NationStates Jolt Archive

"So not much you can give me then... ohwell. I guess I'll just have to find out for myself." Varya looks visably disapointed. Almost like her unshakable faith waivered for a moment. "Anyways... I'm sure that even super humans still have human weeknesses." She smiled... she didn't need this guy, if he was a combat expert then he wasn't saying much.

She didn't care if she wins or looses... she is going to have fun none the less.

"I'd just be careful," he said cautiously. "I'm just trying to worn you... Once those chains hit you, they will enter your heart...and consume you unbeknownst to youself. Even if I were to say her fighting style, it would not register in your mind....it's a technique even I have never learned nor found someone to teach of besides my sire...whom is now deceased." He paused for a moment. "I wish you the best of luck Miss." He said, returning to the other orders.

"What ever... you know, I may not use martial arts, but I would know the difference between "She fights fast and hard" and "She's patient and careful"... you elders are all the same..." In her adolencence (sp) Varya walks off in a huff. The arrogance..., Varya thought. Then she headed out to find a seat.

Seth sighed. He was an elder, and he laughed at the fact. Apparently this one hadn't been around as long. But then again, neither had the others. He was only there to keep the peace. A buzzer rang. It was time for the first fight to begin. Sage vs. Varya. Sage made her way to the arena. The odds of her winning had gone up from 1:1000, to 1:100, TO 1:50, now to 1:25. This woman was gaining respect and fear. She was certainly causing a stir, but that is not what she wanted. She entered the ring, her chocolate colored hair pulled back tightly in a clip. From the shakles on her wrist lay chains, ready to bite. She was like the cat waiting for the mouse to step out of it's hole and into the room.

Varya stode through the crowd, making her way to the areana. Their eyes were looking at her as though she was a walking corpse... she'll admit, she was a walking corpse but few people looked at her as though she didn't have a chance... but Varya didn't care all that much. Win or loose she wasn't going to fall prey to their dumb craze.

When she passed through the crowd into the areana the darness seemed to follow her for a faction of a second, holding on to her as though she was never meant to leave... then it let go, withdrawing to the saftey of the darkness.

Varya stood ready.

OOC:Getting some dinner now... maybe sometime later Rave...I did to work out a few things anyways...

Jander moved in his uncomfortable position on the ceiling. This Lasombra looks like a better opponent, more controlled, more aware of the potential of the mortal girl. This will be more interesting, no surprise factor this time. I will watch and learn...as always.

Noskalenaeuroph grinned sardonically. He ordered drinks for Jander and Seth. He sloutched on the stool.

"So this prophecy what is known about her and why is so important. She seems to be talk here. Why so...what is she?"

"She is ... a wonder." this was all Seth said about her. A wonder.
Seth took the last gulp of his drink then he looked up at the screen and saw his number.
"Oh, I think the next fight is mine. And the other number is yours, isn't it?" he asked.

(OOC:is there another arena or will the fight be in the same arena like Sage's and Varya's fight?)

Noskalenaeuroph, while listening, kept twisting the empty glass in his hand, staring at his distorted reflection in the bottom of the glass. Sage was not too far away at the counter, just within eavesdropping level. He listened intently, but with a rather odd distachment to making any mental connection that may be for the better of him.

"Dante!," he heard Seth yell. A cold and almost dead feeling passed over Noskalenaeuroph as he dropped the glass on the ground and looked at Sage and Seth. His heart stopped for a moment, the rush of the end of Sage and his fight flitted through his head, but that image ended with an image he knew all too well. He slid off his stool and croutched, picking uo the sparkling shards of glass.

He knew that he had just created a scene and wanted to further avoid continuing it. People gave him a curious glance, but he continued to pick up the shards of glass. Sage and Seth continued their conversation, as he continued to listen in.

However, he only heard the voice intertwine and become an unadiable blur. His mind focused back home. Visions of his friends eradicated, tortured, and stripped away from their families filled his head. His mind was ablaze with these thoughts.

A lady in a black stealth suit stood before these visions with a man behind her, a dark figure of a man at least. His evil grin shone as he stood awkwardly behind her, waiting for her to turn around...waiting for his final kill.

Dante. No, they could not mean the same Dante. No, they can not. He would never be this far out. He is not a people person. Impossible. I suppose they are talking about someone else, but that name...it is not a common name. Still, I wonder if there is a connection between these Dantes. I hate the name. I hate the man...

DRIP...DRIP...DRIP

His thoughts were broken by the faint sound of dripping and a warm feeling run down his hand. He looked down to see that he was tightly clenching the shards of glass.

"Damn," he muttered dropping the shards onto the floor. They mixed with the white sparkles so that red and white sparkles shone from the refracting light. He stood up and picked the remains out of his hand.

He stood looking at his hand, dripping a steady flow of blood.

OOC:
I know that we are more than likely not talking about the same Dante, but Nos comes from a land that knew the wrath of a particular Dante. He has seen what has happened under this Dante, so the slightest mention of the name brings anger into him. Just thought you would like to know that.

The blood started rushing all around Varya's body in anticipation of the fight... she knew what she wanted to do and she knew at least in part how she was going to do it. But for now she was increasing her strength and her dexterity using the vitae gained before the fight.

The effect was immense as she could feel her once dead muscles becoming reinforced with the her kindred blood... Varya knew a couple tricks that few vampires were willing to try and she didn't have a concience... firstly she was fighting a human... it doesn't matter how hard she is, she still breathes like a human and still requires vital organs to operate at maximium effeciency. Super human or just human, this was how it worked... unless she wasn't human, in many ways this would prove to be a interesting test. The others didn't think like she did... they just swung wildly like beasts.

All of this said... vampires were vunerable too, in their own ways. Given the right conditions and frame of mind, a human can still pose a serious threat.

Hm... given what little crappy information that Seth gave me, it sounds like she may be using magic... which is against the rules. Though I may be able to play this against her.

Varya steeled her mind like many before her had done... it was a good mental exercise. She also has her own fighting style... cute... but when will people learn that martial arts is just fighting with a set form of rules and disapline, a punch is a punch no matter how you learned to do it... the trick is what you put into it and where you put it. Varya hasn't had the advantage of going to schools to learn specialist forms of combat... she was just a woman who learned on her own the rough way. Dirty fighting was a artform in itself and once you've been in as many battles as she had been you realise that martial arts is just one way of doing something.

Varya smiled and looked around her to see what she could use to her advantage. This human was going to get everything she's got and should the blood run low from her wounds... a whole lot more, they didn't call the hunger "the beast" for nothing.

Anyways, Varya thought. Chains work both ways...

ooc: Definately not the same Dante, yet still deadly. :) And yes...in a different arena off to the side, but still in the bar.

IC:
Sage picked out Varya in the crowd. She well prepared, but nothing would prepare her for what was going to happen this night. She flicked her chains slightly, waiting for Varya to enter the arena. The referee looked at Sage. "Weapon?" he inquired. "Chains," she replied softly. He searched for Varya and as he spotted her, he asked her the same question. "Weapon?"
The door opened slightly, and a figure slipped by. No one could see that outside lay two bouncers, dead and lying on the ground. His greyish white hair was glossy but unkempt. In his eyes lay fire, and a sanguine color. He wore a long trenchcoat, and a sword was fixed across his back, surely made from the fires of hell. He sat in the corner of the room, and watched. Seth was unaware to his presence.

Occ: Yes, the infamous small print from Iuthia. *smiles* Anyway...this is how Sage sees herself in the dream for a reference..a cross between her physical self presently, and Rave's physical self in the past
http://members.cox.net/espy33/siteangel

OOC:
I like the picture. Yes, I know it is not the same Dante because he does not bother with outwardly harming me. He has this whole entire empire, in which he is so proud of. I must admit that the Dante we know, is quite interesting, especially with role playing because he is good a plot twists, although he is my only nemesis in this game. However, our Dantes sound alike in the fact that they are both evil. They should team up...Dante and Dante...which one is which? :wink:

Sorry, rambling once again.

IC:
Noskalenaeuorph walked toward the arena slowly holding his bleeding hand and staring out in a daze.

He searched for Varya and as he spotted her, he asked her the same question. "Weapon?"

Varya looked at the selection and was a little disapointed at the lack of blunt baddly crafted weapons, the machete surpised her a little as it was placed with the rest of the beautifully crafted weapons like a piece of coal in a jewelery shop. Resisting it's lure, Varya looked at the many other weapons on offer...

Ninja-to, a nice little weapon with a straight blade and its sheath doubled as a weapon and even a blow pipe in many cases.

Broadsword, a heavy blade designed more for impact then finesse. While Japanese weapons were better quality, weapons like this could be made quickly and given to peasants with devistating effect.

Tonfa, used a little like a baton and makes for great defensive fighting.

These were just some of the exotic weapons on offer to her, afterall, Varya didn't bring her own... people don't like girls with machetes, switch blades and Mac 10s... though the latter was banned even if she did want it.

But in the end Varya went for a simple long metal pipe... it was no broadsword for damage but it had a special place in her heart, they didn't have any 2x4s or anything truely improvised... but the pipe was as close as she was going to get and it was more durable then a quarter staff, which was made out of exspenive wood that Varya didn't really want to rely on.

Anyways... the long length of metal would prove useful.


OOC: Whats the arena look like... I've tried to find previous descpitions but I've yet to find anything which tells me anything specific... for all I know we could be fighting on two platforms with pudle sticks.

As I've stated before in a more IC sense, martial arts arn't much better then other forms of fighting. For example, it is not unheard of for a boxer to go to Tailand to fight kick boxers and win. Martial arts are brilliant against people who don't know how to fight... however if you know how to fight then it's pretty much the same... after all, how many different ways can you kick someone?

Ulimately when you think about, the purpose of martial arts is to train the student to know how to hit, where to hit and more importantly - if hiting it the solution at all. Oddly enough, if you fight roughly for long enough, you will learn these things yourself. Trail and Error, the true tools of learning.

The reason I say this is becuase technically alot of people who learn fighting the hard way could claim to have their own fighting style. The reason I asked before was for a IC understanding of wether Sage is a hard hitter or a fast dancer... not whether she could flip out and kick me ina 'ed using her own fighting form.

I say this so people understand that Varya may not be sophisticated but she has spend most of her 25 vampiric years fighting on the front line of the Sabbat-Camarilla power games... she has clawed her way out of her own grave and then conditioned (by blood bond) to go from city to city for the Sabbat, distrupting the Camarilla and occasionally having blood hunts against elders. She can't shout "Kamakazi" right and do flashly round the house kicks, she fights in a brutal cold manner. How can I disable them? How can I kill it? Fancy moves don't work on the street becuase once your half way through your around the house kick, some one will have knifed you in the back...

Of course... this may just be pedantry, but it's with an aim... so people understand that just becuase you don't do martial arts doesn't mean you can't fight...

The arena was a circluar shape, with a diameter of sixty feet. It was rimmed with a four foot brown brick wall that seemed to be clumbling, yet held strong. The people looked on from the arena from the sides, but never coming close enough to touch a contestant. The ground was hard black marble, and provided no means to absorb any shock whatso ever. It had been Ravelyn's favorite arena, so naturally, it was designed to take a beating. There were two spaces to enter, and was simply closed off with metal chains. Lights cast down in the center of the arena, but toward the edges, it was darker.
Sage looked toward Varya. She had chosen a metal pipe. Strange, she would have thought Varya to pick the sharpest thing she could find, but a blunter piece would be better for her she concluded. The referee stated the rules: "no magic, must be contained in the arena, if you die, your remains will not be delivered to your nation, as most of you will turn to dust. On my call, BEGIN!" Sage looked at her intently. She did not make the first move. She always began with a counter...it was at the end of the fight that she became vicious, but now was a time for cat and mouse.

OOC: Mrrr ;)

It seemed that Sage didn’t want to make the first move… which was all the better for Varya who had no real qualm with being the first one to make her move. Simply she walked forward with her legs slightly bent so to allow for a quick bail should Sage change her mind…

This one is confident, Varya thought. Personally I would have gone for a cutting weapon against a kindred… it’s harder to regenerate. Coming within a couple feet of her opponent Varya made a wild swing at her opponent… keeping it slow and deliberate, yet accurate and powerful. It was a test really; if she got injured from this kind of attack she wouldn’t survive the ones that will come later. What’s more, someone quick like Sage looked would probably try for their own attack… so Varya prepared a side step just in case.

Sage kept her chains ready, the sharp edges around them unoticable until struck...then the pain would reveal the use of such a weapon. She looked at Varya, with a glimmer in her eyes. This one is cocky, she thought to herself without a twinge of fear. I shall find her weakness in due time...and she has the guts to make the first move on a woman she knows nothing about. Impressive. I think I like her. Her heart beat quickened as the adrenaline rushed through her body.
This would be a fight to remember, but not for reasons known to anyone but the figure, sitting in the corner of the room, shrowded in darkness. He watched Sage carefully. Now what exactly are you doing here Sage? I beleive that I told you that I would fight for you...Be careful...
Sage nor Seth took any notation of the new arrival. Sage looked at Varya and watched the pipe as if it was in slow motion. She noted the bent legs. Avoiding the swing, she immediatly dropped to the ground on her back, using her legs to trap the pipe. She pushed it vertically, back towards Varya to hit her. If she avoids this, then she'll be a worthy match...if she doesn't, my interest is over in this one. Maybe one of them will be different... She thought to herself. As she flipped off from the ground, her hands twitched slightly, the chains stirred. No, she thought to herself, regaining a defence position. Not yet...let's see what she's capable of.

Sage kept her chains ready, the sharp edges around them unoticable until struck...then the pain would reveal the use of such a weapon. She looked at Varya, with a glimmer in her eyes. This one is cocky, she thought to herself without a twinge of fear. I shall find her weakness in due time...and she has the guts to make the first move on a woman she knows nothing about. Impressive. I think I like her. Her heart beat quickened as the adrenaline rushed through her body.
She dropped to the ground, and attempted to trap the pipe with her legs, however Varya's force was stronger. She attempted a counter.
(post edited )

Few people realised that when you try and trap a weapon while moving backwards like sage was, you can't really push it back to Varya when you are traping the weapon... unless you performed some stupidly complex twisting move that would allow Varya some time to put a few hits in.

Basically Varya pulled down on the weapon with much more force then Sage could muster with her limited fricton and hold on the pipe (to have a tight hold of the weapon in this case would require you to use you thighs... which then would limit what you could do). While doing this she kicked quickly at Sages exposed back... even with supernatural speed, even Varya couldn't dodge in that position...

Sage took the shot and fell to the ground. Her back hurt immensly, this would be a fight to remember. The figure in the corner almost snapped up, but settled himself. Come on Sage, pull yourself together...you could have avoided that attack...why must you always form a counter... He sighed heavily, and continued to watch, his crimson eyes focusing on her intently.
The jeers of the crowd grew louder. Who the hell was she kidding? She could not beat a vampire higher than a fledgling. Somthing pulled in her heart though. She looked at Varya, but did not smile. This one she would have much trouble with...and she was not the favorite in the crowd Either.
She took a few seconds to recover from the blow, and locked her eyes on her target, the arm holding the pipe. She lashed the chains out toward her. She had made a dire mistake, and it wasn't in her nature to do so.

Seth slowly followed Noskalenaeuorph to the arena. He had a close look at him.
It seems as if Sage and me are not the only ones who carry the weight of their past with them. Seth grinned and looked down at his surcoat. Some more than others.
He passed the first arena where Sage and Varya where facing eachother.
I'd really like to see this fight. Although I'm sure I know how it will end.

The figure looked on from the corner, and slowely Seth turned his head to meet the glare. The glass he was cleaning was released from his hand and shattered on the floor. The sound was overpowered by the crowd, who were intent on the fights taking place and nothing else. Seth's hand trembled slightly as the figure beckoned him over. He hid his fear well. A Shentavo was not one to be known as possesing the emotion of fear. He walked toward the small table with only another solitart chair adjacent to him. It was night, and a full moon. Seth slowely sat down across from the figure, his black eyes meeting the crimson. Silvery white hair hung past the eyes of the man. He slowly looked up to Seth. Seth stared back at him, but hardly uttered a word.
"Seth," said the figure addressing him. He sighed heavily, and looked back toward Sage.
"What are you doing here?" he asked harshly, and slightly defensive.
"Looking after that one," he said looking toward Sage.
"Apparently you haven't told me everything...care to explain?" Seth asked.
"No," he replied sharply.

The chaines lashed out towards Varya with the speed and power that one would expect from someone like Sage. This is a little more like it, Varya thought... the chain was a great weapon, becuase you couldn't really parry something like a chain, it has a tendacy to wrap around an object instead of being reflected. Which was what Varya had counted on when she chose the pipe...

With the small amount of time it takes to whip a chain around your head, Varya interpreted the attack... but couldn't place where she was going to go with it. Varya thought quick... she had a pipe for a reason and as such she quickly changed her hand arrangement so that she now held it like it was a quarter staff.

The chain rushed towards her, coming in from its orbit around the room. Varya attempted to get the chain to wrap around the middle of the pipe but she didn't figure how much chain there really was...

Wrapping around the inner middle of the pipe injuring her right hand, the chain also glanced her waist as the sharp edges gave her a flesh wound. On the inside, Varya winced... but she didn't show it to the crowd. She didn't want to be loved, she wanted to be respected.

Now with the chain wrapping around the middle of the pipe, Varya yanked as hard as she could before Sage tried the same thing... Varya hoped her two hand advantage would suffice in disarming the super human... after all, at Varya's current strength she could push a car over on her own.

The light wound also set of a reaction in her body as a small amount of vitae was being transported to the wound to repair what damage had been done.

Sage watched in satisfaction in cuting her wrist. The chains wrapped around the middle of the pipe. Before she could twist her body to disarm Varya, she was pulled forward toward Varya. She pulled herself together though, preventing herself from falling. Apparently the pipe would be more useful than Sage had originally thought. The pull brought her closer to Varya. She needed to break the chains hold on the pipe, or get the pipe of of Varya's possession. As Varya pulled, Sage rushed toward her, the combining forces alike in the force, and attempted to ram her into the wall. She would have to gain the advantage before Varya realized the one she possessed.
She had no idea what she was...nor who she was. All she knew was that Varya must be defeated...and she must secure her place in the tournament. Vaughn... She repeated to herself in her mind...and somehow, the name gave her strength to carry on. That was her drive.
That's more like it Sage, he said to himself. He looked at Seth. "Don't worry...I'm not here to cause a brawl. I'm strictly here for the girl."
Seth clenched his teeth, and his muscles tensed as he looked at the man across from him, yet he did nothing.

Ha... got you now bit-, Varya's line of thought was interupted as Sage ran towards her... she wasn't supposed to do that! Thinking quickly she tried to move out of the way, but Sage had the upper hand.

"Slam!" The sound could be heard all around the room as the two bodies colided together catching Varya off balance she flew backwards towards the wall of the arena. However, her grip on the pipe was too good to simply let go and the attack wasn't really aimed at anything more then breaking the deadlock... though Varya had meant to only yank the piped and chain... not use her weight in a pulling match, she must of got caught in the moment.

She wasn't going to let go of the pipe and preferably she was going to keep her half of the chain as well. The chain was a nastier weapon then she had suspected and would prove nasty in a prolonged fight. Hitting the wall of the arena in a loud "Thud" noise, she fall down a little, almost loosing her grip and her footing, thankfully being a vampire meant she wasn't winded like a human would have been... Varya quickly yanked again... even though she didn't have the balance she had before, the move wouldn't be expected and would at least throw Sage off her guard... plus, she wasn't going to fall for that one again, she watched Sage intently, hoping the yank would be enough to disarm her...

