The Affinities

"You knew she was a fire affinity. Yet you cared for her. And didn't discriminate against her," said Andrew in surprise and wonder. "Why?" he questioned, "You knew she was no doubt a great danger to you and everyone else." This man sure was something if he was genuine. Recalling that he had said something about a book, Andrew asked him about it. "Am I allowed to see this book?" Maybe the book would be able to tell him more about Jo and see what was up with her. Perhaps there was something more to the firehead than blowing up and being a warhawk.

 

Berry scratched his chin, shifting Ulrich to a more comfortable position and laughed a long, loud, laugh, "Why? Cause she's still Jo. I've known her since she was a baby, and never has she raised her voice to me, let alone shown any aggression in town. I'm sure the fire changed her..she lost everything. Casting out little Jo just seems like a crime to me, she's like my daughter, y'know? Even if she isn't my blood. She may have a fire dragon's temper and power, but she still has the heart of a young girl." He shuffled himself and Andrew into the inn and set Ulrich down on a couch before lowering his voice, "Normally I'd say yes, but the Church got their hands on all the books here in town and in order to see them...you gotta be a member. Unfortunately, since I live here, I have to be a member, but that book...sure is somethin' else. Bunch of lies." he growled and snorted, "Stop by the bar sometime tomorrow and I'll tell ya all about the town's history. The true history."

 

Andrew listened closely. His explanation didn't really answer his questions, but it was good enough. "Sir, how old are you?" asked Andrew straight out, not wanting to deal with manners and pleasantries. He wanted some answers. He wanted to know that these kids would be safe with Jo around and for a day or two in this place.

 

Dream Sequence (2)​

The bonfire was lit outside the hut, the night was young, the moon full, and the wind was warm and gentle. The orphans were gathered around the fire, laughing and joking. All save one. Ulrich sat upon a stump, some distance away from the fire, brooding. The memories of his foster parents, of his old friends and home, filled his mind. He remembered those times, but the memories were bittersweet. When he thought back to those fun times, those innocent peaceful times, all he saw were flames. Fire and blood, rivers upon rivers of pain and misery, filled his vision.

"Ulrich," spoke a soft, gentle voice. Ulrich snapped to and glanced at the person who called him. Sadness, and a much stronger emotion, came over him. Before him was a tall, willowy woman wearing a red leather trench coat. Her hair was long and dark, curling here and there, complementing her tan skin. Her eyes were almond-shaped, their hue a bright ochre. Her slender lips curled into a cat-like smile, teasing and affectionate. Beneath the folds of her coat, she wore leather pants and white tennis shoes, whilst wearing a tight black shirt. She was slightly taller than the fifteen year old Ulrich, too, towering over him by a mere three inches. She was the anti-thesis of Ulrich... loving, open... innocent.

"Ulrich, why are you over here? You've been with us for over a year now... why don't you celebrate with us?" She asked. "It's your anniversary, you know. I'm sure Kaylee would love to have you near the fire again."

"Rose..." Ulrich murmured. She wasn't too much older than him, only by a couple of years. She was the only one who he considered his peer. "I... I don't feel comfortable barging in on your peaceful family. It's rude of me, and I'm not like you all. This life-style..."

"Pish-posh," Rosie teased. "Peace is a life-style suited for everyone, good or bad. We're your family. We love you. Now come. Stop feeling sorry for yourself." Ulrich stared at her with empty eyes, the same eyes he possessed since his new life began... the life of revenge, of senseless murder. How many towns and villages had he left abandoned? Ulrich shook his head. He never knew guilt, and the regret he felt was undeniably painful. It was her fault...

"I'm fine..." Ulrich replied.

"You may act mature for your age, Ulrich," she began, her tone sharp. "But you're just a child. You're not fine. You're hurt. You lost everything... you did horrible things, and you're too scared of your own emotions! Why can't you start anew? Why can't you love those helpless children, who see you as an older brother? What about Kaylee?" She chastise, her smile fading and tears in her eyes. Ulrich frowned. He knew she was as sharp as a diamond, even when he taught her how to play chess. He lost to her numerous times on her first go-around.

