To forget every single one of her family, even as she still held grudges against her father-- the very idea of it hurt her, stabbed her in the heart but Marzena had remembered her promise.
She was doing this to save them. All of them.
And that would be worth it.
They were of the same age. She was older than him by a few minutes and yet...
Because Radek was a he, Father had chosen him. Decided to teach him about brewing storms and yet her?
Nothing. She was only left to watch her younger siblings as the two of them headed off for yet another lesson.
If she wanted to be greater, she had to make a sacrifice.
At least that's what she told herself as she swam towards the cave where the witch resided.
Who said selkies couldn't be strong? She would show them all.
She gritted her teeth and sent in her application to Amityville Academy.
She was the best swimmer out of all of her siblings.
Marzena never meant to brag, of course, but it was a fact that had soon been proven with yet another race. Seated on shore, she wrung the water out of her hair as she watched them swim towards her.
She thought she had lost all hope.
But she realized there was still some in this world, especially when Damian began to paddle before her very eyes.
She had been terrible at choosing.
Both times she lifted the grail to her lips, it had surrounded her with delusions of her being a human. And living with the memory of it, after the Great King had returned her true self to her, tore at her.
An apple formed on the tree before her but all she could think of was those strange bubbles with her face within them. It was of her, but not quite her.
She wondered if the her in those bubbles were happier than she was.
She had blurted out the truth of why she couldn't swim with Sibyl, and was greeted with sad puppy-dog eyes and tears.
All Marzena could do was to awkwardly pat the other ghoul on the back.
"You don't understand." She is crying, soft hiccups through each sob, tears falling down into the sand. "Papa doesn't understand either, Radek. None of you understand!"
A young boy looks at her with light blond hair standing straight up and eyes as blue as the ocean waves sweeping up to the tips of their toes. "Marzie... everyone's just confused."
"Mama's gone." She wails, hugging her knees and rocking back and forth. "Mama's gone, Raddie, and I saw it, and Papa doesn't understand, and you don't and I thought you would because--" She is shuddering, swallowing her tears with each sob, tasting their saltiness. Her heart aches, her head hurts from crying, and she suddenly feels a warmth envelop her as Radek pulls her into his arms.
"I've never seen you like this, Marzie." He whispers, murmuring words of comfort into her ear. "Please don't cry, okay? I'm here. I swear. And I won't let them take you either."
Something in her heart has already hardened with what she had witnessed earlier, but she leans against him and wishes that she can believe in his words. "Raddie, I'm scared." She whimpers.
It is something she admits to only him.
"You can't do this." He says, and then laughs bitterly as soon as the sentence leaves his lips. "But... I know very well there's no making you give up once you're determined." He sighs, arms drooping, as he pouts at her.
He is older now. They both are. She stands opposite him, back straight, as if that will make her taller than him, though he certainly is lankier and taller than she ever will be. She stares grimly into those ocean blue eyes, a backpack slung over her shoulder. "I don't matter here, Radek."
"He'll know." He protests, his hands gripping hers tightly. She hates how his hands are bigger than hers, she hates how everything is a constant reminder that she is smaller than him, weaker than him, just because she's a girl, and this pelt is her life and she can't do anything...
But he is her twin brother, and despite all these comparisons she makes between them, and despite their father favoring his oldest son. He is bigger than her, yet younger, and she still worries for him. Worries why he is content in staying here, in encouraging a tradition they should start to mold and shape for a brighter future for their clan.
He is her twin brother, and no one will believe that he has no knowledge of her running away, not with how close they are despite their differences.
She is in the sea. Choppy waves surround her, as dark and black as the clouds that loom above, adding to the churning water with heavy raindrops that splattered on her, plastering her light blond hair to her skin. There is a crack and a flash of lightning lights up the sky, and her breathing is ragged, gasping as her vision swirls.
"Papa!" She yells, heart beating fast and sobs engulfing her. She is terrified, she is small, she is helpless, and she is lost. She cannot see anyone in these conditions, and she wonders if she is ever going to make it home in this state.
I may never see you all again. It just sank in and I
Raddie, take care of everyone, okay? I trust you the most. You know that.
Make sure that our family is never torn apart again.
With love, Marzena
Radek,
I haven't written to you much, have I? I'm sorry. I hope everyone is well. No, I know they will be, with Dad and you and Mira... and now that Mother is back, to take care of the whole family. I hope all of you aren't worrying for me too much. After all, I chose this.
She was out in the ocean, floating in the distance and staring at the shore. A woman went on her knees and begged, tears streaking down her face. Begged and pleaded with the man before her who held a spotted pelt out of her reach and shook his head, a malevolent grin spreading across his face.
Her breath caught and she turned, swimming frantically and calling for her papa.
"I heard you can help me." She is in an underwater cave, facing a woman with octopus legs who is stirring a cauldron.
The woman pauses, looks up, and smiles. "Darling, of course I can help."
"You're not allowed to be here." He roared, over the thunder rumbling in the distance and the waves crashing around them. Blue eyes flickered to her brother, her twin brother who only stared at her in concern. "You knew, didn't you?"
"Papa, please..." She begged, tears running down her cheek.
"I should have known you would never keep a secret from your sister." He growled, the grip of his hand tightening around her arm. "The both of you are groun--"
"Papa, please!" The girl yelled, and once he turned to look at her properly, with her tear stained cheeks, his eyebrows knit in confusion. "What?"
"Mama's gone." She whimpered. "He took mama's skin, papa, and..."
He released her arm immediately. "Where."
Someone is calling her name. Calling it repeatedly, and it annoys her. She finds herself rolling her eyes and focusing on swimming ahead, attempting to block it out. A boy laughs besides her and she turns to look at him, a frown upon her lips. “It’s not funny, Rad.”
