RPG: Nightmare Hunt (A Supernatural/Mystery RPG)

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

Karn's hands gripped tightly on the ends of the arm rests. A slight trickle of blood ran down a now reopened wound on his hand. But his grip didn't faulter. He had his head hung low but anyone close could feel the anger rise around him.
"One? One nightmare." His anger rose yet he didn't raises his head. "ONE nightmare did all this!" His grip was even harder right now, and his anger boiled. It was hard for him to contain himself. He felt the world go black, a calling, but before that happened he snapped back. He let go of the arm rests with a heavy sigh and looked up to Piers again. This time anger was replaced with sorrow. His eyes watered.
"It's gone Piers. The nerves in my legs are gone. Destroyed. I'll...never walk again." His head hung low again. "I don't know what happened. My memory is filled with holes. I don't even remember coming here, or how." He began to sob, "I'm a failure and I'm going mad Piers. Mad.
But if there is one thing I want to do before I die, it's kill the damn nightmare that did this."

Jace
Location: Bus stop 2
Role: Vagrant
Status: morning
Items: N/A

Jace sneezed. He managed to sneeze out some of his burger too. He rubbed his nose and looked at the rising sun.
"Eh? Someone must be talking about me somewhere. Bet they are saying something nice." He grinned to himself and took another bite of the burger. "Damn these cheeseburgers are nice." He said to himself.
"Good to see you can relax even now, boy." Said a familier voice. Jace stretched himself and smiled.
"Oh there you are. I've been waiting for you to recover."
"It takes longer then you think, boy." Thanatos replied.
"I'm sure it does. But I bet you sped it up because you couldn't bear to be apart from me." Jace laughed. No response came and he laughed harder. When he stopped he looked across at the coffee shop he had killed at that time. Maybe murderers do return to the scene of the crime. Or it could just be the spot serves good food. Either was a valid reason for him to be sitting near the spot. He smiled, feeling more refeshed now that Thanatos was back. Strange how much he needed him. Never used to be like this.
"You need to gather support now, boy."
"What?"
"You heard me. It's important you do. They have proved they can beat you down on your own, boy."
"Yea but we didn't even hit 50% in that fight. If we had they would..."
"...have learned too much. Think with you head. You know what happens when we hit 50% and the cost, boy."
"You say that but it can't be that easy. It's not like I can do a car wash to recruit new people."
"I don't plan on you doing that. I already have set things up for you to meet a new vagrant. A nice nightmare may help us. He goes by the name of Sean, Boy."

[Nespa]

location: pierce house
role: watcher
status: morning
items: none

Melinda slipped the device on, she did not really like it but taking a risk was not a good thing at the moment she just had to bare with it. she wandert pierce his house a bit, she had been here for a while when she was younger and Pierce had atempted to get her out of her shell. As soon as she started to ask for things even if it wasent common she had been relocated to HQ. she looked in the miror and snorted at her short hair, it was a mess but more because of her sudden cut than because her being hospalized and flung around like a doll.

She walked to the large window the kitchen, Pierce his house wasent to far from the slums and she blinked when a young male came out off it. her neck hair rised a bit as the familiar feeling of a nightmare wielder made her shiver lightly "vagrant?" she wondert where his nightmare was only to bite her lower lip to see him appear as he passed by.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffeeshop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: None

GLAIZA'S POV

I woke up with a start to realize I've fallen asleep while waiting for the young girl to wake up. Her French Cat, ever faithful, sat next to her as if protecting her... from whom? Me? But I guess it was just my imagination because it soon sat down comfortably, as if realizing I wasn't the enemy it thought I was.

"I hate animals, I hate animals, I hate animals," Sean starts to chant at the back of my mind, "Let me at it, and I'm going to tear that thing apart, string it with its intestines, pull apart every joint and bone till its far apart, as far as the east is from the west and--"

"Eww, Sean, that's disgusting," I say, as I stand up. It's already morning. The coffee shop should be ready to open today, even though I doubt anyone would be really visiting today, what with the death of the boss still hanging over the place.

I barely ignore the already familiar pain that stabs at my heart at the thought of the death of my last "family". Its hard to believe that I'm really all alone at this time...

"Yucky cat, stop staring at me!"

Well as alone as I can be with a nightmare turned reality hanging onto my every word.

I leave the girl and her cat asleep in my room, and I head down to prepare the shop. To clean it before any of the other employees arrive. Employees. Unbelievable. My employees. I find it so hard to wrap my mind around that fact. I hope I have enough strength to handle this bomb that's been dropped on me.

After I finish readying the shop and waiting for the others to arrive, I look outside to see a young boy staring at the shop by the bus stop.

"And so the little bird who ate the fish came back for more"

And then Sean laughs a little maniacally.

I don't even try to comprehend whatever he wants to say because I know he's crazy, but his words somewhat scare me.

But then again, Sean always scares me. Him, being a nightmare and all.

SEAN'S POV

"And so the little bird who ate the fish came back for more"

I know a nightmare when I see one, and that little boy over there has one heck of a nightmare.

Life can only go up.

Hmmm... maybe that bird would like to eat up some French Cat?

[Change Of Color]

Location-Coffee shop
Role-Feral
Status-Early morning
Items-None

Landy started awake with the feel of having slept for a very long time. There was a pressure in her head, like the vertigo was trying to slip back in.

She slowly opened her eyes to the dim light of the room she was in. She didnt recognize it and she couldnt remember how she had gotten here.

She sat up slowly to see Miss Noir at her feet, staring at her worriedly. A smile crossed her lips as the cat crawled into her lap and rubbed against her with a loud rumbling purr.

Landy's phone went off in her pocket and her smile disappeared. No one ever talked to her unless it was neccessary.

The message waiting for her on the tiny phone screen read "Dont bother ever showing up again. You were warned your first day" from Boss at 6:13 AM.

Landy slapped her head. How long had she been out? It had only been about 9 when she'd gotten to the coffee shop...

And then she remembered. She had gone to the coffee shop. She took a minute to sniff the air and the crisp scent of coffee cut through her senses, clearing her head for a moment.

Landy searched for her bag, grabbed Miss Noir's leash, and poked around until she found the door leading out to the source of the smell. She saw the waitress girl she'd seen last night and was relieved until another sudden wave of pain washed over her.

She looked out the front window and saw a boy standing across the street. Something about her chilled her to the bones but she couldnt look away.

She slowly dropped to her knees, everything feeling like it was moving through water. She never dropped her gaze, even as she sank lower and lower till she was sitting on the ground with her legs splayed around her and Miss Noir meowing nervously at her side.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: None

Beeep... Beeep... Beep beep...

The sounds made her feel like she was underwater. Muffled and fuzzy, too far away for her to get a real grasp on anything. All she could see was darkness but the presence of a sleeping Vidar in her mind kept away any fear.

Suddenly, something pierced through the darkness. Pain. Mind-numbing, toe-curling pain. Seda forced her eyes open and a harsh light flooded her field of vision.

She was able to register white walls and medics around her before she sat up, hissing from the pain and trying to keep herself from screaming. "What the hell is going on?!" she demanded, swatting away a medic who tried to adjust an IV needle sticking into her right arm.

"M-m-miss!" the medic stammered. "Y-y-your left arm... C-c-ut... N-n-need to st-stitch it up." Seda turned her head, wincing, and noticed the long cut running down the length of her left arm. The Nightmare's weapon had been sharp, she recalled, so sharp that it was almost surgical the way he had cut through Vidar's flesh and in turn, hers.

The pain brought her out of her thoughts and she grabbed the stammering medic by the collar. "Make. It. Stop," she said through gritted teeth, her eyes ablaze. When he looked at her blankly, she gave him a hard shake. "The pain! Make it stop! Don't you people have any drugs that do that?!"

"W-we can get you an anesthetic that--"

"I don't care if you have to inject it into me, shove it down my throat or make me snort the damn thing," she said in a very low, threatening voice. "Just do it."

Something was fed into the line that ran from the IV bag to her arm and Seda felt the agony die down to a dull ache. The relief gave her a chance to lie back and mentally take note of what was going on.

Looking around, she saw a flurry of activity. People running around with bandages, plastic bags of clear fluid and what looked to be blood. Two beds in particular seemed to attract the most attention. When they moved, Seda spotted the first Guardian she had met this morning.

"Duo, was it? ... You'd think that even while he's unconscious from injury, he'd stop smiling," she thought. "Then again, if he's hocked up on drugs, I guess he has something to smile about." Someone else in the other bed caught her eye. "Must be the kid that Duo was talking about..."

She felt her head begin to throb and she laid it back down, trying to do those calming breaths her adoptive mother had always said worked wonders. If it was the drugs or the breathing, she could not tell, but she was starting to feel more relaxed all the same.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Items: None

Duo woke up with lights beaming in his eyes He put his left arm up over his face to block the light. "It's so bright, feels like I died." Duo said sitting up.

Turning his head to one side he nticed a sleeping Harue and when he turned his head to the other side he saw the Seda. "Seda, Harue, if you can hear

me then, I'd like to say you both did a good job to be facing someone as good as the vagrant you faced. Duo spoke loud enough for them hear it, but

not loud enough for anyone else. Techs where moving and talking all over the place, Duo looked passed a couple of techs and saw Piers and Karn at the

door. He got up and pulled the IV from his arm and placed a gauze over it before anyone noticed. "Mr. Duo please lay back down." Some of the techs

said as they tried to make duo lay back down. "Move, I'll be okay tend to the others." Duo said pushing them out of the way. He made his way to the door

seeing Piers bent over by Karn. "How are you two, and haw have you all been." By this time he noticed Karn in the wheelchair. "Karn, what

happened??" He turned towards Piers. "By now I guess you have already been informed so I won't have to say anything, but where have you been."

[i_say_sabotage]

Gill

Location: Slums
Role: Watcher
Status: Morning
Items: None

A ray of light peeked out of a crevice somewhere. It was the only clue Gill had to reveal a new day has started, the attack in HQ was over and he was alone. He sat up and looked around in the dark. He wasnt familiar with this place, but the stink of damp and dust made him decide it could've been worse. Could it?

He remembers everything that happened only a few hours ago. He's changed sides. The vision he encountered beforehand informed him that everyone in HQ will die if he didnt follow that Vagrant that attacked it.

Jace, his name was.. His scythe called him that.

What is he going to do now?

As he brought himself up, old wounds seemed to ache in memory, as if remembering to hurt way after they had to. He was stunned as he saw something written beside him. It was in his blood.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w57/bikasue/floornote.jpg

"Twelfth for Bargain"

Gill was not a stranger to his body doing things when he was unconscious. He also knew that those kind of things are his Watcher senses kicking. He didnt try to ponder what they were, for he knew, things had their way of revealing themselves when it's much too late.

He sighed.

All of a sudden, his sister popped into his head. Funny that. He wondered how she has been.

++

Nerisa

Location: The Town Tribunal Printing Office
Role: Feral
Status: Morning
Items: None

A freshly-brewed gulp of coffee exited the editor's mouth, painting Nerisa's hard work with huge flecks of spit and caffeine.

"I am not printing this, Megara!" he shouted, waving the spittle-covered paper around.

"Like hell you aren't!" Nerisa argued. "The public deserves to know the truth! And the truth is what they will get!"

Rick Tallon, 20 years editor-in-chief of the highly acclaimed Town Tribunal, struggled to read through the stained paper submitted to his desk that morning. It bore the title "Monsters around Town out in random killing spree", and he read it loud enough for the whole office to hear. Some people assumed it was a tagline for a new movie in season.

"Monsters? Killing Spree? Don't tell me you can read that title with a straight face. This kind of crap should be filed away with your other gems, Megara. Those under the "X-files" directory. Under lock and key, in some secret place in a secret location, in secret minds that will forever be secret."

"You're making fun of me."

"Aren't I always?" The Editor fished out a packet of smokes and tapped on it savagely. One stick obediently popped out. "Look what you made me do. Breaking my anti-smoking campaign. Dammit, I always need a smoke around your time in the morning."

"Fine quitter you are, carrying your smokes in your pocket. That's just inspired."

Rick Tallon rolled his eyes as he lighted the cigarette.

Nerisa flailed her arms around, her voice rising. "This is not something that should be ignored, Rick. There are things out there that people can't explain and they deserve to know it. Don't tell me you havent seen what's been happening around this town!"

"I'm in the news-printing business, Neri. Of course I don't."

"People are dying for unexplained reasons. I wake up and BOOM, my neighbors are dead. I wake up next and BOOM. People die every-friggin-day? That's just stupid, even in horror-movie standards. Numbers of missing persons are increasing, the hospital has more casualties than ever and the police, damn them, they just have to scratch their heads and say "I don't know, do you?" and the public buys it! Until when are we going to live with the truth staring at us in the face!?"

"Till we're good and happy, thats when," Rick walked up to Nerisa and stared at her sternly. "If there's one thing I've learned about the news, Nerisa, is that the public does NOT want to know the truth. Not the whole of it, at least. It will drive them CRAZY. So you think you're being gallant gallivanting in your insane escapades of "truth"? You're doing nobody a favor. You're just doing it for your bloody self."

Nerisa bit her lip.

"You've seen the X-files, Megara." Tallon crumpled the paper and tossed it in the wastebasket. "It is out there."

Nerisa's chest tightened in anger, but she knew Rick was right. She was being selfish.. and this "quest" for the truth might be nothing more but another obsessive thirst for self-gratification. Rick sat in his chair solemnly and flicked out the ashes of his smokes. "You're a writer, so write. I want a new article in my desk before I finish my twelve sticks. Same amount of blood, same body count but hold off the monsters, the tooth fairy, and bloody Elvis while you're at it.. Or else you'll be rejoining your forefathers in the loony bin of termination."

Nerisa pivoted in her heel, her hands clasped in cold fists. Her hands twisted the doorknob, but she paused on her way out.

"You've read it, Rick, haven't you?" she said to her editor. "You may think you dont need the truth, but you want it. We all do. We just tell ourselves we don't... to make everything easier."

Nerisa walked out of the office and grabbed her bag. "And I dont do 'easy'."

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: Guardian HQ
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone

Piers stammered for words, but what can an individual tell someone who informs them that something as natural as walking is now impossible for them? Piers was looking at a hurting man that was as close to him as a brother, only being able to give a small smile due to Karn’s defiance and certainty of avenging the ones who suffered from the nightmare’s attack.

“We’ll find the nightmare, Karn. And…I suspect, from your deduction outside Teaberry, that this may be the same nightmare that killed Glaiza’s boss. It’s an impetuous nightmare, and it’ll slip up soon enough, I gather.”

Piers was sincerely hoping that his comments would put Karn’s mind solely on his job and off of his legs. Piers knew Karn well enough to know that, whether he could walk or not, this Guardian was just as dangerous as he was before he was…immobilized. No one could keep Karn down, and Piers would not let madness take over his friend…no, his “brother’s” sanity. As Piers wondered what could have caused Karn to lose his memory of the horrid events that had taken place, he heard shouts coming from the beds in the infirmary. Looking back he saw the woman he assumed to be Seda causing a bit of a stir until she seemed to be sedated a bit. While noticing that she had seemed to recover a good deal of energy, a familiar face with a perpetual smile appeared over the kneeling Piers.

“That’s a bit of a loaded question, Duo,” Piers said, smiling back at him a little while standing slowly. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here, Duo. And yeah, I’ve been filled in on what happened.” Piers spoke with his head hung, ashamed of being absent during the attack. Lifting his head back up, he continued. “I went to investigate a clue that Harue sent to me,” Piers said, pointing to the immobile Harue. “I saw a series of visions, found a diary that I’ve got out in my car, and brought Melinda to my home from the hospital. All of this happened directly after Karn and I encountered a teenage boy that held Melinda hostage in the cemetery. All we got from that encounter was a wounded Melinda and a dropped wallet that may not even belong to the boy…I haven’t even had time to open it. Karn pursued him, and we have no idea what happened next…but now he tells me he’ll never walk again.” Piers said the last line under his breath, barely loud enough for Duo to hear, let alone Karn. He had no intention of causing more pain.

“You guys lived up to the Guardian ideal in the fight, Duo. That’s what I’m told, and I wouldn’t think anything different anyway. I think it’s time to go over our next course of action, so a meeting is in order once everyone can attend. What do you think?”

As Piers was finishing his last sentence, a higher-ranked tech came to him and said, “Piers, not everyone is accounted for. Not only was Gill taken, but we know that more Guardians were dispatched to our HQ from the top brass. They have yet to arrive.”

“How many?” Piers asked, worried that they’d been intercepted en route to HQ. With all the strange things that had been happening lately, it wasn’t too far-fetched; also, nightmare attacks seemed to be ever-increasing.

“Two, I believe,” the tech answered. Piers looked down, then up again quickly at the tech. “Make every effort to contact them. Tell them to report here ASAP once you confirm their safety. We shouldn’t risk emptying out HQ just yet, especially in the wake of an attack. If we have sufficient evidence that they may in fact be in danger, we’ll dispatch a rescue party.”

“Got it,” the tech answered, walking away quickly.

Piers had tried to sound confident while giving the orders, and was even uncomfortable taking the lead while Duo and Karn were beside him. However, both were recovering from injuries that he was free of, and he felt that it was his duty to take the lead in light of his failure to aid HQ during the attack, and Karn during his gruesome ordeal. Also, he knew that the “rescue party,” if it was indeed sent out, would probably just consist of him, the only uninjured Guardian, though he knew Duo and Karn would likely want to come. He sincerely hoped to see the new Guardians soon, or at least have some idea as to their whereabouts. Looking around for Chinatsu, Piers also wondered if she was present in the building.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

Karn sniggered to himself slightly, very out of character, as Dou moved over to him and Piers. He looked at him.
"Duo your the only idiot I know who could look at me like this and still smile." He said jokingly. "Damn your smile sometimes." He wheel himself into the room as not to block the entrance. He moved over to the new Guardian. Seda? She seemed to be resting compared to a moment ago.
"One of the new ones?" He asked, not aimed at anyone specificly, "Hope she can get stronger. If it was one nightmare that has done this to three of you, you all will need too. Unless you were all idiots and rushed in without thinking." He said the words meaning them but there was still the feeling behind them that he really cared. It was just the way Karn was. He refused at this moment to have any attention brought to his legs or his situation. First thing would be to secure the new guardians and this place before find and destroying that Nightmare.
He turned around to Piers.
"You know what I'm going to say before I even did, didn't you?" He raised an eyebrow. "I'm helping you find the missing guardians. No questions asked."

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

Jace
Location: Teaberry Coffeeshop
Role: Vagrant
Status: morning
Items: N/A

Jace thought Thanatos had finally gone insane. That or he was unnaturally smart. It did seem like he always had a plan for everything. Always what ever he did was part of some big plan. Jace also wondered how he knew the Nightmare. What was he up too when disconnected from Jace?
"Finding out what we need, Boy." His voice resonated.
"Oh really?"
No repsonse. Jace sighed. Then rated it about a 7/10 on sighness. He laughed at himself at set off towards the coffee shop. He breathed deep as he got there and smiled. To others the smile might unnerve them but to him it was his smile. The air still had a ring of blood and even more a sense of Thanatos. Jace always felt for such a deadly thing he scent was sweet. Almost like honey mixed with something light. He spent a moment more breathing in. Others would think it was the coffee he smelled. Let them. Smelling death was something he loved so much.

Jace knocked on the door of the place and waved at what he thought was the employee he had seen once here. Thanatos told him that this would be where Sean could be found. It was just a simple task of checking it out. But subtly. Not forcefully. Other people would be along soon and most nightmares were weak to daylight. Most didn't include Thnaatos though.
"Big headed freak." Jace thought. A small jab to his gut told him Thanatos had heard. He smiled again and looked towards the employee.
"Hey! You open right now? I'm dying for a cup of coffee." He asked her thought the window.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: None

GLAIZA'S POV

"Hey! You open right now? I'm dying for a cup of coffee."

The boy mouthed through the window. Well the rest of the staff aren't here yet, but I think I could handle the order of one boy, right?

I turn around only to be surprised to find the girl from earlier on the floor.

"What is wrong with this girl? She lacking protein or something? What's with all these fainting episodes? Maybe she's allergic to the cat, let's kill it"

"What is it with you and the cat?" I send a mental thought to Sean as I try to lift the girl up and place her on a chair.

"Miss, are you alright? Can you give me a sec, I'll bring you a coffee, it might help or something, and I'll get some milk for your French Cat" I say quickly as I turn again to open the door for the young boy outside.

"Hey, yeah. Why don't you take a seat as I make you and the lady some coffee."

"I suggest you slip a rat poison in that kid's drink and it wouldn't hurt to do the same with the cat too. I hate snotty kids almost as much as I hate cats"

"You're such a sadistic person, Sean" I whisper to him as I walk away from the two extra-early customers, hoping that some of the employees would come soon.

"All the better to love you with, babe."

SEAN'S POV

You try and be discreet with this girl, to help her because two of her "customers" have some serious nightmares to deal with. You try and help her because you love her, and what do you get?

You get tagged as sadistic.

Though I wouldn't want her to know that these two "customers" pack a whopping punch because I still want to see what these two want from my babe-licious host.

All the better to love you with, babe.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Items: None

"It's okay Piers, I'm glad you weren't here, so at least you can't say you saw a vagrant force me to use an ace in the daytime." Duo said jokingly. The

story went on and Duo took mental notes of what had happened. Duo was listening, and wasn't shocked until he heard the last part. "Karn...can't walk?"

Duo said under his breath, low enough were no one could here. "Piers, thanks for the update." Duo heard the comment made by Karn. "Thanks for the

compliment." Duo said laughing. Duo noticed karn go over to the others laying down and heard what he said. "Well that isn't the nicest thing you could

have said but I realize you do care." Duo grabbed Karn's wheelchair and turned it around. "But Piers, as Karn said I will be going too, so why hold on

lets get going." Duo said pushing Karn towards the door waiting for Piers to follow.

[kei of the flame]

oops, double post sorry

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: None

Tug. Pull. Poke. Rinse and repeat. Seda could feel the medic sewing the cut on her arm closed and opened one eye to look at her. "Is it that bad?" she asked, much more civil than when she first opened her eyes.

"Uuhhm..." She began, pleasantly surprised that the female Guardian was not threatening her. "It's... A clean cut. It... It might leave a scar," she said in a very small voice.

Seda looked at the cut for a good five seconds. "A scar, eh?" she said, the corners of her mouth curling upwards into a small smile. "Doesn't matter. One more physical scar isn't going to make much of a difference." She sat up, pulling one leg closer to her body and resting her right elbow on her knee.

"One of the new ones?" she heard, but didn't turn her head to look at the person speaking. It was one of the other Guardians she had heard over Duo's radio. "Karn and Piers, right? Which one is this?"

"Hope she can get stronger. If it was one nightmare that has done this to three of you, you all will need too. Unless you were all idiots and rushed in without thinking."

She bristled, resisting the urge to spin around and punch this guy in the face. Seda was never really too good at reading hidden meanings or feelings behind criticisms. With her free hand, she grabbed a handful of her short hair and tugged lightly to suppress the urge to make an angry retort.

"Not too easy when the person you're fighting seems to be everywhere," she muttered, remembering how the Vagrant's haunting song had echoed through the tower and in her mind. Although she knew the man was right. She and Vidar needed to get stronger, and fast. They needed to move if they were going to keep the peace.

She turned her head to finally look and saw them making their way towards the door. "Hey!" she called out, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and waiting for the medic to finish bandaging her left arm. "Seda, last name unimportant, at your service," she said, raising her right hand in a mock salute.

"If you think I'm gonna let you boys have all the fun," she touched her bare feet down on the cold tiles and stood up, wincing at the small amount of pain that shot through her abdomen. "Then you're dead wrong."

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Guardian HQ

“Well, I’m glad to see such high spirits in wake of the attack,” Piers said quickly, realizing that an impromptu rescue party was being simultaneously assembled and launched right before his eyes, “but we can’t leave HQ defenseless. If we fail to contact them, we certainly need some volunteers to look for them, and I’m glad to see morale here hasn’t faded a bit. Until then, let’s regroup a bit. What do you say, everyone?”

Piers was genuinely glad and even inspired by the morale of his fellow Guardians. “So,” he thought to himself, “she’s Seda, as I thought. Yet…who were the other two that were supposed to come here?” The tech had spoken with a bit of vagueness and seemed uncertain…perhaps he was off on the number of Guardians dispatched to HQ. Either way, he had to feed them some more info before a rescue party could strike out.

“I’d rather talk when we have the other dispatched Guardians here,” Piers said, nodding to Seda while speaking. She was one such new Guardian that had been sent for additional support. “Thanks for the help…” he said to her, “and welcome.” Piers turned to his other comrades and continued. “However,” he went on, “we can go over a few basic things first.” Piers paced a bit as he spoke, the room emptying a bit of the techs who saw further work on the wounded Guardians as futile in light of their conviction that they were, in fact, healed and ready to go; all except Harue who was still down.

“Two Watchers have been attacked recently, and one was kidnapped. Karn was seriously injured as well. There has been a dramatic spike in the number of nightmares in town. The press will notice, but we can expect the same tactics as usual from them…probably. You know what I mean…they’ll pretend to do an in-depth investigation while citing barbers and bus attendants as their expert sources. So, I don’t expect to have to waste any energy on them, but I’ve been wrong before. The alien story worked so well in Roswell that people are still buzzing about it, so we may be home-free as far as the press is concerned.”

Piers walked over to the window that looked high over the countryside and began to speak a bit more slowly while looking outside. “I’m not sure what the best course of action is for right now, but I do have one thing to propose. I had a pretty crazy night, and things are happening fast. Not as bad as the night was here, mind you, but enough things are going on where we will have to start putting together a holistic view of what’s going on to this town. The number of attacks is unprecedented. I propose that we keep a main log here, digital of course, and not connected to any mainframe to keep it from being hacked…and record our singular experiences on it. Every clue, every hint, every fight, every word that a nightmare drops that we can remember. All of the things happening are related, I’m sure of it, and we’ll all need to try to fit the puzzle together. Especially with so many clues dropping in from strange places. If you guys disagree, that’s fine. Any other ideas?”

He was at a loss concerning what to do next, and knew the consensus view was best. All he knew for certain was that the outnumbered Guardians would have to play smart, three steps ahead of the game…and he believed the log was the best way to put pieces of this nightmarish puzzle together, as elementary as it sounded.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: None

Seda listened intently as the man talked, furrowing her brow. "Every fight and every word," she repeated. The fight with the Vagrant had been one of the roughest she had been in since... Since she had actually joined the Guardians. "I think that can be done." She walked over to a table and popped a handful of painkillers into her mouth, swallowing and wincing. "That kid. I owe him a solid butt-kicking."

"And the other one... The Watcher who was injured when I came here. Gill, I believe. You already know he was taken," she pounded a side table with her fist and narrowed her eyes. "But before that... He said some things about the Vagrant who attacked us. I can remember most of what he said, but whether or not I understood it is a whole different story. Not much of an egghead, I guess."

She looked around, waiting for the last of the technicians (save for the ones working on the other Guardian), exited the room. "But I should save that for this log you're talking about." She turned away from the group stretched her good arm, testing its mobility. With her left arm healing, she knew she'd have to rely on this one even more.

"Sounds like a plan," she said. "I sure as hell have no idea what's going on. So this log would be the best for now, laying out all of our cards on the table." She continued stretching before something that the man had said clicked in her mind. "Wait, Roswell was ours?" She slapped her right hand against her forehead and began laughing. "It's a conspiracy wrapped in another conspiracy! Now THAT'S devious!"

She continued laughing by herself for about thirty seconds before calming down and taking a few deep breaths, still chuckling. "Sorry 'bout that. I need to lay off the painkillers," she murmured, a few snickers still slipping out, before walking back to the side table and downing a bottle of water.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

Karn was listening to Piers, you have to be a fool not to since he talked so much sense, but he was getting distracted by Seda. He pushed his way back into the room and made his way over to Seda. As he passed by Piers he spoke.
"Amazing ideas as always Piers. Always seeing the big picture and knowing how to fix it. I don't think the day will ever come that you can't figure something out. And if it does...well it's the last day then." He grinned. He pushed himself up to right in front of Seda.

She was laughing from a obvious high dose of painkillers. Karn's grin slowly curled into a frown. What a stupid girl.
"You!" He barked, "Your going to stay here. I'm not having anyone who is so stupid as what you have demastrated going out there to fight Nightmares. It would cause nothing but problem. You have only just had your scar stitched up even. Your in no condition to fight. Besides leave it to us three. We have more experiance. You would get in the way as you are now." Karn was angry at her. The air around him swirled for a moment, a vortex drawing it into Karn. The air got warm and thin, almost like it was being sucked away by a burning fire, into this vortex. Then as sudden as it happened it stopped. Karn wheeled back and away from her. He had said what he wanted.

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

Jace
Location: Teaberry Coffeeshop
Role: Vagrant
Status: morning
Items: N/A

Jace thanked her as he walked in and took a seat next to this other girl that was there. He couldn't wait for his coffee. But he could have some fun while waiting. He looked at the strange girl. She looked a little wierd and had a stranger cat. He looked at her with interest. He tilted his head and smiled at her.
"Wow you look rough. Been out drinking all night?" He laughed, he knew it was mean but he couldn't help it, "Stupid cat as well. Duno why you have it. Should just slip some poison in it's food. It will die quick no real problems." He smiled again as if what he was saying was normal, that there was nothing wrong with it. A small voice laughed within his head, pleased at him.

He turned his attention over to the employee.
"Hey!" he shouted up from across the room, "You wouldn't happen to know where the old guy is would you? The guy that owns this spot. I knida knew him for a bit. Great fellow he was. Right laugh sometimes." He gave a sly smile, hoping to get a reaction from the girl.
"Also." He continued, "You wouldn't to know anyone who hangs around here called Sean would you? Only I've heard he is being sort after for doing something." He asked.
"Your very subtle ain't you, boy?" Thanatos told him.
"I try my best."
"I'm sure you do, Boy." He sounded annoyed.
"Though I meant the thing about the cat. A place like this must have some kind of poison, rat or slug would do." No reponse told him thanatos had gotton bored. Jace just smiled and awaited the girl's reponse.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: Suitcase, boots

The angry man's words made Seda's temper skyrocket, prompting her to squeeze the plastic bottle in an attempt to placate a waking Vidar in her head. "Dooooown, boy," she whispered to him. "I want to strangle him too."

"You would get in the way as you are now."

"Okay, that's it."

"Screw you!" she screamed, her face red with anger as she whirled around to face him. "Oooohhh," she began mockingly. "I'm a young, inexperienced little female Guardian," she pretended to whine, forming a blank, vapid expression on her face. "I'll just shrink away like a little girly girl and allow the MEN to do the work."

She pointed to her bandaged arm. "You think I'm going to let something like THIS stop me from doing my duty?!" Vidar's slew of insults came flying fast through her head and she could barely tell his angry thoughts from her own. All of a sudden, she felt a change in the atmosphere and wondered if this was caused by the other Guardian. Vidar seemed to be the one to notice this, his angry voice suddenly stopping in Seda's head and he warned her of the change.

"Not NOW, Vid." Seda replied to him mentally. But the distraction of her snake made her notice the unusually warm air as well. It was hard to breathe and Seda's temper just seemed to rise along with the temperature. When the air seemed to normalize, her snake just gave her one angry hiss to snap her out of her thoughts.

"You know what?" she shouted, turning towards the bed she had been lying in. "Fine. If you three MEN want to go and butt heads with whatever the hell's out there, be my freaking guest." She bent down and grabbed her suitcase and boots, placed there by a considerate technician. "You don't know jack about me. I'm young, so what? Doesn't mean I haven't had my share of hard knocks. Doesn't mean that life has kicked me around like a mangy dog in a backalley."

"Doesn't mean I don't know what loss means," she murmured in a very soft voice, shutting her eyes. She took a deep breath and whirled around, making a beeline for the door, her eyes regaining the fire in them. "Go on, go ahead. Do your whole three-man thing." She stomped, as hard as someone who was barefoot could, past the men. "I'll be in the files," she snapped.

Walking briskly down the hallway, Seda's blood was still simmering. "Screw it all," she muttered as she side-stepped debris that the techs had not cleaned up yet. She saw a door marked "Archives" and flung the door open, causing it to slam into the wall adjacent to it loud enough to catch the attention of a few people who were organizing files inside.

"Sorry," she said icily, striding past them and setting her suitcase down at a small table, her boots right under it. Still grumbling about taking a sledgehammer to a few fragile objects, she dug through the most recent files. Pulling out some random ones, she threw them onto the table before sitting down and beginning to read.

But she was distracted by Vidar hissing in her head. "Overreact? Why would I overreact?" she murmured to him, casually flipping a page in the file. She felt Vidar's annoyance. "What was I supposed to do? Just take it? Roll over and whimper like an obedient little dog?" She flipped through the pages again, nearly ripping one. "By now, my dear Vid, you should know that that's just not the way I operate." Vidar hissed at her. "Oh shut up," she retorted. "You're the one who was so mad that you said you wanted toss him into the Congo River and let the crocodiles have a go at him."

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

"You know what?" she shouted, turning towards the bed she had been lying in. "Fine. If you three MEN want to go and butt heads with whatever the hell's out there, be my freaking guest." She bent down and grabbed her suitcase and boots, placed there by a considerate technician. "You don't know jack about me. I'm young, so what? Doesn't mean I haven't had my share of hard knocks. Doesn't mean that life has kicked me around like a mangy dog in a backalley."

Karn knew straight away what was about to happen. He could feel the anger pulse off Seda as her rant began. Hot headed and without thinking she began blurting out. Karn could have sworn he felt a sense of lust for that anger. Something that pulled at him and craved it. He shook his head slighty to push the thoughts from him. He was going mad he was sure of it.

She took a deep breath and whirled around, making a beeline for the door, her eyes regaining the fire in them. "Go on, go ahead. Do your whole three-man thing." She stomped, as hard as someone who was barefoot could, past the men. "I'll be in the files," she snapped.

Karn's head dropped as he had to listen to the thuds of this girl. Each one resonated through him. So much anger. Was she scared? Or was it just something else? It felt pure. Something inside him clicked. An unknown gear that fell into place. With it's placement his body began to move. He could feel his body tempreature rise. The air around him shimmered with heat, just like before and he went after Seda. He ignored Piers and the others. He made his way past techs and the rubble. Then he stopped himself at the front of the door to the room she was in. His head raised and looked over at her. A blank expression flashed across his eyes and in that moment his pupils vanished.

The air burned around him and the metal door frame began to heat. A people had began to take notice now and the air behind him swirled and began to take form. Slowly Gray's powerful form appeared behind Karn. Some of the techs and workers seemed panic. Why would he summon Gray inside were there was no threat? What scared them more was Grays' appeareance. Gone was the silver armour and proud stance. Now his armour was crimson and he held himself as if to kill. He radiated heat. A voice tingled sublimely through Karn's ears.

"Some people lead and make their own choices. Others can only follow. Which are you?"

Karn mouthed a word and Gray launched towards Seda. With fast reflexs it pinned her to the near by wall with one hand around her throat. People began to panic now and were unsure what was going on or what to do. Karn didn't move from where he was and he seemed to almost ignore everyone around him. Karn's eyes met Seda's again. His pupilless eyes seemed completly unaware as to what was going on. Then slowly Gray began to tighten his grip.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Morning
Location: Guardian HQ

Piers, always unsure of how to accept compliments, remained silent. Karn’s response, however, caused him to blanche. This was cold, even for Karn. And what in the world was that strange, warm draft that entered the room right after Karn’s tirade?

Piers was about to interject during Karn’s remarks to Seda when, suddenly, Seda repaid the “courtesy,” seeming to be quite able to deal out a fair amount of caustic remarks herself. “Two choleric Guardians in one room at the same time is always…interesting,” Piers said to himself while burying his head in his right hand. Thinking of a good time to intervene, his head suddenly shot up when he saw Karn wheel after Seda quickly. “Duo, we’d better get over there,” he said quickly while exiting the room. He barely had time to see Karn enter the door to the archives as he ran into the hall. Running to the door, he discovered a very shocking and unwelcome sight amidst a wave of strange heat that seeped from the room’s entrance.

Karn stood close to the entrance to the archives, and Gray stood in front of him. Piers was immediately shocked, for Gray’s appearance had been altered, and more than in just color. There seemed to be something cruel about Gray just upon brief observation. Gray seemed to be choking Seda, and that realization was all it took for Piers to run in front of Karn, turn sharply, bend a bit, and look at him squarely in the eyes. “Karn, what are you doing?! Stop it this ins…” Piers suddenly stopped speaking. Karn’s eyes weren’t…well, Karn’s eyes. At least they didn’t appear to be. His eyes seemed to be blank and void of pupils, his expression void and apathetic. Piers realized that this was serious.

“Duo!” he shouted, knowing Duo had probably followed him. “Free Seda! I’ll deal with Karn…something’s wrong with him!” With that, Piers went over three brief options in his head and finally settled on one, taking about two seconds to do so and praying that Seda would be able to spare that time. It was more efficacious to separate Karn and Gray, for Karn was not situated inside his nightmare’s armor as usual…yet another oddity. If Piers could separate Karn from Gray, both would be distracted enough to make it easier for Duo to free Seda. Piers had to get Karn out of the room without hurting him. The wheelchair would make this easier, but Karn was a tough man. This could prove to be difficult, but that was where the table came in. It was covered with files and an open suitcase, and this was sure to make a mess; it was, however, necessary.

“Karn, snap out of it!” Piers cried out, not sure if he could get through to his friend or not. Not wasting time, he ran over to the table while simultaneously calling Skitters into action, knowing that Skitters had understood his plan as he thought it through in his mind. “Put everything you’ve got into it, Skitters!” he thought as Skitters grabbed the left side and Piers grabbed the right. Together Piers and Skitters tilted the table 90 degrees, the face of the table facing Karn, and ran towards him. The broad face of the table made contact with Karn’s chest and arms as Piers took care not to further injure his friend’s legs. Skitters and Piers kept the momentum of the charge as a follow-through, attempting to push Karn out of the door completely, the work being somewhat facilitated by the wheelchair and the counter-balance that Piers and Skitters took advantage of via the control of the table’s opposite ends. If successful, Piers would slam the door behind them as soon as he was sure Duo was inside, separating Karn and Gray in terms of presence, attention, and vantage point, and freeing Duo to liberate Seda from Gray’s grip however he saw fit.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Items: tracking bracelets
Status: Morning
Location: pierce house

Melinda shook her head 'no the whole ordeal with karn and the hospital got me seeing things'. she ran her hand through her now short hair and groanded "i need chocolate" she picked up her mobile phone and sended a text message to piers 'i am fine, giong to the coffee shop for a muffin'. Putting the phone in the jacket she grabbed the keys to the house and went outside to the coffeeshop. She messaged Piers to keep him from worrying afteral she was suppost to be at his house but one trip for a chocolate muffin could not hurt right? She entered the coffee shop and paled slighty when she saw a feral and vagrant together.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: None

Seda had been reading through one file containing information about the Watcher, Gill. "The Library Encounter?" she read from the top of the page, eyes scanning down the neatly typed lines. "Hm..." However, she did not get very far.

After all, how can one keep reading when a giant suit of armor comes crashing through the door? "Oh frig--" Seda was able to spit out before something grabbed her and slammed her against the wall, pinning her there.

"What the hell is this?!" she croaked out, tugging at the metal hands closed around her neck. "Another Vagrant? Escapee from the Ren Faire? What the hell's going on?!" She bent one leg, placing a foot on the wall for support, and gave the suit of armor one kick to the head.

Unfortunately, most kicks are effective when you have some kind of footwear. Especially against metal. Seda let out a strangled scream, she felt the heat radiating off the metal and noted the slight burns on the foot she had used to kick the creature.

"Vidar!" she mentally screamed, calling out her Nightmare. He immediately materialized on the ground right below her, fangs bared and ready. Seda pointed to the creature's waist, still trying to free her airway, and Vidar lunged, coiling around it in an attempt to deter it.

The creature looked at her snake, moved his free hand and grabbed Vidar, flinging him across the room and knocking over a few file cabinets in the process. Then it turned its attention back to her. Seda's field of vision was already littered with spots and she had moments of blacking out. She was being deprived of oxygen and it was definitely taking its toll on her body.

"Like hell I'm going down like this!" she mentally screamed, flailing her legs in a last-ditch attempt to get free.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Coffee, Milk

GLAIZA'S POV

"Hey! You wouldn't happen to know where the old guy is would you? The guy that owns this spot. I kinda knew him for a bit. Great fellow he was. Right laugh sometimes."

"He's... dead" I say, unsure if he could hear me because I said it so quietly.

I felt my heart clench and the pain strikes hard into my gut. I'm thankful that no one could see how... how...

"How weak you are, babe? Suggestion, don't react to anything this snotty kid is going to say. No matter what it may be, just don't react."

Sean's voice broke through my emotional spiral, and I felt a certain confidence spread through my body.

"Sean, are you trying to take over me again?"

"Worry not, I'm just trying to spread a little love babe. Making sure you don't break down and embarrass me"

"Also. You wouldn't to know anyone who hangs around here called Sean would you? Only I've heard he is being sort after for doing something. Though I meant the thing about the cat. A place like this must have some kind of poison, rat or slug would do."

Sean? Again I felt another jab, but this time of surprise and not of grief. I send a mental question to Sean, probing him for answers.

"Hey, don't ask how he knew me. I was never one to make acquaintances; most end up dead."

"If you say so, Sean" I think quietly to him, and then, bringing the cups of coffee to the table and, turning to the "snotty kid" - SEAN can't I have my own monologue without you bothering me? - to say, "I'm sorry. What was that name you said again? Sean? Well I don't think I know anyone by that name."

I pet the French Cat, showing to both these cat-hating freaks that I have no intention of ever slipping anything poisonous into its milk.

SEAN'S POV

"Though I meant the thing about the cat. A place like this must have some kind of poison, rat or slug would do."

Oh, I love this kid.

But maybe not enough to let him kill my host.

But maybe enough to plot with him on how to kill that French Freaking Cat.

Hmm, conflicting desires, conflicting desires.

And then she bends down to pet the cat. When its my turn with this body, I am so going wash my hands a thousand times to get rid of cat-cooties that this girl insists on plaguing our body with.

Maybe, I have the answer to my conflicting desires...

[Change Of Color]

Location-Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role- Feral
Status- Morning
Items- black bag, Miss Noir


As the girl helped her into the chair, she stared, dazed at the sudden pain and the rude boy. Miss Noir hovered by her feet, waiting to take her rightful place on Landy's lap.

Landy could have slapped the boy had she not been in so tired and in so much pain but she didnt have to. Miss Noir sprung onto the table, growling and hissing at the strange boy.

This, personally made Landy giggle. "Easy, Miss Noir," she whispered as she reached out and scooped up the cat. Miss Noir lapped her rough tongue against Landys face.

As Miss Noir struggled to turn around in her arms to turn and glare at the boy, she laughed again. "I dont drink. In fact, not only am I to young to drink but my father was a violent drunk so I avoid the poison at all costs," Landy replied, her voice filled with sweetness to hide the abhorance of her memories.

"And you shouldn't goad that girl like that. I've only known her for a few hours, most of which I was sleeping through but she's been nothing but nice."

Landy could tell from the awful smile on the boys face that he was malicious but there was something under it. Something that he had covered up with hate and sadness over the years.

Utilizing her now-pointless skill of name finding, figured out the boy. "Chase, Lace, Trace..." she whispered, scrolling throught the features and obvious personality charicteristics almost silently before announcing her deduction loudly.

