Ryku picked up on the second ring, his voice irritated, "You're late. Swing set, make it fast." Hanging up, Ryku waited patiently. He had no idea Lynne was involved, but now...now was a different story. Staring down at the mini-tv in his hands, he watched Hikaru and Kaoru drag Lynne into the open, their guns at her head as they forced her to the ground. He didn't dare turn the sound on to listen to what the newscaster was saying. Kaleb...you owe me some answers...
Nova shook her head, "Alice will be fine. Souichirou loves her like a sister, he wouldn't hurt her willingly. You...be ready. Mithos will put up a fight the second he's out of Alice. He'll also look for a new body. Don't, I repeat, don't let his words affect you. One weakness and you're done for."
Kyrios set a pale hand on the Serpent's head and slid two fingers under it's upper lip. Yanking back it's head, mouth gaping wide open, the yellow snake slithered back inside the Serpent. It's long fangs pierced into its black heart and tore into it. Yves covered Tori's eyes before Kyrios' snake moved. "Was that necessary, Sitnah? There are children around." His brother gave him a shrug and let his yellow snake slither up his arm, disappearing under his cloak. Uriel shifted through the students and guided them back inside. "Alright...showing is over. This has taken longer than expected...proceed to the dining hall for dinner....the rest of the day is yours. Seraphim, if you would please...follow me?" She waited for their nods and resumed guiding the students back inside as the rain finally let up.
Souichirou shook his head and faded into a gray smoke, returning to Nova's side. Genesis and Nova smiled fondly as they saw Alice. "You ready Sou?" He nodded, "Yes. As much as I will be. After all, I'm only removing a God from your sister's body."
Enan shut his mouth and glared coldly at Kaila, "You would do well to remember your place, Kaila. The students will be less judged if they hide what makes them holy. Imagine...a human suddenly befriending an angel overnight? It would be strange. These humans are different. They either don't believe at all or they believe too much in our Father and his children. These humans will not question that their new friend is an angel. Your prediction is wrong, Kaila." Kallai nodded, "Yes, they are mortals bound to the Summer Court of their own volition by another angel. They serve us and they worship us, but they are very much free. I shall show you tomorrow." The Serpent lowered it's head as if to strike out at Tori. "Filthy Pureblood...your magic does not work on all of the fledglings, Seraph." Yves dragged another first year over towards the Serpent and made her do the same. The same thing was spoken and the fledgling nodded and started towards the forest. Grabbing her collar, Yves set a hand on her head, "That won't be necessary. You see, Tori? The creatures of the Dark have suggestive dark magic. Any human, or angel in eye contact with their foulness will obey their orders without hesitation if they are not bound to a Court."
Mikatsu blushed, "Oh, I'm sorry, did I say something I shouldn't have?" she covered her mouth and turned away, "I-it's no reason really...he just...probably thinks something's going on between you two. That's all! Y-yeah, he probably misread the situation." She stumbled over her words in a fast pace and tapped her fingertips together, hoping she hadn't outed Fiona on her crush.
Yves smiled down at her, "Yes...it's time I return to the Lifestream. I am tired...and my body grows old and weary. Angels live a long time, Tori, but I have been around for thousands of years... It is a temporary solution. If our Father does not accept our choice, I will have to return." he sounded sad but brushed away his emotion and gently led her towards the Serpent, "Creatures of the Dark will give you a wide berth with this on. And their suggestive powers will not affect you. Try it, stare into it's eyes...Kyrios, let him speak." Kyrios shrugged and the bright yellow snake slithered out of the Serpent's mouth. The Serpent gasped and hissed, glaring at Tori, "Go and eat the blood red berries in your home forest, you dirty pureblood!" It's red eyes grew intense with a dark magic. Sanya returned Kaila's smile and frowned at Enan, "Forgive me for saying so, but that's dumb. Humans don't like angels. We're too odd for them to handle. Their puny minds can't wrap around the fact that holy beings exist." Enan chuckled, "That is true, young Sanya. Which is why, your classes will now be focused on magic that will conceal your wings and heavenly light. There is a human waiting for each of you that is targeted by the Dark for some reason. Otherwise, we would not ask this of you." Kallai set a warm hand on Schuyler's head, "Don't be scared. Humans will change their minds often but a loyalty made to an angel is forever. One human, that's all you need. If you are frightened I shall introduce you to a few of the Summer Girls to boost your moral."
