The Mantle of Fire

[Raichu Master]

What's this!? RM is finally coming out with a rp!? This is great! Why didn't someone tell me!? What...? Oh yeah...I am RM! ...I knew that... XD

Ok, to get straight to the point, this is going to be a very linear rp...meaning lots of strick rules and all that fun stuff. The more rules you have the better the rp, that way everyone stays in line and does what they're supposed to do to make the rp go smoothly.

Rules:

I. There shall be no powerplaying, godmoding, and etc.

1. This means no controlling another persons character, no acting invincible, and NO acting more experienced then you really are. I know that it may be hard to gage your experience, but when in doubt go with the less experienced choice.2. You get only three warnings, this is your FIRST so you only get two more warnings after this. If you become a major pain to the whole rp then I'll have to ask you to leave.
3.No character is stronger than the other, so there should be no "My characters stronger than yours so you can't do that!"
4.Battle scenes will be controled by me, I'll control the enemies so that I know that no one can "Auto Kill" an enemy. So it'll be like the enemies are my characters too.

II. Posting should be no less then three paragraphs, each at least 6 sentences.

1. If you cannot accomplish this then please don't join. This rp will be obviously for the more experienced group. If you can't give three paragraphs then you can't join this rp.
2. If you can't get at least 3 paragraphs in your post you will get only one warning after this. I may let some slide if you have been good at posting 3 paragraphs
3. The paragraphs must be very detailed, either points of view are welcome here.
4.Each character has to have 3 paragraphs to him or her. So if you have two characters, there better be 6 good paragraphs describing how he/she feels about a certain action and what is going through his or her head, and etc.

III. Character profiles must be done accurately.

1.If you say a character has a type of personality you must stick with it, you may not be allowed to go against what you registered him as. And there can't be any "???" or "Unpredictable" there has to be a set personality for the character(s).
2. Races: yes I know some are far more talented than others. That's why all experienced drow (dark elves), elves, and etc, are not to be aloud. They must be young enough to be with the rest of the characters' ability.
3.When you feel out your characters' history, you must be descriptive of his/her passed up from birth to present.

Storyline:

The Mantle of fire, the most legendary item, also the most powerful item of all time. It has been sought by many, but none have been able to reach it. Until a mighty king, King Azar, stepped up to the plate; sending his most promising students out into the wilds to fetch and bring back the mantle of fire.

The Mantle of Fire, is told to be guarded by hundreds of undead soldiers waiting for their next victim(s). But not much is known about the defenses or even where the mantle is located.

You as one of the students, must figure out where and how to get to the mantle, and figure out what your king is planning on doing with it.

Profile:

Name: This is the name of your character(s).

Age: Experience comes with age, so please keep your student(s) in his/her teens.

Race: See rules

Weapons: Doesn't really matter what you put here, since your skill depends on your experience, which links to your race and age. So just remember Clause I of the rules.

Description: Be descriptive, very very descriptive. Or you could post a pic or your character(s)

Personality: See rules

History: See rules

You may add anything you'd like to the profile but you must have no less than that.

And you are aloud to have as many characters as your little heart desires. But just remember 3 paragraphs of 6 sentence for EACH character. My characters' profile will be posted later.

[~Ozy~]

Goooood, a challenge...I'm in.

Name: Atsuna Katsumoto
Age: 16
Race: Human
-Class: Geinin (student) Ninja
Weapons: Shuriken, Nunchaku, Kunai and his hands and feet.
Description: Stands 5'7'' with a weight of 146 pounds. Kind emerald green eyes flecked with gold. Close-cropped brown hair in a military-style cut. Nicely proportioned facial features except for a scar running from just below his ear to the left corner of his mouth. Semi-muscular build although he usually looks a bit emicated. Wears a loose black shirt bound at the wrists and waist. Keeps his kunai in bracers under his shirt's sleeve. Over this is a vest containing his shuriken and nunchaku. Keeps some basic supplies and his current mission in the scroll pouches on the vest. On his forehead his the traditional headband of his village, bearing a leaf emblem in the center. Fingerless gloves with a steel backing on his hands. Pants are white and cut off at the ankles to afford better movement. Wears sandals on his feet for more silent movement.
Personality: Rather kind and friendly for the most part, although he can keep to himself a good bit. Stays loyal to what he believes in and he's quite hard to argue with due to pure bull-headedness.
History: He had a very distant early childhood, being deliberately rasied by his parents to be emotionally distant. At age six he was enrolled in a ninjutsu academy to learn fighting skills. Although he started out as distant from everyone as hoped he formed strong bonds with his classmates eventually. At age 12 he graduated to the rank of Geinin and was placed in the service of the king. From there on out he constantly focused on improving his skills and is now regarded as a bit of a progidy.