"Jace. Your name is Jace, isn't it? Nice to meet you. My name is Landy. This lovely feline is Miss Chat Noir Duvetuex but everyone calls her Miss Noir for short. You should learn to introduce yourself, even if you don't like people."

Landy flashed a dazzling white smile as the girl petted her cat and tilted her head to the side so her long black hair swept over her shoulder as Miss Noir let out a low yowl and stared daggers into the boys' head.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

Karn felt like he was floating in space. Almost like he had no troubles at all. He could stand up and walk around if he wanted. But he was tired. He didn't feel like walking. Why was he tired? He felt like he was being drained. It must have been his imagination. Yea everything was going fine. Or was it. Karn felt heavy all of a sudden. Strange? He felt like he was falling. So strange. His eyes began to close.

Karn hit the wall outside the room with a thud. It sent a shockwave of pain through his body ad he suddenly gasped for air. He skin felt like it was burning and he screamed out in pain. As the angered shout reached Gray he began to dissolve back into mist and fog. The heat died down and Seda was dropped to the floor. The only mark left of Gray now was the grip marks around Seda's neck and the burns of his footprints. Karn could only look up at what he had done for a few moments, his pupils returning , before he lost conciousness and fell forward off his wheelchair.

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

Jace
Location: Teaberry Coffeeshop
Role: Vagrant
Status: morning
Items: N/A

Jace watched the employee closely. Others wouldn't notice but Jace had spent too long in his own company not to reconise the signs of internal conversation. She was the one he was looking for. That made it slightly easier. But the cat girl made it harder. This was annoying. Just then another girl walked in and at first glance he could see how weak she was. Her couldn't resist the moment.
"Dear god, yet another sick customer. I feel like I've walked into a coffee shop for the ill and mistreated. Not great service is it?" He shook his head and crossed his arms pretending to look disapointed. He tilted his head over to match the cat girls. He leaned very close to her so she could feel his breath.
"Since you have given me a name I'll give you one. Cat girl! It's a happy name. And the little kitty there shall be called Rat. A suitable name for a rodant such as itself."

"Childish ain't you, Boy?" Thanatos spoke.
"Oh come on. It's just some fun." Jace replyed back inside.
"Just set it up already. These conversasions are killing me, Boy."
Jace just shrugged. He leaned back from cat girl and smiled.
"You know what Cat's remind me off? One of the nursery rhymes my mum would sing." Jace drew on Thanatos without letting him manifest. "It when something like:

'Pussy cat, Pussy cat where have you been?
I've been to London to see the Queen
Pussy cat, pussy Cat what did you do there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.'

While they were distracted by him singing, which he felt was one of his best talents, he let an illusions seep into them all. As an area effect illusion he would be trapped in it to until it was released but he loved this one. This one was what he would work best. After all everything had been set up. The illusion seeped into each and everyone of them, surrounding the coffee shop. Deaths return. That's what Jace had named it. He slowly whispered to himself.
"5...4...3...2...1...0"

At that moment he looked outside and through the windows saw her. He almost smiled. It was his dead mother. The same gash across her throat. She hadn't chnaged at all. So beautiful. He smiled. This was the power of Deaths return. It made you see all the ones you had loved and had died or any you had killed. Each saw only there own demons, so to speak. That's why Thanatos had led him to kill the manager. Because that way he knew there would be one person she cared for trapped in this. He hoped it would break all three of the girls here. Or at least release Sean. He tried to look shocked at what he saw. At his crowd. He had done well he thought.

[i_say_sabotage]

Gill

Location: Slums
Role: Watcher
Status: Morning
Items: None

Gill walked around the room for a while. He was hungry. The only morsel of nourishment he remembered getting was that bottle of orange juice two nights before. Oh yes. That Dextrose tube he was connected at the Guardian HQ as well. Jace isn't a very good keeper is he. Not even a "I'll be back soon, here's a piece of rubber to chew on to." Bah. Who cares about him? Gill scoffed while checking out the corners of the dilapidated house. His allegiance only belonged to Thanatos.

Gill wondered if this was a hideout or something, or was this Jace's real home.

Home... It's been so long since he's used that word. For three years now his home was a lonely apartment with a scratchy futon and a sink, cold dinners and not even a T.V.. He couldn't afford it. Besides, he was never a T.V. person anyway. His sister was, especially the news. Ever since they were young, his sister has always been an avid prompter of current events. His dad too. Nerisa and dad hated each other, but if they only realized.. The only reason for that hate is that they reminded each other of themselves too much.

The floorboards were soft and creaked with every step. It felt like they were going to give way any minute. Treading carefully, Gill cringed with every sound that echoed around the house. Every little creak felt like a loud whine. It's as if the whole house was moaning with pain and neglect. He looked around a corner and saw a door.

"Finally!" Gill said excitedly. He was about to rush towards it when he forgot the floors were weak. One mighty step and the wood snapped beneath his weight, sending him hurtling to the soft ground. Shards of rotten wood chips, dust and debris showered his face.

++

Nerisa

Location: Bus Stop
Role: Feral
Status: Morning
Items: None

Nerisa dialled the number again. She's been trying to call Gill for a couple of days now, ever since the supermarket owner informed her of her brother's mysterious absence.

"He's never done anything like this before, leave without telling." the old man had said. "He's a very prudent worker."

Nerisa sighed. "That he is."

He was the reason why Neri has been on edge these past few days. One of her fears is coming true. In a crime, or in any unfortunate event humans encounter, the world is littered with people thinking "It only happens to the other guy." Being exposed to this kind of idea made her cautious.

Or paranoid. Just a little bit..

At the mention of that word, a sudden grotesque picture of Gill's lifeless body entertains her brain and she said a very audible "OH SHUT UP." to herself. Some passers-by stole a glance at the walking eyesore of an orange vest and quickly shuffled away.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes and dropped her phone in her bag. She would call Gill again later, maybe even drop by in his aparment even though he hates it.

For now, Neri has other matters on hand. Nerisa fixed her PRESS badge and walked in the Police Headquarters of the town's finest.

++

OOC: You know what, it's funny nobody ever mentioned the police during this whole time (cept for some rather pathetic NPC's who don't even encounter any of the Vagrants/Guardians/Ferals haha). And here I was expecting a Police Character when I first made this RPG. Hahaha. Any takers?

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Morning

Skitters receded from view as Piers inferred from Karn’s fall to the ground that his services would no longer be needed. Gray had vanished, and Seda was recovering inside the room. He was kneeling, the force from the charge carrying him to the floor when Karn rolled out of the room. Looking back to Seda who was more distant now, still in the archives, he said, “You okay?” Turning back to Karn, his concern quickly rose. What was going on with him? When he said he was going mad, perhaps he was being more literal…and serious…than Piers had wanted to imagine.

His concern was interrupted by a sudden realization. “Hey!” Piers called out to the nearest tech. “Don’t we have two armored cars here at HQ?” he asked quickly, a plan forming in his mind. “Yes, a twenty-foot one and a thirty-foot one. Why?” the tech responded. “Prep the twenty-foot one ASAP. Park it at the front door.” Piers responded while lifting Karn gingerly so as not to further injure his legs. Piers carried him over his shoulders, just as he had been taught in the military. Even smaller men could carry larger ones this way, using the skeleton for support at the shoulders and reducing muscle use. Also, it allowed Karn’s legs to dangle freely, being spared from potentially-damaging contact from being carried. “Seda, Duo,” Piers said quickly while picking Karn up, “If this happens again, the damage done to HQ could be catastrophic. I know Karn’s skill, and we’ve got to get him away from here. However…”

Piers suddenly stopped, his face becoming a bit tenser. “…however, I’m not going to abandon my friend. Something’s happened to him, and I’m going to try to figure it out. I deliberately chose the twenty-foot armored vehicle to deter Karn from bringing Gray out in such a confined space, so I should be fine. If he pulls a surprise, I’ll have to think of something else. My top priority is Karn right now, and I have to find out what’s happened to him.”

Piers turned before heading to the door, facing Seda. “Seda, I’m sorry. Just understand that this, right now, is not our comrade that we all know as Karn. Hopefully, I’ll return with our true companion. I need you and Duo to watch over HQ and see if the other Guardians show. My radio and cell phone will be on, so you can contact me. I’m taking the vehicle to the countryside, about ten kilometers away. Again, I’m sorry…and thanks.” With that, Piers exited the main door and walked down into the awaiting armored vehicle. Placing Karn in the back, he went to the driver’s side. “I’ll be driving alone,” Piers said to the driver who quickly exited without an argument. With that Piers drove quickly away from HQ with nothing but a sigh and a prayer on his lips. In all the commotion, he did not realize that Melinda had sent a message to him about leaving his house.

Location: Countryside 10km from HQ and 15km from town

Bringing the vehicle to a halt, a hastily moving Piers opened the rear doors of the armored car and jumped inside, shutting the door but not letting it latch into place and not locking it. Only a small push would swing the door open, though it appeared to be closed. Skitters sat up front, the keys still in the ignition. His amorphous form seemed to blend with the seat itself, moving to and fro a little as he waited on a command. Those final touches were the last elements of Piers’s “contingency” plan that he hoped he would not have to use. Karn was sprawled out on the floor, his wheelchair still in HQ.

Piers walked over to him and knelt beside him. “Karn…what’s happened to you?” Either way, Piers intended to find out and save his friend, somehow, from the madness that plagued him, and doing so was clearly worth the risk he was taking.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat


Landy's sweet facade faltered as Jace continued to stab at her with words and jabs continued to miss their target. When he started to sing, even Landy was enthralled through her dislike.

The next moment, he had stopped singing. Her head felt fog-filled and things flickered slightly.

It felt like long, spindlely fingers were scratching through her brain, probing this way, finding nothing, turning back the other way, finding nothing. It felt like it was taking eternity for then to search her memories, her soul, every nook and crany of herself, though it was nothing but a spoonful of microseconds.

On and on they searched until they hit the wall. The inpenetrible wall at the back of Landy's mind that not even she had been able to get through. The fingers dug and scraped, feeling for a crack, a loose stone, anything to get to the other side.

There was no way in. They gave up, took one last sweep of her insides, and left.

Landy blinked a few times, the pain renewed. Her eyes made things disappear, reappear, disappear and reappear again. It had only been a second but she suddenly felt like she had been awake for years and needed a long, dreamless sleep.

When everything settled, she looked around. Jace looked satisfied. "I said my name was Landy. And my cats name is Miss Noir. Don't act like you dont understand just because you feel like bragging that your a good singer," said Landy through pursed lips.

She lifted her black coffee to her lips and took a seering hot gulp, swallowing slowly. It hurt her throat but numbed the pounded in her head and settled the empty stomach that hadn't eaten in almost 24 hours.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Apron

GLAIZA'S POV

The song starts playing in my mind.

Overwhelming all my senses and soon, everything feels heavy. Like there's some weight pressed on top of my mind, making everything hazy.

"Glaiza..."

I hear him. It's Xedo. He's alive! He's back!

"I gotta tell you something... You wanna know who killed our parents? Well... it's...---"

And then there was nothing.

SEAN'S POV

Sorry babe.

You won't be able to handle the truth just yet.

I force to overtake our body completely making it all mine. So this one deals with illusions. His is the illusion of the mind, and mine, well mine is the illusion of the world, stretching it, making it reality. The gears and mechanics are almost the same, except he works inside and I work outside. Also mine works pretty well when you want to use shadows to disembowel somebody.

"Jace, was it? Lookie here snotty kid, you wouldn't want to be acquaintances with me. Because I usually end up stabbing them, in the back or otherwise. However, I am interested in that nightmare of yours. So if you want to talk, banish this ridiculous illusion, because they do not affect me."

I stand up, still in Glaiza's form, stared daggers at the French Freaking Cat, promising to kill it someday, someday soon.

"I'll meet you tonight, at the park. Where we can talk freely, and if I don't like what I hear, you won't like what I'll do."

I let Glaiza's consciousness seep back in, as if she was just waking up from a dream, except that part that allows illusions in. I don't relinquish control of that just yet... There, there babe. Everything is back to normal... As normal as this twisted interesting world could be.

GLAIZA'S POV

And everything is back.

Except there's no Xedo.

Only the two customers, who haven't yet to finish the coffee.

And of course Ms. French Cat.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: None

When the creature vanished into mist and fog, Seda felt the ground rushing up to meet her then a hard thud. Her head hit the wall she had been pinned against, causing her to black out for a few seconds. Vidar, who had been trying to get himself out of the pile of papers and files, vanished as well.

"Oh frig," Seda murmured as she began to regain consciousness. "What the hell just happened?" Propping herself up on her good arm, she tried to take a look at her surroundings. Slowly, the archives room came into focus, along with the flurry of techs running about in an attempt to save the carefully organized files. When Seda tried to stand, a sharp jab of pain shot up her right leg and she collapsed back on the ground.

"Dammit," she growled, pushing her hair out of her face and inspect her right foot. Her sole was red, as if she had suffered a particularly bad sunburn. "Damn thing hurts." Suddenly, she remembered what did actually happen. It was a blur, one big and painful blur that was coming into focus. Being pinned against the wall and slowly being deprived of oxygen. A huge suit of armour glowing red, almost angry in its bearing. "What was it so mad about?" she wondered, still sitting on the floor. She also remembered the man at the door. His eyes. Nothing but white. A shiver went down Seda's spine.

“Seda, I’m sorry. Just understand that this, right now, is not our comrade that we all know as Karn. Hopefully, I’ll return with our true companion. I need you and Duo to watch over HQ and see if the other Guardians show. My radio and cell phone will be on, so you can contact me. I’m taking the vehicle to the countryside, about ten kilometers away. Again, I’m sorry…and thanks.”

She looked at the doorway and saw the man who had been in a wheelchair being carried by the other Guardian. Nodding slowly, she gave him another salute, more of encouragement this time, before watching him carry the other man off. "So if the hot head was Karn... That guy must've been Piers, she thought.

Looking up, she noticed Duo was in the room as well. "Ah, yes. Mr. Sunshine and Rainbows. Looks like we're playing welcoming committee now," she remarked, managing a smirk as she slowly pulled herself up and into a chair. She noticed a familiar black suitcase lying open and partially empty, along with a familiar coat next to it. "Hey, isn't that my... Oh dang," she muttered, noticing that most of her things had been thrown out of her suitcase and were now lying littered around the archives.

"One fight with one seriously whacked Vagrant, several injuries, some dude yelling at me, some... Thing attacking me, and now this," she murmured, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I've had a fantastic first day."

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Teaberry Coffeeshop
Role: Vagrant
Status: morning
Items: N/A

Jace stood up slowly and pushed away the illusion. There was a slight look of shock on his face. Not much but some. This was the first time someone had defeated the illusions and it was two in fact.
"Only once does it happen, Boy."
"Once?"
"My illusions are perfect. If they ain't they become it. Were you to try again it would work on them, Boy."
"Well then..."
"...No! You know what you want now. So leave, Boy."

Jace would have loved to stayed. To push them futher. But instead gave a graceful bow and made his way out of the door. He looked back in and smiled while waving.
"Good bye employee, Cat girl, Rat and..." he looked at the third person, "Skinny." He grinned and walked off a confidance to his steps. He whistled to himself. Sean had threatened him when he had no clue who he was dealing with. All people feared Death. Jace would bring it. He promised he would. He grinned to himself while begging to skip. No nightmare was as powerful as his. None.

Karn
Location: outside HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: Wheelchair

Karn could hear a voice. It was someone he knew. Who? Who are you? He tried to make the words. But his voice wasn't coming. He tired to lift his arms but they wouldn't move. He tried to move his legs. Only pain came. He was on the verge of giving up. Where was he? Why was he here? Had he asked these questions before? It didn't make sense. He felt as useless as that time before. What time though?

His head stung as he slowly opened his eyes. His legs seemed to be burning. His vision was blurred for a moment. He reached up a hand to rub his eyes. Someone was before him. He blinked a few times before things came into focus. Karn allowed a thin smile when he saw it was Piers and not an enemy. But it wasn't enough when he looked around and saw he wasn't in the HQ. Karn coughed and covered his mouth. His chest was burning too.
"Piers..." He coughed, "What's going on here? Where am I?"

[Cross Avantgarde]

Location: Outside Guardian HQ
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Role: Guardian
Status: Morning

A surge of relief caused Piers to laugh a bit while he walked over to Karn, knelt, and placed his hand on his shoulder. Karn was back to normal…at least for now. Piers hated the fact that he had to leave Karn’s wheelchair behind, and he was sure Karn was uncomfortable, but he could take no chances in giving Karn any unnecessary edge should he have another destructive episode.

“Karn, I’m so glad you’re back with us. Just a while ago, you flipped out on Seda. I’m not sure how much you remember, but you brought Gray out to choke her in the archive room. Also, an intense amount of heat was being generated from Gray, and I felt a similar wave of heat while you were arguing with Seda in the infirmary. Also,” Piers paused, remembering how Gray had appeared in his last manifestation, “Gray looked totally different. He was wearing crimson armor and appeared to be full of malice…I can’t even describe the feeling he gave me, but I knew it was malignant.”

Piers paused to give Karn time to take it all in. Then, he went on. “Karn, I was able to separate you from Gray and then I brought you here. We’re in the countryside where nothing can be destroyed and no one can be hurt if something happens again. It’s just you and me. Seda is fine and is back with Duo and Harue in HQ. Karn, I’ve got to find out what happened to you. Your eyes were blank in there…you didn’t appear to have pupils, and you seemed completely different. I’m here now to figure out what’s going on so we can make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The difficulty of that task was heretofore unknown. How would they be able to figure out the essence of Karn’s malady? “Karn,” Piers continued, realizing that more information was needed before they could proceed, “what can you remember? What happened after we encountered that Vagrant who held Melinda hostage? Is there anything in your past that will give us any clues?”

With the mention of Melinda’s name, Piers grew worried. He had heard no word from her, so she was probably safe. He checked his cell phone just to be sure while giving Karn time to think. “Great,” Piers said to himself as he realized Melinda had messaged his cell phone during the commotion back in HQ. “She hasn’t gone far…and a bit of freedom is the least I can offer her after all these years of observation and…well, confinement, to put it bluntly,” Piers thought to himself, hoping that he was worrying too much. He quickly sent a message back to her to show her his support for her new exercise of freedom: “OK. Cal ASAP if u hav N E prblm.”

Looking back up to Karn, he awaited his answer. He kept Skitters in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition just in case something went wrong. It was just a precaution, but he had one last ditch effort in mind if this session of Q&A with his close friend didn’t solve anything. Even so, Piers would die before he abandoned all hope for his fellow Guardian.

[Nespa]

Location: teaberry coffeeshop
Items: cell phone, some money
Role: watcher
Status: Morning

Melinda calmed a bit when she realised they didn't know what she was. when the boy started to sing her sight blurred a bit and before her stood the headnurse of the institute "time for pills". Melinda raised a brow she had been around several nightmare so this stupid woman wasent very scary "time for payback" she spoke calmly as the woman advanced and drew her fist back grinning for a moment. and punched the woman in the face only to have the illusion broken. she frowned "well that wasent satisfing" ignoring the other ocupants she left and rang pierce his number "pierce there are a vagrant and feral in the coffeeshop, i am oke they didn't know what i was but one used ilusions" she quickly returned to pierce hsi house.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat


Suddenly, everything was blank. It flashed back again just as quickly, and she saw Jace standing up to leave. She scoffed into her coffee at his rude names.

The fog cleared completely as the boy walked out of the shop. The other woman who had been standing by the doorway turned and left too and it was once again just the girl, Landy, and Miss Noir.

Landy gulped another seering pull of coffee before she turned to the girl. Even through the pain that crowded her own brain, she could see the girl looked confused.

"Are you alright, um.... I'm sorry. I didnt catch your name. My name is Landy." She paused, not sure how to put into words all her greatfulness. She had been tossed around her whole life and was not used to stable kindness.

"Thank you so very much for everything. I know I've been a burden but I dont really know whats wrong with me. I feel broken and disoriented and dazed. My head hurts and I got fired this morning so I cant go to a doctor," she said, mummbling the last part into her coffee, and an unstoppable tear rolled down her cheek.

Landy wiped it away quickly. She didnt have any right to be crying when she had been such a burden already.

She placed Miss Noir on the floor, keeping a hold on her leash and went to stand up see if she could help the girl but the shift sent her head whirling so she gingerly sat back down.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Apron

GLAIZA'S POV

And then he leaves.

Without paying for his coffee.

"Snotty kid." Sean says with a touch of amusement, as if he's already changed whatever ill-view he had of the boy.

And soon everyone was gone, even that thin girl who eyed the customers weirdly left right after... Jace? Was that his name? Whatever. It's just me and this girl left now alone in the shop.

I glance at the watch.

The other employees should be coming in soon.

"Are you alright, um.... I'm sorry. I didnt catch your name. My name is Landy."

I smiled back.

"The name is Glaiza"

"And I'm Sean, the guy who lives and thrives inside her head"

Ignoring the talking demon inside my head should be getting easier right? Wrong. I sigh inwardly.

"Thank you so very much for everything. I know I've been a burden but I don't really know whats wrong with me. I feel broken and disoriented and dazed. My head hurts and I got fired this morning so I cant go to a doctor,"

And then she tried standing up, but obviously she wasn't so up to it just yet, and soon sat gingerly right down on her seat.

"You know, you could always work here? I mean, if you really need a job. We could use another waitress..."

I don't know what comes over me, but I think, well why the heck not?

SEAN'S POV

Oh great.

Now I can't kill that stupid French Freaking Cat if Cat Lover here is going to work at the coffee shop.

Eyuck. I hate animals.

I am so bloody pissed---

Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts, think maiming, burning, screaming, breaking, dead, happy thoughts.

That's better.

I'll get you soon Ms. French Freaking Cat.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: outside HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: None

Karn shook his head. He couldn't believe what Piers was telling him. It couldn't be true.
"What do you mean Gray was different?" He kept shaking his head as if it would it go away. Gray couldn't be different. It was his nightmare. His to control and command. To lead. He pushed away Pier's arm.
"Your making no sense Piers. That can't be true. I don't rememeber anything..." Something clicked, "I couldn't remember anything with the Vagrant either. Why is my mind filled with holes? Why can't I remember these things?" he suddenly felt quite constricted. "Piers." he said in a panic. "Gte me out of this thing. I feel like I'm suffocating." He tried to crawl his way forward. But he would need his friends help.

Jace
Location: Residential
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace skipped along happily. It was a fun day. Fun indeed. He stopped off at his house to pick up some snacks and food for a while. He had to feed his new pet. Otherwise what kind of human being would he be if he let him go hungry. Not a good one at that. He also picked up a newspaper. He guessed that nothing he did would make the headlines but it was always worth a look. He read it as he pranced his way happily back to where he left Gill.

Jace
Location: Deep Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: food, drink and newspaper.

He opened the door to find a nice hole in the ground below him. he looked down to see the body of his new watcher lying on the floor. He laughed while throwing the newspaper down on him.
"Wakey, wakey sleepy head." Jace joked. He summoned Thanatos to his hand and jumped down. Pointing Thanatos down, so he hit the floor first, he landed softly on the floor. He dropped the food and drink in front of Gill.
"Hello my newest friend. You had best be careful around here. Also stay in doors." He smiled as he threatened him. "Your in the lower end of the slums. In this nice spot I like to call my home from home. You wana know why? Of course you don't 'cos your a watcher and know already don't you?" Jace grinned and picked up a biscuit from the food pile. He crushed it in his hand and let the crums fall down on the floor.
"Well?" He lifted Gills head with the pole end of Thanatos. "Because this is were feral Nightmares gather most. You can hear them can't you." He cuped a hand around his ear and moved his head about, "So dear Gilly. If you try to leave without me...well then your in a lot of dnager which you can defend yourself from." He smiled and let Gills head drop. "So my watcher friend. I need your help finding out some stuff. You going to or will I have to leave you to die here?"

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: coffee shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Midday
Items: a cup coffee

"It feels good to be back after the spiritual trials back home." Rod said smiling drinking his coffee, " Don't you think Zen?"

" Yes, after the training with your people I feel stronger and more relaxed" Zen said with confidence, " And with that training, I learned tosense other nightmares presences throughout this area and there aren't any to be found."

Rod sat calmly and finished the rest of his coffee and got up from his chair and left the shop but something didn't feel right after leaving like there was something he was missing but he shrugged it off and left.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Outside HQ

This wasn’t good. Karn was becoming upset due to his confusion, and now he seemed to be expressing signs of shock. “It’s okay, Karn…hold on, let me help. I’ll get you out of here.” Piers placed his left arm under Karn’s right shoulder, reaching across his back and supporting a little over half of his body as he rose up, lifting Karn a bit with him. Slowly, he began to walk to the back twin-doors of the armored car, Skitters still sitting in the separated cab up front.

“Well, this throws a few kinks into my ‘contingency’ plan, but hopefully I won’t need it in the first place.” The “contingency” plan didn’t matter to Piers right now; what truly mattered was taking care of his friend.

“Don’t sweat any of this, Karn. We’re going to figure this out, and it’s not all on you; I’m here to help,” Piers said as reassuringly as he could, simultaneously trying to ease the shock that Karn seemed to be going through.

Piers was doing a poor job of multitasking. Had he noticed the message from Melinda, he'd be just as worried over her as he was over Karn.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- bag, cat


"You really mean it? That would be wonderful. I've a... volunteer job sort of thing at the mental hospital but I only go about 3 times a week for about 2 hours each time. I just try to help the patients feel more understood," Landy said, a warmth building in her as she talked of the place she loved to be most.

"Its almost like a home there. I know what its like to be trapped in your own mind and the people there know I understand. It's a really big help to them and I think it helps lighten Dr. Piers load since Lloyd the Lard doesnt even seem to notice," she rambled on.

She drank more of her coffee and then tilted the cup so Miss Noir could lap a little out of her cup. She was so happy, even if she was still so tired and her head still ached something fierce.

[i_say_sabotage]

Gill
Location: Deep Slums
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items: None

The floor gave way and Gill's body was engulfed in dust and pieces of wood. He might've blacked out for a while (he doesn't know how long), because the next thing he knew, Jace was already beside him in the dark, a newspaper thrown on his head waking him on impact.

"Wakey, wakey sleepy head." Jace joked. He summoned Thanatos to his hand and jumped down. Pointing Thanatos down, so he hit the floor first, he landed softly on the floor. He dropped the food and drink in front of Gill.

"Hello my newest friend. You had best be careful around here. Also stay in doors." He smiled as he threatened him. "Your in the lower end of the slums. In this nice spot I like to call my home from home. You wana know why? Of course you don't 'cos your a watcher and know already don't you?" Jace grinned and picked up a biscuit from the food pile. He crushed it in his hand and let the crums fall down on the floor.

"Well?" He lifted Gills head with the pole end of Thanatos. "Because this is were feral Nightmares gather most. You can hear them can't you." He cuped a hand around his ear and moved his head about, "So dear Gilly. If you try to leave without me...well then your in a lot of dnager which you can defend yourself from." He smiled and let Gills head drop. "So my watcher friend. I need your help finding out some stuff. You going to or will I have to leave you to die here?"

Gill scowled at Jace and his threats, but he was far too weak to push him away as he poked his head about. Jace just doesnt understand it at all. He has no intention of leaving. Thanatos gave him a goal and he's not going to throw it away. He just thought an open door gave better comfort than a dark dreary room.

"Let's get this straight, Jace." Gill retorted as he tried to sit by himself. "I'm following Thanatos from this moment on, so leaving is the last thing on my mind. Also, I will be following him, but I won't be following you. Thanatos is pure... And beautiful. Intangible. One day he will be much stronger and I will be at his side when that happens. You are still human like me. Beneath your strength I see the frailty you try to bury so hard. You're not pure... Not yet*."

He grabbed some of the food Jace handed by his side and stuffed his mouth with it. It scratched his throat as he wolfed it down, but he didn't care.

"I will do anything to help Thanatos and his goal." he said. "Anything."

Inside him, he felt a certain kind of tainted strength etching its way into his heart. A sudden flickering passion that humans had always had, but chose to ignore because of society, of standards, of fear. Gill doesn't belong to any of those anymore. He belongs to Thanatos.

A shiver passed Gill's spine but he ignored it. He could feel humanity slipping from his fingers.. And he decided he doesn't care.

OOC: *Valk, Gill is refering to 100% sync. Or when Thanatos engulfs Jace completely.

++

Nerisa

Location: Police Headquarters
Role: Feral
Status: Day
Items: Notebook, Tape Recorder, Bag

He had a face that simply bore "This woman is going to waste my time."

Nerisa beamed at the Police Officer in the crummy tie and untidy desk. You can smell two-weeks worth of cigarette smoke in his shirt, his stern face lined with every capable stress the vocation can beat him with.

"Officer Callaway." she started.

"Detective."

"My bad." she smiled some more. "I'm not sure I can tell you guys apart by rank. Come to think of it, how could anyone ever?" she laughed sweetly. Is it just reporter senses to adore annoying the police? If that's so, then she has been found guilty.

John Callaway cleared his throat and very politely (but with the hint of malicious impudence) faced the reporter with a grin.

"Right, Miss. Okay, so what could I do you for in this damn good morning. I hope you make it snappy because, you know... This day couldn't be that bad."

Nerisa mused. Ohh.. Attitude. Gotta love it. "I'd like to file a missing persons case please."

The detective chewed on his cigarette butt before sucking in the menthol. He was obviously surprised at the woman's purpose. He thought she just wanted to pester him cos it's part of her job description.

"Uhm."He coughed. "Well, you have to fill in a form here, and answer some general questions to help the investigation. Do you have a picture of the person?"

"Yes, matter of fact!" Nerisa answered. She fished around a bit in her bag, turning it into ends and shaking it for good measure. When she was done, her hand produced a stack of photos, all of different people.

Callaway stared at the faces and turned back to the reporter with surprise. It was not something he expected to see. The sheer number of them rendered him speechless. Then realizing He couldn't afford to look too shocked (the reporter had already turned the tape recorder on), he just hissed a mouthful of smoke held too long in his lungs. Damn PRESS.

"These," Nerisa started, "are all unreported cases of missing persons in the last month alone, Detective. People have been contacting our office with them. They've been sending phone calls, pictures, letters, information. Look at them."

Nerisa spread the photos around. The ages ranged from 8-50 years old, male and female alike. They all looked homely and sad, their hollow smiles staring back at Callaway with disturbed silence.

Nerisa looked at Gill's own picture in the desk and snapped back. "Why havent the people contacted you? Why the Press? Must it be that they've lost faith in the town's finest?"

"That's biased judgment, Miss." Callaway savagely killed his light. "First of all, we are aware of the uncanny events in the town and we're giving it our all."

"Yes. And how so?"

"The details are strictly confidential as of now--"

"Is there any such details?"

"We're trying our best."

"Ah yes, trying. Of course you are."

"There should be an anger-management training in the Academy." Callaway thought gritting his teeth. "Maybe there was. I think there was.. Must've slept through it."

He stood up and started taking the photos in the desk. "I'll be looking through this, then. Thank you for forwarding the information to us. We appreciate your concern." he said this quite grimly, standing from his desk and grabbing Nerisa's arm, intent on dragging her out.

"This meeting is now over, Miss. Don't make me show you your way out."

Callaway was obviously stronger than her, Nerisa knew that, resistance was futile. Still, she had to say her piece. "Ookay, okay, put me down. One of those pictures is my brother. This is personal to me. So drop me! Drop me or I'll scream rape!"

There was a silence that engulfed the office at the last statement, and the two characters stared at each other in a long dismal glance.

Callaway couldn't help it. He burst into hysterical laughter, taking Nerisa aback and lightening the mood at her expense.

"And What the hell's so friggin funny?" Nerisa cried.

"HHAHAHAHAHAHA... Rape..? Me..? You...? In my own office.. A reporter and a Detective... HAHAHAHAHAHA.. I mean... You? Oh damn.. My insides are bursting... I havent.." he caught his breath, "laughed this much for as long as I can-hahaha-remember.. Hahaha.."

"I wish I could punch you and it would hurt." Nerisa scowled. "Anyway, those pictures aren't the only info I have my hands on. I've done my own investigations. I've uncovered some things people have called me a crackpot over."

"No Kidding." Callaway said in a lighter tone, almost on the verge of another giggle. He seemed younger now than first glance, a kind of youthful disposition that doesnt thrive well in his job.

He shuffled through the photos one by one, noticed one particular picture of a boy in a faded photograph, around 16 years old. He was standing in front of a fence with a bike. He wasn't smiling, but his eyes were serene.

"Is this him? Your brother?"

Nerisa paused. "Yeah. yes, that's him. How'd you know?"

Callaway studied the picture and mused. "Old picture.. Lots of dents. Therefore, not current. Also, people who forward missing people pictures tend to choose full close-up portraits for easy recognition. This picture.. Not only is the face not the focal point, you can tell it's a very personal photo. It's also wallet-sized. Not the type you'd give away to newspapers."

"Awesome deduction powers, Detective" Nerisa rolled her eyes and snatched Gill's photo off his hand. She refuses to admit she was a bit impressed by that sudden display of prowess from the surly man. I mean, that would destroy their sincere mutual dislike for each other.

"I need help." Nerisa finally said. "Nobody wants to believe my theories. Nobody wants to listen. Nobody wants to help. But I knew you would.. wouldn't you?"

Callaway's youthful glow disappeared once again. His jaw tightened at the implications of one nosy reporter into his life and his job. He tried to find words to drive her out, finish the conversation or shut her out his world forever. Still, all that manage to say was:

"You have a name, kid?"

++

OOC: Nobody wants a Police character so I made one HAHAHA! BUUT... He will be considered an NPC since he's a normal person (no Nightmares, no powers), that's why I didnt put him in the sign-up thread (also cos it's getting embarrassing flooding the Sign-up thread with my own characters huhuhu).

Despite this, the character will play a somewhat major role in this RP (Nerisa's companion/bodyguard) so none of the Vagrants kill him, please. XD Oh btw, you guys can make a character like this if you want. A Normal character that you control for your own plot enhancing leisure. Just make sure they're good and well-thought out roles. Keep them as supporting cast.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Park
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: none

Rod sat down on a bench and watched the people come and go as sat and thought about his trials he had to go through.

" Something wrong Rod?" Zen asked from within Rod, " If so, let me know and if not I'll reasd your mind anyway."

" No nothing's wrong it's just that I've found out about the so-called Guardians and I figuer they will come after us eventually so I figure that we find some others like us and get rid of them." Rod said sighing at the fact that he might have to fight others like him in order to get their hel, " And It's getting dull around here so this will give me something to do."

" You know as well as I that what you just said is pointless. No one will help us and no one will take them down with us." Zen said solemnly, " It's best that you do it yourself and with only yourself."

Rod sat and thought about it and came up with an idea of how to get others to join them.
" Hey Zen, you can find out where there are other nightmares are right lets go to the slums and check for some." Rod said as he headed for the slums, " Who knows maybe we can fight along the way to see how strong they are."

" That's crazy but lets do it." Zen said appearing before Rod in the form of a dark ball, " Its been a while since I fought anyone."

With that being said, Rod chuckled as he made his way for the slums and possibly new allies.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: None

Duo pulled a seat up infront of Seda's. "Yep," He smiled. "That's me." Duo said trying to lighten the mood. "How are you feeling," Duo said looking at Seda's neck.

She noticed a familiar black suitcase lying open and partially empty, along with a familiar coat next to it. "Hey, isn't that my... Oh dang," she muttered, noticing that most of her things had been thrown out of her suitcase and were now lying littered around the archives.

"Oh, I'll get that for you." Duo got up and started to pick up the papers, once he was done, he noticed Seda's foot. He picked her foot up by the ankle and

began to examine it. "Hmmmmm." Duo was looking at the wound "I can fix that myself." Duo pulled out a king of hearts card and placed it on Seda's

foot. The foot started to heal and Duo removed the card, shaking it and making it vanish. "Your Welcome." Duo said standing back up. He theen took

notice to Seda's arm and wondered how it felt. "What the hell, I know you people saw this where is a Medic!" At that point some techs came in to

cheack on Seda. While the Medics did their job, Duo felt that being so close to Karn it was somewhat his fault. " Seda, I'm sorry for what happened. I

know I sound like a broken record, but that was not the Karn I know. Just let Piers handle it and we'll hope for the best." Duo said placing his hand on her good shoulder.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Morning
Location: HQ
Items: Suitcase

"How are you feeling," Duo said looking at Seda's neck.

At his question, Seda gingerly touched her neck, wincing and turning away. She wondered if it was already beginning to bruise. "Like I've been through a cage match with several wrestlers," she deadpanned. Going through a brief mental check of her body, she noted several sore spots, cuts and bruises from the fight with the Vagrant and, of course, her arm. "Which I probably lost," she added with a chuckle.

When he picked up her foot, she nearly drew back in surprise. She felt a little bit of her temper flare up and was about to open her mouth to say something, but stopped when she realized he was actually healing her foot. "That's useful," she said quietly when he finished. She carefully put it down on the ground and noticed that most of the pain had gone. "Thanks."

While the medics attended to her, she sorted through her things with her good arm, folding clothes and tucking papers back in their proper place. "Let's see... Files to read, files to read eventually, files to read if I'm REALLY bored," she said as she sorted them. "And... Paperwork," she grumbled. "Great."

"Seda, I'm sorry for what happened. I know I sound like a broken record, but that was not the Karn I know. Just let Piers handle it and we'll hope for the best." Duo said placing his hand on her good shoulder.

She looked up at Duo and raised an eyebrow. "I can't really judge. Haven't been here for long so the only impression of this Karn guy I have to go on is whatever's in his file. And whatever words were exchanged." She looked at his hand on her shoulder and wondered why she hadn't shrugged it off yet. Reaching over, she lifted his hand from her shoulder and let it drop to his side. "But... With you and that Piers guy vouching for him, I guess... I can believe that. It's a little... Unsettling. But nothing that can't be handled, right?" she said, winking at him and regaining her attitude.

"Now," she began as the medics finished wrapping up her arm again. "Where are those other Guardians? If we're gonna meet them, it better be soon." She walked over to the window and looked outside of a sign of anyone arriving. "I've still gotta look for a place to stay, after all."

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: MP3 player

Rod reached the slums and began to attempt to locate another like him in the area.
" I feel a strong presence but I can't tell where it's coming from." Rod said trying to trace the nightmare's energy signature, " Zen, I might need your help to find the nightmare."

" As you wish Rod." Zen said appearing as a dark ball. Zen stood motionless as he and Rod put their abilities together to locate the strong nightmare. Zen let dark pulses spread throughout the area and located a faint but strong energy signature.
" We won't get any rusults standing here, lets try to move around and try locate it." Zen said.

" If we're going to be here for a long time, might as well listen to my MP3 player while we're here."
Rod switched it on and listened to his music while searching for this new and strong nightmare. He figured that Zen might want to fight it if they find it. Rod smiled at the fact that Zen had others like him and that they might cooperate even if Zen likes to do things with Rod only. As the searched through the slums, Rod and Zen thought of what to do next.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

OOC: Sorry, I was being lazy and posted for only one rp.

Location: Slums
Role: Feral
Status: Morning
Items: none

Alanna awoke when someone poked her in her side. Groaning, she rolled over only to hit a brick wall. She heard litlte voices behind her whispering to each other.

"See? I told you she wasn't dead!" One whispered excitedly.

"Well those other guys are! I thought she might be too!" Replied another.

"Lady? Don't die 'k? I gitchu a sammich." A very small child, most likely.

Feeling rather cold, Alanna chifted to her knees and stretched herself like a cat. She moaned a bit then yawned, still having trouble opening her eyes. She rubbed them tiredly and opened them slowly, but there was no light. She was in an alleyway. What shocked her more than that was the dead bodies of several thug-looking men sounding her. She gasped and threw herself against the rigid wall. All of these men laid beside bloody organs and bones that look removed from their own body. But the men themselves only bled from the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Their bodies seemed completely unscathed otherwise.

"Hey lady. You scared or somethin'? This kinda stuff happens all the time 'round here. What's there to be scared of?" Said a dark skinned boy, who sounded like the boy who spoke first.

"Don't be scawed. Dey is aw dead now," the squeakiest voice belonged to a little asian girl who carried a raggedy old teddy bear that was missing and arm, an eye, and its nose.

"Did you kill 'em lady?!" another asian, but older and male, most likely the girl's brother.

Alanna couldn't bring herself to speak. Not only did the seem unfazed by the dead bodies, but they assumed she killed the thugs. She numbly shook her hea and earned a pout from the asian boy. "Well they had it comin' anyway," he said.

"You wan' a sammich pwetty lady?" the little girl erged.

"Bing! No sharin' food with strangers! We don't have a lot to share anyway!"

"B-but-"

"Alright Hau, cool it. Let's take her to Mama and she can take care of her."

"Mama will beat her for wearin' all that "slut clothes"," Hau gestured to Alanna's slightly skimpy pajamas.

Finally able to find her voice, Alanna cut into their conversation, "Wh-where am I, exactly?"

"You in the slums lady. Not a place to be sleepin' outside. 'Specially in an alleyway."

It's not like a chose to sleep here... she thought sarcastically then reminded herself that they were all young and somewhat still lacked common sense.

"Come on Laisha (Elijah), les go git Mama!" the little one, Bing, squealed as she tugged on the dark kid's shirt.

"Hold on Bing Bing! We'll just take her to Mama!"

"Yaaay!"

"Come on lady, you got some blood on you."

Alanna gasped and looked down at her blood-splattered clothes. What in the world happened? She was becoming rather scared but also annoyed with herself. she can't remember a thing from the previous night. But she needed someone to talk to and maybe this Mama can help her get back home.

Unexpectadly, the three lead her to a church. A very rundown church but it was holding up better than it looked. A sign on the window said "St. Azalea Orphanage".

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: outside HQ
Role: ?????
Status: Morning
Items: None

Karn wasn't sure what was going on but the fresh air was helping his head clear. He looked up at the sky and tried to calm himself down. He began laughing lighty to himself before he burst out louder.
"Hey, hey Piers." He said through the laughter, "Bet this was never in the job desciprtion was it." He tried to push away all these thoughts, to think positive. He knew what he ahd to do right now to prove what was happening. "You remember the christmas party that one year? I think in my office is still some a rum I was drinking from then. I've got good money on me need a stiff drink of that when ths is over." He didn't know if Piers even realised what he was about to do. Karn lifted a hand forward into the air.
"Come Gray." He whispered. The air around him chilled and began to swirl. Gray was coming.

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

Jace
Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace sort of stared away as Gill talked. When he finished Jace smacked him across the face with Thanatos.
"I'm sorry I thought you said something about not following me." Jace hit him again, hard enough to knock him over. "I was almost sure that you were saying I wasn't pure." He kicked him in the gut, once, twice and then a third for luck, "I was sure you said something about me being human." Jace hit him one more time in the arm with Thanatos. Then he kneeled down to look at Gill. He grabbed him with one hand and looked into his eyes. His madness far more overpowering to Gills.

"You listen to me Scum." Jace's voice was harsh and evil, "Me and Thanatos are the same thing. He is my Nightmare. My fear given form. You should know this. We are the same person. Not questions asked. You follow him as much as you follow me. Understand this and I'll avoid showing you want so many others have felt. You hear me." He let go off him. "Being here with you makes me sick." He smiled, "I'm going back out for some fun." He turned and then looked back for a moment, "Scum."

Inside, within a world only the Nightmares knew off, Thanatos existed gently. He smiled at Jace's progress and laughed as he beat Gill. Everything was how it should be.