Erios Mikatsu followed them, her thin fingers grabbing ahold of Verdelet's clothes, "No..he's not nobility at all. Just treated as one. Ciel was raised by a merchant from Amittai. He delt with a lot of nobles and...there are a lot of things even I don't know, but he's not a bad person, I swear." She gave him a look that said she knew exactly what he was thinking. "I take it you met him in Amittai...and he gave you the cold shoulder. Ciel has...jealousy issues. He...um, like-likes Fiona...I could see it in his eyes." Kallahi Cooke ruffled Advent's hair and immediately straightened it, "Well, since I'm not one to object to adventures...after all, you are still a member of the military. I suppose it's alright. Our research doesn't require any more testing as of yet. We can do with what we have. Oh, right! Max, would you bring me the...uh, what did we call it? Ah who cares, you know...the new one...no the one we finished." She directed and Max stared at her with an amused look. He knew what she wanted. Snatching up the weapon they'd been working on he handed it to Advent without a word, like always. Cooke beamed, "Yeah, that one. It's a new prototype of concentrated magic energy into one crystal." The "weapon" was a small black pearl crystal that rested comfortably in the palm of Max's hand. "This thing will wipe the memories of anyone you throw it at. Handy for your journey, yes? But use it carefully. I've only got the one for the moment and it's in case of an emergency. If you end up not using it, that'll be perfect." Crimson stared at the little pearl. "So...he gets something new and I don't?" Cooke's expression turned to one of annoyance for a moment before Max dropped a dagger into his hand. One edge of it glowed with a faint green light. He scribbled down on a pad of paper and showed it to him, 'Emergencies only. Numaran technology.' "What does it do?" Again more scribbling. Max's handwriting was neat but not so much when he wanted to speak quickly. 'Magic sealer, effective but short term.'
Luce's eyes snapped open and she stared at Lenny with a blank gaze. "Eight years...I lived eight years with a man who hated my guts. Wh-what do I do...how am I supposed to act? Mom...my father... Lenny...do...do you love me?" Luce's pale face warmed and her hands feebly clutched at Lenny's shirt. "Please..." she whispered, "I want my father's words to mean nothing to me. I need you to love me."
Mogryo flicked his brown furry ears, "I dunno what you're talking about much, but the pink haired lady told me to stick with you guys." His little head tilted to the side as he felt Lightning's situation turn tense. "Kupo..." The elevator came to a jerking stop. Light's eyes opened, "Hm?" The doors were pried open and Lightning could see she had reached the top. Before her stood a large group of Watchdrones. "Hmph, you wanna fight? Fine... Let's shake things up." Her threat lurked in her eyes as she flicked her gunblade into it's form she wanted. A Watchdrone moved to lash out at her and she slashed through it's tentacle arm and finally through it's body. "Heh, not even worth my time." A Watchdrone slid past her and lashed out at her back. Turning deftly, Light blocked it's attack and partially summoned Oden. His weapon fell into her hands, lightning crackling around it's spiked edges. "Who're you watching!" Rushing straight through the Watchdrone, Lightning skidded to a stop as it fell apart behind her and Oden's weapon disappeared from her hands. She felt her body shift from a Commando Role to her Ravager Role and let her anger and frustration surge through her in the form of Fira. Watching three more Watchdrones melt, Light noticed a not so subtle shift in their behavior. A few Pantheron's padded into the fray. Their mechanical talons clicking on the ground. Lightning shifted her boots and bent her knees slightly. "Hm, might break a sweat." Akira nodded. "Yeah...but...what is our Focus? And...will Light come back? Wh-what are we gonna do?"
