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 Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:17 pm
James turned to see Kouen starting off somewhere. He intended to follow him, so he did. He started after him. No way he was going to let one of his friends go somewhere alone. Specially without letting him in on why. As he got closer he walked beside him. "So, Kouen. Where are we going?" he said. He knew that even after everything that has happened, he needed to lighten up the mood. Even if Kouen didn't acknowledge that he was there and that he was going with him. It was worth a shot. Looked at the sun and waited to see if Kouen would respond.
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:42 pm
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix   As the snow continued to gather around the desolate, ruined land; Kouen glanced to the as James landed next to him. There was more then enough room for two on the partially rebuilt building. His best friend and companion since their graduation from the academy, James was one of the few people within the Zaibatsu Kouen fully trusted. They shared a close bond along with fighting alongside one another when training to become full soldiers and join the ranks of the elite. As the invasion begun, the pair fought side by side; protecting one another's blind spots along with Isuma. Derek, Isuma, James, Lacie, Tsukiko, Those five had meant more to him then he could possibly describe. To him, they had become a new family of sorts; close companions that he had shared many intense battles and moments with. But this was too much, even for them. But what really caught his attention was James's question. /We/? Leaning on the railing as the wind blew through his hair, he responded. The clouds had completely blocked out any real sunlight that could be provided. " James. Now whatever could you be talking about? You have training to complete here, right? Unfortunately, it seems that my intentions differ from yours. The training provided here just isn't enough. I suppose my body language gave it away, huh? But if you were to join me; you wouldn't see any of our companions for the next couple of years. In fact, we'd probably get in a massive load of trouble. Are you sure you're willing to risk that? I'm just tired of being helpless. Tired of not having enough power to protect those that I had sworn to shield no matter what. Being unable to aid in the upcoming inevitable war with the Doma. So I intend to get stronger. Much, much stronger. What do you plan to do...? " "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 6:36 pm
|~| James |~| Eternal Flame of Shinkoku 
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 6:46 pm
 ❀ ❀ ❀Every man may reign secure in his petty tyranny, and spread terror and desolation around him, until the trump of the Archangel shall excite different emotions in his soul ❀ ❀ ❀
Diamond truly didn’t know where they went from here. She could get up and leave technically. It wasn’t her kingdom, these weren’t here people, and she had no residency here. But she had a score to settle with Ten, a battle Ten would not want to be in when the time came.
Diamond walked upon the rubble, even though it had been a week since, it almost felt like yesterday when havoc was laid upon their land. She had helped clean up the dead bodies, in which were being prepared for proper burial, and helping rebuild the Zaibatsu. What a tragedy, her brothers kingdom, so neglected by a leader, who carried no traits such as his.
Half of the kingdom was left intact, those villager without home slept in the hallways of the Zaibatsu and were given blankets, food, and what was needed to stay alice during their time of mourning. Children without parents slept in the basement bunkers with Nora and Ellie, Diamond slept upstairs with blade and some of the other men. It had become overcrowded and uncomfortable. How did men, of such a strong kingdom, get their asses handed to them?
Even when the sun rose on the zaibatsu, it was as if it truly never had that week. This wasn’t Diamonds problem by any means, but she choose to stay, looking for answers in search of her brother’s death.