[i_say_sabotage]

Gill

Location: Deep Slums
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items: None

Gill sniggered as Jace left him bloody and bruised. It seemed as though it's his role to get beaten up? Haha, how valiant.

"Poor human.." Gill whispered. "Still chained to your emotions. You can't even control them that my words instill anger that easily?" he sighs. How would he expect to handle the truth and the future a Watcher is supposed to give him?

Still, he saw the malice glinting in Jace's eye the whole time. Its sheer evil swirling behind the anger. How beautiful. It's almost there. Almost time.

As Gill concentrated, he can envision an agreeable future. He can see it clearly now, the Nightmares' rise to power.. The faction of the Guardians destroyed. But somebody is blocking this vision. There is somebody...

His gut suddenly gave an painful lurch and the wounds on his arm started to throb with pain. He took the drink Jace brought over and let the cold liquid wash over them. He couldn't even heal old wounds before getting new ones, much is how Life always treated him.

"PSST."

Gill looked around the darkness, amused whispers gathering around his ears.

++

OOC: Will post for Nerisa later hehe (It's kinda late and I must get me some sleep)

[Nespa]

Location: pierce house
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items: None

Melinda entered the house quickly and sighed in relief leaning against the door. She frowned and just decided to go to sleep. She undressed in pierces bedroom and laid down.

vision dream

Melinda looked over the town everything was on fire, nightmares running lose. People screaming, mothers crying for helpen, childeren gurgeling as they drowned on there own blood. She looked to her left and saw her grandma stand beside her "this is the world if the guardians fail." she looked at the chaos and fliched a bit when she saw duo's head on a pike, the other heads were to rotten to reconise, grandma started to sob "the guardians of my time warned me, we managed to keep this from happing much earlyer". melinda turned to her "of what did they warn you?" her grandma smiled at her sadly "that watchers should not have childeren for the power would be given through, when your mother did not have it i knew you would". Melinda just blinked now she understand who her grandma was the only one that thought she was not sick, she looked up when she spoke again "one of your own will betray you, beware of the insane one" her grandmother faded.

end of vision dream

melinda panted as she sat up "grandma..." she bit her thumb, so one there own was untrustable. she sighed and hoped pierce called soon, she laid back down tired again.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

Location: St. Azalea Orphanage
Role: Feral
Status: Morning
Items: none

Alanna followed the three orphans through the threshold, the little one, Bing Bing, pulling her by two fingers as she skipped happily. The orphanage was small, not very appealing to the eye at all. There were two rows of long table set up and at the far back wall there was a statue of Jesus on the crucifix with unlit candles surrounding it on various alters. Behind the statue was a gorgeous stained glass window encrypted with the scene of the birth of Christ, the only attractive display besides the statue. An iron spiral staircase that led through a hole in the cieling stood in the far back corner on the right and there were only two doors on opposite walls; walls which had doodles chicken-scratch handwriting all over them. But as unsightly as the place was, it comforted Alanna. It was enough to reawaken her belief in Christ when she had almost abandoned it.

While taking in the scenery, she noticed that there weren't many children inside. In fact, there was only one little girl sitting on one of the benches scribbling something into a notebook that looked nearly filled. She didn't look up when Alanna entered. She couldn't really see the girl's face though for it was curtained by her long and wild black hair as she hovered over her notebook.

Apparently Alanna was staring at her, for Elijah had to speak to break her gaze. "That's Madeleine. She's kinda shy but she's a'ight. Her only problem is she's always drawin' on everythin'. Mama use to whoop her a lot for it, but now she doesn't and lets her draw on anything she wants. That'll be her 20th notebook she's filled!" He said, almost exaggerating.

"Is that so?" Alanna asked, genuinely intruiged.

"Yeah. But come on, Mama's prob'ly out back with the other kids," he said.

"Bye bye Maddy!" Bing Bing squealed as she waved vigorously at the lonesome girl then continued to pull Alanna back out the door to the backyard of the orphanage.

"Mama! We brought a friend!" Hau hollared, seeing the dark-skinned nun on the bench supervising the turbulent children running around. She looked over to them and stood with an unhappy scowl.

"Where did you three go this time!? I was worried n' searchin' all ova' for you an' you thinkin' you'd been kidnapped or somethin'! You three bettah be ready for a butt-whoopin' tonight an' if you try to hide it'a be 15 slaps!" she yelled as she approached them waving her arms in vigor.

"She only talks black when she's mad," whispered Elijah to Alanna.

"What'dchu say boy?! Go t' your beds! All three o' ya! Now! You talk n' that's anotha five!"

"Yes Mama!" the three of them said as they ran towards the entrance of the orphanage again. Once they were out of sight, Mama turned to Alanna, who felt rather nervous at the moment. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Her doubts were demolished when she woman smiled.

"Children. What can you do?" she said with a huff. Alanna was at ease once again, seeing that the woman was just very worried for their safety. "I apologize you had to witness that. Those three are always running off somewhere though. The adventure type you know?" Alanna smiled and nodded in agreement. "And what is your name young miss?" Elijah was right. She's speaking in perfect English now that she's not yelling.

"I'm Alanna O'Leary Sister," Alanna relied politely.

"Sister?! Oh no child! There is no 'sister' here! It's Mama! Call me Mama!" she shouted heartily.

"Oh," Alanna laughed, "Okie dokie Mama."

"Hahaha! 'Okie dokie Mama', you are a jewel Miss Alanna! What brings you here to the slums? I have never seen your face before."

"Well..."

OOC: DUN DUN DUN! Cliffie!!! Haha, just kidding. I'll finisht te rest later. I have to go somewhere.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: MP3

Zen had taken over Rod's body to help locate the strong nightmare and as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop, they felt they were getting closer to him until they finally reached him. He seemed odd but Zen knew that he possesed the strong nightmare from within. Zen jumped down from the rooftop and landed directly infront of him. Zen gave Rod his body back so he could speak with the man.

" You must be the one with the strong nightmare are you not?" Rod asked the man, " If so, I have a question for you to answer. I want to know if you would consider joining me in taking down the Guardians."
Rod hoped the man would say yes but it appeared to him that this man had other things to attend to. From where Rod was standing either he would gain an ally or an enemy.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: None

She looked up at Duo and raised an eyebrow. "I can't really judge. Haven't been here for long so the only impression of this Karn guy I have to go on is whatever's in his file. And whatever words were exchanged." She looked at his hand on her shoulder and wondered why she hadn't shrugged it off yet. Reaching over, she lifted his hand from her shoulder and let it drop to his side. "But... With you and that Piers guy vouching for him, I guess... I can believe that. It's a little... Unsettling. But nothing that can't be handled, right?" she said, winking at him and regaining her attitude.

"Thanks." Duo said happy that Seda wasn't to mad. "I'm glad you are a forgiving person." Duo had moved out of the way of the medics by now.

"Now," she began as the medics finished wrapping up her arm again. "Where are those other Guardians? If we're gonna meet them, it better be soon." She walked over to the window and looked outside of a sign of anyone arriving. "I've still gotta look for a place to stay, after all."

"I'm here just like you." Duo said sarcastically. He moved next to the window Seda was looking out of and rested his back on it. "We could wait here, or we could check through one of these computers and see the Guardians dispatched here and find them ourselves." Duo said energetically.

OOC: I think that they would have some type of file on who was sent here. otherwise anyone could say "I'm a new Guardian."

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Apron

GLAIZA'S POV

As she continues to talk, I just smile.

"Don't worry too much about things. You can start anytime. We could use another waitress, since we just lost one"

Because since the boss died, I became the new boss. I think I'm going to cry again but I stop myself. This is not going to be easy at all.

"Well, I'll leave you to yourself" I say, as I stand to pat the cat, "I've got some stuff to prepare. You can start anytime soon".

And soon the rest of the staff starts to arrive.

(OCC: Sorry for the really short entry on this, I just can't think of anything. Hahahaha. Anyway, here's the thing, you're welcome to work at any time. You can meet the rest of the staff or something, welcome on board the coffeeshop. Hahaha)

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Twilight
Items: None

GLAIZA'S POV

I'm so tired.

"So sleep"

But I can't. There's still so much to do, so much think about, so much...

"Sleep, love, just sleep"

And so I do, except before I do, I ask him a little a question, "You've been quiet the whole day, is something bothering you?" I'm not used to him being silent, and yet he was most of the day today, as if he was thinking to himself the whole day. There was no narration, no anything.

"I've been preparing..."

I'd ask more, but the sleep is about to overcome me, and so I just decide to leave the shop with the manager downstairs.

SEAN'S POV

ALRIGHT!

She's down for the count!

I've been preparing? Well I've been preparing to meet a certain little snotty kid and see if I'm going to like what he'll tell me.

I haven't played in a long while.

Let's see if this snotty one knows how to play because I'd be damn disappointed if he didn't.

Exciting, exciting, exciting.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Day
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Landy smiled again as Glaiza got up to go work, noting the sad look on her face again. Then she reached in her purse, pulled out her bottle of painkillers and took two, washing them down with the last of her coffe.

She went back into the kitchen and found a place to put her purse. She put her cup with the dirty dishes.

There were a few employees preparing for the day in the kitchen and she introduced herself, informing them that she had been hired. She looked around, getting used to the setting and equipment.

The feeling that something was wrong with Glaiza followed her all day. While one of the employees was showing her how to work one of the machines, Landy asked about it.

"Did something happen to Glaiza? She seemed kinda... depressed earlier. Do you know anything?" she asked, trying to word her question carefully. But the employee stared at her like she was stupid.

"The original boss died yestarday. It was on the news. They were really close, like family. She found him. She's trying to pull through but its really hard for her," she said.

Landy was shocked. She hadnt realized that anything that serious could be the problem. She wanted to do something. She would have to bring Glaiza to see the Madam.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Location: HQ
Items: Boots, computer

"Thanks." Duo said happy that Seda wasn't to mad. "I'm glad you are a forgiving person."

Seda let out a laugh, scoffing. "Forgiving?" she murmured just enough for Duo to hear. "Haven't heard someone tell me that in a while. I don't consider myself one." She walked back to the table, grabbed her boots and sat on the ground, putting them on as she talked. "I just think I have bigger things to deal with than some guy with issues." She paused, remembering how angry the Nightmare seemed to be. "Or a giant suit of armour with the same."

"I'm here just like you." Duo said sarcastically.

"Of course," Seda shot back with a smirk, standing up. "Or else that trick with the card just now would mean you'd be giving David Copperfield a run for his money. Thanks, by the way."

"We could wait here, or we could check through one of these computers and see the Guardians dispatched here and find them ourselves." Duo said energetically.

"Now that's more like it, Sunshine," Seda said with a laugh, sitting at one of the computer terminals and spinning around in the chair. Letting her left arm dangle freely, she bit her lip as she used only her right hand to enter her required information. While the computer was searching, she grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil from her suitcase.

"We should get a message out to them," she said, not knowing that Piers had already asked a high-level tech to contact them. "Guardian HQ. ASAP. Location attached. PS: Bring coffee and doughnuts." She paused for a moment before furiously scribbling out the last line. "Sorry."

The computer let out a soft Ding!, indicating that the records were there and waiting. "Rose, Allen. Hanayume, Rio." She raised an eyebrow, not recognizing either name. "You know them?" she asked, turning to Duo.

[Valkarma]

(OOC: Just waiting on Cross before I post again as Karn. Anyone know where he went?)

Jace
Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace was whistling like always. Also a nursery ryhmes. Always one his mother had taught him. She was a great teacher. The kids she looked after loved her. Maybe thats why Jace hated her. Why should he had had to share her with everyone? She was his. Well now she definatly was. All stored away and unable to live. Jace smiled to himself.

Zen jumped down from the rooftop and landed directly in front of him. Zen gave Rod his body back so he could speak with the man.
"You must be the one with the strong nightmare are you not?" Rod asked the man, " If so, I have a question for you to answer. I want to know if you would consider joining me in taking down the Guardians."

Jace jumped slightly. The last thing he expected was a stranger walking up to him and asking these things. He burst into laughter and hugged his sides as it begun to hurt. Jace swung an arm around the fellow as he finally stopped laughing. He smiled a very happy grin.
"Of course I would my new friend. In fact I was just thinking the same thing. I've got a surprise back at my place for dealing with them. How about I take you to it? It doesn't bite." He joked, "Oh I'm Jace my new, new friend. Do you like nursery rhymes?"

[Cross Avantgarde]

(OOC: Very sorry Valk, everyone; hopefully I'll have no more delays).

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Outside HQ

Piers began to laugh along with Karn, remembering the event Karn was describing. “Yeah, I remember…and you’re right, none of this was detailed in the job description.” Piers laughed again, and he could have sworn that he heard Karn say something while he was laughing, but it wasn’t loud enough for him to discern.

What was evident was the sudden change in temperature, a coolness that seemed to actually emanate from Karn. It was then that Piers realized that Karn had his hand outstretched, something he had done only a few times before, but always before he summoned Gray. “Karn…what are you doing?” Piers stammered out, his cheerfulness turning to nervousness. It seemed that Karn’s attitude had vastly improved, so what was he doing now? Was he showing something to Piers, or was he reverting back to the state that he had earlier found himself in? Either way, it all took Piers by surprise.

Piers had abandoned the main part of his plan by taking Karn out of the armored vehicle at his behest. Only one more feature of his plan remained to keep the situation under control, but it was a back-up; if Karn summoned Gray and was able to get inside, everything would be more difficult…more difficult and more potentially fatal for Piers.

There was no time, and he knew he would probably fail to get Karn inside the armored vehicle before Gray appeared, but if there was a chance he had to take it. He reached under Karn’s arms and tugged him back to the heavy open doors of the armored vehicle, ready to stop if he found that he was overreacting and that Karn was still coherent. If Karn was indeed reverting to his earlier stage, Piers would probably have no time to get him inside of the armored vehicle and thus separate the two as he had done in HQ; yet, he had to try. If that failed, the last feature of his plan would have to suffice; a rather neanderthal approach, admittedly, and one Piers had only thought of as a last ditch effort. Either way, he hoped he was overreacting and that Karn would soon say, “Put me down, you idiot! I’m just seeing if Gray’s changed!” or something to that effect.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: outside HQ
Role: Guardian?
Status: Morning
Items: None

Karn closed his eyes and just threw his head back as Piers was dragging him back towards the armoured car. The same chill ran up his spine that had always been a part of Gray. Slowly Karn opened his eyes. The wind increased around him and the tempreture dropped again. Then with a heavy crunch on the grass and a creak of metal, Gray stood in front of him. Gleaning with silver from the morning light, he stood as proud and as power as he once had.
Karn smiled and whispered to Gray,
"Hello old friend."

Karn grabbed Piers hand and pushed it off him. He hit the grass with a thud. Gray walked over and extended a hand. Karn grabbed it and felt Gray melt over him as he had done many times before. Karn was pulled up by the flowing metal. He extended the other hand and Karn excepted. Slowly he was sucked up into him. Inside everything was the same. The same cold chill, the same dark space. Gray was, as Gray was. Karn just smiled. But inside he could feel some kind of saddness. Gray felt like it wept. Karn's smile faded slightly. Then he dissmissed him. As Gray slowly returned to mist Karn was left standing for a moment on broken legs.
"Looks like he is just as emotional as me then." Karn spoke slowly. He smiled to Piers before his legs gave way and he hit he ground. "I'm going to need that drink now please." He said with a laugh and cough.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Outside HQ
Status: Day

“This is a problem,” Piers thought as he saw Gray appear right in front of Karn and himself, blocking their way to the armored vehicle. It was then that Karn pushed him away and fell to the ground, only to take his place inside of Gray, exactly what Piers had feared from the beginning.

Fortunately, Gray’s appearance was back to normal. Also, he made no move to attack. “Skitters…” Piers thought to himself, then decided against taking any action until he discovered, as best he could, what Karn would do. Waiting too long could be a fatal mistake, however. Piers was relieved when Gray disappeared, leaving him amazed at the fact that Karn was standing on his severely wounded legs. He raced over to him as he fell, asking for a drink with his old sense of humor.

“Karn…well, at least Gray seems to be back to normal, and so do you.” There was no available diagnosis, no reasons or explanations as to Karn’s recent malady, yet these signs were positive. Piers laughed when Karn requested a drink, saying through his laughter, “Well, I told the rest that I’d come back with you when we figured this out. You seem to be fine…I mean, barring the wounds and all. But how do you feel? Gray was back to normal, and that’s good…can we trust he’ll stay that way? I wonder what started all this?” Piers wanted to be sure that Karn would be able to control himself at HQ. If not the results would be disastrous, and HQ didn’t need any additional problems.

Piers knew that his guess was as good as Karn’s, as he had no memory of the past events. At any rate, Piers was relieved to see Karn doing so well, despite his injuries. “Karn, I’ll take you at your word. If you think you can handle what’s been happening to you, I’ll gladly take you back. Besides, I think we’re about to regroup and possibly have more Guardians with us.”

A beep from Piers’s cell phone interrupted him. He had missed a message, and he opened it to see Melinda’s latest message appear on his screen. Opening it, his heart dropped. Fortunately, by the end of the message he was relieved. She had not been identified as a Watcher by the Vagrant, but she had seen a Vagrant nonetheless, and also a Feral in a coffee shop, and one had used illusions…just as the tech had described the incident at HQ to Piers!

“One sec, Karn.” Piers sent a quick text to Melinda. “Whr r u now?” Wasting no time, he quickly called Teaberry. No sense in sending Guardians to Teaberry if the Vagrant was gone. Ferals all had to be dealt with more gingerly, usually beginning with questioning. After all, many of them had limited knowledge of the nightmares themselves. Either way, if the Feral was still there the Guardians needed to make some form of contact. He had no description of the Feral, and only had one of the Vagrant if it turned out to be the same one that attacked HQ. Given the illusion skill, it most likely was.

Waiting for someone to answer, Piers would quickly decide if anyone in the coffee shop matched the description of the Vagrant who attacked HQ. Piers would either have to talk to Glaiza or someone he knew at the coffee shop who would tell him about customers inside or he would have to get creative, probably imitating a concerned brother and giving the description of the Vagrant that attacked HQ. He went over what the tech had told him on the phone concerning the Vagrant, trying to remember how he had described him. Not wanting to upset Karn with the news, knowing he’d want to track the Vagrant down immediately, Piers kept the information to himself as he awaited an answer at Teaberry, also hoping to receive word from Melinda soon.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Items: cell phone, tracking device
Location: piers house
Status: Day

melina woke from the beeping of her cellphone. She looked at the message and responded "at you house, had vision, one of us is a traitor, watch out for the insane one". She sended the message and wondert if the traitor was someone they already knew or a new enemy. she stood up and made herself some tea 'insane one, most guardians are sane, vagrants and ferals have semi control' she took a sip 'maybe a watcher the visions could drive one pretty crazy...' she sighed and sat at the table.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: MP3 player


Jace jumped slightly. The last thing he expected was a stranger walking up to him and asking these things. He burst into laughter and hugged his sides as it begun to hurt. Jace swung an arm around the fellow as he finally stopped laughing. He smiled a very happy grin.
"Of course I would my new friend. In fact I was just thinking the same thing. I've got a surprise back at my place for dealing with them. How about I take you to it? It doesn't bite." He joked, "Oh I'm Jace my new, new friend. Do you like nursery rhymes?"


" Yeah I guess, as long as you don't go to an extreme with it." Rod said, " Also my name is Rodeaux but just call me Rod." Jace said that had a surprise back at his place and Rod curious to know what this "surprise" was.
" If you don't mind me asking, would you show me this surprise you're talking about and your nightmare because you've seen mine already." Rod said eager to see his nightmare, " I also want to know if there are others with you besides me?"

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: outside HQ
Role: Guardian?
Status: Day
Items: None

Karn laughed.
"Come on man. You really think I'd do something stupid enough to get you hurt." He slapped Piers on the shoulder friendly, "Not you man. We get few friends we can trust in this world. Your one of mine." He smiled and lent as much strength to Piers so he could get him into the back of the car again. He wasn't sure himself what was going on but time wasn't on his side to figure out. Gray had changed as mcuh as he had and that lingering feeling to sadness he had felt still bothered him. However telling Piers might only distract him from the more important events right now. Piers didn't need that. None of them did.
"Lets get back to HQ now. I've got someone to say sorry to and a drink waiting for me." He said.

Jace
Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

"I like you Roddy. 'Cos you like rhymes. So lets go see my new pet, new friend." Jace joked about. He then lead the way for Rod towards what seemed like a ruined house, that had collasped in on itself. He grinned as he stood in front of it.
"What you think? My home away from home." He grinned, "Oh and it's just us three for now. Seems some people are too weak to take on Guardians." He then summon Thanatos to his hand and brought him down in front of him.
"What are you doing with this nightmare, boy."
"Recruiting just like you said."
"Why him? He has no talents, boy."
"Oh but he does. He can sense Nightmares by their energy. Yep thought we were powerful."
No responses meant Thanatos was satisfied. Jace swung him in front of him and a hole seemed to open. A cut through the illusion he had made to hide the house. He stepped in and waved his hand to get Rod to follow.
"Hey Gilly." He shouted out, "I've got a new friend I want you to meet. Don't go dying on me eh, we have a lot to do." Jace smiled as he looked around for Gill.

[Change Of Color]

Landy walked around all day almost like a zombie. She went through the motions of learning how to use the machines and protocols for serving the customers.

Throughout the whole day, though, her thoughts were focused on how to help Glaiza. She tried calling the Madam but she wouldnt anwser her phone.

'Coocky old bat probably lost it,' she thought but even in her mind it sounded joking. That woman had been like a mother to her.

By the time she was told that there was nothing else for right now and that she could come in tomorrow, she had decided. She was going to visit the Madam that night before she went in to the hospital.

As Landy was gathering her stuff to go visit the Madam to talk to her about Glaiza, the phone rang. She looked at it, then looked around. She didnt know if she was allowed to anwser it but no one else was there.

She picked up. "Hello?" she asked, waiting for someone to anwser.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Outside HQ
Status: Day

Things seemed to be getting better by the moment, and as Piers waited for someone to answer the phone at Teaberry, Karn seemed to truly be back to normal. “And I trust you. Just trying to be vigilant in case something happened again. But, like I said, I trust you. Oh, and about that apology…just be careful. Seda’s, well…kind of like you. Be prepared for a tongue lashing.” Piers then smiled and said, “Let’s go back.”

Piers helped Karn back into the armored car and then heard a very familiar, albeit quite unexpected voice on the other line of his cell phone. “Landy?! Landy, is that you? This is Piers. What are you…wait, never mind. I’m sorry to rush Landy, but I need a favor. Are you at the phone near the register? Can you tell me if there is a boy inside who…”

Piers struggled to remember the description of the Vagrant who had attacked HQ. Suddenly, he realized that the description he had gained was unsatisfactory; the details he had received were few, and he was unable to discern what the true form of the Vagrant was or just an illusion, as that was one of his noted skills used during the attack. He gave Landy everything he could. “Well, he’s a dark-haired young man…any of those in there?” Piers feared an over generalized answer to a vague request, but he had to inquire nonetheless.

Piers waited for her response as he remained beside Karn in the back of the armored car. Hearing a message appear on his phone, he opened it while keeping the line open, the text appearing on the screen from Melinda. It wasn’t completely reassuring, but the important part was there: Melinda was safe at his house again. The rest would have to be documented at HQ, and Piers could only speculate what it meant. A traitor? An insane traitor?

Piers jumped out of the back, shut the doors, and climbed into the driver’s seat, dismissing Skitters. He began to drive back to HQ as he awaited Landy’s answer, wondering simultaneously what she was doing answering the phone there and if all was well with her work at the hospital.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: MP3 Player


Rod saw his nightmare and thought that a nightmare used as a weapon was unreal but he can transform into his nightmare so he figured that his abilities were unreal. The house Jace mentioned looked like it was no the verge of completely collapsing but Jace cut through what looked like an illusion and his real house was behind it.

" Illusions, nice" Rod said calmly as he was invited to come inside, " If it's only three of us, we need to get more people to join us."
Rod heard Jace call a person's name and he figured it was a guy cause no girl would ever want to be named gill.
"Zen, what do think? Can we trust him?" Rod asked Zen in his mind.

" It would be best if we just lay low and see if we can get others to join us but I think we should do it alone." Zen said.

Rod entered the house to see a man who looked liked he had been through hell and back. Rod figured he must be Gill but by the look of things he looked liked a pet of some sort.
"You must be Gill, I'm Rod by the way." Rod said. He wanted to be friendly if he wants to be able to work with the both of them.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone

"Oh! So that's who's comi-.....Nope never heard of 'em." Duo said in a loud and then serious voice. "There are many-a-Guardian that have come and

gone so I tend to forget people's names and faces, because normally I won't know them for long, it wastes brain power ya' see." Duo made King

appear. "King, go get me some water." King started to walk out of the room with shaking his head. "Shut up, I ain't lazy. I'm just talking and if I wasn't I

would have got it myself." By the time Duo finished his statement King had already left. "Well, back to the point. What I'm trying to say is if I have met

them I don't remember." King walked back in with a bottle of water handing it to Duo. "Thank you." King sighed and disappeared. "While I'm thinking of

nightmares, I wonder how Karn and Piers are doing. He's might be in the middle of something so I'll send him a message." Duo pulled out his cell phone

and texted a message to Piers. It read "how r things goin?" Duo pressed send and put his phone back up. He turned back towards Seda. "Now, about those

Doughnuts."

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Day
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Landy looked around the half-filled coffee shop. There were a couple of dark haired guys, neither of which were particuallary young.

"Mmm... I dont see anyone right this minute bu-" she stopped short, thinking of the boy from this morning, the one who had been so rude.

"NO! There was the rudest, crudest, snot-nose little PUNK in here this morning, Dr. Piers and I swear if I could have gotten my hands on him, oh he would have been in for it! But he was young, dark haired, about the only one we've really had today, though I'm not a good source. I've been kind of... sick, I guess," Landy babbled, not sure why Dr. Piers sounded so worried.

"Is something wrong, Dr. Piers? Why is the little runt important?" she asked, hoping to get some anwsers but her efforts were forgotten quickly as she let out a small squeal. "I got a job at the Teaberry, Dr. Piers! Thats why I'm here and anwsered the phone," she said, her voice beaming her happy, confident vibes through the phone.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Location: Outside HQ
Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Afternoon

“So, he’s already left…I’ll note that he was there in the log at HQ. Why did he go there in the first place?” Piers thought to himself, grateful for Landy’s information. “Oh, why am I interested in him? Well…you know, Landy, you’re the last person I’d wish to lie to, so I’m afraid I can’t say. I’m sorry…I know it must be rather odd for me to call all of a sudden and ask about that, and I truly appreciate your input. I’m also sorry to hear that you’ve been sick.”

Piers couldn’t help but laugh at Landy’s excitement over her new job at the coffee shop, as well as the fact that, like Glaiza and the late owner of Teaberry, she called him “Dr.” “Oh, you’re working there now? You’ll do a great job, I’m sure of it…but, if Lloyd possessed a quarter of the intellect that your cat has, he’d have hired you on salary. No matter. If you want, when I go back to work, I’ll get you on salary for sure.” Piers was confident he could do so, and could see Landy excelling at the hospital.

“So, I guess you’ve probably met Glaiza by now? Will you send her my regards? And if you see that guy again, will you please give me a call immediately? Oh, and it’s best if he doesn’t know you and I have spoken, just in case. I owe you one, Landy. Sorry to go so fast…call anytime and get well soon.”

Piers had to hang up the cell phone in order to radio HQ. He was getting close and had to radio Karn’s status and a request for his wheelchair to be brought out to the entrance. Right after doing so, he received a message from Duo inquiring as to how things were going. "Fine, he seems btr and no prblms; cming bk now," he responded.

Location: Guardian HQ

Piers exited the armored car and walked to the large back doors of the vehicle, opening them and smiling in at Karn. “Alright, Karn, we’re back. I think I’ll stay back a little during your apology if you don’t mind.” Piers jumped in, helped Karn out of the armored car and into the wheelchair, and walked beside him to the entrance. “The ball is in your court, Karn.” Piers said as they approached the entrance.

[Christine Daae]

Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Day
Role: Watcher
Items: N/A

Chinatsu walked downstairs and heard voices.

"Rose, Allen. Hanayume, Rio. You know them?" Seda said.

She walked closer into the room and saw Duo and Seda. Doughnuts? What the hell? "Umm..Excuse me." She said trying to get their attention. "What are you guys doing?" She asked looking at them confused. She looked as if she just woke up. Her hair needed to be brushed a couple of times and had a tired look in her eyes. She was still wearing a nightgown from when she went up to her room in the HQ. Her voice sounded a bit groggily even. She knew it wasnt the best way to make an appearance but she still did.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Afternoon (?)
Location: HQ
Items: Computer

"There are many-a-Guardian that have come and gone so I tend to forget people's names and faces, because normally I won't know them for long, it wastes brain power ya' see."

"It's easier that way," Seda murmured, trying to preoccupy herself with the computer and the words in front of her eyes. "If you don't know them very long, you don't get attached to them. So when the time comes when you actually have to leave them," she paused. "Or when they leave you..." She cleared her throat. "When that time comes, it makes it so much easier to just go on working."

King walked back in with a bottle of water handing it to Duo. "Thank you." King sighed and disappeared.

"And that's why having a Nightmare with human form is useful," Seda said in a deadpan, hiding a laugh. "The last time I asked Vid to get something for me, he ended up scaring the entire apartment complex," she told him, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she remembered what had happened in the city where she stayed before coming here. "Guess it's my fault everyone thought it was haunted, deserted the place and it eventually closed it down. Whoops," she continued, sticking her tongue out and continuing her reading of the files.

"Now, about those doughnuts."

She gave him a thumbs up and was about to answer when she saw a girl enter the room. The girl was definitely not one of the technicians and Seda wondered if this was the other Watcher that Duo had been talking about.

"Umm..Excuse me." She said trying to get their attention. "What are you guys doing?"

"Hey there," Seda said, spinning in the computer chair and giving the girl a wave. "The name's Seda. Just thinking of getting something to eat. I think we deserve it after the long night we all just had," she told the girl, yawning widely and realizing that she was more tired than she thought. "Breakfast. Or lunch. Or both. What time is it, anyway?" Leaning back into the chair and stretching her good arm, she took a few deep breaths. "Forgive my sluggishness. I just burned off my painkillers high and now I just need sugar and coffee."

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: Guardian?
Status: afternoon
Items: None

Karn laughed to himself.
"Good to know you have my back then, eh?" He joked to Piers as he wheeled himself in. The distance he had to travel seemed a lot longer then it was. Some looks from techs and workers made him ashamed at what had happened before. Some seemed scared but a large amount looked glad to see he was back. It made Karn feel like he was home. He wheeled himself along to where all the voices were discussing something. He made his way in carefully past the watcher. He spent a few moments listening ebfore he spoke.
He looked towards Seda.
"Em...Look I apoligise for before. It kinda wasn't my fault. But in some ways it was. I lost my temper and it seems like that had something to do with it all. Well what I'm saying is Sorry." He bowed his head to Seda. Then after a moment he rasied it.
"On another note." He relaxed a lot more now, "If we are going out for food. Hows about Teaberry Coffee Shop? I bet Piers would love to go here. His dear Glaiza works there." He looked over his shoulder at Piers and laughed. It felt good to be around friends.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Early evening
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: HQ

Piers breathed a sigh of relief, noticing that Karn was showing a huge amount of humility; this was rare, and he was surprised. When Karn mentioned his “dear Glaiza,” however, he rolled his eyes and sighed. Karn loved putting him on the spot.

“Nothing would make me happier, Karn. Unfortunately, I haven’t slept since yesterday and I’m exhausted…still on third-shift schedule, you see? However, a good friend of mine, Landy, is working there now. If you all would like to go and hang out, seeing as how a break for you wouldn’t be the worst idea, that’s good. If so, please greet Landy for me. I’ll stay here and wait to see if any Guardians show up. Okay, honestly I’m just going to go up to the aerie to sleep, but they’ll notify me if they arrive. Ahh, another thing: I believe the Vagrant who attacked HQ left Teaberry a while ago. I’ll put it in the log. I got this info from Melinda and Landy. Keep your eyes sharp if you intend to go, okay?”

Piers noticed that Chinatsu was in the room. She seemed fine and unscathed in wake of the attack, and Piers was pleased. “I’ll take over whatever night duty needs to be done when I wake up. Oh, and Melinda’s at my house in case I forgot to tell any of you, so don’t be worried.” Turning to leave he suddenly looked over his shoulder and said to Karn, “And I don’t think Glaiza’s working right now; she didn’t pick up,” knowing that his friend would realize that he wasn’t turning down a chance to see Glaiza again, it’s just that she wasn’t there.

Piers took the elevator to the HQ’s aerie, atop which were stationed antennas and even one beacon. Piers loved to study there, but for now he would sleep on the one bed inside of the small atrium of the aerie. It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep, and his relief over Karn’s condition and Melinda’s safety helped to get him there quickly. The cell phone and radio remained on, just in case anyone needed to contact him.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Early evening
Location: HQ
Items: None

Seda was still leaning back in the swivel chair, letting her head hang over the seat back, when she heard someone coming into the room and approaching them. Turning in the swivel chair to let her see, she saw the two Guardians. "Whatthe-" she began, before attempting to spring to her feet. And failing, falling on the floor.

"My bad," she muttered, quickly standing up and dusting herself off. She stared at the man she had argued with, eyes narrowed and arms crossed over her chest (though the left one was crossed a little crookedly, thanks to the bandages).

"Em...Look I apoligise for before. It kinda wasn't my fault. But in some ways it was. I lost my temper and it seems like that had something to do with it all. Well what I'm saying is Sorry." He bowed his head to Seda. Then after a moment he rasied it.

She listened as he talked, nodding her head very slowly and bringing her arms down to her sides. "Well," she said with a shrug. "I guess it was my fault too. You know them painkillers." She paused to wind her finger around her ear, making the crazy sign. "Make you a little crazy."

"On another note." He relaxed a lot more now, "If we are going out for food. Hows about Teaberry Coffee Shop? I bet Piers would love to go here. His dear Glaiza works there." He looked over his shoulder at Piers and laughed. It felt good to be around friends.

"Anywhere that serves good stuff is fine with me," Seda said, folding up her coat and rolling down the sleeves of her turtleneck. "Let's try this again," she told the man she deduced was Karn. "The name's Seda." She said, punching his shoulder lightly as a greeting. "And if you'll buy me a good stiff drink at this Teaberry place, we'll call it even."

(OOC: Seda is 18 and the legal drinking age where I'm from is 18. Apologies to anyone who's from a country with a legal drinking age of 21 and is offended by underage drinking.)

[Rem Nightfall]

Role: Guardian
Status: Unknown[Really playing the role of unconscious]
Location: HQ Infirmary
Items: None

Harue suddenly finds himself back in the place of his birth and consumption. Well not really his birth nor consumption in the traditional sense. But the place after the war. The oni man were strutting around staring at their servants of war. The captain was looking for his favorite and Harue was trying not to be seen. After all this man had killed his parents. Harue stared at all the older men and boys. He hoped he wasn't chosen. The captain took off his mask as if to let a dying breeze of battle blow on him one last time. The captain was a frightening man. He had a hooked nose, he wore one large hoop earring on the left and a small hoop earring on the right, a battle cuirass on his chest, and a metal armor skirt. Harue wasn't sure what they were called. The man's eyes quickly darted to Harue and Harue tried to hide. The captain smiled with his rotten teeth and pointed with his infected long nails.
"That one will be my last choice," the captain said.
That decision had associated Harue's mind to go into a dream montage of the man's hands and the other servants, his family, blood. Over and over again screaming and torment. Captains laughing and his pleading to not be touched. Harue opened his eyes. Maybe not from the bad dream itself, but he woke up.
It was sort of well awkward as the world was fuzzy in the beginning, but he knew where it was. It was the Guardian headquarters. His head felt like two tons of concrete had been poured out into his head. And now it was trying to expand and explode out. He shook his head.

[i_say_sabotage]

(OOC: Apologies for not posting any sooner!)

Gill

Role: Watcher
Status: Early evening
Location: Slums
Items: None

Running around in circles, talking to non-existent voices. Yep. Is this really my world now?

Gill searched the darkness for the origin of the whistling sound. The whistle was a familiar melody. It reminded Gill of a dirge.

"Hey Gilly." The voice said then it whistled again.

"Who--?"

"Who?"

"Gill."

"Huh?"

"Hey Gilly."

The shadows formed shapes, twisted and turned until a boy stepped out of the shadows and smiled at him. Gill stared confused for a moment. The boy looked exactly like him. Oh, but his eyes. His eyes were deep pools of red and his skin was pure and white with blotches of black at his neck.

"Hey Gilly."

Gill was engulfed with fear as the guy walked towards him. His face was plastered with a smile, his posture a lot better than his. He looked like a more confident Gill, a stronger Gill. Somebody unafraid.

"Who are you?" Gill asked, even though he knew.

"Me?" the guy asks. "I'm the Watcher."

"What?"

"I am your visions. I hand you your demise." he smiles. "IT seems that you have turned yourself absolutely crazy, Gill. No refuge, no existence, no power. And here I am as a result of your subconsious defense. I am you. Your idea of a Watcher. Pretty."

"What?" he said, confused.

"Oh Gill." The boy says holding his hand and squeezing it. "You are so alone. so pathetic. You're so pitiful I want to kill you." He paused. "Just kidding."

Gill slapped the boy's hand away and proceeded to climb up of the hole he fell off on. "Leave me alone you--you..."

But the boy was not there anymore. In his place was a little girl with huge glasses and a ponytail. It looked like an eight-year-old Nerisa.

"Sister always gets best grades, doesn't she? Always the best stuff, best career, best everything. Right Gill? Bad sis. Bad, badd sis."

The girl's neck split open and a gush of blood spewed out. Her white dress slowly turned crimson, soaking her whole dress red.

Gill whimpered in horror and pushed himself up the hole. He ran around the house looking for a place to hide, knowing it wouldnt really do him any good.

Just then, he heard somebody rattle the door, voices were laughing and talking. He heard the other one belonged to Jace and the other one felt like a Vagrant.

As Jace opened the door, Gill ran forward to meet them. The new Vagrant began to introduce himself but he paid not much heed.

"There's a wild Nightmare in this house." Gill cried. "A wild Nightmare without a host. I-I didn't think this was possible."

A low cackle resonated within the hole on the floor.

++

Nerisa

Role: Feral
Status: Early evening
Location: Park
Items: None
NPC: John Callaway

"Pooling together our info meant for some serious discussion." Nerisa said.

Callaway sat on the bench of the park, savoring the cool evening breeze. He just lighted a cigarette as he sat, and the glow of the smoke looked almost nostalgic.

"You look like a Marlboro commercial." Nerisa scowled. SHe hates being ignored. "That with the stupid satisfied smile and this god-awful silence."

"I think the word is "peace" not "silence." Callaway replied. "Anyway, you seem to be ignorant of both. More so, the latter."

Nerisa grunted huffily. "You so remind me of--ugh. Nevermind." she said, taking out tons of paper and files, dropping them on the bench beside Callaway.

"According to the information we both gathered, peculiar behavior around town happened around one month ago. Reports of random people disappearing for a whole night and being found the next. After a week, 80% of those people turn up in the Psych Ward.

"Police have ruled out kidnapping, syndicates,or drug-rings. COs honestly, no ransom was demanded, the individuals were never hurt. The peculiar thing is, everytime somebody disappears and found the next night, somebody else ends up dead.

"The casualties are never connected. A highschool kid disappears, next day, a 37-year-old man is dead in the gutter. No explanation between the two. They've never met and there's no motive. Add to the fact there is not a shred of evidence the two people had ever even made brief contact. It's just stupid really, but it's like a life for a life thing. HEY are you listening??"

"Course." Callaway says, using the smoke to form a perfect smoke ring. "But these are things the police already know. Seriously, you spent your whole day on that?"

Nerisa grunted irritatedly. "No, I did not spend my time only on that!!"she cried. "Here! Look at something else I saw. I went back on the last 10 years of this town's police files and--"

"YOU WHAT?" Callaway retorted.

"I took a quick peep."

"Those files are classified! How the hell did you get your hands on--"

"Details!" Nerisa clucked her tongue impatiently. "Anyway, as I was saying, I took a look at ten years before and I think I found a pattern."

Callaway dropped his cigarette and crushed it under his shoe.

"You should throw that." Nerisa said shrilly.

Callaway ignored her and furrowed his brow. "What pattern?"

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Afternoon
Items: N/A

Jace moved Gill aside. A grin looping up his face. A Nightmare. A wild one. So much fun. He hopped down the hole to where Gill had been. He scanned around trying to find whatever it was. It was dark and hard to see. He whistled softly. Then he heard a whistle in return. He grinned and whistled the next part. It returned with the end of the song.
Jace grinned,
"Do you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Do you know the muffin man,
That lives in Drury Lane?" Jace sung lightly.

"Yes, I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Yes, I know the muffin man,
That lives on Drury Lane." Replied the voice. Then stepping out the shadows emerged Jace but without the same eyes. Much more black. It grinned Like Jace would. Thanatos hung it its hands. Near everything was the same.

"I was right. It is me." Jace said smiling. He tiltied his head and watched the copy do the same. "I'm not a bad singer."

"I couldn't agree more. Though it was nothing compared to mother." It said.

"Yes but Mother was always the best. Thats why we had to keep her..."

"...To ourselves." It agreed. It sat down at the same time as Jace. Both of the dispeling Thanatos.

"Of course we did. It was unfair otherwise. But we always keep her here." He tapped his head. It copied. "Your like a mirror ain't you?"

"Your like a mirrors ain't you? I'm a reflection."

"Of course how silly of me." Jace tapped his forhead as if it was a common thing to to realise. "It would be fun if you were more. the world needs more like me."

"Of course." It nodded and agreed.

Jace began thinking of how to deal with it. He guessed it would be having the same thought. So agreession would be met with agression. It peeked his interest if he could best himself. But not now. Jace pondered of what to do for the moment and watched it do the same. It was kinda fun.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril sat down in the coffee shop and took her Tarot cards out of her bag.. As she sat down, Moir looked over her shoulder and watched her shuffle the cards and place them on the table.

"You know its kinda creepy when you look over my shoulder." Moir sat beside her and looked at the cards. Meril smiled and waited for a waitress to pass by.

"Way better." And soon enough, a waitress came by and looked at Meril.

"What would you like?" Meril pondered what was on the menu then looked at the waitress.

"Orange Peco tea and a slice of Tira Mesu would be great." The waitress took the order and left right away.

"You know, if you have too many sweets, you'll get fat." Moir had replied while looking at the cards. Meril looked at Moir and glared at her.

"You say that all the time and no matter how much I do eat, I never get fat. What's the point in saying something that could happen when it won't?" Moir snickered and giggled.

"Your metabolism will fail someday. It always happens." Meril shrugged off the comment as the waitress came and delivered her order.

"Thank you." She took a bite and smiled.

"I love the food here! Its amazing!" Moir looked away from the cards and out the window. Meril enjoyed her Tira Mesu while it lasted then waited for the waitress to pass by again to ask for another piece.

"The cards don't seem to be saying much today. Except the theme card doesn't correlate with the final card. That's odd. Something new is going on I guess and it seems to be coming soon. What do you think?" Moir perched her chin on her hand and looked outside the window, watching people pass by.

"I don't really believe in those cards. They seem more like a fairy tale or fantasy to me. There created to just make life more interesting." Meril smiled at Moir and then asked the waitress for another piece.

