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Alex and Lycanthrope approved.

((Just warning you guys now, this is really long, even after I shrank the text of the intro story. Sorry, Psalmie and Rio! >.<))

-FoM App-


Name: Lir Typhon Nevermore
(pronounced LEER)
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Race: Lir's bloodline is mixed between the following: Human, Luna Berserker, and an enigmatic race of beings known as the Awakened. However, the blood of the latter two is so thinned within him, that he retains none of the abilities that said races are known for. His general temperament does seem to reflect the phase of the Moon; however, he is unable to use the Moon's power, or go "Berserk", as his ancestors did. For all intents and purposes, he is strictly Human.
Alignment: Good; Allegiance is to the Royal Family of Roisin, or, more accurately, the youngest Princess.
Homeworld: Roisin (ro-SHEEN)

Appearance:
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 157
Body Type: Slender, almost feminine
Skin Type: Fair; slightly tanned
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown, long and flowing; the style usually varies depending on the appearance of the Princess
Other: None.

Clothing: Lir wears very thin garments, usually in shades of green, as is the way amongst his people. His "work clothes" are a very dark green tunic and matching leggings. He also wears four bracelets on his left wrist, three of which are plastic and colored green, white, and orange, while the other is made of willow twigs woven together in a circle; a dark green ribbon, which he keeps tied in his hair; and a silver, metal armguard covering his right arm. He keeps a small pendant ocarina with a silver chain strung around his neck.
Items:

• Green Ribbon - A gift from the Princess. Increases the effects of curative magic on the wielder.
  

Weapons:

• Eris and Dysnomia - A pair of long, curved daggers (could be called shortswords) which gain experience and power along with their wielder.
  They both have black hilts, but Eris' blade is colored dark green on the edge side, while Dysnomia is colored dark purple in the same place.
  Powers:
  Eris - Slight chance of Poisoning the target (It's basically just a Poison Edge)
  Dysnomia - Slight chance of Silencing the target (Basically just a Mage Masher)
  The chances of these status effects being induced by a strike is 5%
  The percentage grows slowly as the weapons do.
  Eris is held in the left hand, and Dysnomia in the right. These are Lir's main weapons.
  
  
• Protector's Bell - A small instrument which deals magical damage instead of physical.
  This tiny blue bell can attack from a bit of a distance, though not far, and deal out very weak magical attacks. Using it consumes MP, but it is a nearly decent substitute for when no Geomancy can be used.
  Powers: None
  

Armor:
Armguard - Simple armor piece. Bound around his arm, to be used as a sort of shield.

Ability Slots:
Lir is a Geomancer - he can use the powers of Nature to strike his enemies. Geomancy uses no MP, but is limited by the location of the user. The attack used depends upon the type of terrain; therefore, he can only use the Geomancy skills he has, if he is standing on the required terrain. Geomancy skills also have an Add-Effect when striking, but there is only a 25% chance that the status effect will be cast.

• Tanglevine {1} - Geomancy that calls forth vines from beneath the ground. Deals Plant damage and has a 25% chance of also placing Stop upon the target.
  Terrain: Grassland, Underbrush, Vines
  
• Torrent {1} - Geomancy that pulls surrounding water into a huge sphere for attacking. Deals Water damage and has a 25% chance of also placing Toad upon the target.
  Terrain: River, Canal, Lake, Waterfall, Ocean
  
• Pumpkin Spice (lv. 1) {2} - Unleashes a group of tiny orange and white sparks which zip through the air quickly and explode near an enemy for eight hits, each at 1/16th the power of a standard attack, then finishes off with throwing Eris and Dysnomia, forming a spiral projectile attack which does 1.50 times the power of a standard attack. All hits in this combo have higher critical percentage than standard attacks.
  This combo is not Geomancy; it uses up all of Lir's MP, even if it is full.
  This attack is only available when Eris and Dysnomia are equipped.
  
• High Jump (lv. 1) {1} - Passive ability which allows one to jump higher and farther than usual.

