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Three weeks hunting and she's here...in Belrad, Mara found her...MARA who wasn't even looking. She wasn't captured, nor lost or even looking for us....no, she's living here as one of the top scoring mercenaries in Belrad with some guy, who is likely using her, she calls a partner. They even allow people with warrants to get a license, how messed up is that?

I do not even know how to react after learning this, is there any good way to react to that? Tri is quiet, he's always quiet and Anadii.... I am not sure if it even known why we are running around different cities, probably thinks its some crazy organic thing. Considering what Hexxis did.. maybe it is.

I can only think of how Tri was injured,nearly died, trying to look for her, how we all placed ourselves in danger trying to find her when we could have gone elsewhere for a while and hidden out until we could figure out what to do.

Instead she was in Belrad playing mercenary without any goal of calling us back and even told Mara she wasn't thinking about it.She couldn't call or even leave a note so we would stop looking for her? No she was pushed by Mara to even talk to Tri.

Why are we looking for her again? She's my sister in name only, even her malice has more loyalty and thoughtfulness than she does. Right now i'm confused and angry, I guessed I expected a lot more out of her than I thought. At the very least concern for Tri...but she barely even got to know us in the what is it? two months since she came from Spectrum.

We have a meeting with her and her new partner this afternoon, I think Tri is thinking of trying to go alone. Bad plan, if there was anyone else I wouldn't try to go, but there isn't and Anadii isn't exactly a good protector.

Anadii... dangerous and doesn't know it. We wouldn't have been able to get out of a lot of scrape we got ourselves into in Khalen or Aldas without it. At the same time we might not have gotten into them in the first place without Taldhet chasing after us? Maybe...maybe not. Either ways I am glad we have it with us and at the same time I am confused about what it wants or if it wants at all. Hexxis was intrested in learning and using what she learned, Anadii is different, wanting to learn but at the same time the knowledge doesn't really change it. I'm still figuring out how to treat it.... such as when did I start calling him? an it? .....something I should ask about before I make a mistake.

Tri is on the phone now, it looks like Hexxis called. I am not sure what they are talking about but Tri looks pained. Maybe it isn't what it seems...perhaps her partner still forced er to join and become a merc or some good reason other than what seems like abandonment and betrayal. Something to focused on instead of what it seemed like.

Also...Renegades? Kae's alive! or at least she was alive at the posting of that video in Norcrest. There was also a video of Moira? ,Tri called her that, and the experiments done on her by Haven. Good... i'm glad they are showing the public something concrete that echos to the non-human experiments in the great war. Tri was oddly quiet after seeing the video we found online... around the third playthough he looked thoughtful and distracted. Odd. Then there was the few EE and MS members that appeared...that was pushing it though in my opinion. The person who threatened all the governments now shown with a little kid? Perhaps i'm looking to much into it...or am just to close... much to close....

(During Careful Analysis)

Ree stared at the last message received and moved to respond only to just hover over the keyboard and finally shook his head turning it off. Looking over at Ashral he stared at her worriedly, wanting to take off right this moment but going by how she had been acting he doubted she would still be here when he returned. Which meant bringing her....but then was Mara and Tri....No...no..Tri wasn't there or wasn't likely to arrive in time. Mara ...oh goodness... The others he heard about? she could maybe keep her control...he only hoped.

"Ashral" he said quietly, not bothering to hide the worry as he stood from the covered balcony oh one building. "Mara never came. Some one I know just texted me asking if I could help..they are under attack"

Ashral had been focused on the dagger that was still stuck fast to the tree as she pulled it out and put her own note against the bark and stabbed the dagger back into the old tree, pinning it there. She stared at the note, thinking on things as Ree messed with his phone. His voice broke the silence, however as she opened her eyes to look at him, noting the concern and worry on his face, matching it with her own. Mara and SIU were under attack and were asking for help. "Are you going to go then?" she asked with a frown.

"...Yes. " he nodded and continued to watch her, trying to get a reading of what she was thinking as he said that. "Tri is likely to far, the other person who text me won't be there until tomorrow. When they did the switched Mara lost most of her allies. She was also injured...critically " this time he allowed a bit of the panic that he was trying to control show before taking a breath. "It could be a trap but considering who texted me... it is doubtful. I plan to just go there help where I can and leave. Do you want to come? It will be more dangerous for you really ..." he warned.

She frowned as he confirmed he was going to leave. It made sense. His family needed help, so why wouldn't he go.. Tri was too far to get there and Mara was in critical condition. It made her think, maybe advise him. He didn't think it was a trap. Then he asked her if she wanted to go and her frown dropped into one of thought. Well, without Tri being there, it was less likely shed lose control of herself unless attack. Even then,the enemy would be attacking so casualties on that side would be fine. Besides, Ree was able to help snap her out of her blood-lust before. She took a shaky breath then nodded. "Yeah. That way we can back each other up. More attack power, and if anything we can both teleport ourselves out. Just as long as we leave before Tri gets there. I'm pretty confident I can handle being around Mara or the others... Just not Tri." she took a more steady breath. "If things get out of hand... You have my permission to use a command on me if you think it will help stop me if I can't... I... I trust you."

Ree looked at her solemnly and nodded, "Thank you" that was something he wasn't sure how to broach. He used the commands on Hexxis and didn't feel guilt but he did thinking about using it on Ash. He still would have if things were dire but having permission made it a little easier even so he would still have to be careful. "I will use is carefully " he said trying to at least alleviate her fear there as well. "Let's ...wait" he looked at the pack and dropped it, opening it until he took out two of the COMMs. Turning it on her handed it to Ashral. "Put this around your ear and I will be able to hear you when we are over there and visa versa. At least it make synchronizing attacks a little easier " he muttered closing the pack up again and placing his over his own ear. "Also if you are overwhelmed ...teleport out. " he placed the pack on again, it will take them a bit to fly back to Belrad and he wanted to start now. "Wait...um..how far can you teleport? And how often" he looked faintly surprised.

Ashral smiled as he seemed to agree and assured her that he would be careful about the commands. She stopped as he told her to wait, watching him curiously as he pulled out a device and instructed her how to use it. She had watched Hexxis do this and watching Ree do it now, she was able to understand as she put the comm on. Nodding she shifted her hair over it. "I see. That will be helpful." He gave her further instruction on what to do if she got overwhelmed and nodded in understanding. Then paused as he asked her about her teleport. "Oh, uhh... I can teleport up to 5 miles.. 7 times a day." she answered then thought for a moment. "I can teleport someone else I'm touching with me without much more expense of energy. Any more than that does cause strain..." she explained and smiles faintly at him then looked off ahead of them for a moment.

Ree blinked at her, that was a lot farther than Mara or Tri were able to go but also right within range of where they needed to be. "Can you teleport us to Belrad? .....hopefully -not- into the mercenary head quarters" smiles faintly back but he was worried.

Ashral nodded and looked around for a moment before stepping closer to Ree and slipping her hand into his, looking away as she blushed a bit then took a breath, closing her eyes and letting them fall into the shadows below them. Trying to remember which way Belrad would be, she vaguely remembered it was south of where Khares was as per what the map had said. Still unsure, she stopped the teleport just at the edge of town, pulling him out with her from the shade of a building as she smiled and looked back at him. "This should be it.." she commented, a sense of accomplishment in her voice as she laughed a bit. "And not in the mercenary head quarters either..." She took a moment before remembering the seriousness of the situation and squeezing his hand just a bit. "We can do this.... Right?" she spoke reassuringly as she gave him a smile to say that she was there to help and not be a hindrance. They were the backup, and she wanted to prove that she could be good, and maybe even try to prove that it might be possible to become a mane. Even if it was impossible, she still wanted to try. Ashral blinked, looking away, a flush of color to her face before letting go of his hand. "...uhm.. sorry.... let's go."

Ree looked at her curiously but did not comment. Acting as he would with a friend and not trying to give her other ideas. Hopefully she will understand between him saying it now and then and just not reacting.

