. Bad plan, obviously. They had no idea where they were or what was to come, so splitting up in this cold would kill them like dominoes. "Does anybody know what the journey is?" she asked and looked around at the silent youngsters, listenign while the other elven girl introduced herself as Serenetti. After she was done Tefira placed her right hand over her own heart "Tefira, of the oracle elves" she said and bowed lightly keeping to the traditions of her tribe. "I agree with Serenetti, it's a fool's errand to conqour this weather on a solo trip and working as a team is better,despite the fact we don't know each other, but bickering and complaining like weaklings won't solve anything and having an ego trip will have you killed in the weather" she said aimed at whoever had suggested they left on their own. "I'm pretty sure only creatures born for the cold would be able to survive this sherade" she said and looked around waiting for others to introduce themselves. This entire situation was deeply worrying but for whatever reason they had to stick together for sure. Anything else would be mere stupidity.

Oan heard the both of them and then thought a bit on the situation in which they were, the words of Tefira were full of wisdom, at least for most of the races, as Merman Oan had visited the colder and darker bottom of the ocean therefore he knew that the cold would not be a problem for him.
"I am Oan Enkil, a member of the Merman Tribe, well at least half of my blood, I guess you can call me Ea" He introduce himself, after a while he could not decide on whether this was troublesome or amusing, but after looking more closely at the faces of those present he realized that everyone was worried, well except for the one who had a mocking smile , he decided, "Well, let's stay together, at least until I get bored"

Annie just glared at Sephiroth. Her green eyes glowing. "I wasn't offering my fur to you now was I?" She snarled. Annessa had never been one to give attitude, or to talk back for that matter. She looked out the window and thought about playing in the snow. She then flintched as one of the sleepers woke up. "Good morning sleepy head" She chuckled. The little elven girl walked over to the note and began processing as Annessa herself had done. She realized that those who were awake were making.... teams. She saw the girls and guys pair up and she was alone, with a person who may never wake up. She sighed as she walked away from the person who laid on the floor. Walking past Sephiroth she let her tail tickle his face. "Who am I going to pair up with..." She said looking at Serenetti.

((OOC: I added a rule thread and a summary thread. I don't care if you look at the summary, but please look at the rules. PLEASE.))

Serenetti nodded and continued to observe everyone with sincere interest. Sephiroth appeared to be very fond of the Annie girl. Talon still slept soundly. The merperson her age, Oan, or Ea, seemed to be almost amused with the situation. The eldest girl, Terfira, was the only one who seemed to be completely trustworthy to her. It's probaly because she's elven. The other girl, Annie seemed nice enough, but something about her almost scared Serenetti.

Talon lay quietly and comfortably in his bed, his head softly resting on his pillow, the man groaning groggily. Beside him, keeping him warm, was his dog, Vervain, who he reached out to pet.

"The thunder must have scared her." Talon thought. He began to open his eyes and stretch out, when he stopped abruptly. Voices. He heard voices. Talon was a solitary fellow, and the few friends he had were on the other side of the country. He jumped up to confront the burglars, but was extremely confused when he realized he was standing on a wooden floor, in a small cold building in what seemed to be the middle of a forest. He looked around, and noticed a few other people were in this cottage as well. He reached for his sword, but he didn't have it. He softly called for his dog, but realized that she was most likely gone to. He quietly walked over to the rest of the people, as non-threateningly as he could, but reasy to incinerate any one of them at a moments notice.

"Erm...Hello. Anyone want to tell me what is going on ?" He said.

"Hand him the paper, would you?" Netti asked, looking at the newly awaken person quizzicly. "I'm Serenetti," she repeated. He must have been the eldest male. It was hard to not want to bow at his presence, as she would have if he was the eldest male back home. But she wasn't home, and as far as she knew, she'd never make it home. No, you're going to make it home.

"Touche," Luciando grinned at the wolf. He had met a few feisty women in his time, but never a feisty dog before; for some reason her attack encouraged him. He pushed his infatuation aside as another female rose. Any human from his village would have been surprised being around such creatures. Back home, elves and mermen were merely tall tales. But then again, the people of his land never left; staying in the safety of their farms. He had to admit, his first encounter with an elven, he too was shocked. But now he was quite use to the odd creatures--though, this was his first encounter with a merman. After all he does steal from them.

The wise elven encouraged them to become a team, would it be safe though? Would the undead try to gnaw his face in his sleep? Would the wolf lose herself in fury and rip his limbs? With the merman drag him into sea? Would the elven out wit him and make him a fool? So many doubts, yet he knew it was best to push them away. Doubt was the reason he's alone. He had to trust the group, or he'd b e doomed to wonder alone in doubt.