Strengths: High Magic Strength | High Speed | Tactical Thinker |
Weaknesses: Low Physical Strength | Low Defense | Takes extra damage from Magic attacks

Personality:
Lir is a quiet young man who usually sticks around in the background and only speaks when he finds it necessary. The only person he usually chooses to speak openly with is Princess Taisce. He is a subservient person, able and willing to follow out orders. He is also very loyal - once he has established a connection with someone, be it friendship or employment, he will stick with it for the rest of his life; however, his loyalty and duty to the Princess comes before every other relationship or job.
He has been in service to the Crown for all of his life, so he has always followed orders, and has never had to do things for himself. Therefore, he feels lost without someone always being there to tell him what to do, or having someone to protect.
Likes: His job; music; writing; cigs; pumpkins, watermelon, grapes, and other fruits and veggies
Dislikes: Departed (the city-dwellers of Roisin); unintelligent people; anyone who says a word against the Princess; being stuck in meetings
Greatest Fear: Failing to protect the princess

Family:
Father:
Alasdair Nevermore, 48 yrs.
Mother:
Siofra (SHEE-fra) Camlin Nevermore, 47 yrs.
Brothers:
Sory Aimhirghin (AV-er-yin) Nevermore, 18 yrs.
Destati Julianus Nevermore, 10 yrs.
Sisters:
Luna Beltane (bel-TAN-yeh) Nevermore, 25 yrs.
Ailill (AL-yeel) Nevermore, 10 yrs.

Acquaintances: None
History:

Lir was born in the forest kingdom of Roisin, within the small world of the same name. This is a place where people live within and among the trees, learning to find their way around the forest heights and speak with the earth from an early age; such was his upbringing, but with rare additions. When he was still just a young boy, he was found to be of the same age and similar physical make as Taisce, the youngest princess of Roisin. This spurred on the decision that he would one day be her personal shadow. So, following a decree from the King and his council of advisors, his family gave him up to the care of his new teachers. They passed their ways down to him, beating an extreme measure of discipline into him and teaching him how to fight, how to behave himself in the royal court, and how to win battles of the physical, mental, and political kind, as well as other things. He was brought up by these instructors for many years of his childhood, making him turn out quite a bit different from the rest of his family; he could almost pass as a noble on a good day, although he was still baseborn.

At the age of fourteen, with his instruction and training complete, he was allowed to return to his family. However, he still hardly saw them at all, because it was at this point that his "job" began. From that time on, he spent most of his time silently following the princess, watching over and protecting her. He was allowed time away at least once every few days, to return home and visit his family; however, he spends most of these "off hours" sleeping.

He has retained this job of personal shadow for the past six years now, as he is bound to by the ways of his people for the rest of his life. He has never needed to worry about what may happen in the future, or life outside of his duties to the princess. However, there have been more and more disturbances happening in the world of Roisin as of late, mostly involving monsters with bright, yellow eyes. No one in the kingdom seems to know what they are, except for his father. After much discussion amongst the King and his Councillors, it has been decided to send someone as representative of Roisin off to the outer World, to help in whatever matters may be happening to cause all of this trouble. Due to the Princess' vote of confidence, Lir is chosen as the one to be sent. How will these events affect Lir's simple life?



__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


"That is the reason we are here!" shouted the Chancellor. "These vile things have no business upon our lands, and yet here they are, in increasing numbers!"

"We are quite aware of this already," the Archbishop said, in a much more calm voice. "But what would you, O' wise Chancellor - since you seem to claim such knowledge on the matter - propose as solution? We know nothing of these godless creatures."

"Ah, how happy I truly am, O' exhalted Archbishop, that you would ask such a thing. For 'tis true, as you say, that WE, the Children of Roisin, know not these villains. However, there is one here among us... one who does not belong... An outsider worse than the Departed themselves. Yes, this one who was not born with Roisin's blessings, who came upon our fair land and besmirched Her face with his presence; I assure ye all, my countrymen, that this one knows very well these beasts and their purpose!"

"Possibly, as much as I do yours, Chancellor," the Archbishop countered.

"Would one so holy accuse me of some villainy?"

"Only as much villainy as is ever allowed by the pompous, unnecessary niceties of this Court." After this statement, the rest of the councillors and attendants rose into an uproar, which was soon quieted by the King raising his arm for peace.

"I would know your mind, Chancellor," King Lucian said, leaning forward with a stern look.