[Anthem]

Name: Raven

Age: 14

Race: Illusionist Mage (In-Training)

Weapons: None

Description: She is about 5'8", with long, mid back length ebony hair. Every other inch of her hair is straked with a midnight purple, so she looks strange at first sight. She usually wears a long black gown with mettallic red streaks on it... Her eyes are the brightest seafoam green you could ever see, and they sparkle whenever she's in danger...

Personality: She's quiet and shy, because of what's happened in her history, so she likes to stay out of the way, and study by herself. But when you tick her off, or when she get's into the heat of things, she can get either A- Violent, or B- Very serious and focused. It all depends on how her mood was during the day.

History: As a child, she was never accepted. She was always "weird", which is why she's quiet and shy now. She ran away from her human parents, who always questioned her powers. It saddened her, so she ran to the only person she knew she could trust, and that was her Sensai. Since thewn, he's raised her, and trained her, so she could hone her skills as an Illusionist...

[Raichu Master]

Procisely TAD! That is why the rules are so strict. So I could challenge myself without finding loopholes to be lazy. This is to improve my rping skills and whoever wants to join.

Name: Johann
Age: 16
Race: Human
Class: Thief/swordsman
Description: Johann (http://tinypic.com/4jeqp)
Weapons: Twin Scimitars (sorry ever since Drizzt has come into my life I can't be without those scimitars! ^^), dagger, and throwing knives.
Personality: Goofy, shy, and dangerous. He never speaks unless he is spoken too, and takes all his missions with extreme seriousness. Although when he's around his friends he's the biggest goofball that you'd ever see. Yet when he's in a battle everything is pure instinct, and he switches into this killer, doing anything he can to survive. No matter how serious or how relax the fight is.
History: From the time of his birth to the time he was old enough to join the fighting academy of King Azars kingdom, he lived his life as a rouge, stealing what he needed, not because he wanted to, but because he had to. But that all changed once the knights of honor, came to his house looking for him; the king had been keeping an eye on him and his skills and had decided that I needed to be apart of his army. Now graduated, he has yet to show the potential that the king thought he possessed, for he gruaduated last in his class.

[~Ozy~]

<OOC.Oh, I well understand. I started learning Nito (two-blade) style in Kendo to learn a bit more about how Drizzt fights. Now, how many people do you want before we start?<OOC>

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Mari sent her form to me to make sure it was ok, so she'll just have to post it. Then whoever else, they have until I get done with my homework today.

[Blaine]

Oh, John... I love the concept.

Name: Aerias Kavveya

Age: Sixteen

Race: Elf
-Class: Swordswoman with a want to be a Lady Knight

Description: Aerais is roughly 5'8" with a thin figure that is classic to an elfen girl. She has long whitish blonde hair that falls to her waist, pulled back in a high ponytail, generally braided. The young woman has emerald green eyes that will pierce if crossed. Her skin is an unearthly pale tone, brightened by the deep red coloring of her lips. She dresses in red hose that conform to her long legs and brown boots that nearly scale her knees. Aerais dressed in a white underblouse and a gold tunic. Her unusually light sword drapes her hip in an odd fashion. Anything along that line she will wear. To many, her dress seems old world, but to her, it is home.

Personality: Aerais is quite the feminist. She despises anyone or anything that speaks wrongly of her gender and will beat the living daylights out of anyone who chooses to do so in her presence. Some might call her rash, others, simply proud. The teen is very afraid of magic, despite the amount she possesses. She hides her Gift, refusing to use it. Though, when paying homage to the god of war and the great mother goddess, she will make use of the gift. Nevertheless, Aerais is what many call a "firecracker" with a nasty temper and quick to act.

History: Aerais was raised among the prim and proper nobles after her elfen family was massacred. She grew up hating the life of a noble, wanting to avenge her people. The nobles forced her to cover her ears with long hair, but she defied and at the moment she could escape, she ran to the court of the closest kingdom, that of King Arzar. She immediately enrolled in the court's school and began to pursue her hope of being knighted.