"That is true. They do make life more interesting. But, all of mine actually came true. You can't possibly tell me that these cards are fake." Moir had this huge grin on her face that seemed plesant yet not.

"I didn't say that the cards were fake. I was implying that the fortunes were fake." Meril sighed and looked out the window. She loved to see people pass her by as if she didn't exist. And sometimes, she really wished she didn't but that all changed when she met Moir. Meril chuckled at the memory and then picked up her cards. Moir was fascinated by a goth that passed by with multiple piercings.

"If you become too rebellious, you might turn out like her." Meril looked at the goth girl and then got her sketch book.

"Highly doubted. I wouldn't have that many piecings. I don't want to attract or get hit by lightning. But besides that point, that was very rude." Moir shrugged at her comment then looked at Meril's sketch book.

"What are you doing now?" Meril took out a pencil and began to draw something she had in her dream last night. The only thing she could remember from that dream was the wishing well with black tentacles of darkest seeping out of it.

"Do you know what it means Moir?" She watched Meril carefully, taking in all the detail she was putting on the page.

"How should I know? I'm not a mind reader or a psychic. But what I do know, is that wishing well, is not a good sign."

[The Rogue Devil]

" Jace, what's going on down there?" Rod had yelled in the hole, " Come on up already!"
Rod decided to hop down into the hole himself and when he came down he saw nothing but black and darkness. Rod had a feeling that something was wrong and began to feel like he was being watched.

"Who's there?"

" No one but you." a voice said

"You're here as well and I don't know who you are." Rod said cautiously

" You could have been chief of your tribe with the wolf spirit along side you." The voice said.

" How do you know that? Come and show yourself!" Rod said with anger in his voice.

the figure showed itself and it was Rod himself looking at him. He couldn't believe his eyes at what he saw and without thinking he struck the figure with a right hook in his jaw.

" Nice shot, now let me show you one of mine." He said and hit Rod with the same right hook that Rod hit him with.

Rod stumbled a bit and started to sync with Zen and the figure did the same. This fight will become bloody.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone

"And that's why having a Nightmare with human form is useful," Seda said in a deadpan, hiding a laugh. "The last time I asked Vid to get something for me, he ended up scaring the entire apartment complex," she told him, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she remembered what had happened in the city where she stayed before coming here. "Guess it's my fault everyone thought it was haunted, deserted the place and it eventually closed it down. Whoops," she continued, sticking her tongue out and continuing her reading of the files.

"Why did they think, I mean what's so scary about a gigantic demon tank snake?" Duo said laughing. "Well that's just one business under your belt."

"Umm..Excuse me." She said trying to get their attention. "What are you guys doing?"

"Oh, look who it is, how are you feeling Chinatsu." Duo said in a concerned voice. "We were just as Seda said going to get a bite of something to eat,

wanna' come?" Duo said. His phone vibrated and he opened it up to se a message from Piers. "They're on there way back." Duo said to himself, closing

his phone and putting it back in his pocket. Karn entered the door and began to apoligize. Duo stayed quiet until the end of the conversation and peirs

began to talk. Once Piers was leaving out of the door Duo said, "Thanks for the cliffhanger buddy." Duo said smiling. "Karn.!" Duo said walking towards the

wheelchair "You are okay right? I mean, I do worry about you guys-" He looked up at Chinatsu and then looked over to Seda. "and girls." Duo said so

they wouldn't fell left out. He then walked out of the room and down the hall to a key rack, picking up a pair of keys. He thougth to himself, "Wow, I

haven't drove in a while, I think the last time was about a month ago." He made his way back to the room jingling the keys when he entered the

door. "If we are, lets go." He said waiting for the others decisions.

[Christine Daae]

Location: HQ~
Role: Wacther~
Status: Day Time~
Items: Pill Container~


Chinatsu followed Duo and pressed her hair down a couple times. She grabbed the coat she came to the HQ with and stood by Duo. "Im alright I needed to burn off uneeded stress and get my head straight but other than that completely fine." She grabbed a container full of pills and put one in her mouth. "I have to take these while I'm not in the hospital. It sucks." She put the container in her pocket and awaited the other guardians to come over. "Duo, Did I do anything that night where..you know...to harm anyone because I wasnt fast enough to lead you down there?" She asked with a worried voice.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry Coffee Shop
Status- Evening
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Landy hung up the phone. Her odd conversation with Dr. Piers had left her happy and yet her head was pounding.

She put her bag under the counter, deciding to wait for the throbbing in her head to die down a bit before she went to see the Madam. She tied her apron around her waist again.

Landy went into the kitchen to help out again, putting the things she had learned throughtout the day to practice. She wondered where Glaiza had run off to.

As Landy was bringing coffee and a bagel to one of the customers, she noticed a girl shuffling some tarrot cards at another table. It drew her eyes more than anything.

By the time she had dropped off the order and made her way to the girl, she had already put them up. "Hey, excuse me. I noticed you had tarrot cards out earlier and I just wanted to let you know that I was recently fired by the Madam as her secrutary. I'm sure she'd train you if your interested and I'm actually going by later so if you stick around, I'll bring you along!" Landy said with a big smile before she stood up and went back into the kitchen to make more coffee.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril was enjoying another piece of Tira Mesu after Moir had told her her opinion about the wishing well.

"Well.....that sure is reassuring." Meril sipped some of her tea as a lady came by her table.

"Hey, excuse me. I noticed you had tarrot cards out earlier and I just wanted to let you know that I was recently fired by the Madam as her secrutary. I'm sure she'd train you if your interested and I'm actually going by later so if you stick around, I'll bring you along!" Meril took another sip of her tea as she was speaking and Moir went and placed her head on Meril's right shoulder, listening to the lady.

"Sounds suspicious yet not. A good oppurturnity I must say..." Moir grinned evily.

"I have a bad feeling about it but hey, its a job I guess right?" Meril took another sip of her tea and smiled at the lady.

"Sure! I am looking for a job myself! I would love to go!"

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Afternoon
Items: N/A

"So what do we do?" It asked.

"I'm not sure, to tell the truth." Jace replied.

"We could battle..."

"...But it would be too much if one of us lost. We could talk like we are now..."

"...But it makes us bored."

Jace scratched his head. This was confusing and getting boring fast. He wanted it to go away yet he didn't. it was him, he would never get a chnace to meet himself like thos again. It was fun in some ways. But there should only be one of him. Only one.

"I think you should leave."

"Oh really? Why?"

"I'm unique. There should be only one." Jace grinned. It did the same. The atmostphere became tense. Then it nodded. Jace could tell in the one moment that what it really meant. Then it faded away. He knew if he saw it again he was going to fight. It made him happy.

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: Guardian?
Status: afternoon
Items: Bottle of drink.

Karn smiled. It was good to see everyone relaxed. It would feel wierd if Piers didn't come with them but he couldn't blame someone who hadn't slept like that.
"Yea yea." Karn said to Seda sarcasticly, "You can have some drink but I'm not buying you lots." He laughed. He put spun himself around and wheeled off to his office. Inside he unlocked his office draw and pulled out a bottle. He slid it into his jaket pocket. He then wheeled his way off to meet back up with them. As he did he saw Harue sitting up in his bed as he passed the infirmary.
"Hey you!" He shouted. "If your feeling better we are all going out for a drink and meal. You should come too." Karn wheeled his way on till he was next to Dou. He was talking with Chinatsu. He patted Chinatsu on the side.
"Hey don't worry about all that now. Just relax with us." He said kindly. He then looked at uo though and raised an eyebrow.
"Better not crash today Duo. Would be poor if it was your driving that defeated us all."

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Afternoon
Items: MP3 Player


Rod was about to sync with Zen until he realized that this nightmare would do the same and he was not about to let that happen. Rod stopped the sync and the nightmare did the same.

" I'd rather not fight myself because it would be equal for the both of us."

" Yes, it would be equal but I want to fight you to measure my strength."

" Hah, your own strength huh? I think I'll fight you another time and I got stuff to do that consists of not fighting me."

" Hah very funny but next time I will have a showdown with you."

The nightmare vanished and left a little thought inside of Rod's mind and he figured that if he does meet with it again he might have to fight but that will be another time. Rod hopped out of the hole and steooed outside to get some fresh air.

" Hey Jace! Come outside I need to talk to you for a minute." Rod yelled from outside.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Early evening
Location: HQ
Items: None

Seda went back to the archives to check on her suitcase. Satisfied that it was locked and secure, she asked one of the archivists to store it under the large desk off to one side. Smoothing out some of the wrinkles in her clothes, she took a deep breath. "Alrighty, Seda," she said to herself. "Tomorrow is another day. You can do this." She took off down the hall and managed to reach the tail end of their conversation.

"Duo, Did I do anything that night where..you know...to harm anyone because I wasnt fast enough to lead you down there?" She asked with a worried voice.

"Hey don't worry about all that now. Just relax with us." He said kindly.

"He's right, girl," Seda said with a nod. "Stuff happens. For now, let us throw all that out the window. For tonight, we party!" She pointed dramatically out the main entrance. "I call shotgun!"

"Better not crash today Duo. Would be poor if it was your driving that defeated us all."

She paused and blinked. "Or not. Then again, what's another near-death experience, am I right?" She jumped up and down and stretched her arms to test the mobility of her body. "Hey, you guys know anyone else who might want to come with us?"

Tapping her chin, she tried to remember the other people that Duo had mentioned. "The other Guardian, or maybe the other Watcher that you guys know? If they've had a day anything like the one we just had, it'll do them some good to get out and have a good time."

[Rem Nightfall]

Role: Guardian
Status: Afternoon
Location: HQ Infirmary-Leaving
Item: None


After getting himself situated Harue heard Karn yell at him. Sounded like people were getting ready for a party. Harue got up from the bed and walked out of the infirmary. A lot of the guardians were gathering. Harue was torn between going with them and going to the library alone. He needed to find one of the other guardians and simply followed the ones crowded into a group.
"I'd like to go to the party with you guys," Harue found himself saying.

[janajee]

Location: Middle of the Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

There is something about this park that makes a meeting of evil villains seem peaceful and solemn.

Maybe it's the nice wind flowing from one to another.

Maybe it's the silence, as everyone has already gone home except for the bums, who know me well enough to stay out of my way whenever I make my regular visits.

This is always my quiet place. The place I go to when I want to think and marvel at my own ingenuity.

Snotty kid, snotty kid, make an appearance soon, while I'm in a good mood, because when I'm in a bad mood, things usually end up breaking. Like bones, and blood vessels.

I play with my shadows, chasing and ultimately crushing that squirrel running around.

Guess no one is ever going to find them nuts eh?

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Night
Items: Cell phone, Guardian radio
Location: Guardian HQ

Piers partially awoke from his slumber, his eyes still closed. Stretching, he opened his eyes a bit and then remembered that he was in the Guardian HQ’s aerie. The moon was falling closer to the horizon, visible through the glass apex of the aerie. It was closer to the horizon now, and as a result was bigger and a bit discolored. Even so, Piers could tell from the moon’s position that the night was young and he’d only been asleep for about half the amount of time that he needed. The true horizon was not visible from the high aerie, the vantage point being too high in elevation. While Piers observed these things drearily, he noticed that he had fallen asleep with his clothes on. He could have them washed while he was asleep, and this thought led him to pick up his radio and call for a tech to come to the aerie. About two minutes later, a man appeared at the aerie’s entrance.

“Hey, do you mind getting my clothes later and washing them? I’m about to go back to bed, but I’ll leave them outside this door. Oh, one more thing…and this one’s important. Might want to write this down.” Piers tried to wake up a bit in order to get the instructions right.

The tech brandished a notebook and pen a few moments later and was poised to write. “This is the new idea the Guardians came up with in light of the attack. Ready? Okay, we want a digital database, free of any mainframe so as to keep out any hacking activities, on the main floor. We’re going to keep a log there of all the events and cull our experiences there. All of our pieces of evidence will be on this log, and it needs to be easily accessible for investigative purposes. All information needs to be backed up, but make sure that the back-up device, whether it be chip or disk, will not work outside of HQ.”

Piers was being meticulous in order to ensure that no attempt to intercept the Guardians’ information would be successful. He hoped that the database would be up and running when he awoke in the early hours of the morning, before the sun had yet risen. “That’s about it; I’ll leave the clothes outside the door in a second, and you can put them back, if you don’t mind, when they’re finished. I’ve got some more sleep to catch up on. Ah, and I believe the Guardians are going out for a bit. If anything suspicious happens, please alert me immediately as I’ll probably be the only one here. Thanks again.”

Piers then shut the door, gathered up everything he wanted to be washed, and placed them outside the door. It took a bit longer to get to sleep than last time, but it came just as heavily as before, the moon ever approaching the horizon, albeit very slowly. The last thing Piers stared at was a cluster of stars, the ones closer to the horizon twinkling more than the ones above them.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril smiled at the girl while getting her Tarot cards.

"Would you like me to read your fortune?"

She looked through her cards and made sure they were all upright before shuffling. Moir was always fascinated by the cards but would not admit to Meril. She shuffled the cards and spread them out in a cross formation. She had flipped the first card and it was the Fool.

"That's a pretty major one there already." Moir had replied while Meril thought about the card.

"It can be depending what her present is like." Meril had then turned over the second card and it was The Moon. Moir sat closer this time, very curious to know about this girl.

"Quite the dangerous card to be having when its your past. This girl might be quite interesting. Stay close to her." Meril turned over the third card and it The Tower. She was quite surprised to see a card like this one appear.

"My suspicions were correct. Something is going on." Meril turned over the fourth card and it was The Hanged Man. She let out a small chuckle and then looked at Moir.

"This card is common to have in my readings. It kinda makes me wonder why she has this in hers. She's not the type of person who seems to be suffering and well, everyone have suffered once in there life so its a possiblity."

"People can hide there emotions well. You should know that Meril." Moir had snapped back while still looking at the cards. Meril grinned then flipped over the fifth card, Death.

"Of course Moir. But apparently, the whipers in the wind are saying something that could be quite the contrary for this young girl. When you have The Tower and Death together, it means powerful and sweeping forces at work. And when you have this other combination, The Fool and the Hanged Man together, it means that this person is powerless and should just go with the flow." Moir leaned back in her chair and sighed.

"Well, that girl must be quite the unfortunate individual."

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry
Status- Late evening
Role- Feral
Items- cat

After Landy had started more coffee, she had gone to sit back down with the girl. She was glad that the girl seemed enthusiastic and wanted to learn under Madam.

When the girl offered to read the cards for Landy, she leaned forward to watch the cards carefully. The girl used the cross formation.

As Landy watched the girl flip the cards, each one left her a little suprised. When they had all been turned over, couldn't help but laugh.

"Wow. I'm more seriously screwed up than I thought," she chuckled before laughing again. "Its good to see you already have a bit of a handle on what your doing or you would have a tough time with Madam. She's a batty old woman but she really knows what she's doing," said Landy with a big smile on her face.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

When Meril had completed her reading, the girl laughed.

"Wow. I'm more seriously screwed up than I thought." Meril was a bit confused by that, even Moir was puzzled. She didn't want to ask since it was none of her business and it really wasn't her place to ask.

"I am Meril by the way. May I ask, what does this Madam do exactly?"

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: early evening
Items: MP3 Player

" Hey Jace! I'm going to head over to the coffee shop for a while." Rod yelled in the house, " I'll be back in a while."
This gave Rod a chance to think about the nightmare that knew about his past and about Zen. Rod sighed as he walked toward the shop but he knew he would have to face "it" again.

" Something bothering you Rod?" Zen asked apearing in his ball form, " Is it because of the nightmare we were going to fight?"

" Yeah and I wonder how it knew of my past and about you." Rod said with a sigh, " We need to find more people to join us."
Rod, still contemplating everything, decided to listen to his MP3 player as he walked down toward the coffee shop.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: evening
Items: N/A

" Hey Jace! I'm going to head over to the coffee shop for a while." Rod yelled in the house, " I'll be back in a while."

"Look at that. He just gets here and then he leaves" Jace muttered to himself. "Not a very kind thing to do is it." He shook his head and sighed. The room was slowly getting darker as the last of the light faded away. It was slowly becoming night time and Jace felt the pull to go hunting for someone strong. But then something clicked inside his head. Night. Park. Sean!
Jace stood himself up and brushed of the dirt from his clothing. He picked up a bottle of water from the food he had left and jumped his way back up to the entrance. He took a drink of the water and the threw the remainded of the bottle to Gill.
"This place should stay safe." He told him while summoning up Thanatos. "But if your going to be so scare I wonder if Thanatos will except you?" He raised an eyebrow to Gill. "Get stronger and I'll respect you more. Ok Gilly." He smiled. The he walked out the door and resealed the illsuion on the house. He smiled thinking how things were becoming.

Jace
Location: Park
Role: Vagrant
Status: evening
Items: N/A

Jace made his way into and through the park quicker then he expected. He decided to move by going from tree to tree. Less chance of being spotted and more chance of finding this Sean. Just like he thought he saw him standing and waiting. Jace watched him kill a squirrel and he sighed as he dropped down from the tree. He scraped Thanatos along the ground and looked up to Sean.
"Killing the weak? Seems such a waste." He smiled. "So what is it you wanted little one to have to bring me here?" Jace laughed knowing he was only an inch and half taller then Sean. It was still funny to point out.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry
Status- Late evening
Role- Feral
Items- cat

Landy smiled. "My name is Landy," she said. Meril looked to be about her age and, quite honestly, looked a bit like her. Landy leaned back in her chair as she rememered all the things she had loved about the woman who had been like a mother to her.

"The Madam does everything," she explained. "Tarrot, palm reading, spirituals... You name it, she does it. And does it well. I've known her for a really long time. I promise, she is in no way a fake. She's been studying her whole life. She's a cooky, bossy, cranky, batty, cancoris old lady but she has a good heart. You just have to get to know her."

Landy leaned foward again. "Do you think your up for it? Do you think you can handle the Madam?" said Landy with a sly, teasing smile on her face.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril smiled at Landy and shook her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you Landy. She sounds like quite the person."

"More like nuisance to me." Meril glared Moir's way then she sighed.

"Sure! I would love to give it a try." Meril had replied, having a grin upon her face.

[janajee]

(OOC:Jace, just so you know, Sean is in his form now, which is a male, and is no longer in the body form of Glaiza, kay?... Hahaha)

Location: Middle of the Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

"Killing the weak? Seems such a waste."

I smile, knowing he was here before crushing the life out of that squirrel. Shadows have eyes, darling. How I love my shadows. I'd worship them if I wasn't already too busy worshiping myself, the killer who kills whatever he wants to kill.

"So what is it you wanted little one to have to bring me here?"

I smiled again.

And soon snotty kid was hanging upside down, with my shadows grabbing his legs and dangling him like a rag doll.

"Listen, snot-face. I only came here because I'm interested in your nightmare. Not you. I hate humans, and if I'm right, you are one of them. Are we clear on that, or is blood already rushing to your head?"

Still holding him upside down, I smile my nice toothy smile, showing a weirdly large number of teeth. It's the same kind of smile that says I'm waiting, grasshopper, speak.

"So, snot-face. What up? Got anything interesting for me to hear, or do you just want to hang?"

Hang?

Hanging upside down?

Get it?

Damn, I'm so funny crack myself up.

Location: Unknown
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

GLAIZA'S POV

...

...

Well this is a weird nightmare.

I can't possibly just be hanging upside down while Xedo is saying bad jokes when he should be doing something instead. Say flaying me alive for example.

...

...

Should I even scream?

(OOC: Glaiza always have nightmares when Sean is in control of their body... and this is currently what is happening here)

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: MP3 Player

Rod made it to the coffee shop and saw two girls at a table. From what he could see, one of them looked like a psychic. He wanted to go over there but something was bothered him about the one he figures is a psychic, something that made him want to figure it out.

" Zen, I need you to do me a favor." Rod said within his mind.

" What do you want me to do?" Zen asked sounding confused.

" I want to see if the girl who I think is a psychic has a nightmare because I'm sensing a nightmare eminating from either her or the other so I need you to send a dark pulse over to them and see if either one of them will recognize it."

" As you wish Rod." Zen said complying fully.

Using Rod's body as a catalyst, Zen created strong, but faint, pulses that covered the area around the shop. Rod smiled at the fact that he might gain a new ally if he was correct about the psychic girl.

" Keep sending those dark pulses around the area until we can be sure she has a nightmare." Rod said with a smile, " I'll get closer to see f she can feel the pulses."

Rod walked over to the two girls sitting at the table and he looked back at the shop before he began to ask them a question.

" Excuse me ladies for bothering you, but is there anyone inside that can make me some coffee because the shop looks closed."

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: evening
Items: N/A

Jace felt his world flip upside down. Then he realised it was him. He looked up to see something wrapped around his legs and holding him up. He swung to the side and then swung back and forth. He wasn't going to be dropped. He grinned.
"What an interesting way to treat his guest." Jace thought.

"Listen, snot-face. I only came here because I'm interested in your nightmare. Not you. I hate humans, and if I'm right, you are one of them. Are we clear on that, or is blood already rushing to your head?"

Still holding him upside down, I smile my nice toothy smile, showing a weirdly large number of teeth. It's the same kind of smile that says I'm waiting, grasshopper, speak.

"So, snot-face. What up? Got anything interesting for me to hear, or do you just want to hang?"

"You know...from this angle I can see the snot up your nose." He laughed, a mix of mocking and childish laughter. Jace crossed his arms and hummed lightly to himself.
"Now that you mention it I did just feel like hanging about tonight. This is most fun." He rocked himself side to side. "But why is it everyone I meet are more interested in Thanatos then me. I'm a good person ain't I? I do what I'm told and I listen. So why do everyone what my Thanatos?" There was anger in that last question.

It was just like with his mother. Everyone wanted her. Needed her. But she was his. His alone. He had made her his. He wouldn't let people ignore him for another.
"Calm yourself, Boy." Thanatos spoke. He had felt Jace's anger rise.
"Why should I? People are always after you. Not me. They don't care for me. I should kill them all for ignoring me."
"Stupid, that's because they know nothing. Now calm yourself, Boy."
Jace mumbled something under his breath. He the took a few short breaths. He looked to Sean. Jace was no longer smiling, his voice became harsh.
"Let me down and we can talk. Otherwise get lost."

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards


Meril continued to talk to Landy until she felt this very strange vibe coming from the man who just entered.

"I got a weird vibe going Moir." Moir looked at the man and then leaned her head to the left to ponder.

"You and your wibes. There's nothing wrong with the man but I guess you can't be too careful." Moir was ready to use her powers just in case this man was a threat to either of them. She stared at the man and then felt something strange.

"He's using something. I can feel it. I think he's trying to see if you have a nightmare." Meril sipped what was left of her tea and then waited for a waitress to come by to order more.

"Stay on your guard." The man approached them in a friendly manner.

" Excuse me ladies for bothering you, but is there anyone inside that can make me some coffee because the shop looks closed." Meril gave him a warm and welcoming smile.

"I don't work here. I am just a humble customer."

[janajee]

Location: Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

"You know...from this angle I can see the snot up your nose." He laughed, mocking me.

Me, with snot? I resent that remark. I happen to be a very clean person, therefore the presence of any snot is seriously almost next to impossible. Seriously. His blood has probably rushed to his head.

"Now that you mention it I did just feel like hanging about tonight. This is most fun. But why is it everyone I meet are more interested in Thanatos then me. I'm a good person ain't I? I do what I'm told and I listen. So why do everyone what my Thanatos?"

"I don't know? Because you're a weak little punk who rely heavily on your nightmare to survive. At least my host knows when it's time to shut up."

I can see him becoming more and more angry now. I like angry. Makes for a good plaything.

"Let me down and we can talk. Otherwise get lost."

Fiesty little punk, ain't he?

"Need I remind you that it was you who looked for me? It was you who invaded my personal space, sent a ridiculous illusion upon my host, if only to draw me out because you obviously felt the need to speak to me. Well, guess what, you have drawn me out, and so far I'm not liking what I'm hearing"

I throw him to the ground.

"Talk fast, before I start breaking things."

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Park
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: N/A

After having hit the floor Jace took his time to cross his legs and put Thanatos across his lap. He then ran his hand through his hair to sort it out and untangle some knots. It was obvious he was taking his time as to annoy Sean as much as he could. Jace wasn't going to be picked on by someone else. He cleared his throat.
"You say I'm a weak punk who relies on my Nightmare but haven't you got it the wrong way." His voice still had none of his childish charm to it. "Unless you are blind then you can clearly see that my nightmare is in a weapon form. Thereforth he is the one that replies on me. Otherwise he couldn't do anything." He then looked Sean straight in the eyes.
"Also if it weren't for your 'Host'..." He put strong feeling into that word. "...you couldn't do anything. In fact for all Nightmares if it wasn't for us you wouldn't exist."

Jace stood himself up slowly using Thanatos. He walked around Sean for a few moments his gaze not leaving him.
"Thanatos recommended you himself. Why? Because he believed you different then other nightmares. They all believe themselves so powerful. When I met you in that shop I felt the same difference. But here you are. Hanging people upside down, parading your power, and pinning blame on others." Jace shook his head, like a disapointed parent, "Come on Sean. Where is your balance? It's no wonder the Guardians are so much more powerful despite being low in number. They have a balance with their Nightmares." Jace wondered away from Sean a little.

He swung Thanatos side to side in a gentle rocking motion.
"Why do we want this guy anyways?" He thought to Thanatos.
"He has power, Boy." He replied.
"Power or not he is crazy."
"Some of them are, Boy." He said very 'Matter of Fact'-ly.
"Then how do we control him?"
"Leave that to me, boy."
"Thanatos! Are you sure?"
"Leave it to me, Boy."

Jace sighed outloud and brought his attention back to Sean. He leaned on Thanatos for a moment and waited.
"We were going to prepose that you help us in eliminating the Guardians making things more free for us to go about what we want. But I don't believe you have proved you are in any way worth it." He hummed lightly, "Well do you think you an help? Or are we wasting our time."

[i_say_sabotage]

OOC: Meril's Tarot card reading for Landy. Looks cool, can't help myself. hehe

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w57/bikasue/tarot.jpg

In this arrangement:

---------------Death---------------
-----------------|------------------
The Moon - The Fool - The Tower
-----------------|-------------------
--------The Hanged Man-----------

++
BIC:

Gill

Location: Park
Role: Watcher
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

Stronger he says.. Gill lamented. How can he be stronger when he's trapped in a lonesome prison underneath an arduos pile of illusion? And when is strength considered an exchange for respect?

"Since.. ever?" A voice in his head taunted. A cold smile formed in his lips.

Underneath this, Gill shivered. something weird is happening to his mind. It feels like he's splitting apart.

++

Nerisa

Location: Park
Role: Feral
Status: Nighttime
Items: Bag, Files
NPC: John Callaway

"It's late." John said mater-of-factly. He stared at the whole pack of squashed cigarette butts around his shoe. "We had better go now."

"But my theory--"

"--is absurd, of course." He answered. "I've heard through and it does show some probability. Still, there are some things that need much thinking. Like this monster theory of yours."

Nerisa scowled at the man and started shoving piles and folders of paper in her bag. She would want to review the discussion they had earlier, but even she, herself would have to admit that the park wasn't the best place to hold the meeting any longer. The only light available was the dim of a single lamppost, that and Callaway's 32nd stick of smoke.

"You know those things will kill you." She huffed.

"Yes. God's post-modern smiting hand." Callaway agreed nonchalantly.

There wasn't a soul to be heard in the park. Callaway and Nerisa started to stroll quietly towards the exit.

"I'll send you home." he shrugged.

"No." Nerisa retorted. "I'll be fine on my own, thanks."

"Dangerous times, kid. It'll be better if I accompany you."

"No thanks." Nerisa pressed.

Callaway paused and was all too sure nothing he would say or do can change the girl's mind. He shook his head in surrender."Women." he sighed.

"Suit yourself then." he said finally. "Take the East path, okay? It's shorter."

With that, Callaway gave a lazy wave with his smoking hand, the faint orange light swinging against the darkness. Nerisa watched as he faded and disappeared.

A sound of a car driving away in the distance signalled a turn of a heel in Nerisa's foot. She began to walk West, past the Center of the park, towards the Library. She reckoned that the night was young. There must be more things to find out before heading home.

As she walked briskly against the cold breathes of evening air, a figure in her far right caught her attention. It was standing by the fountain, seemingly engrossed with something small and furry. Nerisa wished it was a hat. Still, there was something uncannily familiar about the man. Something about the way he stood, maybe, or just an aura.

"Weird." Nerisa mused, attempting to walk past the guy. She was about the shrug the whole thing off when another guy stopped by, as if to appear out of nowhere. Next thing she knew, the second guy was upside-down, flipped through his foot, by a dark coil of transparent stuff holding him by the heel. Nerisa stopped herself from gasping.

"What the hell was that? Whatwhatwhatwhat.."

She hurriedly ducked for cover and hid in the dark of the bushes, all the while inching closer to get a better view.

The two men seemed to be talking. The conversation was too soft to hear, but it seems the first half of the conversation was wasted on indulgent childish mockery. Nerisa stepped a couple of inches nearer to watch the events unfold.

"...my host... time to shut up."

"...see that my nightmare... weapon..."

"...Guardians ...more powerful..."

"What the HELL are these nutcases talking about?" Nerisa scratched her head. She can barely hear what they're saying and the little she caught didn't make any sense. Nevertheless, she was adamant to stick around. She began to rummage around her messy bag for her digital camera.

++

OOC: Valkarma and janajee, please ignore Nerisa for now and continue talking. I assure you she wouldn't overhear any plans apart from what you disclose in the RP.

[janajee]

Location: Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

I smile at his attempt to annoy me. I like angry kids who think they know it all. It makes it all the more satisfying to show them how they don't know anything, not a single thing at all.

"You say I'm a weak punk who relies on my Nightmare but haven't you got it the wrong way. Unless you are blind then you can clearly see that my nightmare is in a weapon form. Thereforth he is the one that replies on me. Otherwise he couldn't do anything. Also if it weren't for your 'Host'......you couldn't do anything. In fact for all Nightmares if it wasn't for us you wouldn't exist."

Standing up, he continued his boring rant.

"Thanatos recommended you himself. Why? Because he believed you different then other nightmares. They all believe themselves so powerful. When I met you in that shop I felt the same difference. But here you are. Hanging people upside down, parading your power, and pinning blame on others. Come on Sean. Where is your balance? It's no wonder the Guardians are so much more powerful despite being low in number. They have a balance with their Nightmares."

Blah, blah, blah. This conversation is boring me already. He is such a talkative little runt and I want nothing more than to shove a sharp thing down his throat, but I let him speak. Why? Because I'm crazy, and I like being unpredictable.

"We were going to prepose that you help us in eliminating the Guardians making things more free for us to go about what we want. But I don't believe you have proved you are in any way worth it. Well do you think you an help? Or are we wasting our time."

"Well I'm glad that little speech is over." Straightening my clothes and brushing myself off, "The little boy is disappointed at the fact that I'm crazy, boo hoo, I should just kill myself to get rid of the guilt that its eating my guts, because my life is always about what the little kids want"

Then I laugh mockingly.

"I don't care about whatever fight you have with those widdle useless Guardians that you seem to care so much about. If you haven't gotten it through your head by now, I care for no one but myself. I tend to be selfish that way. So the predictable answer to your question would be no."

...

"But, not only am I selfish, I also tend to like being crazy. So what the heck? Maybe I will join you after all. Don't trust me though. I just might end up stabbing you when you're not looking. Figuratively speaking..."

Or maybe literally, it really depends on my mood.

I stare at the little-snot, giving him a shot of a friendly smile.

"Believe it or not, I'm worth every minute."

[The Rogue Devil]

" Oh, I see well sorry but what about you? Dou you work here?" Rod asked the other girl. He was about to say something until he saw some cards on the table.
" I'm Rod by the way and I want to know are you psychic?" Rod asked the first girl, " I don't want to be a bother to you both but if you are psychic, would you read my fortune? You don't have to if you don't want to."
Zen said nothing as he kept the pulses going. Normally he wouldn't be able to go this far but with the training he recieved with Rod back home he could go on for hours.

" Keep the pulses going Zen, I get close enough to where one of them has to feel them." Rod said within his mind.

" Do as you wish but please don't speak while I do this. I'm not trying to be harsh but I need concentration for this." Zen said sitting in a meditation stance in Rod's mind.

" Ok, I wont speak while you're doing this."

Rod looked back at the shop and then looked back at the girls hoping the other girl worked there.

OOC: Color I'm talking about you.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards


Meril looked at Landy then at the man. She smiled at the man while Moir was staring at the man.

"Its rude to stare Moir." Moir continued to glare at the man as she spoke.

"I am trying to figure out this man." Meril sighed and looked at the man who introduced himself as Rod.

"Pleasure to meet you Rod. I am Meril. I don't think I am a psychic but I do read fortunes and yes, I will do yours." Meril takes out her cards, places them upright then shuffles them. Moir placed her head on Meril's shoulder and watched as she placed the cards on the table.

[kei of the flame]

OOC:I R BAK ya. So now I can post and the story can keep-a-movin'. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone, Keys

"Better not crash today Duo. Would be poor if it was your driving that defeated us all."

"First of all, that only happened once, and second of all, I STILL don't remember this." Duo said scratching his head and laughing. "I'll get us there

safe and sound." Said Duo turning around and walking towards the door. Duo left out of the building and went into the garage, getting into one of the

government issued cars. He honked the horn. "If you're coming, come on!" Duo said revving up the engine.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

Location: Leaving the Slums
Role: Feral
Status: Night time
Items: Ragdoll

Alanna walked down the side of the road holding a small ragdoll that was given to her by Bing Bing. The little Chinese girl said that because she was only letting Alanna borrow it, she had to come and give it back soon. It was a clever excuse to get Alanna to come visit. Alanna enjoyed her day at the orphanage. She played with the children most of the day and had tea with Mama during nap time. It was a good way to relieve herself of the stress she's been going through. Though she did feel bad that she left without telling her father of her whereabouts. She decided to stop by a payphone to call him.

Luckily, Mama had given her some coins to take the bus home but she already missed the last one. Though, she didn't mind walking at all. It gave her a chance to be alone so she could think clearly. She inserted the coins and listened as the phone rang several times before her father picked up. "...Hello?" The voice sounded groggy and unclear.

"Dad? Did I wake you?" Her father never went to sleep before midnight.

"Alanna? ...Where are you?"

"I'm in a phonebooth."

"... Have you been gone all day?"

"... No... I just left the house. I'm going to the coffee shop. Do you want anything?"

"No thanks pup," a nickname he often uses for her, "Don't stay out too late okay?"

"Okay daddy. I love you." Her hand trembled.

"Love you too." A click.

Alanna stood, motionless for a minute, phone still pressed to her ear. Then with brute force, she slammed the phone back on the reciever. Some piece flew off and the phone fell to hang by its cord. Alanna felt an erge to both scream and cry at once, but stopped herself. Her father had been sleeping the entire day. He had not noticed she was gone at all. Her mother was dead and no one even knew how she died.

She gasped.

"She was killed..." Alanna whispered to herself. The answer seemed so obvious that she couldn't comprehend why she didn't think of it earlier. Her mother was healthy as a horse and suddenly she keels over and dies? That's ridiculous! Someone must have killed her! Alanna threw open the door of the phonebooth and ran out into the night. Someone must know or have seen something. She wasn't going to rest until she found out who killed her mother, even if it drives her to the brink of insanity. Her first stop was Teaberry Coffee Shop.

Somewhere in the depths of her subconsciousness, something giggled with pure amusement.

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Status: Early evening
Location: HQ
Items: None

Seda heard the rev of the engine and followed, looking at the cars parked in the garage as she went. "Big HQ, many techs," she muttered after letting out a low whistle. "Good cars. They have it pretty nice."

As she opened the passenger door and slid into the seat, she ran her hand over the dashboard. "I'm guessing this thing goes pretty fast, doesn't it?" she asked Duo in a deadpan. But even if her voice sounded a little bored, her eyes showed a glint of excitement.

Quite frankly, even Seda was able to get excited over a night out on the town. The Guardians had many responsibilities and duties, which could put a lot of stress on them. Stress that could easily build up and keep them from doing their jobs correctly.

"This is just what we need," Seda murmured, leaning back into the seat and rolling down the window. "C'mon, guys! Let's get this party started!"

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Park
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: N/A
Sync: 30%

Well I'm glad that little speech is over." Straightening my clothes and brushing myself off, "The little boy is disappointed at the fact that I'm crazy, boo hoo, I should just kill myself to get rid of the guilt that its eating my guts, because my life is always about what the little kids want"

Then I laugh mockingly.

"I don't care about whatever fight you have with those widdle useless Guardians that you seem to care so much about. If you haven't gotten it through your head by now, I care for no one but myself. I tend to be selfish that way. So the predictable answer to your question would be no."

Jace's grip on Thanatos tightened. He was beggining to hate this Sean more and more. A rising anger filled him. He could almost feel Thanatos calling to him to calm down but it was there. The connection wasn't there. It was just Jace. Yet the power was. Jace could reach in and grab it and then teach Sean a lesson. So mcuh for his own balance. maybe it was Seans fault.

But, not only am I selfish, I also tend to like being crazy. So what the heck? Maybe I will join you after all. Don't trust me though. I just might end up stabbing you when you're not looking. Figuratively speaking..."

Jace's grip got tighter and the his skin around his hand began to become a glossy black. He just needed one reason. One idiot comment. Just something so that he could erase this scum from the world. His anger was risng to boiling point. He knew he was being taunted.He just wanted one reson though.

"Believe it or not, I'm worth every minute."

Jace just cursed and the blackness spread straight up his arm. He leveled Thanatos down and ran towards Sean with murder in his eyes. He swung Thanatos up to cut the idiot in half.

Karn
Location: HQ
Role: Guardian?
Status: Night
Items: Bottle of drink.

Karn got into the same car as Dou, with some help. He was helped into the passenger seat and he laughed slighty at Seda inpatience. He guessed they all wanted to get moving as soon as. It was getting dark outside and they wanted to get somewhere before it shut. Maybe this rest was what they were all missing. Of course this didn't stop he thinking to himself about something.
"If we are all off duty right now. Who is protecting the people?"

[i_say_sabotage]

OOC: Hey, everyone's going to the coffee shop now, hm...

++

Nerisa
Location: Park, in the bushes
Role: Feral
Status: Night
Items: Bag, digital camera

"Ah, finally!" Nerisa heaved at the distressingly messy bag. When she finally took out her digital camera, the younger of two men had brought out (out of nowhere) a huge metal blade poised over the other guy, his arm glistening black in the moonlight. And Nerisa doesn't think it's used to tickle him.

Her heart was pounding in her chest. She decided it was excitement. It had to be. IT HAD TO. This was the scoop of a lifetime. Never mind the sheer trickle of fear in her spine. Never mind the insistent shaking in her arm.

Dang, the pictures are gonna be blurry.

"Calm down, Ner..." she whispered, inhaling a burst of air that rasped her throat. "Calm down."

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Hold.

Nerisa raised her hand to catch the picture of the two battling shadows in the moonlight. She knew that with the click of this camera, she may well have entered a world forbidden to the eyes of an outsider. Their world. In all its magnificence and terror.. In the palm of your hands lie your destiny... and in an 8.5 megapixel moment.

She pressed the button.

...And forgot to leave the flash off.

++

OOC: janajee and Valkarma, I am intercepting cos I think it's a little too early for your guys to have a full-on fight. Too many events lately somehow... Hope you don't mind.

[janajee]

OOC: It isn't really a full on fight. It's more of... avoiding an attack, talk mockingly to Jace, Jace gets pissed, and then it's just that, so don't worry about it? This is how we're going to form a beautiful friendship with each other...... So, I hope this reply is okay....

Location: Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Night
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

He cursed, and aimed to attack me.

I got to admit, that this little snot is pretty impulsive, and I've always like impulsive, angry kids. I mean come on, bendable, angry, impulsive brats? What's not to like?

I move aside, and he ends up cutting the tree behind me into two.

I use my shadows to grab him by the legs, turning his whole world upside down once more.

"We can do this all night, and all you'll get is blood rushing to your head"

Just then my shadows inform me of an intruder. An intruder with a camera. An intruder trying to take pictures of me. A female intruder who happen to remind me of someone.

Hmm.

I should kill her now, but I'm curious as to why this intruder reminds me of someone. Which ridiculously enough, is someone I can't remember.

I use my shadows to grab the camera from her hands as it flashes to take a picture and let the shadows engulf it. Well, there goes my close-up moment.

I look back at the struggling runt, sigh, because my night is far from over, and it seems the only death I'll have on my hands are the death of a tree and squirrel.

I use my shadows to drag snot-kid to a place where we can "talk", whilst I leave Ms. Female Intruder a little message on a tree next to her.

"Follow us, and you'll look exactly like your camera"

Location: Rooftop of the Oakwood Highschool
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Night
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

"Look, grasshopper, what's got your panties in a bunch? I already said I'll join this little party of yours, didn't I?"

He is still hanging upside down, and I can feel him squirming. Finally when he seems to have relaxed and stopped trying to reach and cut me into two, I let him down.

I stare at him, still shaking with anger at the recent developments.

"Are you done being an idiot? Or do I actually have to beat some sense into you?"

[Change Of Color]

(OOC- Sorry for my absense, my computer has been glitchy)

Location- Teaberry
Status- Evening
Role- Feral
Items- Cat


Landy looked at the man. Somehow, he made her head hurt worse, her headache turning from the dull throb she had had all day. It had actually started earlier, but somehow this man's presense didnt help.

For some reason, this man's name screamed itself. Rod. It was an unusualy name but for some reason, all his features exclaimed it.

"Pleasure to meet you Rod. I am Meril. I don't think I am a psychic but I do read fortunes and yes, I will do yours."

Landy beamed at Meril's name finding ability. It was one of the harder things to learn as every little detail could change a name.

As Meril began to lay out the cards to read Rod's future, Landy slipped away to the kitchen to get his coffee with Miss Noir at her heels. She knew she should pay more attention to the customers but they had been dead for a while and she had gotten carried away in her conversation with Meril.

She walked back out and placed the cup of coffee in front of Rod. She smiled pleasantly and, with Miss Noir curling up at her feet, sat back down to watch Meril read the cards again.

[The Rogue Devil]

" Thank you and I didn't catch your name by the way." Rod said pleasantly, " I hope my fortune doesn't look bad Meril."
Rod sipped his coffee as she began to read his fortune but in the back of his mind he was conversing with the silent Zen as he created more dark pulses.

" This is getting better than I expected Zen." Rod said with a smile watching Zen make the pulses, " Now I need you to make them stronger than before, but not strong enough to make them know I have a nightmare."

" Alright, Rod but I can only keep it up for another 45 minutes so make it count." Zen said still sitting in a meditation stance.

" Very well but I have an important question to ask you." Rod said within his mind, " I know you were born from my nightmares so does that mean, that with the training we recieved from the shaman, you can help me locate a person's nightmare because you are all made of the same thing?"

" That is something even I can't tell you..." Zen said solemnly, " But what I do know is that we are born from a human's fears and that's where we get our strength."

After conversing with Zen for a while, Rod returned to drinking his coffee and watching Meril read his fortune.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

"I guess it depends on your fate Rod. If your fate determines that its bad, your fortune will be." Meril placed the cards in a simple formation, past, present and future. She turned over the first card, which was the Queen of cups in reversed position.

"In your past, You pursue knowledge because you feel inadequate or uncomfortable about something." Moir kept staring at Rod.