Yves pulled away from Tori, "Yes, I did. You owed me something and I took my payment in your alliegence to the High Court. Of course I knew you'd join, but as a precaution I wanted to give you something to protect you. You needn't feel as you do. Seraphim are incapable of mating with other angels....unfortunately we are bound only to our Father. We serve and that is the only thing we can do." Sanya yawned like a child, "I'm glad you know now and understand. When they told me, it was too late. A creature from the dark had already stolen my wing and arm from me. You don't have to go at this alone, Kaila. Ren...may not know how to show his feelings but I do. I'll protect you! Err...at least...I'll help in whatever way I can. If you want me to." She jumped up and flexed her little arms. Kallai tore her attention away from Kyrios and his disgusting way of torturing the Serpent and spread her six wings wide. "That's right. Starting today, we, the Seraphim of Heaven's Courts, will be alternating our presence in this school and teaching selective students about our Courts and at the end of the year, Amittai will be resigning his position as the High Court Seraph. The reason we are here is to choose a new Seraph. Be they first year fledgling or fourth year. Your classes will change..." she stopped as Enan lifted his hand. "Over stepping your boundaries aren't you, Kallahi? The class change is my jurisdiction. Each class will become hands-on and more interactive with the mortal and Heavenly worlds. You will leave the school once a week and oversee a human of your choice. This is the job of a Seraph and you are given minor responsibilities. Questions?"
Alice panted and clawed at the ground. Souichirou was sitting on top of her, his gun dangling in his hands loosely. "What is it with all you mortals and demanding I face you.. I don't understand humans." Souichirou stepped on Alice's fingers and she bit down on her tongue. "If no one else will..." He yanked on the chain from his gun and extended it. Wrapping it around her hands and pulling it tight. "C'mon...humans down here shouldn't be exposed to Mithos' light. They could turn into Redeads. Auran will you carry her?"
Erios Mikatsu's red eyes widened, "You don't know about Ciel? Oh, well...it'd be my pleasure to tell you about him. Ciel Phantomhive is the last surviving member of the Eastren Tribe. He's made quite a name for himself. Ciel's family used to be the leaders of the Tribe and their older sons taught several of the nations their military stratagies. But...since the war between the Eastren Tribe and a fourth nation that no longer exists, Ciel teaches individuals Spirit magic and combat. Erios and Amittai's leaders respect him because of his power. Ciel is also considered a noble and the lucky lady he marries...will gain a lot of respect as well. And...um...rumor has it, he used to date one of Elstelz's daughters. His dating history is rather colorful." she blushed.
Souichirou stared blankly at Auran's sword and dropped it to the ground. "Humans certainly are strange.... What would I do with a sword? It's so outdated." He nudged Alice with his boot and watched her spew curses and cry in vain at the Bloody Rose's wounds on her skin. Nova slumped onto the wet ground, "I told you...that's Sou's job. Your job is to wear her out. Get her to run around or something. Alice tires easily." She lifted her katana and pointed it at Genesis, "Would you like him to help? These two aren't doing anything worth while." Genesis rubbed his forehead, "She says it's not worthwhile...so my proving that I am a greater warrior than this punk...means nothing to my dear Nova? How tragic." She ignored him and tapped her katana against Auran's leg. "Running out of ideas? Tell me...is she tired? Has Sou shot her? If so, tie her up and bring her here. Sou's job is to purge Mithos from her and then he's all yours to play with."