As they reappeared he held on tightly to her hand, eyes wide as his wings pulled in close. That was also different than what Mara and Tri did.. more of a searching while in transit than searching before it. It reminded him when they both tried to show him how to jump that way and he kept flaring out light in panic. "G-good.. " he looked around trying to see where they were as he ruffled his wings, only to let out a soft chuckle a moment later as she mentioned the mercenary headquarters, hey it was a possibility. He loosen his grip as she asked if they could do this "Yes, we just have to be carefully. we'll sneak inside not go guns blazing and see what we an do ..." he smirked faintly at the thought then shook his head at her apology. " Lets go" This time he lead the way, finding a little different during day time hour but skirting around the edge of ton heading toward the new SIU base, they weren't to far.

Ashral kept her eyes averted for now as she calmed her thoughts of the moment, focusing on his words. "Sneak in... Okay.. I can do that..." she responded softly then nodded. She followed him, as they made their way towards the new SIU building. "....maybe they won't know who I am... pretend like I'm someone else.." she muttered mostly to herself then chuckled. "I doubt that would work, but an amusing thought anyway..." she added as they walked, keeping an eye out for others.

"Well... I was kind of hoping they won't know. I don't think they know what you look like.... except they know you're with me. Maybe.. maybe not. " he frowned as they moved closer. It seemed quiet from where they were but as they stepped into range he could already hear one of the armor units powered up. Likely Mara or someone who supports her. What Kage was doing back here looking for Hexxis he could not fathom. "Pick a name. " he muttered straightening as he focused only on the sound, Shrouding one of the cameras he could see as they moved closer. "once inside...Kage is the one who is supposedly attacking. he is a Shadow meta. Key and lock are his item. He can lock and unlock things....and make you fo-.... lock away memories. Pale...shadow tattoos, red eyes black hair " he muttered turning on his Comm as he started to focus.

She blinked, looking at him with curiosity. "You think they wouldn't?... Hmm.. maybe you're right." she commented, putting a finger to her lips in thought. She thought about what name to pick at his request for her to do so. "....Farrow.." she answered and smiled at him. As they got closer, she could feel shadows moving but couldn't exactly figure out what was happening within the building. She listened to him give her the details of what she needed to know as she focused on the building itself. "Ahh... a shadow. At least I have a better idea of what he could do... Key and locks... so manual dealings or something.... just don't rely on locks.. Okay." She gave a slight smirk as he mentioned memories, never breaking eye contact from the building. "Not like I can remember a whole lot anyway... so just don't let him get inside my head... got it.." she spoke softly as she listened to the description and then nodded. Reaching up to the comm on her ear, she activated it and looked to Ree and gave a single nod. "What's the plan..."

He would have normally expanded on what he said but he was already looking around as they moved quickly. "Farrow.." there was a pause then he nodded. "Plan... with not knowing who is enemy or ally. " there was a pause as he just decided to trust Kae on this.

"I think...I have some immunity to him. stay further back so they don't see you when I move into view. I sense an armor unit up ahead, should be one of Mara's new teammates. If we meet Kage...I'll distract him if he isn't distracted already " haha distract, that seems to have failed all the times they have done so against meta. "He hurt Mara and attacked here... make your own judgement..but..." there was a swell of guilt as he remember the last time he saw Kage, the surprise accusing tone when they realized Hexxis died. The voice in his dreams had slowly faded away but now it came back to the forefront with a vengeance. Part of the reason he even asked Anadii to erase the warrant on Kage was to assuage his own guilt somewhat. Yet Kage was here for Hexxis why?. "Never mind. Just use your own judgment " trusting her to keep an eye on them and wait until an opportunity presented itself.

Not knowing the enemy or ally was definitely a problem, though it seemed pretty straight forward what was happening had it not been a trap. Ree appeared to trust it, so she did as well. She thought over what he said, a distraction , she shook her head. "Better idea, instead of one of us taking the brunt of it, we keep moving, cover each other where needed. You may have some immunity to him, but you're not attuned to combat. That's all I knew after I left Shogu... So please don't make me run while leaving you behind. I'm not okay with that. Work together or not at all. I don't want to let you just be prey to him while I escape like a coward, nor do I want to risk my life for such a situation." she sighed, "If we are a team, we act like a team... that's the only way this is going to work. We... have to actually trust each other... not just to back each other up... but to make the right decisions..." She moved closer to one of the walls of the building and placed her hand against the wall ready to phase once they were done discussing what needed to happen.

"..." he paused and looked at her as they stopped in front of the wall before they phased. She actually left him at a loss for words as he tried to find a good answer for that. It made him feel like a novice again...he was in a way. With Tri it was more following him and supporting him as he moved. What was the difference with what she asked? As a team... to together, handle it together. He didn't know if it was the right decision and that scared him, yet that was life wasn't it?
"So we both go ahead together and try to deal?" he asked seriously, watching her as he rested his own hand on the wall as well, allowing her to explain if he didn't get her meaning right even as he wanted to just rush in he held it back and waited.

She looked at him with a slightly serious look, trying to think of how to explain in a way that would make sense to him. "It's less unpredictable than that. We move as a team, it's mostly multi-tasking. You know your limits, never go past them. Keep an eye on your partner, if they get overwhelmed, you take some of the heat, not all of it. You focus on keeping a calm state of mind. Don't let an unexpected occurrence cloud your thoughts into making irrational decisions. It's give and take. No need to sacrifice if two are working together towards the same goal." she instructed, "Know what your partner can handle, if not intuitively, verbally or by signal. And don't take on more than you can handle on purpose. That's likely to get someone killed, so know when to back off, regroup, and look for another opportunity to strike even harder." she smiled at him reassuringly. "I have confidence that we can handle this... as a team."

"I see... it is a little what I did with Tri " he nodded as bit, it was very similar to what he did with Tri but it had been years working together. Knowing how to work together and what one could do...with Ash this would be the first time for that, which was why it was easier to have her hide out of sight. It was one less thing to think about when thinking of what was up ahead. One thing he forgot was that she excelled in battle while he rarely had to get up close , always attacking from a distance. "So we complement each other. Tri and I worked in tandem. He usually got up close while I dealt with what was in the distance or warn him of changes "

There was a slight twinge in her eyes at the mention of Tri and she looked away, took a deep breath then returned her gaze to Ree. "Yes, it's like what you would do with Tri. I can get up close and you can damage from a distance and we warn each other of changes or if we need to reposition for a better offense or defense as the fight calls for it." She summoned her sword to her hand at her side as she looked Ree in the eyes intently. "Are you ready? We can just move silently and assess the situation first before acting. Get an advantage before trying to attack if that's what's needed."

Ree nod once as the glow in his eyes dimmed as he shifted to a more calm and focus state of mind. "That I can do. Let go. " blind..he had no idea of the new building nor did Mara mention it. They were both on the same level at least.

Betrayal engrained in your heart and in your brain, thinking of what has been done to arrive to this place. Agreeing, understanding and hoping for something else, or thinking to naively of being someone else.

Ree flicked his gaze toward the radio with a soft sympathetic sigh as he pulled the shadows closer to his hair and wing tips , resisting the urge to adjust the sunglasses again. He had quickly passed by and grabbed the stash in morred, this time not activating the phone or staying to wait and see if Tri showed up with the person they just rescued, a move he was regretting now because it was only then that he realized he didn't have Ashral's sword with him, likely still in the truck with Tri's new friends.

Friends....

He would have swore Tri didn't have those as he would have swore Tri wouldn't have had him collared or activate the discipline command while he had one on. It didn't matter that Tri didn't know what happened when he was little, he would have trusted him not to do it especially since everything done had been for him and Hexxis. They didn't have enough people to pull off a rescue like that in SIU nor the money, Tri would have complained but he wasn't there he was in norcrest doing who knows what and lucky he did it to because Kage would have killed him or Mara or anyone else...and who knows he still might depending on what Yoko wanted.

It hurt to be wrong...and not just physically.

Staring the the receptionist with blank eyes he asked for a room, filled out the paper work with another fake ID and went to it. Not feeling the need to eat even with the powers he had use today and was thinking of using in the next days he really should. Right now he just wanted to rest and make his way to Belrad as quickly as he could. At least he had a goal for a moment, something he promised someone else..being there for her when she she meet her brother. Later he can go and try to get the sword back and then...he didn't know.

Likely suck it up stay with Tri and act like everything was alright, just like he did when they made their way from norcrest to Belrad ..only this time he doubted he could think away what had happened...when the enemy showed more loyalty than family.