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 6:55 pm
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix Eyes widening in surprise at James's words, Kouen remained silent for several moments. Before long, a smirk suddenly cracked. The first one in that entire week that he had managed to muster without it being so forced. His best friend had intended to go with him. He had truly thought and intended to go on his journey alone if he had to; to do what he must to grow stronger. But if he were to get into a serious situation in his travels, there would be no one to fall back on; to watch his back. It would have been a necessary but possibly solitude-based little adventure. He felt better considering that he had someone else looking out for him. Raising his fist as he proceeded to bump it with James's, he nodded with a full grin. He could feel excitement bubbling within him that he hadn't had the mercy to receive in a while. But before he could do this, he felt like he had to let a few others know. Derek and Isuma. He would have sought out Lacie or Tsukiko; but he was sure the pair could tell those two themselves. He couldn't leave without letting his other friends know his intentions. The last thing he needed was for them to consider that he and James were going rouge or something. The CEO would most likely be pissed...but they had no choice. Leaping from the building, he sailed downwards. Before he had, he'd spoken a few quick words to James, hoping he would understand. " There are a few I need to speak with before we leave. We'll make sure to sneak out as soon as I'm done. Be ready to leave at a moment's notice! " "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 8:56 pm
|~| James |~| Eternal Flame of Shinkoku 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Will do." He said as he watched his friend leap off somewhere. He then turned and looked to his right and saw a woman staring at the sun like he was. She looked beautiful, yet so familiar. He remembered his father saying something about his mother. About her having red hair. Like he did. Red hair. Red hair. It lingered in his head. Then noticed she had looked over to him. She stared at him then smiled and gave a small giggle. He was confused by this woman. She looked young, in her twenties maybe? Being a boy himself his eyes naturally trailed down to her breasts but something caught his eye. A stab wound in the middle of her chest. Yet no blood was drawn. He stayed quiet until she finally spoke, "Nice see you again, James. You look so different, than from before."she said. He then sat down against a piece of wall and sat his blade down next to him. "Look Lady, if you're looking for an autograph you'll have to wait. I'm kinda still in awe from this war, so-." She interrupted with a louder giggle. "You're much like you're father." James quickly put his hand on the hilt of his blade. "How do you know my father?" he said on his guard. "Know him," she gave another giggle. "I'd better know my own husband, I did marry him. And I guess that would make me your mother, James." James eyes shot wide open. He hopped up hanging onto his blade, he then spun around toward her pulling his blade out its shelth. He stopped and held the blade up to her neck. "No way you're my mom she's dead." He said voice full of rage and confusion. "I am dead, son." she said faintly. He backed away in terror from her comment."Then how are you-." She shot an answer straight back at him. "I don't know. All I remember is my death and waking up in Shinkoku. I came here to see how my baby boy was doing. I could travel around in Shinkoku with your father. And when you could come and visit you weren't able to see or hear me. Your father could but you just couldn't for some reason. He said if he tried saying anything you'd think he was joking or would get pissed at him." his mother reached out for a hug from James. "But now you can see and hear me." He threw his blade onto the ground and embraced his mother. "Mom.." tears dropped from his eyes. As the hug ended he wiped his tears away. "Mom..I-." She interrupted him once again. "You're leaving the Divine Zaibatsu. Why?" she asked putting her hands on her hips. "I want to get stronger and so does my friend. So we plan on running away to gain more strength to protect the ones we hold dear." he said. "You're definitely your father's child alright. You have his same determination and stubbornness." she said with a smile. He smiled as well, "You're just like father said you'd be." she giggled a bit, "Oh lord who knows what he's said about me. James.. I have to go, your father is going to notice I'm here with you. Don't tell him it'll be our little secret." She winked at him and began to slowly fade. "Mom, wait!" She winked once again and stuck her tongue out at him and completely fades away "See ya,' son. Oh, the name's Rose, kid. Try to remember your mother's name."With those last words echoing through his head James grabs his blade and sits back down. His mother left once again. <******** a day." he said slowly drifting off into his nap.
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Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 9:54 pm
 ☉☉☉The Blacksmith☉☉☉
Nora stared at the land taking wide steps over the debris as she traveled over large pieces of buildings, homes, and still some bodies left. She tried looking for more survivors that had possibly been left behind, been stuck under broken wood or metal.
She walked down the broken deserted road, the road Ten broke to pieces, everything Ten pretty much touched had broken to pieces. But as she traveled down the street she lived on in Ellie brought her here as a 15 year old girl. She became friends with the baker across the way, who was now dead, the jewelry woman down the corner, she was dead, the man that had taken her in after she escaped from sex slavery, she found him and his family dead.
But at this moment she approached her old shop, most of it was gone. She could make out the fire pit, that was about it. She stood and stared at it for a moment, thinking of where this all began for her at the Zaibatsu, this spot where she met Eleven. This was her home, her dream, she knew this was going to happen, so why was she so upset?
Breaking her from her thoughts she heard a sound, a quiet sound but enough to make it out under her broken shop. Skeptical, Nora crouched down to look under neath it, just to see a female body. Clearly the air was just exhausting from her dead lungs. But then, there it was again, the noise. Curious, Nora began to throw away the blocks toppled on the woman, she threw away old blade she had made, metal shards, before she uncovered the sound. Laying in the woman's arms was a small baby, still alive.
With a gasp Nora quickly snatched him from his dead mothers arms, and cradled him into hers. What a tiny little figure he had, he clearly hadn't eaten in days. How was he alive? Didn't matter, he was alive. Nora pushed back his dark black hair from his face, wiping the dirt and blood that covered his cheeks and forehead. She smiled, wrapping her warm hands around his tiny frame, and healing every inch of his existence. She knew she couldn't keep him, but how ironic was it she found him in her old shop.