The shackles around her wrists did not break, and the chains held strong, however, as Varya pulled, she fell slightly, using the bond between the chain and pipe to pull herself up. Her knee hit the ground harshly, stinging slightly. Her eyes winced slightly...everything coulud be seen in her eyes. Varya was resourceful, and Sage stuck to the book. Maybe it was time to break that bad habit of hers. With no book to follow, Sage was on her own. She looked Varya straight in the eye. And in that spilt second, Varya saw that there was more to her than met the eye. She saw the tinge of red in her eyes that flickered only for seconds...she saw the fire inside of this girl, whom convinced herself she was only human. And in that second, she saw that something else lay there.
We're tied....she and I are tied by my chains and her pipe....they can't be separated until one releases the other...she's bonded to me...and maybe I can use that to my advantage...
She brought her arm up and pressed it toward Varya's neck, attempting to drag the pipe with her to lock her neck against the wall. Her other chain, however, was more or less in Varya's possession, though the shackle still was clasped around her wrist. This would prove tough...and there were two minutes left in the fight.

Noskalenaeuroph entered the arena. He turned to his opponent and raised his hand to greet him, smiling half fastly.

"I am 9739, not that you could not tell...," he cut off. There was another fight going on, Sage and Varya.

OOC:
Are two fights going on at once or are we after your fight? Just want to make sure before I continue.

ooc: There are two seperate arenas....i leave the setting of the arena open mostly...i want you guys to develope it to. The second arena is up to you on the format. Two fights are going on at the same time...

OOC:
Alright, thanks for the reply. Earth II, how do you want it to look? I will leave that to you.

Varya looked into Sages eyes and was confronted with a look she had never seen in a human before… an odd red tint could be seen, which suggest some kind of frenzy coming about… assuming that Sage was a vampire, which she wasn’t. It could mean anything… but it meant putting up her guard a little more as this girl could go nuts on her. Varya had seen that all too often… the crazed attack that followed was often more deadly then a precise cold attack… you can predict a sane person.

Varya’s eyes herself didn’t look like much to the un-enlighten… it required a certain amount of occult knowledge to see beyond what looked to be dark blue eyes. Like the man before had called her… she was Lasombra, which meant she preferred darkness that bit more then your average vampire and like many poets had suggested, your eyes are windows into the soul. Varya’s eyes where almost black… almost but not quite. Her aura (for those who missed it the first time… I add this because some vampires can read it and it’s not a hard thing to do) suggested she was concentrating and a little angry… but it was also plagued with black lines zigging and zagging… not many people would have seen it before as it was quite rare and highly vampire related (I don’t think Shentavos will have seen it before).

With Sage’s new shift in attack, Varya simply gave up the pipe as she noticed it edge up towards her in order to trap her and instead rushed Sage with every once of speed she had… reversing roles. Forget weapons, she thought, running at Sage… intending to knock her down and draw her into a hand to hand fight.

OOC:
Alright, thanks for the reply. Earth II, how do you want it to look? I will leave that to you.

OOC: So I have to be creative? Argh...in english! Ok, well, I'll try my very best. :)

The arena looks more or less like a typical roman arena: oval shaped with a diameter of 60/50 feet, sandy ground, 10 feet high quarry-stone walls with pointed 1 foot long horizontal rods directly under the upper edge pointing at the centre of the arena.

IC:
"Nice to meet you, 9739" Seth replied ironically. He looked round and smiled. Only few spectators were sitting there. "It seems as if this is only the supporting program, eh?"

With Sage’s new shift in attack, Varya simply gave up the pipe as she noticed it edge up towards her in order to trap her and instead rushed Sage with every once of speed she had… reversing roles. Forget weapons, she thought, running at Sage… intending to knock her down and draw her into a hand to hand fight.
Sage watched as Varya sacrificed her pipe. She wouldn't be able to get the chains off quick enough by unwrapping the entire thing from the pipe. With a rapid movement of her wrists, the shackles' clasps were unlocked. She threw them out of the arena, pipe and chains together. It fell just before the mysterious figure's table.
He looked at the chains and pipe and got up from Seth. He began to unravel the chains and set the pipe aside. Seth just looked at him, and asked. "What possible connection do you have to this girl?"
The figure looked at him and replied to Seth, "It doesn't concern you." Seth, disappointed, continued to watch the fight...and the man he was sitting across from.
Before Sage could turn from throwing the weapons out of the arena, she was hit with full force and tackled to the ground. Her head hit the marble floor, and a cut was on the back of her head from the impact. A few drops of blood dripped down, but no one could see it was already healing. She flipped herself up from the floor, gaining a slight headache. It would have to be hand to hand from now on. She looked at Varya...one minute left. The two were well matched, though Sage felt that Varya had the upper hand, and that she wasn't comfortable with. The twinge in her eyes returned.
I saw that... the figure thought to himself. Why not embrace it Sage...you'll win this fight if you do...
Slowely, it faded away, as if it were never there. She charged toward Varya, and as she got with in range, threw a double kick to the face.
She won't accept that part of her...I'll have to make her...
I can hear your thoughts you know, Seth replied to him. The figure just rolled his eyes and continued to watch.

Again with the fancy crap…. Varya quickly dodged as best she could, sidestepping the attack she took a hit to her shoulder, to Sage the blow would have felt a little like kicking a tree, to Varya it knocked her a little and hurt a little… but dead flesh was dead flesh, there wasn’t much to damage, but it still hurt. Ducking a little to give attack momentum, Varya went to punch Sage just below the ribcage, above the waist on her right flank (side) and then withdrew to look at the effect on Sages human body… hopefully it would wind her.

The punch hit Sage directly in the side. She did not think fast enough to avoid it. The crimson returned briefly, but with a wince, she quickly banished it. The figure stood up in the corner of the room. Why don't you! You could have it so easily... he thought to himself. She didn't, however, do whatever he hoped she would do.
Sage looked at her side. It hurt like hell, however, she was not winded in the slightest bit. And this, aroused curiousity...and question of her race. She looked up toward Varya, in a complete defence position. Twenty seconds left...and she had to make them count.

I’ve removed the ranting I did from earlier on so this thread is easier to read.

Varya hadn’t been paying attention to the time before and certainly wasn’t about to start now. Sage stood in a ready position and it was safe to assume that anything Varya could throw at her would be blocked, dodged or even countered… though Varya doubted she would make that mistake again.

Sage had absorbed the blow like a true kindred, which really brought questions to her mind… She couldn’t be a vampire, someone would know, wouldn’t the? For that moment, Varya stood still in a defensive stance of her own. Though when I think about it… I don’t have lucius’s eyes… that crazy f*ckwit can see what is really there…. Sense told Varya that she could wait it out… she had landed more blows and could have just waited it out… but that wouldn’t go down well and it would teach her anything.

She calmly begun to walk up to Sage, both her eyes and Sage’s taking in everything that was happening as events slowed down… after that everything happened in an instant. Varya, deciding her legs were meant for dodging, not attacking, fainted once that she was going to go to the left, pulling out only a fraction of a second before pulling quickly to the right and down to aim a punch for the gut.

The fight came down to a complete silence as the seconds ticked by slowely. There were only five left. And in those last five seconds, Varya made her final attack. Sage had prepared a counter for the attack that was coming...but she would never be prepared for how this fight was to end. As Varya feinted, she did not move. Varya moved to the right. It was as if time had slowed down. The clock stood still. Sage prepared her counter. She looked into Varya's eyes, and hers shown a deep crimson, only visable to her opponent. This was the glare she gave before she finished her opponent off. This was how you would tell that you were done for...but this time would prove differently for her. As she looked at Varya, her eyes passed right by her side to a figure, standing in the corner of the room. Her eyes went wide, and she turned her attention toward him...
"Dante!" She remarked as Varya's fist slammed into her stomach with force. She fell back, hard onto the marble floor. The bell rang loudly to declare the end of the match.
The figure shot towards her, jumping the boundaries of the arena in a leap, and over to Sage. He gave Varya no acknowledgement. The silence was deafly. Seth ran closer, but did not enter. In the center of the arena lay Sage.
This man was indeed Dante. The onlookers slightly backed away at his presence. The half demon gently lifted Sage into his arms. Her eyes were closed lightly, and her chocolate hair fell past his arms and the strands glistened in the light provided. He held at his belt the chains she had word round her wrists. He brought his lips to her face, and kissed her forehead gently. His short, silvery hair brushed her skin. His eyes were a deep black with a hint of red when he felt emotion. A long trenchcoat was pulled aroun him, concealing two guns. A large sword lay across his back, and his presence was strong.
On the board flashed two statistics.
Varya 18
Sage 16

Varya had won this fight. Sage hung limp in his arms, just as Ravelyn had in Vaughn's such a long time ago...this however, was under different circumstance. The crowd parted as he walked up the stair's to the contestant's dorms. He kicked her door open, breaking the lock, and gently set her down on her bed. He closed the door gently, and went to herside.
"Wake up," he said softly. "Sage..." He stroked her hair softly, attempting to beckon her to wake up. The wounds on the back of her head had healed completely...
Dante >> http://publish.hometown.aol.com/barbizonmodele/images/dante.jpg

*looks at picture* Ouh, that's someone I don't want to meat at night ... or somewhen else.

ooc: since the fight has ended, yours may take place in the original arena, after Iuthia posts reaction.

Noskalenaeuroph stands, now looking at the ground, thinking about the fight about to ensue any moment.

His mind was still scraping in the past, digging up memories, he up to now forced himself to forget. The death of his long lost friends and one death in particular, one which annoyed him to no end, the death of Kutuzov, his role model. He admired Kutuzov's strength, wit, and decisive decision making. He clenched his teeth as the vivid picture of Kutuzov's death filled his head. The blood, the brains, the shards of skull and sick thump of the dead body, ravaged Noskalenaeuorph's mind. He shuttered, forcing himself to forget once again.

Her fist made contact just like she hoped... for a moment she was a little worried at Sage's lack of reaction to her feint... either she can read minds or she is as dumb as she looks. Sage fell coming into contact with the floor with a loud "thud"... Varya watched intensly out of morbid interest. Will she bounce?. But Varya was disapointed... apparantly she wasn't high enough to bounce.

Varya looked at the scoreboard... Only 18 points! I was winning before the punch, never mind the fact she spooned her first counter so baddly... Turning her head in disgust she looked up at the man jumping in the ring...

"She'll be fine... but I suspect she will be peeing blood for a while." With this Varya walked out of the arena, greeted by the darkness again Varya went to clean herself up.

Seth looked up to the screen when the bell rang and nodded.
Just what I thought. Sage is the ... his eyes opened wide when he realized that it was not Sages' name on top. Unable to believe what he saw he closed his eyes.
That can't be! She ... she is ... she can't loose! Not her! he looked at the screen again. And again he saw what should be impossible.
Sage had lost the fight.
Seth felt his knees become weak and leaned against the wall. His face had turned pale and his eyes dark. The shock was easily visible on his face.
That's impossible. She beat me. She beat Noskalenaeuroph. She healed him. Everything fits perfect. She looks like her, she can't remember anything that happened more than five years ago. She must be it. She must. Else ... he looked at his cross else this really is nothing more than ... than I thought it was for the last 900 years.
Seth nearly broke down.

Noskalenaeuroph looked up to see Seth lean against the wall. He looked at the screen and saw that Sage was not the winner.

Shock filled him. He was so easily bet by her and yet someone had beaten her. This person, must be incredibly strong, he thought, to have beaten her. She annihilated him like he was nothing, and yet, she was beaten.

He walked over to Seth and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You alright there?," he spoke with a calm and supportive voice.

"You alright there?" someone asked but neither the meaning of the words nor the recognizing of the one who spoke ever reached Seth' mind.

He felt like he had only felt once before in his life. The first time had been when he had been changed into a vampire.
He who had devoted his life, his name and his soul to the order of the cross and the sword to conquer the holy land had become a godless creature. That was the time when he lost his faith.
Now, more than 900 years later he had thought that he had found God again when one of these godless creatures died and came back as a human. He had gained back his faith. Finally he could live in the light of God again after all these centuries of darkness.

And now it seemed as if all this had only been a dream. A wonderfull but cruel dream.
Seth had fallen into the depth and was brought back to the light by the miracle. And now he had been pushed back into the depth and didn't know if he would ever be strong enough to climb up to the light again.

Finally he felt the hand on his shoulder and looked up.
His eyes, the windows of the soul, where empty and bottomless.
His soul hadn't gone, not really. But it was hidden very well.
This was not longer the man he had been a few minutes before. Maybe he was not even a man anymore. What Noskalenaeuroph saw was what the creator of Seth Bowrain, the vampire that had changed him, had seen when he died.

(OOC: Ha, fear him! lol
I see; it's too late for me and I should stop writing for today.)

"Sage my dear," he said softly in her ear. "Wake up." She caressed her face with the back of his hand, and slowely she stirred. Her eyes fluttered.
"Wha...What happened?" She asked as Dante helped her to the edge of the bed to sit. She was slightly confused, then saw the chains in Dante's belt.
"You know...you would have won if you embraced what lies within you." He said to her wrapping his arms around her.
Sage looked at him slightly startled. "I know I would have won if you didn't show up...I saw you...I..."
"Got lost in reality," He said, her red eyes flashing at her. He got up from the bed and removed the sword from his back. He slashed it in a revolution skillfully. He pointed it at Sage's chest. "You know...this sword could pierce right through your heart...and you would pull it straight out...and be fine..."
"What are you talking about?" She asked standing up to meet him. "You are the one whose father was a demon...you're the one with the demonic blood...I am nothing more than a mere human."
"You are so much more than that Sage," he said to her, edging closer to her with the sword. "We shared the same father."
"Then why am I like this...and nothing more..."
"You are that...and you are something more than a human."
"What am I Dante then?" She asked in frustration, pushing him back with her glare. "huh!? Who am I!?" *her eyes flashed crimson.
"I don't know who you are...I do know what you are..."
"And?" She asked,pressing him to a wall.
"Demonic blood runs through you strong Sage."
"You lie!" She says sharply. "You dare call me such a vile creature!"
"vile?!" He roared at her, pushing her back toward the opposite wall. "You would call your own brother vile when he has protected you for all this time...you are half demon..and whether you like to admit it or not, you are not human. Demons are not vile...your father stood up against all odds against evil..."
"Why can't I remember anything?" She inquired.
Dante circled her slightly, putting the sword back across his back. He looked at her, then sat down on the bed. "I don't know...I don't remember having a sister until five years ago..."
Sage looked at him, and grabbed her chains from her belt. She clasped them around her wrist, wiping hte tears from her eyes, she stood in the doorway as he stopped her.
"Wait, Sage," Dante said to her. She paused momentarily, then walked through the stairs down toward the bar. "You'll have to embrace it sooner or later Sage!" he yelled after her. He looked after her, and sighed heavily. Little to her knowledge, he would be her final opponent...

*Suzaku watched the fight with interest, and the commotion afterwards sparked his interest even more.*

Suzaku: A half-demon, huh? Wonder what his deal with her is?

*Two others were going up, but Suzaku wasn't interested in watching them, so he returned to the bar, calling up the barkeeper.*

Suzaku: "Another round of vodka, if you will."

*He spied He spied Sage coming down the stairs out of the corner of his eye, and shot her a telepathic message.*

Suzaku: "Your first loss. Amazing fight in any event, your potental for greatness is remarkable."

*He recalled what Seth had told him about Vaughn, then shot the human girl another telepathic message.*

Suzaku: "Come join me for a drink, I have information you may find interesting."


((OOC: Yes, I read Rave's last post. Suzaku doesn't know that tho. I like to keep OOC knowledge seperate from IC knowledge. ^.^))

Noskalenaeuroph backed up slowly. He did not know what just happened to Seth.

"Seth, what is the matter? Seth, you alright?"

What he was looking caused Noskalenaeuroph to become nervous. He spoke calm, with a hint of that nervousness slipping in. He backed up until his legs froze and he just stood, looking, the stupid smile now gone.

"Need any help?", Jander was standing right behind Noskalenaeuroph, a thin smile in the lips of the elven vampire. "I'm beginning to understand all that is happening here, but you look confused. And about Seth, I can help you...", then the soft voice of the elf said several strange words in an arcane langauge, his pupils glowing as he finish to mutter.

He looked to Jander, feeling a bit reassured. He was glad that Jander had appeared.

"What is going on?"

He kept an eye on Seth, still unable to move.

"The Half demons have arrived", says the elf in a quiet tone "finally I have found my mark, and I also know why that girl is so powerful, something sinister is breeding inside his soul. Please, let's take Seth to his room, I will explain the rest to you later. I'm stilll wondering why I haven't fight yet".

Noskalenaeuroph looked at him.

"But, the fight..."

Jander gave me "come on already" look and Noskalenaeuroph nodded.

"Alright."

(ooc: Aelosia...i would prefer to keep this knowledge only in ooc...I do have a reason, and it will be revealed soon.)

Seth pured him a drink, and nearly dropped it as he saw Sage. "Excuse me for a moment." He pulled her over to the side toward a dark corner and sat across from her.
"Seth," she said, slightly groggy. "What are you doing?"
I saw you fight Sage...
"Yea," she said annoyed. "I slightly realized that. Thanks for noting my loss. Nothing could have changed it."
Nothing? He tilted his head. You saw Dante...you weren't able to avoid the attack...
"Dante had nothing to do with this..." She replied. "And get out of my head!"
"As you wish. Something you want to tell me?"
"Not in paticular."
"Very well," he stood up and walked back to the bar. She remained there for a moment. Half demon...she couldn't be. She wouldn't admit it...she couldn't bring herself to considering it. She had always known Dante to be powerful...but never herself to be more than a mere woman. Two more numbers flashed upon the screen. The fight would begin in a few hours, after the current fight was well over. There were two numbers.
8527
7258
Seth and Sage looked up at the screen simultaneously. Sage vs. Dante... he said under his breath. Looks like we'll finally see what's with this girl...Dante finishes off all of his opponents.

Suzaku: "Come join me for a drink, I have information you may find interesting."

Sage rose and walked toward Suzaku. She sat next to him, twirling a strand of hair in her hands. She looked at the reflection of the lights on the glossy surface of the bar. "You wish to speak with me...then do it quickly..." Her urgency was stressed for an unknown reason.

Varya strides up to the bar and sits down with a smile on her face... A win is a win, even though the judges were obvicously blind... Varya looked towards the barman and asked him again.

"Do you have anyone to drink? I'm parched"

Did I exist for nothing? Did I die for nothing? these were the thoughts Seth had had centuries ago. And now they came back and again it seemed as if his whole existance had been nothing more than a farce. His rage burned hot and the face of that beast that had brought this pain to Seth covered Noskalenaeuroph's face.
One second later he would have killed the beast, the godless creature, the vampire but at this moment something touched his mind. Strange sounds and words cooled the heat of Seth' anger and slowly, very slowly a small part of his soul came back. Most of it was stillhidden in the depth but enough returned to stop Seth from attacking Noskalenaeuroph.
A few minutes later his eyes, still dark but not bottomless anymore, first focused Noskalenaeuroph, then Jander.

"I'm...I'm alright." he said with a deep and scratchy voice. Then he looked up to the screen and continued as if nothing would have happened: "Noskalenaeuroph, it's our turn, isn't it?"

"Are you sure you can fight in that condition?, you don't semm...focused", says the elf, trying to pierce with his eyes Seth's gaze. "But if that is your decision I'll respect it".

Seth stared at Jander.

"Don't tell me what I can do or not do! Never!" he whispered.

Then, at Noskalenaeuroph, he said: "C'mon. The show must go on."

He turned and made a few steps towards the arena ... and collapsed.

(ooc: sorry to interrupt... I need a serious background about what happened all around... so I made this: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=92709 )

ooc: :shock: You are back for good! :P :P *hugs*

*Suzaku noted Sage's sense of urgency.*

Suzaku: "I did some... How to say? Investigating on my own. Remember your dream? I noticed it shares startling similarities with the death of a certain powerful vampire called Ravelyn Shentavo about five years ago. A particularly mighty demon had fought and lost to her, but as it was sent back to the inferno, it sent a chain which pierced Ravelyn's heart and dragged her down with it. Also, Vaughn was the name of her fiancee."