Death..the realization that you killed someone is different for everyone but there should still be horror in the deed, and he was only realizing now that he did. No matter how immoral and desperate the person was , even if they had been dead before and returned ... he had killed them. They had turned to ash screaming about revenge but they had died at the end.

How do you deal with that?

Can you deal with that?

...why was he more horrified that it he felt so desensitized.

3 days later:

Ree opened his eyes and stared at the note he had found in Ashral's stocking before he left her body with Mara. He only noticed because of the sound it made when he had to move her, originally he thought it was shugo's letter and it was but there had been an extra note as well..one for him.

He had re-read it who knows how many times...her view,her thoughts, her goals. Maybe if she had given this to him when he was alive he would have logically tore it down or gone with assumptions except for the last part...she knew..she knew he didn't know ...long before he knew himself. Now it was just painful to read ... Because he knew he would have reacted differently then than he would have now. Now he just wanted to go and talk to Tri ... Hide under his wings even or just discuss it with Mara something that would give some different point of view.

Instead he was accompanied by the silence of the room he had rented with noy the soft sound of rain still going on outside.

Pulling out the second letter he frowned at the quill written letter, the raven who had dropped it down by him had risen his hopes for a moment that it mi tha even been Tri. Except it had look a bit to alive to be anything Tri would have shadow manipulated into.

Re-reading the note he could only sigh feeling that he asked to join some super secret group or something named Elders..the fact someone had been watching him without his knowledge was even more than a little disturbing. Except the options ..none of them were really specific just head in a direction he could do that. He ....no later...

Putting the letter away he glanced back to the first and picked it up, his energy always feeling low lately but he still summon one of his artifacts and then summoned the spirit cat. Gasping he felt a sickening pain in his middle then the distorted double vision as the cat and him blinked at the same time. Turning he placed his hand over his abdomen and waited for the pain to subside...that ...that was new. The cat was also laying down, imitating everything he did until the pain had subsided for both of then, only then did he sit up carefully.

A test ..just a test...that never happened before but it seems like things were better he will have to be careful...every thing still off from the other times.

The cat turned and looked around, finally getting on to the buisness of why they were doing this. The cat this time was black with a hint of silver in its eyes as it glanced around the stopped on the faint flicker of light....a familiar shape floating in the room.

Slowly it went up to her and nuzzled her leg as Ree kept his eyes closed and sighed quietly. "Ashral... " his voice pained. "you shouldn't be here. " he said quietly, not even sure if she could hear him as he only saw her through the cat...injured somehow but he didn't understand how.

"Have you been following me all along? If so..I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't understand sooner or taken a different path and for pushing you into meeting with your brother. For being unable to stop what happened .. " he apologized softly waiting but unsure she could talk or not or if he could even hear, she looked like the lights he had seen in SIU the first time he did this before he never thought they were spirits..likely trapping themselves there.

"I wanted to tell you that ..I am happy was able to. I don't know if you can speak or not but... Um.. I am going to try that secret society thing...if you want to see part of the world " he muttered stupidly, alarmed but also hopeful as he opened his eyes and stared at the same area the cat was looking but he saw nothing and just closed his eyes. "Up to when you want....if you want.... Don't let me hold you back " a pain smiled as he spoke to the air, wondering if he was going crazy or not.

Memory: Unstable Futures ((between 411 and f** that guy))


Cordelia was sitting in the passenger typing on a laptop before she closed it and put it into a backpack and stepped out of the car to stretch a bit.

Zaku was leaning against the car, finishing his coffee as he was texting someone on his phone and a sigh of exasperation escaped his lips.

Ree paused at the edge of the building watching them quietly, eyes narrowing at Zaku faintly with a frown. Zaku dyed his hair? Turning his focused on Cordelia he shifted to the ball of his feet and walked with near cat-like quiet and grace toward the still life. Making no attempt to hide himself other than to walk quietly.

Cordelia exhaled a breath she had been holding in. Not that she really had to breathe, it just happened sometimes. She looked over to see Ree and moved to wave but stopped and stared at him, her eyes wideneding slightly. "Uhh.. Ree... What the ******** are you thinking.." she blurted out suddenly, looking a bit alarmed.

Zaku turned to look over to what Cordelia was reacting to. As he settled eyes on Ree, he took a moment before narrowing his eyes. "Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke..." he muttered with a twinge of unamusement and a slight bit of defeat.

Cordelia put a hand against her forehead and sighed heavily, shaking her head a bit. "...I'm just.. utter speechless...."

Ree he went from tip-toes to normal footing but stopped as he looked at them and finally glanced back just to make sure nothing was behind him then looked back at them confused. "What?" there was a hint of irritation already.

Cordelia sighed, looking worried but also slightly relieved that Ree didn't appear to have made it intentional. "How to say this..." she pointed to his hip. "Don't you think it's a little bold of you to walking around with the weapon you were accused of killing a city leader with..." she spoke in a hushed tone, looking pretty concerned now.

Zaku didn't exactly know how to feel about it. Tri had seemed so confident that Ree didn't even know how to use a sword that this seemed all too fishy for his tastes. Though, Cordelia had assured him that Ree was in fact framed with whatever information she had gathered about the parley. Downing the rest of the coffee, he threw the empty cup into a plastic bag designated for trash in the car for the moment. It's not like he was in any condition or position to complain about how Ree presented himself. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. "I've been too distracted to come up with much of a plan... not that they ever seem to work... Do you have anything thought out?" he started in, not really up to questioning the sword at the moment.

Ree stared at her and looked down at the sword he had pretty much slept with so he didn't have to figure out how to put it back on. He paled then redden as he looked back up at them embarrassment mixed with sternness. "I did not kill him, plus that sword was still with (criel) when they found it. " he sighed and waved down tot he weapon at his side. "This is a friend's sword....she asked me to take it since well... you will see what the problem is. " he sighed again and tried not to make more of a fool of himself than he already did. Stupid stupid stupid... it was more of an amazement they didn't attack him when he first appeared.

"I can take the sword out for the moment if it makes you feel comfortable but I am not taking the sheath off.. I don't think I can tie it properly back again" Ree muttered and shook his head narrowing his eyes at both of them.

"Yes, I have at least tried to get some information from those that were there... I assume your spy is coming? or will we continue without them?" Ree asked quietly, his demeanor changing or actually never changed from the point that Ashral asked him to be her boyfriend... mostly serious other than for the small bit of humor here and there that were short lived.

Cordelia snorted a bit then sighed. She looked over to Zaku and shook her head. "He has a point, besides, I already told you he didn't do it...."

Zaku sighed then turned to lean against the car, putting his arms folded onto the hood of the car. "It's fine, leave it. If anyone sees you, the least of your worries is the sword, most of it is with being seen with me... which puts us both at risk, so naturally we won't be out in the open for anyone to see it." he commented then waved his hand dismissively. Zaku looked mentally exhausted by this point as he closed his eyes for a moment. "If you do want to remove it, I know how to tie it again if really needed..." he mumbled then looked to Ree again, his deep blue eyes peeking out from his slightly messy blonde hair. "My informant will not be joining us, so we will be continuing without them. So what information do you have that would help us out with finding her..."

Ree smirked faintly at the comment about not being out in the open when they were doing exactly there, the smirk faded though to be replaced by a look of confusion as his heart suddenly picked up in beat as he stared back at the tired dark blue eyes mixed with the offer to help. He blinked a couple of times and shook his head "If you don't mind then it's fine, lets just get out of view though before we are spotted... " he motioned for them to follow as he phased through the wall of the warehouse by him and opened the door from the inside.

Zaku pushed himself from the car and shoved his hands into his pockets, walking around the car toward the building that Ree phased into followed by Cordelia. They entered into the warehouse as Ree opened to door for them, looking around to get a bearing of the surrounding. Zaku stared intently at Ree, his expression fairly serious at the moment. He waited for Ree to start in on what he had.

Cordelia made no noise at all as she moved, looking between the two but stood her ground next to Zaku, hands slid underneath the straps of the backpack she was carrying on her back. "What's the plan?

