NationStates Jolt Archive

Realm: Earth

Year: 2070

A young boy rushed home through the crowded streets of Nice, France. Although only age 10, He was recieving dirty looks from nearly al of the people he walked past. His Icy blue eyes glanced around aprehensively as he walked home from school, and was expecting any of the unfriendly faces around him to kill him because of what he was. And He would welcome it, although only at 10years of age, he was directly responsible for nearlt 15 deaths, and indirectly responsible for the loss of countless other lives. His Name is Nichlas Glace D'Hiver

A homeless man shivered on the street when a chill wind blew past, there would be snow again this evening, he could tell. So incharacteristic of the mediterranian resort town, but so very characteristic of the past few years. He saw a boy walking a little bit aways from him and began to call out to him

Man: "Young boy, could you help a starving man? Lend a Euro or two? please?" The boy walked to him getting closer, but then the man saw his face, "Sacre Bleu!! its you!!" He runs

Nichlas: "Its probably my fault He's so poor. Its all my fault, everything..."

Come one come all, I could use every character I can get to interact with young Nichlas, from Elf to Vampire, to Demon, to Angel to normal every day Joe... It doesn't matter. Figure him out and join in and RP. I would like it that eventually this could be a continuous RP that will keep on going even after Nichlas departs. So come and post and figure my young friend out.

OOC: I hope you dont mind a fairly new nation joining this :)

IC: He was perched on a rooftop, his wings of dove grey drawn tightly against his body. The weather was unseasonably cold for this part of the world and this assigment of Observation was proving to be fairly uneventful. He watched with clear blue eyes as an unfortunate asked for a bit of charity from a young boy and noted the reaction. Humans were so unpredictable, that is what made them so interesting. He considered for a moment if he should intervene, the child looked so....despondent.

a young Trasian sits on a bench playing a Orcarina and listening to the music

Hyae Jash was a Trasian Immagrint from Trasa seeking a new feauture. he finds himself a small time musiction

(he is a 14 year old)

he sees a boy neaby that looks somehow sad. he goes up

Hyae:hi. what is your name?

OOC: its cool, anyone who wants to join can join. To angelica: is your character empathic?

Nichlas quickly looks down, not looking the boy in the eyes. He seems afraid and unusually shy despite the friendly innocent question posed to him

Nichlas: "Nichlas"

OOC: Very little, mostly just picks up strong emotions.

The Angelico continued his silent vigil on the rooftop. Hesitant to reveal himself with another child there he stayed on the roof wrapping the insulating feathers around himself tighter, considering his best move, he didnt want to see the fledglings freeze, yet he was bound to stay hidden. He waited and watched, intrigued by the situation, ready to intervene if there was a need.

Hyae:i know you. don't worry. i won't treat you like all these other people.

Hyae inspects the young boy

Hyae:so, why aren't you indoors?

A 15 year old Langham Marine (alot of Langhan children have military careers) named Ron arrives in Nice, France.

Ron: Alright, i'm here now. What to do?

OOC: Sounds fun... /OOC

*A girl walks up to Nichlas, around her age. (ooc Nichlas' friend? ok? /ooc) Her hair is green and is tied in a braid. She has bright green eyes and is slightly taller than Nichlas.*
Arian Dubois: "Bonjour, Nichlas! How is everything today?" *She puts her hands in his pocket and sways from side to side, humming a familliar tune to herself*

Sam flicked up the lid of the cigarette lighter and quickly covered the flickering flame with a hand. Nevertheless, the brief flash of light and energy was whipped away by the biting wind, that even in the lee of the statue, still chilled him to the bone.

"Crap!"

Sam gave up and slipped the lighter back inot his coat pocket. He was slightly taller that average, but slim and wiry, more due to lack of actual nutrition than active excercise. His face was long and angular, the kind a good-natured liar might refer to as "striking". His was hair short and greying around the edges, a fact the poorly concealed by wearing a cheap, brown wide-brimmed hat wherever he went. The hat, combined with the long brown trenchcoat, faded blue suit and atmosphere of petty malice contrived to make him look like a character out of some 50's detective movie.

He moved away from the statue and back into the freezing air. SO-16 were gonna be pissed if he came back from assignment with nothing but a handful of rumours and pneumonia.

"Hey you? You uh... shit, how do you say it?... Uh, parley anglais?"

The passing frenchman shook his head and hurried on. Luck wasn't with him today, it seemed.

Ron walks through the streets. The cold wind seemed endless.

"What's with the weather here? The Colonel told me this was a resort town."

Nichlas: "Arian, It happened... again" The The terror and sadness could probably be felt for miles. Nichlas hangs his head, seemingly in shame of something. "We need to talk, away from these people"

Evening News Break: "This is Aisha Beauregarde at local news network 176.265, todays headline: Jean-Pierre Rogers, teacher at a local school was found dead today, apparently from severe Hypothermia and exposure. Although deaths from Hypothermia are increasingly common in this cold snap, Rogers was found completely frozen, and the police are baffled, We will be fallowing this unusual story closely, and will provide you with updates at the sept heur report. Next up the Weather, when is this cold snap going to break Phillipe?

Meteorologist: "I'm as baffled as the rest of you here, I can't even find a reason it is here in the first place, by all rights it should be warm and sunny. until things return to normal, dress warmly. this is meteorologist Phillipe Chaud-Vent, back to you Aisha..."

Ron finds an alley and rests there. Ron begins to wonder where the hotels are.

"Oh man, i'd give anything for a nice, warm bed. I've been in cold enviroments but this takes the cake."

A young Hylian Knight walked the streets of Nice, His name was Jace Greyridge, and he had just completed his training and was on his first assignment. and he thought it would be a nice cushy one...