"Moir, I told you many times, its rude to stare." Moir looked at Meril and glared at her.

"I know! You have told me many times but I am trying to figure this guy out! He keeps glancing a certain way and pausing or something. Do you think he has a nightmare?!" Moir responded nervously.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself. Just go with the flow and don't worry about it." Moir sat back and relaxed from Meril's comment. Meril flipped over the present card, which was the seven of cups.

"In your present, you shall embrace negative relationships because you worry about being lonely." Meril sat back in her seat and pondered that one.

"I wonder what kind of relationships that card is talking about..." Moir glanced Meril's way.

"Oh no! Don't you be getting any ideas! I like being single. No limits or restrictions."

"But do you always want to feel like there's a void in your heart forever?" Moir had snapped back but she was only concerned for Meril's well being.

"Know your place Moir." Meril had replied while glaring. Moir leaned back, feeling guilty about her comment.

"I should not have treded that line. My apologies." Meril smiled at Moir and Moir couldn't help but smile back as she sat back by Meril. Meril flipped over the last card, which was the three of pentacles.

"In your future, there shall be a commencement in labor, employment coming your way and some new activity brewing." Meril leaned back in her chair and thought that the present card. She blushed at the thought that it could have been that kind of relationship.

"And you tell me not to get any ideas. PSH!" Moir retorded when she seen Meril's face.

[Valkarma]

OOC: Janajee I told Sab our plan and it's ok to go ahead with it.

Jace
Location: Rooftop of the Oakwood Highschool
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: N/A
Sync: 30%

Jace thrashed about as he hung upside down. It wasn't at all helping his anger. As he started to calm down Sean dropped him. He felt drained as if he had run for ages. But he didn't let go of his grip nor his sync. He looked at him with eyes of hate. Yet within his mind was fear. Sean was so powerful and quick. He had disarmed him almost completely within a few moments and taken care of a witness at the same time. Jace had finally met someone so obviously stronger then him. It shook him.

Jace stood himself up and turned his back to Sean. His sync with Thanatos died down. His arm returned to normal and he dismissed Thanatos. He shivered for a moment knowing Sean was still looking at him; awaiting an answer. Jace never felt so mortal yet he was unharmed. He didn't look at to Sean but he did nod his head slightly. He then jumped from the roof and slide down the wall. He had to get himself away from him. Away from anyone. He had to go somewhere safe.

Location: Residential road
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: N/A

Jace felt weak as he walked down the street. Normally at this time he would be strong and proud. He wouldn't be so scared, he would hum a tune and go about doing what he wanted. Yet right now he felt fear. A fear he had felt since his days before Thanatos. He felt mortal. The thing he hated the most. He staggered as he walked. His energy leaving him. It was so perfectic. His legs gave way as he lost the last of his energy and he stumbled onto a lamp post. He slid down it and laid under it's light. His eyes began to close and he whispered something to himself before he fell asleep. Someones name.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: MP3 Player

"I guess it depends on your fate Rod. If your fate determines that its bad, your fortune will be." Meril placed the cards in a simple formation, past, present and future. She turned over the first card, which was the Queen of cups in reversed position.

"In your past, You pursue knowledge because you feel inadequate or uncomfortable about something." Moir kept staring at Rod.

" It's true, guilty as charged." Rod said with a sigh, " But I'm still trying to get over it."

Meril flipped over the present card, which was the seven of cups.

"In your present, you shall embrace negative relationships because you worry about being lonely." Meril sat back in her seat and pondered that one.

" Negative relationships huh...." Rod said in a distant tone, " I've never been in a relationship before and to me it's kinda embarassing."

Meril flipped over the last card, which was the three of pentacles.

"In your future, there shall be a commencement in labor, employment coming your way and some new activity brewing." Meril leaned back in her chair and thought that the present card. She blushed at the thought that it could have been that kind of relationship.

" Really!?!? I hope it's something good because I need something to stir up my dull day." Rod said with enthusiasm, " But.....There is something I need to tell you Meril."

"By the way, why are you blushing?" Rod said with a chuckle, " But seriously, when I look at you I feel something different about you something unique and exciting." Rod said blushing, " I also want to thank you for reading my fortune for me. I really appreciate it but sadly I have to go but if you ever want to chat let me know I'm usually at the park."

Rod finished his coffee, paid the other girl for it for it, and left taking with him a new friend and a lot a questions about his fortune.

" You can stop now Zen, thanks the plan worked without a hitch." Rod said smiling.

" Very well then Rod, and I must say he readings are pretty accurate." Zen said appearing in his ball form, " Rod, do you like Meril?"

" Hah, where did that come from Zen?" Rod asked laughing, " But no I don't, but I feel if I can try to get close to her I can get her to join us."

Rod began to think about the card she flipped that pertained to Rod's present life. He wondered what the card meant but after a while he shook it off and decided to take the long way back to the hideout and listen to his music on the way there.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril was still blushing while Rod was talking a bit.

" Really!?!? I hope it's something good because I need something to stir up my dull day. But.....There is something I need to tell you Meril." She looked up at Rod and kinda pondered that. Then the spontaneous question came up.

"By the way, why are you blushing?" Meril was surprised that he would ask such a question.

"Ummm! Its really nothing! But its something but its nothing!" Meril had replied, nervously trying to find a response. Moir leaned her head on Meril's shoulder.

"Smooth move." Meril sighed and tried to regain her composure.

" But seriously, when I look at you I feel something different about you something unique and exciting. I also want to thank you for reading my fortune for me. I really appreciate it but sadly I have to go but if you ever want to chat let me know I'm usually at the park." Meril's face was almost beat red as he was getting up from his chair. Moir looked at Meril then at Rod. Meril had a sudden determination and ran out the door to catch up with Rod. When she did, she caught her breath and looked at him.

"What is it that you wish to tell me?" Meril had replied, still trying to catch her breath.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffe Shop( a little farther)
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: MP3 Player

Rod was still walking until he saw Meril running after him and suddenly stopped to greet her.

" Oh, Meril you caught me by surprise." Rod said with a smile, " What do you need?"

"What is it that you wish to tell me?" Meril had replied, still trying to catch her breath.

" Oh, um.....Well you see...." Rod said blushing, " I wanted to tell you that you looked nice and I wanted to know if you would like to go out with me sometime.....But only if you want to....."
The words came out with confidence and a little fear. Rod had been rejected before and it's not like he wasn't good looking or anything, it was to most women he just didn't have what they wanted.

" So, what do you say Meril?" Rod asked hoping to get a good reply.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril just listened as Rod was asking her out. She took the moment to catch her breath and stood up straight afterwards.

" So, what do you say Meril?" Meril looked back at how far she ran then looked at Rod.

"That was the fastest run I have ever done for anyone." She smiled the most sincerest smile she could. Moir followed not too far behind, giving her a bit of privacy even though she could hear her from afar. Meril held his hands in hers.

"Sure. I would love to go out with you sometime." Meril had replied while blushing.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: MP3 Player


"That was the fastest run I have ever done for anyone." She smiled the most sincerest smile she could. Moir followed not too far behind, giving her a bit of privacy even though she could hear her from afar. Meril held his hands in hers.

"Sure. I would love to go out with you sometime." Meril had replied while blushing.

Rod was shocked and happy at the same time but he couldn't show it in front of Meril but he couldn't control how he felt.

" Thank you Meril..." Rod said blushing, " It will be an honor to take you out and I must say you look beautiful under the moonlight."

" Oh, brother..." Zen said shaking his head, " But if Rod wants to be happy I can't stop him."

" Wherever you want to go, I have no objections." Rod said still holding Meril's hands, " How about twelve in the afternoon tomorrow?"
Rod couldn't stop staring at her, at her beauty. To him she was going to fill up half of the void in his heart(He needs the other part to give Zen strength). He wanted to know more about her but he would wait until tomorrow only if she said yes.

" So, twelve tomorrow?" Rod asked

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril was surprised to see Rod so happy.

" Thank you Meril...It will be an honor to take you out and I must say you look beautiful under the moonlight." Meril became beat red as Rod had complimented her.

"Don't flatter me too much" She said while giggling. Moir rolled her eyes in disgust.

" Wherever you want to go, I have no objections. How about twelve in the afternoon tomorrow?" Meril snapped from her blushed trance and thought about her schedule for tomorrow.

"Sure. Twelve sounds good to me. At the coffee shop?" She asked while having a huge grin upon her face.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: MP3 Player


" Sure, why not?" Rod said blushing with a grin on his face, " And anywhere after that is ok with me too."
Rod liked the way Meril laughed even though he met her today. It seemed like a sign that his life would get better.
" It's getting late, so I'll see you tomorrow at twelve." Rod said giving Meril a hug, " I'll see you later."
Rod began to walk off but stopped and looked at Meril. She really did look beautiful and with that he smiled and continued walking.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

" Sure, why not? And anywhere after that is ok with me too." Meril smiled and looked into Rod's eyes. She could see that he was very happy. And Meril was quite proud that she had made someone happy and someone smile. She thought it was a gift.

" It's getting late, so I'll see you tomorrow at twelve. I'll see you later." Rod had replied while giving Meril a hug. She hugged his back firmly, embracing the small yet precious moment. Then, she watched as he walked away. Moir approached Meril and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You had that feeling again didn't you? The one about grasping the moment." Meril nodded silently, perhaps completely lovestruck.

"He didn't touch you inappropriately did he?!" Moir asked, shocked. Meril turned towards Moir.

"Of course not! He wouldn't do such a thing! But, I did get that feeling. It seems that perhaps a piece of fate is always with me and perhaps, it will always guide me to a better life. I guess I should be glad since they started happening when you appeared." Meril replied, joyously smiling at Moir.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Residential road
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: MP3 Player

" I think this will go according to plan Zen, what do you think?" Rod asked with a smile on his face.

" I think it will work, but don't get to involved with her Rod." Zen said walking along side Rod, " But I'm beginning to think that you actually LIKE her."

" No way, this is just to get her to our side." Rod said in an agitated tone, " The more the better."

The truth was he actually liked Meril. He couldn't get her off of his mind at all while talking to Zen and Zen knew but he didn't want to say a thing about it. While they were walking, they saw a figure laying down on a lamp post and decided to leave the man alone until they got closer and saw it was none other than Jace.

" Jace...." Rod said with a sigh, " Of all the crazy things you've said this is a first for me."

Jace laid there motionless and Rod started to worry about him.

" Jace......Jace!!!!" Rod said shaking him, " Get up already!!!"

Still he laid there motionless but was still breathing.

"Phew, ok he's alright but Zen, we have to take him home with us so let's sync."

" Very well but knowing Jace, he will get up angry and annoyed but he will be safe." Zen said as he disappeared.

Rod and Zen began to sync only using 30% of their power. Rod's features changed drastically from his normal face to a face with whiskers and fangs. His body also changed as it took on a more feral look with Rod having a tail and claws and a more muscular physique.

" Alright, Let's go!" Rod said as he grabbed Jace and put him on his shoulder, " Hope he doesn't wake up while I'm moving."

Rod let out a loud howl and jumped from rooftop to rooftop to return to his home.


Location: Unknown
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Sync Level: 30%
Items: MP3 PLayer

Rod returned with Jace as he reverted back to his original form. He laid Jace on the couch and went to take a shower.
" Zen watch over him and let me know if he wakes up." Rod said taking off his shirt, "After my shower, I'll go to sleep so do what you normally do."

" I will do as you command Rod." Zen said fading into the other room.

After Rod took his shower he got into his bed and quickly fell asleep dreaming of Meril and the card she flipped for his future.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril walked back into the Coffee Shop and looked around for Landy.

"Are we going to see the Madam or not? It seems kinda late don't you think?" She asked since she didn't want to be a burden or anything. Moir stood by Meril's side, staring up at the ceiling.

"I think there might be some flaws in this ceiling. Its slightly uneven."

"Aren't you observant." Meril had replied to Moir's irrelevant comment.

[janajee]

Location: Rooftop of Oakwood Highschool
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

After the said grasshopper left without a word, I was a tad disappointed. I was hoping for a little "educational" lesson, but I couldn't really... harm my partner could I?

Guardians.

Piers, Glaiza's honeybunch, so to speak is apparently one of them. And that guy in the armor too. Glaiza seems to have taken a liking to both of them. Hurting them would not be in my host's best interest, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there, meaning I'll slit their throat the second I get the chance, and tell Glaiza that someone else so totally did it.

Suddenly, an uncalled for thought entered my mind... That intruder. Who is she, and why was she taking a picture of me? Granted I am really camera friendly... Is she going to sell my picture to the nearest woman's magazine? Though considering the nature of the scene, it'll probably end up in the tabloid where most stories are actually true but humans, the idiots that they are, refuse to acknowledge the existence of anything beyond their comprehension.

Who is that girl?

Location: Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

Back at the scene of the crime.

I wonder why I'm back here. I wonder if I'm really interested in something other than the normal carnage and of course myself. And I wonder why it's that girl that has drawn my interest.

I survey the place, to notice that she is still here.

Why is she still here?

She should have run away when she got the chance.

I could kill her.

I could, and I should, but I don't, so I won't.

This time my unpredictability makes no sense to me, and I just sit there on a tree, watching her...

Weird.

[i_say_sabotage]

Nerisa
Location: School
Role: Feral
Status: Nighttime
Items: Bag

Nerisa blinked as the camera suddenly disappeared from her hands. A few unintelligable moments was spent blinking. When her senses clicked, Nerisa had the mind to look up and see the two men jumping--for the love of spam--JUMPING on the rooftops.

"WHAT THE HELL??" Nerisa cried at them.

She ran around the empty space for a while, trying to gain mileage the two guys (actually, the other one looked like he was being dragged), werent having a trouble breaching.

"Wait. w-wait, you basta--" she huffed out an exhausted breath. She watched as they jumped off to the moonlight towards the direction of the school.

Nerisa fell on her knees and took in large gulps of air. They made her throat dry and painful. For a few minutes, all it could give out are one-syllable PG-rated curses (which is good since most of them consist of one syllable, really).

"Dammit." Nerisa walked around. "This is crazy! People don't just up and jump on rooftops like that Cameras don't just up and disappear either!"

Her latter theory was proven true, though, for she found her lovely $--- camera squashed in a fist-sized ball of metal and shiny plastic. It was hanging on a tree branch a while ago and had a note scratched by the bark.

"Follow us, and you'll look exactly like your camera"

"Ha... ha..."

"ha ha ha..."

"HAHAHAHAHAHA..."

Nerisa just couldn't stop laughing at the note. It was supposed to be a threat. A Supernatural threat at that, with people with blades popping out of their sleeves and jumping on rooftops.. And shadows..

Shadows...

Still, it was hilarious. Follow them? HAHAHAHA. and I'll look like the camera? HAHAHAHAHA. Such a crucial conjunction. HAHAHA. He's a comedian, isn't he?

She touched the etched writing on the tree bark, a residue of shadow curled on her finger. Was that a trick? Somebody... somebody used to tell her that shadows....

Nerisa shook her head. "Call a cab, Ner. Go home. This is too much. Enough Adventure. I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT."

She rummaged through her bag for her cellphone, cursing its messy depths. She stood there for a while, looking for the phone in her absent mind, knowing her fingers have felt its metal case but subconsciously missing it.

She was unaware somebody was actually watching her, and if she was, she'd wonder why she'd actually care.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Unknown
Role: Vagrant
Status: Nighttime
Items: none

Rod was sound asleep until he saw Zen breach his dreams and wathced everything he was doing.

" Rod you like her a little too much for my taste." Zen said inn disgust, " That card is not important."

" Why are you here!?!?!" Rod said shocked, " That's breach of privacy and it's off the wall wierd!!!!"

" Rod....Shut up." Zen said, " I'm here to teach you a few of my moves since you're HUMAN and can't really fight worth nothin."

" What did you just say?" Rod said with a grin on his face, " That sounded like a challenge Zen."

Zen got into his fighting stance and so did Rod.

" We haven't fought since we first met." Zen said with a smile

" I know and I've always been on par with your abilities." Rod said clenching his fist.

" After this fight(dream), You will be able to take on any human with a weapon and others to protect your sweet little Meril." Zen said in amocking tone.

" Shut up and fight." Rod said rushing Zen.

The fight had begun.

[janajee]

Location: Park
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

As she goes and rummages through her bag, I continue to watch.

I feel all stalker-ish. Which is weird, because the only time I stalk people is when I want to kill them, and I obviously don't feel like killing this girl. Which just means that I really should just kill her to get this whole mind bending moment over with.

But I don't.

I jump down, and don't turn to look at her.

I decided to walk back to the coffee shop. Weirdly enough, I feel exhausted. I need to rest.

And I walk away.

(OOC: Sab, you can either decide to notice me or not)

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry
Status- Night
Role- Feral
Items- Cat

Landy watched the exchange silently. She spyed through the window when they went outside, and couldn't help but giggle with happiness for her new friend.

When Meril walked back in, Landy rushed her and wrapped her arms around her. She let out a squeal before stepping back.

"Are you excited? You should be excited. He had... a odd vibe. But it wasn't bad. Just odd. It gave me a head ache," she said, realizing that since he had left her head ache had gotten better.

"Are we going to see the Madam or not? It seems kinda late don't you think?"

"Hmm. I think we need to wait a little while longer," she said looking at her watch. "The Madam usually doesnt open for another 30 minutes." She looked back up and let her eyes wander the coffe shop.

It was empty and everything but the one coffee cup was cleaned. She didn't want to close early since she hadn't even technically started working yet but it seemed that Meril was a bit antsy after that Rod guy.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

As Meril walked back in, Landy had wrapped her arms around her and giggled as she let go.

"Are you excited? You should be excited. He had... a odd vibe. But it wasn't bad. Just odd. It gave me a head ache." Meril smiled at Landy and chuckled.

"I am excited actually. Its been a while since I met someone. I know what you mean! I was getting a weird wibe from him too but I am sure the vibe isn't that big of a deal." Meril looked at Landy and remembered how headaches felt like.

"Ouch. Maybe you should drink something. Maybe fluids will help." She replied while Moir was off wandering inside the coffee shop.

"Hmm. I think we need to wait a little while longer. The Madam usually doesnt open for another 30 minutes." Meril looked at the time and seen that it was fairly late but she didn't want to miss an opportunity like this.

"Alright. I guess we could wait." She took a seat where she had left her stuff to pursue Rod and relaxed while waiting for the Madam's place to open.

[The Rogue Devil]

The fight started with Rod thowing a flurry of punches at Zen whille he was dodging them. Each of their styles were completely different from one another. Zen's was more complex and more refined while Rod's was mostly open but with a few open spots to attack.

" I've got to say that this fight is enjoyable." Rod said dodging punches and kicks, " I want to thank you for this opportunity Zen."

" Likewise, Rod, and it's about time I showed you a move you can use to surprise and defeat an opponent without moving." Zen said standing motionless.

" Whatever you say,Zen, whatever you say." Rod said preparing to use one of his strongest attacks. Rod headed toward Zen while Zen stood there motionless. Rod stopped suddenly and flipped and came down with a punch that looked like a comet. Zen stood there motionless until the last second and blocked Rod's attack and countered with his own that ended beating Rod and causing to be immobile.

" Wha-what was that?" Rod said panting hard, " I've never seen that attack before in my life."

" My attack is old as time itself and it is called the thousand years of defiance." Zen said, " But you now know this attack because you've felt it first hand."

Zen walked over to Rod and helped him up.
" Know you can get some rest." Zen said grinning, " So you won't be tired on your date with Meril."

" Haha, very funny Zen." Rod said as Zen faded, " I hope I can use this technique well that you've given me."

" I know you will and that's why I've given it to you as a gift for the times you have helped me."

Rod woke up suddenly but dozed off after seeing Zen watching over Jace. He smiled and dreamed of Meril and his new technique.

[i_say_sabotage]

Nerisa

Location: Park
Role: Feral
Status: Night
Items: Cell phone, Bag

"YESS!" Nerisa's hand emerged in victory, clutching the silver gadget in her hand. Her "victory" proved short-lived though, for a single message registered on its screen:

NO SIGNAL

It seems that she shall be walking tonight.

"ARGH! This is all Callaway's fault! NO this is those two weirdos fault!" she cried dejectedly. "Them and their jumping in the rooftop business!"

Nerisa dragged her feet through the pavement, muttering insurmountable curses at everything, when a lonesome figure registered in the darkness, the same aura of familiarity striking her as before.

"H-HEY! It's that... That guy!" she whispered rather excitedly. "Hm.. he doesn't seem to have noticed me yet. Maybe I should follow him hehe."

Quietly, Nerisa tiptoed towards some trees, carefully placing space between her and the guy. He didn't seem to notice her still, so Nerisa followed him. For some reason, it felt a lot like stalking the White Rabbit, Nerisa knew well that the hole to the upside-down world might soon engulf her.

Nerisa
Location: South Part of City (Unknown)
Role: Feral
Status: LATE Night
Items: Cell phone, bag

"I have been... following this idiot for what seem like hours now." Nerisa cried to herself. True enough, the guy didn't show any knowledge of her presence. He just kept on walking... and walking... and walking... and Nerisa followed. She could almost feel tingles in her leg as she walked, in what felt to be going round in circles. Could it have been another guy? Did she lose her bearings?

It couldn't be! She was sure as hell it was the same guy she followed in the park. But still, here she was in the god-knows where, walking through crooked streets and smells of stale alcohol and latex, following some guy who could very well be leading her to a trap.

"OH MY GOD. This is a trap isn't it?" Nerisa cried to herself. Then, thinking for a few, she shook her head. "Nahhh... That sounds like a slasher movie. It couldn't be that well-written. 'Sides, my cell phone's signal is back. I could just call for somebody."

The guy turned a corner and Nerisa peeked through. It was a dead end. And nobody was there.

"WHAT THE HELL!" she said in bewilderment. "Did he just pass through the wall?? That's too far-fetched! UNLEeeeessss... There is a secret entrance hidden in one of these bricks, where a secret button is needed to open that secret entrance, leading to a secret world we never knew existed until now! UNTIL NOW!" she gasped.

And then, thinking for another bit, Nerisa shook her head. "Naw... that's too PG-13."

she mused to herself for a while, pacing in front of the empty alley way, conjuring up unlikely scenarios after another. "Maybe he was a ghost. Those two guys I saw earlier. They were ghosts of some writer's imagination.. Maybe somebody's dream... Huh... Or maybe they were aliens.. Or
Callaway drugged me as a joke and I've been hallucinating everything. I will wake up in the same park bench tomorrow with his laughing face to greet me.... HUUUHM.

"But," Nerisa mused, holding in her hand the tight mesh of what was once her camera. "I can't explain this. This is real. And that friggin note? DANG. I don't know what to think anymore!"

[janajee]

Location: South Part of the City
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

She follows.

This girl does a penchant for putting herself in dangerous situations. If we were in a movie, she would be the idiot who gets killed first as people from the audience are screaming, "RUN AWAY, YOU IDIOTIC GIRL"

I giggled, because I made myself laugh, and I continue walking as she continues to follow me. Should I turn around and go "boo!" and watch as she might wet herself?

That would be funny too.

But what's really funny is to just disappear and make her question her sanity. Seriously. That's funny.

Oh who am I kidding, even I don't believe myself. Why don't I feel like killing this little... girl? I mean I should really have this blood lust going on since I didn't get to kill anyone tonight... Except that squirrel. Teehee, that was fun.

Anyway.

I continue walking and turn into a corner where there is a dead end. And before she turns to trail after me, I jump up the wall and disappear from her sight.

Except I just can't seem to take the second step....

And I watch her as she rants her way out of the alley and continues rants her way back to wherever it is she came from.

Unknown to me, which really renders this whole first person narrative thing really useless, I'm too focused on her to notice a bunch of weirdos suddenly interested in my interesting ranting girl who I cannot seem to kill.

Hmmm.

[i_say_sabotage]

Nerisa
Location: South Part of the City
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

Nerisa rants in the alley way for a while and realize talking to a wall, to herself, because of a disappearing man, sounds very unhealthy. She slaps herself and starts walking.

"Right. Enough of this nonsense." she said loudly. "Need to get home. Enough fun for tonight."

"Oh, but we haven't even had ours." a snicker emerged from the shadows.

Three rough, unshaven men appeared to encircle Nerisa, each one snickering through their drunk breath. One of them played with a blunt scissor.

"A scissor?" Nerisa scoffed. "You guys can't even afford those fold-up dagger things? Aww..."

"LET'S SEE YOU SAY THAT WHEN THIS BLADES TEAR YOU--"

"Shh, Marty" The leader of the pack smiled. "It's obvious she's not scared. And I do so like this kind. They're the loudest to scream in the end. Hehehe."

"In your dreams egghead." Nerisa answered, fiddling with her phone on her back. "That's right." she thought to herself quietly. "Just take it easy, take your time.. Keep em talking."

The three men continued to surround her, pushing her into a corner step by step. "Wow.. Look what we have here. She's PRESS." one of the guys said, noticing her ID badge. "See that boys? We'll be famous soon." They guffawed. "How bout an interview?"

"Sure." Nerisa said, trying to keep her cool.

"But first, why don't you throw us that cell phone you've been tinkering with at your back?"

Nerisa gulped.

"Let's count to three, sweetcheeks."

"T-think fast, Neri... THINK."

"One..."

With no other idea in mind, Nerisa turned her phone's volume high up--

"Two..."

-- And tossed the ringing phone into the leader's face. It hit him with a smack, and the group was disoriented for a few moments. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Nerisa forced her legs to run away.

"GET HER!!" The thugs cried. "We'll corner the b*tch in the next turn!"

[janajee]

Location: South Part of the City
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Nighttime
Items: None

SEAN'S POV

Huh.

Didn't notice those thugs hanging around.

I smile a big smile, matched with a bigger smiling mood deep inside my happy heart. It seems I have not lost my edge after all, because I actually have no remorse in killing those pesky wannabe thugs after all. Yay, more deaths on my callous conscience.

She runs and they run after her.

Soon shadows engulf them, so fast that group doesn't notice that they're being cut down one by one... until of course the leader realizes his all alone.

I grab him a little harder than the other two, and a little harder than usual. Beneath all the blood lust, and the thrill of the kill, there is something else. Anger. How dare he even think of harming my ranting girl?

Did I just say, MY ranting girl? You know what, right after this night, I'm totally getting a lobotomy. It always starts so innocently enough and the next thing you know, you're wrapped in a mental jacket screaming your innards out.

Except I'm already crazy.

Weird.

"The shadows--- they're talking?! Marty?! Where the hell are you?!"

The screams of the leader soon bring me back to earth. Huh. Talking shadows? And I thought I was just thinking to myself.

Anyway, I engulf him and soon, he's dead. As dead as the other two.

The girl is looking at what's left of her... yeah whatever those losers are, confused at what happened to them. I draw my shadows back to me, and I guess she noticed that because she suddenly looked straight at me.

If I had a heart, it would have squeezed somewhat at what that eyes did to me. But I didn't. At least I hope I didn't and just blame that uncalled for feeling on bad sushi, that I didn't eat tonight.

I turn away, and leave just like that.

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role:Vagrant
Status:Whatever time of day its suppose to be
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril checked the time and had seen that it was getting pretty late. She stood from her chair and walked towards Landy.

"I must apologize but I must leave. Its late and I am sure my parents must be worried about me." Meril took a piece of paper from her sketch book and wrote down her cell number.

"This is my number and hopefully the Madam can get in touch with me as soon as possible. It was a pleasure to meet you Landy." Meril had walked towards the door and left the girl behind in the coffee shop. As Meril walked home, Moir was keeping her guard up and scanning the area every now and then.

"Don't need to be so cautious." Meril had replied while looking at her cellphone.

"You can never be too careful."

Location: Meril's place
Role: Vagrant
Status: Night
Items: Cell phone, ipod, sketch book and Tarot Cards

Meril had opened the door and noticed that everything was quiet in the house. Her mother must have gone out tonight to enjoy the evening. Moir disppeared as soon as Meril opened the door.

"Time to get comfy!" Moir had taken a seat in a dark leather couch in the living room while looking at the empty fireplace.

"I am going to bed. I've been feeling a bit drained lately." Meril slowly walked up the stairs and got ready for bed as a slow pace. Moir ghostly crept up the stairs and leaned into the door frame of the bathroom.

"Having bad dreams again right?" Meril washed her face with hot water then looked at Moir through her mirror.

"Yes but its been coming and going. Hopefully tonight will be peaceful."

"Ya, since you saw Rod." Moir replied while lifting her eyebrows. Meril blushed then stared down at the sink.

"I know you like him and those feelings can never disappear with the snap of your fingers. You mustn't let these feelings get in the way if we have to fight." Moir replied while glaring at Meril through the mirror."Don't think I am not aware of that Moir. I guess things have just become three times harder right?"

She walked passed Moir and into her room to enjoy a good nights sleep.

[i_say_sabotage]

OOC: Since nobody is starting morning, I think I'll go on ahead :D

++

Nerisa

Location: Apartment (Residential)
Role: Feral
Status: Morning
Items: None

Nerisa woke up with a horrible headache and a throbbing in her calf something crazy. The events of the night before didnt register in her brain before she sat up from bed to find her camera rolled up in sleek metal ball.

"GYAH!" she shrieked at it. Upon closer inspection, the memories from last night spread like wildfire in her brain, the Callaway talks, the two weird men by the park, the scythe, the shadows, the walking.. the thugs.. the.. the..

"That guy..." She suddenly remembered. He was staring at her that moment he left.. With eyes that she knew from somewhere.. someplace..

She finally found out why that guy reminds her so much of somebody, yet for the life of her, couldn't guess why.

"Hmph.." she shook herself, stretching her arms for a bit. "Cocky idiots are rampant." She laughed to herself. Mostly true, really.

A blaring ringtone of her phone suddenly jerked from her reverie. It was her phone ringing on the windowsill.

"Huh?" she took it in confusion. "Didn't I lose this phone last night?"

Nevertheless, she flipped it open and answered the calling number.

"MEGARAA! Where the *bleep* are you!??! You're *bleeping* LATE!" It was her boss, Tallon, booming at her ear at 10:30 in the morning.

"Friggin ten-thirty?!?!" she cried to herself in disgust.

"IF YOU DON'T GET YOUR *bleeping* *bleep* over her in *bleeping* thirty minutes, consider yourself fired!"

The connection went off, and Nerisa stormed off to get ready for another hell of a day.

[Infinita]

OOC: Woot! Woot! Morning it is then!

Location: Meril's place
Role:Vagrant
Status:Morning
Items: N/A

Meril awoke from a long but nice deep sleep. She stretched her arms while sitting in her bed. I wonder what I should do this morning..... Meril had gotten out of bed and went to check her mother's room. As she opened the door, she could see her feet were dangling off the bed, her shoes her thrown across the room and she remained in her party clothes from last night. Meril shook her head while smiling. Mom, mom, mom.....had too much fun last night. She was glad her mother was having fun once in a while. Her mother was somewhat of a workaholic so it was nice to see her have a good time. Meril walked up to the bed and covered her mom with a blanket.

"Have a good sleep mom." She whispered while walking towards the door. Meril went down the stairs and came into the kitchen. Moir had just been wandering around the house and remained in the kitchen once she had seen Meril there.

"Morning Moir. Did you have a good night?" Moir sat at the table and placed her chin in her hand.

"Not really. It was boring last night." Meril smiled and looked into the fridge for something to make. She took out some fruits and some eggs. Moir took out the blender and placed it near the counter.

"Smoothie lover." She replied with a sneer upon her face.

"Its healthy and good!" Meril continued to look through the fridge to find something she could mix in with her eggs.

"What sounds better? Mushrooms and cheese or just cheese?" Moir chuckled at Meril then looked at the ceiling in thought.

"Weird combination but mushrooms and cheese sound better." Meril started the frying pan and began to make her smoothie. Moir wandered around and found a book that seemed appealing to her. She placed it on the table and began to read it while Meril prepared an omelet. Meril watched the frying pan and poured her smoothie into a cup.

"What exactly do you do while I sleep Moir?" Moir looked up from her book and yawned.

"Well, sometimes I just stay near you and kinda wonder what you think about when you sleep. I don't like to invade on your privacy. Or I just sleep and if I can't, I walk around your house or read a book." Meril smiled at Moir and then got back to her food.

"I was very curious to know. And its kinda interesting to know too." Meril placed her omelet on table along with her strawberry banana smoothie.

"What are you plans for this morning until 12 ish?" Moir had an evil grin upon her face.

"I am going to help you look beautiful for your date." Meril nearly choked on her smoothie. She coughed a few times and then gasped for air. Moir did this evil laugh that sent chills up Meril's spine.

"You heard me." Meril hated to get all girly for nothing although I guess she thought it was something. My worst nightmare is about to begin....

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry
Status- night
Role- Feral
Items- cat

Landy waved as Meril left. She looked around the coffee shop again, not sure what to do now.

She cleaned the one cup and closed down the shop. There was nothing left to do.

She didn't know what to do. Glaiza had disappeared sometime ago and as she didn't know what else to do, she stood there for a moment.

Then she turned off the lights and locked the door, making her way back to the bedroom as Miss Noir weaved through her feet, deciding to stay for the night so when Glaiza showed up in the morning, she would know what time to be at work and also what she needed to do to close up.

She fell onto the bed hard, sprawling out as she slipped off her boots. She unhooked her cape before crossing her legs and putting her hands under the pillow.

She looked at the dim ceiling as Miss Noir settled down on her stomach, purring as her tail twitched, and they both settled into sleep. The last thing she remembered was reaching out and resting her hand on Miss Noir before she faded into another night of frightful, fitful, terrible dreams that made her cry into the night like a child who had lost her way.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Unknown
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning
Items: None

Rod woke with a yawn and a hungry stomach. He looked around and still saw Jace laying there snoozing.
" It seems like someone had a outing last night." Rod said with a sigh, " Well, I guess I better get ready."
Rod got up and took a shower while Zen was in the living room meditating.
" Zen has he been out like that all night?" Rod asked.
"Strange enough, yes he has out." Zen said still meditating, " Are you getting ready for your date with Meril?"

" Yeah, but I'm a little nervous because of the way she looked at me when you made those dark pulses." Rod said with a grin, " But it's alright now, I can deal with it."

Rod put his clothes on and left Jace on the couch still. He grabbed his keys and walked out the door to see where he would like to go after taking Meril out.

" Alright Jace I'm leaving." Rod said with a chuckle because he knew Jace was asleep, " I'll be back around whenever."
With that said, he left and journeyed form his home in the residential area and walked the town before 12.

[Cross Avantgarde]

(OOC: The reference to the newspaper comes from post 105)

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Morning
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone

Daylight pierced the transparent upper dome of the HQ’s aerie, gradually causing Piers to awaken. He was initially startled by the fact that he had slept so long, being used to getting up in the early morning hours on a schedule that resembled third-shift work. This was the first time he’d slept in a bed in two nights, however, so he accredited his long slumber to the comfort of the bed.

Walking to the door and opening it a little, he found his clothes neatly stacked right outside the entrance. He pulled them in, shut the door, and then slipped on his ribbed, dark-blue turtleneck, dark pants, socks, and boots. Finishing the ensemble with his corduroy jacket, he knelt down in the aerie to pray before starting his day. He had dreamt of his deceased grandmother, he was sure of it, despite the fact that he couldn’t remember much about the dream. Yet, he woke amidst feelings of her and how he missed her, so he was positive he had dreamt about her. In light of that fact, he prayed the prayer she had taught him, the prayer inspired by St. Patrick, or “Padraig,” as the Hibernians and Welsh called him. Though much myth had covered the man’s life since his birth, the actual events of his life that scholars mostly agreed upon left an indelible impression upon Piers. Finishing with a personal prayer, he then rose, went to a nearby bathroom, did his morning routine, shaved, and went down to the main floor to a very welcome sight.

A large screen sat before a keyboard, surrounded by a circular table covered with pens and paper. “Like it?” a female tech asked cheerfully as she saw him gazing at it. “Love it,” was his response. He went to his car, retrieved the wallet left behind by the Vagrant that he and Karn had encountered in the cemetery, along with the diary that he mysteriously procured in Madeleine’s home, and began his research, logging everything he could remember that was pertinent to the Guardians’ cause. After some time had passed he asked the same female tech, “Mind if I get copies of the town’s newspaper for the last few weeks? I think I’m onto something.” She brought them forward, and after brief scans of all of them Piers noticed that the lottery numbers were misplaced on one issue. That issue was Volume 8, No. 719. He took the numbers, matched them with the English alphabet (the first tactic that came to mind), and the name began to form. Chills went up Piers’s spine as he wrote in the last letter, remembering his vision in Madeleine’s home: “JHGSAW.” It was an obvious reference to the nightmare Piers had encountered earlier. This was his second known manipulation of the newspaper, as he had also dropped a clue in the paper that Harue discovered. Piers decided that a call to that office was in order, but he had to finish his log first.

The call would be tricky. Piers had to act like an over-concerned reader who was curious why the lotto numbers were misplaced. He might not even get an answer, but he had to try. He couldn’t just tell the person over the phone that he was a “Guardian” and needed answers, as the group’s very existence was debated heavily from time to time…in tabloids and late-night radio shows. He had to carefully think about the call, so he would do it later.

Upon finishing the log, Piers stood and asked the female tech for a cup of coffee. When she brought it back he said, “What’s your name, ma’am?” “June,” was the reply. “Okay, June. How are the techs holding up after the attack?”

“As well as you’d expect them to. We lost friends in that attack, but you must remember that we were hand-picked to assist the Guardians, and most of us have spent time on many dangerous assignments before. Charles on the second floor was in the Delta Force; I don’t think the attack frightened him at all.”

“Good,” Piers said, relieved that morale was high. “Now I’ve got a question about a different subject. Hypothetically, if I was going to get a girl something that I wanted her to like, what would it be?”

“Flowers,” was the quick response, with a wry smile to accompany it. “Anyone in mind?”

Piers ignored the question. “Flowers? That’s cliché, isn’t it? And they die so quickly.”

“We usually don’t care. Don’t you dare buy plastic ones.”

“Alright, alright. What else?”

“Poetry, for some girls.”

Piers’s eyes lit up upon her suggestion, and he quickly recited lines from his favorite poet.

“Stick with the flowers, Peirs.”

“But that was Tennyson! One of the best poets ever!”

“There was nothing remotely romantic about that. Poems about Sir Galahad’s piety don’t belong on romantic outings. Good luck with your date,” she said, laughing and walking away.

“One last thing,” Piers said, giving up the fight to defend Alfred, Lord Tennyson. What do you call the log?”

Her face beamed with pride. “We call it the ‘Guardian Information Log Assistant.’ But you can call ‘her’ ‘Gu.I.L.A.’”

“Gu.I.L.A.,” Piers repeated, turning and looking over to the windows, the daylight filtering in through the tinted glass. It was a new day, full of new challenges. Piers had to pursue his leads, and he had a lot of work to do. He quickly sent a message to Melinda by text, hoping that she was okay.
“Melinda, how r u? Did u slp wel? N E news? Need N E thing?”

He appeared to be the only Guardian in HQ. Were the others still out? If so, he’d have to stay put and do as much investigation as he could from HQ. Later, perhaps, he could discover more information from his leads. Later still, he might be able to put June’s advice into practice.

[Talli]

(OOC: A bit of a lengthy post to make up for the absence. XD)

Role: Guardian
Location: Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Morning
Items: None

Harsh sunlight streamed through a small gap in the curtains, illuminating a darkened bedroom. The ray of light crossed over the floor and onto the bed, shining right on a closed eyes of a sleeping woman. A barely coherent mumble was heard from her mouth. "Frig..." Seda muttered, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head to shield herself from the light. "Go away," she rasped, her voice hoarse. "People are trying to sleep." Her head was throbbing and the rest of her didn't feel too well either.

She tried going back to sleep but when she couldn't, she finally opened her eyes just a bit. Upon seeing the unfamiliar bedspread, panic shot through her and woke her right up. "Oh damn," she cursed, eyes wide and red. Carefully, she lifted the blanket off herself and sat up, hissing in pain when she applied pressure to her injured left arm. "Please let me be alone, please let me be alone," she chanted in her head before opening her eyes again.

When she noted that there was, indeed, no one in bed with her and that all her clothes (save for her boots, which she spotted on the floor) were still on her person, she let out a sigh of relief. But her relief was short-lived when she felt as if her stomach was trying to jump out of her throat. "Damm--!" she started before feeling the remains of last night's fun coming up her esophagus and quickly clapped a hand over her mouth.

Although she felt uncomfortable in such an unfamiliar house, she felt even more uncomfortable at the thought of throwing up all over the carpeted floor. She made a mad dash for the door, trying to block out the pain of her throbbing headache. "Out of the way!" she silently screamed as she burst into the hallway, stumbling onto the floor (and making a small racket) as she did.

Getting up from the floor, she spotted a small bath mat in front of one of the doors. She ran down the hallway and flung it open, making a beeline for the toilet. As she clutched the porcelain edges and emptied the contents of her stomach into the bowl, she tried to recall what she had done last night. Images of a bar, definitely not the coffee shop that the others had said they would be going to, a white mat with brightly coloured circles, plenty of alcohol and bits of what she had said last night.

"I bet I could drink YOU under the table! ... No way, man. Everytime you lose at this game, you HAVE to take a shot of vodka. ... WOO, RIGHT HAND RED! ... Come on, cards. Work with me here! ... Are you kidding me?! That's the fifth time Mr. Sunshine over there has won tonight! ... Yeah. Two Tequila Sunrises, a mimosa, one frozen margarita and a good ol' gin and tonic. Yes, that's all for me. What's it to ya? ... Vidar, either get down from the ceiling or so help me..."

"Shouldn't have had that last margarita," she muttered to herself and wiped the sick off her mouth. Slowly standing up, she walked to the bathroom door and locked it before taking off her black pants and black long-sleeved shirt. The faucet on the sink was opened to full and Seda gratefully splashed cool water on her face to clean herself off. From what she could remember, last night was the most fun night out that she had had in a long time. "Even with people I didn't know very well," she murmured.

Inspecting her body, she did not note any new marks or injuries except for the ones she had already sustained. The large gash on her arm had been well-cleaned, stitched and wrapped as it had survived the wild night. "They do good work," Seda said of the medics in Guardian HQ, seeing at the bandages were still nice and tight around her arm. However, when she turned her body, she noticed something written in marker on her waist, off to one side. First was her name above a table with two columns. One was marked "Wins" and had a zero written under it and a sad smiley face inside. The other was marked "Losses" and had the symbol for infinity (a sideways 8) on it.

"Oh real funny," she said sarcastically and attacked the offending words with a damp towel she had grabbed off the shelf. She continued cleaning herself off, getting rid of the smell of alcohol on her skin. Next, she turned to her clothes and began cleaning it with the damp towel. Once they were sufficiently clean and dry, she pulled her clothes back on and tried to make herself look halfway decent. She carefully stepped out of the bathroom and walked down the hallway towards the room she had been sleeping in.

"Hello?" she whispered, her voice still raspy. "Anyone? Smiles? Karn? Chinatsu? Harue?" She called out, still unable to raise her voice.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime (morning)
Items: None

Glaiza's POV

I wake up on the floor of the bedroom and instead of the usual terror of a past dream, what I'm getting is weird overwhelming form of sadness, and weirdly missing someone I can't even remember.

When I see Landy on the bed with Ms. French Cat, I smile.

"Urgh, damn cat. I am never going to let us sleep in that bed ever again."

Sean's voice rings in my head, with the normal words of spite, but it seems to be lacking something. Something like maybe, I don't know, actual spite? It's like he's saying it, just for the sake of saying it; out of habit and nothing more.