"You came early " Ree meet Zaku's stare but this time there was no confusion as he glanced between them and sighed. "I have someone coming to ... " he paused because while he normally would have said who it was and what they would do, this was just a temporary truce. " check ....something. That will confirm where Kage is. It is better than going directly to Hanale on a guess. " he muttered, it was not the most eloquent of escapes but unless they ask more that should do. " It might not work but there is a high chance and it beats jumping there blindly. " he explained looking at them intently before focusing on Zaku. "They should be arriving in a few hours "

Cordelia and Zaku looked at each other and nodded. Cordelia looked at Ree with a thankful smile. "That's good.. Because after a long jump, I won't be able to jump at all for 8 hours. I might be able to do short jumps after that.. But very short. And it hurts like hell. So knowing the place we are going is where we need to be will cut down on time of doing multiple jumps if we are wrong." she explained and sighed with relief.

Zaku nodded in agreement. "So in the meantime.. We should set ground rules, get on the same page, make contingency plans in case we enter overwhelming combat. As much as I am reluctant to tell you what I can do... Its necessary if we really want to get her back. So I'm at least trusting you for now." he took a deep breath, shifting his weight as he pulled out a hand from his pocket to run his hand through his hair again. "My power set is limited honestly. But I can heal, make some fairly lucky things happen, I can control with words or subdue with song... Levitation... And I can talk to trees...." he listed off, looking away for a moment as he mentioned to last power. "I'm also fast... So running is a strong suit of mine."

Cordelia hesitates but spoke, "I control shadows. Shadow jump. Shapeshifting and shadow replications. I can also command with words. I can't feel pain. And.. Uhh.. I, really good at hacking.. That's not a power.. That's just something I'm really good at but you knew that already."

Zaku paused as his phone vibrated and he pulled it out to look at it then smiled faintly but his expression became serious again as he looked to Ree. "Someone else will be joining us. They will meet us wherever we jump to. It's Lucian... So I hope that's okay." he spoke bluntly.

There was a flicker of surprise but he nodded to Cordelia. He had assumed she would be completely out of commission and had already looked for a few places in Hanale where they could jump to directly and leave her at.

He was about to ask for a little more detail before Zaku started talking and he turned his attention to him, nodding slightly in agreement then looking very faintly surprised then concern and finally thoughtful before turning to Cordelia. He frowning faintly as she listed her powered before nodding in agreement to her last statement, what he knew of her he hoped she would be able to use if they had complete lost track of Hexxis and Kage.

Catching movement he snapped his attention back at Zaku, tensing as he focused his eyes on the muse's hand only to relaxed a little as he realized it was just a phone. Yes he was nervous, two versus one wasn't already good odds and who know how long it would take Ashral to realize it and come help...and once they were off? He would be out numbered.

"Lucien? " //ha...hahaha// he looked at him questioningly, feeling an argument behind the statement if he disagreed. He shrugged slightly, actually a little relieved even if he was not happy about who it was. Just one more reasons for Mara to kill him. "It depends on him. Is he okay working with me after what happened or will there be trouble?" He said seriously, wanting to know to be prepared instead of finding out in the middle of battle or after. "His skills might be useful, especially since the other person that was coming with me had a prior engagement. " he sighed shifting his wings as he moved toward the nearly empty bag he left on a makeshift table, a rust metal slab over some wet and now useless concrete packs, and pulled out a notepad and pen he took from one of the hotels and tore off the used pieces of paper before stuffing them into his pocket.

"So Heal...Luck? I didn't know that could be a skill" he looked surprised then worried, it explained why Zaku had stayed alive all this time. "Levitation... Talking to trees, that can be useful" he cast Zaku a curious glance to see how he reacted to that, already off the top of his head he could see a few ways to use that even if it sounded odd, great he was a traitor ".. and commands though word and song. Skill: running //away// " he sighed at the last, glancing up as if asking if he missed something before moving on to Cordelia. "Shadow teleport, shape-shift...shadow replication and a command ability too. skill: hacking ..." Then he wrote another list down below and wrote down the things he was going to say before looking up at them calmly. He was reluctant to say his own powers, knowing once this was over and if they all survived, all of that will be used against him as well, but it was also the only way for them to work together cohesively.

"My power set as far as I know are Telekinesis, healing, Enshroud, phasing, Sight teleport, I think a light based attack....and then something that might be luck if that is real but I have no idea. Skill wise..nothing that would really help"Ree looked away slight when his explanation started becoming garble and things started flowing into his inexperience."SIU doesn't really work much on metas so....anyways. " he looked back a bit more determined.

"Kage as far as I was able to find can manipulate shadows, can command others as well as locking and unlocking things and powers. On top of that he has one of our...armor suits " Ree glanced toward Zaku and motioned down to the sword. "You said you knew how to tie this...do you have any advance experience with a weapon? "

Zaku texted one more thing then put his phone away. "There won't be a problem, he's pretty grateful to come along despite it involving you. His current situation isn't very ideal so he's desperate." he half-mumbled. Zaku didn't seem bothered by anything else going on, just tired. His phone began to vibrate, and grumbled a bit as he checked it.

Cordelia frowned, realizing how stressed out Zaku was. "Zaku, you forgot root."

"Mm? Yeah... I can control roots. Create them.. Make leaves, cut with those too.." he sighed, "Sorry..."

Turning her attention back to Ree. "So three healers.. That'll be helpful." she commented, noting Ree's powers. Then listening to what he knew of Kage.

Zaku seemed preoccupied with thought as he suddenly blinked at the question, looking at the sword. "Oh.. Not advanced,.. Just experience. Proper use, some fighting techniques. I could hold my own with a sword or dagger if I needed to, but it's been a while since I've used one. As for other weapons. I know how to use a gun and that's about it. I dont normally use weapons."

"I can snipe... Got the rifle in the trunk..." Cordelia added with a slight frown of guilt as Zaku didn't even look at her about it, choosing to ignore it. Cordelia paused for a moment then looked away. ".......one more thing... I don't like doing it.... but I can animate the dead... and well, inanimate objects too... but it's not exactly a fun power so I'd rather not use it..."


Ree stared at Cordelia blankly, as what he told Ashral earlier about Hexxis eating Kage's body came to mind. He looked down at the paper to hide the faint hint of a smile that came out, serious okay this was serious and those powers are horrible... yes....yep keeping telling yourself that. He added the last two skills and looked back up at them, oh yes Lucian. Hm...was he forgetting anything. "I can also hear electronics..or anything with an electrical charge and two artifacts" it was passive so it was like saying that he had constant tinnitus but was able to differentiate and ignore most of the time.
"What are Lucian's powers? " he sighed and added another row, there were things here to work with at least. Looking up he listened to Zaku then at Cordelia and raised a faint brow but said nothing.

"...about that. Kage might have kidnapped Hexxis and is a danger but ... well " Ree tilted his head looking at them. "He is also the one who could possible save Hexxis... Save her from her Haven programing. Lock that and everything else away and let her start anew. I also don't hold high expectations of doing that but it was a thought... "he sighed and looked at Zaku. "You said ground rule... can you clarify?"

Zaku took some time to figure out how to word the answer, "Lucian create fire and glow... Heal just as well as I can. He can move metal.. telekinesis... teleportation which is a new ability for him. He's also a telepath... and our main form of communication to keep off radio frequencies. He has another ability that he does not talk about nor does he use, so I will unfortunately have to keep that one a secret." he looked over to Cordelia, "It's an ability no one but him and myself know... so it's for the best." he commented then looked to Ree with a stern look. "Now... weaknesses. That is also important. I am a slow healer... and I'm weak to darkness... Being that Kage is shadow based, that might be a problem. Cordelia is weak to music... that shouldn't be a problem... Lucian..." he paused and sighed, "He's weak to darkness as well if you can cancel out his light somehow, water and cold....... then there's the fear of females." he shook his head a bit. "He's powerful though, so I suppose it's a give and take." He took a moment to collect his thoughts into a more tranquil state, letting go his distractions. He listened to Ree add information before asking about ground rules. "Hmm.... more like.. establish a plan of action... and discuss what will happen if we do rescue her... and what will happen if we capture //or kill// Kage.... And what to do with anyone else that's with him... Then there is the topic of if he has Andy again.." he then sighed, "Then I will need to ask if there is anything that I should know before going into this... Anything that could affect this mission..."