*He calmly sips his vodka.*

Suzaku: "It's rather uncanny, isn't it?"

"What are you trying to say," She said raising her eyebrow as she used to do. "That I'm some kind of...seraphim? vampire? Whatever...i can tell you right now that that woman is nothing like me." It was true...if you didn't count her appearance, style, fighting, attitude... "You're trying to say that I might be someone who died five years ago?" She laughed, and smiled wryly. "I highly doubt it."
When Seth caught the sound of this, he shot another glance at Sage. He took another drink. "No, it couldn't be...no...but...if..."

*Suzaku chuckled.*

Suzaku: "Putting words in my mouth now, are ye young one? I never said any such thing, I just stated the facts and let you interept them as you please."

Looking down into the arena, Varya saw Seth collapse... after which she laughed a little at the whole thing... Hm... no old man huh? She thought. I wonder if I'm going to have any competition here tonight.

She was thinking about finding that barman so she could gloat about the fighting style she wouldn't be able to understand... but decided better of it. The whole thing wasn't really to her liking and she didn't want to piss everybody off in this club... which she was getting dangerously close to doing. Eitherway there was way to much compasion being given out around here... if she had taken a beating people wouldn't of cared... but it seemed like everyone knew each other and Sage was bigger then Jesus... the whole thing didn't smell right.

Jander saw Seth standing and laughed in good trim. "That wasn't my intention. You're lucky, you will fight against Noskalenaeuroph, and he's a good guy. If the fight would be against me, I would shake your bones, luck to you both, anyway".

Then he turned to Varya, a smile in his lips. He raised his fingers to his mouth, slowly kissing the tips and blowing a kiss at the vampire, in his eyes an unspoken challenge.

Noskalenaeuroph watched Seth collapse. He walked over to him and lifted him from the ground.

A seat lay not too far from the arena. Noskalenaeuroph began to drag Seth to the seat. Once there, he leaned him on it.

He clenched his teeth.

"Someone get this man some water or something," he splurted out. He did not know what to say, and that was the only thing to come out.

Varya looked over at elf-boy who was hitting on her... she had to admit, though... he did look pretty fine and those elf ears didn't harm the image much either. Varya simply smiled back before she heard the words...

"Someone get this man some water or something," It was the loser from the last fight... she thought he was a kindred, but if he was he would surely know that vampires don't really drink water...

"Blood you idiot!" She shouted out to him from the railings. "We drink blood! He's an elder by the looks of things, he'll probably need a fare bit... but hell, we've got a nightclub near by, if you want I can pick something up for you... maybe twins if we are lucky!"


OOC Note: Not that I need to say... but Varya is a bitch by nature. Her morals disapeared pretty quick and they rarely resurface... however, she is still on the path of humanity and as such she still has some of it left... just not much at all.

OOC: As a matter of fact, Jander is not trying to hit on Varya, he's trying to challenge her, in a very polite and delicate way. She earned his respect by beating Sage, now he wants to measure his fighting skills with her.

IC:

"Water?, please my friend, he don't need water, he need vitae, the life elixir that runs through our veins", said Jander looking amazed at Noskalenauroph. "However, even human blood is too thin for him, he needs true blood, the blood of another vampire. I would give him some of my own, but drinking my blood is...unpleasant".

OOC Note: Not that I need to say... but Varya is a bitch by nature. Her morals disapeared pretty quick and they rarely resurface... however, she is still on the path of humanity and as such she still has some of it left... just not much at all.

OOC:How could anybody have missed this? lol

IC:

AD 1099, the Negev desert, Palestine

Thirst, incredible thirst. That was the greatest pain Walter von Bergau felt at this moment. Thirst and fear.
Since two days he and eleven other knights had been following these creature of hell through the desert. Twelve they had been, twelve like the disciples of the lord. Now they were only four, half death of thirst.

The hunters had become the hunted.

Night had fallen upon the land hours ago and Walter could sense the vampire in the darkness. He was behind them. Walter turned around the blade in his hands and stared into the darkness. Pale moonlight enlighted the desert but the new moon had just passed one day before and Walter could only see what was a few steps away.

A shadow moved! Or was it only imagination? Walter was nervous. He feared what could happen this night and was dried up. The others moved carefully forming a circle to cover all sides. They had done this the night before, too. And only four of them had seen the dawn after that night.
Surprisingly the vampire only attacked at night. Nobody knew why but it didn't make things easier.

And then it began again. A silent noise, the rush of air, a fast shadow passing the circle, a scream.

Three had left. And still hours untill dawn.
Minutes later they were two.

Then only Walter was still alive and preparing himself for the worsest.
And then the real nightmare began. Walter should never come to know what really happened but when he awoke he was not a human anymore.

Approx. 900 years later, somewhere at Ambrosial Coast

Seth Bowrain was dreaming of his past.
The pictures, dark and bloody, rushed along and made him sweat in fear and rage.

OOC: As a matter of fact, Jander is not trying to hit on Varya, he's trying to challenge her, in a very polite and delicate way. She earned his respect by beating Sage, now he wants to measure his fighting skills with her. OOC: You think I missed this? I know he is not hitting on her... but she isn't really used to that sort of challenge, she hasn't seen it before. Maybe if you tried the discrete challenge of:

"I'll f*ck you over BITCH!" or "You wanna piece of this action!" Though the latter should also be interpreted as hitting on her... though one of the most obvicous ways would be to just smack one in the face and that will get her attention. Just kissing your fingers and blowing a kiss would be seen as hitting on her in the polite way...

Of course, you could just walk up to her and ask... but that wouldn't be practical.

*ahem* and to think, I'm actually a relatively polite guy IRL.

"Water?, please my friend, he don't need water, he need vitae, the life elixir that runs through our veins", said Jander looking amazed at Noskalenauroph. "However, even human blood is too thin for him, he needs true blood, the blood of another vampire. I would give him some of my own, but drinking my blood is...unpleasant".

"Damn... if only we had Ismail here... he would love that sort of opportunity. He would gladly give up his blood." She looked at Aelosia and then looked at the guy again... "Don't look at me like that... I'm not giving him any of mine... unless he's willing to do it more then once... it's a... err... commitment thing, you know?" Varya looked flushed for a moment, which wasn't easy for a vampire who had used up a third of her vitae supply fighting Sage (4 points of buffing before the fight and one for regen).

Noskalenaeuroph stood there confused, his sardonic smile spreading across his face again.

OOC: You think I missed this? I know he is not hitting on her... but she isn't really used to that sort of challenge, she hasn't seen it before. Maybe if you tried the discrete challenge of:

"I'll f*ck you over BITCH!" or "You wanna piece of this action!" Though the latter should also be interpreted as hitting on her... though one of the most obvicous ways would be to just smack one in the face and that will get her attention. Just kissing your fingers and blowing a kiss would be seen as hitting on her in the polite way...

Of course, you could just walk up to her and ask... but that wouldn't be practical.

*ahem* and to think, I'm actually a relatively polite guy IRL.

OOC: LOL, that was funny, I like that character and your way of roleplay, I love to play my female characters with the Bitch-Mode style, I suppose because I'm a really polite and nice girl in real life. But I usually roleplay my male characters as delicate and polite guys (as all the men should be).

IC:

Jander looked at Varya, a smile on his face "Yes, I have thought about the blood bonds too. But I can't give him my blood, something in the mixture of elven and vampire blood makes it a poison to the undead. Yes, my blood is poison to you, as your blood is poison to me. Being a Vampire Elf is not easy, I could say".

"I can see how that can be useful..." Varya looked down at the vampire and sighed. "I wouldn't mind kicking his ass some time and I'll never get go if we keep this rate up." Varya walks over to the weapons table and picks out a striaght razor, she's seen some pretty nasty bastards use it as a weapon before and it was usually a good sign of madness... either way she looked over at Seths body again and looked pretty pissed off that she was even bothering with this.

"Right, I'll do it, but he owes me a favor" Varya then lifted his head and placed it on her knee, then she pulled out the razor, but before doing anything to herself she shaved one of his eye brows off and then slit her wrist. This time she winced.

Placing the wound too his mouth, the blood begun to seep out of what she thought was a tight seal. "Drink you lazy bastard" She said, he arm a little messy at this point. Looking a little more pale then she was before she withdrew her hand and quickly covered the wound with a handy cloth she brought with her, allowing the wound to regenerate better. "Once he's up and fighting, I'm gonna have get something to drink... I'm not riding out no wave in this condition..."

OOC: LOL, that was funny, I like that character and your way of roleplay, I love to play my female characters with the Bitch-Mode style, I suppose because I'm a really polite and nice girl in real life. But I usually roleplay my male characters as delicate and polite guys (as all the men should be).

OOC: Thanks, she's grown on me two, in the current time period (this being the future) she is working with a pack in Iuthia to distrupt the Costelo's (slang for Camarilla, at some points I look up the vampire slang from WoD) and she's also ruined this guys life by turning him into her childer, I think the link is somewhere on this thread, but it's far back.

She started out really nice in her background, it's just that she fell in love with a vampire called Zeke who disappeared on her before she said anything about her love, then she tried to find him, turning to prostitution to get the cash she needed (she was a poor waitress in a bar) but she never actually did it... she just took their money and kicked them where it hurts then moved on the next area.

She didn't mind doing it becuase they were pigs in here eyes, but Zeke wasn't... slowly she started to hate men before the sindicate picked her up for her activity and then the Lasombra sindicate guy (who liked her tenacity) made her a member of the Sabbat. Now shes a street level nomadic pack leader who has been fighting most of her unlife (most elders sit around and get old, she doesn't have that luxury). She's eaten some vampires in her time (black lines in aura) and became stronger for it, she's now 9th gen I think and pretty twisted inside.

I like her becuase she's the first evil character I've done and developed, and she has (I think) developed. I like your elf-vampire too... gives me loads of room for ear jokes and the consept sounds good too.

AD 1099

He was drinking blood for the very first time. And although only those he despised drink blood he loved it.
He loved it because this was the blood of the creature he hated the most: Culâched Xariel, the vampire who created him.
The blood run down his throat and gave him power.

900 years later

But something was wrong. He hadn't been lieing on the back when he ... and what did his head lie on?
Seth' eyelids fluttered and slowly he opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Varya above him.
"Wow" was everything he was able to say.

ooc: I realized I missed a few people. TG me your name and four digit number so I can set up a fight.
Sage closed her eyes tightly, then looked at him. "I have a creative imagination." she said with a smile. "I'm no angel." She looked toward the door she had entered in which Dante stood in. The two looked at each other. They would be fighting in the arena clear of any players. A victory would secure her place...a loss would destroy her chances. The two watched each other without making a sound. When Sage got up, he began to walk towards her.

http://publish.hometown.aol.com/barbizonmodele/images/all.jpg

Major characters(from left to right) That will be used in this thread, or related to it: Dante, Sage, Genesis, Qui.

*Suzaku waved his hand dismissively.*

Suzaku: "Perhaps. Take care of yourself, mortal."

*That last word was not used in the form of an insult, as one would expect from a Saint Beast addressing a human, instead it was nuetral, he was merely stating another fact. Suzaku inhaled deeply and finished the last of his drink, paying and standing to his feet.*

Suzaku: Hmmm... Let's see what else there is to do around this place.

Noskalenaeuroph felt dizzy suddenly. He stumbled some, before regaining himself.

"I.....am going to rest some."

He left the group and walked toward his room in a daze.

OOC: Just for fun happy fun comments on what drinking vampire blood does for you in the system I'm using, if your vampire works differently (i.e this happens quicker or not at all) then please tell me about it.

First Drink of Varya's blood: Very small connection is made with Varya, she is a little like a relative to you now, though you don't have to like her or listen to her or do anything she said... just like a relative you can pretty much just ignore them, however there is a small link either way, it just doesn't have any effect.

Second Drink: Connection becomes more powerful, you may bump into her more often without realising your doing it. You also have trouble going through with any action which could harm her. A form of emotional link is made, however as with all blood bond you can still hate her... deep down, on top you are a little more pleasant towards them as an artifical dependacy begins to grow... you can also locate her very easily. Thankfully you can act against her still, just that it takes alot of willpower to hurt her yourself.

Third Drink = Blood Bond: This is the biggest you can get and it's scary. You devolope a dependacy on the her, your totally enthralled and you have to take huge amounts of willpower just to act against her wish for a second. She can dominate you act will and basically you become her bitch. Deep down you may recent her for it, but you can't openly think like this becuase of the bond... making for one really messed up head.

Daliberie (sp): This is the act of drinking a vampires blood unitl the vampire is dead and then drinking that bit longer where you are said to have drunk that vampires soul as well. This is banned in Camarilla society becuase the elders fear that the younger vampires would use it to gain power by killing elders... Camarilla vampire kill Daliberists (sp) with a passion. However the sabbat generally allow it, though harming another Sabbat member is against the rules and can see you hung for it. When you do this act you gain some of the attributes from the vampire temporerly (sp) and occasionally some permanantly. If the vampire is a lower generation then you, your generation becomes lower, bringing you closer to Cain and making you more like an Elder... this is the quick way to power but people don't like it. Oh... and it leaves black lines in your aura that last for years after the act.

OOC: Just for fun happy fun comments on what drinking vampire blood does for you in the system I'm using, if your vampire works differently (i.e this happens quicker or not at all) then please tell me about it.

First Drink of Varya's blood: Very small connection is made with Varya, she is a little like a relative to you now, though you don't have to like her or listen to her or do anything she said... just like a relative you can pretty much just ignore them, however there is a small link either way, it just doesn't have any effect.

Second Drink: Connection becomes more powerful, you may bump into her more often without realising your doing it. You also have trouble going through with any action which could harm her. A form of emotional link is made, however as with all blood bond you can still hate her... deep down, on top you are a little more pleasant towards them as an artifical dependacy begins to grow... you can also locate her very easily. Thankfully you can act against her still, just that it takes alot of willpower to hurt her yourself.

Third Drink = Blood Bond: This is the biggest you can get and it's scary. You devolope a dependacy on the her, your totally enthralled and you have to take huge amounts of willpower just to act against her wish for a second. She can dominate you act will and basically you become her bitch. Deep down you may recent her for it, but you can't openly think like this becuase of the bond... making for one really messed up head.

Daliberie (sp): This is the act of drinking a vampires blood unitl the vampire is dead and then drinking that bit longer where you are said to have drunk that vampires soul as well. This is banned in Camarilla society becuase the elders fear that the younger vampires would use it to gain power by killing elders... Camarilla vampire kill Daliberists (sp) with a passion. However the sabbat generally allow it, though harming another Sabbat member is against the rules and can see you hung for it. When you do this act you gain some of the attributes from the vampire temporerly (sp) and occasionally some permanantly. If the vampire is a lower generation then you, your generation becomes lower, bringing you closer to Cain and making you more like an Elder... this is the quick way to power but people don't like it. Oh... and it leaves black lines in your aura that last for years after the act.

OOC: It's a shame that the wicked Tremere can read that black lines in your aura.

IC:

Jander looked at Varya directly in her eyes, a small blue spark glowing inside the vampire elf's grey pupils, still holding. "I suppose you need feeding now. Do me a favor, please don't kill your vessel tonight. This is not a good night for slaying".

"There will be no slaying here elf," said Seth from behind the bar. His black eyes flickered momentarily, then regained their normal brown. His fangs rested lightly on his lower lip. "I really don't want to harm anyone, but if it comes to it, that is why I'm the one that works here...because I can handle a fight. If you touch any of the contestants apart from the arena, I will personally see it that every member in your body is separated by at least twenty feet." He smiled viciously, then went back to his job.
He is definately not a regular bartendar, Sage remarked to herself.
"Perhaps. Take care of yourself, mortal," Suzaku said to her. Dante placed a hand on her shoulder, and Sage turned around to face him.
"She is no mortal," he said, his eyes deepened. Sage stood up at this. Dante walked through the crowd to the empty arena. He stood in the center and removed the great sword from his back. Sage was startled, and could not reply to it at first. She entered the arena and the chains whipped at her sides. The referee did not speak...he slowely edged his way to the side.
"I am a mortal," Sage said to him defiantly. "I will beleive none of the lies you try to bestow upon me."
"I only give you the truth, sister." He replied. The crowd fell to a deadly silence. The ledgendary Dante against the girl whom had cause such a stir. "You aren't human..."
"Prove it," she said challenging him.
"I'll just have to force you to unlock it...none of the other contestants could...maybe your brother can." The two stood ready across from each other...this would be a fight to remember.

OOC:
First Drink of Varya's blood: Very small connection is made with Varya, she is a little like a relative to you now, though you don't have to like her or listen to her or do anything she said... just like a relative you can pretty much just ignore them, however there is a small link either way, it just doesn't have any effect. [...]

Good to know.


Daliberie (sp): This is the act of drinking a vampires blood unitl the vampire is dead and then drinking that bit longer where you are said to have drunk that vampires soul as well. This is banned in Camarilla society becuase the elders fear that the younger vampires would use it to gain power by killing elders... Camarilla vampire kill Daliberists (sp) with a passion. However the sabbat generally allow it, though harming another Sabbat member is against the rules and can see you hung for it. When you do this act you gain some of the attributes from the vampire temporerly (sp) and occasionally some permanantly. If the vampire is a lower generation then you, your generation becomes lower, bringing you closer to Cain and making you more like an Elder... this is the quick way to power but people don't like it. Oh... and it leaves black lines in your aura that last for years after the act.

but not for 900 years, or does it?