“I think it’s cute,” he says impishly, “that Sibyl practically worships every current you swim on.”
“It’s not cute.” She says huffily, swimming forward and taking the lead, like she always does. “I have enough little sisters.”
A little girl with long blond hair swam frantically through the stormy ocean, searching, calling out names. "Papa! Raddie! Someone! Please--"
Two blond heads bobbed in the distance, and she dived underneath the water, swimming in that very direction. Her head emerged when she got closer and she gasped. "Papa, you--"
"Marzena." The bearded man's face went dark as soon as he saw her, grasping her arm tightly. "What are you doing here?"
She did not expect to get assaulted by both a high-pitched squeal and the source of the squeal itself. "For the love of Poseidon, what..." She grumbles, struggling in the other ghoul's grasp. Wait. This ghoul smells rather familiar... of the sea... and wait, is that seal fur?
She twists herself around and catches a good glimpse of her attacker, paling immediately. "Sibyl?!" She shrieks in absolute horror, then immediately clamps her hand over her mouth as she tries to make sense of the situation. Ocean blue eyes dart frantically about before grasping Sibyl by the collar and hissing into her ear. "Did my sisters follow you here?"
She swam forward, and found herself facing a mirror. A tall rectangular mirror with a black, gothic frame, the glass of the mirror giving off a strange silvery light. Her fingers grazed the glass and it shuddered beneath her touch.
There was no reflection.
Tentacles suddenly curled around her, suction cups pressing into her skin, the water filling her lungs as she choked--
He slips the shell bracelet upon her wrist. "It's not very good." He confesses. "But I had to do it in a hurry, you see..."
She pointed shakily off into a direction, and her father threw himself into the raging waters. She looked at the boy, and though his face was shell-shocked, he swam closer and pulled her into his arms. "Mama's... gone?" He whispered brokenly.
"Mama's gone, Raddie." She sobbed. "I couldn't..."
"But there will be a price." The witch said. "There's always a price, dearie! Always a catch! But don't worry your pretty little head over it, it won't be much!"
"So you can help me." She said firmly. "I'll do anything."
"I like that." The witch cooed, a tentacle curling around her waist, and another stroking her cheek. "I like your moxie, girl! Such spirit! Such unwavering strength! No wonder you're here for help, dear~ You certainly need it. After all, if that skin of yours is taken..."
“Are. You. Serious?!” There is a dramatic wail as Sabina throws herself into Mira’s arms. “Miraaaaaa! Can you believe it! I have seaweed! In my hair! It’s all Ada’s fault!”
“It’s not a really bad look--” She tries to say something, but Sabina only lets out another high-pitched whine, and Mira throws her a look, patting Sabina gently, yet awkwardly, on the back. “What? It’s really not the end of the world--”
“You wouldn’t understaannddddd!”
She closes her eyes as fingers lift up her silky blonde hair and snips it. When it falls, it feels strange; she has had long hair all her life and all female selkies she knew had too, but she remembers what she is doing this for and grits her teeth.
When it is all done, her head feels light and her neck exposed, and she runs a hand through the short remnants of her hair. It is done, and all she can do is watch the witch fold her silken hairs into a bottle and tuck it away in a drawer.
"I don't want to sit here helplessly." Tears glint in her eyes, but she forces them back. "No. I can't sit here helplessly. I can't be a normal selkie girl like Dad wants. He doesn't want to teach me, Radek. This is the only way I can learn to be strong. I can't, you know I can't..."
“Marzie.” A child whispers her name and she sits up carefully, a small smile curving on her lips when she realizes who it is. “Damian, you should be sleeping.” She murmurs, but he shakes his head, tugging harder.
“I wanna sleep with you, Marzie.” He whines, and Radek grunts in his sleep.
“You have such pretty hair.” Sabina whines, dragging a comb through her light blond locks and she squirms in her seat. “Stop it! You have enough tangles and knots as it is! I don’t know why you’re so irresponsible when you have such pretty hair, do you know what I’d do if I did? I’d take care of it and not swim off into strong currents and not give a damn--”
“It’s my hair, Sabina.” She grumbles defensively, crossing her arms. “You don’t need to do this.” She impatiently flicks her tail, and stares off where her brother is seated, the huge grin on his face twitching at the corners.
“Where were you?” She freezes at the sound of that gruff voice full of anger, as soon as she steps into the house. The happiness and pride bubbling up in her slowly dissipates and gives way to frustration, which she attempts to quell.
“I was teaching Damian to swim.” She says as measuredly as she can, narrowing her ocean blue eyes at their father.
“Alone.” He growls, his eyes growing as dark as the ocean waters when a storm brews.
“We’re fine, aren’t we?” She hisses.
“You did it!” She says, laughing as the baby seal swims circles around her. “Mira look, Cecylia’s swimming!” Her oldest sister pauses in the midst of trying to rein in three baby seals while she rocks one in her arms and smiles at her wearily.
“You say that like she taught you.” Mira groans, as Zofia swims behind her and tugs on her hair.
“I probably followed her!” He says, winking at her. “But that doesn’t mean she’s a better swimmer.”
“Ouch.” She sticks out her tongue at him, taking hold of Cecylia’s flippers. “I highly doubt that, dear brother.”
“Told you I’d win.” She says, laughing as he flips the water out of his hair.
“It was only by a hair.” He whines, gaze flitting to where their referee sits. “Tell her, Serafina!” “Uh...” Serafina murmurs, fingers combing through her hair. “It was pretty close, yes. It’s just a friendly competition though...”
“This is about a man’s pride, Serafina!” Radek says, pulling himself up to the shore and dramatically collapsing on his back. “I was beaten! By my twin sister, no less!”