Ree crossed his arms and frowned listening but not writing it down at he stared closely at Zaku. This...he couldn't be this crazy could he? Knowing each other's powers was pushing it but telling their weaknesses? "Let clear something out now. This is a temporary truce as you said why are you giving me your weakness? " his wings were tenses slightly because he could easily see one or two person not making it out if they were able to get hexxis in the first place. Stupid...stupid stuipid and repeating it in his head was not making it better since he was still continuing forward with it for some reason... this wasn't even so much for Hexxis as it was for Tri because he knew Tri would keep trying to rescue her.


Zaku narrowed his eyes. "Because we are likely going into combat if he attacked SIU to get Hexxis. Getting her back will be no easy task. You would have figured it out eventually. It doesn't matter to us whether you know our weaknesses. We've fought as a team for years and have learned to overcome them in our own ways as well as cover each other should the need arise. The last thing we need is to be unaware that someone is weak to an attack and let them take it." he sighed once more, shaking his head. "You don't have to share yours. It doesn't matter, you can take that risk. I know this is temporary, but combat is combat." he waved a hand dismissively. "But we can move on..."

Ree looked quietly at Zaku and just shook his head at the dismissive action he just portrayed. The fact they are weakness meant that they still aren't strong in it, if they made a team that worked together and aimed for those weakness.....it was just the same disregard to knowing a person's item...what hurt SIU the most was just the lack of trained metas. He stared at them silently for a bit as he decided, if it wasn't one of the armor unit weakness as well "Water, weakness to water " he muttered before moving on. "You said anything you should know what would affect the mission. I have no idea what you know, so why don't you start there?"

"I don't know... we don't know you... so if nothing comes to mind... then it's fine. The only thing I have that might affect my performance is my own personal grudges against him... for Andy.. and for Hexxis." Zaku shoved his hands into his pockets again, just keeping them there in a relaxed stance, he seemed to smile a bit. "That's all I have... just that I'd have a hard time not killing him in the most painful way possible." he spoke with an almost cheerful undertone to the comment, then glanced around. "So I suppose we are just waiting now?"

"......we're waiting yes" Ree sighed. "In terms of that ...... I don't know. I should want to kill him but at the same time...while it feels unfair and I want to hurt him... focusing on just killing him is a distraction. The main thing is getting Hexxis right?" he closed his eyes for a moment then opened them to look at Zaku. " So... what I said before of hoping to capture him so he can repress Hexxis memories and give her a chance at a normal life really doesn't matter much to you?"

Zaku seemed to hesitate and frown... "Seeing that she was brainwashed by Haven in the first place... I honestly can't say I'm unnerved by the idea of her having a fresh start. While I want to see him suffer, I can't deny his usefulness in at least helping her. But that's to say he would.. Or could. On the other hand, trying to lock away her conditioning could just make it worse knowing the way Haven works....."

Cordelia merely frowned, looking to the ground as the topic of Haven came up and she remained silent.

Ree watched him carefully and nodded. "She has been in there for 7 years and had 2 months... " he frowned. " A little less.... of less painful memories before those were gone again. " he said softly to try and make a point of how long she had been with haven.

" As for Kage well.. I did say it was a long shot, but when he worked on Andy " he meet his eyes not looking away as yes ..he broached the subject. " She was a clean slate with only her learned motor and verbal skills. If he were to go a far to take that as well...she could relearn those. Haven is though but there is only so much a squishy thing made of matter can take" he sigh tapping his head, what he offered sounded bad but in the long run was better. "Which is only again a possibility. I just wanted to see if you were okay with it since it makes things harder. So in terms of a loose plan ...main goal is rescue hexxis. are we okay with that?" he looked between them but mostly to Zaku since now ...three will be his members.

Zaku held gaze with Ree as he spoke of Haven, a glimmer of pain and remorse in his own eyes. 7 years... "Personally, I'm conflicted. Seven years of Haven conditioning isn't so easily circumvented. But if he could, and affect everything they did to her.. maybe that's for the best. I... honestly couldn't make that call... I was never there for her.. she doesn't even know me. So how could I make that choice for her." He sighed, "Besides, who's to say he hasn't already done that... and worst case scenario, put in his own conditioning into her mind." He shook his head, "It's uncertain to say the least, but if that is what happens, I wouldn't stop it." he paused, narrowing his eyes slightly. "What would Tri say about it..."

"But yes... main goal... rescue Hexxis." Zaku confirmed then paused again. "And what about after that... where is she being taken..."

"easily circumvented..." Ree nearly laughed and shook his head instead seeing the pain in his eyes...empathy empathy . "nothing about that is "easy". What are the two things science can't explain? the soul and the mind ...basically consciousness. If they could Hexxis wouldn't have started to break her conditioning on her own. ....and I am getting off track. " he riffled his wings. "Yes, worst case scenario he already did that...so that means fighting Hexxis on top of all that. " he didn't look disturbed though. "Tri? ..... " he his gaze darkened slightly and he shook his head. "I don't know what Tri would say. I only know what as long as she is happy and not being hunted he won't care "there was a flicker of anger. "After that? Well she can't be taken back to SIU if we leave Kage and going with you won't help her out mentally. Sending her off with Tri is the best option even if we do capture kage, unless you disagree. " he sighed but watched Zaku to see his reaction.

There was a flicker of surprise and concern in his expression, "Wait... started breaking her conditioning? What do you mean?" Zaku questioned, not sure what he meant by that.

He nodded as he answered the question about Tri, seemed fair. Then he suggested that they would send Hexxis off with Tri if and when they rescued her. "That would be preferred honestly. So we get her back and send her off with Tri." he nodded in agreement.


Ree nodded "When she first came...she was conditioned not to show emotions and only follow orders. She was made to be a weapon.. she was a weapon down to her thought pattern. Eventually she started to change, even fighting against her commands. Feeling jealousy anger, love etc. Big break is when she throws a tantrum runs away and is found later being used by some mercenary in every sense of the word... that same one who brought you Kae only 3 weeks later" he said dryly. "So the conditioning is possible to break but I had ot guess it is because she spent a god awful amount of time doing nothing in a blank room" he tried to push his anger down instead of just keep going on this line of thought.

Placing the pen down he sighed..needing to figure out how to mesh himself into their group without having nay practice before hand. "So you three and myself. Plan wise the best way to get around his abilities is to sneak and hit him directly while ..Lucien teleports off with Hexxis unless Hexxis is awake. "

"To cut of commands the only thing I could think of is cutting off his airflow or block our hearing . To counter his Lock... there is no real good way to do that other than to make him disoriented. The only way to shut him down is to collar him. " he looked highly uncomfortable.

"I have a few collars but that could easily be turned against us if we fail... and he starts ordering people. As for the armor.... that is both easy and hard to stop ..." Ree looked at Zaku. "the battery pack is its weak point but I heard he added a second one into the design... if we have to kill him" there reluctance, wings shifting uncomfortably and lowering slightly. "As long as my phasing doesn't get blocked a I can shove a sword or anything really through him and the packs and then solidify it "

"When we arrive, Cordelia will need a few minutes to get back on her feet. So I suggest she either watch the shadows and control them from a distance to our favor or snipe. At least this time she is instructed to do so instead of going on her own."

There was a slight flicker of guilt in her eyes again.

Straightening slightly, he pulled out a hand from his pocket to slide his hand over his hair to slick it back in a way as he held it there as he spoke, "You and I can go in to attack head on, and Lucian can locate and teleport Hexxis out. The only downsides I see. Are that if he can command, he likely has mental resistance so Lucian won't be able to read him and my commands likely won't work on him. I can entangle him in roots to slow his movements while you can attack offensively. He will likely try to lock either of our powers, from there we switch. Use telekinesis to hold him, and I'll use cuts to attack. Just try to keep a tactic of one holds and the other punches until we really have no options left. If it comes to that and Lucian's out with Hexxis, we can choose retreat and hope he's not too pissed to chase us down." he thought for a moment. "Cordelia can provide cover fire and if things get too heated, we scramble and she creates replicates to run in the fray and confuse him. If he doesn't know which ones real, then it might help." as he mentioned the collars he seemed to get an idea. "We could confuse him that way and collar him if we need to." He quirked an eyebrow about the mention of battery packs in the suit. Oh, right, the suit. s**t. "We can focus the packs during the attacks. Worst comes to worst, phase a sword into it. Or any object really."