Carrying the small baby, she strokes his hair comfortingly, walking back to the Zaibatsu, but when she looked up, there she saw her student. She could read his emotions, she knew he was up to something and he wasn't traveling in the right direction. "KOUEN!" She yelled to him, walking towards him. "What are you doing?"
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:46 am
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix The smirk still remaining on his face as he had begun to sprint away without hesitation, the planning quickly formed within his mind. Thinking of the supplies they would need, the hardships he and James would endure; the friends he would miss. But he barely got anywhere being spotted by his Teacher, Miss Nora. Damn! He wasn't expecting anyone to be up this early during the crack of dawn. On the other hand, he should have. The reconstruction rarely paused due to the need to re-stabilize the foundation that existed within the structural fortress. But it was clear that all available hands were need to aid in the rebuilding...and he and James were not. The situation would have looked bad from her point of view. Adding onto this, he could recall multiple times that she had managed to pick off how he truly felt whenever training, etc. Kouen had realized that she must have had to the ability to at least read his emotions; therefore--guess his intentions. Waiting until she had properly caught up with him, he turned around to face her. She looked weary, tired and stressed. Hell--they /all/ were. The Doma's invasion had crippled the Zaibatsu's morale immensely. He was sure she was going to attempt to haul him off in order to be put in major trouble. To desert the organization without permission would identify them as rouges; one of the most serious crimes that could be admitted. The freezing temperatures had been ignored due to his abilities of the flame as he stood silently for several moments. When he finally spoke, his voice was surprisingly calm despite practically being caught red-handed. His options were rather limited. He could either grab James, having heard one of his snores from all the way down below and make a break for it. Or he could attempt to talk Nora out of ratting them both out and give him the few precious minutes he needed to prepare properly to increase their chances of survival. " ...I intend to grow stronger, Miss Nora. That was always my intention ever since I joined the Zaibatsu. To increase my own power and to gain revenge on the Doma. You saw what they did. They annihilated us in seconds. They managed to slaughter us without so much of a real effort. The soldiers, the civilians, even the /children/. I was powerless to do anything! I signed up to be a soldier of the Zaibatsu so I could protect those weaker then myself! To make up for my past mistakes and hunt down those responsible for the destruction of my original crew! But look at me...all these years and not a damn thing has changed. I've still failed. I let their lives slip away even when I thought I had a chance to save them. I won't let that happen. Never again. The training here just isn't good enough. I'm grateful for everything you've taught us over these past several months; but if we're to get powerful enough and smart enough to properly defend those we consider precious to us...I need to leave. James and I intend to exit and train outside of here. It's your duty to report this sort of thing, right? Well, you have a choice. You can either report me and I'll be detained, demoted and most likely put under restraint by those higher-ups. Or you can just let me slip by, say my goodbyes and leave so I can return with James; strong enough to truly rise to the position of Admin. Your call. " "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:10 pm
☉☉☉The Blacksmith☉☉☉
Nora shook her head. Kouen had been one of her best, and most loved students, he always did well and excelled in everything she taught. “Kouen, this is not your fault. I know you feel like it is, but it’s not. I felt like it was my fault for days after it happened, because I saw it happening in a vision, warned and admin, and they laughed in my face. And now that admin is dead. The higher ups, simply do not give a s**t. So reporting you wouldn’t even matter. I understand your need to get stronger. “
Nora pulled the child closer to her body to keep him warm from the fridged cold. It never really bothered her, she wasn’t sure why, but it truly didn’t.
Nora wasn’t going to nark out Kouen, she wasn’t like that. Reaching for his shoulder set squeezed it gently as she started up at him. “Go. But I want you to understand—they don’t care that you’re a kid. They will kill you. If you sleep, they don’t care, they will kill you. If you’re hungry out there training, and loose energy from fatigue, they don’t care, they will kill you—” She looked up into his eyes and smiled lightly. “Make sure you write.” Nora arched forward to pull Kouen into a hug. It didn’t matter at this point if it was inappropriate for a teacher to do, everyone needed to create stronger bonds, there weren’t many people left.
“Be safe—“She whispered to her former student.