"Those children aren't helpless," he murmured. "They're just like you and I... they have power. They can fend for themselves..." Ulrich's tone was bitter, and Rosie flinched.

"Ulrich Ravenhardt!" She exclaimed sharply. "They're children! They're helpless, even if they have power. If they use it for all the wrong reasons---"

"They'll be just like me. A murderer, an empty shell. A monster." Ulrich interrupted. Before he knew it, Rosie slapped him. He felt red hot pain upon the side of his cheek, but Ulrich remained stoic.

"They're just children... no child should cause suffering, nor should they suffer... we were given a gift, to spring new life to help those who are in desperate need... we're every bit human as they are!" She cried, tears running down her face.

Ulrich was stunned, shocked. Rosie spoke a taboo, of leveling witches and wizards equally to those of normal humans. He didn't know how to respond, he just sat there, speechless. Rosie turned away from him, and over her shoulder, she said to him.

"We are meant to bring peace and prosperity to the chaos of the world. We know the pains of normal people, and even more pain than that... our hearts resonate with emotions that speak to those suffering around us. We are not monsters, but guardians. In time, the people will know that we are there for them... in time, they will need us..."

 

OOC: I'm having a lot of problems with my internet atm so sorry if I don't post much.

 

OOC: so dead....can't think of anything to say...

 

Berry scoffed, "Ah, a true man never dwells on his age to determine everything. Jo's a good girl, and this town isn't shy of neat. Just stay away from the Church, and you'll all be fine."

 

The man's answer didn't reassure Andrew's doubts in the slightest. But he nodded anyway and followed him to wherever he would put Ulrich down. He would have to watch this guy closely and make sure he doesn't do anything suspicious.

 

Keel listen to Barry and Andrew's conversation. This place seemed to have many places not to go to. What exactly could be at the chruch?

 

ooc: Perhaps it's time to bring in those bad guys, yeah?

 

OOC: I thought we were going to wait until after this arc of yours :/

 

ooc: but nobody's posted in a long time.

 

OOC: Get KH530 to post, then? Or you respond. Or something. Unless you all want me to post another dream sequence. But, for the most part, I think it's time someone sat Ulrich down in a bed or something and have two particular people return... and I wonder if Midnight is doing alright. She's been a bit tied up lately... maybe her internet is still being a pain?

 

OOC: My apologies, my internet is back up mostly but I'm currently in the middle of my exam's, anyway I can't let this die. Give me a minute to figure out what's going on and do a post and let's get this thing going. ^,^

 

Ooc: I say we kinda hurry this along and bring in those bad guys

Jellal watched as the large man carried away the unconscious Ulrich and Andrew followed, asking him questions. Truth be told, he too was rather curious as to why he helped protect their identity. Slowly, he began to follow them too.

 

OOC: Typical. As soon as I said that, internet went down. Anyway hold fire on bringing those baddies in but I say we get to that cave ASAP.

Haley listened to the big man with interest, nodding at what he said before finally clapping her hands together with a smile on her face. In an instant transforming from an innocent little girl to someone in control who should be listened to. "That is fair enough. I must thank you so much for all your hospitality. I think we need to sort our rooms and then I believe we have a bit of free time. We all need to relax a bit after our journey. However I think we should heed our friend here's warnings. Stay away from the church and everyone on best behaviour." She didn't say it but she trusted everyone knew not to use their powers where the villigers could see.

 

Berry smiled and nodded to the little Haley and set Ulrich down on the couch. "You all be good now!"

Jo hurried back with Arianna before hesitating. "You...hear something? Mmm...maybe I imagined it. Tomorrow...tomorrow..." she murmured and dragged Arianna back to the inn. She claimed a room with two beds and forced Arianna to stay with her. "See you all in the morning."

 

Caeli was walking alongside the others with a face of disappointment. Disappointment for himself. He thought of how stupid he was for using his powers in public. Because of that, Caeli felt like he let everyone down...

 

Seeing that Caeli was felling down, Keel went up to him and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about it, you did what you thought was right." He tried to keep his voice as reassuring as possible.

 

Caeli looked up. "You really think so? Thanks...I just hope the others think the same..." What Keel had said made him feel slightly better. Caeli started to look a little happier now, thanks to Keel.