"...so...at some point I am going to be healing him to death while you try to convince a tree to become an Ent and Lucien cowers in fear from Hexxis " Ree chuckled softly and sighs

"If we find them..are we on a time table? as far as I know he can't teleport... we can wait until night or I can listen for when the armor is not powered up and we can attack then. Zaku since you're so gung-oh let go. I can lend you an armor piece and gain Mara's eternal enmity. H will just unlock the locks so we might need to make some modifications so it won't fall off easily or at least surprise him when it just doesn't fall off" Ree said surprised at the surge of anger that brought up...he killed two of Mara's people... that wasn't all the Renegades that was Kage too...their armor laying there on the ground near their bodies they ever attacked him first.

"The armor has enhanced strength so you can save your powers until you really need them. I have one ability that will let me check inside the house, if Hexxis joins him we are in trouble. if she doesn't and is out ..then we are in luck. If kage comes out armor distract and I try to sneak attack ....still ends up with Lucien teleporting Hexxis out " he frowns slightly and shakes his head there was no way out of that.

Zaku couldn't help but crack up laughing at Ree's comment. "Yeah.. sounds about right..." he commented inbetween his laughter.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he smiled, feeling a bit more himself. "No time table.. the three of us have nowhere to be and a lot of free time. So waiting is okay." He thought about the suit and tilted his head in thought, "Hmmm... never been in an armored suit.. sounds fun. I say let's do it. Reinforce the locks and I can use luck to either prevent him from getting them all unclasped or to get out if he locks it all down." he added then nodded.

Then it came down to if Hexxis was on their side. That would be a problem. Last time he had fought against her, she was only a child and he almost died. Now she was older and likely had shiny new abilities that none of them knew about. Hopefully she was unconscious and it would be easy for Lucian to get in and out. "And what about her malice?..." he asked suddenly, a slight look of concern on his face.

Ree smiled back as if dragging out that unexpected laugh made him want to laugh as well. Things have been so serious recently and maybe that was the problem, he kept over thinking things. Still standing there punching at him was not going to work. "her malice?" he jerked his head up, eyes serious again then shook his head. "Her malice is out, she won't be a problem" he shook his wings, "So ...find where she is ...teach you how to use the armor in the meantime ...head there then investigate before we move and plan a bit better when we have a little more info?"

Zaku nodded, "Sounds like a plan to me." he then looked to Cordelia with a smile, as if to make sure she was okay with it all too.

Cordelia blinked, looking from Ree to Zaku then nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good to me..."

"okay then..." Ree looked between them and smiled faintly too if unsure. "We still need to wait... so either of you want to sleep or practice?"

That last day... it haunts me. I can't forget Ashral covered in blood attempting to eat was was left of Marion... we haven't talked about it just continued on as if it didn't happen. I should bring it up, but each time it comes to mind I let it go... continue playing as if we were both somehow sane.


There was also Katarina, the murder she committed then her death. We assume by the same person who brought back Ashral for what ever reason. Everything about that is iffy and nothing I found explains it, so I am following what leads I do have. What else do I have to do? literally what else other than lose my mind...

After Elder quest sad before last two posts)

Normality is my Halloween Mask: Part 1

Nothing starts a fun day at the park like phasing to sewer level then running like crazy to get past security before you had to solidify. All the while, using half your spirit in cat form as look out to know where to even surface. Luckily getting out was as easy as just walking out the front door.

"Well that was fun?" He sounded almost questioning as he looked for Ashral. A quick look around told them they were behind the building for the bathrooms, right near what might be a room for extra supplies. There was even enough light to reflect off one of the darken windows to show him his reflection.

Black hair, black wings, a dull bluish glow in his eyes and ornaments, and a gaunt look in general. Running his hand through his hair he purposely turned away, in this light his eyes should appear normal ..glowing eye normal, instead of cat -like just as long as he didn't stare at the spirit.

He grimaced suddenly at the dye smell that wafted up from his hair, after using what he considered was a ton of dye just to get black instead of grey, he was regretting not trying to use a wig instead. Turning he focused away from himself before other memories started to surface. Focusing only on looking for where Ashral appeared instead.

He warned her of the reason the park was open so late and the roaming people dressed up as zombies, clowns and other things. They were safe, just having fun and none will touch them. He remembered the time he wanted to come here during this event but Tri and Mara were always busy and he never wanted to come alone. Even his friends were ...a little to young by human standards to not come without a parent.

Ashral should be fine..but the fake blood? He didn't know if that would set off her bloodlust or make it harder to keep her control with him near by. He fretted, trying to balance both having fun and showing her new things with the dangers they both posed.

A mutter of happy voices made him freeze but it was just a family heading out of the bathroom and joining the others waiting outside for them. He let out a sigh and ruffled his wings, relax ...just relax.

Ashral appeared to be fairly calm about it all, being briefly informed what to expect. She had no problems holding phase other than the array of spirits she had begun to see while in that form that distracted her for at least a full minute before catching up to Ree where they needed to reform. She looked over to him as she solidified, "Hmm..." she made a noise of acknowledgement before looking to where people gathered and walked within the park. She stared with an almost intense curiosity, obviously never seeing anything of this caliber before. The people, the lights, the noise, the smell of tons of food, everything was completely different than she'd ever known. She reflexively slipped her hand into his as she stared at all that she could see from their position, a slight fear in her eyes, even if it was obvious she wasn't actually scared.

Ree looked at her as she slipped her hand into his and he nodded to her silently as he pulled his wings in tightly."ready?" He asked watching her then out to the lights and people,slowly calming down.

Ashral looked to him and nodded. "Yeah." she responded calmly, followed by a faint smile as she, herself, felt more relaxed with Ree there with her



Ree smiled faintly and moved out into the road with her, looking around as a few people walked around dressed moving from ride to ride. A majority didn't but walk laughing or chatting as zombies walked among them focusing on the least aware to leap out and yell or even stop and pose with the most insistent. Ree slowly relax as he turned and pin pointed those he could see in the crowd.slowly he started focusing on other things like the ride themselves above them working and sending riders careening into the darkness with only a passing scream. "I think we need to grab a map .." he said distracted as he held on to Ashral hand and stared up at a coaster.

Ashral followed, sticking close to him as her eyes darted back and forth at all there was to see. Her gaze curious about those dressed up as undead and looked up to those on rides screaming but out of... enjoyment?... Finally prying her eyes away from a person dressed as a ghoul running around jumping out at passerbyers and screaming to startled them, she looked to Ree and nodded. "Map is good." she muttered then followed his line of sight to the coaster with a glint of wonder in her eyes. "What's the purpose of this machine?" she asked within her increasing inquisitive nature.

"To go really fast " there was a flicker of a more genuine smile as he responded, turning to look back after the roller coaster. "Um other wise.. just have fun?" he said spotting a bulletin with multiple containers holding maps. He reached out telekinetically for it then stopped , moving instead to grab two and holding one out to her as he glanced at the other one. "Okay! This one shows the rides..and haunted houses.." there was a flicker of doubt in his voice as he glanced up at her. "We can skip those if you want... there are likely enough rides to try until the park closes"

"Hmm..." she hummed slightly, looking over the map then back up to the coaster. "I... want to try all sort of things..." she looked up at him and smiled. "Just take me to as many things as we can." she requested with a slight enthusiasm laced with an anxiousness that rivaled her inexperienced indecision.

"Okay uh... point at something ont he map and we can try that" he said curiously, willing to pretty much try anything right now since it seemed she wasn't worried. Truthfully he hadn't been on many of these things either but they looked kind of fun. Can't be worse than flying ..or falling.

Ashral looked at the map once more before frowning a bit. She didn't recognize any of the themed named they had implemented for the attractions. Looking back up at the roller coaster in front of them she stared for a bit, "Why don't we just start here?"

Ree looked up at the one they had been looking at before and smiles faintly. "That works" he said looking around for the entrance and motioning to a trail heading toward it that already had a line of people.