"Cold, Damn... and I thought this was a beech town. well, its too late to begin my mission tonight, might as well find a place to sleep for the night."

*walks into an alley way after seeing <closed> and <out of buisiness> signs on the windows of hotels. I guess I can sleep here... its going to be a long, cold, day...*

A young Hylian Knight walked the streets of Nice, His name was Jace Greyridge, and he had just completed his training and was on his first assignment. and he thought it would be a nice cushy one...

"Cold, Damn... and I thought this was a beech town. well, its too late to begin my mission tonight, might as well find a place to rest..."
*walks into an alley way after seeing <closed> and <out of buisiness> signs on the windows of hotels. I guess I can sleep here... its going to be a long, cold, day...*

Ron gets a trashcan, puts papers in it, lights a match, and throws it in the trashcan.

"This should keep me warm."

Rave: I've heard of these attacks enough to know what he's feeling...to know what the future holds for him. *she said with her eyes closed* Azari, my former apprentice and former diciple, though you have done some things in the past, time is starting to heal all wounds. I give you this...find Nicholas...I have a proposition for him...he'll be tricky to convince, but you must do it...bring him back to me...he interests me very much so...go. Now.

Azari: Where can Nicholas be found? *unheard words passed through the two and ended with Azari nodding. She pulled her black cloak more tightly around her and Azari departed from the Academy.

The Angelico watched and recorded the newcomers and an irisistible urge to make himself known gripped him. The cold weather was an annoyance but his superheated blood and insulating feathers kept him warm. On impulse he left the rooftop and circled the scene before dropping lightly to the ground. He looked around warily, his blue eyes occasionally obscured by his blonde hair that was being tossed about by the winds.

An old man dressed in little better than rags shuffled over to Nocholas and pointed at him.

"I know who you are," he said. "You must come with me before they find you!"

A hand calmped down on the old man's shoulders and spun him gently round to face Arbiter.

"Before who find's him, old man?"

OOC: For a description of Arbiter look up.

*The old man's eyes widened.* "You..." he exclaimed, and pulled an automatic pistol out of his trenchcoat. "You won't take the boy. Not this time."

<ooc>I have no idea why he's doing this - He's just rather mysterious.</ooc>

OOC: Well we can always make it up as we go. Bear in mind that Sam Arbiter is only human though. Don't overplay the "evil nemesis" card. Oh, and if you don't like the name Rutger then you can change it.

IC:

Sam released the man and stepped back, hands held out in front of him. Around the pair a circle of onlookers formed as various passers by tried to see what was happening without putting themselves in danger.

"C'mon now Rutger, put the gun away. We're both too smart for that kind of thing."

*The old man's hands shook at the mention of his real name.*

Why did you come back? No.. wait...I don't...AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH *and gripped his head.* I...I...I know you, but...I don't...Who am I?!

OOC: How about this? SO-16 is a secret government organization in Slutbum Wallah used to round up "deviants". i.e anyone with a hint of magical or paranormal abilities and either execute, incarcerate, hire or merely deport.

Lets say Rutger worked for SO-16 for many years before finally getting sick of the corruption and needless hatred that had infected an organization originally intended to protect the people. He went out for a routine mission one day and never came back, instead he used his skills to try and save the people he had hunted for so many years.

That was about 25 years ago. Now Rutgers' own student occupies the very position that he once did. Sam Arbiter is still convinced that he works for the good guys and that his old teacher went mad after being exposed to magic for too long. He may be right.

This O.K?

IC:

Sam darted forwards and made a grap for the pistol in Rutger's hand.

<ooc> A couple of minor changes
1) Rutger was once a warrior angel, but got kicked out of Heaven after sparing the lives of some reneagde demons.
2) He joined SO-16 as a way of perhaps redeeming himself or getting revenge, and went by the name of Jake McNeill.
3) After a run-in with some full-time angels, he was defated in 'Celestial combat' and now remebers almost nothing - just that he has lost a huge part of himself, and occasionally gets déjá vu.
4) The rest is OK </ooc>

*Rutger tried to dart to the side, but collapsed among some garbage bins.*

Sam snatched up the pistol as it fell from Rutger's hands. He slipped the magazine out of the weapon before turning and tossing it away. Rutger's eye caught his as he tossed the empty weapon to the floor. "What happened to you Rutger? You used to be better than this."

Sam turned and began to walk away, scanning the street for the boy Rutger had approached.

OOC: We should probly wait for the others.

OOC: I'm pretty new at this, is it okay if I join in?

IC: Aiko Duranez watched the situation between the two men unfold from the security of a bench. She had pulled the collar of her white, ankle length leather coat up, and had snuggled down into it, protecting as much of her face as possible from the cold. Her piercing cobalt blue eyes stared out at the scene, and her short grey-blue hair played in the wind.
The boy that had been with the men had disappeared. She stood up and glanced about, touching the pisol concealed beneath her coat. One of the men had started to walk away down the street, and she watched him go.

Edited, Theallas is unavilible right now

OOC: is it okay if it is night time?

IC: they all hear a sound, running, two distinct tracks, one, a slow an terrified running, a man running for his life, the second, a fast clicking noice, like a hunter closing in for the kill, as they came into veiw the man ran down an ajoining ally, only Sam, Rutiger and Nichlas could see them, the man reached the dead end and turned around, before he could even scream, four sword cuts from the hunters katana cut him into 8 pieces, then in the same instant, the man was decapitated, his body at first decying with no smell, and also in about 10 seconds, and then when only the bones were left, they burst into flames, revealing the face of the stranger, an elf, tall even for an elf, his face was unscarred exept for a scar running from the bottom of his ear to his collar, he seemed unfased by the cold, and his eyes were startiling, blue, they seemed to burn in their sockets, he was a mage, a powerful elven warrior, even more deadly he was an assasin.