Sage faced Dante. Dante faced Sage. A long coat was worn over a black shirt. His white hair was unkempt and hung partly over the corners of his scarlet eyes. He was strong of build, and his dark demeanor would shake the bravest of men. His alabastor skin was flawless. His hand reached onto his back, and removed his vicious blade from his back. He paced around her slowely.
In turn, circled as well, always staying opposite him. Her hazel eyes had a tinge of sanguine to them...for the first time, as she looked at her brother. Her skin was sunkissed, and her berry stained lips parted slightly as she took in air. Her auborn hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders. There seemed to be a radience about the girl. Like there was something more than those binding eyes. She donned a deep violet tank top with small lace details in the front. Leather pants clung to her legs. She looked at her chains momentarily. So long had she fought with them. Her eyes searched about the crowd. Various weapons lay out of the arena. She had noticed one before that had caught her mind. She looked at the one displayed above the bar, and caught Seth's eyes.
"Seth!" She yelled to him. "Give me that sword...the one that is placed highest, with the ebony grip." Seth was startled at her demand. He was about to question her, but Dante's stare closed his mouth. He jumped on top of the bar and reached up, grabbing the sword. He threw it to her. She jumped up to catch it in her hands. It was so light, so smooth. Angelic writings lay on the side, but she didn't seem to notice. A dragon lay at the top with red diamonds for eyes and detailing. She undid the chains from her wrists and through them to the side. She would be fighting with the sword...but little did she know the significance of it.
"Why do you pick that sword, sister?" He asked, still pacing slightly. She replied with slight hesitiation as the blade cut through the air, "Do you think that I am not skilled enough to handle this sword?" She asked as she gazed at the magnificant blade. "Because," he said in return. "That belonged to another woman..." Before he could continue, she brought her blade up to colide with his. She did not want to hear the rest of that sentence.
"Alright," he said pushing away from her. "Shall we?" He swung his blade with great skill, only to be met by hers. This was how it began. She sliced her sword at his feet, only to have him jump over it, and stab at her side. She quickly side stepped and turned her sword to his back. He spun around and quickly defended it. He pressed his sword into hers, and she into his. The two were but inches apart. Her eyes flickered slightly, and this time, he caught it.
"Embrace it," he whispered to her. His blood red eyes taunted her, his lips barely parting with his words. "You'll never win if you choose to ignore what's inside of you...you'll never reach your full potential." With that she kicked him in the stomach, separating them. He smirked and rushed towards her again, their swords clashing as he slammed her up against the wall. You could hear the cracking of bones as the two collided, but both appeared to be still moving. She pushed him back yet again.
The fire became more visable in her eyes, and maybe some in the crowd with sharp eyes would be able to pick it out. Yes, he repeated in his mind. Come on Sage...you must. The two rushed toward each other. Again and again, hits and blows were exchanged. Then, it all came down to the last minute. Sage swung her sword around her head, and sliced his arm open. His blood trickled down his arm in a small stream. She smiled in satisfaction. His eyes glowed a deep red, and he slashed her blade from her hands in amazing power. It jammed into the side of the arena. Her eyes went wide.
Dante did not attack directly after. He hesitated and his smile faded. "I asked you to embrace the demon inside of you Sage," he said out loud as the crowd quieted. She stood in the center of the arena, facing him as he stood near the edge of the arena. "Don't make me do this Sage." He said as he twirled the brilliant sword within his hands. She didn't respond. She stood strong, her sword was too far away for her to reach.
"I'm not a demon," she said softly, gazing at him. He sighed heavily. Then, without warning, the blade was thrown toward her. It ripped through her chest and into the ground as she was pulled back. The crowd fell into a deadly silence. Dante's sword was stuck vertically in the marble floor of the arena, with Sage speared on it through her chest. She remained parallel to the floor, her total weight on the floor. She stirred slightly. You could hear her heart beating. She was like a butterfly pinned to a viewing block. Blood streamed down onto the floor as she lay there.
Seth nearly jumped out of his seat, and the crowd was shocked. Dante seemed not to concerened, and paced around the girl. "Come on Sage, you have no choice now..." His expression remained indifferent.
Slowely, Sage's eyes opened, fully crimson. Certain people in the crowd could see the drastic change. She breathed in slightly. Slowely, her body began to rise from ground, the sword remaining in the same place. She winced in pain as her body slided up the sword to the hilt. Her arms and legs lay slightly limp, as her chest was pulled upward from an unseen force. She got to the hilt of the sword, and it ripped through her. The grip did as well. She stumbled forward, but did not fall. She looked up to Dante, her eyes a deep crimson now. The blood from her chest seeped through her shirt, and some still lay upon the floor and the sword she had been pulled through. Dante remained at the side the entire time. Quickly, she whirled around and clentched the sword that lay vertical in the ground. She turned and whipped it at Dante, her eyes now a blood red, with the same power he had thrown it at her. It hit milimeters from his face in the wall. He pulled it out of the wall, and there was a long pause of silence. Soft whispers could be heard...
Dante laughed, and said to her in a soft voice. "I told you Sage...demonic blood runs through you strong...did you think that I would have done it if I were not sure." Sage slowely walked toward him. The referee's had forgotten to ring the bell. She lifted her shirt slightly...the wound had vanished, and all that remained was a small area of irritated skin. She looked at him in awe. She had not beleived him until this moment.
"How did...What happened? The sword pinned me to the ground...and my body rose, and the sword ripped through my skin...I...I should have died."
"You weren't listening to what I have told you...you are half demon Sage. Your body rose because you called it to do so. You did that, Sage. I did not touch you, nor help you in any way... do you deny it now! Do you deny my words now, Sage, after you have defied death that a mortal would have been killed by."
"I...I.." her eyes remained crimson. "I do..brother." She wrapped his arms around his neck and he held her tightly. A tear fell from her eyes.
"No way," Seth said to himself. "The girl is a hybrid..." He looked at her observantly from the location of his bar. Everything...is so...strange. A mysterious girl whom remembers nothing of anything from before five years ago, comes to Ravelyn's favorite arena for a tournament she had sponsered each year. She looks exactly like her...she speaks, fights, as the eyes exactly like her. The weapon she chose to use in her final battle was a sword...her sword. The one that had pierced through the heart of darkness, and had sent the evil back. She weilded it the same way. And this girl, is Dante's sister... This is making me wonder...and that man...why had he asked about Vaughn? I must tell Qui... if it is her...Oh thank the Lord if it is her! If it is her...

but not for 900 years, or does it? Er... not really it fades after a serveral years but then again you don't have to use that becuase it's based on only one idea of what vampires are.

Though more importantly you should be thinking about how you are going to roleplay a 900 year old vampire who will be very detached from humanity and... well, a little messed up in the head, most of them have trouble with technology and learning is so much harder when 10 years is like 1 year for a elder (after all, if you live forever time will eventual mean less to you).

So far you've got a good grasp on the history of the character, but otherwise I think the character would work better if he was out of touch, almost all the advantages of vampires have problems attached, most literature agrees.

Oh... I know Seth doesn't understand the slang of the situation, but the Elven vampire was saying that I shouldn't kill humans (see "vessals") I wouldn't think about attacking someone here, not because of Seth, who Varya has lost almost all respect for (more now) but becuase the other contestants would be might pissed... and if Seth isn't in the competition then she doesn't rate his fighting skills... also the thing about "not understanding her fighting style" also lost most of the respect... should would never beleive he's a proper elder...

Jander looked at Varya directly in her eyes, a small blue spark glowing inside the vampire elf's grey pupils, still holding. "I suppose you need feeding now. Do me a favor, please don't kill your vessel tonight. This is not a good night for slaying".

"Yeah, I guessed that..." She looked over at the bartender who was eaves dropping on their conversation. "Go listen to someone elses conversation combat master, maybe you'll learn something."

Varya turned back to Jander and smiled... "You wanna come with me? Maybe we can have a fight afterwards and maybe get out of this joint... I'm getting no attention from this lot anyways..."

Er... not really it fades after a serveral years but then again you don't have to use that becuase it's based on only one idea of what vampires are.

Though more importantly you should be thinking about how you are going to roleplay a 900 year old vampire who will be very detached from humanity and... well, a little messed up in the head, most of them have trouble with technology and learning is so much harder when 10 years is like 1 year for a elder (after all, if you live forever time will eventual mean less to you).

So far you've got a good grasp on the history of the character, but otherwise I think the character would work better if he was out of touch, almost all the advantages of vampires have problems attached, most literature agrees.

I only asked because I'm sure someone here said his character would be able to see auras. I've got no idea how a vampire should be so I'm dealing with what others expect.

A little messed up is good; I wouldn't say he is absolutly crazy but especially after all these things with Sage he is not far away from becoming crazy anymore (he had never been very far away from that after this night in 1099).

What exactly do you mean when you say it would work better if he was out of touch? I'm not sure if I understand that right but does that mean something like that vampires loose their memory when they become vampires or sth like that?


Oh... I know Seth doesn't understand the slang of the situation, but the Elven vampire was saying that I shouldn't kill humans (see "vessals") I wouldn't think about attacking someone here, not because of Seth, who Varya has lost almost all respect for (more now) but becuase the other contestants would be might pissed... and if Seth isn't in the competition then she doesn't rate his fighting skills... also the thing about "not understanding her fighting style" also lost most of the respect... should would never beleive he's a proper elder...

I suppose you mean Rave's Seth?

Jander looked at the bartender, misunderstanding painted in his features. "What happened to that guy?. I wasn't threatening anyone".

Then he turned to Varya. "I'll be delighted", he said, pausing for a moment before continuing. "And about that fight, I don't want to draw suspicions about me, but who knows?, maybe something will show up".

Seth takes everything literally...he can be very mellow at times though...

The scores were posted from Sage's and Dante's fight... it was Sage's last...as well as Dante's.

7258: 11
8527:20

Sage, still in the arena, and hugging Dante, she looked at him. "I guess this means I don't know who I am now..." They stayed like that for a long while, until he released her.
"You are whomever you choose to be...and your soul decides whom you choose to be. My dear Sage..." he said softly to her. "I have no more reason for being here...I withdraw myself from this tournament. I only came to see you...for a chance to finally show you...and since that is done." He began to walk out of the arena. "I've overstayed my welcome. Good day." A wry smile crossed his face. He made his way through the crowd as if he were Moses parting the red sea. AS he stood in the door way, a hand reached up upon his shoulder. He turned around to face Sage. "My dear?"
"My brother," she said and embraced him once more. She leaned in close to his neck and whispered in his ear. "Next time, I won't go so easy on you." A smile crossed his face as he exited. She exhaled heavily.
There was so much that she had to process. The tournament would be over in a few days. She'd then be either roaming the streets until another opportunity came her way, or starting her own martial arts class. She wasn't sure which one... Her eyes remained crimson from that point forward...and she would forever know herself as the half-demon...but forever is a long time...

OOC:
Great post Rave. Too bad Nos was not there to see it for himself. I always manage to miss the good stuff.

IC:
Noskalenaeuroph laid in his bed staring blanky at the ceiling. The roars of the crowd had ceased to a deathly silence more than once, and he knew that something was taking place, but he could not stir himself to leave the room and check.

The silence lasted for some time, he knew there must be an intense fight going on. He listened for the bell....nothing.

"I wonder what is going on. I bet it has to deal with that girl, for she could keep a crowd in suspense. I wonder what it is that she is? She took me out so easily, but then someone had bet her. What was with that? Perhaps, I am not as good as I thought? I know I am not the best, but she whomped me flat out and then she was beat. Damn, I am thinking too much," he thought to himself as he stared blankly at the ceiling.

His sword dug into his back so he sat up and took it off, tossing it onto the floor, the clanking ringing loudly in his head. He was no longer aware of the fight below, whether it had ended or was continueing, or whether the crowd was cheering. The clanking echoed through his head and that was the only sound he heard, even long after it had stopped (much like when you listen to an alarm or bell continuously go off and when it is turned off you sware it is still going on).

The ceiling darkened and he slipped off into a sleep, still hearing the clinking of his sword of the ground.

Sage watched as Dante left her. She never knew when she would see him again. He always seemed to show up in the right places at the right times, always there to protect her. She sighed to herself and walked back toward her dorm. People stared at her as she passed. THe half demon was on her way up the stairs until she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Seth turned her around, and she looked back at him.
"What is it?" she asked, her crimson eyes mocking him.
"Sage," he said softly to her. "After this tournament...where will you go?"
"I suppose," she began, "That I will teach bone akiedo. I've always had a fancy for teaching...maybe start my own academy in the latter years."
Seth was speechless. Was this just a simple coincidence? He continued. "I would really like to to meet two people whom are very important to me."
"Who? And what could they possibly mean to me?" She inquired, raising her eyebrow.
"My brother and sister," he said with a smiled. "And they just want to meet you. They might stop by your class one day. I told them about you, and I really think that they would die to meet you." he smiled to himself, knowing the true meaning behind that comment.
"And what would make me trust you?" She asked.
"How should I trust you?" he laughed. "An hour ago you were a simple human who had a stoke of luck. Now your a half demon sister to Dante, and had a sword pass through your chest and live to tell about it."
"I wish I never knew...maybe then would my life be normal."
"A girl as brilliant as you will never be normal. Congratulations on the win. That was your last fight, no?"
"I have to fight Varya again," she sighed. "If I beat her, it's over...but if I don't, I'm out of the tournament. Maybe this time will be different. I think it will be very different..." She mused as she walked up the stairs with Seth.
"Tommorow's the last day, so get your rest," he said.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep...my dreams have been plaguing me. It's just that....nevermind..."
"No...tell me," he pursued her sentence.
"It's just...I'mi on the beach. The waves wash over my body. I look different...Feathers...and...my hair is black. I look up to a man. I feel happy. I feel...I feel like everything is going to be OK. I reach for his hand...but the ground give out underneath me... and I fall. As I fall, the temperature gets warmer, and a chain pierces through my heart...and I am pulled down...it's stupid..I know."
Seth did not respond. His face was completly white in shock. He looked at her, and took her hand in his and kissed it. He looked up to the girl that stood before him. "And...do you know the man's name...or is it a mystery..."
"The name has eluded me for quite some time, but thanks to Suzaku watching my while I sleep, said I yelled out a name..." She said with a long pause.
"And what was the name?" Seth asked getting closer to her.
"Um...Va...Vaughn I think." she said. Seth looked at her with tears in his eyes. He placed his hand to her face, and she flinched slightly. "Seth...what's going on.."
Seth regained his composure, and simply looked at her. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...you...you remind me...of someone...I once knew..."
"I seem to be getting that a lot around here," she replied with a laugh, but was deeply concerned about the information that everyone was withholding from her. He got up, and kissed her hand again. As he looked at it, he noticed a ring. It was a ring that he knew well...
"Oh my God," he said out loud looking at this. "Forgive me," he said. "Where did you get that ring."
"I don't know...it seems I've had it for forever. It's formed an eternal bond with me...you know..."
Seth's heart was ready to leap out of his chest. Ravelyn...oh my God...Ravelyn...she...she doens't know...I can't be sure...I need to bring her to him. He slowely slipped out of the door with a soft good bye.
Sage lay on her bed and pulled the blankets around her. She began to drift of to sleep...and back to her dream.

[Before the Sage - Dante Fight, it's a great post but Varya doesn't need to know IC]

Then he turned to Varya. "I'll be delighted", he said, pausing for a moment before continuing. "And about that fight, I don't want to draw suspicions about me, but who knows?, maybe something will show up".

"Who really cares, this thing doesn't make much sense to me anyways, looks like that ref has a thing for Sage though, with all the biased scores and all." Varya notioned that she wanted to get going. "Come on, I don't really care if I miss the Sage - Dante fight, I'm not going to learn much anyways."


OOC Notes: Yeah, I meant Rave's Seth before... and you won't find Varya fighting Sage anytime soon, becuase that would imply that this contest is only about Sage in a IC way... I'm not argeeing to that becuase for that to be fair I would have to fight everyone else... twice.

Either make some structure to this contest and find a way for you to play against Varya again wihtout just having Sage fight everyone until she wins(just so you can say you beat everyone) or let it go... you've still beat everyone else and you made it so Varya didn't really win on her own anyways... after all, she didn't use skill at any point and you can apparently read minds and movements brilliantly...

Varya is a bitch partly becuase it's her back ground and becuase she's been looked down upon by everyone who is cuaght in the Sage movement. How can I not act I.C to that?

Basically, I'm not fighting her again, becuase it's a complete farce that all my fights so far are:

Varya vs Sage

To fight her again even if fight Jander first would be beyond stupid.

Back to Earth II = The whole "Loosing touch" thing isn't about memory, they remember too well sometimes, but it's down the the character in question when it comes to memory. No I'm talking about in general... how can a 900 year old vampire still act like a human? Thats what I mean about out of touch.. they can't relate with today... thus trouble with technology and new age ideals.

Rant over... I needed it pretty bad

ooc: I wasn't planning on having them fight again...I have plans on the tournament for her, but as far as shes knows, she has to face Varya...but the fight will never begin. If you want to set up a fight with another character other than Sage...just post the numbers :) .

Her dreams were different this time. There were bits and pieces, as if it were a memory.
There were already 50 vapors around a man and her. And the man knew that using the Dark Path to go away wasn't an option. It would be instant death. "And to think the most I fought at once is 4. And they almost killed me. " he said to her.

"You've fought four? she asked with a wry smile. Dear...I've already taken out seven." She winked at him...trying to hide the fear that lay withinn her soul. Fifty...they were not going to get away that easily. She got closer to him, raising his sword to prepare a defence.

"I don't think you realize what they're doing," the manreplied while using a chain of a powers, blasting a dozen of the Vapors away. "Look at the bodies: they're reshapping themselves already. We are in their world. We cannot kill them on this side of the Barrier." He stopped for a second. "You cannot absorb them, you cannot kill them. And the more they touch you, the more feable you'll feel. There is only one solution..." He looked up in the sky.

"I don't exactly have wings," She looked at him with a sardonic smile."But you my love, do."

The Vapors were gathering far too quickly. Suddenly, they all seemed to form a common shape. A gigantic wave of shadow was oscillating all around them. "No!" he yelled.

He grabbed herand used his wings to jump out as fast as possible. Nearly immediatly after they had took off, the shadow exploded at the very place they were standing at.

"Yeah... and I guess it'll follow us now, right?" he said to himself. He was right."I can't go faster... I can't..."

"Yes you can..." She said to him in his arms...or he said to her in her arms. "Vaughn... "She trailed off. The dream clipped at that point for some odd reason.."You can do this Vaughn...I know you can. Search within you...and within me..."

"You're right, I can do something," He sent her.In an incredibly fast move, he pushed her in the air on top of himself. Doing so, he started to fall down, right into the shadow.

Before understanding clearly what was going on, shefelt arms catching her. A demon smiled. "Got you!"

"Huh?" She remarked at the demon. She looked back to the man, whom was falling into the shadow, and squirmed, trying to get out of the demon's hold to help her beloved. "No!...I can't...I can't lose you again! Michael.. "Her heart skipped several beats. "Michael?!" She had lost sight of him. She trembled slightly, and looked to the demon whom was holding her. Numerous questions plagued her mind. A tear fell from her eye, and down deep, into the shadows.
The dream cut again, and seemed as if it were fading, but it came back into focus.The man couldn't be seen. Slowly, the shadow got back down, waving like dark water. Then her tear touched it and it made like a hole in the vaporous form, until it reaches the man, lying on the floor.

As soon as it touched his body, the tear transformed into an incredibly powerful white light. Shadow disapeared so fast the air around her and the demon pushed them a little upper in the sky. Then, the light grew stronger and blinded them. When the light faded away. he had disapeared...
The dream wavered again.
"Vaughn!" She yelled searching for him. She jammed into the demon. "Let me go... I must find him...Michael.." Her words were jumbled in confusion and desperation. She squirmed, trying to break his grip. [
i]Vaughn...[/i] Another tear fell. Vaughn...please...I need you. I need you to hold me in your arms and tell me that every thing is going to be OK. That' we'll get through this together. I can't picture my life without you. I have given my body and soul to you...and they shall remain yours eternally. Love...all you need is love. Vaughn...don't give up on me...I will never give up on you....Michael... She called out to the nothingness. Her love for him was so strong, that her heart was lightned at the thought of him. She was ready to sacrifice everything and any thing for him at a moments notice.
The demon maintained her, trying not to fly erratically.

"Wow! Wow! Wow! Keep cool! Keep cool! Kee..."

His voice stopped abruptedly. His eyes had turned entirely white and, now, she couldn't make him move by an inch.

A soft voice got off of the demon's mouth. "He has been defying death for far too long. He always decided not to be eternal. It was his wish to die while fighting, to die while saving the one he loved. But your prayers have been heard, oh, Archangel, and the love that exists between the two of you will exist forever as its own production. Wait. Be confident. Your love will return, but your love is dead."

"What the Hell was that?" the demon remarked.

"Michael..." she said softly as she sat up in her bed. She wiped the moisture from her forehead. The room was frightfully cold and dark. The shades were drawn close. She could still see. She got up from her bed, pushing the covers aside, heat still lingering amongst the fabric. She took a glass from on her desk, and filled it with a few ice cubes. She poured cold water in it, and took a long sip. The coolness of the liquid soothed her soar throat. She exhaled loudly, and opened the door to the bathroom. She could not take her mind off of the dream. She turned on the faucet and cupped her hands under the water bringing it to her face. As she looked in the mirror, she noticed her eyes were crimson. She shrugged, finding them appealing...and saw it to be from her being half demonic. SHe noticed something else too. A small trail of blood rolled off her lower lid. She put her hand to it, and wiped it away, however there had been no cut that was open. "Strange..." she said to herself. "I'm really think I'm loosing it." She remarked as she removed her cloths and stepped into the shower.
The water wasn't hot, but freezing cold. She couldn't get over this dream..and it was different this time...she did not die...but he did. Who was he? Did he even exist in real life, or simply in her dreams. They didn't seem like dreams, they seemed more than that. But what else could they be?

*****

Noskalenaeuroph looked around him. It was cold in this place. Cold and dark. He was in the background watching and waiting for something....dreading something. A man was escorted onto a field before Noskalenaeuroph's gaze. The man was in a uniform, signifying that this man was Commander and Cheif of the Army.