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Thank you Blaine! Ok here's Marina99s' profile so when she gets on she'll just have to post! ^^

Name: Anna

Race: Human
@ Class: Itako/elementalist

Age: 13

Description: Anna has shoulder length golden hair and deep, blue eyes that has kind of a dreamy look. She stands in 5'4" and is fair skinned. Her usual outfit consists of a black skirt, and plain silver, backless tank top. She has fingerless gloves and often wears a long bandana.

Personality: Anna once had a very upbeat personality but after the "incident", she suddenly started acting cold, mature, and emotionless, thinking it would be safer for her. Inside, stays the old Anna, though, just afraid to come out.

Weapons: Bow and Arrow, Prayer beads.

History: Anna was very close with family and friends and would always do anything for them, even risk her own life. She wasn't a normal person, who was?, for she is able to see and talk to the spirit whenever she wanted to or even summon them. She is also able to read minds; she has no control over that ability yet, though.

Once her friends' parents found out about her abilities, they had prevented their children from playing, visiting, and talking to her. From that day on, she had been teased, had been afraid of, and had been hurt, being called a 'monster'. Almost everyone feared her. Her parents, thinking that Anna would only make people think that they are weird, other words ruin their reputation, abandoned her at age three.

Slowly, her heart left the light...the only thing she had, and greeted darkness. She masked her feelings, hoping she would not be hurt again. She lived alone for two years until an old woman, who apparently was an itako and an elmentalist, found her in the streets; she raised her as her own and trained her. Her training isn't complete yet so she can't bring her abilities to its fullest, not even close.

Ok so are we ready to begin?

[~Ozy~]

<OOC>I suppose so, but I'll leave it to you. And I take it Mari's a big Shaaman King fan?<OOC>

[Raichu Master]

OOC: From the looks of it I guess so. XD

IC: Johann waited outside the castle. "What's taking them so long." He muttered looking into the mucky waters of the mote. With a sigh of worry he leaned against the wall putting one of his hands on his hilt of a scimitar, and the other around his neck.

"I can't wait until I get to use these." He whispered absentmindly to himself as he felt a wave of pride swept over him. "Although my skills are worthy of such weaponry, so magnificent it would be to be able to amount to something with these blades." He commented as he unseathed one of his perfectly curved scimitars from its holster.

With a sigh of acception, he said softly to himself, "It'll be a long time before I amount to that. I'll have to work extra hard to get to that point. I've been a disgrace to the king, all the potential he thought I had, and all this time he's been taking a chance with me. But yet I placed last in my class at graduation. How can the king still want me for this quest?" After a few more words of criticism, he silently but the beautiful blade back where it belonged.

"Now all that's left is to wait for the others. I can't wait to meet them." he said smiling at the fact that others more skilled than him were to accompany him. It gave him a sense of honor, yet he couldn't help be bugged with the concern on how the others would accept him.

[Blaine]

A tall teen walked jauntily across a wooden drawbridge. She paid little attention to the boy in front of her before her eyes made contact with his back. Johann...

Aerais tapped his shoulder grinning blindly. Her light blonde locks her highly braided, her dress of hose and tunic the norm as to which she usually clothed in. Her emerald eyes glinted devillishly as she awaited his response to her tap. Swiftly, the knightess want-to-be unsheathed her blade, pressing it lightly against his neck.

"You ought to pay more attention, Johann," she murmered against his ear.

The Elfen girl sheathed her sword and stood point to face him.

"Where are the others?" she inquired half-heartedly. "I'd have expected their arrival by now..."

It was a common fact that Aerais was far from patient and with a temper like hers, there was little room to be such.

She leaned against the stone wall, peering down at her scuffed boots.

I should go into town... I could bear a new set of shoes...

Impatiently, the young woman fiddled with her ears, ready to scream out of frustration.

"Goddess! Where are those insolent classmates of ours?" Cried the elf through a choked voice.

[~Ozy~]

"YAME!" The call to stop movement sounded throughout the dojo. All motion ceased suddenly, a ninja who could not obey orders was worse than garbage. Glancing down at my pristine gi, I noticed blood as I jogged to form the finishing lines for tonight's class. It had been a good month or so since I'd seen such a workout and I felt great. We were done with class not a moment too soon, I was running late for my meeting.

I took the three flights of stairs from the training room to my own spartan quarters at a full sprint, taking each step two at a time. I hurridly shed the stained gi and dumped a bucket of water over myself. After toweling myself off and dressing I pulled on my bracers, vest and headband, making myself presentable to the world at large. My trip back down to the ground level was at a far more lesiurely pace, one mandated by ceremony. As I stepped out the door, my entire class was waiting just outside the entrance to the training grounds on the outlying edge of the palace, kneeling in respect towards me. The honor attached to this mission and by proxy, myself was great.