After a proper shower, I checked my e-mail for anyone who wants to buy the house I've left behind. I've lived there all my life and yet I don't feel any remorse at just abandoning it the chance I get.

Even if this place means more heavy baggage, I'd rather live here.

As soon as I'm ready, I prepare the shop for the day.

I glance up and whisper.

"I know you can see me up there, thanks for making sure that I won't be left with nothing when you suddenly leave. I promise I'll try not to cry that much anymore, and as always, I'll make you proud."

SEAN'S POV

...

Damn it.

I need to stop thinking of her.

I need a lobotomy. NOW.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: Home
Role: Guardian?
Status: Morning
Items: None

The first thing Karn could feel was the throbing in his head. It was like a drum beating over and over. He clamped his hands over his head in order to try and shut it out but it made no difference. Just what had he been up too in order to create this kind of mess. He slowly opened his eyes to look at where he was. The walls where covered in clippings and he could see the picture of Mark clearly in the sun light the streamed through the window. The study table was a mess of writtings and scribbles. A single map of the town hung on the wall with nurmerous pins of different colours in it. The air was fresh surprisingly.

"Looks like I've come home then." He thought.
He rubbed his head trying to clear the pain. He laughed slightly to himself as he saw the picture again. Mark would have a fit if he knew he had been out drinking like that. A swift hit over the back of the head it would have been. He laughed again. She would tell Mark off for doing that and often cradle his head. She was always surprisingly soft, her skin so smooth. Karn suddenly shook himself.
What am I thinking about that for?" He muttered to himself. Karn didn't have a single clue what he even did last night so thinking futher back wouldn't help. He picked himself up and walked over to the window. He leaned on the edge and looked out.

"What was I up to last night. I can certainly remember the drink but then there was something else. Something weird." Karn tapped his foot as he talked to himself trying to figure out. His belly began to rumble though and he decided to try and figure it out with some breakfast in him. He quietly walked out of his study and down the stairs. He gave a little hop as he jumped offf the last step and he made his way into the kitchen. All the while something felt off.

Karn switched on his grill and got some bacon out of the fridge. It was still fresh so he put himself a double serving on under the grill. the smell of cooking bacon in the morning was very inviting. He poured himself some orange juice and rubbed his head a little more. He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off his forehead. What was it that was so off? He stared off into the distance past his wheelchair and sort of tried to figure it out...past his wheelchair? HIS wheelchair! Karn coughed out his drink and stared down at himself.

He was standing on his own and even more he looked weird. Plates of stange material where around his legs. They started on his ankles and ended by his knees. They protected the front of his legs but not the back. The same style was on his arms. From wrist to elbow. He looked like some wierd anime character. Karn didn't know what to think. Whatever it was it was supporting him. He reconised the material from somewhere. It was...
"Gray?" Karn whispered. A cold chill ran down his back that told him it was him. But he had neevr seen anything like this before. Karn was slightly worried. It was useful but he couldn't go into puplic like this. Maybe this was the Sync that mark had taught him off. But he couldn't remember Gray ever being able to sync with him.

He decided not to dwell on it for a moment as he sorted out the bacon. The smell of it spread through his kitchen and upstairs. He was almost sure that he would be smelling that for a while now. He grinned to himself it didn't matter right now. He had a few other things to wonder about. Like where was everyone else? It was then he heard the running of feet upstairs. It couldn't be? He shook with nerves. This was the last place he wnated them lot to know about. He walked slowly over to the stairs and stared up.
"Is anyone there?" He shouted up, almost as soon as he did he regreted it as he head stung from the sound. "Hey is that one of you guys?"

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Location: Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Morning
Items: None

As she carefully walked down the hallway, placing a hand against the wall for support, Seda cursed the hangover that caused even the slightest noise to seem like a gong was being sounded in her head. "Make it stop..." She muttered, clutching her head and tugged at her hair. This was not the first time Seda had experienced a hangover, but it had been quite a while since she cut loose.

Suddenly, the smell of bacon reached her and her stomach began rumbling. "I need coffee," she said to herself and began following her nose, the daylight still making her headache worse. Her toes felt the softness of the carpet for a few feet as she continued walking. But because of her closed eyes, she failed to notice the stairs right ahead.

"Is anyone there?" "Hey is that one of you guys?"

This fact occurred to her when she suddenly felt the ground drop out from beneath her and gravity took its hold. "Oh frig," she muttered before her body hit the step a few feet from the top. She rolled into a protective ball and let herself continue down the rest of the stairs, coming to a rest at the bottom step. Her body was sprawled out over the steps at the bottom, her head hanging off the bottom step.

Seda opened her eyes and found herself staring up at Karn. "... Wait, didn't he have a wheelchair before?" she thought to herself, squinting through the light and pain. "Mornin'," she muttered sleepily. "You Karn's brother or something?" she asked hoarsely, placing her right elbow on the bottom step and using it as leverage to turn her body around and right side up. It was then she noticed the odd material that covered parts of his limbs. "What the..."

She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "You get cool legwear and armwear while I get stuff drawn on me in Magic Marker," she said in a deadpan. "I have the feeling I got the short end of the stick last night," she finished, sticking her tongue out at him.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: Home
Role: Guardian?
Status: Morning
Items: None

She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "You get cool legwear and armwear while I get stuff drawn on me in Magic Marker," she said in a deadpan. "I have the feeling I got the short end of the stick last night," she finished, sticking her tongue out at him.

Karn laughed at Seda's predicament. It was good enough to know it was someone he knew that was upstairs. He however found her dramatic decent down the stairs a little over the top. But from the way she fell down a hangover was almost certainly bothering her. It was clear someone else was suffering as much as him though. He just smiled at her and helped her stand up.
"Stick that tongue back in will ya." He joked, "It looks like we must have had a big night last night. If any of the others are up there I'll let the smell of bacon bring them down."

He helped Seda through to the kitchen since she seemed suffering worse then him. When he got in he picked up one of the bacon sandwiches he made and handed to her.
"Here get some food in ya. It will do you some good. If you want a drink just ask and I'll show you where the stuff is." he said. He then began eating his sandwich and was suddenly thinking about this armour again. It was almost definatly Gray but he couldn't understand how he had done it.
"Hey Seda. You remember any of last night? I know I've never spoken of this place to anyone at the HQ, it's weird that you guys would end up here?" He laughed slightly to himself since so far only Seda was here. Some people could take that the wrong way but he was sure nothing had happened...he was definatly sure!

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Location: Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Morning
Items: None

"It looks like we must have had a big night last night. If any of the others are up there I'll let the smell of bacon bring them down."

"Mmm, I knew I smelled something good," she muttered to Karn as she let him lead her into a big kitchen. "Sorry about the stairs. Not really easy to see when your head feels like several construction workers going at it with a jackhammer." Sitting down on a chair, she leaned her elbows on the table and accepted the sandwich gratefully.

"Here get some food in ya. It will do you some good. If you want a drink just ask and I'll show you where the stuff is."

"Coffee would be nice," she said as she began eating the sandwich. The warm meat and bread were already beginning to have a good effect on her as more bits and pieces of last night came together in her head. She looked around the kitchen, noting the rather high-end appliances and polished surfaces. "Pretty posh place," she thought to herself as she kept chewing.

"Hey Seda. You remember any of last night? I know I've never spoken of this place to anyone at the HQ, it's weird that you guys would end up here?" He laughed slightly to himself since so far only Seda was here.

Seda's brow furrowed as she tried to recall the events last night in order. "Well..." She began, pausing to take another bite of her sandwich. "I remember Mr. Sunshine driving us into the city. There was a bar, definitely didn't look like a coffee shop to me." She tapped her chin and the crease on her brow deepened. "There was a lot of alcohol. I have no idea how much I had, much less how much everyone else did. But I'm pretty sure that no one could have driven anything after last night."

A small laugh escaped from her mouth. "And I'm sure that Twister is a lot more fun when everyone is thoroughly intoxicated." She let herself smile for a few moments, recalling the good feelings that came with having some fun, something she had not done in a little while. But she quickly snapped out of her daze to look at Karn.

"I admit I don't really remember how we got here," she confessed, finishing off her sandwich. "Maybe it was because we didn't have a designated driver to bring us all the way back to HQ and we needed a place to stay?" she wondered. "Wait... This is your house?" she asked, looking around once again. The big and bright home did not seem to match the man she had met in the Guardian headquarters. "It's... Big." The thought occured to her that it was a little too big for just one man. "Why haven't you told anyone about this place? It's pretty nice." She kept her gaze on the wooden table, tracing the grain with her fingernails.

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: Home
Role: Guardian?
Status: Morning
Items: None

Karn switched the kettle on as Seda talked away about the night events she could remember. Karn prepared a few extra cups in case any of the others where here. He didn't really feel like going upstairs to find them right now. He laughed at the mention of Twister. That sounds like it would a lot of fun. Did he take part? If he had these things then maybe he did.

"Why haven't you told anyone about this place? It's pretty nice." She kept her gaze on the wooden table, tracing the grain with her fingernails.

"It's kind of a more private sanctum...or was." He sighed as he poured out the hot water. He put the cup next to Seda and got the milk and suger out, placing them next to it. "Here the milk and suger use what you need." Karn himself poured in a little milk but added no suger. He stared off for a moment thinking about this spot.

"This place. Well it use to be Mark's." He took a sip of coffee. It warmed him through, "You don't know about him do you because your new? He was the man who trained me and one of the greatest Guardians ever. He let me move in after my house was destroyed. It was just me, him and his sister then." Karn smiled as if remembering better times, "We all became close, so much so Mark said he always considered me family. Amber became something more." Karn blushed. He hadn't really talked like this about them both to anyone. Piers knew but that was because he was around then. Karn took another drink and then continued, "He past away last year. So just me and Amber live here now. It can be quiet though since she is gone. She is away on holiday for now." Karn found himself thinking about her again. But he shook his head again, inflicting more pain, but pushing the thought from his head. "She will be angry if the spot gets messed up so be careful." He smiled at Seda. He hoped there wouldn't be a big mess to sort out, as he hadn't looked around the house yet.

[Infinita]

Location: Meril's place
Role:Vagrant
Status:Morning
Items: N/A

Meril watched as Moir went through her wardrobe to find something suitable for her date. She sighed and shook her head as Moir was disapproving almost every article of clothing.

"Don't you have anything fashionable?" Meril began to become frustrated with Moir's fashion sense.

"I don't exactly live in the 18 century and wear fancy dresses. We could go to my mom's closet. She might have a cut dress to wear or something." Moir placed her hand underneath and pondered about that.

"You don't need to be super fancy. Just...girl fancy. Its a coffee shop for goodness sake." Meril sighed and face palmed. That's what I have been trying to tell you. Moir threw a pair of black jeans with Meril's signature favorite shirt with the broken heart on it on her bed. She also threw a pair of high heel boots that are suitable for the jeans.

"I think the boots are over doing it." Moir pouted then threw a pair of black and white sneakers on the bed.

"Better?" Moir had tried to keep a straight face even though she seemed a bit angry. Meril giggled at Moir and then went towards the bed.

"Yes Moir. Thank you." Moir sighed and then walked into the hall. Meril got dressed, straightened her hair and walked into the hall within 10 minutes.

"What do you think?" Moir turned around and glanced Meril's way. She smiled and applauded Meril.

"Did you a great job! Now let's go! If we don't go now, we might be late!" Meril took her phone and her purse in case she needed to get a hold of her mother. Moir rushed down the stairs and Meril followed quickly after her. Meril closed the door lightly and locked it. Have a good day mom. Meril headed towards the Teaberry for the date she had with Rod. She blushed at the mere thought about it since it has been a long time since she has ever had an interest in anyone. Moir grinned, happily to see that Meril might have a good time with the boy.

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: Cellphone and purse

Meril arrived just in time but Rod was nowhere to be seen. I wonder if he's on his way. It doesn't seem like him to just stand me up. She took the same seat she had had yesterday and awaited his arrival.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop( A little ways off)
Role: Vagrant
Status: day
Items: Cell Phone

" It's a good thing I got this today." Rod said staring at his new phone, " Now I can get he number if I need too."

" Rod, stop worrying about your phone." Zen said walking beside Rod, " You're almost there."

Rod looked up and saw the coffee shop in sight and saw Meril sitting where she was when they first met. Rod stopped in his tracks as he saw Meril waiting for him to arrive. She looked beautiful in her shirt with the broken heart on it.

" Zen, she looks absolutely stunning!" Rod said with a huge grin on his face.

" *sigh* Just try not to screw this up..." Zen said fading away, " Don't worry about Jace, I left an astral projection of myself with him."

" Ok Zen, thank you."

Rod made it to the shop and sat down in the seat in front of Meril.
" Hey Meril, you look great!" Rod said with a smile on his face, " I also want to tell you I just got a phone so you can all me if you want."

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: Cellphone and purse

Meril looked out the window and watched the people pass by. I hope he doesn't stand me up.....Moir knew that Meril was concerned if he would show up. Just as Meril thought about leaving, Rod had taken a seat in front of her.

" Hey Meril, you look great! I also want to tell you I just got a phone so you can all me if you want." Meril smiled and took his phone from Rod and placed her number in it quickly and gave it back.

"There ya go. You can call me." She replied with a cunning smile on her face.

"I was worried that you wouldn't show up and I was just about to leave but now that your here, how about some coffee or tea?"

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

Rod was glad he made it time because he saw Meril getting up to leave.

"I was worried that you wouldn't show up and I was just about to leave but now that your here, how about some coffee or tea?"

" I would like some tea please." Rod said putting his phone away, " So where will we go after leaving here?"

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: Cellphone and purse

" So where will we go after leaving here?" Meril thought about it and then Moir sat near her.

"How about the movies?" Meril looked at Moir and then thought about it again.

"You go to the movies during the night time silly." Moir slumped beside Meril and sighed.

"You do prove a point." Meril looked at Rod after she thought of something.

"How about we spend time at the park or something? Its a nice day so how about we embrace the gorgeous weather?" A waitress came by to take there order.

"I would like some hot coco and a piece of strawberry cheese cake. Please."

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

"How about the movies?"

" Sure, but why not wait later.." Rod said with a smile.

"How about we spend time at the park or something? Its a nice day so how about we embrace the gorgeous weather?"

" Fine by me Meril." Rod said as the waitress came by to take their order, " I'll just take a cup of tea please."

The waitress nodded and went back inside to prepare their orders while Rod enjoyed the quiet of the shop.

" I enjoy quiet days like this. Do you?"

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Some paper

GLAIZA'S POV

It feels weird being the one standing behind and watching other people serve the customers while I'm stuck in the sidelines, with a bunch of papers, signing a bunch of papers. I kinda miss being in action. Was I ever really meant to actually run a place?

I really don't know how the boss could have done this. No one can probably understand just how much I'm going to mi--...

I shake myself, telling myself to get a grip. This whole shaking myself up and preventing from falling down into despair is not something I'm new to, but the punch in the gut is still as strong as the first time I tried to stop myself.

...

"Sean"

"..."

"Sean"

"..."

"SEAN" I mentally practically scream at him.

"Huh-? What up babe?"

"What's wrong with you? You're awfully quiet today. Usually I can't shut you up."

"Aww, did you miss me honey bunch? I just wanted to leave you alone so you can think of your beloved Piers-Piers"

"I was not thinking of Piers!"

"Then why so defensive?"

"..."

"Hahaha"

"Shut up."

I was not thinking of Piers. I was thinking of my work, and I was focusing on that. Not even a single thought about Piers... Yeah.

...

...

I wonder what he's doing right now.

SEAN'S POV

...

...

I wonder where that girl-----

Urgh.

I really should have just killed that girl.

Seriously.

I'm acting like my host high on some pill!

[kei of the flame]

Location: Karn's house
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone, minus Keys

Duo slept peacefully as the cool breeze swept over his face. As he laid he felt something soft rub against his face, he swatted at it and rolled over. He

opened his eyes as he began to slide, "WHOA!!!!!!!" He said falling of the roof of the house. Landing in the bushes in the front of the house, Duo hopped

straight up and dusted himself off "I"m okay." Duo said turning around and looking at the house. Duo had to think hard on where he was "This house has

a nostalgic feel to it." Duo began to smell bacon "There is only one person who's bacon smells like that and I'm kinda' hungry." Duo entered in from the

front door, brushing leaves and twigs out of his head. "Oww, my head hurts like a *bleep*." Duo said entering the kitchen seeing Karn and Seda. "Excuse

my French." Duo said with a smile. "Hey folks. You know what Karn, I kinda' remember this place but thinking to hard makes my head hurt." Duo said

rubbing the back of his head. King, how do you feel? ................. I guess your head also hurts, who's

idea was it to let you drink. Duo said thinking to himself. "Karn, is this for me?" Duo said making himself a bacon sandwich. "Uhhhh." Duo said not

remembering what he wanted to ask. "Why did no one get me off the roof.?"

[Talli]

Role: Guardian
Location: Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Morning
Items: None

Seda accepted the coffee and began mixing in sugar and cream. She listened as Karn told her about his teacher and a woman. When he talked about Amber, she giggled inwardly at his expression. "Definitely not screaming, angry guy I met in HQ," she mused as she took a sip of her coffee, careful not to burn herself.

"He past away last year. So just me and Amber live here now. It can be quiet though since she is gone. She is away on holiday for now." Karn found himself thinking about her again. But he shook his head again, inflicting more pain, but pushing the thought from his head. "She will be angry if the spot gets messed up so be careful."

"I understand," she told him, idly stirring the liquid in her cup. "It feels different when you're not with that person." Her shoulders sagged for a few moments as she kept staring at the table. "Very different," she said in an almost whisper. "But there's always the assurance that she'll come back," she said, bringing her mind back to the conversation. "Amber. Pretty name," Seda remarked with a wink and a smile. The sound of the front door being opened made her jump a little. She was about to stand up when a very sleepy-looking Duo walked into the kitchen, cursing.

"Hey folks. You know what Karn, I kinda' remember this place but thinking to hard makes my head hurt." Duo said rubbing the back of his head.

"Good morning to you too, Sunshine," Seda remarked, nodding at him and taking another sip of her coffee. "Alcohol will do that to you. Now eat something and get rid of that hangover." She rubbed her temples, easing her mind back into an almost normal state. The headache was still pretty bad, though. Poking through her mind, she found Vidar sleeping soundly. "Vid?" she called out mentally and felt him move a little bit, before going back to sleep. "Next time, it's nothing but Shirley Temples for you," she gently scolded and felt his annoyance.

"Why did no one get me off the roof?"

A cheeky smile crossed Seda's face. "Oh, so that was YOU snoring up there," she joked, even if she really did not hear anything over the throbbing pain of her head when she woke up. "I thought it was a thunderstorm." She began laughing before the headache came back and she groaned, resting her arms on the table and using them as a cushion for her head. Even though she still felt hungover, she looked like a contended cat resting there. There was food, coffee and she was in the company of people she actually knew (even for a short while).

"One question back to you," she said, looking at Duo. "Where's the car?"

[Infinita]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: Cellphone and purse

Meril sighed and looked out the window.

" I enjoy quiet days like this. Do you?" She smiled at Rod and looked through her cell phone.

"I do enjoy quiet days but sometimes, it can just be oddly creepy." Moir stared at Rod curiously.

"Do you think he heard me? He was replying to my response first. He has a nightmare...I am sure of it." She seemed very confident in her assumption. Meril kept looking through her phone, trying to not make it obvious that she has a nightmare.

"Its true that he heard you. He might have one but still be on your guard and don't do anything to attract attention. I need to stay as focused as possible so that I don't make it obvious." Moir nodded and took at seat beside her. Meril closed her phone and placed it in her purse.

"Why do you like days like this?"

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

"I do enjoy quiet days but sometimes, it can just be oddly creepy."

" I see what you mean Meril, but sometimes it's just enjoyable." Rod said looking into Meril's eyes.

"Why do you like days like this?"

" I've never really told anyone why but I can trust you." Rod said smiling, " I like days like this because it reminds me of that day when I lost my parents in an unfortunate accident and my town's shaman comforted me and told me to always think of the good times and on most quiet days I would hear my parents telling me words of wisdom."

Rod closed his eyes and thought of his parents as the quiet of the shop faded away. He then opened his eyes to Meril's expression after he told her about his parents.

" I don't want you to be sorry for me because they are always with me in my heart." Rod said with a smirk, " So, tell me about your parents."

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Items: Cell phone, Guardian radio
Status: Morning

That was it. Piers had exhausted his leads, and his conclusions that he had drawn from his experiences were noted in Gu.I.L.A.’s log. Going over his experiences had jolted a good deal of thought, and Piers was sure he had made at least one valid conclusion on the log, and several other plausible ones. His next course of action was obvious; a call to the newspaper was in order.

The HQ’s landline was secured, so the number would not appear on the newspaper’s Caller ID. Piers asked a nearby tech to retrieve the number and then called on one of HQ’s landlines. After three rings, a female voice answered.

“Good morning, Town Tribunal, how may I transfer your call?”

“Morning. I’d like to speak with the editor-in-chief, please.”

“And may I ask who’s calling?”

“Just a concerned reader.”

After a short pause, the secretary continued, obviously used to requests of this nature. “Sir, I believe our customer service department could help you with any concerns you have better than Mr. Tallon.”

“Ah, so that’s his name. Mr. Tallon, huh?” Piers thought to himself. “No, I’m sure I need to speak to Mr. Tallon, but thanks for the offer.”

The secretary held her ground. “I’m sorry, but he’s busy right now. Perhaps with an appointment you could meet with a representative of the paper?”

Piers was not intending to be rude as he cherished civility, yet it seemed she was going to make him work for a brief audience with Mr. Tallon via phone.

“Sure, I’ll make the appointment right after I cancel my subscription that I’ve had for five years,” Piers responded somewhat acridly. “Can’t he spare five minutes over the phone and keep a subscription intact?”

The secretary’s patience was wearing thin. Piers knew that one could not expect to reach an editor-in-chief easily, but it seemed that he might not be busy at the moment or else the secretary wouldn’t even consider it. “I’ll transfer your call,” she said tartly. A few rings later and Piers had the attention of an annoyed Mr. Tallon.

“Rick Tallon,” came the agitated voice.

“Morning, sir,” Piers began, being overly civil in order to get quick answers. “I’ve got one quick question. In Volume eight, number two seventeen of your paper, the lotto numbers were misplaced, and I found them in a different place in the paper above some dumb ad about ‘Guardians’ or what-not, along with a riddle that a child could solve.” Piers was referring to the phrase that read “Listen to the one who sees” under the Guardian ad when the words were rearranged into a coherent sentence.

“Yeah, people complained about that a few days ago, even blamed us for their failure to win. What about it?” Tallon responded, clearly lacking bedside manner. Perhaps he’d have been more civil to a customer that wasn’t proving to be cantankerous, and slow to realize the paper’s mistake at that.

“All I want to know is who is in charge of that section of the paper, or who is responsible for the moved lotto numbers and that message,” was Piers’s quick response.

“I couldn’t tell you that even if I knew. But, like I just said, I don’t know. We’ve never had it happen before, and it hasn’t happened since. No one in the office accepted the blame, so all we can do is provide extra editing to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

Piers believed Mr. Tallon, but his skepticism lingered a bit. “Any guesses?”

Mr. Tallon was through with him, it seemed. “Not at all. Anything else, sir?”

Piers sighed. “No, and thanks for your time, Mr. Tallon.” He was pretty sure the editor-in-chief hung up as soon as he uttered the word “no,” but he didn’t care. The lead was dead, but it was worth a try.

“Jigsaw…I’ll find out how you’re getting your messages in the paper,” Piers thought to himself. Jigsaw had been controlling things behind the scenes, and Piers had to stay abreast of his manipulation in order to give the Guardians every possible edge. Also, finding Jigsaw would mean finding Madeleine, most likely, something Piers had been concerned about since his experience in her house.

“Melinda, why haven’t you responded?” he then thought, worrying as usual about her state. He wanted to give her plenty of space and freedom, but he would never be able to live with himself if something happened to her. He walked out to his car, flipped the console in the center down to slide out the small GPS screen, and saw that Melinda was still at his house. Breathing a sigh of relief, his mind went to the other girl who wore a tracking bracelet. He hadn’t spoken to her since the murder of Teaberry’s owner, but he had an idea of how to make up for his absence.

“This better work, June,” Piers thought to himself, hoping June’s advice would indeed serve to brighten up Glaiza’s day. Their relationship went back pretty far, and looking back on all the times he’d come into the coffee shop with the cares of his patients on his shoulders, Glaiza’s company had always been the remedy he was looking for. It was therapeutic, sure; but it was also more.

Piers picked up his cell phone and called the florist, having the number saved on his phone a few months back when Karn had used his phone to make a similar call. Piers had always wondered who the flowers Karn had bought were for, but he was pretty sure that it could be none other than the lovely Amber, Mark’s sister. Where had she been lately? Karn never spoke about her as of late.

The florist’s manager picked up on the second ring.

“Yeah, I was wanting to purchase a dozen…” Piers suddenly stopped, realizing that he had no idea what he was doing. This was a new field for him…what kind of flowers should he buy? “Uh…well, a dozen of whatever is good to cheer a lady up.”

“A lady, huh?” the manager said, his deep voice hinting suppressed laughter. “Be more specific.”

“Okay, a pretty lady. Well, gorgeous, actually.”

“No, I mean…is she your wife, girl, what?”

“Oh, yeah,” Piers stammered out, “I see. Uh, well…neither, but…”

“Chrysanthemums or roses would be best,” the manager interrupted, much to Piers’s relief.

“Ahh…have any white roses?”

“Of course. And what would you like on the card attached to the flowers?”

Piers didn’t have to think long about that one. “Write, ‘I never got your last name.’ She’ll know who it’s from. Oh, and put a Chrismon on the card as well. Look it up on the net to see a pic of one and draw one the best you can.”

“Got it. That all?”

“Being a florist, you have chocolates too, right?”

“Hah, yeah. Throw those in?”

“No, those are for a different lady, one that I know loves chocolate. She’s like a sister to me, so don’t pick a mushy box, okay? I want this one sent to my personal address.”

Piers gave the florist his address, intending for the chocolates to go to Melinda.

“And where are the flowers going?” the florist asked.

“To the Teaberry coffee shop. To Glaiza. If she’s not there, any of the workers will know her and will be able to give it to her, I’m sure. So, what do I owe you?”

Piers gave the florist his card information in order to pay electronically, thanked him for the advice, and went back into HQ. He guessed that his comrades were resting from their night out, and he genuinely hoped that they were refreshed by the experience. As for him, he had to see if any other leads would come into mind. He was determined to stay one step (at least) ahead of the Vagrants, and if they thought that their violence would serve to deter the Guardians, then they had sorely missed their guess.

[Nespa]

Role: Guardian
Location: pierce house
Items: Cell phone
Status: Morning

melinda moaned and mummbled as her cellphone beeped "no grandma, i don't wanna got to school some of them have strange things following them around..." She blinked slowly and frowned a bit as she realised where she was, she sat at pierce his kitchen table and her own drool stuck to her cheek. She rubbed her eyes "ewwwll.." and cleaned her cheek and picked up the phone quickly sending a message that she was fine and no did not need anything. She emptyd the teacup she used and wandert into the bathroom. Afte quick shower that relaxed her sore back musscles, she grabbed a shirt of piece and one of his pants. she drowned in them but her clothing was at HQ and she just told pierce she did not need anything. Deciding to act like a normal girl her age once, she dropped herself on the couch with the cellphone nearby and turned on the television.

[Christine Daae]

(OOC: Sorry for not posting guys kinda got banned from forums for a while but im back!)

Role: Watcher
Location: Teaberry
Items: N/A
Status: Morning


"Ok....I totally got myself lost...I was at the Coffee shop then I walked out...now I'm here.... God I have no sense of direction!" Chinatsu said to herself walking around aimlessly. "Hey is this my house?" She said walking towards a door. She reached for the door knob and was stopped by a loud unlocking. She hid in the alleyway as the door opened to an unfamiliar face. Who lives at my house? Why did they move?

A paper blew from the open door and into Chinatsu's hands. In bold letters read "FORECLOSURE NOTICE" and a signed signature from the bank. "So much for home sweet home...." She walked in the direction she came and threw the paper behind her. "Damn the government." Chinatsu said her voice filled with anger.

[Change Of Color]

Location- Teaberry
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- cat

Landy felt a small, furry paw kneading her stomach. it tickled and she laughed before the pain washed over her again and her head felt like it was going to explode. She sat up slowly as Miss Noir moved to her side.

She looked around the room. There was light filtering through the window and she could hear customers in the cafe.

Landy looked at her watch, not fully comprehending yet that she had overslept until she saw the time. When she realized what time it was, she nearly fell out of the bed.

"ZO MY GOD!!" she yelled, jumping out of the bed. She had forgotten that she had fallen asleep in Glaiza's bed and she felt awful because of it and because of the searing pain pulsating behind her forehead.

Landy pulled her shoes on quickly, clipped her cape, and grabbed her bag. She walked briskly into Glaiza's office and marched straight to her desk.

"I'm so sorry I slept in your bed and that I slept in so late. I was going to open but not only did I miss that but I also have to be at the hospital in an hour and I have to go home and shower and feed Miss Noir and get the stuff for the people there. I'm so sorry to be such a bother on my first day. You could hace kicked me out of your bed. Where did you sleep last night anyway? I'm so sorry about that. And about leaving. And that I'm leaving in such a rush. I'll be back by three, I SWEAR. I'll write down my number just in case there's an emergency here and you need me mundo fast. Again so sorry," she rabbled before jotting the number down on a sticky note and running out the door.

She rushed into the street and headed towards home, dragging Miss Noir along. She ran as fast as she could, which was remarkable fast considering the throbbing in her head, the huge bag she carried, and the shoes she wore that were about 5 inches thick.

As she was running, she could feel something inside of her, like someone else was inside and enjoying the brisk run she was in. The feeling overcame her and her feet were moving on their own when she rounding a corner and ran smack-dab into someone.

She fell hard on her back and sat in a daze for a moment before she was concious that she had run into someone. She scrambled to her knees to see a tall, pale, black haired girl sprawled on the sidewalk in front of her.

"Oh, jeez louis and crackers, I'm so sorry," she said as she helped the girl up. Her head was ringing and she her eyes didn't seem to want to focus.

"Are you alright? I really didn't mean to do that. I'm so so sorry. I should have watched where I was going more carefully. I'm so so so sorry. Are you okay?" she rambled as the preverbial stars spun around her head.

She looked the girl over. She was a good two inches taller than her in her boots, so she was really three inches shorter.

As the Landy worked on concentrating, Miss Noir began to pull on her leash. When Landy looked down, she was working her way through the girl's legs, back and forth in a figure eight until she ran out of leash and went back the way she came.

(OOC I'm reffering to Chinatsu, not Meril. There are just so many pale, black haired goth-like girls around here. o.O)

[Shobu_Shimizu]

OOC: Sorry! I fell behind again! School and clubs, you know? >.< But I'll try posting every night from now on to stay caught up with everyone.

Role: Feral
Location: Residential Area
Items: None
Status: Morning

Sunlight seeped through silk white curtains, placing warm kisses on Alanna's cheek. Long eyelashes fluttered as she awoke from her slumber. She sat up in her bed and stretched. It took her a second to realize that she was home. Oh yeah, by the time I got to the coffee shop it was closed... She thought, groggily scratching her chin, feeling like there was some dried drool on it. Rather than dried saliva, little dark flakes came drifting down. Alanna stared in horror. It can't be- She thought as she threw off her sheets and sprinted toward the bathroom, nearly falling down from the dizziness of getting up too fast.

In the bathroom mirror, her mortified self stared back with crusted blood on her chin and the sides of her mouth. She began hyperventilating and swallowed a scream that was rising up in her throat. Heart pounding, she raced to her father's room. Instantly, she vomited onto the creme-colored carpet speckled with blood. The eyes were gone from their sockets, and his gaping mouth revealed that his toungue was missing as well. Beside him lay a line of blood-drenched bones, which Alanna could make out as his spinal cord, with the severed veins dangling at the tip.

Alanna forced her shaking form from the room and back to her bathroom, still puking up her stomach onto the carpet in the hallway. When she arrived at the sink, she upchucked the last bit of whatever it was she was throwing up, and washed her face with viciously trembling hands. She looked up at the mirror at her face, which had lost its color and usual glow. Her breathing became even more rapid.

A blink. The gruesome, bloody face of the eyeless nurse appeared in the mirror and disappeared just as quickly as it had come. Oddly, Alanna couldn't scream. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed in between breaths. It was getting harder and harder to catch those breaths. She threw open the medicine cabinet to search for her inhaler. No where to be found. Frantically, she shuffled through the cabinet, as if it were able to hide behind the other medicaions, knocking bottles and such to the floor. In a haste, she made her way to the kitchen, wheezing and groping the wall for support. She turned the room upside down for an inhaler.

Failing in her search, she grabbed the keys to her father's jeep, the images of his mutilated form flashed in her mind. But, she had to get an inhaler or else she would be the next to lose their life in her family, so she pushed it to the back of her head.

Heart racing, head pounding, wheezing, sweating, and crying, she started the engine to the red jeep and threw it in reverse, running over her mailbox as she backed out. Throwing it in drive, she sped her unlicensed self down the road towards the hospital.

Role: Feral
Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Items: None
Status: Morning

As, she drove, Alanna realized she wasn't going to make it to the hopsital. It was becoming harder and harder to break by the second. Her asmtha was worse that it has ever been before. So she slammed on the breaks, trying to be careful not to hit anyone, and stopped in front of Teaberry. She ran stumbling into the little coffee shop, the world around her dimming with each step.

"Help- *wheeze* asth- *wheeze* -ma-" was all she could manage before she lost on the tile in the doorway.

OOC: Sorry, a tad dramatic, but it'd be nice if someone could help little Alanna. I'm not really intending for my character to die. ^_^()

[Christine Daae]

Role: Watcher
Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Items: None
Status: Morning


Chinatsu was confused again. First that girl bumped into her and pulled away by something. Then this girl came and had an asthma attack. "Ah damn. I always have to be at the scene when I cant do anything." She said running over to Alanna. She picked her up and went back into the jeep to start it up.

"Alright here goes nothing..." She hit the acceleration hard and started driving to the HQ, The only place she could possibly help her near by. She slammed down on the brakes and got out of the car with Alanna. Quickly opening the door she ran to the infirmary and laid her on a bed


She saw a left over guardian radio and picked it up. "Hello Guardians, This is Chinatsu. I picked up a girl at the coffee shop. She needs urgent medical care if someone could please reply that would be appreciated."

OOC: God I hope I didnt God Mod or Control Alanna....

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Items: Cell phone, Guardian radio
Status: Late (?) Morning

A voice, somewhat familiar, crackled over the radio attached to Piers’s left hip as he was looking for more clues in recent editions of the town’s newspaper. It was Chinatsu…but who was this girl she was taking to HQ? Chinatsu was a Watcher, so Piers trusted her judgment. Maybe she saw something and knew she needed to take the girl to HQ. Either way, he responded quickly on his radio. “Chinatsu, this is Piers; I’ll tell the infirmary to get ready. They’ll meet you at the main doors.”

Piers then ran to an intercom and began to speak to the entire building via the interspersed intercom boxes. “Attention. This is Piers DeFoe. An unknown girl is being brought into HQ. ETA is unknown. For all intents and purposes, she is to be told that this is a hospital, nothing more. Chinatsu thought it proper to bring her here, so the girl may need to be questioned; nothing else is known at this time except for the fact that she needs urgent medical attention. I’m requesting infirmary personnel to prep a space and meet Chinatsu at the doors. Thank you.”

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Jace's hidden home in Slums.
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning
Items: N/A

Jace's head spun as he sat up from where he was lying. He couldn't remember how he had gotton back here nor why he had fallen down back near the park. He groaned as he sat himself up straight and against the wall. His back seemed to sting in a few places. God knows how he had been lying down. He scratced his back with his hand. It was soft and smooth strangly. Which wasn't right. Jace reached his hand forward and stared at it in horror. His skin was a glossy black. Just like when he Sync's with Thanatos. It had reached up to his elbow. But Thanatos wasn't even summoned. Jace almost fell of the bed because of the shock.

"Morning. Looks like you have seen the price for my power then, Boy." Thanatos's voice echoed through Jace's head. Jace was gasping in horror. But it lasted a short while before he calmed down.
"You b****! How could you do this to me?"
"Me do it. I'm afraid your mistaken. You did that because you used me wrongly, Boy."
Jace rumaged around the room looking for some bandages. He began warping his hand and arm. "You could have done something or told me."
"And what good would that have done. Now your even less human then before. You should be proud, Boy."
"Curse you." Jace muttered as he tightned up the bandage with his teeth and tied a knot up. Now his it was all covered he began mumberling about getting him back.
"No point in complaining now, Boy."
"I'll complain if I want." Jace shouted. He stood himself up and washed his face in a broken sink near by. "Damn it all." He cursed again. He picked up an old towel and rubbed his face dry. "Well we're going out. I'm not staying cramped up in here." He made his way to the front door. The illusion was still holding. So that meant this hand't effected his powers. He pushed aside some rubble that was there.
"Hey Gill. Lock this spot up if you go out for anything." He laughed and walked out the door.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Location: pierce house
Items: Cell phone, t.v
Status: Late (?) Morning

Melinda was looking at some cat chasing a mouse cartoon when the doorbell rang. standing up carefully to not trip over the legs of the pants she wore, she carefully opened the door. Seeing that the male had no nightmare with him she relaxed a bit "can i help you?". The male was her age maybe a year or two older and clearly raised a brow at her way of dress "chocolates for melinda". she smiled at him and took the box "thank you" and smiled at him but when he lingered she frowned "is something wrong?" clearly raking his eyes again over her clothing he spoke "no" and walked away to his bicycale. Melinda cursed mentaly and closed the door and quickly grabbed her cellphone, calling pierce "pierce send someone over here to move me back to HQ, i think the delivery boy thinks your keeping me here for other reasons than good is for him" she tugged on a oversized sleeve.

[The Rogue Devil]

OOC: This is Zen speaking and acting after Jace left

Zen returned to Rod's home to check on Jace to see if he was still knocked out but he found out that he left and the house was still in one piece.

" I see, so he finally left and with no problems." Zen sighing, " Well, I guess I can make my body physical now."
Zen's ghostly figure began to change and he was now visible. He knew that it would affect Rod's composure with Meril because of this but he hoped that Rod would be strong enough to hold out.

" Rod are you ok?" Zen said speaking telepathically, " I know this will put a strain on you."

" Yeah, I'm fine but I can only hold out for an hour or so." Rod said, " Please do what you need to do and come back."

" I also have to tell you that Jace left but I don't know when he did." Zen said looking in the bathroom mirror, " Luckily, your home was not in shambles."

" Well that's a relief..." Rod said, " I'll chat with you later, I have to get back to Meril."

Zen walked outside and looked toward the sun abd jumped from roof to roof until he found a wood to train in. He smiled at the scenery and tranquility of the woods.

" Let's see if I can get some work in." Zen said with a grin

[Change Of Color]

Location- Landy's apartment
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- N/A

Landy climbed into the shower. Her head was still pounding and her eyes still couldn't focus, so she lit a candle and showered in the dark.

As she was bathing, everything seemed to fade. She felt like someone inside her was controlling her again.

Her visoin tunneled and her form flickered a few times. She suddenly snapped back into herself, her eyes finally focusing again as she hurridly finished bathing and got out.

Landy walked into her room wrapped in a towel and rummagged through her wardrobe. She picked tight, mid-thigh length, and naturally torn and tattered shorts, a blue and lavender tube top, and some neon yellow fishnets, along with a thick silver bangle and a rainbow belt.

She dressed quickly even as her pounding head tried desperately to persuade her into her bed. Then she rounded up the things she had gotten for some of the patients.

She scooped the small stuffed kitty, bag of hard candies, pack of neon crayons, small plastic flashlight, and book of fairy tales into her bag before picking up Miss Noir's leash and heading to the hospital.

Location- St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Cat, Black bag full of goodies

Landy pushed through the doors of St. Birch Psych Ward and waved as one of the guards greeted her. It had been a while since she had had a chance to come visit everyone.

She pushed her way into Lloyd's office. He was watching his small TV and Landy found that unacceptable.

She stormed to his desk and pounded her fist on his desk right in front of him. He let out a scream and nearly fell out of his chair.

While he was still lost for words, Landy kissed her hand and patted it onto his head. "I'm checking in," she said with a huge smile.

She turned on her heel and skipped down the hall, taking a left and going up a floor on the elevator. When she got off on the second floor, a feeling like returning home after a long trip washed over her and mingled with her severe head ache.

A few of the faces looked at her and lit up while a few barely noticed she was there. She beamed a huge smile and began finding the friends she knew locked inside the warped minds of the patients of St. Birch Hospital's Psych Ward.

[janajee]

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: A bunch of papers

GLAIZA'S POV

After Landy's rush into, and subsequent rush out of the office, which was actually kind of funny how she's rushing all over the place, I decide to stretch my legs a bit. I was never much for office work anyway.

I step out and watch a couple of waitresses serving some customers. I watch as the manager continues to watch over the cashier. I bet the boss would have been proud at how the store is still picking up, even though he's gone.

...

...

Is that a delivery guy?

With a dozen white roses?

Heading this way?

"A dozen flowers for a Miss Glaiza?"

"Um, that would be me."

"Sign here please" he said, as he gave me a place to sign, impatient to get out of this place.

"Someone's worried about something"

"I'm not worried about anything" I think to Sean.

"I wasn't talking about you."

I look at the delivery guy, and notice that he seems to be acting as if he was anxious about something, but I brush it aside, maybe he was just busy.

(OOC: He's probably still thinking about Melinda, hahaha)

Besides, these white roses? They're beautiful.

I look for a card and right there was a picture of a Chrimson (OOC: I have no idea what that is... hahahah) with a single line inside telling me exactly who these came from.

"I never got your last name"

I bring the flowers swiftly back into my office, look for the card that Piers had given me and send a quick message.

"It's Zhantal. Glaiza Zhantal."

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Residential
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning
Items: N/A

Thud, thud, thud. Each step Jace took seemed heavier today. He kept cheaking his arm. Making sure the bandages wheren't coming off. He would look around panicly at anyone who seemed to be looking his way. His eyes glared daggers at anyone who stared at him. They soon moved on. Jace wasn't in a good mood to be messed with. He sort of wondered aimlessly. he needed something to do. Something to destrct him. Chaos, mess, violence. Something to take his mind away from his arm. As her walked he saw the Hospital before him. A grin lit his face. Scik people always wanted release. And he was the perfect reaper to do that. After all if people get to scared to go to the hospital then illness will rise. Then people would suffer liek he was now. Jace quickened his pace. He was ready for some fun again.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Late Morning
Items: Cell phone, Guardian radio

While taking a break from looking at more recent newspapers for more clues (the endeavor had failed to net any results so far) and waiting on Chinatsu to arrive with the unknown girl she had with her, Piers had descended into the training room. Though many would hardly call this a “break,” Piers did it to ensure that his skills stayed sharp. To achieve the title of “Guardian,” one had to wield fluid control over one’s nightmare. Even when that was accomplished, it wasn’t enough; new skills and techniques could be developed, and old ones could be honed.