"No......Kutuzov," whispered Noskalenaeuroph as he tried to make the attempt to rush foreward. However, his body was frozen solid to the ground.

A man walked forward and told all the other men to leave. They did such as this newer man stood before Kutuzov.

The man spoke, cold hearted and merciless. "They did not surrender."

Kutuzov tried to speak, but a harsh rib breaking kick silenced him. Kutuzov fell to the ground. The man kicked him hard again onto his side. Kutuzov attempted to kneel, the man placed his booted foot on Kutuzov's back and pressed down. He hit the ground hard and lay sprawled out.

The man pulled a shotgun out. He held it to the back of Kutuzov's head. "Pity," was all he said as he pulled the trigger.

Blood and bone shards flew everywhere. Noskalenaeuroph ran out, a mysterious force compelled him.

"You bastard," he yelled running toward the man. The man stood, grinning satisfied. He held the gun to Noskalenaeuroph and pulled the trigger, the shell blew right past his head.

The man spoke coldheartedly again, "Silence boy. Clean that up." He pointed the gun to the decapitated person known as Kutuzov and walked away without remorse. Noskalenaeuroph chased after him, but fell to the ground. Blood poured from his leg. He head not heard the shot go of, or saw the man turn around. He just fell and that was....

*****

Noskalenaeuroph bolted awake, rubbing his leg. Even today, the sceen was as vivid and realistic as it was so long ago. He was breathing heavily and sweating. He got up and walked to the basin. He dipped his hands in the cold water and rubbed his face. He went back to the bed and lay upon it, staring once again at the ceiling, as if something great were etched upon it.

Sage's room was just above Noskalenaeuroph's room. She stepped out of the shower, the cold water trickling down her back. She grabbed a towel and ran it over her hair to absorb any excess moisture before wrapping one around her. She went into the other room, and got back into bed to rest a while before going down to the bar. She closed her eyes, and relaxed. "Michael Vaughn...who are you?" she said. After a long silence, she continued. "Who am I?"

Above him, Noskalenaeuroph heard the sound of a shower running.

"I wonder who that is," he said to himself still staring at the ceiling, the blank look in his stare.

His gaze remained on the ceiling for he dared not to fall asleep or to leave his room.

Seth had not seen the fight and he didn’t listen to the rumors about it. Else he would have known what to believe but now …
He sat on the edge of his bed and starred into the darkness, not only into the dark room but also into the darkness within himself. He felt empty and his soul cried for something to fill it. 900 years ago this had been his revenge but today … what could it be today? What should he believe in?
He had always had something to believe in, he didn’t know how to live without. First it had been God, then the revenge, then he believed in that there is nothing to believe in but now …

Seth once more looked at his golden cross.

((OOC: lol, seems to me like my character isn't really all that needed much. Sure he was helpful once, but I think he quickly loses his purpose. Oh well. It was great RPing with all you guys, but Suzaku has litle IC reasons to stick around. I'll be taking my leave soonish, me thinks.))


*Suzaku watched the fight, was simply amzed by Sage's skill. When he learned of her half-demon heritage, a simply shrug was all he gave.*

Suzaku: "So she's a halfie after all. Hmmm."

*Afterwards, he was at the bar again, drinking some vodka. He was a demon, the alcohol didn't affect him at all. It was one of his quirks, he liked to do things like this, his only reason being that he could.*

Suzaku: "Interesting fight session, with Sage and all. I'll definately have to watch the fight tomorrow... Or not. Yo, barkeep, another vodka over here."

Sage got up from her bed at the sound of a knock at the door. She opened the door slowly to face Seth. "Hey...Seth..." she said looking at the time. It was eleven A.M. "What...What's going on?" She yawned slightly and then shook herself lightly to wake up.
"I want you to come with me...there is something I wish you to see."
"Now?" she said. "But where are we going to go."
"There has been a spacee for sale a small walk away. It is large, open...good to maybe open a business...as your brother left...he handed me a key." He reached in his pocket and tossed Sage the key. She caught it in her hand inches from her face, and looked at it.
"139 Endicott Street..." she said softly as she looked at the key. SHe looked at it for a while. "Seth...thanks.."
"Don't thank me..." he said with a smile. "I'm just a messanger..." He left her. She looked around the room. With what few things she had, she made up her mind...and began to pack what few things she had with her.

Running again? *she recalled the voice*
"Again."
Where are you to go?
"Wherever the path may lead me."
Can you see the path?
"No."
What awaits you there?
"Can't say."
You have been recalled to life?
"Yes."
Are you happy?
"No."
Would anything appease you?
"No."
Why do you follow the path then?
"To find it."
Find What?
"A jewel."
like a diamond?
"No."
Like crystal?
"No."
What like?
"Nothing."
Does the jewel have a name?
"Yes."
What is it?
"Can't say."
And this would appease you?
"Not sure."
Where is this jewel?
"Don't know."
Is it on the path.
"It could be."
Who are you?
"Can't say."
The words in a dream lay in the back of her mind. Wasn't everything just a dream? She pulled her bag up from the ground and opened the door. She scanned the door for one last time, then wrote something on a piece of paper. She placed it on the bed with a smile.
After speaking with Seth for a while, the screen flashed...and across from Sage's name was *Withdrawn* She leaned up against the door. The cold winter air chilling the glass. She placed her hand on the handle, and opened it.
Who are you?
"Can't say."

(ooc: ok, Underaloz-twist(tm) ahead)

Sarah smiled at the young man. She was incredibly beautiful. Her whole being was like radiating, giving this 16 year old girl an unexpected mature aspect.

"These were very nice words," she said to Thomas, while toying with her necklace, her fingers running onto her aunt's gift.

Thomas laughed.

"What do I always have the feeling you don't care about poetry... at all?" The young writer replied, charmed and frustrated at the same time.
"You're silly," Sarah answered. "I may not be too found of words, but I love when they come out of your mouth."

Thomas blushed and took several sips in his glass of water, uncomfortable.

"Oh well," he said. "I guess I inherited that from my father."

Her expression darkened.

Father, mother. Something I'm no meant to be blessed with.

She thought about Jahn and Marie. She thought about her real parents, both dead.

Thomas looked right into her beautiful crimson eyes. A color that had turned many men into helpless and confused admirers.

"I'm sorry. I always forget about it."

She smiled and looked outside, acting as if she was distracted. Long minutes of silence ensued.

"You don't have to apologize," she finally said with a barely hearable voice. "You are not responsible. Actually, you have to be the only good thing that happened in my life. Beside my aunt I guess."

Thomas took her hand.

"I love you.
- I know," she said, avoiding an answer that would have undoubtedly hurt the young man.

Noskalenaeuroph sat up in his bed. He slid his feet off the bed, attempting to walk out of the room. His discarded sword lay at his feet, and he bent over to pick it up.

He slid it onto his back and left his room. Walking toward the arena, he stopped. Something caught his eye and he looked to see what it was. However, only people crowded the area.

He leaned against the wall, watching.

The room wa dark, only a small strip of light fell through the closed curtains.
Seth still set on the edge of his bed; he hadn't even moved bit since he had placed himself there and stared at the cross in his hands.
His face was expressionless and tired and so were his eyes.
Finally he took a deep breath -for the first time since hours it seemed- and arose.
Once more he opened the old box in the wardrobe and took out a long wrapped objekt.
Slowly and carefully as if was some ritual he removed the bandages from the object. Then he held the now uncovered object into the strip of light and it shone with the brilliant reflexion of polished damaszener-steel.
Seth smiled loving and passed his left hand over the blade; carefully as if he caressed a woman.
He took a chair from one corner of the room and placed it so that the small light beam fell onto it, then he sat down on the chair and took off his surcoat and shirt.

His hands held the hilt of his sword, the blade aimed at his hart and touched his skin just next to the cross.
Seth blinked into the sun light falling through the gap between the curtains.
He smiled and closed his eyes.
Soon he would know what was right.

He would, wouldn't he?

Sage walked down the street. It was the beginning of November, and snow had not begun to fall on the ground. The cold wind whipped past her face. Vaughn... she repeated to herself. She walked in contemplation to 139 Endicott St. Who is he...the one I've dreamt about so often. The one that reaches for me as I fall, and the one that I reach for him as he falls, both into shadows. Who am I? Am I that Ravelyn that others have told me of? Am I that mortal girl, standing in the arena alone? Am I the hybrid, half demonic of which Dante told me I was...Why do these dreams plague me so. If I have been recalled to life, then what have I been recalled from? Why can't I remember anything? Who are you?
I can't say...
The question plagues my mind every minute of the day...
Her thoughts were stopped as she looked at the door. It wooden, and hard to open. She jammed the key in the lock and turned it. She stepped in. To the right was a hallway, leading in a half circle. In front of her was a long corridor. She walked down the plush crimson carpet into a room with mats on the floor. The entire floor was a blue mat about one inch thick. it looked as if it had been for a gymnastics floor routine, except three times bigger. The ceiling was extremely high. She was sure that she would not be able to hit it, even if she threw an object up into the air.
Her newly scarlet eyes darted around the room. Her berry stained lips parted, "Perfect," escaped her lips.

Thomas had taken her home. Saying good-bye was more and more difficult. The young man always insisted so much. Sometimes she felt like it would have been simpler to give him the kiss he was craving to have. But wouldn't it make things worse in fact?

It's always the same, she thought. I cannot have friends. Girls avoid me like the plague and boys... boys, they're always asking for something I don't wish to give.

She opened the door. She switched the lights on, revealing a very cosy appartment. Everything seemed antique. It was as if the door was a secret gateway linking to the past. She put her keys on a nail and went right to the kitchen. In the fridge, she took a can of coke and a steak she immediatly put into a plate. Grabbing a knife and a fork, She, then, went to the living room. There was no TV to be found, only books on a wooden table.

You're not one to let your mind sleep, her aunt used to tell her.

She sat on the couch and began to eat the meat.

She went to the window and looked out toward the street. A sign hung in it and she flipped it around. Versai Academt of Akiedo. She smiled. "Dante, you think of everything." She looked around the open space, and laid on the floor on her back. She stared up at the ceiling. "In a few months...I could really have this place going."

___

"I have information," Seth said to someone on the other line of the phone. "It regards your mother..."
There was a long pause before he replied. "Just come and see her for a few days...if you don't know the second you see her...I will never mention her again."

(ooc: Seth is calling... who?)

((OOC: Only time will tell. :P))

*Suzaku, upon seeing Sage leave the night club, debates following her, decides against it, and leaves himself. He nods to the two bouncers on his way out.*

Suzaku: "Far thee well."

Bouncer 1: "Yeah, whatever pretty boy..."

*With that Suzaku returns to whence he came, wherever that is...*


((OOC2: Hmmm... Yeah, I'm out now. It was fun you guys. ^_^ I'm really sad I gotta go. V_V ))

(ooc: Underaloz...this is after all the threads...including the end thread. The end thread can't proceed without the trial thread being completed. WV if your out there we must finish it! lol. ^_^. And Seth could only be calling one purpose...com'mon...with all the riddles you can figure it out. :P )
Sage poured a cup off coffee from the counter. She didn't add sugar nor cream, she liked it plain. She sat down in the room off the side on the right of the circular room with the mats on the floor. She ran her hands along the red velour fabric, and turned on the TV.
Hello I'm Charlene Narcis with the eight o'clock news. In resent events in Summerset, the local V.R.C. tournament is drawing to a close. One of the most inspiring stories must be that of a girl that we know to be called Sage, no last name was given. Her skills impressed the best of the best, and was at the top of the standings by a leap and a bound. Rumors have been going around that the girl is actually a hybrid, a rare race in our nation. And rumored to be the sister of Dante, the former governor of this region and feared opponent. Dante was also rumored to be a contestant in the tournament, however, we have seen no sign of him. Sage withdrew from the tournament earlier this morning. As the tournament draws to a close, we have word that Varya is in the lead. We will have more news on that soon.
In business news the local Starbucks has doubled it's income by over ten percent, and has been increasing in size and variety. The Versai Academy of Akiedo is also in the works. No one knows who is running it, but due to the hype that we have received from various sources including the former governor, it will be a school to certainly apply to... At this, Sage spit out her coffee, and smiled. "Wow...that was fast." It has been underconstruction for the past three years.. Sage's eyes went wide...and she began putting together the puzzle. She hadn't seen Dante since three years ago until presently. "That son of a bitch." she said to herself. "He knew I was going to come...but how.."
This has been the 8 o'clock news, sponsered by Starbucks, Wouldn't it be nice to get rewarded for something you do everyday? Good night.

Dante looked in the window, going unnoticed by Sage. He smiled. Seth walked by his side, down the street, the bar being attending by another for a while. The two strolled down the wintry street. Seth wore a long black trenchcoat, his muscular form covered by the leather. His hair was gelled and spiked up, yet neatly trimmed. His dark black eyes ate away at the sky. Dante, however, was much the opposite. Though his body athletic like Seth's, his eyes were completely crimson. His skin was darker than Seth's, which had become white with time. He has silvery hair that hung past his eyes in an unkempt manor. The two talked of various subjects, one more in particular.
"I don't know how I'd get her to come, " Seth said softly.
"Well," Dante replied. "If I go, then she's bound to follow."
"She realizes now that you set her up to force her to recognize the demon within her."
"What was I supposed to do? Let her live never knowing?"
"Maybe that would be for the better.Anyway, he's not coming, we have to go to see him. He's throwing a Christmas party for friends and such, I choose to invite Sage...however, she won't go with me for no reason. We can't just ask her truthfully..."
"Why not?" Dante asked pressingly.
"Sage, come to the mansion to show him your fighting technique, face, attitude, let him decide if you are the reincarnation of his mother."
Dante laughed. "Maybe we could get her to come for something else."
Sage lay on the couch listening to music. As they passed, they could her her melodious voice, and could have sworn it was the radio. She had her crimson eyes closed as she sang. Christmas songs already, in november.

"Lights on the avenue
All seem so far away
I'm up here drinking a toast to you
On such a special day

Tonight is the night for I love you's
Wish we could have this feeling
Throughout the year
Christmas is here

Tonight is the night for I love you's
And if you hold me near you
You'll feel my heart
Beating for two

Tonight is the night for I love you's
Up above the snow is falling
And stars disappear
My heart is calling
Christmas is here"she laughed at herself for the familiar song. She took the CD out and put it back in the case. Maybe this place would be good after all. Just, where was she going to get the money to live here...

Seth looked at Dante. :shock: "DAMN THAT GIRL CAN SING! And I mean really sing...why didn'y you tell me?"

"Well it didn't seem important at the time," Dante said. "and I never knew she could sing like that either..." He was equally shocked. "Maybe we will have something after all."

Jander was staring at the mysterious gem lying in his hands, the gem that he stole form the hidden vault of the Imperial Palace, the gem that contained thousands of souls, the fabled elven Kiira...

The gem that holds the key to my redemption, he said to himself, watching the beautiful yet frightening blue flame that was dancing inside the multi-faceted sapphire. The lost souls dances like blue flames in the night. They haunt the dark, damp places and the spirits of those who draw near them. Never follow their light, they're always looking to get their revenge on the living, no matter what they offer. A legend, just a legend. The seer said that this gem was the key to remove the curse, the tainted blood that was running through his veins.

Just place the souls of a true vampire, a half-demon, a raising devil, a fallen angel and a human inside it, and it will grant you any wish, and give you any power. Two hundred years hunting around the world and he still didn't found not even one of those rare species. But maybe in this tournament, maybe today. Who knows?, maybe today is my lucky day.

(ooc: Underaloz...this is after all the threads...including the end thread. The end thread can't proceed without the trial thread being completed. WV if your out there we must finish it! lol. ^_^. And Seth could only be calling one purpose...com'mon...with all the riddles you can figure it out. :P )
(ooc: yeah, well, I'm good at writing riddles not solving them... somehow I guess you didn't understand who Sarah really was... but I guess her aunt surely has cleaned everyone's memory anyway... who is her aunt you ask... oh well... how about I hint you?)

The cellphone rang. Sarah checked for the page number before closing the book.

152, she imprinted mentally.

"Sarah Vaughn speaking.
- Sarah, it's me.
- Elaïne! It's strange I kept on thinking about you today," the young woman said while her face was showing the first signs of joy in the whole day.
"Well, you know," her aunt answered. "I figured... if you see what I mean."

Sarah saw. After all, wasn't her aunt a powerful wizard?

"Yes, of course," she told her aunt. "But... then... why not come and see me?
- I still can't. I'm not even sure if I'm really allowed to call you... if calling is the right word."

Sarah remembered. Her mother, her aunt, the link. Her grand-father too.

"How is he?" she asked as she was thinking about him.
"He's all right I suppose. But you never know. He's so hard to read."

Some seconds of silence.

"The necklace is still working, isn't it?" her aunt said in a desperate attempt at getting Sarah out of the sadness she had suddenly fallen into.
"Yes... yes... it's perfect. My eyes are almost normal... thanks to you.
- That's the least I could do. I had done such a thing before, when we were in Gallaga with your father."

New silence.

"I'll have to go there, one of these days," Sarah said finally.
"So everything's fine?
- Yes.
- Got friends?
- Yes, of course," Sarah lied.
"Good. I have to go now. I'll try to get in contact as soon as possible."

The line went dead. Sarah put the cellphone on the table, took her book back.

152, she read into her memory.

But she couldn't read. Tears were already forming into her eyes.

OOC: Wasn't is decided that Lana (Gehenna Tartarus's character at the Rave Shentavo Academy) was the reincarnation of Elaine's mother?

(Aww...I love your hints! :lol: Alright...Sarah is..wait a minute. Elaine is her aunt...Michael is Elaines brother... :shock: You never told me you had a daughter. :lol:...wait a minute...of whom was Sarah born? :shock: Alright....who did Seth call? Well, I'll give you a hint. :wink: )

"Her voice...her essense," Seth said to Dante. "It's like liquid fire."
"I know," he repeated, "I know."
"Are you sure we'll be able to get her to go?"
"Positive..." Dante said trailing off. "Why doesn't the son of a bitch come himself?"
"To busy I beleive, but he is coming for a few hours, just to see the girl. I have a feeling, if he sees her...he'll know."
"Well, Qui's just like that, he doesn't like his mother being spoken of, brings back the memories." Dante explained.
"She's been recalled to life Dante! I know it." Seth said to him.
"How can you be so sure? She's just my sister."
"She is much more than that. She was a true vampire, an angel, a sourceress, and much in love with Him. Now she is a demonic hybrid...but just the same...she is her Dante! I know she is. I know the way she fights because that is how she taught me."
"Do you honestly beleive that she is the reincarnation of Ravelyn Shentavo?"
"She told me of her dreams. The dreams of her death, the dreams of her experiance beyond the barrier, the dreams of Vaughn."
"Dreams of Vaughn?" he stopped dead in his tracks. "We must get Qui to see this girl."

OOC: Wasn't is decided that Lana (Gehenna Tartarus's character at the Rave Shentavo Academy) was the reincarnation of Elaine's mother?
(ooc: yes, it was :) )

(Aww...I love your hints! :lol: Alright...Sarah is..wait a minute. Elaine is her aunt...Michael is Elaines brother... :shock: You never told me you had a daughter. :lol:...wait a minute...of whom was Sarah born? :shock: Alright....who did Seth call? Well, I'll give you a hint. :wink: )
ooc:

This is the same Sarah as in "Flashbacks" (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=92709&start=0). And "Flashbacks" takes place after "What's mine is yourse. What's yourse is mine." (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=65387&start=0) at the same time as "And the verdist is..." (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=83359&start=0). Sarah refers to a link and to her grand-father... it's important but you're surely beginning to guess, aren't you?

Btw, aren't you curious to know what happened to Cecilia? Well, I am.