"My mind knows nothing of villainy, and such wretched, evil things as have emerged in our paradise, Your Majesty. However, such is the mind of one man here, who has obtained grace and reward, land and home, in a world in which he belonged not, and ne'er shall. This one man came from beyond the dominion of beautiful Niamh, as do, I assure my countrymen, these loathsome things. And this man, as we all must know, is of the name Nevermore!"

Lir snapped to attention upon hearing his last name; he saw his father rise from his seat slowly upon being addressed, and stare into the eyes of the Chancellor. "You want me to speak, eh?" Alasdair asked, not bothering to give the customary bow upon standing.

"Yes, speak, Outsider, and give us your account, if you have any; I am doubly sure you do, and have hidden such truths from us as would fit your agenda!"

"Alright, well, you're right on one thing. I do know about these creatures."

"Alasdair, my old friend," the king said incredulously. "Pray, tell me the Chancellor is not correct in his wild assumptions! You have seen these vile creations before?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have. I've fought more of 'em than I could count. But that was a long time ago. Before I first arrived here."

"Why did you not tell me sooner?"

"Honestly, Your Majesty, I didn't think we'd ever have to worry about 'em here. This's always been a closed world, detached from the rest of the World of Light. I never thought I'd see the day they'd come to Roisin."

"I wish that could have been so, Alasdair," the King said with a slow nod.

"Of course he knows these beasts!" The Chancellor said with a sly smile. "The rogue is in league with them! Don't you see, Your Majesty, that he is the one who has led them here to our kingdom? And here he stands, speaking once again of his 'World of Light' nonsense. I pray, countrymen, pay no mind to his lunatic's babblings!"

"Peace, Chancellor," the King said with a wave of his hand. "'Tis true, my good friend Alasdair was not born one of us. But he has given of himself selflessly many times, to myself as well as this kingdom. He has lived here peacefully with us nigh on thirty years, despite being ostracized constantly by those of us who refuse to see his good deeds."

"Would you welcome him into your home while he uses one hand to rob you blind, and the other to stab your back? Your Majesty, as I've tried to tell you many times, this man is a fiend! Mark my words, if he leaves, so too shall the monsters, for he is the only reason they have come!"

"Well, I suppose that's enough of this nonsense," Princess Taisce said, rising to her feet; Lir quickly did the same. "It shall soon be time for the meeting with the Lords of House Shannon. Let us be on our way, Lir."

"Yes, Your Highness," Lir submitted with a low bow before tailing behind the princess, following every step perfectly. They exited the Council Chamber and began to make their way through one of the Grand Hallways of the castle, which was actually a wooden tunnel construct connecting many trees at mid-level.

"I pray my good Lir shan't harken to the words of the Chancellor, or think on them even a moment. He clearly knows not what he says."

"If that is the mind of my lady..."

"Your mind is not of a like?"

"Of course, Princess... 'Twas not my meaning... I apologize."

"With no need? I would hear your thoughts."

"'Tis nothing, Your Highness."

"If it troubles my friend, 'tis certainly something. Will you not share your troubles with one who wishes you well?"

"If you wish it, I cannot refuse, Milady."

"I do wish it."

"Very well. Truth be told, I cannot help but think that the Chancellor does indeed know the words spilling from his self-subservient tongue. In fact, I very much believe that he means them. Ever has he held loathe and enmity to my name. His tongue is repulsed to speak it, and his eyes grow dark at the sight of me and my kin. Should he fall prey to the evil results of his own machinations, he would waste not a moment in setting the blame upon my father, and convincing himself and all others that this be infallible truth. Were it not for my father's friendship to the King, we'd be banished long 'ere I took my first step, or even my sister Luna, five years my elder, did the same. He is a godless cur unfit for Roisin's blessings, and if I were born into this world with any worth, I'd have done something to remove him from his place years ago."

"...That may be so.... But..."

"I have stung my lady with my rash words, as if she were my true target," Lir said in a hurt tone. He quickly dropped down to one knee and lowered his head. "Punish your unworthy shadow as you see fit, Princess. I'll not refuse."

"Shall I punish a good man for speaking his mind?" the Princess asked as she knelt down to pick him up off the floor. "Now up with you."