He walked into the street, and looked at the scene infront of him, he looks at Arbiter, "what is going on here human, why are you terrorizing this poor boy, all that is special about him is that he is a practitioner of Ice magic, and I fell maybe a bit of black magic about him"

OOC: the three of you just saw a man cut into multiple pieces, just to recap.

OOC: Oh Christ. About 50 angels a coupla vampires and demon-freaks, some weird ice kid (I actually think the ice kid is pretty cool but don't interrupt my ranting) and now an Uber Elf Ultimate Warrior-Mage-Assasin who instantly knows exactly what is going on even though he just arrived and sliced someone into pieces.

Am I the only one who senses a slight imbalance in character creation here?

But that aside, what the hell is your character talking about? I haven't even talked to the damn kid yet and you are screaming about me terrorising him? Have you even read the posts?

OOC: is it okay if it is night time?

IC: they all hear a sound, running, two distinct tracks, one, a slow an terrified running, a man running for his life, the second, a fast clicking noice, like a hunter closing in for the kill, as they came into veiw the man ran down an ajoining ally, only Sam, Rutiger and Nichlas could see them, the man reached the dead end and turned around, before he could even scream, four sword cuts from the hunters katana cut him into 8 pieces, then in the same instant, the man was decapitated, his body at first decying with no smell, and also in about 10 seconds, and then when only the bones were left, they burst into flames, revealing the face of the stranger, an elf, tall even for an elf, his face was unscarred exept for a scar running from the bottom of his ear to his collar, he seemed unfased by the cold, and his eyes were startiling, blue, they seemed to burn in their sockets, he was a mage, a powerful elven warrior, even more deadly he was an assasin.

He walked into the street, and looked at the scene infront of him, he looks at Arbiter, "what is going on here human, why are you terrorizing this poor boy, all that is special about him is that he is a practitioner of Ice magic, and I fell maybe a bit of black magic about him"

OOC: the three of you just saw a man cut into multiple pieces, just to recap.

OOC: Oh Christ. About 50 angels a coupla vampires and demon-freaks, some weird ice kid (I actually think the ice kid is pretty cool but don't interrupt my ranting) and now an Uber Elf Ultimate Warrior-Mage-Assasin who instantly knows exactly what is going on even though he just arrived and sliced someone into pieces.

Am I the only one who senses a slight imbalance in character creation here?

But that aside, what the hell is your character talking about? I haven't even talked to the damn kid yet and you are screaming about me terrorising him? Have you even read the posts?

(OOC: by the by this a multi-thousand year old elven mage, who has in the past fought Balrogs, and also this is my, ohh wait, Theallas is in prison right now, sorry, I thought that my main charicter was free. I was using the General who you have never RPed with before, sorry sorry sorry

Azari walked in the streets. Her red eyes and violet hair drew much attention, but her black robes drew more...and her crest the most. The crest of the Academy...not the one open to many students, the one she had went to...the one that Rave's apprentices went to...she was only one of the three that had completed the two hundred and fifty year school. Needless to say, it was for people like her. She was even going to start teaching at the Shentavo Academy next year. She smiled at the people who stared...which made them stare harder. She began her search. Nicholas... She called out to him...she couldn't pin point his location. If only Rave had been able to come along.

*Arian pulled Nichlas into an empty alleyway and set up a "mind-sheild" around them <ooc "Mind-Sheild" is a telepathic ability to block others thoughts from entering and prevents eavesdropping by thought-speakers /ooc>*
*Arian looks around briefly for listeners, but finding none, pulls Nichlas close so his mouth is by her ear and hers by his ear.*
Arian: "Tell me what happened."

Nichlas: "It happened again, I can't take this anymore. I have to leave this time, I want to run away, but there's nowhere else to go."

Azari heard voices as she walked along. She could no longer trace Nicholas by thoughts...they were blocked...or something of the sort. Maybe he hadn't heard her. She faded into the shadows and approached them. If it was him, he would sense him coming.

Arian: *heard footsteps so she hushed her voice to a whisper* "You can't run away.. Nichlas.. You have to try to control it... Just believe you can and you will be able to..." *She hugged Nichlas close* "It won't happen again.. I promise." *But she knew that this promise would be just as empty as the last one. He would go a month or two without accidentally hurting anyone, he'd cheer up and the weather would change, but then he'd be caught offguard and another casuality. Then the weather would freeze up again. Things like that always seemed to happen to him. She hoped he'd learn to control it soon, she hated the wintery chill*

Azari saw the boy with someone. Arian...so long ago...and a name much remembered. Azari knew that Arian had sensed her presence, and she made eye contact with her and smiled. No longer able to speak as she had the age past...

Arian: *saw Azari and whispers very softly into his ear* "Call me tonight.. on the secure line.. We will need to talk more about this.." *She pulls Nichlas closer and gives him a kiss on each cheek* "Au revior! A demain!"

Azari walked next to Nicholas. Nicholas... she said, softly touching his face, not paying attention to Arian. Her eyes drew him in entirely, and were mezmorizling.

Arian: *saw this and held tightly to Nichlas' arm* "Nichlas? Aren't you going to come with me? Come on.. Let's go..." *Direct thought-speak aimed at Azari What are you trying to do with Nichlas?

Azari: Merely to talk with him...Ravelyn Shentavo has expressed much interest in him...and wishes to train him to control his abilities

Arian: Aren't you even going to ask him if that is what he wants to do? And who is Ravelyn Shantavo and why would she want to train Nichlas?

Azari: She is one of the most respected beings in the world...you have never heard of her before? She has been on the news often... She wants to train Nicholas...for she see's much potential for a Psion...and if the prophecy is true...he'll do great things.