(I'm guessing, but whether I'm right or I'm wrong will not change what it actually is. I'm extremely curious about what happened to Cecilia. I'm also curious about what's going to happen next. You perplex me. :P )

A few weeks of time had past, the tournament still in progress, but the contestants had a while off to get things together. Snow began to fall on the streets as they entered the last week of November. The V.A.A. was certainly obtaining a respectable title of being a prestigious fighting center. Strange...all this in a week. But when people realized the technique that Sage was teaching, they flocked to her. She only allowed five students in a class, and one class a day. She was extremely selective on whom she chose. She never wanted her name to be spread, as it may be more of media then class, so she referred to herself as Tali. The students asked no more on whom she was, and the school prospered. Her fee was nothing...free of charge, but her lessons were priceless.
After all the students were gone for the evening, night fell, the cold winds picked up and the snow could be seen from under the street lamps. She went into the circular room with a thick gymanastic type floor. There was dead silence. It was cold in the room, but she had always liked it. She put her hands in front of her, and breathed in. As she exhaled her breath could be seen. She flipped back suddenly, her hands landing on the ground, then her feet, then again. It was in perfect rythm with her heart. Bars ran across the space about nine feet above her. They spanned across the high ceiling in various directions. The only way to get up there...
She started at the edge of the cicular space. With a slight run, she started, and flipping back into the air, grabbing onto the pole with one of her hands and swinging up. She paused there, both hands grasping the bar in a handstand. Slowely she let go of one, and remained there. She brought her self down so that the bar was just below her ribs, and climped up. Her students never noticed the complex above them before, only their targets. She sat down on a bar, and looked down.Her dreams had not fled her.

Dante stopped outside the door, and looked to Seth. "Listen, you go. I'm not sure it's right that she see me this soon. When you come out, I'll be gone."
"But.."
"Don't deny it...you know our rivalry. The girl is just common ground. Nothing more."
"She's so much more."
"We will see," the skeptic said. He knocked on the door, and disappeared into the shadows. Seth sighed heavily to himself. How to get her to go to the party...hmm... Sage did not answer the door, but waited in the rafters. Seth let himself in and looked around. He laughed to himself. Without looking at her, he spoke.
"You know, you can come down from there," he said with a devilish smile. Sage jumped down, rolling forwards to break her fall, and on to her feet.
"What brings you here?"
"Earlier, I had heard you singing and---"
"You were listening to me?! I can't beleive you---"
"You're great," he said, cutting her off again. His black eyes met hers, which returned a suprised blink. Seth paced around her. "You're something else Sage. You have the voice of an angel."
"What?" She asked, perplexed.
"Listen...I have a job for you. I know your in need of money."
"I'm fine," she said softly, and turned away. He walked to her, turning her face to look at his.
"I know your not...you haven't eaten in three days," He placed his arm on her shoulder gently, but she pulled away.
"I'll be fine then..."
"Ravelyn, don't let your stubborness overtake your logic!" He yelled.
"My logic is...what did you call me?"
"Sage," he fumbled on the name. "Sage..."
"Oh," she said. After a long pause, she finally looked back to him. "How much will it pay?"
"One hundred," he said with a smile. Sage through her arms up in frustration and discuss.
"You must be kidding me! One hundred dollars! That's nothing! To waste all that time on--"
"One hundred thousand, Sage." he said softly. Her eyes went wide. She then started to back peddle.
"One hundred thousand?" she asked, trying to grasp how much that was. "All for me to fight?"
"Not exactly," he said. "For you to sing."
"Oh...I'm really not that good," she said in return. "I need work, I'm out of tune...I haven't sung for a while.."
"In two hours?" he returned. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I have heard you. You're fabulous...but if you don't want the job, I understand..." He began to walk out of the door. "Have a nice life..."
"Wait..." She said softly, and he paused at the door, his vampiric heightend senses picking up the soft whisper. "What is the occasion?"
"Christmas Party...prestigious. The leader of our nation will be there."
"Qui? You mean?" she laughed. "he's not that bad looking..." Seth nearly choked at this, coughing harshly.
"He's not your type..." he replied quickly. If this is Rave...there is something seriously messed up about that last comment.... "He's sort of a dick."
"I see," she said with a sigh. "So when do we leave?"
"Not so fast," he said, stopping her. "Sing something for me."
"Now?" she asked. "Yes...if your scared to sing in front of me then I'll find someone else."
"No," she said. "Not much scares me."
"Well then," he said, sitting down against the wall. "Sing." Sage backed up from him for a moment, looking at the ground. She breathed in deeply. All was a deafly silence. After a few minutes, her sultry voice cut cleanly though the air, enchanting all whom heard.

I've been a bad bad girl.
I've been careless with a delicate man Her crimson eye flashed at him and he was taken back. There was such power in her eyes, that drew you in and made you want more.

And its a sad sad world
When a girl will break a boy Just because she can The light from the windows diffused from the red fabric over them produced a scarlet lighting up on.

Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay Her voice was alluring, and her appearance even more so. And then Seth saw it. He saw her flash before his eyes in Sage. He took in a breath.


I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say the devil wants to know

This was almost too much for Seth at this point. He saw her...he knew in his heart. He knew so truly in his heart. But his heart had betrayed him before.

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal

Seth's eyes went wide. 'This song...I've heard it before...' he thought to himself.

and I need to be redeemed
To the one I see I'm with
Because he's all I ever knew of love

Her glossy hair fell in soft waves on her shoulders. Seth stood up. He couldn't handle it anymore. He placed his finger to her lips.

"You're voice is beautiful. You're perfect..." he said to her softly. "We leave in three weaks."

Noskalenaeuroph woke up in his room some time later. He did not remember how he got there, but he has just had a terrible preminition.

He was breathing too heavy and his heart raced. His head pounded as every little creak and gust of wind seemed to shatter his skull. His body wrenched in pain, as if he had been running up hill for too long.

The dream was still engraved in his mind. He shut his eyes, just a moment, and the dream flew through his head, like a speeding bullet.

A girl of great beauty and innocence stood greeting guests kindly. Her kindness greatly showed. They went in for dinner, her grace and kindness making all the guests happy.....all but one. A man left during the dinner and was not seen after dinner. He ran from a room and kidnapped this young beauty. He raced her out to his plane. Three people attempted to stop him, but in vain. The girl was gone, high up in the air with this man.

"I had seen her before. Where? Damn. Where is she from?"

He was still breathing heavily, sweat beads dripped from his head slowly.

"NO way. It can not be. No...not her. It is. My dear. Lady Rubella. I must help her. Maybe it did not happen yet. Maybe there is still time."

He jumped off of his bed. On a little notepad in the drawer of a desk, in the far corner, he scrawled a note.

I am sorry. I must leave for some on I know is in grave danger. I hope to return, but I can not predict the future. This may be the last you hear from me. It has been well. I enjoyed the challenge....and my resurrection. Tell the girl...I believe her name was Sage...tell her thanks. Tell Jander....tell him it was great meeting him and I wish him the best of luck. Tell the rest that I hope we meet again.

Noskalenaeuroph

He left the note on his bed. His sword lay in the corner of the room. He grabbed it and left the room quickly and silently. He left the building in great haste; a cold wind slapped him in the face. He felt as if he were running away, but he could not stop now. Not if she was really in danger. Snow had fallen here. The white flakes lay in a thick blanket over the ground. His feet left indentations, as he crunched softly through the winter's gift.

OOC:
Sorry, but I have to pull all characters that I have out of their that may be of some help in something that has occured. If any of you want to help, you could create a new character and let me know. The leader of the nation of Rubella was kidnapped and I need to help get her back. The leader of the nation behind all this is planning something with her, but we do not know what. All help will definately be appreciated. I have no idea where this is going to go, but I do know that we need to get back Lady Rubella. If Nos is needed here any time soon, just telegram me and I will bring him back, so long as he is not in combat or sceme. Sorry again.

(No problem. It was a pleasure to Rp with you.)

Sage was startled by him abruptly stopping her. SHe smiled as she heard his reasoning. "Three weeks?" she asked with a smile. "Transportation provided?"
Seth laughed. "Of course." He paused, looking at her. She hugged him unexpectadly. He was shocked at first, but a soft smile set across his face as he brought his arms around her back. "Be careful...I don't want anything to happen to you."
"In three weeks?" she asked.
"Well things can happen."
"To me? Something always manages to find it's way in front of my path."
"I will see you in three weeks then..." He broke the embrace and took in a breath. Slowely he walked toward the door.
"Hey Seth," she yelled before he reached the door. Her eyes flashed red, and he whirled around. "I hear your the A.C. teacher at the Academy."
A smile crossed his face. "I am." He walked back to her."
"Well, since Dante has been so kind as to give me insight into...well, myself..."
"And...." he questioned with a taunting smile.
"Well, your strong enough to take pain," she said with a devilish grin. "Fancy a spar? No weapons of course..."
"Of course, Sage." He said. "Only because you are strong enough to take the pain. An elder vampire against a young demonic hybrid...your chances are slim...."
"Are they?" She asked.
She has the same edge as her...so confident...
"Yes.."
"Well then, I will bet you fifty bucks that you will stare at me from your back, on the floor in an immense amount of pain."
"Deal." he said softly.

I hate winter.

Snow, couples, families, kids were like dancing around her. She had just left the mall. She fixed her coat.

I hate Christmas.

She didn't have anyone to buy a present for. No one would anyone buy anything for her anyway. Not now. She had talked with Thomas. He had taken her home as usual that day, but he didn't ask for a kiss. She hadn't seen him since. It had been 2 months.

I'd so much like to be in love. But it seems I'm not meant for that.

She walked all the way to her house. She saw the bus passing by but she didn't feel like getting in a tiny space with other people. She had her taste of crowded places this day.

When she opened her door, she spotted a white envelope on the floor. There was just a date written on it. A little more than a week before. She opened it, puzzled. As soon as she had the photo in her left hand, her right hand let the envelop fall on the ground.

A beautiful woman, armed with a sword, was standing into some kind of arena. The woman's eyes had the same color as Sarah's.

Her mouth opened several times. Nothing came out.

This can't be... this can't be...

Sage laughed at Seth. "What's so funny?" he asked her. She smiled at him and replied, her eyes flashing crimson. "You will be on your back in less then nineteen moves."
"Oh really?" he asked. "Well then, let's go." He threw a punch at her. She moved to the side, and locked on to his wrist with both hands. She twisted it, but he brought his leg up to hit her in the stomach. She took two steps back and began her assault. She threw too punches as he blocked, then a kick to the face. He shuddered slightly, then returned the favor. She avoided it however, flipping bakwards, catching his leg as she landed, and twisting him around. He managed to stay upon his feet. She leapt up onto the rafters. He snickered, and followed, levitation to land on the nearest. To keep your balance was certainly a challenge. Both, however, managed.
Every attack was countered with another. Neither fell. Her eyes flickered crimson again, she began to attack faster. She jumped over him with amazing height. As he turned around, she brought her led up backwards to hit him in the face. He lost his balance, and fell on his back to the ground. She smiled and jumped down, offering a hand. "Beleive me now?"
As he grasped her hand, he attempted to flip her, but she countered, twisting his arm. He laughed and finally managed to get up. "You are more than I had expected..." He brushed off himself, and looked at her. "You remind me of someone."
She looked at him and sighed. "That seems to be a common occurance lately." She looked at him until he finally spoke up.
"I must be going...I have a tournament to attend to."
"Seth..." she said, watching as he left. "Thank you."
"Anytime my dear." he replied. "Any time."

The plane finally got out of the clouds. It would land in a quarter of hour according to the timing printed onto her ticket. She took the photograph out of her pocket. She looked at it intensely.

Finding where the tournament was taking place didn't prove to be that difficult. (OOC: I dunno where it is btw)

Internet is my friend.

Sarah put the photo back. She knew she would get it out before the plane arrived. She tried to sat in a better position. The steward made an announcement and she fastened her seatbelt.

She looked through the window, spotting strips of clouds still attached to the wing. Her mind was cloudy too. She was doing her best at staying calm but she couldn't help but to think about what this photo could mean. If it wasn't for the woman on it, she would surely have tried to guess who could have sent it to her. But for now on, all she could think about was the impossible she was about to face.

ooc: It's in the city of Summerset. The tournament is in a large old arena of Rave's. Half of it is now a bar, and the other half for fighting. There are two bouncers at the door, but will allow your character in due to the resemblance. It's off of Endicott St. Feel free to make up the name of the street if you wish. Sage's school of Akiedo is at 139 Endicott St.

Sage paced around endlessly. A new day had begun. It had brought her her usual students, which she taught for no sum of money. While the building was payed for by her brother, she had no means of getting by. She often went to Seth, who would fill a glass without hesitation for her, and never ask for a cent. She continued to work on her voice, if it could be worked any further, for this upcoming opportunity. Her passion lay in her combat technique and her singing. Quite on the opposite sides of the table, but then again, so was she. Seth had told her that someone would be stopping by...but she forgot it until that day.

A woman entered with long blonde hair that fell past her waist. Her figure was slender, and she was about 5"9. Her eyes often changed color, but remained a deep blue for now. Her skin was pale, and her lips a soft pink. She wore a long black coaat that nearly touched the floor with a black halter and pants. There was something about this woman. She had told Sage that her name was not important. There was no mention of her name either....She merely took a look at Sage. Her heart fell to the ground in longing to say everything she had kept inside of her for the past five years. She hid the tears that were forming in her eyes, and closed the door, simply as that. When she had asked Seth about it, he said that she was one of the people whom would be at the party. He said that she specialized in psionics. "Psionics?" Sage had replied. "That is something I would like to get into...if I ever had talent." He did not reply to this, but the urge to say what had plagued his mind for so long pushed against his lips, waiting to be released. He said nothing.
The tournament had continued, and not many knew of what happend to Sage besides Seth. Her mysterious withdrawal caused a stir, as well as the rumor of demonic blood running through her. Everytime she stepped in, the whispers began. With every passing day, she came less and less often...

Sarah looked up at the bouncer with her charming crimson eyes.

They hired wrestlers to guard the entrance?

"Errr... Hi. Where could I get tickets?"

I wonder if this monster can speak.

The bouncer looked at her for a moment, his right eye badly damaged from his quarrel with dante. "Miss Versai, you need no tickets!" He was slightly startled, until he realized that it was not her. He let out a sigh. "You're free to go in." He opened the door for her.
Seth remained at the bar, a smile crossing his face as he tended to the people. It was around closing time, though many still remained around long after hours.

__

Sage woke from her bed, night had fallen. She pushed the scarlet satin sheets over, and slowely rolled out of bed. "I am not a morning person," she laughed to herself. She looked at the clock. "10:30 already? Wow..." She stretched her hands up over her head and yawned slightly. "Shit. I have a class to teach in a half an hour." she changed her cloths grudgingly, and poured a cup of day old coffee. She took a sip, and had become accustomed to the taste. She wearily trodded downstair to unlock the front door.

Miss Versai?

Sarah looked around. The place was less crowded than she had expected.

Maybe it's a little late.

Her eyes were seeking for the woman on the photo... but she didn't seem to be in there.

She will come, I guess...

She walked to the bar, trapped into her thoughts.

"A diet coke, please," she said to the barman.

Seth glanced out of the corner of his eye to her. "Sage I didn't think you'd be back that quickly. And since when did you like soda?" He turned around with a smile, though it quickly faded as he realized it wasn't her. "I'm sorry, you remined me of someone." He placed the drink in front of her, and inhaled deeply. There was a chain that hung around his neck baring the signa of a Shentavo, though it could barely be seen, and was mostly hidden under his jacket. "So my dear, what brings you to this place? A contestant?"

Sarah immediatly spotted the symbol. Her eyes stood onto it for some seconds. Then she remembered who the man was

Sage... Versai... could be her name.

"I'm looking for Sage Versai, Mr.Shentavo," she said, anxious to hear his answer.

Seth looked at the girl and raised an eyebrow. "How do you know my name?" He looked at the symbol around his neck and held it in his hand. "Not many recognize the old signa anymore, and more importantly it's written in enoch." He looked at her, she must have seen it before. He couldn't bring his mind to recall where from. "Miss Versai has her own school, the V.A.A., teaching bone akiedo techniques down the street...may I ask whom you are?"

Sarah hesited for a second. She took a note out of her pocket and put literally threw it onto the bar.

"Vaughn," she said, walking out. "Sarah Vaughn."

Seth's face went completely blank. "Holy shit." He said without hesitation. He looked at the paper and took it into his hands. He immediatly jumped over the bar, rushing to catch up with her along the street. "Sarah.." he said softly as he stopped on the side walk ten feet behind her. He let her go....She must see for herself...

Sage watched as some of the students entered the room. She didn't pay much attention, for there were still five minutes until it began. She greeted some of them. Her scarlet eyes flickered as she removed a quarted staff from the wall.

Sarah looked at the neon sign.

V.A.A.

She saw people entering the building. Most of them were wearing sports clothes. With no hesitation, she stepped inside.

Sage turned to face her students, noting the new girl with a nod. She took the quarter staff into her right hand, and bid a student to rise. "Pierce," she said to a man whom then stood up. He was dressed in black. His blond hair was gelled, and she laughe at him slightly. She threw him a quarter staff, leaving her with no weapon. "Alright begin." He did not hesitate, bringing the staff around toward her mid section. With incredible speed she grasped it into her hands, flipping over it, and snapping the metal in two. He was not phased, and took the remaining end to strike her shouleder. She dodged, and grabbed the remaining piece, and thrusted it into his stomach. He bent over slightly, and she released her pressure.
She looked at her other students. "What did he do wrong?" She asked with a wry smile.
"Go against you with only ONE quarter staff," one said, and caused a chuckle throughout the group.

It's her! It's her! But why doesn't she seem to recognize me?

Sarah was staring at the woman, her mother, it had to be her mother. Her crimson eyes were analysing any movement Sage made.

"It's her," she whispered to herself.

Sage caught the girls eyes, and was slightly startled at their color. Intrigue struck across her. She motioned to the girl. "Well then," she said in a melodic tone. "Would you like to try?" She looked at her with a warm smile. She felt connected to the new girl, though she had seen her but once. "Pick any weapon of your choice, or none if you prefer..."

Sarah looked around, uncomfortable. She finally walked onto the arena and turned to face Sage. She hadn't taken any weapon. She was standing there in a position much similar to Sage's.

Sage noted her position. The students whispered softly.
Look at the resemblance...

Same stance...

This should be interesting..

Sage looked at Sarah, her stance matching hers. She did not choose a weapon either. They were about two feet apart. her eyes beckoned the girl to attack, but when she made no movement, Sage took the offensive. The half demon took a step forward, then fliped back to bring her leg around in an attempt to hit the girl. Acrobatics were highly used in her style. She wanted to see how skilled this new girl was...

Her feet still on the ground, Sarah bent backward to avoid the leg. Very quickly, she got back up and simply pushed Sage with her right hand, breaking the half demon's balance.

Sage had done the same thing, their hands meeting. She was slightly taken back. Same technique... Her balance was slightly broken, but she caught it quickly. She looked at the girl, but did not attack. "Who are you?"

Sarah looked deeply at Sage.

"I was about to ask the same question. But I know the answer now. You are Rave Shentavo and you are my mother."

The whispers began again. Sage looked at her, unamused. "I'm nineteen...I am not your mother. I am not this "Rave" Everyone is claiming me to be! I'm sorry to disappoint you little one, but I am not the oman you seek."

Sarah's eyes went wet.

"You forgot... that's all. It happened to me too. Age has nothing to do with it. You are my mother... and Zacharian, Michael Vaughn is my father. I thought I had lost you too, but you're back."

She was crying.

"You are my mother," she painfully said in a breathe.

She looked toward the student. Her glare told them to leave, and they obeyed. She looked back at the firl. Vaughn? she thought to herself. It can't be...that man from my dreams...is real? She looked at the girl.
"Leave me..." she said softly. "I have no children."