Piers hardly ever synched with Skitters, and he did so only when fights got serious. He preferred to stand aloof while Skitters obeyed commands, making Piers able to assess the fight in its entirety and quickly decide if new tactics needed to be adopted. Synching stifled this ability to think independently of Skitters’s pain, so Piers preferred to have his mind as clear as possible. When the synch was necessary, Skitters covered Piers’s body and merged with his form. Though this provided an exponential boost in strength it also decreased Skitters’s speed, but not drastically. Speed and intellect…those were the keys behind every tactic Piers developed, though he had found fighting in the dark to be another fantastic environmental factor to throw in.

Piers was having Skitters dart to and fro across the training room, hitting laser targets splayed across the room as he did so. Skitters had missed one out of twenty by a matter of centimeters, so Piers was making him do it again. Skitters never spoke in complete sentences out loud, preferring to speak in one word that seemed to sum up his thoughts. Even in Piers’s mind, he kept his sentences short and succinct. “Just one,” Skitters said in Piers’s mind, speaking in his normal, higher-pitched, nigh-empty voice. His voice sounded more like the rush of water instead of a sound produced by vocal cords. “I know this is boring, Skitters, but it’ll pay off. I have to keep the lights high, too, because we won’t always have the advantage of fighting in the dark. Come on, keep it up.”

A text message broke his thoughts, and Skitters stopped along with the break in Piers’s concentration. It was Melinda, and she wanted to come back to HQ. “I wonder what the delivery guy said to her?” Piers thought, laughing a bit and sending her a message back via text. “OK, Mel. 2 techs coming soon. Chinatsu coming 2 HQ 2, I wil Xplan.” Piers included the last part just to let Melinda know that she would not be the only Watcher at HQ, as Melinda had warned him earlier against getting the Watchers together. He then radioed HQ’s main office. “I need two techs to go to my house to pick up Melinda. She wants to come back, and when she arrives please let her have any room she wants with any furnishings she wants. Thank you.”

Piers would have picked her up himself, but he could leave HQ only if absolutely necessary, being the only Guardian present. Soon, another message came in on his cell phone. It seemed he had finally procured Glaiza’s last name.

He smiled, hoping the flowers had cheered her up a bit. He sent a quick message back to her. “Cal if u wnt 2 get sum frsh air later.” He was implying, of course, that she should call if she wanted to get away from her job for awhile. Of course, he threw in the word “later” because he had to stay at HQ for the time being. Only if it was absolutely necessary could he leave HQ.

Before he closed his cell phone he glanced at his contacts. Lloyd’s name caught his attention, but only because he wondered how the patients were doing. Not being able to resist the curiosity, he called Lloyd. Receiving a gruff hello, he responded, “Lloyd, how’s it going?” Lloyd’s only response was, “What, are you coming back to work soon?”

“Nice to hear from you, too,” Piers responded, ignoring his rudeness.

“Landy’s back,” was all that Lloyd said.

“She should have never left,” Piers quickly added, knowing it was probably Lloyd who had practically chased her off in the first place. Perhaps that is why she had gotten the job at Teaberry. “No one is better with the patients. You need to put her on salary.” This got no response from Lloyd, so Piers just asked about the status of some of the patients. He wasn’t prepared for the answer he received.

“What?! People in different sections of the hospital just died at almost the same moment? Why didn’t you call me?!” Lloyd had no response, and Piers couldn’t help but wonder if a nightmare was responsible. Finally, Lloyd spoke. “You worked with a lot of the patients, but I’m almost sure that none of them died,” Lloyd said. It was welcome news, but it did little to calm Piers.

“Make me a promise,” Piers demanded, sounding like a child begging a parent for assurance. “Promise me,” he went on, “that if anything even remotely similar to this, even remotely strange, happens again, I’m the first person you’ll call.” Lloyd acquiesced with a grunt, and Piers said a quick goodbye, hanging up the phone with considerable worry. “I’ve got to get my hands on the footage of the hospital incident,” he told himself, wondering how it would be possible.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Location: piers house
Status: Late Morning
Items: Cell phone

Melinda looked at the message and raised a brow about the fact that more than one watcher would be at HQ 'as long as we are carefull it would not really matter'. She closed the cellphone and looked outside
. some people were walking by laughing and smiling and she sighed sometimes she wished she was normal, she smirked bitterly but then again alot of the watcher probely wished the same.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

OOC: Sorry Akira, hope I'm allowed to move forward a little.

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Feral
Status: Late Morning
Items: none

Alanna slowly regained consciousness. The room about her was a blur. She heard the murmuring of voices she didn't recognize and the beeping of a heart monitor. The bed she lay upon had somewhat stiff fabric. She couldn't smell anything, due to the oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose.

I must be at the hospital... She thought, moving her head to the side.

After a moment, this thought sunk in and she gasped, shooting up from the pillow. Her eyes darted the room in panic. The beeping from the heart monitor began to accelerate. She yanked off the oxygen mask and the pulse detector patches, causing the beeping to drag out into a long irritating sound. She threw the sheets off her legs and leaped onto the floor. She began running towards the door, but was stopped by a what looked like doctor and a nurse.

"Let go of me!" she screamed, her fear rising with every second she was stuck in that room. Why did she think she'd be okay with going to the hospital in the first place?

"Miss, we're going to have to ask you to calm down," the doctor said, struggling to keep Alanna from thrashing about. Looking at Chinatsu, he said, "A little help Miss Chinatsu?"

"Let go or I'll kill you too!" She screamed, unintentionally knocking the nurse hard in the face with her fist. She didn't mean what she said as a threat but a warning. It was obvious who had killed both of her parents. She didn't know how she did it, but she wasn't going to let it happen again.

[Keisai]

Role: Guardian
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Late Morning
Items: N/A

Ika Walked in to his new base of operations. "This is it, huh?" He thought to him self. He never really been any where else but the street, wandering for a hot meal looking for a quite place to sleep. He sat down on the couch, taking up the newspaper laying there on the couch. He looked a the newspaper, Nothing ever changed. He looked around a bit and it was quite. Never really had been quite With kage always blaring his big mouth, though it was morning and he was asleep for he hate the light. Ika had hated the light too but it didn't bother him as much as it did kage. he rested his head against the soft fabric of the couch. First time in years had he felt something as soft as this. He had always was on old newspapers or torn blankets. He closed his eyes a bit taking in all that has happened.

[Nespa]

Melina was pulled from her thoughts when the bell rang again. She opend the door carefully and saw it were two people hq. Nodding she got into the car they drove and sighed. The the tech that rang the bell sat next to her didn't speak nor did the one on the front. at Hq she entered and waved at the lady at the desk before walking further, she was pretty sure the doctor would want to check her out and walked towards the infirmary. she turned into a jog when she heard screaming, she saw the main doctor and nurse trying to stop a girl and another watcher. she pushed the watcher out of the way and glared at her "are you blind ore something"she looked at the doctor "be carefull she is a feral". she grabbed the girl by her shoulders "you need to calm down, what happend was not your fault" she stared the girl down.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace walked in with no troubles from anyone. He strolled into the wards and past many different people. His arm made him simple look like a treated person and so everyone was too busy to give much attention to him. He stopped in a hallway. He wouldn't be able to go any further without rising attention to himself. Instead he took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Ready?" He asked Thanatos.
"I'm ready. Let out all the steam you want, it doesn't change anything, Boy." Thanatos grinned. Jace ignored him. He let Thanatos's power fill him. then he blew an imaginary kiss towards the wards.
"Let my show begin." He muttered as he bowed for an audience only he could imagine.
"Hush a bye baby, on the tree top,
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,
Down will come baby, cradle and all."
Jace rose his head. Dark tendrils of energy from both him and Thanatos began to spin in an complex web that entangled the whole of the hospital. Jace summon Thanatos to his hand. He spun him around above his head for a few moments before slamming him down. As he did it sent a ripple through the illusion. Each mind within the hospital was gripped whether they knew it or not. Now of course Jace didn't exist to any of them. A blank space where he should be. He paused a moment. Then he whistled the same tune. He slowed it, made it more emotional. Then he smiled.
"Take a seat my friends. This will be a long day."

[Christine Daae]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Watcher
Status: Late Morning
Items: none

Chinatsu looked over at Alanna and put her hands assuringly on her shoulders. "Miss..Please calm down....Were just trying to help you." She took the doctor's hands off of Alanna and put her mask back on. "We want to make sure you are alright before discharging. If you'd allow us to do this you'll be out of her as soon as possible."

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Landy looked around. Her headache had suddenly worsened like it had yestarday morning.

"Here, Miley, color me a pretty picture," she said with a huge smile as she handed the young girl the pack of crayons. Miley's face lit up, but then she looked around as if she were worried before turning to the paper on the table.

Landy stood up and searched the crowd. She couldn't see him but she could feel him. It was like his presence sent her brain into a rage until it angrily beat on her temples.

She looked at all the faces. He really wasn't there but she still felt him.

Landy sat back down. She glanced around nervously as her head continued to ache and her eyes began losing focus again.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace whistled loudly to catch everyone attention. It echoed through his captivating illusion and straight into the minds of those he had caught. To them it would sound like it was coming from everywhere at once. He did it one more time to make sure he had everyone attention.
"Hello, hello my new friends." His voice resounded around just like the whistle. "Today is an extra special day for you all. We are going to have a game of Hide and Seek. I will hide and you will seek." Jace laughed, his childish corrupt one. "I will flicker into view every so often so keep your eyes open. It's a simple game. But here is the catch. Every 7 mins that you can't find me...well one of you is exiled and removed from the game...Permanently!" Jace began humming again. The same tune, the same baby falling from the same tree. Panic would settle in soon. Best finish up before that. "Oh and here are the rules:
There ain't any!" He laughed hard and flickered into view before vanishing and moving deeper into the hospital. His voice humming the same tune to everyone. An untraceable noise that began to be over shadowed by paniced screams and children crying. He could feel the tears, the terror and the tatse of fear and hate. Jace smiled in joy.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon

“Melinda has arrived,” came the voice over Piers’s radio, “as well as another Guardian dispatched for support.” “Oh?” Piers responded over the radio to the tech. “Is it one of the missing ones we inquired about?”

“No, sir. We received his data just previous to his arrival. His name is Ikazuchi.”

Piers thanked the tech, then turned to Skitters. “Alright Skitters, that’s enough for now; good work today,” Piers said, ending the training session. Piers was impressed; Skitters was only missing a handful of targets in his quick flurry of strikes, and even then only by a mere matter of centimeters. However, improvements could always be made, so he had to keep his skills sharp.

Taking his jacket from a nearby hanger, he placed it over his turtleneck and ascended by elevator to the main floor. He immediately saw a young man reclined in the foyer near the elevators. “Ikazuchi, I presume?” Piers said, hoping that he wasn’t waking him. “I’m Piers DeFoe. Welcome to our HQ. I’m sure you know this, but our specific situation is a bit…well, unprecedented.”

Piers was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. It was Lloyd; remembering the promise Lloyd had made to him, a worried Piers answered the phone. “Piers!” Lloyd blurted out in a hushed whisper. “Some guy just walked in and said something about a game…then he disappeared! I swear it, I saw that dark-haired boy for one instant and the next he was just…gone! He said…something about consequences for not finding him every seven minutes. His voice was weird…Piers, you asked me to call you, so do you have a plan or what?”

Piers gripped the phone tightly in his right hand, his anger rising along with his concern over his former patients. It had to be him…creating illusions, speaking about childish games, and having dark hair…Piers was almost certain it was the Vagrant who attacked HQ, and likely the one who had killed Teaberry’s owner.

“Lloyd, listen to me. You get every patient out of there right now,” Piers said, trying his best to remain calm and direct.

“All you told me to do was call!” Lloyd replied. “I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

“Lloyd, I know it’s scary, but we’ve no time to waste! Get everyone to the elevators now! The ones who can understand what you’re saying to them need to go on their own, but you’ll have to help the rest! You can do it in about five minutes if you hurry!”

There was no response…Lloyd had hung up the cell phone, and Piers had a guess as to whether he was going along with the plan or not. Piers looked over to Ikazuchi. “Ikazuchi, I need you to protect HQ when I’m gone…you’re the only Guardian here. Melinda and Chinatsu are back, but I’m not sure where they’re at. Please assist them in any way you can. I’ve got a Vagrant to hunt.” Piers knew this was no way to introduce a fellow Guardian to HQ, but he also knew that Ikazuchi, being a Guardian, would understand. Piers ran to his car, knowing the helicopter would take too long to prep, despite the fact that the hospital had a helicopter pad he could land on. It would be quicker to drive, and Piers barely managed to get out his radio as he sped towards the hospital.

“This is Piers DeFoe,” he said over the radio, transmitting to HQ’s central office. “Please try everything possible to contact Karn, Seda, and Duo. I’m not sure where they are, but tell them Guardian HQ has only one newly arrived Guardian present to protect it, and I’m going to the hospital where I believe the Vagrant who attacked them is at. I know they’re still recovering from the fight and Karn is recovering from other wounds, so tell them I am not expecting backup. I’ve got a few ideas since reviewing the footage of the incident at HQ as to how to deal with this Vagrant. If this is a ploy to get us to send Guardians to the hospital, another HQ attack might ensue. They are free to decide the best course of action, but tell them two Watchers, Melinda and Chinatsu, are at HQ as well. Thank you.”

Piers tried his best to think of a plan while he sped towards the hospital. While he was thinking, he stumbled upon one decisive thought.

He immediately called Landy, whom he knew to be at the hospital thanks to Lloyd’s comment before the Vagrant came in. While waiting for her to answer, he prayed that none of his former patients would be casualties of this war.

[Keisai]

Role: Guardian
Items:N/A
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon


Ikazuchi looked around as piers was frantically trying to get ready. He stood up looking at piers." Go...If any of the other Guardians come back i'll send some your way. I have every thing under control over here.I'll be ready if any one attacks the HQ."He walked to the elevator to look for Melinda and Chinatsu. He expected this place to be big but he was always able to find any one." Kage." No answer."Kage!" Still no answer."Kage! Wake up you lazy nightmare!""What so you want Ika?" Kages voice sounding groggy."I need you to find Melinda and Chinatsu.Search the Shadows Real quick, then you can go back to sleep." "Fine, fine. Next time you wake me there better be some action." He starts to scan the shadows. "There no where near any shadows." "Can you pinpoint the closest Shadow near them?" "Possibly, let me check." As the elevator hit the ground, the doors slid open." there here on this floor." "thanks. Now get some sleep your going to need it." Ikazuchi starts walking down the hall."Melinda, Chinatsu! are you down here?" he kept walking looking around,every room every spot.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Items: n/a
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon

Melinda heart someone yelling her and Chinatsu's name. She looked at the younger watcher for a moment and then walked out off the office coughing. The one calling was a guardian and clearly new one "i'm melinda, chinatsu is in the room" she coughed again "there is also a feral there". Melinda could only geuse what kind of impression she made walking around coughing and in clothes that were much to big on her, she pulled the shirt up when it sank from her shoulder and looked at him until a other doctor aproached her from behind "Melina i want to check you out" he looked at Ikazuchi and then grabbed her hand and tugged her along to a examine room.

[Keisai]

Role: Guardian
Items:N/A
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon

Ikazuchi followed the doctor and melinda to the examine room. "Doc... can you hurry this up.... i need her." He looked around be suspicious of the doctor. He needed to find the other girl fast, He knew something was up and needed to get everyone he can together fast.

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Miss Noir twitched and yowled as she stalked around Landy's feet. Landy had been right. Jace was here.

She was frighted. She looked around the room, wondering what to do with the patients. She couldn't leave them.

Her phone rang. She answered it without thinking. "Hello?" she whispered, still stunned as she looked at all the ones she had come to love.

Her brain raced as she stood up, desperate to round everyone up. She took Miley's hand and gently made her stand up. She looked worried but as if she wasn't quite sure.

She looked around. She didn't know what to do. She still had to handle everone else and she wasn't sure how as the tears began streaming down her face.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

OOC: My shortest post yet!

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Feral
Status: Day
Items: none

Alanna forced herself to calm down when Chinatsu placed the oxygen mask back on her face, though her heart was still racing. The other girl who came in had been taken by the doctor to be checked out. Alanna's gaze darted from Melinda to Chinatsu. This didn't look like the St. Birch Hospital.

"W-where are I?" She tried to evenly, acting as if she weren't nervous but suspicious, but her hands balled into tight fists said otherwhise. "Who are you? How did I get here?"

[Christine Daae]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items:Pill Container

Chinatsu sighed then turned sharply around at the door. "Well, your at St.Birch Hospital. I dont know why you cant understand that. I'm Chinatsu Kairoshi, a person who saved you after having a severe asthma attack. That enough for ya?" She said with a bit of irritation in her voice. She took out her pills and swallowed one again. She then put them back in her pocket. "By the way, your welcome."

[Cross Avantgarde]

Location: En route to St. Birch Hospital
Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Early Afternoon

Landy sounded a bit shaken as she answered the phone. Lloyd had said she was back, and no doubt she was right in the middle of whatever fiendish trick the Vagrant was playing on the people in the Psych ward.

“Landy, this is Piers. I know something’s going on in the Psych ward and I need your help. Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you what to do, but the catch is…you can’t trust what you see.”

Realizing that his words were probably only confusing her, he tried to be more concise as he spoke again. “What I mean, Landy, is that all you can trust to be real is exactly what you saw before all this started to happen. The patients you were visiting are probably still exactly where you left them, but you can’t trust anything completely ‘new’ that you see. I know this sounds complicated, but try to remember where you last left the patients and tell them to get out of the Psych ward immediately.”

Piers was desperately trying to keep his voice as calm and direct as possible, knowing that if any of his own anxiety bled through into his speech it would add to Landy’s stress. “Landy, I’ll be at the hospital in about eight minutes, but Lloyd told me that every seven minutes…bottom line, get as many patients to the elevators as possible, children and adolescents first. Then, get the ones who can’t get to the elevators on their own, the more severe cases we have in the ward. If you can’t get them all out in four minutes…”

Piers stopped, grief tugging at his heart over what he was about to say. “…If you can’t get them out by then,” he continued, “just make sure you get out yourself. Do all that you can, and leave. I’m sorry to throw this on you, Landy, but I know you can help me here…I’m counting on you.” With that, Piers hung up the phone and swung his car around a corner, speeding towards the hospital.

Location: St. Birch Hospital main entrance

Swinging his car into a skidding park outside the main entrance to the hospital, Piers ran into the empty foyer of the main entrance, turned quickly to the right, and ran towards the employee locker room. Running to his locker, he opened it and threw on his white jacket but jerked off his nametag and threw it back into his locker. Slamming it shut, he then ran to a drink machine, threw in some money, and bought a glass bottle of soda. A plan was quickly forming in his mind, and he prayed it would work, knowing there was no time to waste. Over seven minutes had elapsed…had the Vagrant done anything?

“If he has so much as touched one hair on my patients’ heads…” Piers thought to himself, his angst causing him to run even faster to the stairwell. He didn’t want to occupy an elevator as he knew the patients would be on the available elevators. Some on the main floor seemed to have no idea what was happening up above them, and Piers could keep it that way if he successfully contained the Vagrant's threat. A prayer on his lips and his white hospital jacket flowing as he ran, he advanced to the stairwell.

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Landy slowly placed her phone back in her pocket. It was all still sinking in.

She looked around at her friends, the ones she loved. She wasn't sure what to do.

Suddenly, everthing clicked. Instint took over and Landy began working.

Landy grabbed some connectors from a closet and hooked each group of people together, putting the most competant in the front to lead them all to the elevator.

Once she had used all of them up and sent the groups down the elevator, she began moving the patients who moved slowly or were physically incapable of moving themselves. They, with the children took up the next three elevator trips.

Landy checked her time. She remembered that she only had 7 minutes and 5 had passed so far.

Her phone vibrated. Lloyd had texted her, asking how many more would have to be moved. In truth, she wasn't quite sure.

She surveyed the rooms. She felt as if she were missing some people. As she rounded up the last of the people she found hiding in their rooms, she felt a tug on the leash.

Miss Noir was frantic, and Landy checked the time. It was past 7 minutes. She had run out of time.

She looked around, frantic to get the last of them to safety. She moved quickly, herding them to the elevator as quickly as she could.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Items: n/a
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon

While Melinda sat on the table the doctor turned to Ikazuchi look of annoyance "get out" he pushed him out of the examine room and glared "melinda is probely the oldest watcher we hav at the moment an the weakest in health, she has been helping us since she was a young girl". he pressed his index finger in his chest "on top of that she had a couple of rough days, so if wanna talk to a watcher seek out chinatsu". Giving one more glare he went inside the examine room and closed the door.

[Keisai]

Role: Guardian
Items: n/a
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Afternoon


As The Door closed in his face he could not help to wonder, How much of a fool the doctor was. Something was going on and he needed to get The two watchers together and Melinda Knew where the other watcher was. Ikazuchi sighed, the walked off down the hall way. " Chinatsu,Where are you." he said walking down the hall looking through the empty rooms.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace wandered the hall as panic crept into the people around. As he blinked in and out people would run or cower. It wasn't how you were meant to play Hide and Seek. They were to find him and tag him. Jace groaned in annoyance. He sighed as he felt people leave his area of influence. By the feel of things they had picked to evacuate everyone. This wasn't how the game was to be played. He had given them numbers and simple rules. So why didn't they follow? He hummed the tune and swayed his head side to side. He then snapped and took his anger out on a door, that shuddered with the impact he made. He had hoped for more then this. It wasn't helping his stress at all. Jace moved into a stairwell and sat down on the railings.

"This isn't any fun at all." He complained, "No one wants to play or help me get rid of stress." He swung his feet out.
"No one wants to play with the weird kid? I would wonder why, Boy?" Thanatos replied.
"Shut up!" Jace shouted suddenly, "I don't want to hear that from you. Your meant to help me. Support me. That was our agreement." His anger was enough that he didn't feel an extra person enter his influence.
"True. But does it say I have to be nice? No. I can do as I please, Boy." Thanatos replied.
Jace swore. Then he checked a clock. Seven minutes already. He needed to remove someone. With luck a doctor came running up the stairs carrying a drink. Maybe going back to help someone or maybe playing. Jace flickered into view at the top of the stairs.
"Sorry there friend. It's been seven Minutes already. Someone has to be removed. And your the first to be found." Jace grinned as he looked down on at the person. "Any last words?"

[kei of the flame]

Location: Karn's house
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone, minus Keys

"Oh, so that was YOU snoring up there,I thought it was a thunderstorm."

"HAHA!You make me laugh." Duo said sitting down with his sandwich. He bit the sandwich and a heavenly look appeared on his face. "This sandwich is

delicious." Duo was thinking until he thoughts were interrupted by Seda.

"One question back to you," she said, looking at Duo. "Where's the car?"

Duo almost choked on the sandwich when asked the question. "I....Don't.....Know...but," Duo said fast enough so no one could

speak before he finished. "walking is always good for you." Duo said with a smile. He began to think what did he do with that car and if he did "total"

would he be charged like the last time he "totaled" something. "I'm still paying on the last car I didn't have anything to do with...I think." Duo

began to put on a thinking face. "Wait, didn't I give the keys to one of you guys." Duo said getting up. "So where is the car," Duo looked around the

room and noticed karn. "I can't say it was him he can't walk" Duo said not noticing him standing. He began to finish his sentence "Seda." He said

thinking since seda is new she can take the blame.

[Talli]

(OOC: I'm just wondering, is this the same car that Chinatsu drove to HQ? If it is, we now know the location of said car. XD Seda thinks it's at Teaberry but since she doesn't have her radio, she has no idea that it's been taken to HQ.)

Role: Guardian
Location: Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Morning
Items: None

"So where is the car," Duo looked around the room and noticed karn. "I can't say it was him he can't walk" Duo said not noticing him standing. He began to finish his sentence "Seda." He said thinking since seda is new she can take the blame.

The only indication that Seda was surprised was the small rise of her eyebrows. She had noticed Duo's hesitation before he said her name. "Hm?" she began in a very innocent tone, maintaining her posture of lazy contentedness. "Me? The car?" She paused to take a sip of her coffee, closing her eyes and letting the warm liquid slide down her throat. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"But if I did," she said, her tone changing very slightly. "I can spot one little hitch in my story." She stood up, lazily walking over to the man and tapped his nose, forcing a smile that was almost as big as the one Duo had on his face onto hers. "I don't live here. I don't know this city. I don't know the streets like you boys do." She accentuated each sentence with a tap on Duo's nose. "Ergo, how could I have driven us all the way over here, as drunk as a sponge in a bar, and somehow lose the car along the way?"

When she said her words, she felt Vidar pipe up in the back of her mind. "Yes, Viddy?" she thought, stepping away from Duo. Her snake hissed, though still groggy from his night out. "Do you remember anything from last night?" In her mind's eye, Seda saw images of what she couldn't recall before, but what she could now thanks to Vidar's help. The exterior of a coffee shop. "Tea... Berry?" she muttered aloud, tilting her head to one side in confusion.

The car they had used was parked near the sign in a rather awkward way. As if someone really had been drunk when they were trying to park it. Then the coffee shop got farther as she recalled walking away from it and into the residential area of the city.

"Oh God," she muttered, walking over to the kitchen sink. "The more sober I get, the more things I can remember about last night. The car is, most likely, at this Teaberry place you guys were talking about." She reached for her radio, which would normally be found clipped on her waist, looking like an ordinary cellphone, but found nothing. "Damn," she said, rubbing her forehead. "I must've left it upstairs."

She grabbed her coffee cup and took one long sip, finishing it. "Well, gentlemen," she said as she put the cup in the sink, washed it and began drying it off. "What say we head back to HQ? God knows what kind of boring paperwork awaits us there," she said, unaware of the developing situation in their headquarters.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guaridan
Location: St. Birch Hospital (Stairwell outside of Psych ward)
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone, bottle of soda, white hospital jacket
Status: Afternoon

Just as Piers was rounding the last turn to ascend the final set of stairs leading to the Psych ward, a strange feeling invaded his senses. He slowed, almost involuntarily, but kept a fast pace while approaching the final set of stairs. The strange feeling persisted, and he suddenly saw a dark figure at the top of the stairs, right outside of the door leading to the Psych ward’s hall. Stopping abruptly, his senses groggy by some strange new sensations, the figure began to speak.

“It’s him!” Piers thought to himself. “From the sound of it, he hasn’t killed anyone yet; he said that someone has to be removed, and I know that it didn’t take me fourteen minutes to get here. Thank God!”

Panting, Piers looked up to the dark figure. He seemed to be a young man, and Piers studied his face; he’d never met him before. Was the host transformed at the moment? Was Piers looking at the nightmare, the host being controlled (be it voluntary or not) at the moment? The huge scythe that he carried with him seemed to actually glow, and Piers couldn’t help but think that if his senses were clearer he would be able to discern whether or not this man was a nightmare or the Vagrant himself. He seemed more than a man, however; darker, otherworldly.

“Okay, this is good; no one is dead, and I can buy time for Landy to get all the patients out,” Piers thought to himself, trying to remain calm while facing the Vagrant who had waged such a daunting offensive against the Guardian HQ. “Also, I get some Q and A time…let’s see what I can find out.” He suppressed the anger he harbored at the moment against the Vagrant, knowing it would blow his cover.

Piers had retrieved his old hospital jacket in order to appear to be nothing more than hospital personnel, hoping to surprise the Vagrant and gain a bit of an edge. Yet, this was better; Piers, if he played his cards right, could gain some valuable information. “The longer I keep him talking, the more time Landy has,” Piers thought to himself. Then, he assumed his role as a panic-stricken, confused doctor.

Trembling, Piers stammered out, as sincerely and genuinely as he could, “W…who are you? What are you doing here? What is THAT thing?!” he said, pointing to the scythe. “No…I remember you! I think I saw you kill a man outside of the Teaberry coffee shop! Please…let me go!” This was a sham, of course; Piers had seen no such thing, but he was almost sure, because of Karn’s deduction, that this Vagrant had killed the owner of Teaberry, and he wanted the admission from his own mouth.

He looked behind him as if to consider running, then shook his head and stared at the Vagrant, hoping to appear paralyzed by fear.

He then continued, “I don’t feel good…what’s happening here?” Piers needed the Vagrant to spill as much info as possible on this, as he had yet to deduce a certain way to dispel the Vagrant’s illusions. Even after observing the video footage from the attack on HQ, Piers only had assumptions as to how to deal with the illusions. He was guessing that his numbed senses were the result of the Vagrant’s powers.

“Come on, I’m just a hapless doctor who will be eliminated soon, you can tell me everything…what have you got to lose?” Piers thought. “Landy, I’m going to get all the time I can for you…hang in there, you can get them all out if I don’t mess up.” With those thoughts he once again trembled, hoping to give the impression that he was truly helpless and scared out of his mind.

[The Rogue Devil]

OOC: Sorry Infinita, I waited as long as I could. :(


Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

Rod looked into Meril's eyes but he felt a strange energy signature coming from somewhere around the area. He wanted to check it out but it was a good opportunity to check out the HQ of the guardians. Rod looked down at his phone to fake like it was an important text. Rod got up and began to walk away from Meril.

" I'm sorry Meril, but I have a family emergency to take care of." Rod said with a smile, " I'll call you later."
Rod walked away from the coffee shop and began to search for the guardian HQ. He was now far enough from the shop to not be seen so he summoned Zen to his side.

" Yes,Rod, what is it?" Zen said appearing in his ball form, " How did it go with Meril?"

" It was ok, but I felt a nightmare's presence in the area and with that happening I think we should pay the Guardian HQ a visit." Rod said, " So let's go!"

[Valkarma]

Karn
Location: Home
Role: Guardian?
Status: Morning
Items: None

Karn wasn't paying full attention to what the other two where talking about. Instead he was focussed on Gray. It seemed that his nightmare was awakening emotion. It was the only thing he could think off right now. He would be better off discussing this with Piers at a later time. Together they could properly make some headway on this. Karn kicked his feet out a little testing them even when he had spent so long not bothering. He walked quietly over to his wheel chair and sat down in it.
"Thank you Gray. But do not strain yourself." The attachments disappeared from view and Karn could no longer feel his legs. But what he did feel was a thanks. It reinforced his orginal idea.

She grabbed her coffee cup and took one long sip, finishing it. "Well, gentlemen," she said as she put the cup in the sink, washed it and began drying it off. "What say we head back to HQ? God knows what kind of boring paperwork awaits us there," she said, unaware of the developing situation in their headquarters.

"Sure." Karn said. "But as a forewarning. You guys are not to come back here unless I say so. It is nothing personal but this place is my sanctum." Karn said with seriousness.

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

"Your chatty for a Doctor you know." Jace commented at the man. "Of course some people are like that. But many are not. The scythe is an image of death. Death causes mortals to flee." Jace hopped off his ledge and took a few steps down to the man. "I've seen flies that have been willing to taunt spiders, but then they turn out to be birds poised to strike." Jace took his steps slowly and carefully. This wasn't a normal person. He was almost certain of it. He wouldn't under estimate anyone. Not anymore.
"Of course he is different. Since there was no witnesses to the death of the teaberry owner. Meaning he learned it from somewhere else, Boy." Thanatos commented.
"Don't you think I don't already know that." Jace replied back to him within his mind. "I'm going to find out who he really is."
Jace focussed back to the new guy.
"Teaberry. Never heard of the place." He shrugged, "I'm a slum boy you see. We don't get fancy places like you guys get. No we get what we can find." He grinned, "Ever had to live like that? I would guess maybe. Try as you might your body is too well trained. Even now you hold yourself in the best way to minimize the advantage of higher ground I have. I would say military training. The kind that is hammered into your mind until it's natural reaction." Jace took another step down.
"So hows about introductions then mysterious man. I am Jace, Your worst Nightmare. And what will be the name of my Victim?"

[Infinita]

OOC: OMG! I AM SO SORRY! I haven't had the time to post since I was ultra busy from settling into college and stuff. I apologize to whom ever was waiting for me. I have no internet in my room so I need to travel to the college when I want to use it.

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Vagrant
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: Cellphone and purse

Meril looked out the window and then at Rod.

"I am sorry to hear about that. And as for my parents, my mother is a workaholic. She just doesn't know when to enjoy herself although when she does, she takes it to its full advantage. As for my father, he left my mother and I when we were younger. So letters, cards or anything from him. He just left from this Earth." Meril had seen that Rod was going to leave soon.

"Alright. I understand. Family is very important. Don't lose sight of them. They always save you in the long run." Meril chuckled while smiling. She stepped out of the shop and began walking home. Moir walked close to her side, keeping track of the conversation.

"His vibe changed right before he left. Moir.....that boy cannot be trusted."

[Nespa]

Location: HQ
Role: watcher
Status: Morning time close to lunch
Items: n/a

Melinda coughed again as the doctor examined her and sighed "same as always melinda, a lung infection". Melinda coughed and smiled at him a little "when don't i have one doc" he looked at her sternly "before you ran away, you gave us a scare you know" he glared weakly "if i stayed al the watchers would have...". The doctor paled when he saw her eyes glass over and she started shaking "melinda..talk to me what are you seeing, melinda?!MELINDA?" he started shaking her when she did not react, useally her visions were a few seconds.

vision

Melinda stood behind pierce, whom was talking with a vagrant nightmare . My name is Jace and what wil be the name of my victim? she could only assume piers glared slightly "one of the Guardians, you do not need to know more" Pierce attacked and the vagrant just smiled and in a second blood covert the stairway and hall and the Vagrants scyther shone in the bright light with it.

end vision

Melinda blinked when she was shaken en got a heavey coughing fit, she looked at the doctor who was pale and looked at her scared "call...pierce..if he fights...he wil die" she coughed again and it brough up some slime. the doctor gave her a handkerchief and started to dial pierce his number "come on pierce, come on" he looked at the Guardian radio and bit his lowerlip.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: White hospital jacket, cell phone, Guardian radio, bottle of soda
Status: Day
Location: Stairwell outside of Psych ward, St. Birch hospital
Sync: 0%

This was bad.

Piers had failed to put the Vagrant under psychological duress, and to make matters worse, the Vagrant, now identified as “Jace,” was seeing right through Piers’s ruse. He had inferred much from Piers just upon observation, a move that was identical to Piers’s own tactics.

Jace’s comments over the Teaberry incident boggled his mind…was he telling the truth? Was he really from the slums and innocent of the murder outside of Teaberry? He seemed to be honest, but he was no longer treating Piers with the same level of condescendence as he did when he greeted him. Jace had also made a remark about Piers tempting him as a fly would a spider, but claimed that Piers might be the true predator; a bird about to catch the spider. He was intelligent, this Vagrant, and since he no longer felt confident as he did when he greeted Piers, he might not be as honest as Piers would like. If he was certain of victory, he would probably say more, but it seemed Jace was being cautious.

Jace clearly wasn’t buying his ploy, and Piers had failed to gain any new information save the fact that he now believed that perhaps Jace’s scythe was the true nightmare, and Jace was the Vagrant. Sadly, the only way Piers knew that he was dealing with a Vagrant and not the nightmare of a Feral is that the man looked just like the one who attacked HQ and used the same illusory tactics, and the video footage had been clear: the attack was done by a Vagrant that employed sync during the fight.

The way Jace spoke about his scythe, almost to the point of personification…calling it a symbol of death…and obviously syncing during the HQ encounter…Jace was almost certainly a human, a Vagrant; but where was the nightmare? Could it really be the scythe itself? Just to be safe, Piers had to make sure that Jace survived, as Guardians were never permitted to harm a human.

“His ability to infer things just upon observation is amazing…he even correctly deduced my military background. I’m dealing with a thinking Vagrant…this should be interesting,” Piers thought to himself. “Guh, the only thing I’ve accomplished to do is gain a few bits of info and buy Landy some time. The latter is more important, so it’s worth it, but I could have used the info. Just to be sure, I’m going to buy more time for Landy…my patients’ safety and her safety being top priority, we’ll have to fight here in the stairwell for now. Jace…I’m going to drag your defeated hide back to HQ and get some real answers!”

Piers then began to speak, not moving a bit. He ceased his farce, his trembling disappearing with his worried façade. Next, he laughed. He wanted to be intentionally offensive and condescending, hoping to enrage Jace and cloud his judgment. As it stood now, Jace’s calculating mind would be tough to outwit. Piers decided to try to cloud it a bit with insults.

“You’re good, you know that?” he said, standing still, trying to appear cocky. He placed his right hand in his pocket and let his left one rise to his face, covering it a bit as he laughed more, looking like an overconfident stock villain on a Saturday morning cartoon.

“I mean, I still think you’re pretty stupid, but at least you’re smarter than the average Vagrant…and I do imagine you’re a Vagrant, Jace…I reviewed the HQ attack and saw you sync up with whatever your nightmare is. So, how does it feel to be a traitor to your own species? You go around terrorizing your own kind, picking on the weak…what, does it give you some illusion of power?”

Piers was growing angry now, remembering the techs that fell in the battle, the wounds his comrades received, and the others that he had yet to discover that this Vagrant had harmed…among them, Piers still believed, the owner of Teaberry.

“Yeah, humans always want power, right? Even if it means trampling over each other. Just look at Nietzsche, for example…trying to justify this trampling attitude, this ambitious rise to power. Of course, he had to get rid of God first…humans always have to ignore God, even say He doesn’t exist, in order to justify trampling over the weak. Know what? Humans are a pretty pathetic substitutes for the Almighty. As for introductions…”

He was interrupted by his radio buzzing. He backed up a step, wondering how long Jace would let him stall. Were Karn, Seda, Duo, and Harue on their way to HQ? Did the techs at HQ get in touch with them as he’d asked? He raised the radio to his ear, knowing his cover was already blown. “Excuse me, Jace,” he said sarcastically.

He turned the volume down so that it would be hard for Jace to hear the radio, then answered to find the doctor on the radio. His words immediately brought fear to his mind…direct confrontation was out of the question, as it would lead to his death. Piers would be unable to fight in the traditional sense…this would instead be a match of wits.

“Tell her thanks…and please tell her to text me if she comes up with anything else. She just saved my life.”

Placing the radio back on his left hip, a discouraged Piers had to remind himself that a direct fight was out of the question to begin with. If this Vagrant had hurt several of his comrades in one fight, how could he expect to do better? Yet, they had been caught off guard, still managing to protect HQ, amazingly. Piers had had the advantage of reviewing the fight…thus, he had a new chance to bring this Vagrant to justice.

Knowing Jace’s patience was probably wearing thin, he raised the glass bottle of soda up at him, giving a mock introduction. “Me? You don’t need to know my name. After all, I’m just a humble…well, Guardian. And, I hardly doubt you’re my worst nightmare, because…well, let me introduce him to you.”

Piers threw the bottle up at the fluorescent lights hanging overhead, watching the bottle smash into pieces as the stairwell darkened significantly, the only light coming from sparse other lights above and below them in the stairwell. Piers had only intended to use the shattered glass in a later attack, which is why he had wasted valuable time to buy a bottle in the first place; yet, Melinda’s prediction had spurred him to think harder…he needed darkness as well. Or, rather, Skitters needed darkness.

As soda, glass, and pieces of the light fell around them, Skitters launched from behind Piers as quickly as the eye could discern, attempting a sudden strike at Jace’s eyes.

[Shobu_Shimizu]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Feral
Status: Day
Items: oxygen mask

Alanna blushed in shame when she realized that this girl had just saved her life and her was returning the favor by asking her 21 questions. "I-I'm sorry... It's just... you see, my father..." she trailed off. The memory was all too painful. So intead, she changed the subject.

She slipped the oxygen mask off, having finally calmed down, and offered her hand to the girl who introduced herself as Chinatsu for a handshake. "Thank you very much for saving my life Ms. Chinatsu, my name is Alanna O'Leary. If there's anything I can do to repay you then don't hesitate to ask."

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A
Sync: 0%

Jace wasn't too pleased about being called stupid at all. For someone like this to make such a remark was insulting. The man had pulled off his silly acting and was revealing a more confidant, yet cocky, side. Jace enjoyed it when they believed themselves better then him. His head tilted slightly as the man spoke. Jace went to open his mouth to reply but his was interrupted again as the man went to the radio. Jace was becoming annoyed. He wasn’t just being annoying he was acting as if he wasn’t threatened by Jace at all.

The next moment the light was shattered by a bottle the Guardian threw. Jace wasted no time in the moment to bring Thanatos to the front and spinning him reflected something that impacted into it. It took a few moments for Jace to see it was the mans’ Nightmare. The light that leaked in from above and below showed an inconsistent form. Jace grinned and took a few steps back into the light. He let Thanatos rest on his shoulders again.
“You call that an attack? You insult me. Why don’t you tell me your name Guardian? Is it too much for someone like you?” Jace mocked him. “However you must be experienced, aiming for the head an all.” Jace tutted, “So predictable in a way. Typical Guardian stuff. But I still don’t know your name. That just won’t do.” He leaned forward while grinning, “Why don’t I repeat myself. What’s your name sir?”

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone, white hospital jacket
Location: Stairwell outside of Psych ward, St. Birch hospital
Sync: 0%

Skitters practically ricocheted back from the scythe, landing just a little bit in front of Piers. “That’s some tough metal,” Piers thought to himself, seeing it’s sturdiness for himself. He looked in front of him at Skitters. Shifting to the left and right quickly, his form seemed to arise out of the floor, his form seeming even more amorphous as usual due to the lack of light. As long as no other racing shadows were visible, Piers could avoid his main fear, though the stairwell would be big enough to keep him from being too scared. He never again wanted to be in a tight spot with scanty glimpses of light and strange shadows.

Piers took off his hospital jacket and held it in his hands, balling it up as tightly as he could. “He does well in open space, but I bet…I just bet that if I got Jace into a tight spot he’d think twice about thrashing that scythe around. Now, I know he probably knows how to use it in close quarters, but he’ll most likely be slower due to the constraint in space. The question is…how do I get him back up those stairs and onto the small platform outside the door?”

The stairs they were standing on had low rails and gave Jace freedom to wield his scythe at full speed. Yet, the platform Jace had descended from was much smaller, and the wall would serve as one constraint while the high railing directly across from the Psych ward’s door would serve as another. This would, in all likelihood, slow Jace down, and Piers was going to have to slow him down to get any shots in; after all, he was slower himself due to the effects of Jace’s powers. His senses still felt somewhat dulled. A direct fight would lead to his death, Melinda had proven that; Piers wouldn’t even attempt it. He had to get him back up to the platform.

“My name? It’s Piers,” he replied to Jace, pleased to see that Jace was walking up the stairs closer to the platform. Unfortunately, this gave him a better vantage point as he had the higher ground and, more importantly, more light to see Skitters with. Yet, Piers had to sacrifice the darkness to get him to the small platform. He noticed that his senses felt a little more acute as Jace backed away, but not by much. If he had enough distance, would Jace’s power fail to influence him? That wasn’t going to happen right now, however.

Piers shot a thought to Skitters, and Skitters obeyed without hesitation. Skitters darted up the stairs, seemingly floating over them though he was indeed touching them, and as he did so he quickly snatched up around seven larger shards of glass with multiple appendages that stemmed out of his form quickly, receding a bit as he continued to bound up the stairs. This was Piers’s plan going into effect for the shattered bottle, a move that had proven effective on semi-biological nightmares (nightmares like Karn’s metal Grey were always unaffected by the shards attack). Just then, as Skitters continued his rush at Jace, Piers threw the balled-up hospital jacket at Jace’s face, hoping his instinctive reflexes would cause him to swipe at it. If he did, this would give Skitters a little more time…of course this would only be a fraction of a second, but that meant a lot to a quick, nimble nightmare.

Piers intended to make it appear as if Skitters was attempting to quickly get around Jace, forcing Jace to back up even further, getting closer to the platform. In order to make the threat a real one, Skitters twirled and flailed the shards of glass around quickly with seven appendages that arose out of his form.