“Deal with it, mister.” She says, flicking him gently on the forehead. “I have my pride too, you know.”
She finds herself exhausted from crying. It doesn’t matter how many tears have fallen and dampened her cheeks or her brother’s shoulder. His sobs have subsided too, and they both stare out into the sunset silently, leaning against one another.
The sun disappears over the horizon and she realizes then and there that her heart has hardened, and she vows to herself that she will make him pay. He will pay to what he has done to the Adriatico family. They will all pay for their ignorance and their selfishness and...
Radek hiccups by her side and she slips her arm in his, quelling the furious rise of emotions within her.
One day.
“You only care about your sons.” She screams, eyes wild and body shaking with irrepressible anger. “You lost your wife, and you don’t give a damn about your daughters, when they can be taken away at any time--”
"I promise." Her mother whispered, stroking her wet hair.
But she never came back.
A hard slap across the face stops her tirade, and she finds a bitter smile forming on her lips, as she turns to look at him. Her cheek stings, and her fists clench by her sides, and she glares back at him and storms towards the door.
“Don’t you dare.” He says in a low growl.
“Like you care.” She spits out and slams the door, hard.
She watched, anger closing a cold fist around her heart as the Black Kingdom fell.
Oh, they would have their Revenge indeed.
She pounds her fists into ice and they hurt, but who gives a damn when it is an outlet for all the fury boiling up within her.
It’s beautiful.” She says in awe, watching the storm rage on in the distance, churning the ocean waters. “Teach me.”
“You know I can’t.” He sighs. “Father would kill both of us.”
“Marzena.” Her heart stops, an ice cold fist clenching around it. It is her mother’s voice. “It’s not your fault.” Ilona Adriatico whispers and she feels a soft hand upon her shoulder.
She finds herself biting back tears as the memory floods back, and shakes her head with a shuddering sob. Does her mother think that she can erase the pain, the guilt, with just one sentence? Does she really think that with that, she will forget that helplessness, that anger...
She doesn’t answer, and instead runs forward, transforming as she dives into the water.
Marzena
Points: 166 Total: 3308
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 1:34 am
[ Ami's Memories ]
Main Blessings
Why am I here? What's going on? Where is h- ... who ...?
Darkness. There would always be darkness.
I am bathed in truth and ignited by pain. I will not allow this to continue.
They have taken what is not theirs. What a cruel fate, subject to weakness in the place of my strength.
The horsemen must pay for what she has taken. They all must. I am no closer to the truth, yet I am within reach.
I'm going to miss my little Jumpy. I wonder how he's doing ... No, what am I thinking. He is a spear for heaven's sake.
What has become of me? I'm following their whims. I must resist.
Are the books okay though ... My library ...
Side Blessings
I am free, yet still ensnared. Where am I? No ... Where am I going?
I protect myself.
Sometimes, all one has to do is ask. Thank you, Doctor.
I am not weak.
Time makes the heart weary.
We are all pawns.
I must create more than I destroy.
They are but tools for my discretion.
Finally, I am whole. He completes me.
There are many in this world, but I need none of them.
I grow through my own power, no one else's.
I miss my glaive, but sacrifices must be made. Wait for me, Jumpy.
Just who was that reckless man?
Quote:
Ami's Points: 106
Excalibur: 3414
chiickadee
Princess Hoarder
Offline
chiickadee
Princess Hoarder
Offline
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 1:44 am
[ Danny's Memories ]
Main Blessings
"There there screech. I'm here. I'm here."
Side Blessings
Someone's out there ... Someone's out there and I'm gonna get them!! Whatever it takes!
She ran into the forest, no concern for her own safety.
Danny twirled on the dance floor. She wasn't graceful, it wasn't pretty, but it didn't matter.
Rikki got the pizza, but Danny paid for it. Who's the real hero though?
I wonder what else this world has to offer ... Jack I don't know what to do with my life.
Quote:
Danny's Points: 14 she's killer
Excalibur: 3428
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 4:41 am
He mercilessly took out the heart, he licked the thick sticky red liquor split onto his face. It was so nice.
All the cuties he met, he was glad to fight with them. Amongst them, the two battles with the Wyvern were the biggest achievements. He got the best teams.
He offered his heart to Destruction, his ultimate desire.
He fought many times just to hut for the loots for the decent daggers.
Memories of a familiar face overwhelmed. "You are not her. And I am not him." He whispered. He was still waiting to meet her again.
The meeting with the Goddess of World's End reminded him of someone good at baking, he made a tea of envious.
It was shocking to notice a talking head was attached to him, neither had any idea of that. He missed attack for a few rounds.
The hunting of loots repaid. He obtained a wonderful red scythe from the beast.
He was fighting bare hand, but everyone did. The foggy creatures made him sick.
New battles brought him new friends, that's why he enjoyed each single battle he participated.
He couldn't fall, two had collapsed. He swung his scythe with all the sweats, it's not over yet.
The grey teacup recalled his thirsty for blood and violence. He felt unsettling.
The Goddess of Paranoia promised to keep him safe, it was too enticing to refuse for someone who didn't even remember. A hollow red heart.
He wasn't chosen, his ability wasn't trusted. The Tiefling was dissatisfied with his King. Even he viewed him as abomination? His sister....also a Tiefling was chosen instead. As always.
He was told that he got talents over baking, all he knew was she wasn't good at that even she excelled in so many aspects. Would he beat her this time?
Skinning was an extreme torture. All the bad memories called over to knock him over. He couldn't let anyone see this, even his friends. He had to come over it alone, like what he did in the past. Alone.
She was great. The greatest he had ever met in his life, he could say so. She was blatant, just like the sun shining on the desert. Too bright, too warm. It was a miracle to meet her in his life, she's closer than his parents or everyone. No one can compare. She didn't need to prove herself, she's confident and powerful.