Arian: Prophecy? What prophecy? And how will he be useful to her?

Azari: It is not for me to say...it is Rave's business...

Arian: Why Nichlas? There must be tons of little girls and boys with "potential." Why him?

Azari: I'm not sure...*she admitted* She works in mysterious ways.

OOC: If no one cares, I'll join in because Rave is here.

He watches the city from atop a building, the cold winter air reminds him of Proxima III, before the Dominion fell. His long great-coat languishes in the wind atop the building. He has carefully followed this Azari, one fo the servants of Rave Shentavo. He is Bayushi Shoju, last of the Diamyos of the Seven Great Clans of the Dominion, the nation that was crushed beneath the iron heel of the Empire of Valinon ten years past now.
He grips the blade of the blade at his left, a snarl admits, a snarl like that of an animal lusting for its next kill.
"Soon, Itsuwari," he mumbles, "soon we will face a voice like that we have not tasted since the Toturi lord fell to us."
Then, with that, he is gone, vanished from the roof top, continuing to stalk his subject, another of the servants of the deviless, Rave Shentavo.

(lol i feel loved :P )

Sam couldn't understand it. They boy had been right in front of Rutger, disrming him had only taken about a minute yet the boy was no-where to be seen. He'd almost thought that he was on to something there.

He had wandered around the frozen streets for half an hour before giving in to the inviting warmth of a nearby bar. He had lost the trail anyway, stopping for a quick drink in the warm would hardly matter would it?

Now he was wishing he had stayed outside.

The two thugs had followed him into the bar and had made sure that they had a clear view of him when they sat down. They had watched him almost unblinkingly for the last five minutes. Sam could either stay and find out what they wanted, fight or make a run for it.

The two thugs didn't seem like the kind afraid of a fight and he wouldn't get far on foot in this frozen city, too few civilians to block the pursuit and too many stretches of ice beneath the feet. Besides, they were walking towards him now with a determined glint in their eyes.

"Mr K. will see you now."

"I didn't realise I had an appointment."

"Mr K. will see you now."

OOC: is your character looking Nichlas in the eye?

IC: Nichlas' heartbeat and breathing increased and he was obviously afraid of the stranger, as he was with all people he didn't know. and as his level of fear increased, so did the cold of the air. The bitter cold gusts bit into the people of the area, but didn't even seem to effect even a mile away.

Nichlas: "who... are you?"

OOC: He is not telepathic, yet

Aiko entered the bar and couldn't resist a small smile as the heat washed over her. She was beginning to regret her rash decision to follow the man who had walked away, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. She had followed him silently for about half an hour, and was glad of the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the bar.

She paused in the doorway, and quickly spotted the man, however there were two big, burly men close to him. She thought better of going directly over to them, instead choosing a table nearby where she could hear what was going on, without the need to directly look at them and draw attention to herself.

"Mr K will see you now."

Aiko listened to the conversation unfold. It sounded to her as though he didn't particualrly want to go and see this 'Mr K'. Without thinking, she reached inside her coat and touched her pistol. She wanted to be ready in case there was any trouble.

Sam shrugged and raised his hands to show his surrender. There was no point in getting excited. Not yet anyway. The men took sattion in front and behind, and began to lead him to the back room of bar.

Once inside, the thugs stood either side, a hairy hand on each of his shoulder. The room was a small office, mounds of reports and documents lay piled here and there around a desk in the centre of the floor. It didn't look like the kind of room you'd expects behind a bar.

A thin wiry man sat at the desk. He smiled at Sam, or possibly he was smiling at Sam being held by the goons, he wasn't sure. "You're getting old, Arbiter. Ten years ago you would've broken my man's nose and been out of the door like a shot."

"How far would I have gotten?"

"I had three more men just outside the front door."

"Lucky for me I came quietly."

"Indeed. You're probably wondering why I brought you here. I'm after the same thing you are. Or at least the same thing your superiors are. The boy. He is powerful."

"I've seen better."

"Still..." the man got up from the desk and walked over to face Arbiter, "You're working for the wrong people, Arbiter. For the wrong reasons. Get out of here, out of SO-16 while you still can. I hate to see good men wasted."

Arbiter sighed and tapped his watch impatiently, "Is this all you wanted? I've got places to be y'know."

The man's face darkened, "Toss him out back. Rough him up a little."

The thug was good at his job, Sam gave him that. The puch was aimed to get Sam from vertical to horizontal with the minimun amount of effort, luckily, having a reasonable idea of how the interview was going to go, had been expecting it and was able to lessen the force of the blow slightly. It didn't help. He woke up five minutes later lying in an alley with the rest of the garbage...

Aiko had waited for as long as she could in the bar, to see if the man would come out of the door again. While she was waiting, she had bought a drink from the barman. After a while, he still hadn't reappeared and she was getting fed up of waiting for anything to happen. Standing up, she left a tip on the table for the barman, drained her glass, and walked out into the cold.

She put her hands in her pockets and set out with the intention of heading for somewhere warm to stay. She walked past the back alleyway to the bar, and glanced down it. What she saw made her stop. She could just about make out the figure of a man lying in the rubbish. Without even thinking about it, she walked up to him. She blinked when she recognised him as the man who she had been following. He was moving, so at least he wasn't hurt too badly. She knelt down near to him.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"If you define "Okay" as sore, cold and stinking then yes, couldn't be better." Sam groaned and pulled himself into a sitting postion. This took some time. First there was the limb check, to make sure the thugs hadn't been too enthusiastic, then he counted his teeth by prodding them one by one with his tongue, and finally he took a quick inventory of his pockets. No gun, but his wallet was still there. Thank god for small mercies.