"Princess, you must not be seen doing such a thing! If the Councillors-"

"Damn the Councillors! I care not. Now, up with you, else I shan't think twice of kicking you the rest of the way!" Lir finally rose to his feet, and Taisce brushed the dust off his leggings with a stern frown. "Good. Now, I'll have no more of this talk of worthlessness. Do you doubt how much you are worth to me?"

"...Nay, Your Highness. Your word is the only truth to my ears.

"Then I shall trust my good Lir feels much better, having finally given voice to the weight upon his heart."

"Tremendously, Princess. I thank my lady for allowing me such release, cold as my words may have been."

"If that is all the chill I shall recieve from you, I shall welcome your Winters heartily. Henceforth, whenever you feel the need, I pray you, speak to me. I'll not have you suffer these squalls in silence."

"My lady is kind overmuch. Such gifts you give to me, and I, a common rogue, with no means to give you anything in return."

"Nonsense! Am I not your friend? 'Tis the way of friendship, and birth shall have no say in it! Your continued presence is the only gift I make so bold as to request. 'Tis all I require."

"Shalt recieve it for all my days among the living, Milady."


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Lir hated meetings, but he put up with them for the Princess. He wasn't required to take part in them; he was simply there, as always, to watch over her. When it was finally over, and the nobles had departed, he happily followed Princess Taisce out of the meeting room.

"My mind grows fatigued at the number of suitors constantly wasting my time! Do they not realize I'll keep sending them off with no answer?" the princess fumed, placing her hands upon her hips and popping her knuckles in a most unladylike fashion.

"As long as the bluebloods continue to take their day's efforts from your father's purse, I would assume they shan't mind a constant refusal." This set the princess into a bout of laughter, and she patted Lir gently on the back.

"Your humor does good to lighten my wearied and heavy mind, my good Lir. What would this one do without you?"

"Such kind words... I am not worthy... I thank you, Milady."

"Yet my father allows them into the castle, and sends them straight to me! Does he think to have the full set so soon? Three of his daughters now married off or betrothed, and happy with their quaint little lives, and he would see his youngest upon the same road! I'll not have it! I refuse!"

Lir waited a moment before responding, not wanting to interrupt. "...Your royal father wishes only to give what he believes is best for you, Milady."

"Perhaps... But he doesn't understand. 'Tis not the life I desire! My oldest sister is to have the crown; why should I be tied to the bothersome thing as well? I would not want it, or any part of it, and I'd not take it even to save my life! Such a complacent and stale thing, to live bound in this castle, or some lordly estate, married off to some pompous noble. I... I should think I'd rather be at an end of my life."

"My lady... If I may speak plainly..."

"You may."

"My lady, please, your shadow begs you humbly to refrain from thinking in such a manner! This servant cannot stand the thought of his Lady taking her life, for his, without his duty to her, would be empty and devoid of purpose."

"Hm... Very well, then. I suppose one should not be selfish. I swear, my good Lir, I shan't speak a word more of such resolutions; not as long as your duty still holds you to me."

"'Tis not duty that holds this shadow to you."

"What, then?"

"...'Tis nothing. I did but speak hastily."

"It must be something which holds very well, as well as duty doth hold; and my good Lir is filled overmuch with sense of duty, such that I daresay his holds thrice as well as most. As well as well can be, such is this, but 'tis not duty, you say?"

"...I shan't speak of it any more, Your Highness."

"Then why speak hastily, only to slow one's tongue to a halt? Is something upon my shadow's mind not fit for sharing? Must I simply press you more to cause more hasty speech?"

"Please, I beg of you, torment me no longer, my lady. I shan't speak of it any more. 'Tis nothing I would wish departed from my mind."

"Would my shadow lie to me?"

"Never, Milady! He would sooner cut out his own tongue than offer any false utterance. Only... He would desire to keep some things within his mind to himself, for his own reasons. Shadows have reasons for keeping near the dark and fooling the eyes, after all."

"Then I shall desist, at the moment... If only for the sake of my good Lir. I pray you, think not ill of me for teasing. I seem to have taken some sport in prying, and for that, I apologize."

"My lady is truly most gracious. This servant humbly accepts... Ah! We've arrived at the Council Chamber, Milady."

As the two of them entered the Council Chamber again, they heard the tumult of several voices discussing something rather excitedly.