Ashral moved to follow him, watching the ride go through its cycle, eyes focused on it carefully as she tried to imagine what it felt like to be on it. "Have you ever done this before?"

"....Never" he replied shaking his head with a hint of trepidation but looking more edger than not. "At least ... not the large ones... Tri took me to one of the smaller children ones. That was more speed that turns "

She nodded in understanding, keeping eyes trained on the ride as the line moved along. She felt her own answer wasnt needed as it was obvious that shed never experienced anything like this before. A slight hesitant frown started in on her face the closet they got to the front of the line. The sound of screams, although followed by laughter, was making her over think the situation nervously.

Ree stared as they were next and he headed toward one of the seats he saw an angel use.. Glancing to Ashral as he left go and maneuvered his wings into the slot uncomfortable before looking over to her with a reassuring smile even if he felt anything but. // right.... it will be fine. Worst case you can sight teleport out.....going 100mph ................ hahahaha //

Ashral moved to sit in the seat next to him, looking more and more nervous as she remained quiet waiting for everyone to settle and the ride to start. She barely knew what to expect and the anticipation was almost too much to bear.

Ree looked over at Ashral as the bars fall down over them and lock sending a burst of adrenaline through him as he grabbed the bars. Phase..he could still phase, not locked into this right. Looking up he watched the person check everyone then move to the controls. " ..." he said nothing as they announced something and the ride jerked into motion. Slowly moving to the edge of the first hill and do-.........

Ashral only seemed to increase in nervousness as the bar came down but everyone else seemed calm so she didn't appear to panic over it. She tensed as the ride began to move and slid along the track up to the first hill. From here, she could see the whole park, eyes lit up in amazement as she tapped Ree and pointed outward at the sight, not even aware of the next step as the ride dropped down the first decline and she closed her eyes, her whimper of fear lost in the whipping air as she really didn't see anything, just knowing they were moving fast. She was only able to open her eyes towards the end but even that felt liberating in its own way. As the cart came to a stop she looked over at Ree quietly fur a few moments before busting out laughing hard.

Ree was grabbing onto the bar at his chest as he leaned forward, his wings straining against the metal box behind them while he smiled contently. He only lean back with a disappointed sound as the ride slowed, sighing he leaned back and turned to stare at Ashral as she started laughing. "I don't think I have to ask if you liked it" he continued to smile before joining her in a soft chuckle where he would have normally laughed. Even as the restraints were pulled off and they could leave he still had the smile on his face as he stretched and ruffled his wings. "Repeat or find another? " torn before wanting to go back and look for something new. The uncomfortable drops of his stomach he felt many times before..but this... he wondered if those with levitation had that much fun. Looking at Ashral he lightly tapped her with a wing. He should take her flying with him.. he knew at least one or two tricks he could do while carrying someone.

Ashral smiled, "You could see everything from up there... And then it felt like when we flew to Khares except maybe much faster..." she commented, with an innocent enthusiasm. "I want to do more things... We can always come back and do it again if we dont find anything." she offered with a much more excited and confident smile."What else is there here? What else can we do?"

"Oh gasp..the pain the horror did you just call me slow? "He muttered with a smile as he turned to look at the map curiously."ho-.." he stopped as music suddenly started playing."let's go see what that is?" He said with a curious look, turning toward the sound with a faint look of happiness.

Ashral gave a stifled laugh, "I don't know for sure... I had my eyes closed on the machine." she confessed with a laugh. She appeared amused by it all but suddenly paused and looked from Ree to the noise then back. She nodded curiously, the smile returning to her lips as he looked to be enjoying himself.

Ree smirked "still called me slow" he muttered but for once didn't look down as they followed the sound of music. Reaching a square where people where gathered watching ghouls dance and sing on stage as fog and laser lights crisscrossed above them.within the crowd those dressed up as zombies and others sneaked along the crowd.

Ashral moved toward the music but stopped just at the edge of the crowd and appeared to not want to go any further, just standing there and listening, watching. She didn't understand it, but it was interesting. She moved to the side as a zombie moved very close to her, staring at them as she stepped closer to Ree but looked more confused and inquisitive, as there was not a hint of fear about her in the confrontation of the undead.

Ree stop at where Ashral paused, wanting to go further in but not pushing it. After a bit he turned to look at Ashral and saw he staring after one of the zombies without looking to entertained. "Lets move to something else? Ride lines should be low while people are here" he whispered to her.

Ashral kept a keen, but perplexed expression about the zombie as Ree suggested to keep moving on to something else and she nodded and began to walk off, never looking away from the zombie until it had shambled off elsewhere. She finally looked up to him, and gave a small smile accompanied by a nod. "That sounds good."

Ree looked at her curiously "something wrong?" He asked looking after the zombie then back to her. Having his finger over another ride, one that spun you really quickly.


"Hmm?" she looked over at him and blinked. "No... Just... He was staring at me." she responded calmly. She continued to walk with him, trying to stay close as she had never experienced being around so many people like this before.

Ree looked after it then shook his head. "Checking if your afraid...I think" he said with a frown looking curious, but avoiding looking to closely at any of the zombies or those drenched in fake blood." Ready?" He muttered leading the way with the map

She had a flicker of deep confusion. "Am I... supposed to be?..." she paused then frowned embarassedly. "...i know they're fake..." Sighing, she looked ahead. "I both do and don't understand the appeal of being scared. While being put in a situation of fear is horrible, having some form of control has an odd allure to it. But it's fine..." She hesitated and looked to him with a faint smile that showed a bit of worry. "Are you scared?"

"Supposed to be? Not really if you are you are...there are worse places than this I heard" he tried to smile but it came out as a grimace as the content look faded."it is different when you been afraid. And no I'm not afraid..I know they are fake" he smirked very faintly.
"Why? Considering one of the haunted houses?"

Ashral paused and tilted her head slightly.,"Haunted house? Is it supposed to scare you?" her confusion and apprehension faded into a grin of amusement. "Maybe I should." she began to chuckle as they walked.

"Uh huh" he smiled faintly "you should.." he said with a hint of teasing in his voice. "Lets go" he smiled and headed instead toward the closest haunted house without apprehension.

Ashral just watched him, blinking then smiled slightly as she followed him in. "Try not to get too scared, okay?" she laughed a little as the person ushering in people into the house cackled and made unconventional small talk with patrons as they entered. The tall figure standing there leaned toward Ashral attempting to separate the two of them momentarily but Ashral tilted her head at the figure and chuckled then ducked around them. "Ree, wait." she called out softly with a bit of a laugh. The first room was filled with mannequins and two people painted up to look just like them that weaved in and out of them within the strobes of the light. One brushed by Ashral and she turned around, trying to pinpoint which ones were moving but couldn't with the way the light was flashing.

Ree made a slight face at her in amusement and followed her in, listening with curiosity at the small talk up to when they were able to enter. A gasps from earlier guests alerted him there was someone right near the entrance... sometimes, since it wasn't everyone. He tense as the figure leaned forward out of nowhere but just stared at them, relaxing slightly as Ashral just tilted her head. Maybe.. yea this will be fine. Moving toward he paused at her voice and waited , tilting her head at her laugh . He jerked suddenly as one of them brushed by his wings but the shifting lights made it hard to pinpoint.... mannquins... huh. Tensing slightly his thoughts moved to Cordelia and Griselle, wondering if those here were painted or actual Still life. "Ready? " he said quietly blinking, still trying to find which one it was but not to worried.

Ashral continued moving, nodding as he inquired if she was ready. As they moved toward the door it felt like the mannequins were following them until they entered the next room. A hallway with metal fencing on both sides as groaning zombies reached through the large grates and tried to grab at them when they walked by. The metal rattled and clanked as they shook it in desperation. Ashral frowned, staying in the middle just out of reach of either side while they walked.

Ree glanced back now and then a slight frown on his face as they reached the next area and he stopped abruptly near the separation between both rooms with a quick glance at Ashral and starting to just let his gaze pass over the zombies quickly as he focused on the other end of the room and started trying to walk quickly through the middle, pulling at Ashral is she was still holding on wings furled in tightly against his back.