[AJ: 68] [ Total: 3496]
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 5:23 am
"Congratulations on passing the trial. You have earned your place among us from today on as an Executioner. Of War."
"You are the bestest big brother that I could ever wish for."
"It is the duty of all Deus Ex hunters to work together and protect mankind from the creatures that lurk in the dark."
He had done exactly as he was instructed to, channeling his Fear and commanding it to take a form with which he could use to strike down his foes and he smiled at the result that he now held in his hand.
"If you're indeed that sure about this sparring business, I have no intention at all of holding back even if it comes to you, Kasja."
The news of her engagement to another of her clan hit him harder than he had expected. He didn't know what to say so he avoided her as best as he could since he couldn't bring himself to form the congratulatory words that would be expected of him during their next meeting.
He could do this. He might have forgotten how to go about it for what seemed like forever but so long as his body remembered the familiarity of the blade that he now held in his hand, he could dance on the battlefield and rain destruction upon all who dared to cross his path.
It had taken her a long while to convince him to do it - take her to the top of the tallest tree among those that the War clan built their homes upon. He always relented eventually whenever it came to her and he decided that it was entirely worth it so long as he got to see that dazzling smile on her face as they watched the moon rise and cast its glow upon everything beneath their feet.
Quote:
Yves' points: 40 Excalibur: 3536
baby_gwing
Fanatical Raider
Offline
Grifferie
Crew
Deus Sherry
Offline
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 7:11 am
Main Blessings So you are jealous?
They blade of the glaive ripped into the shadow beast, tearing it to nothing. Sherry watched as it fell, proud.
I am not useless and weak. If I were...then I would stay. But I am not. "So I will not stay." The distorted version of herself was not happy about that. She’d wanted her to stay.
The needle slipped through the cloth, a moment later the string was taunt. A few more stitches and it would be good as new, or nearly. Then she'd return it. She smiled while she worked.
Sherry knew why Armagnac was saying it, but she didn’t want to believe her.
She hugged the bracelet to her chest.
The blade hit the training dummy. Sherry was huffing and puffing. The weapon was heavier than she’d anticipated. She’d need more training. Much more.
Side Blessings
All Sherry remembered was feeling numb. She hadn’t wanted much in life, but she felt like they’d just taken it all away again, and there was nothing she could do about it.
Something deep down told her that her own mother would not be that sad. And that broke her heart.
She stood in room full of dried blood, putrid smell, and rotting bodies.
Her hair was a mess, she smelled like 'holiday' and she knew she had glitter and green lipstick smeared here and there. But she'd survived.
"I know what we are," she said it quietly, almost whispered it. She held his gaze. "I know what we give up.”
It had been cold work, hard work, but fun work. She was surprisingly happy with how it turned out.
She had no where else to be, even though she was getting the impression that he wanted her to leave. She'd nearly gotten up, too, but she had hesitated.
"Hey. Are you hurt or just not talking to me?" The soul of her boot firmly planted itself in his ribcage, and she shoved him. Hard.
A sudden urge came over her. She reached a hand out, and picked up a small, stray piece of driftwood. She then poked at the holes with the stick.
She didn't quite know how to find what she was looking for. Should she ask someone? Sign up somewhere? This was all still new and strange, and no one had told her how to go about finding...
It stained her gloves , her sleeves, her knees. The bandages did nothing to stop it, if flowed out fast and strong.
It was warm. So was the cat on her chest.
"Augh! You are a selfish little b***h. I ask for one thing, and you just don't even allow me that one chance for happiness? I don't even know why I'm friends with you." She stormed from the room, slamming the door on her way out.
She dropped the letter on the bed. It was a goodbye, and it hurt worse than she had imagined it would. She didn't say anything as she turned, leaving the room.
It reminded her of the good times. The shopping and the cakes and the laughter. And now…she didn’t even have the music. It was gone. Broken.
Which left her alone. She supposed that was fine. She grabbed her lunch and set off to find a quiet place to eat it.
Inside the box was the loveliest heart-shaped pendant she'd ever seen.
Quote:
Sherry's Memories Main Blessing Points: 70 Side Blessing Points: 34
Total for Exaclibur: 3640
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 7:21 am
Main Blessings: (70 points, 7 blessings)
"It isn't defeat until everything has been taken from you, and if you own nothing to begin with, the boundary between your life and your death has absolutely no ******** significance."
But regardless, there'd be times when he'd be up against opponents he had no chance of winning against. In such cases, it wasn't easy to just give up and ask for mercy. Doing that meant death. So if anything, he would learn how to deal with it. Learn to be stronger, stronger so that he wouldn't lose.
"And I'm telling you that that's wrong, Jake. Because I don't see bodies in uniforms, I see people. I see wonderful, complex people trying to make it in a place that isn't forgiving, trying to be the best of humanity even if they don't always act like it."
"What I'm saying is...if possible..., I want to...ask for a second chance."
Eyes glanced over the two items placed before them. His tusk... was no longer a tusk, but was now a dagger, with runes etched into the blade. It still retained its curved shape, however, it no longer portrayed the animated images he once saw. Part of him would miss this, but... he had wanted a weapon, right? What good was a tusk that projected bloody images?
Side Blessings: (88 points, 44 blessings)
Hearing a click, he turned around, only to find himself staring down the barrel of a gun.
Bang.
Dropping to his knees, he wrapped his arms tightly around her, muffling his sobs as he buried his face into her shoulder.
"Jake. I found you nearly beaten to death on the streets. That kinda tells me what kind of life you'll be going back to if I let you leave." "So? It doesn't concern you." "Jake!"
He was covered in blood, the same brilliant crimson he had witnessed on the screen, and in his hand, a knife.