"Yes, yes, we've already decided that someone must go," the Archbishop was saying. "If there are troubles here, something beyond Niamh's dominion must be solved to set all worlds to right. But who could possibly survive out there, in a realm inhabited by even more of these... er... 'Heartless', as Master Nevermore has so named them?"

"If His Majesty asks it of me, I will go, of course," Alasdair offered with a bow. "I've taken on missions like this before. And it's true... With Heartless showing up here, things must have somehow gone bad again in the World of Light. I don't know what... But someone has to help out. And if it's gotta be me, well damn, I ain't gonna refuse."

"Why should we allow you to go?" the Chancellor asked, his face furious. "So that you could summon more of these beasts, and send them to our doorstep?"

"Peace, Chancellor," King Lucian said, leaning forward in his seat. "I have already made it plain to the entire Council that I personally vouch for my friend Alasdair's good name. Such accusations will gain you nothing, other than being removed from this meeting!"

"This is madness!" the Chancellor roared, but soon fell silent.

"We still have not determined who will undertake this journey!" the Archbishop said, breaking the silence. "Master Nevermore, your efforts are wholly spent in destroying the creatures which appear in our world, and protecting the kingdom. Would we send you away so quickly, and lose our only warrior bearing experience with the Heartless devils? This cannot be done! We must choose someone else. Another warrior; someone capable of defending himself."

"Why not send Lir?" the Princess spoke up suddenly. "There is no warrior to match him, in my eyes."

"Your eyes, dear Princess," said the Archbishop, "have never seen the horrid thing that is war. Indeed, they have hardly seen combat or strife in any form. Young Master Nevermore, as truly valuable as he no doubt is to Your Highness, is but a sapling in comparison to our finest soldiers."

"This may be so... However, I must insist. My faith in my good Lir is unshakeable. Besides... He is his father's son." Here she turned to her servant with a smile. "What say you, my faithful shadow?"

"I must put forth as much resistance as I am allowed. Princess, I beg you, send me not from your sight! Without your shadow's daggers to protect you, would not harm come to my lady? I cannot bear even the thought of it!"

"Oh, does my good Lir think me so weak? What of this duty to the outside? Does it not benefit all? Would you not be protecting me, if only in a different way?"

"I do not agree with this decision, but if my lady asks it of me, I can do naught but obey. If you wish it, I shall fulfill this task in my lady's name."

"I do wish it."

"Very well; if His Majesty agrees, shalt see me gone with haste tonight."

"My shadow's voice is burdened... Is my good Lir well?"

"Quite well as always, Your Highness. This one's only purpose is to serve the Princess. Nothing is too great to ask."

"If you are sure..." Princess Taisce then turned to the King. "Father, what think you on this choice? Shall we send my good Lir to the stars' aid?"

"If the Council agrees...?" the king asked, glancing around the room. All of the councilmen nodded, except for the Chancellor, who simply stood in his place, glaring at Alasdair. "Then it is decided by vote. Our representative to these... Inhabitants of the Outside... shall be young Lir Nevermore. This Council meeting is finished. Let us away to the dining hall!" Everyone rose from their seats with much commotion, and the entire room emptied, except for the Princess and her shadow, who simply remained fixed to their spots in silence for a moment, and the usual guards standing by the entrances.

"I... I rather hope... my good Lir is not... angry with me..."

"Angry?" Lir echoed slowly. "'Tis not my place. My life belongs to my lady. How could this servant have any quarrel with the one for whom he lives?"

"I am relieved... Well, then... You've a long journey to come... It would please me if my good Lir were to return to his home, so that he may rest himself and visit with his family."

"The guards shall take up their turn in your defense?"

"Of course," the Princess replied as she gestured for the guards to gather near her.

"...Then... I shall take my leave of you... Your Highness." Once the guards were surrounding the Princess, Lir departed the chamber without another word.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



"So, you're all set, son? Got everything you need?" Alasdair asked. Lir nodded absent-mindedly. He was never truly comfortable around his family, seeing as he hardly spent any time with them at all throughout his life. In fact, tonight may well be the first time he had spent more than a few minutes with any of them, in years. He was sitting inside the old Gummi Ship with his father, who was checking every little detail for perfection.

"Aye."

"And did ya say yer goodbyes t'everybody? Your brothers n' sisters?"