He finally looked up at the woman kneeling beside him, "Who are you? And why are you so interested in beaten-up guys lying in garbage?" He paused as a terrible, terrible thought struck him, "You're not the Salvation Army are you?"

bump

Aiko laughed. "Don't worry, I've got nothing to do with the Salvation Army. My name's Aiko Duranez. I saw you thrown out with the trash, and I thought that I'd come and make sure that you were still breathing. If that's okay by you, of course..."

She watched him for a moment, before adding. "Why exactly were you thrown out here? Who are you?"

"Sam. Sam Arbiter. I uh.. wan't able to pay for my drink." he claimed, inventing wildly, "The owner took my watch and tossed me out here." After all there was no point in being a member of a secret government organization if you simply declared it to everyone who walked by was there? Also the response, "My name is Sam. I get paid for hunting down young boys!" wasn't one to inspire trust...

Aiko raised a sceptical eyebrow. She decided not to question him further. For now. "If you insist that's what happened, Mr... uh... Arbiter..."

She stood up and held out her hand to him. "Do you want a hand up, or are you just going to sit in rubbish all night?"

He gratefully accepted the hand and was pulled to his feet. "Thanks. Uh.. you haven't seen a boy around here have you? About so high?" he held out his hand in apporximation of the boy's height. "Looks kinda glum."

Aiko thought for a moment. "Was that the one you were with earlier?" she asked, without considering what she was saying. "No, I haven't seen him, sorry. He vanished while you and the other man were talking."

Arbiter grimaced, "Dammit." He looked up, the sky was beginning to darken, the night could only get colder. He looked at the woman. Ah hell, he had an hour or two to kill before it was dark enough to snoop around. "I'm freezing. You want to go get a drink or something?"

Aiko smiled. "Alright then." She began to walk out of the alley and into the street, before pausing and turning back.

"But I thought that you couldn't pay for your drink?" She asked him, looking carefully innocent.

Sam frowned, "I said that? Oh... yeah. Uh.. well what I actually meant was that I uh... you see I pretended to not have any money so that the bartender would uh... no that's crap. Oh! Wait! Here's one! The bartender took my watch for the drink, right? So my watch turned out to be worth more than the drink so he had to pay me the difference. See?" Sam beamed.

Aiko rolled her eyes and laughed. "You keep believing it, Sam. It might come true one day!" She paused for a moment and continued. "Do you want to try another bar? Something tells me you won't be going back to that one in a hurry, and I'm kinda new in town..."

"Me too." he said, emerging from the alleyway onto the main street, "But there's bound to be a few more around here. What are you in town for anyway?"

"I was told the weather was nice at this time of year," she replied dryly. "I'm just a traveller, really," she continued. "I don't like staying in one place for too long. I usually just stay in a town long enough to earn enough money to move on to the next one. Hell, I enjoy it... Dare I ask why you're here?"

OOC: is your character looking Nichlas in the eye?

IC: Nichlas' heartbeat and breathing increased and he was obviously afraid of the stranger, as he was with all people he didn't know. and as his level of fear increased, so did the cold of the air. The bitter cold gusts bit into the people of the area, but didn't even seem to effect even a mile away.

Nichlas: "who... are you?"

OOC: He is not telepathic, yet

OOC: No.
IC: Azari bent down to the height of the boy. Dark glasses covered her eyes. There is no need to be frightened of me...I'm not here to harm you, but to help you. A voice said in his mind. It drew the question of why she never spoke...but it may have been because she couldn't.

"I was told the weather was nice at this time of year," she replied dryly. "I'm just a traveller, really," she continued. "I don't like staying in one place for too long. I usually just stay in a town long enough to earn enough money to move on to the next one. Hell, I enjoy it... Dare I ask why you're here?"

"Uh... business trip." Well at least that was the truth. He hated the lying, most of all he hated being crap at lying but Internal Affairs got pissed at anyone who talked too much. And when internal affairs got pissed they liked to spread it around.

Aiko shrugged and left it at that. Sam didn't seem to want to go into details, and she was too cold to push him. They walked down the street in silence for a while, until they spotted a welcoming looking bar. The sign above the door announced it to be the 'Enchante Bar'.

"This looks as good a place as any to stop," Aiko said, watching the door. "What do you reckon?"

OOC: That's it from me for today. G'night people!

Arian: *feels the air chill and 'knows' whats going on* "Nichlas? Nichlas? Listen to my voice... Listen... " *thought aimed at Azari* You should leave.. You'll only scare him and make things worse *Arian starts singing a french lullaby to him, wrapping her arms around him, trying to comfort him*

Nichlas closes his eyes and his breathing starts to return to normal. The wind began to die down, and the temperature actually seems alright for a change (right now its at about 55, compared to my last post, which could have been anywhere from 10 degrees to -20, without windchill). He whispers something in Ezalra's ear, to quiet for Azari to hear.

Arian: *nods and puts her arm over his shoulder* "D'accord Nichlas." *Together they walk away, leaving Azari behind*

They walk away at a brisk pace, and as they put distance between Azari, the nicer it bega n to get outside. the sky began to clear and the wind died down to a gentle breeze. before Azari can react, they're gone

Arian: *keeping an arm around Nichlas, she begins to calm him down further* "Nichlas... she didn't want to harm you.. I remember how long it took you to warm up to me.. You knew I'd be there to help you out and you knew that I knew that I was going to patient with you. Nichlas, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always be your friend." *hugs him with her arm that is over his shoulder. They continue walking until they are at a large building, presumely a church* "Do you want to go in an confess?"

Nichlas slightly nods his head and walks towards the church, not saying much in reply to what Arian said to him

OOC: about 90% of France is Catholic, and Nichlas here is going to be no exception. but I was only born Catholic, and not raised catholic, so if there are any people out there who know how a Catholic confession works, could you please TM me or IM me on AIM, robdapunk is my SN. if any of you want to talk with me about whatever you can IM me too.