They deserved what they had coming to them.
He was panting heavily, blade dripping of the liquid surrounding him.
They had taken everything, and yet, he was still forced to live. Forced to live this empty hollow life.
he feels he can learn to let go, learn to start anew. He found happiness once again, and with this, he was content.
"Please... promise me... you won't... do anything..."
A song which spoke of empowerment, hope, love, a song that many knew, yet never took the time to let the lyrics sink in.
They betrayed him. They said they would help him, protect him, keep him safe from the others, and yet, who was it they were protecting him from?
The day he beat Ofelia... he grinned. What a day it would be.
"It's so easy to destroy things, to take away, to kill... but to protect something? It's so much harder."
"There are no second chances in this world. Not in this life."
He felt himself getting drowsy, and while she laughed, she never stopped humming, placing a hand on his head, a quiet nod.
Catching his look, the two teens' eyes widened, and they fled.
It sickened him to see how weak and fragile she looked, this woman, who was always full of energy, full of joy... and now...
It wasn't an item to signify the beginning of their relationship, but their last.
"If anything, I'm glad I was able to protect you for this long..."
He would fight back.
With a new-found resolve, he stopped, grip tightening on the wound staining his shirt.
"I guess... what I want to say, is thank you. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most."
"With you, I feel... complete."
"CHESTER!!"
"I want to thank you for being there for me, for being with me, for making my world a little bit bigger. "
He was tired of running, tired of being used.
All he needed was himself. He was the only one he could rely on, and no one else.
He rushed to her side.
But then she smiled.
"This job isn't exactly a walk in the park. Hunters die everyday."
He wouldn't back down anymore. He wouldn't lose.
He didn't care that they were cornered in, didn't care that they might be fighting a losing battle, didn't care that figuring out the effect of these runes and monuments might give them an edge in battle.
"We're hunters."
All he wanted to do, was fight.
"If you still believe in those kind of fairytales, then I suggest you wake up, RIGHT NOW.
Deny not the goddess
Chester's voice still screaming in his head, abruptly cutting off the moment the horseman twisted the tonfas in two, dropping the broken remains on the ground.
"Our duty is to fight. Fight and die."
The voices of Sam and Mark filtered through the headset, but Jake already had his eyes set on a particular horseman. Him.
Something inside him snapped, and using all the strength he had left, he shoved the hunter off him and had her pinned down instead, tonfas dangerously close to her face.
It had gotten him almost killed once, and he had no intention of repeating the same mistake again
"If you're not careful, you can get hurt, or harmed."
"You really don't get it. Think about it. After everything. Everything, and I'm still standing here telling you that I like you."
Aldara could remember. She remembered everything. The promise, the battles... One by one she gave them up. "For the greater good..."
Main Blessings
"Go to prom with me." The sambieto smiled. "W-what?" She stammered in return. "You. Me. Prom. You don't get to say 'no', I've already made up my mind..."
Soaring through the clouds left Aldara with the feeling that she was on top of the world. Nothing could stop her up here. Nothing could bring her down...
That she had made it out of bed that morning was a testament to herself. She could have stayed in her nest; withered away until someone from the school came to find out why she was skipping classes... But she pushed herself up. Aldara was better than that; stronger than that. She would find a way to make it through today... And the next day as well. She would overcome everything just to make it back home.
She'd always had a knack for things like this; working quickly and delicately with her hands. That gift had come from her father, which was likely why her mother considered it a curse.
"I hope she likes it." She flashed a broad grin at the gnome standing beside the prize table as she selected a stuffed shark that was nearly the same size as her to take to Yui. She was pleased with her selection, now it was just a matter of getting the other ghoul's approval.
She took a sip from the chalice before setting it back down on the table, eying those around her. These were her rookery brothers and sisters. They had grown strong amongst one another and were learning more and more every day...
She drew her dagger out of its sheath, quickly starting to cut away at the net rope. This was a training exercise that she could have done without. Nothing made her feel worse than being trapped.
Quote:
Aldara's Points:Main Blessing: 70
Excalibur 3828
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:30 am
Heidi was so happy. She remembered everything the good and the bad, that had been what she wanted..to remember. But now she was being reminded she promised to give up her memories even if only for a short time.
But she had worked so hard to get them back..what if something went wrong? What if she couldn't get them back? Her memories made her who she was. They were important...
But if she didn't..
"Want a ride? My mom and I were on our way to pick up dinner, but we can give you a lift if you want."
"Uh...sure."
"Awesome! Get in!"
"Fine. I'll do it. But you have to do it, too."
Beatrice grinned. "Was totally planning on that. C'mon!"
"So?! I love him! You've never been in love, Heidi. You wouldn't get it. I'm staying, okay? You don't even have the grades to go to Julliard anymo--" Beatriced gasped. "Heidi I'm so sor--"
"Get out.."
"Wh-what?"
Heidi choked around a sob and pointed at her bedroom door. "Get OUT!"
"Heidi, I um. I wanted to talk to you about somethin'."
"Hmm? What's up?"
"I just wanted you to know that I like you." Tuck cleared his throat. "I mean that I .. I really like you. More than friends."
"Like..you'll be my boyfriend?" Heidi asked as she scoot closer. "And I'll be your girlfriend? Only me?"
There was a huge smile on Tuck's face. "Yeah, I .. I will. And you'll be my girl, only you. Nobody else. An' I promise, I ain't gonna.. you know. You still settin' the pace."
"Ohohoh! Or you could do the christmas song from that show! DO IT DO IT DO IT! Oh maaaaaan you'd be SO awesome at it! You'd be the best Heidi!"
"I love you, Tuck."
"I love you, Heidi."