"Aye, and Mother."

"And the Princess?

"....The Princess.... I shan't think I'll return to her tonight."

"Why not? What's wrong?"

"...She.... She is so... frustrating! She fills my mind with endless confusion! I seek a solution in my solitary thoughts, but none can be found. 'Tis the most horrible pain I carry, even in the face of all my battles. I am lost."

Alasdair broke into a bout of loud laughter at this, for some reason. Lir gave him a puzzled look, eyebrow lowered and mouth half-open, just as his father was always prone to do. When the older man finally calmed down a bit, he slapped his son on the back heartily. "They all are, m'boy! They're all ********' confusing as hell."

"...Who? Royals?"

"No! Women!"

"Women?"

"Yes, women. They drive us all crazy. In fact, I think they thrive on it. But we tend to constantly piss them off, so I think they have a right to drive us crazy. Son, try not to get too mad at the Princess just 'cause she confuses you. You're kinda upset that she volunteered you for this, huh? It was written all over your face earlier today."

"...I do not wish to leave her side... Yet, I also wish to follow her every command. If she wishes me to go, then I must. Yet...."

"You're gonna miss her," Alasdair finished for him, patting his son gently on the shoulder. Lir nodded, but said nothing else. "I understand, son. If I were the one going, I'd miss your ma. I'd miss her terribly." At this, Lir's face went bright red.

"Father! I... But... The Princess.... That's not...! You...... W-what are you implying?"

"Just filling in the blanks, kiddo," Al chuckled.

"Th... This is completely different!"

"Aaahh, looks like I pushed some buttons. Look, son, don't mind me. You have to listen to your heart. You're going to miss her, right?"

"Of course!"

"Then go tell her that! I've got this under control. Go talk to her, straighten things out, and I'll still be here when ya get back. Besides, you're a Nevermore; we tend to be more lucky on a full moon. So you've got a good chance of not spewing out the wrong words." He winked at his son, then went back to his repairs. Lir hesitated a moment, then jumped out of the Gummi Ship. It had been parked outside of the Nevermore home since before he was even born... Odd to think that it would soon be moving. But he soon shook all thoughts from his mind except those of the Princess.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Princess...?" Lir called as he knocked gently upon the door. He stood outside her bedroom, the place he usually sat in silence all night, guarding her in her sleep. Tonight would not be spent that way. After a short moment, the door finally opened, revealing the Princess, who now wore her thick green nightgown. Without a single word, she pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around his thin frame and resting her head upon his shoulder. "P...Princess! You cannot be seen doing such a thing!"

"I care not! I shall miss my friend, and I cannot bear it! Will he allow me to have this moment? I shall need it to carry on without him by my side."

"...Have it, and keep it, my lady. All that I am, and all that I have to give, belongs to you."

"Then my good Lir is angry with me no longer?"

"Not anger, Milady. Only grief, that I must needs depart from your side."

"Please forgive my hasty decision. I wished only the best for our kingdom."

"There is nothing to forgive, Princess. Your shadow feels pride and joy that his lady holds of him so high an opinion, to place such a thing upon him. Yet... Yet, I shall feel rather empty, not to be at your side. I shall do my best to carry on my duties."

"And I shall do the same, though I shall be in pieces without my shadow. This moment, I pray, will hold me together as best it can. My good Lir... We are friends, are we not?"

"Of course, Milady. Who other than yourself has ever been a friend to this humble servant? I have neither memory nor want of any others. If friend is the name my lady chooses to call me, then my heart is indeed lightened with joy."

"I am pleased to hear it. I beg you, my good Lir, grant me one request."

"Anything, Your Highness."

"I would have you return to me alive and unharmed, once all this is finished. And.. I would see your smile more often, once you are victorious."

"...If you wish it."


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"And that's about it! Think you can fly this baby?"

"With your instruction, I shan't have any problems," Lir said as he pulled a cigarette out of his pocket. "Thank you, Father."

"Hey kiddo, mind if I have one o' those? I haven't lit up in years."

"Of course," Lir said, handing one of his cigarettes to his father. "But we shan't tell Mother you recieved it from me."

"Hell no, we won't," Al laughed as he struck up a match and lit his cig. "WHOA! Don't remember 'em packin' this much of a kick."