Arian: *follows him into the church and stops to wait for Nichlas in the doorway. She bows her head in respect and folds her hands together and prays for guidance.*

<ooc bump. /ooc>

((OOC: *bump*))

*Rutger followed Arian and Nichlas, but found himself unable to enter that church. What was going on here? Something repulsed him from it, yet it felt good, righteous, and peaceful... Perhaps the answer lay in his past life?*

OOC: A Catholic confession works by going into a dark room (known slangly as 'the box') with a screen in it, on the other side of which is a priest. You then say a prayer, the confeteur, and say "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I did not show love when..." and then you reel off your sins since last confession. The priest will then dole out Penance, which generally amounts to praying, and recite the Act of Sorrow. After this, you leave.

Azari looks at the church. "Perfect...this does me no good." She waits outside, slightly staying away from the doors. Although Rave could enter a church, she was also a seraphim...where Azari had been mortal before the embrace.

Jace Greyridge tracked his query to a church, and saw many other curious subjects standing around, waiting.

Jace, under his breath: "well, it seems that I'm not the only one looking for the boy... but with parents like his, I can see why he'd be in high demand. If the boy wants his privacy to pray, I'll wait in line for our young celebrity."

Jace Greyridge was not exactly the most subtley dressed man walking the streets that day, and between his thick armor, green shirt, and naturally large size, he stuck out like a sore thumb. On the breast of his shirt lied the crest of the reformed Knights of Hyrule, Three golden triangles combined to make one crossed by a sword and a scythe.

*Rutger looked at the new arrival, then wen into an alley and began to chant. Within minutes, a red glow appeared and coalesced into a well-dresse young man.*

"The kid's in there," said Rutger.

"Good," said the man, and made to go in the side door.

"Wait! You promised! Who am I?"

"What, you believed me? I'm touched! Don't you know you should never trust a demon?" He then flung Rutger against the wall and calmly walked in.

Rutger swore under his breath. He was none the wiser as to his identity, and now he had placed an (probably) innocent child in jeopardy. What had he been thinking?

OOC: ooohh... this actually helps me out right now, mind if I take control of your demon?.

Nichlas walked forward into the booth and prayed for his forgiveness. He had committed a great sin, and broken a commandment. He didn't know why he even tried for salvation anymore, in his eyes, he was already in Hell.

"Forgive me father, for I have sinned, it has been two weeks since my last confession."

OOC: can't move on here until I get an answer from Hussassan.
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Jace Greyridge paced nervously around the church. two and frow, waiting. He made a solomn outh to find the boy, and he would be damned if he let anything stop him now. But then he saw an old man leaning against a wall, apparently injured.
Jace: "You Hurt, old man?"

<OOC "two and frow"?? wow.. its To and Fro oh yeah.. *BUMP* /OOC>

OOC: so I'm not exactly a spelling bee champ...

<OOC yeah.. oh well.. anyway.. so.. *BUMP* /OOC>

A conservatively dressed woman in black with long brown hair and brown eyes walks out of the confessional next to the one Nichlas is in. Her head is bowed and she walks toward Adrian. She stops to look at the young girl and sends a message out to her telepathically. Good evening, is it not? I know the boy you are with is the one everyone is after. If you two come with me, I can insure your safety. You do not have to trust me if you do not want to. The woman bowed her head and turned away. If you decide to discuss this further with me, I will be here for another twenty minutes. Then I am leaving. The woman sits down in a pew and lowers her head.

Arian: I might take you up on that offer, but it's hard to know who to trust and who not to trust... And Nichlas might get too nervous around you... Take it slow...

OOc: since Hussassan isn't going to post, I suppose I'll take control of the demon


Behind the closed doors, and unknown to the people around them, the priest and nichlas talk

Priest: Hello Nichlas, I'd be happy to relieve your pain, but I am no priest...

Nichlas: "what?" a slight chill went throughout the church, but not outside of it. Nichlas' uncontrolled powers seem to be triggered by fear, and unfortunately, he is quite easily frightened.

Demon: "Frightened? good... You should be. I've taken the soul of many a young boy before, and the priest a few minutes ago. My master will be most pleased at your death."

Nichas: "Who are you?"

OOC: No problem with controlling the demon, good idea about the priest.

IC: *Rutger looked up at the person standing over him. <ooc>Jace is a man, right?</ooc> and winced as he regained consciousness.*

"Uhh... what... happened...?" he asked, then suddenly remembered. "The boy!" he gasped, and barged in through the door. Somehow, he sensed that the boy was in the confessional. He had no idea how, but he had been able to sense Nichlas' position as long as he could remember - whaich was actually not very long. However, his hand froze before touching the door - the demon was in the priest's box, and had used a warding magick to prevent interference. It seemed Nichlas was on his own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*The demon extended his will through the wall to the boy's spirit. such a young, vibrant, powerful soul... His master would be pleased. Very pleased. Unfortunately, the boy was one of those who wanted to hold onto his soul. Good - Zatopheles (the demon's name) liked a challenge.*

Arian: *feels the chill* Oh no... Nichlas! *She watches the old man run inside and freeze upon touching the door. She walked towards the door and yelled through the door, "Nichlas! Nichlas! Come out!!"

For not the first time in his short life, Nichlas was in real danger. He could feel it. The first steps of the the major reaction took place, His breathing and heartrate skyrocketed, His blue eyes just seemed to glow, and his pale skin seemed to take a shade of blue as well. the temperature in the church drops like a ball of lead. frost even seems to be forming around Nichlas and the box. "Why... do you want me?"
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Jace, who did his homework on the boy, runs in the church. notices he's heavily armed in a holy place: "Screw it... I got a bad feeling about this. This cold, its unnatural. He is in Danger!!!"