Heidi's points: 36 Excalibur: 3864
Eight
Fanatical Friend
Offline
Lucyal
Offline
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:32 am
Everything was restored...but once again, some of it would have to be given away. Hel cursed under her breath, and she summoned her real weapon, and it was a comfort in her hands after so long as she prepared for battle. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, after all. She just had to hope that she could recover whatever she lost in the future. More than just herself was at stake, after all.
Not just anyone or everyone, for that matter, got chosen for Amityville. For the first time in her life, Hel’s hands trembled with excitement as she held her acceptance letter from the school, outside her family home, in front of the mail box. Nothing would be the same from this moment on.
She felt great! She was one of the few ghouls, out of a handful of creeple, to pass her Year Two examination, given by Professor Savage. Even though they’d advance whether they failed or not, it still left a swell of pride in her chest to know that she had succeeded.
She would brag that she was strong, and though at times prone to weak moments, over all, she was a strong character. Strong of will. That’s why she carried Mot for so long until he could stand on his own feet. Because she could.
Even she would admit that she was gifted when she thought about it. She made friends out of complete and utter assholes, and for that she felt oddly proud about that. Sometimes, there was just something more rewarding about having their bonds as well…
Over the oddest subject, Hel was very hopeful. She wanted to be married so bad she couldn’t see straight, and she had one jerk very much in mind. It was ridiculous how much she wanted this.
Hel was always blunt about what she thought, but finding her voice to let her feelings be known was another. She was glad she had let Mac know how she felt that one day around the colder Octobers. It was a weight off of her chest.
A sheath was meant to protect and to hold, and she would do that. Maybe, in hindsight, she felt bad that she would turn against Shun in order to protect someone close to her heart, but she did. She had no regrets.
Here was the truth: her wings had been taken off by an Assistant Division lead one night at the Haunted House. They had all been a bunch of over confident scarelings thinking there was safety in numbers. They were wrong.
Quote:
Hel's Points:Main Blessings: 80 Excalibur 3944
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 8:50 am
Kari watched as Merlin had descended into madness. There was no doubt that he needed to be stopped.
She stared at her staff for a moment, thinking about all the trials she'd overcome. Could she really give it all up? She'd already done so once, and Excalibur claimed he would return her memories once more.
Taking a deep breath, she leveled her staff in front of her. Yes, she would do it again. It was required of her. She'd made a promise, after all... and her word was her bond.
Main Blessings:
"Through courage, kindness and willpower, a wonderful future is possible. I think you have what it takes to make that future a reality."
"Strength doesn't only come from combat ability. True strength comes from cooperation of the body and the heart."
She closed her eyes and drew her staff. The enemy was powerful, but so was she. She could do this... no, she would do this.
She smiled as the sand began to form upward and it took on a translucent appearance. It would be the perfect present.
"The deeper the pit you save them from, the higher they're willing to soar at your call."
"We all work together as citizens of Halloween Town to ensure everyone's health and happiness. Everyone has a purpose, no matter how small..."
She grabbed onto his shirt to yank him back, narrowly avoiding the perilous claws crashing downward. Dragging him behind her and raising her staff to the beast, she breathed, "Stay behind me!"
Points Total: 70
Side Blessings:
Karis face became hidden in her hair for a moment before popping back up with a bright smile. "It's fine, I didn't want to buy it, I just thought it was cute," she assured her mother, "Who would want a stupid stuffed animal anyway? It would just take up space."
Kari cocked her head to the side in confusion and curiosity, "What's that, mommy?" Her mother chuckled. "You can mingle with humans. They are the source of ours, and everyone else's powers. By studying humans like your father does, we reapers are able to find new methods of obtaining fear so that everyone can maintain their way of life. Without reapers, other races would only be able to shoot in the dark as far as fear is concerned."
"Do... do you like them?" Kari asked, her smile faltering the longer her mother stood in the doorway staring. The uncertainty in her voice had the effect of breaking her mother out of shock. "Of course I like them, I love them! I had no idea you were this talented!" Her mother cried joyously, throwing her arms around the ghoul for a tight hug. Kari returned the hug with a smile that could light up the night.
Crawling forward, she grasped the dagger as fresh tears traced a path over the stains already streaking her face. Dragging herself to her feet, Kari shuffled over and slammed the dagger onto the predator podium, her hand thudding down with it. It took a moment for her to drag her hand away from the weapon, but she finally managed. She had survived. She was a Predator. Somehow, she didn't feel satisfied.
You have chosen wisely. Something you've lost has been returned to you.
As the voice faded, so did the burning feeling. Looking up, she absently realized her companions had been yelling at her for a response. "I... I'm fine," she replied hurriedly, "That was supposed to happen." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the weapon at her side became engulfed in flames. Everyone jumped back, but Kari just stared. It should have been burning her... but with was only slightly warm. Taking it in her hand, she watched as it started to change form. As quickly as it had started, the flames died down, revealing a simple wooden staff. It was a far cry from the ornate weapon she had earlier. Had this been what she lost?
Kari and the rest of her surviving group hid from their pursuers. "What do we do?" Lira whispered nervously. Issac, Roland, Maya, Luke, and Edward looked to be at a loss for words. They were all looking at Kari. They wanted her to make the choice? Could she really uphold that kind of responsibility? It didn't look like she had a choice... at least, not if they were going to survive.
After a moment's thought, Kari jumped from her hiding place and brandished her weapon. "We won't run, we'll fight!" she shouted, trying to sound as brave as possible. She smiled at the presence of six bodies at her back.
"How could you?! I told you never to tell anyone. You said you would never tell a soul... you lied to me!" A girl with a long ponytail, Amelia, was screaming, venom adding bite to every word. "I-I'm sorry, I only thought-", Rika tried to stutter out, tears pouring from her eyes, before her words were drowned out once more. "Well, you thought wrong, Kari! You... I can never forgive you!" She bellowed, the expression on her face resembling a beast more than anything. Without warning, she let out a guttural scream and lunged, her hands outstretched, reaching for a target... for prey. Reaching a hand out, Rika tried to block the attack...