“Skitters, if he strikes with the scythe you move immediately and attack from a different angle; we can’t withstand a direct hit from an attack like that and expect to come out on top. Back him up further and further up the stairs, and when he reaches the platform we’ll really get down to business.”

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A
Sync: 0%

Piers! It was a perfect name for such a person. Simple, thinking and yet tough in it's own way. Jace sung the word over and over to himself. Both outloud and within his mind. It made a perfect pitch and he enjoied his little moment of singing it through. But he soon stopped and focussed his attention back to the source of his enjoyment.

Jace attention was however, suddenly interrupted by a dashing noise and a lump throw towards his head. Jace swung Thanatos to knock it aside and was laughing at how stupid it was. However as he did knock it something else impacted with him for a moment. That Nightmare of his got through defence in that one moment of weakness and weilding something sharp cut Jace is several places. It's speed allowed for many attacks but without force the wounds were light. Jace moved back untill he hit the wall and swung with thanatos but the nightmare had long since moved away and out of reach. Blood dripped down his arm and cheek. Jace's eyes met with Piers and he smiled. That growing sense of insanity linger around him, sparked by his sense of mortality.

"Perfect. Done so perfectly." Jace muttered as he laughed. He reached his hand up and rubbed his cheek. For a moment he stared at the blood. Like a trigger something snapped. Dark thoughts filled his mind. Gripping tightly to him. Then he burst into laughter. "All this without even trying. Without even snycing. Your amazing. More of a challenge then those other Guardians." Jace grinned. "I need no tricks with you. I need brains. A battle of the minds is always more of a match." Jace placed Thanatos over both his shoulder. The space getting cramped now. He grinned maddly.

"Ready when you are, Boy." Thanatos reminded him. Jace just held his grin. He ran his hand across Thanatos's blade and let his new bandages fall off. He didn't care about it now. It was going to be his proof of power. As the bandages fell and revealed his blackened arm he tilted his head.
"I want to see all you have. I want to prove my immortality." He reached his hand forward to show that it wasn't a trick of the light. "You see the price for power. This is it. I wonder if you sync will you suffer the same." He gripped thanatos again with his blackened hand. "I'm going to make you bleed, make you fall, make you die. Let me hear it. Let me hear your swan song Piers."

Sync: 30%

The blackness on his arm seemed to burst forth, as if it had been contianed before, and crawled it's way up to the side of his face. His pupils slithered forth and his eyes became black. Thanatos swirled and began to shrink in size.
"Yet another prey for me, Boy?" Thanatos asked knowing he didn't have too.
"Lets make him bleed. I want to here his song." Jace replied.
"We will do more we will make him fight. You know how to? Do it, boy." Thanatos said. Jace just nodded.
"Fight me Piers. Show me what you got." he pointed Thanatos towards him. "After all, prove to me your Swan song will be better then that old mans at the coffee shop. Show me the beauty of it. That way I can compare it to hers, the girl from that shop, when I go to claim her life as well."

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Items: n/a
Location: Guardian HQ
Status: Early Afternoon

Melinda threw up some more slime when the doctor turned to her "he has been warned, he wont attack directly". seeing that the coughs made it difficult to breath he quickly grabbed a oxygen mask and placed it over her face. she looked at him tiredly "i am gonna give you a sedative so that you can sleep for a while" Melinda just nodded as she laid back on the examine table and the doctor injected something. when she was asleep, he made the oxygen tank mobile and carried her to her room laying her in the bed and left again.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: Stairwell outside of Psych ward, St. Birch Hospital
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Day
Sync: 0%

“Fantastic, Skitters…that execution was commendable,” Piers thought, knowing the communication would be understood in Skitters’s own mind. Piers was even more pleased over the fact that Jace had backed up to the platform outside of the Psych ward’s door. For some reason, however, Jace didn’t seem worried at all by the restricted space. “He must be confident in his abilities to wield his scythe in a constrained area,” Piers thought to himself. Piers could now make some stronger blows on Jace, but he’d have to sync in order to increase Skitters’s low strength.

Jace had sung Piers’s name over and over again, and even seemed disturbingly amused at the fresh wounds Skitters had inflicted on him, however light. Jace had not been the slightest bit distracted by Piers’s insults, or the fact that Piers tried to attack him on a personal level by saying that he was a traitor to mankind. “He’s cold…very cold. No remorse. He’s even taking his wounds lightly,” Piers thought, realizing that this Vagrant wasn’t just strong and intelligent, but was also seemingly immune to things that would emotionally disturb others…at least in appearance.

Listening to Jace’s amused conversation, he ascended the stairs slowly, Skitters a little in front of him, still holding onto seven shards of glass. In reply to Jace’s comments Piers said, “Me? Better than the rest of the Guardians? No, you just surprised them, that’s all…” Piers left out the fact that he had also reviewed Jace’s tactics on the video footage recorded by the cameras in HQ.

Just then, Jace began to sync with his nightmare which Piers believed might actually be the scythe itself. His arms seemed as black as Skitters’s form, and it spread over Jace like a disease. “This is bad,” Piers said to himself. “I had no idea he’d mastered the sync technique.” In truth many Vagrants never mastered the technique, yet this one had.

Jace’s next words, however, stopped Piers cold in his tracks, four steps from the platform. Jace admitted to killing the owner of the Teaberry coffee shop, and Piers clenched his fists at the confession. He wasn’t prepared, however, for Jace’s next words, or rather, his next threat.

Piers gasped, or tried to…it was more like a few quick stuttered breaths in one inhalation. Had Jace seen Glaiza that night he’d killed her boss? He probably meant her and not some other girl, as she was there much more often than anyone else. Piers was enraged, and contrary to what most people think, being enraged doesn’t necessarily dispel all fear. Piers feared for Glaiza, feared to fail, for if he did, Jace would be free to make good on his threat.

Thus it was a mixture of fear and tremendous anger that caused Piers to lose his calm stance and call for a full sync.

Sync: 100%

Piers had intended to sync in order to increase Skitters’s power and inflict more decisive blows on Jace, but Jace’s words had spurred him to make a more decisive move of a complete sync. Skitters darted towards Piers, covered him, and soon a semi-amorphous shape that resembled the shadow of a man, somewhat short, stood on the stairs. Though he appeared to be a shadow he was also opaque, and seemed to be wearing non-discernable items of clothing, perhaps a close-fitting suit. No visible face or features appeared and the featureless form now looked like a shorter and lankier version of Piers himself, though a bit more amorphous…his features were indistinct, but his form was intact.

Now that Skitters’s emotions and thoughts had melded completely with his own, he calmed down. Skitters was not enraged as Piers was before the sync, and the sync had served to calm him and give him the ability to assess the situation once more. Jace was still impressing him; as Piers had attempted to cloud his mind earlier with insults, it was actually Jace who successfully angered Piers. Hearing Jace’s next words, Piers began to once again ascend the stairs.

“They say a swan sings but one song its entire life,” he said, his voice being an unusual mixture of his own and Skitters’s own raspy, dry voice. The combination sounded like a combination of a rush of water and an electronic voice distorter, the voice being deeper than Skitters’s but higher than Piers’s.

“…and it sings this song just before it dies,” he continued, playing off of Jace’s words. “You will never hear that song from the girl you mentioned,” Piers said with considerable anger. “What’s wrong, Jace? I see you’ve backed up a bit here. Finding it rather difficult to kill someone other than a defenseless civilian?!”

Piers stopped on the top step, finally reaching the platform. The full sync had caused his and Skitters’s form to gain strength, but it also caused a slight decrease in speed, though this usually was never enough to make him slower than any nightmares he’d yet to encounter. Even so, this nightmare was unique, and Piers had to be careful.

“Alright, he asked me to truly fight him, but a direct attack is out of the question. He also knows I’m trying to outthink him, so I’ve got to be careful. I’ve got to land some decisive blows, but…” As Piers was thinking to himself, he remembered training with Karn’s powerful Grey. He would have to use the tactics that Karn had assured him would be successful against powerful nightmares.

With that thought, Piers knew what he had to do. Yet, would it work? He knew that the arm that was placed higher up the scythe’s staff was the dominant arm; thus, it was his target. Yet, to grasp it would be to suffer a blow. A blow from the blade was out of the question; he couldn’t sustain it. So, he’d have to get to his side. In order to do that, he’d have to fake an attack on the opposite side of Jace’s body. “Here goes everything,” Piers said, launching to Jace’s left side, racing across the platform.

Glaiza’s face entered his mind briefly as he did so, and he jumped onto the wall on Jace’s left side, just a little out of reach of the scythe, braced his feet against it and launched to the rails on the other side of the platform. This was the tricky part, but Piers knew the hospital well enough to know the sturdiness of the rails, so he used all his strength to brace against them as well and then kick off to careen right at Jace’s right side, grabbing at his elbow. He knew Jace was fast, and he would suffer a blow, but at least it would not likely be a blow from the scythe as he would have Jace’s dominant arm and he would have to wield the scythe with his lone secondary arm. If he did this, Piers might have time to do what was necessary, but Jace would most likely strike in a quicker way. Piers prayed to sustain the blow, but knew he would not be able to hold on. With all his strength he grasped Jace’s lower right arm with his left hand and pushed fiercely at his elbow in with his right hand, attempting to injure his dominant arm as much as possible.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A
Sync: 30%

There was a loud crack and Jace's arm went limp as the elbow left the socket. Jace roared in pain. A mix of laughter was hidden within the scream, "Always this arm," He thought, but it was over shadowed by the pain. His illusions fell from the whole hospital in one go and for a moment there was nothing but silence. A silence that deepened. Niether him nore Piers had moved at this point. Piers was frozen still gripping the arm he had just broke. Jace had let his head fall limp. For these brief few moments there was utter calm throughout the hospital. Soon Jaces panting breaths filled the silence. Piers had moved away by now as to avoid a counter attack. Jace stood panting, Thanatos in one hand, the other hanging limp. He took a deep breath and whsipered something. He whispered.
"Perfect."

Jace's head rose slowly. His black eyes unblinking. They disregarded everything but Piers. "Perfect." He muttered again. His voice was tired, the pain was clear. But he spoke again, slowly. "100%! Pushed to 100%. Even I can't hope to beat that. Not as I am right now." Jace straightened himself up. "Be happy Piers. Guardian. You have pushed me like no other has before. Allow me to show you a form no others haven't seen." He looked at his arm. "It won't last long. With this injury I suppose I won't be able to hold it for even 5 minutes." He looked back at Piers. "But it will be all I need."
"Boy?" Thanatos asked.
"I'm yours, Kill him." Jace replied. Jace felt what must have been a nod from Thanatos, as well as a grin. Jace knew why. He was giving his body to him and the risks would be great. But he wanted to hear that song so baddly.

Sync: 50%

Jace shook suddenly. His scythe flowed and melted, seeping into him. As it did the blackness covered his face completly. His blue hair became black and a red pupil appeared in each eye. His body became ridged. His musles flowed, his skin shined, and a smell like burning Sulfur whifted off his body. Then he spoke. Loud and powerful, his voice was almost demonic.
"Evening dear Guardian. We haven't been introduced yet have we. You have only met my host. I will tell you now that I am unlike him, Boy?" It was Thanatos's voice through and through. "No matter. Time is against us. If only human bodies held out for long eh? Boy." He looked at his good hand and suddenly a blade shot out of it and then back in. The same blade shot from his shoulder and then receded. It emerged a few more times on different parts of his body, where the black was. Even on the broken arm, except it was slower there.
"I would love to fight you at a better time. Maybe with no distractions. Maybe when I am at full. Not like now, Boy." He seemed to sigh, an odd justure for a creature like him. "So I ask. Survive this and grow stronger. If you can I will tell you something important. If not...well it won't matter will it, Boy."

The now possessed Jace readied itself. The blade emerged a few more times and then it stopped. It looked at Piers with no remorse but that it would end so quick. Then it attacked.

[Christine Daae]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items: N/A


Chinatsu peered over at Alanna her eyes looking a bit pleased. "Nice to meet you, Alanna." She said shaking her hand. "You dont need to repay me I already got all I want. Besides, what I want cannot be fulfilled by you in particular." She looked away at the door and slightly opened it.

"I'll be right back I promise." Chinatsu said opening the door. "Hello? Whoevers calling me Im here." She made her voice loud and audible but bumped right into Ikazuchi.

[Keisai]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Watcher
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Ikazuchi stumbled back." Oh... Sorry,Look I need to make sure you and Melinda are together. There Is something up. If you can meet me In the lounge I need to keep an eye on you in case wee need to move." He looked around a bit Annoyed."This place is to big for me...." He said to himself.

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Morning
Role- Feral
Items- bag, cat

Landy pushed the button, sending the last of the patients to the lobby. She was heading to the stairs when her head felt suddenly lighter, as if something that had been beating her brain had lightened its blows.

She stumbled, a flash of pain running through her. She put her hands up, holding her head as Miss Noir meowed frantically.

Landy tried to run down the hall but her legs felt like jello and she was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other. She put out on hand on the wall to steady herself.

Landy finally had to stop. She was just down the hall from the stairwell but for some reason she could hear people still in the building.

She struggled down the hall but had to stop. She felt sluggish and weak, and Miss Noir was having a fit, pulling on her leash with all her might and yowling noisely.

As she went to walk forward again, her form flickered and her head ache came back just as quickly as it had vanished. The sounds from the stairwell seemed to ring in her ears.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: Stairwell outside of Psych ward, St. Birch Hospital
Status: Day
Sync: 100%

(OOC: At Valk’s suggestion, I modded a bit here, making Jace burst through the door with Piers. This was previously planned, and is the only modding heretofore done in our fight).

Piers was shocked when he felt Jace’s arm suddenly pop, his elbow seemingly popping out of joint. He had only hoped to injure, perhaps just hyper-extend the arm, but this was better. Suddenly, an eerie silence seemed to be everywhere. Piers’s senses seemed to return to normal, the grogginess and dulled sensations disappearing as quickly as they had appeared. It caused him to pause for a second, against his instinct; after all, he was sure an attack was about to follow. Piers jumped back, his back facing the wall and the ascending stairs at an angle, facing Jace. He seemed to be whispering. Finally, Piers heard his words.

Jace seemed to be on the verge of doing something drastic. He had said that no one had ever pushed him like this before, and he was about to take a form that no one had yet seen, despite not being able to remain in the form for very long. Jace said that he could only hold the form for about five minutes, but was he bluffing?

One thing was clearly not a bluff: he was changing his form again before Piers’s eyes. He watched Jace’s hair turn jet black, his pupils turn red, and he could have sworn he smelled something strangely familiar, something he’d smelled before on just a few occasions in his life. The smell reminded him of darkness and heat simultaneously. Jace began to speak, but it wasn’t his voice at all; soon, Piers realized the nightmare itself was talking directly to Piers. This sync that Jace was performing seemed to put the nightmare in control. His booming voice was intimidating, just as his new ability. The nightmare kept calling him “Boy,” seemingly in a condescending way. Jace, in this form at least, seemed more confident than ever. The nightmare’s persona was showing through, and Piers knew the fight had just risen to a new level.

Piers watched as the blade flickered in and out of view all across the dark spots on Jace’s body. It even appeared on his injured arm, though Piers could have sworn it did so slower there than on the other areas.

“Unbelievable…he’s taken my advantage of close quarters combat and has made it his own advantage,” Piers thought to himself. “He no longer has to wield the scythe as he can make the blade appear without the staff. The constrained space is now his advantage, and I’ve got to get more room to dart around, even more room than this entire stairwell allows, to be able to wear him down. His blade allows him to attack from a distance, and it can appear anywhere, it seems, on his body. However, it only seemed to appear on the black areas of his body, and on his injured arm it seemed slower…a bit. I wonder what he plans on telling…”

Piers’s thoughts were shattered by a sudden attack from Jace. The stairwell was too constricted to avoid a quick succession of attacks, and Piers was sure that the increased sync from Jace had made him stronger as it had obviously made him quicker, as he could see from Jace’s rush. Piers had to do something unexpected in order to gain more space, and he only initiated his plan because he sincerely believed he’d given Landy ample time to get the patients and herself out of the Psych ward by now. Jace was getting closer by the millisecond, his speed being impressive. Piers did something he never did in battle, knowing his moves would have to run contrary to anything Jace expected; he turned his back and ran up the ascending stairs.

Jace seemed confident in landing a blow, and pursued him for a few steps. It was then that Piers kicked off the stairs and flipped slightly as he did so, his entire body stiff and torpedo-like, his head tucked a bit, and his left shoulder aimed straight at Jace’s wounded arm. Though the arm seemed to be the target once again, Piers had actually aimed for the object directly beneath them on the platform below the ascending stairs: the two-way swinging door that led to the Psych ward. Piers knew that Jace could get a blade out on his wounded arm, but he shouldn’t have time to inflict serious damage by the time the two careened down to the platform, close to the door. This would give Piers a vastly larger area to fight in, and much more freedom to move and stall, wearing Jace down until he lost the power to keep his form.

Piers’s aim was accurate enough, but he had seriously overcompensated for the force that was necessary to propel his body into Jace and consequently take them both close to the swinging door at the bottom of the platform. Piers had hoped that the move would be smooth and that he could jump through the door once they both hit the platform, but now it seemed as if the two would crash through the door itself.

And crash they did, though the door did not swing fully open as it should have. Instead, it stopped with a thud, making Piers roll sloppily off of Jace into the hall of the Psych ward. Not even knowing if Jace had countered with a stab of a blade, Piers tried to gather his senses to see what had happened, lying on his back and attempting to clear the stars out of his vision.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A
Sync: 53%

The possessed Jace stood up from the impact. He stood slowly, the pain in his arm slowling his reactions. A single dripping noise could be heard in the otherwise silent corridors. That attack had been sudden and without flaw. It had stuned him but Thanatos knew how to fight.
"Impressive attack there dear Piers. You realised I had all the advantages there didn't you, Boy?" He slowly turned to face Piers. As he did the blade that had emerged from his shoulder was clear. Piers blood dripping off it slowly. He slid back into his skin and the noise of dripping stopped.
"But it wasn't enough to save you from harm now was it, Boy."
He slowly began walking towards him. He had to increase the sync in order to make it last longer but time was far from on his side. He let the blade exteneded from his wrist. He stepped over Piers and pressed his foot down on his arm.
"It was a good fight while it lasted, Boy." He said as he raised the hand up with the blade, "When you die, tell Jace's mother he is fine. She must be so worried you know, Boy."

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Day
Role- Feral
Items- Bag, cat

Suddenly, the door swung open in full force, slamming Landy to the ground with a thud. She slid across the linolium floor a ways before she stopped.

Her head spun and everything was out of focus. She could see the two forms that had burst from the stairwell but she couldn't distinguish them.

She tried to stand up but everything hurt and her head felt too heavy. She could feel the blood from where her lip had busted and she could feel the knots forming but she couldn't move as everything slowly faded into blackness.


Sigataph-

There was two sharp clicks on the floor as Sigataph stood up out of Landy's unconsious form. She looked around in disdain at the horrible place she had ended up.

Sigataph had had hopes of making a big splash but it appeared only these two simpletons were in this white, forboding building. She swatted a red curl out of her face before training her green eyes on Jace.

"Hello, there," she purred, her beauty alluring and seductive. She took a few slow, measured steps toward him and the man on the floor, her shoes clicking with each step.

"My name is Sigataph. And yours?" she said, her face growing soft, motherly and inviting though her eyes still seemed to remain blank and fierce. Her intentions were hidden well but her appearance was diseatful.

She started fading as she walked, slowing gradually as she became not more than a shadow. Then even that disappeared, along with the sound of her shoes.

Then she was standing right infront of Jace, so close the front of her poofy skirt brushed against him. She reached out a hand and touched his face in a gesture so motherly it would deter the most sceptic of thoughts.

[The Rogue Devil]

Location: Residential Road
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

Rod walked toward the direction he felt had the strongest signature and followed it until he lost it. Now Rod was lost and confused because he had never been to this part of town before.

"Zen, I'm gonna need your help locating the energy I lost." Rod said in a low tone, " No one is around so you can come out."

" Very well then...." Zen said appearing. Zen appeared in his ball form and his body began to take on its former shape. Zen's form finally returned and he looked graceful and deadly.
" I'm picking up faint traces of the same energy you felt Rod." Zen said trying to pinpoint the exact location of the energy, " I can't locate it exactly but you're going in the right direction."

*sigh* " Very well then lets go." Rod said not really wanting to walk all the way there, " Hey Zen, when will you teach me another move?"

" All in do time my friend, All in do time." Zen said with what looked like a grin, " Depending on how well we do against the guardian HQ will decide if you will learn a new move or not."

" Ok Master Zen." Rod said jokingly, " If you train me, how long would it take if fought like you?"

" Sadly, it would take 30 years if you wan to fight like me my young apprentice." Zen said jokingly also.

The two laughed and continued walking toward their destination, while Rod thought about Meril, the Guardian HQ.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: St. Birch Hospital, Psych ward
Sync: 100%

When his vision finally began to clear, the force from the impact being so strong that his senses were still a bit shocked, he saw the figure of a woman on the floor near the door leading to the stairwell. A quick realization caused concern to wash over the adrenaline caused by the fight.

“Landy!” he thought, realizing not only who she was but also what caused the door to stop moving as he and Jace had burst through it. “Oh no…how badly is she hurt? I thought she would’ve been gone from the Psych ward by now. How could I be so carele…”

His thoughts were interrupted by Jace’s voice. He looked over to him, but it was too late; a sharp pain surged through his right shoulder, and he perceived that he had a cut either below his shoulder on his arm or close to it. He saw droplets of blood on the floor near the spot Jace had walked from. The fact that the blood was a normal red color and not that of a dark or bright red shade brought relief to his mind as he realized the wound wasn’t deep enough to cut veins or arteries. Yet, it was painful enough to limit the use of his arm, and this was made worse by Jace’s pressure on it. “He’s quick…he had time to bring out a blade, even on his wounded side, as I collided with him…” Piers thought, anxiety rising in his mind. Listening to Jace’s words, he pondered over one thing he said. “Jace’s mother? What’s that got to do with anything?” Wondering why the nightmare had mentioned Jace’s apparently deceased mother, Piers thought about what to do in light of his vulnerable position.

Jace had him pretty much pinned, and Piers’s only hope was that his quick and semi-amorphous body could dodge a fatal blow from Jace’s blade. If he did so successfully he could counter-attack, but Jace would probably predict Piers’s move, and this complicated things. Plus, Jace was quick, too; it would be difficult to dodge the blade, especially in his quasi-pinned position, in the first place, and he’d probably further wound his arm with an abrupt move. Yet, if he didn’t pull this off…

Another voice interrupted his thoughts, a new, feminine voice. Walking over from Landy’s unconscious body was a beautiful woman with red hair, wearing clothes that seemed to belong to a previous era in history. “Sigataph?” Piers thought to himself, noting her name. Her steps echoed in the hall, and Piers barely had time to wonder over what was going on before she disappeared altogether and reappeared right in front of Jace.

Piers was thoroughly confused, but nevertheless took advantage of the distraction. Yet, he thought it wiser to see how things played out instead of making a strike. Instead of taking a shot at Jace, he shifted his weight slowly to his right hip, turning just a bit to minimize further injury to his right arm and hoping to make the shift so subtly that Jace wouldn’t notice. Now that his weight was shifted, he could make a sudden and devastatingly quick strike if needed. Even so, he planned to infer as much as he could from the situation by seeing how this woman, clearly a nightmare by way of her powers, interacted with Jace. Not having time to ponder where she had come from, he watched the situation closely.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: St. Birch Hospital Psych Ward
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A
Sync: 51%

Thanatos stepped back in relex from Sigataph. She had gotton damn close without warning. He even took his grip from Piers in order to face her properly. The blade previously in his hand slid back into him and he took a more defensive stance towards Sigataph.
"Me?" He asked, "I am but the humble son of Nyx and Erebos, Twin to Hypnos." He spoke softer to this nightmare. He knew when being reckless was right to defeat one, but not stupid as to fight two. His steps were careful and his words cryptic, so that he could limit the information the Guardian would pick up. He wanted him to learn only what benefitted Thanatos. If he figured other things out then he was worth spending more time on. Thanatos made a few more careful steps to keep out of Sigataph's range.

"Your name is Sigataph? I haven't heard of a nightmare called that before." He was nervous as he felt his control shift. This form wouldn't hold now, it was ready to collapse. he gave a quick look to Piers lying on the floor.
"You live another day Guardian. As promised here is some advice. At the coffee shop. There is a Nightmare more powerful then most. Even I would plan carefully my fights with him. Put your trust in the right people so that we may fight again." His smile was strangly amused.
Thanatos shifted his attention back to Sigataph. "Dear Sigataph, I hope to meet you again as well. Our meeting here has been cut short. Yours may be a song worth hearing too." He said silently. "But I am no fool to fight two Nightmares in my condition. May your songs be silent till I come claim them." Thanatos spoke the last words so softly it felt like the wind would catch them and steal them away. They held a lullabies note. But they were enough for his illusions to take hold and hide his presence. He then quickly made his escape.

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Status: Day
Items: oxygan tank/mask
Location: Guardians HQ

The doctor closed the door to melinda's room and walked up to Ikazuchi "melinda isent giong to move for a while, she has another infection and has to stay in bed" he looked at Ikazuchi as if daring him to protest.

melinda's room

Melinda breathed heavely as she slept but started to whimper as a vision vormed in her unconsious mind.

Vision

A blurry image of the HQ hall, people laid here and there security, staf but no guardians. she frowned at this most visions she had was about the guardians fights something felt wrong. she turned around and looked in Zen's face with a strange wolf like nightmare behind him, he gave her a smile that was so innocent it creeped her out "intresting.." he reached up to touch her cheek but she kept er face stiff "where are the others". he cocked his head "why, do you wish to share there fate?" then everything blacked out"

end vision

Melinda shot up in bed having a heavy coughing fit. after a minute or two she finaly stopped enough catch her breath and laid back 'odd vision, barely any blood this time' she coulden't help but wonder what the Vagrant excatly found intresting.

[Minyrama]

Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Chocolate Danish, Milk tea
Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop


“Heeeey~”

Chew. Chew.

“Heeeeey!~”

Swallow. Sip.

“Are you even listening to me?”

Chew.

“That’s really mean, y’know! Ignoring me like that!”

Vierra sat in a seat next to the window, slowly munching on her chocolate danish and enjoying her milk tea that she had everyday. She had long grown accustomed to her nightmare’s pestering voice, and had learned to simply ignore stupid comments.

“What the hell, stop it! You know I hate when you do that!”

Vierra closed her eyes and attempted to drown out Tira’s voice with her own thoughts. She thought about anything there was to think about. She though about how blue the sky is today. She thought about how insignificant words were. She thought about how good the danish tasted. She thought about how a lie is usually a lie of a bigger lie. She thought about how there were more men than women in the café. She thought about the truth. What is the truth? Who tells the truth? Who would really, truly, speak the dead truth? No one. They sugar-coat truths to become lies, they mutate something to become a lie, they lie, they lie, they lie…

“Good girl…let me handle your stress…” Tira whispered, smiling mischievously. Vierra could feel the overwhelming sense of shock, the pain. Her scar, pale white and crescent shaped on her shoulder, throbbed. She felt hot. She felt cold. She felt fear.

“Like hell you’re taking over, Tira.” She breathed, clenching her fists and willing her ragged breaths to slow. She mentally shoved Tira into the deeper depths of her mind, and could hear her huff in frustration.

Vierra sighed in relief, beads of sweat rolling down her neck. She relaxed her body and took another sip of milk tea. Tira rolled her eyes and grinned, running her fingers along her lips.

“You control me, but you cannot control your fear. I am your fear. As long as you fear, you cannot escape me. Don’t forget that.”

[Keisai]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: N/A



He Looked over at the doctor. " I'm going to check on her.... Don't worry i wont wake her." He looked around then thought to himself." Kage. Wake up. I want you to locate Melinda real quick, I'm going to check on her. Kage Sighed, then went quite. "..... She is in her room on this floor. ....Now let me sleep." "Hold on kage, closest shadow that i can get to her room?" "In the elevator." Ikazuchi walked off toward the elevator. As soon as the shadow shrouded him. he walked back into the darkness. He ended up in melinda's room. he walked out seeing her having another coughing fit. "Are you okay....?" He looked around seeing what one of the rooms looked like. He thought to himself "This is more then i expected."

[Nespa]

Role: watcher
Status: Day
Items: oxygan tank/mask
Location: Guardians HQ

Melinda glared slightly as the new guardian came in through shadows "this room has a door that isent locked ya know". For a moment she debated wether to tell him or not about her vision. She decided against it 'maybe it was just a wacky dream or something' and rolled on her side away from the guardian "now if you do not mind i want to sleep" she looked over her shoulder for a moment "and i have been at hq since i was 13 or so, so this isent really odd to me" she turned her head back on the pillow and ignored him.

[Keisai]

Location: Guardian HQ
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: N/A


"...Then I'll get to the point. When you feel up to it. Meet me in the lobby Some thing is up and i'm getting any one ready just in case." He slides back into the shadows to the lobby.

[kei of the flame]

Location: Karn's house
Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Cell Phone, minus Keys

"Well there's no use crying over spoiled milk." Duo said getting up and making his way to the door. "How about we get a move on." Duo opened the door

and walked out, standing infront of the house. "If you're coming letsa' go!" Duo said streaching standingand waiting for the others to come.



OOC: Very short just trying to move out of the place and get a move on also who ever post after (Talli or Valk) I guess you could make me move, so I won't have to make another post about moving.

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Day
Role- Feral
Items- N/A

Sigataph pouted as Jace left. He had seemed like a good opponent and she had been looking forward to having a spar at her first appearance.

She looked around to see the unconscious body she had risen from as well as the other guy who had been there when she had arrived. She gave a chuckle and a small smirk as her gaze locked on him.

"Don't look quite so defensive. I'm just harmless little old me," she purred. She took some steps in that direction then stopped, trying to figure out how to play her cards right since she didn't know this mans aliances.

She walked to Landy instead, squatting and pushing her skirts out of the way. She ran her fingers over the knots and cuts on Landy's body.

"What a shame. She's such a beautiful girl. You should be more careful when going through doors," she purred. She stood up again and turned her attentions to the guy.

"Well, as you heard, my name is Sigataph. The other boy was so rude and wouldn't tell me his name but maybe you will be more obliging?" Sigataph clicked over to him, studying him with her piercing eyes, wondering what his game was.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: St. Birch Hospital, Psych ward
Status: Day

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Another nightmare, more powerful than usual, at the coffee shop? Did he mean presently or habitually? And what was with those names he was dropping? None of it sounded familiar to Piers, but for Jace to give this information to Piers meant that it was certainly relevant to his cause. The question was, why was Jace giving this information, and what did he mean by Piers placing his trust in the right people? Jace seemed intent on a future battle without constraints; was that the reason why he was giving Piers hints?

As he pondered these things, Jace made his escape. Piers quickly got to his feet, ready to pursue him, but it was no use; he could see him nowhere. The illusion gradually faded, but Jace had escaped successfully, much to Piers’s chagrin. Piers had failed to defeat him, and now…what about Glaiza? Would Jace target her as he said he would? Piers began to think about his next move when Sigataph’s voice broke his concentration. “I’ve got to worry about this for now,” he said, realizing the situation had become direr.

Facing Sigataph, he listened to her and saw her walk over to Landy. Piers was about to dash over to her to protect her, but it seemed that the nightmare meant her no harm. Suddenly, it clicked in Piers’s mind: Sigataph had to be Landy’s nightmare!

“I only sustained one wound in my fight with Jace, thank God,” Piers thought, “but it’s enough to hamper my actions…I need to make this as quick as possible, and the best way to do this is to get Landy back into consciousness.” Piers remembered how his own nightmare, Skitters, acted when he first appeared while Piers was awake. It was at times like those that the human host could confront its nightmare and subdue it. Now, perhaps Sigataph would only retreat into the recesses of Landy’s mind, avoiding any such subduing, but at least it would keep the fight brief. “The question is,” Piers thought again, “what’s the best way to bring Landy out of her swoon?”

Sigataph asked for his name, and he gave it to her. “Piers. I’m sorry about your host, it was unintentional…and I do presume she is your host?” Piers asked in return.

“Anyway, your host is a good friend of mine, so I consider defeating her nightmare for her a favor.” Although this nightmare, Sigataph, was beautiful, there seemed to be something sinister in the way she conducted herself, a kind of malicious confidence. Piers tried to stand as confidently as he could, though his wound, still bleeding, betrayed the fact that he was hurt.

“I’ve got to assess her strength and powers before I do too much,” Piers thought to himself, “and then I’ll have to get Landy awake…and to do that, I’ll have to end this sync. If I don’t keep this fight short, Sigataph may wear me down as I’m already a bit drained and wounded from my fight with Jace.” With another prayer, Piers paced in a circular motion around Sigataph, getting closer to Landy but keeping his distance from her. He didn’t know her powers, but she didn’t know his, either; if he could learn hers first, he might be able to pull off a surprise.

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Day
Role- Feral
Items- N/A

Sigataph's hand shot up and two small blazing figures sprung forth, flying in swift crossing patterns till there was a wall of fire between Piers and Landy. A triumphant smile crossed her lips before a hideous cackle escaped her.

"What, dear Piers, do you think you are doing? Did you honestly believe I would let you make vanish when I had just arrived? I am so sorry but... I just can't let that happen," she shouted with another cackle, her face turning ghoulesh as she flung her arms and more fiery demons took to the air.

The heat in the hall grew, getting hotter and hotter until the lights in the hall busted, unable to withstand it. The demons zoomed, cornering Piers and Skitters, letting out peals of what sounded like a mixture of laughter and tortured screams.

Out of the noise, Sigataph's voice rose high and shrill. "Enough, darlings. Enough," she said and all the demons disappeared in a rush of swirling ashes and cinders as the heat currents moved them until it cooled down and they fluttered to the floor. A smile spread across her face again as her face returned to normal.

She let out a small chuckle and swatted a flaming red curl out of her face. "Sorry, dear Piers. You angered me and I lost my temper. How rude of me," she said with another small chuckle as her eyes pierced into him again.

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Status: Day
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Location: St. Birch Hospital, Psych ward
Sync: 100%

“She knows what I’m trying to do!” Piers realized as Sigataph stopped him from getting to Landy’s unconscious body. Her powers were amazing; she had complete control over her skills at creating and manipulating fire. Fear crept up Piers’s spine as he weighed the sheer power of Sigataph, but he tried to appear calm.

The heat from the flames alone forced Piers to back away. “She’ll roast me alive if I’m careless,” Piers thought to himself. “Alright, this is like a game of chess; Landy is the metaphorical king, of course, as she is my ultimate target. Unfortunately, I’ve got to play like Sigataph is my target. Sigataph is the metaphorical queen, the most powerful piece on the board, as she easily controls the most area in this hall with her powers. She can block me quickly, so I’ve got to strike suddenly. So, I’ve but one option…block the queen, keep her from making a sudden move, then go for a checkmate that not even the queen can prevent.” He then spoke directly to Sigataph, his voice still merged with Skitters’s raspy tone. “I’m impressed, Sigataph…Skitters thinks the two of you should go one-on-one for now.”

Piers moved back away from Landy, and backed into an aluminum chair. Turning, he quickly grabbed the chair, darted to the nearest window that looked into a small office, and smashed the window with the chair. Skitters then separated from Piers, darting off of his body in a shape that somewhat resembled an oval, and quickly formed appendages to gather up around five shards of glass. Then, Skitters quickly began spinning and striking outward with them randomly as his small, amorphous shape darted towards Sigataph in what looked like a direct attack. It was the same move he’d used against Jace, and it was still more tactical than physical.

Suddenly, Skitters darted right, seemingly going towards Landy, but then came directly at Sigataph again, attempting to back her into a small corridor that came to a dead-end at a storage closet.

“If she throws fire again, avoid it at all costs, even if you have to back up…we can’t sustain any more damage, Skitters,” Piers thought, communicating with Skitters. He noticed that Skitters was a bit slower than usual. Now that the sync was ended, half of the damage from Jace’s blade was inflicted on Piers, and half of it on Skitters. This was good for Piers who did not have to directly fight, but for Skitters, who was using a great deal of his maximum speed, it hampered his abilities a bit. “Hang in there, Skitters! We can limit her fire-tossing if we can limit her range of motion…remember, corner the queen!”

Piers waited for Sigataph to focus her attention on the approaching Skitters, hoping she would back away. Would she be able to land a hit on Skitters? As soon as her attention diverted just the slightest bit, Piers was going to make a mad dash towards Landy.

[The Rogue Devil]

OOC: Valk, Kei, and Talli you guys know what to do :)


Location: Residential Road
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: Cellphone

Rod, along with Zen, continued their search for the Guardian HQ located somewhere within the city. They were following a certain energy signature that was faint but traceable.
" Zen, I'm getting something stronger than the energy we're tracking." Rod said stopping looking around the area, " It's around here somewhere since we're so close."

" Yes, I feel it also but I think there is more than one." Zen said trying to trace the energy from before, " It will be hard to locate the original signature since they are in the way."

" I think we need to find those other energy sources since they're so close to us." Rod said clenching his fist and smiling, " Who knows, we may end up getting another ally."

" I hope so, but I'll take a look around and see if I can trace them." Zen said fading away, " I'll be back in five."

" Zen remember, between us we can attempt to find where they are coming from but only in a 5 km radius and that's for each of us when separated." Rod said telepathically to Zen.

" I know, so I won't stray too far." Zen said.

With Zen gone for a while Rod has to search on his own to find the other sources to get rid of them to continue his search for the HQ, while Zen jumped from rooftop to rooftop to search.

[janajee]

(OOC: I'm going to let Glaiza emo for a bit, haha)

Location: Teaberry Coffee Shop
Role: Unrevealed
Status: Daytime
Items: Paperworks, and more paperworks

GLAIZA'S POV

I woke up with a start, gripped with fear.

I didn't even notice myself falling asleep, and yet I must have because here I am waking up with fear. It wasn't the normal nightmare with the screaming and the shouting, heck I can't even remember what it was all about. All I know is that I'm scared.

Scared of someone? I don't know.

Scared for myself? Maybe.

Scared for someone? Hmmm. Definitely.

"Get a hold of yourself babe, you got work to do."

Sean speaks loudly in my mind, energetic as his usual self. Not like this morning with all the weird vibes.

"Thanks." I say distractedly, as I gather my papers to get out of the office and stretch a bit.

What I need is a drink of coffee.

SEAN'S POV

What's with this mucking around Sean?

There's nothing a foot and it's up to me to get things started! Like mutilating or killing... or maybe just annoy my host a little bit more.

Yes.

No time for...

Anything else.

[Valkarma]

Jace
Location: Slums
Role: Vagrant
Status: Day
Items: N/A

Jace's body hit the ground harshly but there was no helping it. Thanatos could only hold it all together for a few more moments and the dash from the hospital had drained him of everything. Though his mind buzzed with the possibilities of a nightmare he didn't know and of fighting Piers on more equal ground; the fatigue of the day was draining him completely. He knew he would have to look into it all when he recovered. For now though he drifted away to the place all Nightmares exist. Left only, injured and unconious Jace's body stayed still hidden in the allyway. For this moment he looked like the defensiveless boy he used to be, un-corrupt. Yet the blackness creeped up his arm and onto his shoulder. For a price must always be payed for power.

Karn
Location: Home
Role: Guardian?
Status: Day
Items: N/A

(OOC: Talli, Kei, I hope you don't mind me moving you lot out the house for now.)

Karn pushed himself outside with the other two. It was best to get moving despite the fact that they were all suffering a hangover in some way. He wanted to get back to HQ and record a few things, things he had been thinking about. As he moved out with them he gave one look back to his house. It felt wierd knowing the others now knew about the place. It had always been his get away and even though he knew they wouldn't disturb it on purpose the fact they had all ending up there took some of it away from him.

They were all down the street when he finally spoke up to them,
"What are the plans now then?"

[Change Of Color]

Location- St. Birch
Status- Daytime
Role- Feral
Items- N/A

Sigataph's smile widened as the man seperated from his nightmare. He was making it so much easier for her.

She flicked a finger and six screaming demons flared to life in a circle around the nightmare. They screamed as the circled the nightmare, keeping him at bay.

Sigataph's cackle rang out again as she disappeared. There were a few moments of silence before she appeared, leaning with her face rested in her hands on the broken window ledge that Piers had smashed.

"Dear man, what to you plan to tell her when you wake her? If you wake her, that is. She looks a bit pale. Maybe she's already passed?" she said as she ran her index finger through the shards that had remained on the sill.

She flicked her finger forward and a demon swooped into the room, aiming at Piers but dodging back and forth around him. Its screaming-laughter matched Sigataph's own slightly demented one as her face turned ghoulish again.

Sigataph turned and started walked towards Landy's body. Half way there, she disappeared again, fading out of existance and appearing crouched by Landy's head, stroking her hair.

"What a waste," she said as her hair seemed to glow brighter and all her demons flared a little brighter.

[Talli]

(OOC: Will now be changing font color. :laugh: Also, just wondering. If I recall from one of Cross' previous posts, the HQ was somewhere outside of the city?)

Role: Guardian
Location: Outside Karn's House, Residential Area
Status: Day
Items: None

She thought about Karn's statement as they were ushered out of his house. "Everyone needs a place to run to whenever they want to feel safe, right?" she thought to herself, fixing her boots. She stretched her limbs, careful to make sure her left arm was still alright. The sunlight was not boding well for her hangover, but they were needed back at the Headquarters.

"I wonder if Piers has that log set up yet," she murmured to herself, scratching her chin. Although she had been injured, she could still remember her fight with the Vagrant who attacked HQ. What stuck in her mind was Gill's description of the intruder's powers. The Watcher was very helpful in telling her what the boy could do and she felt that the information he had given her was important if they were to make a profile of the attacker.

When she thought of how the Watcher had just disappeared on her watch, a frown crossed her face and she clenched her fists. "That kid was all beaten up and he still did his best to try to help me. I hope he's okay... Wherever he is." Although it was a warm day, a shiver still went down her spine. As they walked down the sidewalk, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was... Off.

"What are the plans now then?"

She turned to look at Karn as they continued down the street. "We should get back to HQ as soon as we can. Since the car's gone, we have three choices," she held up three fingers. "One, take public transportation. Though I don't think the people back at HQ would appreciate a taxi pulling into the compound. Two, hot-wire a car and drive ourselves there. But then again, that's illegal. Three, we walk." Although she dreaded a long walk back to HQ, she could not see any other option, being new to the city. "You guys have any ideas?"

[Cross Avantgarde]

Role: Guardian
Location: St. Birch hospital, Psych Ward
Items: Guardian radio, cell phone
Status: Day
Sync: 0%

OOC: Right you are, Talli. I described HQ as being just a little distance outside of the city. Not far, of course, but far enough for it to make Piers consider taking the helicopter to the hospital during the Jace incident, and for it to take him more than seven minutes, speeding, to get there. Very observant!

BIC: Sigataph’s display of sheer confidence eclipsed his own, and she was proving to be much more of a challenge than he’d hoped for. “Her tactic of disappearing and reappearing is placing a serious damper on my chess analogy,” Piers thought to himself, possibly revising his plan. As Sigataph spoke to him from the broken window, a flame that seemed to have a life of its own darted at him. Genuine fear swept over him as he instinctively placed his arms in front of his face and tried to think about what to do next.

No satisfactory option appeared in his mind as the heat from the flame grew stronger, obviously getting closer. P