"Mayhap the reason being you smoked too much, in your younger days?"

"It's likely. So, how'd it go? With the Princess, I mean."

"...I... I can't be sure. Rather well, I suppose. 'Tis just strange... She... hugged me..."

"Sounds well enough," Al laughed. "Don't worry, son. Sure you'll miss her like hell. But that'll make it all the more amazing when you come back and see her. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or some poetic s**t like that."

"Father! I... You assume overmuch. Th-there is nothing.... between... the Princess and I."

"Of course, son," Al said, still laughing. "Whatever you say." His smile soon faded when his wife, Siofra, yelled from within the house:

"ALASDAIR! Are you smoking again?!!"

"N... No, m'love!" Al answered, quickly giving his cigarette back to his son. "I quit years ago, remember?"

"I smell tobacco!!!"

"That's 'cause Lir's smoking!"

"See what you did to our children? Tell him he needs to stop!"

"Yes, m'love!"

"Thank you, dear. I'm going to bed soon. Come in once you're done with that ship, please."

"Yes, m'love. It won't be too long."

"Good. I love you, dear."

"I love you too, honeycakes." Al waited just a few seconds, then took his cigarette back. "Well, you heard your mother, son. You should stop smoking. It's bad for you."

Lir gave him a questionable look, but then his father burst into laughter; this caused Lir to start laughing as well, though not as loudly. "I was almost sure you couldn't be serious."

"Of course I ain't serious! You're grown, you can make your decisions." Al flicked his cigarette a few feet outside, then quickly jumped out of the Gummi Ship. "Well, I'm goin' in for the night, son. You should get at least an hour or two of sleep before you take off, too."

"I shall... But I must first have time to think on certain things..."

"Alrighty, I'll leave ya to it. Oh, and one more thing... If you meet a woman named Mina out there in the wild blue yonder, you'd do well to stick by her in a battle. Also, watch yer manners. And whatever ya do, don't piss her off."

"I shall do my best to remember."

"There's a good boy. Give 'em hell, kid."

"Sleep well, Father." Lir remained seated within the Gummi Ship, contemplating the usual things that were on his mind at the end of any ordinary day, with the addition of all of this...business. He had no idea what was in store for him when he departed in the next few hours, but... Best not to worry about it too much. Tomorrow is a different day.

Dylan's good to go, Banshee!

Kingdom Academy Character App
Name: Connor Alexander Duvari
Galiant: Akela
Age: 52
Gender: Male
Class: Teacher

Appearance
Connor is a well-groomed man, always having his hair brushed back and under control, and all of his clothes are pleasant and high-class, though not gaudy and overbearing. He is a regular height for a full-grown man, and has plenty of muscle - he's not huge and bulking, but in excellent shape. His favorite colors, and most frequent in his clothing, are blue, orange, and black. As for his feet, when in the classroom, he is always seen wearing a pair of shiny black dress-shoes; any other time, he wears a pair of comfy blue sandals.
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 182
Hair: Light-orange with many strands of grey, short and tidy
Eyes: Cobalt blue
Skin: Heavily tanned
Build/Body Type: Athletically muscular

Personality: Connor is a laid-back and easy-going teacher, but won't hesitate to enforce discipline where needed. He can be strict when it comes time for punishment (which is usually just a stern talking-to), but otherwise he treats his students as he would his adult friends. He is very kind and helpful, and will help any student who needs it, even allowing them to stay extra hours in class to help them study something they're having trouble with (and giving them extra free time to make up for it). His motto is, "If the kids aren't having fun learning, then the learning isn't worth it!"
Likes: Wolves, long nights to himself, teaching, that special feeling he gets when he's really able to make a big difference in a student's education
Dislikes: Having too many rules, people who are too strict, not having enough time to finish a project, green vegetables
Fears: Nobodies - they freak him out beyond all comprehension.

Weapon: Feign Blade - A mysterious sword which stores memories of various copied fighting styles.
Abilities:

• Blue Magic - Allows him to acquire Enemy Skills upon being hit with a special attack. Regular attacks, support abilities, and magic cannot be learned.
  
• Mimic - Allows him to "learn" and copy the fighting style of the enemy. Basic style of fighting only; does not copy abilities or spells. Does not work when facing extremely strong and/or large Heartless/Nobodies/etc.
  