Kallahi Max and Cooke turned their glares on the two boys before looking back to each other. Since Max wasn't going to speak, Cooke growled around her cigarette. "Not at all. Max was just going to release me so I could continue my work." He scowled and slammed his palm against the floor beside her. Struggling, Cooke cast her brown eyes at Advent and sighed, "Fine...you win this time." she spit out her cigarette after taking a long drag off it. Letting go, Max helped his sister stand and she blew the smoke into his face in a less than polite puff. Coughing, Max turned away, grabbing up a magazine and fanning his face with it. Crimson exhaled loudly, "You two scared me. I thought...something scandalous was happening." Cooke gave him a 'whatever' look, that although didn't fit her brother's professional attitude, matched the scarlet lining her cheeks. "Oh, hush up. Max would like me to stop smoking. The only way to do that...deplorable force administered by the one and only, Max Crescent." She glared at his back again before stepping closer to Crimson and Advent. "What brings our pups here today? Certainly nothing hurts." her hazel eyes glimmered with concern as she gave Advent a once over from head to toe. Amittai Ciel had opened his mouth to respond when he heard the voice of the young witch. His jaw dropped as he stared down at the two of them. "What the... You two... Agh! I can't believe two little girls came to a battle without being seen. I suppose...our military isn't very aware of all the talents of magic. My word, you two are the most annoying witches I've ever met." He ran a hand through his black hair and pulled on it, "I suppose...we'll have to take you two with us until we get to Erios.... It's a longer journey on foot, but as you can see, the transports have already left. Alright...alright...we leave in the morning. Bright and early." Erios Mikatsu smoothed her clothes and dusted off herself. "Unfortunately, I am in the debt of the Spirit Mages now...and that includes you, Fiona. H-has Ciel come back?" she looked to Verdelet for her answer even as she watched General Kakanas out of the corner of her eye slink back towards the palace where he resided for now. She loathed the man as he loathed Composite Mages.
Ren and Gabriel carried Kiel to Yves. "Gabe insists because he belongs to the High Court that so does Kiel. He says...he feels it in his soul." Ren made a face as if to say he didn't believe a word of Gabriel's. He knelt and touched the light blue ribbon around Tori's wrist and touched Kiel's upper arm. A similar ribbon of light blue formed around his muscle and tied itself in a neat little bow. "Lost yet found...the one who appears human has been marked." Yves mearly smiled and gently brushed a lock of hair from Tori's face. A warm hand settled on her wings and smoothed the feathers there. "It matters not. He belongs to me now. To the High Court. He will do as I command, so there are no worries." Yves caught Enan staring at him. The Seraph knew Enan would never understand the simple part of affection. Enan, the Seraph of the Winter Court, one of the cruelest courts known to Heaven. Enan and Kyrios were closer to the Dark than was comfortable for Yves to accept. Sanya skipped away from her Master and the Serpent, still grossly choking on Kyrios' snake and plopped down on the ground next to Kaila's feet. Her metal wing retracted as her other, feathered wing stretched. Rubbing the gears of her metallic arm, Sanya sighed, "Nobody sees what I do in Kyrios...err...Sitnah. Kaila...just because Ren belongs to my Court doesn't mean he's a bad person. Everyone is different. Elena is not subtle in her actions. She deals with plants and dance... Ren deals with history...things that change and make it important. The Dark Court is placed in the center of a lot of historic events. 9/11...they reveled in the anguish, anger and fear. Hitler's reign...they fed until they were bloated on the fear and hatred. The many Kings in England and everywhere else...they relished the lust." Sanya's blonde hair fell over her face as she leaned forwards.
Alice shifted her weight and reached one hand up to touch his face. Her fingers curled into a fist and punched Auran in the face. ooc: IN THE FACE!! bic: Souichirou flinched and shot her again. A second purple cross blazed to life on her revealed skin of her back and sparked there too. Genesis tilted his head, questioning Gexln, "I haven't hurt you have I? Dear me, Nova my dear, it seems you choose pitiful champions." She mearly shook her head and rolled her dark blue eyes. Genesis felt a smile reach his lips at her unamusment. "You're absolutely lovely when it comes to pretending I don't matter."