"Seeing as everyone is making their introduction, I believe I should make mine." He spoke once the last member of the group joined them. "I am Luciando, a mere thief of my land and most probably wanted by this so called High King." He smirked at the thought, true though, he had caused great sufferings that it wouldn't surprise him if the king wanted his head. "Ah, and my brother, Sephiroth." He placed a hand to his chest, his grin turning into a solemn look. He doesn't expect any of them to under stand, he himself doesn't understand his split personalities either.

"My lord," he brought his attention to the another human. "We are all captives of the High King. He is forcing us to fight our path to this so called Journey, to the unknown." he offered his hand to the male to help him to his feet.

"I thought you said your name was Sephiroth...?" she said turning back from her wolf form. She always like her wolf form better, she thinks she was meant to be wolf form naturally. She gently pushed her blonde wavy hair out of her face so she could see again. "And why are you so wanted by the High King? You don't look like a bad boy." Anne added with a grin. She knew she was being mischievous, and she knew she was giving attitude, which her father would not condone. She then realized she wasn't being herself. It was her wolf personality which was the bad ass. The wolf who chased dragons and stole food from the market. She wasn't like that often but you know that feeling. The feeling of risk, of being dangerous. It's a thrill and her wolf side couldn't handle it. She snapped back to reality and looked back at Luciando/Sephiroth.

Talon nodded solemnly, taking the man's hand, as to better steady himself.

"I have heard of the Journey." He contributed. "Although I don't know much more than our current predicament."

He observed the group. The man who had given Talon his hand seemed...odd. He couldn't exactly place what it was, but he had a feeling that the man was more than he seemed. He noticed a Red-Headed girl, who he instantly recognized as undead, as she had a similar scent as Talon himself, and the way she carried herself seemed familiar. He spotted an Elf, and was a bit relieved, as the race always seemed very capable to Talon, very much wise beyon their years, and he couldn't help but feel somewhat safe around the girl. The next person he noticed was a...Werewolf?! That would explain the dog dream, and the fact that he wasn't frozen to death. Being a bloodless, he naturally had no body heat because of the lack of..well, blood, so he was very susceptible to the cold. The last person that Talon saw was a...Merman. He eyed the man suspiciously and took a step back from him. He would have to keep an eye on this man. He had a grudge against Merfolk that he wasn't about to give up just yet.

He took the opportunity to introduce himself.

"I am Talon, formerly of the Redhoods, and if anyone's injured, I suggest that you let me treat it before we leave this place." he said, realizing he still had his medical supplies tucked away under his tattered cloak.

Tefira nodded gently at the people as they introuced themselves. She did her best to memorize their names but with the man that introduced himself as 2 people her eyes widened a bit. He had 2 names, hs own and that of his brother. How peculiar. Tefira looked to the 2-named male and ttook a light breath. "So, when will we know when we are speaking to Sephiroth and Luciando" she asked having deducted the mutiple personality thing. She started running her long thin fngers through her messy silver-coloured hair completely revealing her pierced elven ears. She knew oacles weren't supposed to have piercings according to her tribe's rules and traditions but then again, Tefira wasn't an oracle. She looked to the male that introduced himself as Talon and nodded at him when he said he could heal injuries. This comment sprung up an idea. "We should all check what we have and see what we can make use of. To easen up the journey" she said and went through her robes pulling out 2 elven talismen made of thin cuts of iron and a little flask in which she kept some tomato juice. The red liquid was naturally frozen solid in this cold, so the flask was useless unless they got a fire going at one point. "What do the rest of you have?"

"Wait... Sephiroth and Luciando are the.. same person?!" Annessa exclaimed. Annessa wasn't the brightest of the group and she wasn't super smart either. She had her common sense and that's her logic. She's no genius but she's not completely stupid. She walked in a circle around Luciando. She kept thinking, How does that work? Who is who? They are brothers in the same body? Who have I been talking too... but she stayed silent. Tefira spoke up interrupting her thoughts. "We should all check what we have and see what we can make use of. To easen up the journey" Annie knew she had an injury but she would never admit it. She had stolen an apple from the market when a hunter chased her. He shot an arrow through her left leg. She had a slight limp from the pain but she hid it pretty well. The arrow must have pierced the muscle or something. She stayed silent once more, she didn't want to be any trouble.

Finally everyone had introduced. Oan memorized the names of everyone, usually he wouldn't bother to do it but since they would be together indefinitely he consider it appropriate. Now that everyone was awake there was no need to continue in this place, Oan was eager to see more closely the Solid Water and he hoped to begin soon the so called The Journey but on the advice of the elf with red eyes he look among his belongings , as expected there was nothing except a couple of stones that he found in the deep sea and keep on a whim, for some reason the last one to wake up looking at him warily, discrimination? or maybe he doesn´t like the green-skinned people, Oan really didn´t care he only was curious, smiled and extended his hand to greet "I'm Oan" said