Ashral just looked over the hands that reached out as it was hard to tell if she was bored, worried, or legitimately scared. She wasn't holding onto Ree but she was walking fairly close behind him. The next area was pitch black with black painted walls, and a winding hallway that quickly became a confusing maze while people dressed in all black moved about. Every so often there was a whisper of Ree's name in the darkness, sometimes right in his ear so softly. Ashral tensed trying to keep sight on Ree when she ran into a wall, a confused look on her face as she backed up, looking around. She turned until she saw the glow of Ree's eyes and moved that way.


Ree nearly hit the first wall in his rush out of the caged room, it wasn't even that scary but the memories it brought up and the nightmares he had been having didn't help.

Darkness his old friend

Resting his hand on one of the pitch black walls he tried to calm his heart while waiting for Ashral to reach him. Not only the light in his eyes, which was still likely the strongest, but the light in his ornaments with a pale flicker of light seeping out of the new one and a very dull glow from his primary feathers that likely wouldn't have been seen if it wasn't pitch dark. He was staring at one of the trailing edges with a confused frown when the first whispers of his name made him snapped his head up. Feathers bristling as he looked around, focusing on the spirit of each person in the room sharply. Tri? The one time darkness was not his friend was the time Tri turned against him. He wasn't here, this was just a game....but he used to send his shadow to follow him then teleport directly to him...

The glow dulled as he followed the wall in alarm then stopping as he tried to find Ashral, not leaving her either as he pulled darkness to hid himself.


She continued walking forward until the light faded and it was just dark. And while her senses were much more keen than before, she couldn't see him at all now. Her mixed apathy shifted into one of worry. She ran into another wall, except this one was much more softer... A person. "Ree?" she asked curiously before a grotesque bloodied face lit up right in her face and screamed 'WRONG' [/color]they yelled and cackled. Ashral took an immediate three steps back and ran into another wall and screamed herself, sliding to a sit against the wall. She was alone, and now it was exponentially more scary. Ashral suddenly darted into a run, actually running into another actor and kept running until she was into the next room somehow.

The next room was covered in blood and there was an insane doctor performing an autopsy on a live person as they screamed in agony, ripping guts and the doctor laughed and then looked up at her in the doorway. Ashral's eyes went wide and tried to back up but couldn't seem to the door, moving along the wall. "Ree!!" she called out in panic, about to cry.


Ree jumped as he heard his name again and a yelled followed by a familiar scream. His eyes went dead as his mind shifted gears, he tried to rush through the maze skirting the spirit of the first person he saw before another yell of his name forced him to giving up altogether and phase, rushing to where he could see Ashral's spirit before solidifying again.

Miscalculating he solidified right at the end of the dark room between two spirits who said nothing for a moment then screamed in unison. Ree hissed and froze as a light telekinetic push escaped him, very light as he clamped down on it before it became to strong. His teeth were clenched together as he moved forward, not at a run but still very quickly in panic. He heard them moving to follow him and it took everything not to turn around and confront them.

Sliding into the next room he stared at the scene blankly as the memory of different research videos popped to mind. All had been of true races but he didn't doubt it wasn't being done on metas now to..and Ashral... her new body..

Spotting her near the wall, he moved between her and the perfect example of a haven researcher. "Ashral' he said with a strained voice, eyes wide and glowing brightly in fear and worry as he tried to nudge her with a wing toward the next room keeping between them.



Ashral tried to take a step back as someone moved into the room as well, but relaxing as she realized it was Ree, and even running and hugging him tightly. Her hands shaking before taking a deep breath and relaxing more. "...I want to leave..." she muttered with a hint of shame as she moves into the next room, holding onto ree's hand so she didn't lose him again.

'There's only one more room dearie' the doctor taunted, 'maybe your boyfriend can show you the way...' he cackled loudly.

Ashral narrowed her eyes at him even despite her fear, "He's my brother!" she shouted back, sticking out her tongue then continuing on, "just one more, then we are out.." she repeated to mostly to herself before the rev of a chainsaw caused her to freeze. She didn't even know what it was, but it was loud and accompanied by some sort of screaming or squealing as a hardy man in a detailed grotesque pig mask moved at them quickly with the chainsaw in his hands. 'You'll have to go through me first!!'

Ashral exhaled slowly, her reaction much different this time as she stepped to guard Ree but quickly looked for the exit, an open door with a light just outside it to give it more illumination as the way out. She pulled Ree a little closer as she began to run for the door, pulling him with her as she beelined for the door and the actor took the opportunity to chase them, making odd guttural squeaks and squeals. The moment they seemed free of the haunted house she turned and hugged Ree tightly, burying her face into his chest as she appeared to refuse to let go for now.


"Me to" he muttered quietly relieved that she was okay, even fake he had heard he scream to many times before she died. He was also afraid he was going to accidentally kill someone if Ashral screams again, fake or not." We can ph-..." he stopped and followed her, winged furled in close as he stares at her shoulder as the doctor talked. Blinking he stares at Ashral and her response, saying nothing as they moved into the next room and feeling a hint better at the bloody pig man with a chainsaw. At least until he issued out the challenge and he turned back to stare at Ashral's shoulder instead of moving to his first reaction. squeezing her hand as he followed her out of the haunted house and let out breath of relief at the night as people kept walking around as if nothing. It felt wrong in many ways at the sudden change of atmosphere and expected chase. This was for fun...not real and it only brought up fresh memories and experiences. He returned her hug, resting his hand on her upper back as he lowered his head."sorry...sorry" he muttered guilty."It was a horrible idea " he continued softly.

She shook her head, even if she still didn't move her face from being obscured from his chest. "I egged it on. Its okay.. I'm okay." she mumbled, taking deep breaths to calm down. She tried to force a laugh and immediately looked away turning to move on to the next thing as she kept a grip on his hand. She was trying her best to play it off even if it was obvious she was heavily distressed over it.

"....Ash" he muttered and followed her, letting her lead them to the next thing as he looked to the haunted house and back. "I'm not....can we just sit? I can buy us one of those fried things to eat" he said quietly, not resisting her pull if she wanted to keep on going. It would be good for both of them even if he passed it as his own. He truthfully could move on to the next thing but mentally... he was starting to feel a certain coldness creeping up which he was starting to realize was Dark when he hit certain stress points.

She tensed as he called her name, still trying to face away from him as her walking slowed then came to a stop as he suggested they sit. "..uhm... yeah.. we can do that..." she muttered in response with a frown. For the most part she was quiet, just standing there holding his hand as she looked for a place to sit on the area.

Looking over her he nudge her once with his wing and lead the way to an open planter box to sit. He sat down and used his free hand to run it through his hair only to wince as he nearly cut it against the new ornament. He muttered softly and sighed before looking up at her, to see if she was looking at him to still avoiding. "Just for a bit... " he said taking a breath.

She glanced at him through her hair before she moved with him to sit. She was looking off somewhere else, trying to distract herself or so it seemed at first, making a noise of acknowledgement to his statement before pausing and looking down. "I'm sorry..." She muttered, "...are you alright?... how are you feeling?.." she asked quietly while she squeezed his hand a bit.

".....disturbed." he said simply looking down at her hand with a faint frown. "How are you? The one who was dressed up as a doctor..." he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. It was supposed to be funny.. if one of us was scared. Not bring back memories of what we just left. " he said getting up, wanting to move now as she did moments before.

Ashral nodded silently in agreement to how he felt, it was a sentiment she seemed to share. She didn't know how to answer what he asked, how she was, honestly she felt a lot of things and pinpointing the correct words to convey the multitude of thoughts she had at that moment seemed to elude her. "I.. was fine." she started, but her frown deepened. "Being alone in the darkness is both terrifying and comforting for different reasons. But it was the doctor... it made me remember something. Something I don't think I was supposed to remember." she paused then finally looked to Ree, her face red like she had recently been crying but wasn't anymore. "I don't know if it was from when I was alive or when I was a malice. But I remember something very similar. The laughing... And the insides... " she looked off in thought with narrowed, concerned eyes. "...they made us all like that..." she whispered without even realizing it before blinking a bit, frowning, and looking away again. "It's-.. lets just forget about all that haunted house stuff..."

Ree listened quietly, nodding slightly to the darkness understanding the feeling of comfort and fear but for completely different reasons than Ashral. His heart started pounding as she spoke about the doctor of how she was remembering things she wasn't supposed to, laughing and insides...