"Then what am I? Your lost sister?" Sarah answered with an angry tone, the exact same intonations Sage had used. "Don't think. Search your feelings. Somewhere inside, you know the truth."

She passed her hand onto her face as to forget about the tears. Then she walked to the door.

"I'm at the Belmond Hotel if you ever get back to your senses," she said before leaving.

"Crazy girl," she said to herself. "But she knew Vaughn...whoever he is..." She paced slowely, then finally rendered herself on the couch to watch the news. "Life is confusing." She said with a laugh. She sighed heavily, and closed her eyes. She knew that girl from somewhere, but she couldn't pin point from where.

Sarah walked, walked and walked again, not knowing where she was going. She was kind of dizzy. Thoughts and feelings were turning into her mind in a crazy and sad dance.
She finally found a bench and sat there. She put her hands onto her face and cried.

You leave in one week.

Alright...

Are you ready?

As I'll ever be.

I will see you then.

Thanks Seth. Anyword from Dante?

None.


She set the phone down on the receiver. In a week, she would be at a mansion singing at a party for only an hour for 100,000 dollars. She figured there had to be some alterior motive, yet found none.

bump so I don't lose this

bump so I don't lose this
OOC: sarah is crying on a bench... alone... /me spanks the bad mother :P

Who are you?
I don't know.
Where are you going?
Home.
Where is it?
There.
Where?
Everywhere.
What's your name?
It's not important.
I think it is.
No one cares.
They don't?
Nope.
You know you have been recalled to life?
Yes.
Are you happy?
Not sure.
What are you doing?
looking.
For what?
A jewel.
Is it a thing?
It's a jewel.
What kind?
Love.
A love jewel?
No.
A love?
yes and no.
A regular jewel then?
No.
Does your love have a name?
Yes.
Can you tell me?
Yes.
What is it?
Can't say.
Why not?
Don't know.
Is he here?
Yes.
So it's a he?
Yes.
Where is he?
There.
Where?
Everywhere.
You know you've been recalled to life?
Yes.
Are you happy?
No.
What will make you happy?
A jewel...

(ooc: god, I love this kind of posts :) )

OOC: me spanks the bad mother :P
:P *giggles* Well if the girl's FATHER were there...well it would her better to be outside on a bench then in the same room with that kind of *cough* "punishment" :wink:

(shame on you and all your dirty thoughts! *knees down to pray for all the bad sinners on this world*)

Tell me.
No.
Why not?
Because I don't know.
You don't know?
I know.
What?
Everything I need to.
What is that?
stuff.
That's real helpful.
be more specific.
How old are you?
Young and old.
How can you be both?
Many lives lived.
What about this one.
twenty three.
Years?
yes.
And what about this jewel.
Is it a male?
yes.
Alright...why do you seek this jewel.
Love.
Love forces you?
Love gives me strength to.
Are you happy.
...no
Why not...
I already answered you.
Can I buy you this jewel?
You're asking all the wrong questions.
Am I?
Yes.

Sage awoke with a start, her neck hurting immensly. She stumbled to the counter, and popped two tylonal within her mouth. She looked into the other room, the arena. "Someone there?" she asked. No one answered. She grabbed a knife, placing it under her pillow, she took one last look around and went to sleep.

Did you find it?
No.

(shame on you and all your dirty thoughts!*)
*puts head down in shame... then walks back to the room.* :shock:

(ooc: while we're at it, Rave: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=98705&start=0 )

Of course. Answered :-)

so this jewel...
no, it isn't.
Could you...
no
Tell me, have you any knowledge that would help me?
Yes!!! YES YES YES YES!
Can you...
no..

OOC: Sorry I've not done anything at the end of the plot (which has now gone past) but I am thinking of concluding Varya's time here by wandering around, probably with the elf vampire... er... whats her name, so I thought I'd give you a heads up...

ooc: no problem

Seth placed his hand on Sarah's shoulder. He remembered her. "Oh Sarah...what's wrong." His dark eyes were cold, yet had softened for her. His stiff brown hair was rather gelled in place. The wind blew against them, as he placed his arm around her shoulders.

"She... she didn't recognize me," she said in tear.

Seth's eyes softened futher, as he sighed. "She doesn't remember...we are taking her back...have you heard her voice? I've conviced her that the Christmas party we are having needs entertainment...and she's coming. There, hopefully her memory may be restored...and Qui has gotten out of hand...he needs someone to balance ouy his rage..." He looked at her with a concerned expression. "Don't cry my dear," he wiped the tears from her eyes. "It will be fine...alll will be fine..."

"I hope you're right," she whispers after countless seconds. "I hope you're right."

She looked deeply at Seth.

"Bring to him. Qui."

"All will be done in less than a week...and maybe your father will turn up," he said with a smile, knowing something that she didn't. Oh yes, they had been working on his restoration. They had been for quite a long time....if he had not already been restored. And if he had, he could be found no where. "Here," he handed her a pair of keys, and motioned to a car on her left. It was a lambrogini diablo. "Take it, drive to the mansion, you'll be taken care of."

bump... for someone that's been gone for two days. :-)

Sarah stared at the key in her palm.

"But," she muttered. "I can't drive."

Seth looked at her and laughed. "I forget these things...Hold on just a moment..." he took out his cell phone, and you could hear it ringing.
___

Dante walked along a dark ally, his demonic eyes scanning the area as someone ran past him. He grabbed the man by the back of his shirt, hoisting him into the air. Suddenly, his phone rang. He sighed and looked to the man he held above him. "Excuse me for a moment," he said with a wicked smile, and took out his cell phone with his free hand.

Hello?

Dante?

Yeah.

I have a job for you.

I'm slightly busy, Toni again....you know he never gets tired of sending people to kill me...you would think by now they'd be more skilled. *he glances up at the man*

It involves Sarah.

So?

Rave's daughter.

Ah...wait...Sage, right. Well, has my sister regained her memory?

Not in the slightest bit.

I see. So what did you want?

I need you to drive her to the mansion.

Oh come on.

Please?

Alright. I'll be there in half an hour.

Thanks, kid.

Dante hung up his phone and threw it to the ground. "Why does he persist in calling me kid!?" He shifted his hand, moving a vertebre in the man's spine, killing him instantly. He dropped him to the ground, and leapt up to the top of the building.
____

Seth looked at Sarah. "I have a body guard and a chauffeur for you."

Sarah looked intensely at Seth. She had perfectly heard the whole conversation.

"Is it this Dante? And who is this Toni he talked about?"

Seth laughed. "You really did take on you're mother's charm..." he paused for a moment, thinking silently to himself. "Yes...Dante is Sage's biological brother...at least we think so. He is more accustomed to the likes of Qui than that of Genesis if you catch what I'm saying. He does have a kind heart."
"Ah...toni," he replied. "Been out for his sister for years, but we don't think much of it. They ever got into a fight with Ra..Sage then they'd be writing their own death wish."

Sarah smiled as her mother would have.

"Yes, I would imagine that."

She looked around in the street and passed her hand onto her face to remove the remains of tears.

"Maybe we could wait into this coffee," she said, pointing at a building nearby.

"My dear," he said softly. "I would love to wait with you, however, I must speak with Sage...Dante will be here soon." he looked at her, noting the resemblence. "Alright...just until he comes. I haven't had coffee in a while." He smiled, his fangs now clearly visable momentarily.

A little light passed within her crimson eyes. If she had been Rave, Seth would have known for sure this was a sign of satisfaction. She jumped out of the bench and walked to the coffee shop with him. They entered into the crowdy place but managed to find a 2-seat table near the windows.

"What can I serve you?" the waitress asked.
"A coffee with cream," Sarah replied. "Seth?"

"Coffee, black; no sugar no cream." he said with a smile. A chain fell around his neck, a heart with a sword through it and two angelic wings on the sides, worn by those whom were close, and are still loyal to Rave today. He looked at the chain around Sarah's neck. "That chain...elvish, is it not? What does it say?" he asked her softly.

"Oh, it's an ancient elvish incantation Elaïne carved onto it. I think it's her mother who taught her. It's for my eyes. If I don't have the necklace, I lose the pupils..." She looked sad. "...Like my father," she whispered painfully.

Seth placed his hand upon hers as they sat at the table. "All is not lost..." he replied. "And don't be sad my dear...you are closer than you think to what you seek." He paused for a moment. "Dante will bring something to you...accept it, alright?"

"A present?" Sarah asked, suspicious. "Are you sure I can trust this Dante?"

If Seth hadn't known who Sarah's father was, he would undoubtedly have guessed it by the sole tone of her voice.

"Positive," he said with a reasurring smile. "He's one of the most trusted...and I must admit he is considered my step brother, however that is beside the point. He has a weakness for his sister, and that weakness really does show that he's a rather caring person."

"Here," the waitress said. "Coffee with cream for you and black coffee for her charming companion."

She smiled with insistence at Seth before leaving to another table. Sarah looked at him.

"Seems like you have success," she joked. "I wish it would be that simple for me too."

Her expression darkened.

Seth looked at the waitress with a half smile. He laughed at Sage. "She wouldn't have smiled if she knew I bite. I never pictured you to go for a waitress..." he chuckled to himself, then noted her dark expression.
"God, you remind me so much of them. You have her charisma, stubborness, beauty, and you have his dark demeanor, air, eyes...and...this is doing quite a number on my mind." he said with a continued smile.

(ooc: Sage?!? :P )

"I wouldn't know about my father. But if he's half like his own fa..."

She stopped as if she had said too much.

"Forget about it," she told him, waving her hand with a gesture typical of a Shentavo.

(ooc: I hold you indirectly responsible for my mess up with names...because.. :? ..and....that's why...don't do it again. :P :lol: )

IC:

Seth laughed, "This is too much for me," he said with a light tone.

"That wouldn't be the first time you've said that," a voice said from behind Sarah. Seth's expression changed as he noticed the half demon behind her.
"Dante," he replied. The brothers had often fought, but as of late were on better terms. "Thanks for coming at such short notice...what---"
"Had a chiropractic appointment with one of Toni's friends," he replied with a humorous smile. Seth laughed.
"Sarah," he replied. "This is Dante, Dante; Sarah." Dante was slightly taken back by the girl.
"You look just like my sister," he replied.
"She's her daughter," Seth sighed.
"Right," he shook his head. "Shall we?"

Sarah stared at Dante as if she was scanning him. Maybe she was. Actually she didn't exactly know what powers she had. All she knew to be capable of were the spells her aunt had taughed her. She looked at Seth.

"Thank you for everything," she said in a breathe, throwing a bill on the table.

She took her bag and followed Dante.

"So you're my uncle... somehow."

"Erm...you could say that, yes." he replied, He opened the door for her into the car, and looked back at Seth in the window.
Seth picked up the bill, and tipped forty dollars...he didn't eat out much. Seth searched for something in his pockets, then looked out to Dante who was smiling.
You stole my keys you son of a---

Yup, nice car. And thanks... he cut him off.

"That wasn't very nice..." Sarah muttered to herself while sitting in the car.

But she laughed slightly. A clear and melodious laugh like her mother's.

Dante laughed, and closed the door for her. He stepped into the car, and slammed the door on his side. He revved the engine slightly, inspite of Seth. Seth rolled his eyes, and sighed heavily. "You know, you remind me of my sister..." he chuckled.

Sarah waved at Seth to say goodbye. She somehow had a playful expression. She turned back at the inside of the car and stared at Dante again.

"I suppose you too have no clue of what's going on."

Seth nodded in reply. I better get my car back..
Calm down... he said. I'm only taking it for a few months..
Seth let out a sigh of exasperation before standing up to leave.

"Nope..." he replied. "I know that my sister is supposedly some anceint ledgend. I know that she was supposedly totally in love with your father. I know that you are supposedly her daughter. I know supposedly what I've been told..." he said, driving off. He chuckled to himself slightly.
"So tell me...if you cross Rave and Vaughn together, what would you get?" he said with a smile.

"An orphan," she replied with an incredibly cold voice. "Someone who has lost her father and whose mother seems unable to recognize her."

She turned at the window, looking at the streets passing by.

No. I won't cry again.

"Now now," he said softly. "You are no orphen. It is not your mother's fault she doesn't know who she is. The broken angel will more than likely help in restoring her memory. If she was as great a ruler as she has been said to be, maybe she can replace her son."

"I hope you're right," Sarah whispered. "I hope you're right. Sometimes I think Qui could use some temper. I am not that confident into the future. Not at all in fact."

"He could use some temper?" he asked with a smile. "I can second that. He's been torn ever since that day that she drove that Mephisto into hell...he swore it was his fault..."

"This was meant to be," Sarah said with a strange exhaltation. "I don't know why, but I'm sure she was meant to die. I'm certain she had something to do beyond our world. I have no idea what though."

"Maybe you're right," he replied. "Anyway, we should be there in about ten minutes...I want you to brace yourself for what you are going to see..." He reached around in his pocket, and took out a chain, it was the same that Seth had worn, but smaller, and embedded with scarlet jewels set in platinum. "Almost forgot," he handed it to her, the snake like chain falling into her hands. "It was supposedly hers..."

Sarah took the chain with great care as if it was an antique artefact of some sort. She finally put it around her neck. She remained silence, trapped in some sort of secret meditation.

Dante noted her putting the necklace on, and drove up to the mansion. It was the same as how it had been before, but different. Rebuilt, for Mephisto had destroyed it completely before...and Kenja had gotten Sarah from it before she could be harmed, all while the child had slept. He stopped the car, and got out, opening the door for Sarah. "Be prepared for what you are about to see..."

Sarah felt anxious.

"What... what should I expect?"

"Just brace yourself, alright?" he said, leading her into the mansion. Dante looked around the room, his eyes focusing on a slender blond with crimson eyes. His demonic eyes flickered at the sight of her.
"Hello Dante," she said in an entrancing voice. He smiled slightly.
"Hello Gene," he replied, taking Sarah to a forward room. Her eyes fell upon Sarah, to which she gave a slight smile, though Seth's prepartation had been solid. Slowely the entered a room where someone was standing by the window, covered by shadows.
"Yes, Dante?" the voice asked, and began to turn around. Sarah... a whisper escaped his lips.

Sarah stared at Qui (ooc: I suppose). He was... scary.

What could possibly have happened to him?

"Hello, brother," she said with a tiny little voice.

ooc: you suppose right. :P

IC:
The figure slowely stepped into the light. He was not as he had been before. White wings were upon his back, and were spread slightly. A feather fell to the floor. They were not as Ravelyn's had been, but torn, battered, and blackened feathers in some places. His hair was completely white, though he maintained otherwise the same body he possessed before. One of his eyes was crimson, the other an ice blue, lighter than even Kenja's. There was a long scar upon his arm, and leather wrapped around his knuckles as it always had. He faced toward her, his skin as pale as ever, and fangs resting upon his lower lip.
"Sarah..." he said, drawing closer to her, his expression softening.

ooc: you suppose right. :P

IC:
The figure slowely stepped into the light. He was not as he had been before. White wings were upon his back, and were spread slightly. A feather fell to the floor. They were not as Ravelyn's had been, but torn, battered, and blackened feathers in some places. His hair was completely white, though he maintained otherwise the same body he possessed before. One of his eyes was crimson, the other an ice blue, lighter than even Kenja's. There was a long scar upon his arm, and leather wrapped around his knuckles as it always had. He faced toward her, his skin as pale as ever, and fangs resting upon his lower lip.
"Sarah..." he said, drawing closer to her, his expression softening.

She looked at him intensely.

"What happened to you, my brother? It's like you've been burnt from the inside. Are you all right?"

(ooc: will have to go shortly :? )

"Something of the sort," he replied, and dismissing the thought with his hand. "She was telling the truth all a long. What happens when you cross an angel with a vampire? You get a hybrid, a mixed breed...an angelic vampire. Rave..."he paused at her name. "Had kept the balance within her, stifiling the battle...myself on the other hand...I'm wasn't quite willing to accept it."

(ooc: aww. What time will you be back on...or..erm...how many hours?)

(ooc: around the same time tomorrow... same as when we started - I'm gone now :? )

Sarah looked deeply into Qui's eyes.

"You really want me to tell you about cross-breed? There is nothing to accept. It's all a question of being. Pure and simple. But I am so glad to see you."

"I can imagine how complex your line may be," he said with a slight laugh. "Combining two immortals for new life creates a powerful being, and I am very eager to put that to the test in the future." He smiled at her, picking her up into his arms as he used to. "I'm glad to see you too..." he looked at Dante...
"Dante, relay the message to Seth to bring Sage here, tell him to drive back, alright?"
"He can't..." Dante replied with a laugh.
"Why not?"
"I have his car," he chuckled, and Qui smirked. "Take mine..." *he threw him the keys off the table with one hand, the other holding Sarah.
Wow...second car given to me today...
Don't even think about it...
eep... Dante looked at him. "Devil of an angel..." he said under his breath.

Sarah pondered Qui once again.

"What do you have in mind? How do you intend to bring back her memories?"

He was looking out the window.

"I don't mind their commercial policy, but this is just outrageous."

He turned around and faced the man who had spoken. Derreck Trent, newly elected CEO of the Sigma Corporation.

"There's a council," he replied with a calm tone. "Why don't you go and ask them for help?"

Trent laughed.

"Please, Mr.Witz, be serious. We all know who's leading this country, don't we?"

No expression could be seen onto Jeremy Witz's face. He looked in a corner of the room. Yakori was standing there in a Sotek outfit, like any other bodyguard. With no one noticing, they were having a silent dialogue. Chemical particles were flying through the confined atmosphere of the room. They were charged with meanings. Witz finally looked back at Trent.

"I'm not sure I fully understand what you're asking for, Mr.Trent. As you are undoubtedly aware of, I am not the president of the UCU. Not even a member of the Council."

Trent raised an eyebrow.

"Seriously, Mr.Witz. You are the main stock-holder of 7 corporations out of ten. You got them when Vaughn died. This damn elf really was something, I give him that. Anyway, don't play this game with me. If there is someone who can solve this problem, it is you."

Witz smiled slightly. He sat against the window, putting his hands on both side of his body.

"Why do I have the feeling you're seeking for quite an extreme solution?
- Surely because you've always been perceptive."

What Trent was asking for was the assassination of one of the most powerful CEO in the country. Pure and simple. Witz had learned the past few years. People like Trent and Cheng were passing by. He knew, now, how Vaughn had managed to preserve stability in Underaloz for all this time. One of the key was Yakori and his organisation.

"I'll think about it, Mr.Trent," he finally said, waving his hand as to indicate the way to get out.

Derreck Trent stood up and walked to the door. He stopped there.

"Thank you," he simply said with a respectful gesture. Then he got out.

Witz faced the window again. He was in the Central Tower, just a few levels below the panoramic restaurant. The gigantic city of Underaloz was stretched before his eyes. Up to the horizon. And farther. Yakori walked to him.

"So, what will we do?" the japanese man asked.
"I guess Mr.Cheng has to die. Too bad. He was a very decent businessman. Until now, that is.
- What is it?
- What is what?
- You seem... elsewhere. As if your mind was bent onto something else."

Witz had a sad smile. For a second, his eyes focussed on the translucent surface. Seeing his own reflection brought back memories. He realized his Armani suit looked very much like the ones Vaughn used to wear. He finally looked straight at Yakori.

"Nothing. It's nothing. Just thinking of the past a little bit."

Yakori bent respectfully and walked back in the corner of the room.

Nothing, Witz thought. Nothing except the woman I love and, yet, didn't see for ages.

Qui looked at Sarah and smiled. "You see," he replied. "Because I'm the little crossbreed I am...I inheirit things from both sides. From my father, my rage, and rather easy provokality...from my mother, her brilliant mind." he chuckled to himself. "You see Sarah, to jolt her memory...I think the only thing that will be needed would be your father...or at least the memory of him. She's been having dreams of him lately...because I have sent them to her...she'll come around. I'll find away." there was something careless, almost flawless about his manner...