Arian: *pounds on the door, screaming. The door shatters like ice after it hits a certain temperature and revealed before her is Nichlas, freezing cold. The inside of the confessional looks like a freezer, with ice and frost forming on the inside of the wood. She feels the temperature has dropped below freezing and is rapidly falling. The hairs on her skin are pricking up and her breath can be seen* "NICHLAS!! CAN YOU HEAR ME???" *She makes no move to touch him, only screaming to get through to him. She sees no response* Oh no... *She thinks, then she sends out a telepathic message to anyone who could recieve them in a 300 feet radius of the church* I am in the church! I need help! Somebody with heating powers would be helpful. Please! COME QUICKLY!!

The blue glow spead around Nichlas, as did the ice. The glow was like cold fire the way it moved. And then the demon spoke

"thats why, no be a good boy and die for me!"

The woman rose from her seat and ran to the front of the church. She saw the look of horror on Arian's face and acted quickly. She started mumbling strange words under her breath and fire was created in her hands. She led the fire over Nichlas to warm him, then she beckoned Arian to rescue him. Once Nichlas was out of the way, the woman turned to the demon. "It isn't very nice to try to kill an innocent child, especially in my presence... Who let you out of Hell?" The woman's voice was raspy and snakelike. She held up her hands, which were covered in fire. "You have forsaken this holy place.. Now you must pay." Her eyes glowed with Hellfire and her clothes became shimmery and see-through. It was clear she was no normal human. She grabbed the demon and she left the church with it.

The woman rose from her seat and ran to the front of the church. She saw the look of horror on Arian's face and acted quickly. She started mumbling strange words under her breath and fire was created in her hands. She led the fire

Something starnge happened. Everyone but Rutger seemed to freeze, like a video when paused. Outside the door, the snowflakes merely hung in midair. Looking around, Rutger noticed a figure dressed in a black shroud and carrying a scythe.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The figure turned around slowly, revealing a face lacking any skin or muscle - a bare skull.

"Death," muttered Rutger. It was a statement rather than a question.

"If that helps you," the figure replied in a voice like a tomb opening. "I have gone by many names. Death, Doom, Grim Reaper, Harvester of Souls..."

"You're not taking the boy," said Rutger.

"Come now Max, surely you realise the importance of reincarnation. In his present state, the boy is receiving far more bad karma than any human should have to cope with. I am merely going to send him onto his next life to enjoy the benefits that come to former sufferers."

"Reincarnation?" Rutger threw his hands in the air and gave a mirthless laugh. "I don't believe it. Death is Buddhist!"

"I belong to no religeon," replied Death. "I merely provide a service for the Universe. However, your ability to see me is a rare occurence, especially for one such as yourself." Death removed an hourglass filled with perfect grey sand from his robe. He then reomved a few grains and added them to a small vial of water, which immediately glowed ethereal blue. "Drink this," he said. "It should help you."

"Is this a bribe to let you take the boy?"

"No, merely an act of kindness. Death can be kind, you know. Now, as for the boy..." - Death removed another hourglass filled with sand that alternated between pure white and blood red. Only a little bit of the sand had fallen. - "as you can see, his time is up."

"What are you talking about? There's still plenty of sand left in the top."

"You think there is...? Wait..." Death touched his forehead, then looked again upon the hourglass. "You're right. Someone really wanted the boy to die... Could he really be The One? Max, you may have saved me from making a grievous mistake. This has only been done twice before in the history of this solar system, once for Jesus and once for Muhammed. In gratitude, I will give you a piece of advice when you re-enter time, which will be in three, two..."

over Nichlas to warm him, then she beckoned Arian to rescue him. Once Nichlas was out of the way, the woman turned to the demon. "It isn't very nice to try to kill an innocent child, especially in my presence... Who let you out of Hell?" The woman's voice was raspy and snakelike. She held up her hands, which were covered in fire. "You have forsaken this holy place.. Now you must pay." Her eyes glowed with Hellfire and her clothes became shimmery and see-through. It was clear she was no normal human. She grabbed the demon and she left the church with it.

Maximillion Rutger observed this spectacle, all the others apparently oblivious of Death's appearance. What had he been talking about? Rutger still had the vial, which he quickly hid in his pocket. Time enough for that later. He decided against mentioning this to any of the others, as he was not yet sure who he could trust. In the meantime, the boy would need some protection.

Arian: *wraps her arms around Nichlas and tries to talk in a calm, loving manner, but his eyes are still screwed up tight and he's still lowering the temperature* "Nichlas? Nichlas? Can you hear me? Tell me your okay.. Nichlas??"

OOC: nice touch with death. Funny stuff

Ic. Nichlas blinked and the ice that was there had gone. when he opened his eyes, the glow was gone from them.
"Arian?" He sounds confused and unsure of what is going on
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The demon dissapears in a puff of smoke and reappears in front of the woman. "Why did you interrupt us? My buisiness with the boy is none of yours Embermage."
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Jace watches with curiosity, keeping his hand on his sword

Arian: "Yes, Nichlas it's me.. We have to get out of here.. Whatever that was that attacked you.. It's not gone.... Hurry up. I'll help you stand." *Due to the extreme temperature, her skin is numb, if not already frost-bitten*

The Embermage never takes her eyes off the demon. "You are supposed to be in Hell! I will take you back, if I must." She took a step towards the demon.

Demon: "you think you can? I am a Djinn, and you are nothing. I don't have time to play games with you. I would much rather play with the children..." a smile made its way across his face
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Nichlas: closes his eyes again as the temperature begins to regulate itself.
"whats going on?"