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 2:10 pm
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix As Nora softly explained the dangers; warning him that careless actions while training and fighting out there alongside James would cost them their lives, Kouen's eyes widened slightly. He was truly surprised. Translating her words in a second : She was encouraging him. She approved of their actions, their plans to become more useful in the future. In order to this, intense and brutal training would be required of them. They couldn't afford to let their guards down, if even for a single moment. The Doma were absolutely ruthless and would not spare a couple of kids that had the potential to give them serious issues in the future. Then, Nora had stepped forward and pulled him into a gentle hug. Affection between students and Teachers, even if in the family-based manner that was being given now, was usually forbidden. It would interfere with teaching abilities and make it seem as if they were picking favorites. But who could they rely on if they couldn't even show support toward one-another? Hesitantly, the rising Soldier returned her embrace. Remaining in this posture for several moments, Leonard felt a sort of longing begin to fill his chest rapidly. He never truly felt what it was like to be held in a Mother's embrace but this was the closest thing to it; he figured. Being hugged or held by someone who actually cared for you and was genuinely concerned about the risks or things you were taking. " I understand. And I will. Thank you, Miss Nora. Good luck. It seems that we'll both need it. I swear; when I come back, I'll be able to protect the Zaibatsu from whatever forces seek to destroy and annihilate this world. We'll be back! Promise! " Releasing his former teacher gently, Kouen took a few steps back before turning around and once again breaking into a sprint. To gather the supplies, and say goodbye to the few others available.[Exit] "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 3:42 pm
☉☉☉The Blacksmith☉☉☉
Nora smiled as she watched the student who happily embraced her, run off. She was a bit aways away from the Zaibatsu, and hauled the small child quickly to warmth.
-exits-
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:18 pm
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix It was done. Those he wished to speak to and those he had said a proper goodbye to. He knew that the others would find out, one way or another. Keeping in mind of Derek's statement and intended meeting time, the Phoenix proceeded to leap back up to the partially reconstructed building that James lay resting in. Everything was packed and held in the knapsack over his shoulder. Zaibatsu technology was pretty damn amazing, huh? All these supplies in such a tightly-concealed area. All that was left now was to execute the plan. Shaking his partner-in-crime on the shoulder, he already began to haul him to his feet. There was no time to waste and they couldn't afford any more distractions. It was now or never. " Yo, James. It's time to go. C'mon. I've taken care of what's needed to be done. You ready? " Prepared to leap back off the side of the building at a moment's notice as soon as James said the okay or leapt first, Kouen smirked. Expecting an enthusiastic response from his best friend, he awaited his response. "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:39 pm
|~| James |~| Eternal Flame of Shinkoku He smirked as Kouen brought him to his feet. He then stretched and yawned, wiping the sleep out of his eyes. He started to wonder what the hell was going on, the war had worn him out. Then everything came back to him, he and Kouen's departure, he seeing his mother for the first time. He then grew excited. His journey was about to start and when he got back to the D.Z he would have more power and strength and so would his friends. A giant grin grew across his face."Well that was a damn fine nap!"he said finally sounding excited. He picked up his blade and slung it back around his shoulder. "Yeah, Let's go Kouen. Maybe there'll be some hot chicks on the journey, Oh, Oh can we stop at a skin bar on our voyage? No one can tell us not to, oh man this is gunna' ******** epic!" he said dusting off his pants and jacket sleeves. [EXITS]
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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 10:28 pm
"The Doma will pay for their actions with their life. I don't care what happens to me anymore. I'll do whatever I have to kill every last member if I must. I will avenge those taken from me. No matter the cost. " [¤*-Kouen Leonard-*¤] Rise of the Phoenix Outright laughing as James's excited statements reached over to his ears, Kouen merely leapt off the side of the building. In truth, he too was quite excited for the adventure ahead of them. Running off into the unknown to explore and conquer the challenges of this world to grow ever stronger. In the back of his mind, he thought of what he had left behind for a certain someone. A small grin crept onto his face as he quickly began to break into a sprint the moment he hit the ground. This would be the last time he saw the inside of the Zaibatsu for a while. By the time he came back, everything would be perfectly rebuilt. He hoped Lacie would be able to pass off the info secretly about his and James's departure. It was time for their journey to begin![Exit] " Ha! You've got that right! Let's go! C'mon! " "They say a Phoenix has to fall before it can rise from the ashes, right...? I've already lost everything once before...I won't lose anyone every again! I will protect the Zaibatsu...with my life! "
"
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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:57 pm
☉☉☉The Blacksmith☉☉☉
"Ah--Goodluck-" Nora smiled at the sweetness of the little girl. Maybe he wanted to keep her? All the children were being sent somewhere new. Normally she would have brought Eleven, but he was busy and being, well, Eleven.
Nora smiled at Blade. "Well since Diamond has gone, who knows where, you are welcome to come with, maybe take a break from building? "
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