Genesis leaned up against the wall, watching Dante as he walked out, he breifly turned around. "Genesis, got something on your mind?"
"What?" she asked in an amused voice. "You can't get into my thoughts?"
"I'm half-demon," he replied with a laugh. "Not half vampire."
"It suits you better," she replied with a sigh.
"What's on your mind? "
"Nothing."
"No, tell me." he said, implying Seth's tactic of persisting until getting an answer.
"It's...I haven't seen someone for a long time."
"Is that it?"
"It's more than you could imagine."
"Probably is," he laughed, and opened the door, stepping through it, and out to his car...erm...Qui's car.

"As long as you don't break her or something," Sarah muttered with a careful expression.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"... and there seems to be a problem in Earth II. Ambassador Ashiba sent quite a strange message."

Witz looked at it. He wasn't very found of atlantids to say the least and the message was so short he couldn't really make sense out of it.

Surely something important. Ashiba generally prefers direct words.

"Put a team of spies on this," he said. "We must have some men there.
- All right," Sandra replied, noting on her palm. "Oh... and there is the opening of the museum on level 263 tomorrow night.
- Not another celebration... please.
- Well, as Mr.Vaughn's hair, you're expected to make an appearance.
- No way to cancel it?
- I'm afraid not.
- All right, contact my tailor and my hairdresser.
- All right..." Sarah was apparently checking if she had discussed all the current issues. "... Good, that seems to cover it all. Is there anything you need?"

Witz sat down on the sofa. He passed his fingers onto his lips.

"Would you set up a phone call for me?
- On this line?" Sarah asked showing the telephone next to Witz.
"Yes, maximum security.
- And who should I call?"

Witz gave the number with no further explanation. Sarah walked out of the room and Witz waited. Half a minute after, the phone rang. He picked it up.

"Hello. Jeremy Witz speaking. Could I speak to Gene please?"

"Break her?" Qui laughed. "Though she may not be as powerful as she was...not nearly...yet still...it would be pretty hard to break her.. and no, I wouldn't do such a thing...she'll be back..."
___

Genesis sighed heavily, and made her way to the west wing of the mansion. She stretched her arms abover her head, stretching the tired muscles in her back. She walked into a circular room with cathedral ceilings and a sky light above. The sun fell in a ray from that window pouring into the center of the a room. She placed her hand in the light, and with a flick of her hand, a small light flashed, forming something that appeared to be a small orb. Just then, the telephone rang, startled, she dropped the orb, and it crashing in a pool of water on the marble floor. She sighed, and after the third ring, took the phone off the receiver, running her hand through her hair.

"Hello. Jeremy Witz speaking. Could I speak to Gene please?"

"Witz?!" she asked in a suprised expression a smile coming to her face. he reconized her voice. "It's Gene..I haven't heard from you for the longest time..."
_________

"Is it time to leave already?" Sage asked, looking at the clock as Seth woke her up. "And how did you get in here?"
"Yes," Seth replied. "And it wasn't that hard... I knew your password..."
"Not that hard to guess was it?"
"Nope."

"But Seth," Sage replied. "Christmas isn't until a week later..." she yawned, rolling out of bed, which received a laugh from Seth, as the girl fell on the floor and wrapped the blankets around her. "Five more minutes."
"You're like a child," he replied unable to control his laughter. He pulled the blanket out of the room, but she refused to unwrap herself, so she was taken with it.
"Ahh!" She said laughing. "No...come on! I like to sleep in..."
Seth's eyes laughed. "You wouldn't even care if you were late for an awards ceremony if it meant five more minutes in bed, would you?"
"Nope..." Sage replied, finally clawing her way out of the blanket, which was now quite mangled. Her hair was tossled and she looked at Seth. "Fine...fine...I'm up."
"No you're not," he chuckled looking at the girl on the floor.
"Five more minutes."

Witz nearly jumped out of the sofa.

"I... err... was busy as Hell and... err... Damn it's good to hear your voice."

Genesis laughed, throwing herself onto a couch, and setting the receiver in her lap. "Same here..." she replied. "how've ya been? And when am I gonna get to see you again?" she chuckled slightly, her demeanor brightening almost instantly.

Witz bent onto his sofa.

"It's a nightmare. I'm like the new Vaughn. Everyone is coming to me when there's something wrong around here. I'm glad Yakori is there. I don't know what I'd do without him. Anyway, I have no clue where I'll be able to find some free time. I tell you, it's a nightmare. But tell me about you."

"Ah...sounds hectic." she said with a laugh. "I've been working on research lately...stuck on a lot of possibilities on a woman named Sage. Qui and I are now totally convinced that...she is...Rave. Anyway, we're having a Chistmas party...as every year...and she will be there, singing actually. We hope to restore her memory...oh Witz." she sighed. "I was really hoping that you would come. It has been a long time since I've seen you...and if you can't go, then I'll have to kidnap you." she added with a smile.

"Rave is back?"

He had said the words very slowly, like a child who couldn't get the meaning of a sentence.

"That's... unexpected. Do you think that Vaughn...? And... amnesia?... brings back memories."

Genesis smiled. "When Rave died, chances are nothing would keep her from seeing Vaughn again...and once she found him, it is doubtful that she would leave him. If she is back...I have a slight hunch that Vaughn may not be too far off....if we're lucky. And if she remembers Vaughn...chances are she'll remember everything...that's how it is with love." she paused for a moment. "You make me remember..."

(OOC: x4! Congrats :) )

Witz remained silent for a second.

"You know... I miss you..."

( ooc: x4! ?)

IC:
"I know..." she replied softly..." I know. I miss you too. So you'll come?" she said playfully.

( ooc: x4! ?)
(ooc: yep, saw your previous post 4 times in a row ... maybe a forum glitch)

Witz sighted but smiled finally.

"I wish I could already be with you. It's not that I wouldn't like to, you know."

"You didn't answer my question," she continued wryly, a devilish expression upon her face. "Are you coming? Or must I take you?" she laughed. She wanted to see him. "Oh, come on...you can get away for a few days."

"You never give up. Do you?"

He paused.

"Oh, to Hell with it. Gimme a day and I come."

"Nope. Never do." she replied with a laugh. "And look what it gets me. Alright...I will see you then."
____

"Seth...." she whined, Seth now picking her up in his arms. "Five more minutes...."
"You said that five minutes ago," he laughed. "You're too much."
"Come on I need to get my stuff..." she said, squirming.
"Alright, alright." he set her down, and she picked up the blanket and put it on her bed. He watched her as she began packing, and was about to close the door. "Nu-uh!" he said. "You're not sleeping another minute.."
"Seth!" she replied, pretending to be hurt. "I need to change, unless you want to watch, I'm gonna close this door..." she noticed his expression. "Never mind I'm closing the door whichever choice." She closed the door, and Seth thought to himself. For God sakes that's my mother...this is bad for my health...
She didn't come out for quite some time, and Seth opened the door. "Sage?" he asked.
"Five more minutes." :roll:

Sandra was staring at him.

"You just cannot do that!"

Witz smiled.

"I can do whatever pleases me. Say I'm ill or any other better excuse you may think of.
- But everyone knows you're never ill. It's became a legend in the towers.
- Well, every legend has to stop one day or another."

He was packing his bag in a rush.

"And why don't you let Boris handle your luggage.
- Because he's not coming with me."

He closed the bag.

Here.

"What?" his secretary shouted. "You gotta be kidding! What about your protection? You can't get out without your bodyguard."

She sat down. She didn't know what to do. She had never seen Witz having such an attitude. She looked down at her shoes.

"Mr.Witz, I beg you. There are too many things going on. At least, delay your travel. Just 2 or 3 weeks, so that we have time to set up a proper excuse and..."

She had looked back up but Witz had disapeared.

"Bugger," she muttered to herself with her heavy british accent.

A woman with silvery, wavy hair, a mix of white and silver that shown metalic in the sunlight entered the room. Her crystal blue eyes shown brightly, and she had a wry smile upon her face. "Who was that Genesis?" she asked.
"Witz, Kenja." she replied, to which Kenja rolled her eyes. Gene laughed at her.
"Get into any more closets lately?" she retorted, to which Kenja shot her a glance before a smile. She walked into the other room. Gene leaned back in the couch, her smile renewed.

Qui placed Sarah down, and looked at her. "When she gets here...I think it best she not see you...at least until we restore her memory. You went to her already, didn't you?"

She gave him an incredibly firm and angry look.

"Last time you asked me to stay out, it cost her life. There is no way you'll drive me out of this. No way."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"That wasn't very clever."

Witz jumped. Yakori had frightened him like never before.

"Where the Hell are you running like this?" the japanese man asked
"To see Gene.
- Interesting.
- What do you mean?
- She has told you about Sage?
- Who?
- Rave's double.
- Ah... yes.
- That's not the reason you go there, is it?
- Well... yes and no.
- I see.
- I doubt it.
- I'm coming with you.
- No way.
- Yes, I am, and we'll take a friend with us.
- But if...
- Say yes, or I bring you back in your office.
- Great... yes then."

Qui was suprised about Sarah's demeanor. "Last time I asked you to stay out it saved yours." he replied. "There was nothing you could have done. Mephisto was to powerful for a youngin like you...he was too powerful for my self for God's sake. She sacrificed her life for all of us! Don't you see that?" he asked. He inwardly blamed himself for her death...The torn angel turned away from her, hiding the change in his eyes. "There are ways Sarah...but I'm asking you...not until she receives her memory back."

"You are not responsible for her death," Sarah told her brother firmly. "However, I would like not to be responsible for her amnesia. You may be powerful, but there are things I can do you don't know of. Maybe it was too much for a Shentavo, who knows what a Vaughn could have done?"

"It was to much for anyone," he snapped in an unusually harsh manor. He turned from her again, pacing toward the window. "Accept my apologies for my mannor, but leave me and my inner demons alone...now."

"I will not leave you. You've been on your own for far too long," Sarah replied, her crimson eyes flickering.

He turned around, his fangs clearly visable, as white as his alabastor skin. "Leave me!" he yelled. A feather fell from his tattered wings. His eyes were threatening, confused as the blood within him. His body convulsed slightly, and he placed his hand on his side, and the other on the chair to brace himself. "Sarah I do not want to hurt you of all people!"

"I doubt you can anyway," the teenager replied with an expression Qui knew too much. "If your demons are a problem for you then let me fight them. I won't let you approach our mother in such a state of being."

A tear fell from his eye, but it was not of water, but of blood. "The demons are not yours but mine alone...my father was so kind to give them to me, to curse me for eternity." he paused. "Isn't it funny how things work out?" he laughed slightly. "Sarah...leave me..." his hand clenched upon the rim of the chair, breaking the back without meaning too. "Please..."

Genesis looked up from the couch, a length away from the room they were in. She stood up.

"Maybe my father gave me such a legacy too," Sarah muttered as she was taking a defensive posture. "We are brother and sister, Qui. Your demons are mine. Unleash them. I can take care of them. You can't. Give up and accept my help."

Qui stepped toward her unexpectadly, walking toward his sister. His razor sharp fangs were visable as he jumped into the air. His wings spread out magnificantly, the broken and torn feathers still able to hold him. He rushed toward her swooping down, fire in his eyes. He gripped her shoulder. "Is this what you want?! huh?! Is it?!" With a darkened expression, he vanished in a white light.

(ooc: I have no clue what reaction Sarah should have... O_o)

(Lol. that's a first :P *hugs* think... never seeing that side of her brother...ever.)

(ooc: all right, I'll go for a demonstration then :P )

Sarah calmly muttered an antique elvish incantation her aunt had taughed her. She plunged her hand into the shadow and grabbed something. She took Qui out of the shadows and literally launched him against a wall.

"We haven't finished this discussion," she said with a clear and firm voice.

He laughed, and as he hit the wall, vanished again. He appeared behind her. "Dont' make me do this Sarah. Don't make me prove this..." His fangs were stained with blood...it was not his...he glanced at her shoulder. "Leave me...please.."

Genesis rushed to the door, which was locked. The psion placed her hand against the lock...

Sarah stepped back and, as if she wasn't made of matter, entered Qui's body.

"Let's see those demons," she said, disapearing into Qui.

(ooc: will make for some suspense... I'm f--king late and I have to run away :? )

"No no my dear," he laughed, disappearing in a white flash completely...Genesis opened the door in time enough to see him disappear.
"Qui!"

Sarah lay on the ground. It felt cold and hard. As she opened her eyes she saw a light above. The room was well lit from an unknown source, and there were no walls, yet there seemed to be no end. Footsteps could be heard as she rose from the ground, and she turned around to face Qui. But it was not the one she had seen, but had the appearance of before Ravelyn's death. His brown hair unkempt over his scarlet eyes.
"Is this what you wanted to see Sarah?" he asked her softly. "Is this what you plan on tearing apart? Did you ever put the puzzle together? Rave could hold her balance...I could not. But the demon within me is a part of myself, whether I like it or not. And if you destory that half, you destroy me. Now I asked you to leave me...but you persisted. You're incantations won't work here....and I'm beginning to think something of you. The fact that you could break my defences, which not even Genesis coud do, is remarkable. But that starts me thinking...it seems if you are not real, or were not supposed to be...like an energy. I've killed a million pety souls...but I couldn't kill you Sarah. I couldn't do it." he circled her in a non-threatening manor, but in an observing one. "Even with the taste of your blood," he looked at her shoulder. "I always wanted a little sister, I swore I'd do anything to protect you and I do...when I warned you...I try to save you from myself. Why must you be so stubborn...I need to face this alone...it is not your battle to be one."

Qui looked around, placing his hand gently upon her shoulder, the wound healing immediately at his touch. He turned her to face away from him. "Watch..." he said firmly.
There was nothing at first, and then it came, like a movie playing before them. There was an angel along a beach. It was night, and the moon was full. There were two men, or what seemed to be men. One would be known as Corithisia, the other as Daja. They watched the angel, and whisperings could be heard...bickering amongst the two...but Daja was the first to meet her. She looked toward him, and the picture faded.
It was along the same beach. The moon was full. And the angel walked silently again, looking around. Out of the shadows stalked the man she had met before. She paused for a second, and he took a step towards her. She turned to run, but it was too late. "She did not scream, nor did a tear shed from her eye as he took her into his dark embrace..." Qui said softly. The seen faded into darkness.
It was bright, the mansion, she remembered it to be. It seemed as if a party were going on. Her mother walked down a spiral staircase, a beautiful black silken dress donned upon her figure. "How does this look?" she asked a man. "Wonderful." She smiled. "You think he'll like it." The man paused. "He'd be crazy not to..." The man smiled.
"He knew that she wasn't referring to him, but to your father. She had trusted him as a friend...which she shouldn't have." Qui said softly. The scene faded to what it seemed to be later on that very night.
The same two stood in a dark room, the man speaking...the woman slightly frightened and backing away toward the door. "It is but one dance..for old times sake?" he asked. She hesitated, than took his hand. A dance could not hurt, right? The scene blinked, and it shot to a point where he pushed her into a wall. She didn't scream nor did a tear fall from her eye. She pushed him away from her, as he removed a knife from his belt.
"Jealousy can do things to you," he said quietly, and continued to watch. The woman tried to open the door, but it was locked with her own spell, as there were many in the mansion. She looked at him, and he placed the knife to her throat. She bared her fangs, and bit down hard into his wrist, the knife slicing across her skin. A few drops of blood fell to the floor, and she grabbed the knife quickly, the wounds healing over just as Sarah's had done, though quicker. He rushed toward her again....and then...the knife sliced through his heart, and she pulled it out quickly. There was a determined expression across her face. He struggled to get up, but as he did, she fought him. She brought him down, and drained the last drop of blood from his body. He fell into ashes. She stood up, shaken. What he had tried to do...She shook slightly, her hands trembling, dropping the knife to the floor. She broke the curse to the door silently after a few minutes, and with great trepidation, opened it and stepped outside.
"She never did tell anyone about any of this. You see where I get my inner demon's from now?!" he asked her harshly. "My father, my mother...she never told me she was raped when she was turned. As she never told me any of this. If I would have known, I would have more than likely taken a shot at him any chance I got. She never even told Vaughn...not even of his death. Daja was more or less an absent father, showing up once maybe every century or two... That makes up half of me. My other half, is her...the light. Since she's been gone, you can make assumptions on which side has been winning. What brings me to such extremes is...well let me show you..."
The scene flashed again, what appeared to be modern day. A man walked along the beach, and slowely, he faced them. "Made a pact with the devil..." Qui explained. "he's come for her, but he does not know that Sage is Ravelyn...but he's searching...he can sense her. A sire always knows were their childr are...but since the change from her death...it's been harder to trace. But he's getting closer. That's why I've been on edge lately. In wanting to be alone, I deal with my inner demons, and gain strength. I get closer every day to finding him. And when I do, he will not see the light of day again. "
The scene faded into greyness again. "Have you seen enough? Is this what you wanted to see? Or shall I show you more?...no, no....you won't leave me, so how about some more?!" He said, his voice raising slightly.
The wall, or what appeared to be a wall, flashed again. It was the same man from before, in the academy, in the A.C. room. another stood across from him; Qui. Father versus son. The occupants and students were cleared out in a hurry by Genesis and Seth, knowing the danger of putting the two together. They fought, Qui only being an elder at the time, the ancient had the advantage. The sword rammed through Qui's abdomen, as he writhed on the ground. Daja whispered something in his ear, and laughed, and left the room, blood trailing from his lips.
Qui looked at Sarah. "Would you like to see more? huh?!" he asked, his expression darkening. "That was before I knew what I know now. He was darkness... and he leaves me with the same legacy. The blood on my hands, he gave me what was spilt with his...and I bear both...you do not want to see my dark side Sarah, and I need time to deal with it myself."

Sarah had been strangely calm while Qui was showing all of this. His excitment was a mixed demonstration of hatred and sadness. As Qui was talking about her true nature, she had finally made the connections between what she had felt and what her aunt had told her.

Elaïne is probably much more closer to me than my parents are.

She looked at the scenes with great care. She didn't know this Daja. She just knew what her grand-father had told her. There was only one thing she was sure of: if her aunt was correct, her father would never have fallen in love with an agent of darkness. Not again. The thought of her father's ex-wife came to mind and she could now see what had connected her parents. The situation was different, of course, but they shared the same disorders somehow. The past is a frightening weapon. She felt glad not to have one.

"... I need time to deal with it myself."

She had finally reconnected with the very reality of the room. Qui was standing before her. Something in his attitude was echoing into her own soul. Over-confidence to hide dark powers. This sounded exactly like her father. Hadn't he found a solution to temper himself while keeping his demon around, in case of danger?

"You fear what you are," she finally told Qui. "Maybe you could try something like what my father did. You could hinder the darkness and keep it unleashable when needed. Maybe you're a Zacharian in need for a Vaughn."

She smiled warmly at him with a spark in her crimson eyes.

"I think I could help you."

"It is something I face alone my dear," he said. "Leave me...as I asked you before. I hinder what I am to the best of my ability. It is quite confusion, pure darkness mixed with the purest of light. It was not meant to be..."

Seth looked at Sage and raised an eyebrow. "You're twenty one, and still you will not get out of bed."
"I had the dreams again," she replied. "No sleep you know..."
"Fine," he said with a laugh, picking her up, still wrapped in blankets. He pushed open the door, to meet Dante, whom was about to knock. "Did you bring my car back?"
"No, I brought Qui's...can I have my sister now?" he asked with a laugh. Sage pulled the blanket from her face and smiled.
"Not going to disappear on me again Dante?" she asked with a smile.
"I have a feeling that you'll be seeing a lot more of me for a very long time."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know," he chuckled. "Seth will explain in the car...let's go."
"I will?" Seth asked. Then made his way out to the car, Sage finally crawled out of the blanket and got her things, which were already packed. With her eyes half open, she made her way out to the car as well, and placed her things in the back.
"Right then," Dante said. "Ready?"
"Mmmm-hmmm" Sage replied, and fell asleep in the car.