• High Jump (lv. 3) - Allows much higher jumping than usual.
  

Spells:

• Cyclone - Uses a Soldier Heartless's spin-kick attack, twirling around in the air as he descends.
  
• Root Needle - Uses a Creeper Plant Heartless's root attack. Shoves his sword into the ground, causing it to bend and become flexible, reaching through the ground to jab upwards at an enemy.
  
• Spewing Attack - Uses a Gargoyle Heartless's energy ball attack. Must be charged before use. Vulnerable while charging. Longer charge time will cause more damage.
  
• Safeguard Strike - Uses an Assassin Nobody's slashing combo. Sinks into the ground and flails wildly with his sword toward an enemy. If one of these strikes is blocked or parried, he will pop out of the ground and become suspended in midair for a moment, leaving him completely vulnerable.
  
• Stunblade - Uses a Pirate Heartless's sliding slash attack. Stuns a single enemy for a short period of time. Must be charged before use. Vulnerable while charging. Longer charge time will cause more damage.
  
• Jump - Uses a Dragoon Nobody's leaping attack. Jumps to incredibly high distances, then locks onto an enemy and descends quickly, stabbing downward with his sword. Can be coupled with Corkscrew Dive for greater damage, but lower accuracy.
  
• Corkscrew Dive - Uses a Wyvern Heartless's spinning dive attack. Swoops down from the air while spinning quickly.
  
• Accursed Flame - Uses an Invisible Heartless's dark flame attack. Throws his sword into the ground and becomes a ring of dark fire, which encirles the nearest enemy for a moment before exploding and causing damage. He then reappears next to his sword, in his regular form. Completely vulnerable and defenseless in the short time it takes to throw the blade and transform into flame, as well as when reverting to normal.
  

Strengths: Near-endless potential for new skills | Excellent defense | Fast reflexes
Weaknesses: Low speed | Fights poorly in air | Repetitive, easily predicted attack styles

Stats

• Attack: 20
  
• Defense: 24
  
• Magic Attack: 22
  
• Magic Defense: 24
  
• Speed/Agility: 15
  

Bio:
Connor does not remember which world he originally hailed from. His earliest childhood memories are of playing in the streets of Twilight Town. He started practicing swordfighting at a young age, but was never near the best at it; he could never really come up with his own, defined style, either. After coming in third place at a fighting competition, he decided to travel around, joining tournaments and challenging people to fights, trying to develop his skill. He was given the mysterious Feign Blade after winning a competition against some local ruffians in Radiant Garden - one of his few victories, at that age. He had fun travelling, but never ventured out of the safe worlds until he was quite older and started killing monsters on a regular basis.

He had many adventures - most of which he'd never talk about nowadays, for some reason, though he might be willing to tell a quick story or two if in a good mood. At the age of 59, he decided to finally slow down a bit, and requested a teaching job at the Kingdom Academy, telling the teachers there that he was "feeling too old to keep up the daily grind, and I might as well leave it to the kids. I just want to settle down a bit while I'm still alive!"

He has been teaching Monster Studies at Kingdom Academy ever since, and is constantly having fun with it, just as much as he did his days of world-hopping and challenging all opponents. He gets along wonderfully with most, if not all, of the students, partially because he seems to be a big kid at heart himself - unless a stricter version of himself is called for, of course; then it's time to buckle down. He takes great joy in teaching, and seems to be perfectly content with his simple life.

XD Always happy to be of service.

Talked about this over chat, but better make it official here anyway.

I approve all except for three, and those three are still good to go as long as the following things are edited:

Dominic - You'll have to actually list each element/status possibility under Attack abilities.

Marrie - You don't actually have the additional 2 stats in Evasion, so is that only a +2 when in close range? If so, should probably list that in the brackets as well.

Vanessa - We spoke about Vanessa. As long as her counter starts at 0 for each target, then it should be fine. Example: Vanessa vs Kyle & Joe. Targets Kyle for 3 turns (Kyle +3, Joe +0), starts targeting Joe for two (Kyle +3, Joe +2), goes back to Kyle for another turn (Kyle +4, Joe +2) before fleeing and thus ending the battle (counters reset).

Made corrections