Kallai frowned at Schuyler's description of the spike. "It sounds like a Slayer...old creatures of the dark...They live inside dead trees and attack without warning. Their spines are poisonous.... One is dangerous on it's own... Sanya, would you mind searching the forest tomorrow morning and setting any dead trees on fire? Slayers gather to breed, if there is one, more are sure to follow." The little girl nodded her head, golden eyes sparkling with pride as Kyrios patted her head with a pale hand. "Have I done well enough, sir?" He nodded and a long yellow snake slithered out from under his cloak. Wrapping around the Serpent's head once before pushing it's yellow head into it's black mouth. Kyrios' snake kept traveling until even it's yellow tip of it's tail disappeared inside the Serpent. The Serpent's red eyes bulged in it's head and saliva oozed from the corners of it's mouth. Yves made a face at Kyrios and his pet. He knelt in front of Tori, "You worry for your friend. Does he...mean something more to you? This boy, Zadkiel, claims much of your attention. I must admit, I'm quite jealous." His golden eyes crinkled at the sides with humor and yet deep in their liquid golden depths, something flickered around...truth, perhaps, in his words. Ren half carried, half dragged Kiel back to the group. He'd torn apart his shirt to bandage Kiel's wounds. For a grown boy with no wings, he sure is heavy... Why am I stuck with taking care of the strange ones? Ren set golden eyes on Kaila for a moment before casting them downwards in embarrassment. His fingers clutched at the pocketwatch that still ticked with perfect time. The odd little device started to pulse and chime as he neared the choking Serpent. "Lord Sitnah, I assume it's under control so I won't bother assuming you need my help. This boy requires Heaven's medicine. A Slayer hit him...only one Seraph needs to stay to choose Court members at a time. Kiel...belongs to neither Court as of yet and thus it falls to family to get the medicine for him." Casting a glance at Kiel's disoriented state he pointedly glared at Gabriel. Kiel's vision swam with color, mostly gray and white but flashes of blue and something black. He couldn't focus on anything. Sounds were like a rush of noise and the sensation of falling crept into his mind. Am I falling? I can't see... Would anyone notice I was gone if I did fall? Yeah...Tori would...and Professor Elena... That's right...I wanted to help Professor Logos...Schuyler came...and then...pain...but what else?
Amittai Elstelz nodded and the soldiers let Lief stand on his own. "I'll see you all when you get back. Happy travels." he smiled and Lief couldn't help but smile back. Ciel rolled his eyes, feeling more like a trapped mouse, "Let's go. We don't have much time left. We should get over the Ilipson Mountains in two days and head towards the eastren gate of Erios. That way I can bring you all inside without alerting unnecessary persons. Now...if you need to take care of anything, do it now." Ciel ran over the maps of the Ilipson Mountains in his head. It was a three pathed mountain with strong winds and an ever present rain gathering at the top. The only stable path was the one they'd take, which veered more towards Kallahi than he liked. If they were spotted by scouts, they'd be shot. The Erians prepared the transports for the wounded to return to Erios. Kallahi Crimson scoffed, "You doubt Dr. Crescent? And she calls you her favorite...man..." he shook his head and pushed open the lab doors. Only to find Cooke Crescent pinned to the floor by Max. She held a cigarette in her mouth and a harsh glare on her face as she stared down Max. Max didn't look like he was going to move. He held her wrists above her head in one hand and the other braced on the ground. Cooke's white coat had fallen open and her purple blouse ruffled with each breath she took. Crimson's face turned bright red with embarrassment,"Wh-wh-what's going on h-h-here!?" Erios Mikatsu nodded without answering. She felt shame burning in her cheeks.
General Kakanas tossed his head from side to side, obviously struggling with his temper. "As long as the High Priest is missing, I am in control here. Composite Mages are dangerous. Any Mage who cannot control their magic energy should be banished from a highly populated city or killed." He opened his mouth to lecture some more when a flock of young men wearing similar green garb ran into the city, "Stop! This girl has done nothing wrong, General. Lord Ciel Phantomhive has taken her under his wing as a valued member of the Phantomhive Acadamy. He's teaching her to control her magic energy flow. You cannot harm her." A ripple of terror and frustration ran through the soldiers and they shifted on their feet to look at their General. "Grr...fine! But this is on Ciel's head if she kills even one person! I want to see Phantomhive when he gets back!" The students bowed their heads and the soldiers slowly filed out of the square. Mikatsu was set on her feet, though dazed. She shook her hair out and covered her face with her pale, thin hands, "You're all so...stupid. You'll get yourselves killed helping me."