"How many times have I told you to just walk away? Rising to his taunts doesn't prove that you're stronger, it just shows you don't have self-control," she scolded in exasperation. Kari nodded... she knew that... but she'd just been so angry...
Kari couldn't help but feel like she was forgetting something. As a feeling of warmth filled her once more, she brushed off the feeling. Surely, she had done well and was being rewarded? There was no reason for her to feel bad... was there?
"That was awesome, Kari!" Luca cheered from where he'd been watching with the rest of the group, most of which were murmuring among themselves. "I could have done better... only three managed to hit the target," Kari replied with a grimace. She could honestly do better, she just needed to concentrate. "Still better than anything I could come up with," the boil replied with a shrug, "Can you do it again?"
Kari was mad... no, she was furious. Armand had done it now. He'd been going around scaring others for laughs, and one of her friends had gotten hurt. He wasn't even sorry, he'd just laughed harder! Kari was now racing through each street, down every alley, intending to find him and show him exactly what she thought of his pranks.
Kari was nervous. There was no denying that. She'd messed up, and now she had to face what was coming to her. She'd accidentally broken her friend's favorite toy and now the boil was coming back up the stairs, unknowing of what had transpired in his absence. Unknowing that his favorite toy train now lay on the ground, burnt to a crisp.
Kari raised her staff and screwed up her face in concentration. Small flames, that was all she needed. Any bigger and it would burn the store and its contents. Her staff glowed a bright orange as tiny flames shot out, lighting up the area in and around the stall. Slowly opening her eyes, Kari grinned at the sight of the bright flames hovering in the air above all the shelves and counters.
Suddenly, two hand are wrapped around her throat pushing her under the water. This was bad. She gasped for breathe, but only more water responded, causing her to flail in the grip of her attacker.
"I can't believe you lost... you had him!" Amelia whined from where she and Kari were walking down the path home. "Honestly, if you hadn't jumped in to block that last attack you would have been able to win. All because of that cat," she pouted with her eyes toward the sky. Kari could only chuckle at how her friend was getting angry for her.
Aldara hugged her pillow tightly, drowning out the sound of her sniffling. Her acceptance letter to Amityville Academy had come in. Some people would be so happy with that... But not her; not when it meant leaving everything, everyone behind.
It was a beautiful day for flying; a better day for a second attempt and a chance to show off. She had let herself free fall for a while before spreading her wings, letting the salty sea breeze sweep her up into the sky. She was meant to fly.
The mallet felt right in her hands, even if the weight was a bit off. It meant tapping in to a little bit more strength than she thought she had, but she was determined. She wanted both to prove how strong she was... And to get something nice for Yui.
It always made her feel just a little bit nervous when Aleka was peering over her shoulder while she worked. Not awkward, like it would if anyone else were showing interest. She supposed it was because of how important Aleka was to her, how special the other girl's interest in her jewelry making made her feel. "If... If you'd really like one, I can."
"Of course I would, Dare... Why wouldn't I want something you've made?"
She kept repeating that mantra in her head, over and over reassuring herself that she could rise above. Would rise above. She would make the most of the situation that she had been forced into. She would learn everything that she could from Amityville and become a better harpy... No, a better her.
She made a vow to herself that she would not be dragged in to visiting her grandmother again... Or, if she was, she would at least come eady to fight back.
She had told Aleka that she would make her a bracelet and it was about time she held up her end of the bargain. It hadn't been that she wanted to break her word, but more that she wasn't sure that anything was good enough to make it clear just how special Alee was to her.
Mind dancing through thoughts of all that she had lost and been forced to leave behind, Aldara cried herself to sleep that night.
What she hadn't known was that Alee had been watching her battle against the training dummy. She shrank back as the other approached her and waited for the judgement to come. It didn't. Instead, Aleka snagged two fresh staffs from the rack, tossing one to Aldara so they could hone their battle skills together.
Aldara sat quietly in the hall, tugging at her thumb and playing with her fingers as she tried not to think about what sort of trouble she was going to be in when her mother came out of the conference hall.
Quote:
Aldara's Points:Minor Blessing: 20
Excalibur 4064
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:55 am
The end of the world? That was right... that was it wasn't it, what had made him agree to go through something like this, to be willing to see a form of hell and back again. He'd seen what he thought was the end once, seen it, fought against it, and learned how futile that effort was. Perhaps some part of him wanted to give up, to accept that this too would be futile. It hurt, everything hurt. But... he still had people to wanted to protect, those he cared about and treasured. He whimpered, slumped down in the space he had, wishing it would all go away. He didn't want any of this, but a promise was a promise. One he'd made in hopes of saving those around him...
Even it it meant forgetting them...
He stared up at them, feeling tiny, so many of them, so large in comparison to him. Confusion, and yet happiness as a hand cautiously brushed over his fur, along his back. "Well this one looks friendly enough. No nasty temperament. Go with this one?" He didn't understand the words fully then, still young and new to the world as the flurry faces conversed before taking him from that area to another. Apparently he was acceptable.. for something.
Aki wasn't exactly great at everything, but he was learning. And those around him WERE great at things. He could only watch in awe, in utter wonder at what Jessie could do. How had she learned so much? He wasn't sure, but she did. Cleaning, cooking, knowing things, speaking, everything- how did she DO that?
Being useful wasn't something he usually got to do. Actually, he felt useless more often than not. Still, he couldn't help but feel a rush of joy at the praise, the thanks from the taller girl. He'd only met her recently, but Amphi was always so nice to him, even in a world where they didn't seem to recall much but their lives since waking. If anything, just to protect those he had he'd do his best to be strong.