Arian: "It's me Nichlas... Are you okay to walk? We have to leave... NOW!" *she pulls Nichlas up off the ground and puts her arm around him. She winces as the bare skin on her arm touches him, her arm is scared from frost bite* "Ouch!"

Pulling back from the others, Rutger regarded the vial Death had given him. Couldn't hurt to try. He drank it and immediately wished he hadn't. Images flashed through his mind. Light - wheels fo fire - winged serpents - and... something... else - and then it was over, leaving a sense of something resembling calmness and well-being. Evidently, he had a soul again. Try as he might, Rutger could remember very little of what he had seen - except that the boy was a big part of it. He felt better - felt 40 again. Drawing his gun, he approached the Djinn.

"Don't try anything. I've got a Holy Bullet here with your name on it. So tell me, Alfred <ooc>The demon's given name is Alfred, OK</ooc>, is he the one? Tell me and I'll make it a quick and painless Corporeal death. Of course, in such a circumstance, I could call in some Malakim..."

<ooc>
*arrives*
Hello all.
Is there a character that can be assigned to me... :?:
</ooc>

<OOC.. Don't matter much.. Just go with a character that you can play well... /OOC>

*Arian helped Nichlas out of the church, all the while singing to him* "Come on, Nichlas... We're safe now... It's gonna be okay..."

Alfred grinned.

"You think you can save him, don't you? Nichlas belongs to Hell, and nothing wil stop us!" and with that, he was gone.

Rutger replaced his gun, then looked around for Nichlas. Arian was dragging him out of the church. Sighing, Rutger withdrew his gun and pointed it at her.

"Stop! Who are you and what do you want with Nichlas?" he demanded.

Nichlas, acting only on instincts, jumped in betwwen Arian and Rutger, taking hold of his gun* "DON'T YOU DARE THREATEN ARIAN AROUND ME!!!" *Spreading from his palms, the gun freezes, then shatters as he squeezes it* :: Note.. He is not looking Rutger directly in the eyes as he acts. He is looking at the gun ::

Jace, turns his sword on Rutger. "What is the meaning of pulling a gun on the boy?"

Arian: *steps up to Nichlas and puts her hand on his shoulder. In a shaky voice, she repsponds* "Nichlas... It's ok... Don't be mad." *telepathically, she says to Rutger Why did you have to do that?? Nichlas is so protective of me... Please don't threaten me.. You see how he gets..

~Flashback~
It was a few years before, when Arian and Nichlas had just met. They were hanging out in the courtyard after school. The weather was starting to get a little chillier and everyone was wearing buttoned-up coats and mittens. Arian had just moved to Nice from Paris and was trying to get used to the new faces and names. She kept to herself, mostly, but the day after she moved there, she decided to greet other people and find new friends. She introduced herself to Nichlas and instantly knew there was something different about him.

It was Wednesday afternoon, and the kids has most of the day to themselves. Nichlas and Arian were just 7 years old then. It seemed like any other day, except the weather was actually warming up, which meant Nichlas was happy.
Arian: "So.. what do you want to do today?"
Nichlas: "Whatever you want to do is fine with me..."

Arian and Nichlas had these types of conversations often. Usually, they ended up looking at cloud formations or just hanging around, talking. But today, something had to be done.
Arian: "Let's go hang out with them." *she pointed at a random group of people*
Nichlas, being shy and timid, tried to decline, but Arian talked him into it. They walked over and Arian talked with one of the boys for a while. Then he asked her to come over by the side of the school. She agreed and followed him. He was a much older boy, around 13. Nichlas turned to watch them, standing a little farther out from the crowd, and he saw it happen. First, Arian and the older boy were just talking, then he moved closer to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. Then, he leaned in and kissed her. She protested, and pounded her fist against his chest, but he kept kissing her. He put his hand behind her head and pulled her face up towards his. This enraged Nichlas and the temperature dropped severely. Nichlas put up his hands and sent a cold blast towards the two, engaged in a power struggle. He killed the boy and sent Arian to Intensive Care with severe frostbite.
~End of Flashback~

Nichlas throws down the pieces of the gun still in his hands and runs, block after block he runs.

Arian: *runs after Nichlas* "Where are you going?" *sends a telepathic message to him. Don't run... Stay with me..

Rutger cursed. What sort of an attitude was this for a guardian angel, especially for the guardian of one such as Nichlas?

"You're right. I'm sorry. All I wanted to do was save him, but it looks like he's more scared of me than the Pit." Then, more decisively: "We have to find him. Follow me!" and he ran out the church, tracking Nichlas like only a Cherub could.

Arian: *catches up to Nichlas and throws herself at him to make him fall* "Stop..." *she struggles to catch her breath and seem calm and relaxed at the same time*

Nichlas: "Arian, please, do not follow me any more. I could have killed you back in that church. I don't want to hurt anymore people. All of these strangers after me, all of these things. I don't want you caught up in whatever this is. just go home. I'll see you later, I promis"
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Jace keeps up with Rutger tracking the boy, which is suprising seeing how large and well-armored the knight is. He speaks to the man he is following

"just who are you anyway and what do you want with the boy?"

Rutger pulled up to near where Nichlas was, but stopped short of the corner. The kid was terrified, and his presence wouldn't be doing anyone any favours. He turned to the oddly dressed man.

"I might ask you the same question. If you must know, I am Nichlas' guardian angel. Hmph. I was handpicked by God Himself, yet I don't even have a word of my own. Sometimes I wonder if God's gone insane... So who the Hell are you, anyway?"

Arian: "No. I will not leave your side. Nichlas, I feel I owe you. For years of being there for me,.. I can't leave you in this state. Please.. come back home with me. I will convince my parents to let you stay the night... Please.. Nichlas.. Please..."

*bump*