"You're catching on quickly." That ever familiar voice called, ruffling his hair a bit as he scoured the letters on the page before him. He didn't fully understand them still, it was a learning process, but reading was worth mastering. The alphabet and all of it, he could do that much. Especially if he had a bit of help. Even if Jessie had seemed a bit confused at first at him not knowing any of them at his age. She told him he was doing well, which was more than enough.
A home. Away from scary people with weapons, away from invisible fences, away from a land where there was segregation between them because of who could get hurt. A home where he could be himself and be with those he cared about. That's what was promised when he arrived there, when he found Jessie again, when they got a small apartment. A home that could hopefully they that way... forever.
Together they could succeed, or together they would fall. That was how it seemed as they struck down a knight, as he was given a warning. No one was left behind as they moved through the castle... well... sort of. Those shadow people were a bit unlucky, but it was obvious they all wanted to care for each other. Friends were precious things...
To protect, to understand, to love and cherish. Wasn't that his purpose, wasn't that what he'd been told a Cerberus did? He didn't understand, he didn't get it. Now, now that which should protect was feared, and... they ran from him. Looked at him with fear when previously they'd looked with... what did it mean?
OOC
Aki's Points: 70 Excalibur: 4134
Raja
Kawaii Shoujo
Offline
Duke of Donut
Liberal Lunatic
Offline
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 9:57 am
This is what it had all been building up to. The purpose she couldn't recall was suddenly stunningly clear. She had to help. Whatever it took, they would save the world. Even at the cost of her own life, her own essence, her own memories. Emery gave them freely.
“Ready for your first hunt, pup?” “Yeah!” “Good, good. Remember, now. This is between you an’ me. Don’t tell your cousins.” “I won’t.”
She dragged Jesse back by herself; the adults were gone for the day, and Jesse couldn’t walk on her own. She had to be in charge. This was part of being in charge.
“Listen, Em. What you did… You did for the pack. You did it for us. That makes you strong. Not losing, especially not to a wolf twice your size and twice your age.” “Yeah. Okay.” “You’ll get stronger, kid. Just you wait.”
The melody of music floated around her as she worked, tweaking the songs together for coherency. Junior came in with a grin. “This is great, Em. See? You were meant for this. You got the magic touch.” “Thanks, Junior.”
For the first couple days after coming to the school, Emery sat on the steps of her dorm when she was in class, watching for her Dad’s truck. He had to change his mind, right?
“Come on, it’s not much further.” “If this is a wild goose chase for some stupid toy you lost in the tree, I’m gonna tree you!” Still, Emery followed. They were three cousins on a quest, after all.
The sheath was empty, hanging on a branch in the woods. Emery brought it home, for reasons unknown to herself but that it smelled familiar. When she presented it to Jackson, he scolded her and sent her up to her room. She couldn’t know that the sheath belonged to another pack. It was a warning.
She was held close by a pair of strong arms, surrounding by the scents of her parents. Warm, safe. This was her family. This was where she belonged.
The first time she saw one of the creatures, fear gripped her core. She only had her fists and ingenuity. She lost, but managed to crawl away with her hide. She’d have to get stronger.
Emery carried the log with her, updating it regularly. If there was nothing left but this book, she wanted her parents to know what she sacrificed. Even if she didn’t remember them, her heart always did.
The first time she entered the shrine, she became familiar with the warmth of Blessing. It felt like being home, somehow, home and safe.
The melody she played over and over again was so close, she could taste it, and yet every time her fingers neared a certain key, fear struck at her core. She had no idea how many times she nearly died, but she was grateful for the door swinging open.
“D-dad?” She whispered, uncertain why but aware that there must be someone, Someone there, she couldn’t be alone not like this not in the woods no where was her pack her dad where –
The spear felt heavy in her hands, but she was soon accustomed to the weight. Killing the creatures that came after her in the subway and elsewhere was easy, now.
After one careful step, the floor suddenly gave, and Remye yelped as she leapt back to the safer corner of the shop, grimacing irritably. She looked around, sucked in a breath, and tried to venture forward again.
Her spear made it easy. First one, then two. Five battles were fought and won, often with companions whose names she had no interest in knowing. She just had to get stronger.
She had been shaken to the core by the loss of her first fight, but it ignited something in her. Failure was not an option. She’d try again.
The teas had been warm and sweet, some overbearing, some bitter and sour. But all of them precious. She didn’t really like tea, though.
By the last cup, her head was in a tizzy. She hoped it would be worth it, tasting so many. They really did blend together after a while…
“What’re you doing out here, Em? You’re just a kid.” “Hey, <********> you, Avery. He was my trespasser, I’ve been tracking him for three hours!”
The guns felt heavy, heavier than the staff, but that wasn’t important. What was important was their power. She felt invincible.
The beast was massive, and strong, but she hadn’t taken it down alone. Her friends helped her. Friends she recognized as having fought with before. She’d fight for them again, and again.
She looked up at the Goddess as she appeared, taking the letter. She reached out for it. “No, no give it back, please, don’t let him see that, he can’t see that. I-I’ve cried all over it, he’ll see that and smell the weakness, please just—just give it back—“
“These words aren’t for you. You don’t need to think about them. Not again.”
She’d heard him yell in the fight; Avery demanded Emery’s hide for what she’d done. For what she’d caused. Blood for blood, he’d snarled.
Fighting was all she did, now. It was all she could do. She had to be stronger.
After so long with the guns, the sword was heavy, unwieldy, unfamiliar. She would grow familiar with it in time.
They were all her, and they were not. They shared a face, a name, a life, and yet they would never meet, never touch, and Emery would not remember them.
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