After I had left the eyesight of the place I'd called home for ten years now I broke into a jog. I was indeed running late according to the sun's position and it wouldn'
t do to hold everyone up. It was rougly three miles to the castle proper, I ate up the distance in less than 20 minutes. I slowed down for the final time as I neared the entrance, able to discern a figure or to but unable to ascertain anything else about them. I tried to compose myself and present the image of a proper ninja as I neared the appointed meeting place although I couldn't help but grin at the prospect of a mission as challenging as this. As I reached the drawbridge, I nodded and gave a sharp salute to the two people standing there, then continued my walk.

[Raichu Master]

"Got me again..." johann said under my breath as her blade met his neck. The harsh cold of her blade sent chills down his back and Johann closed his eyes hoping that it was just a friendly jest.

"I don't know I was wondering that myself, Aerais. It's nice to see you though. I'm glad that you're on this quest too." he said smiling happy to be friends with at least one person of the group.

"Ah...do you know who else is in the group?" Johann asked taking note of what her last few words were. "And come on they can be that bad, no one is as bad as me, Aerais." he said chuckling alittle at himself for putting himself down.

"Wait!" he called out to the young man who took noticed of us. "What business do you have outside the castle!?" he asked out of curiousity, wondering if that young man was to be part of the party.

[Pogiforce-14]

I would join, but that three six sentence paragraphs thing is kinda hard to do with eah and every post. :\ I was asked to come her by TAD, but I'm not sure I would be able to enjoy it with such strict rules.

[Raichu Master]

I would join, but that three six sentence paragraphs thing is kinda hard to do with eah and every post. :\ I was asked to come her by TAD, but I'm not sure I would be able to enjoy it with such strict rules.

OOC:Take a look at Blaines post and my post and Tads post. I just don't want them to be two one sentence paragraphs. If you do the amount that either of us then you'll be good to go.

But three good paragraphs are a must.

[Pogiforce-14]

I'm sorry, but that just can't be done. Three good paragrahps a post is too much for me to do. Teh most paragraphs I've ever had before was two. Do we really ahve to fit to such an extremely strict standard? TAD asked me t join, but I'm afraid I may not be able to if I have to follow that standard.

[Raichu Master]

I'm sorry, but that just can't be done. Three good paragrahps a post is too much for me to do. Teh most paragraphs I've ever had before was two. Do we really ahve to fit to such an extremely strict standard? TAD asked me t join, but I'm afraid I may not be able to if I have to follow that standard.

OOC: Everything has to be followed, there will be no exceptions...sorry...but if you sign up here you agree with all the rules.

[~Ozy~]

<OOC>To be honest, it's tough for me too. I'm not trying to convince you to join it's your choice. I myself joined to improve my RP skills. from what I can tell, RM created it for the same reason.<OOC>

[Pogiforce-14]

Then I'm afraid I'm not joining. I join rps to have fun, not to force myself to write thigns when the best I can msuter is a couple paragraphs. You advance the storyline too fast this way anyway. So good day to you, and I hope this doesn't flop miserably with such strict rules.:\

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Sorry you couldn't join. And Yes TAD is right, this was to force me to do well on each post, so that it might carry onto the other rps I'm in.

Well, I guess I'll rp with you in other rps though.

And don't worry this won't fail! ^^

[Mari]

OOC: Yup, I am XD. My sister told me to wirte a fanfic on Shaman King, so I'm making this as a practice for Anna's character. I'm not good a writing someone who's cold and mean, really. That should explain it, ne? XP

IC: "Hai." Anna answered obediently, bowing politely to her sensei.

She grabbed her bow from the one of the shelves on the room and positioned it on her back, where it should be and grabbed the arrows that was set in a pouch. She positioned it on her back, aswell. She smoothen the hem of her skirt and adjusted the prayer beads around her arm. Once she was ready, she bade farewell to her sensei and headed off to the castle.

As the young itako made her way to the castle, she could hear thoughts and whispers alike. All of which she could hear the word monster. Anna continued on her walk, paying no heed to any of them, though her mouth formed a frown. She questioned her sensei about the meeting she was going to, but got no response. She quickened her pace, having no clue what time it was.

She made it to the castle, seeing an elf and two humans. She guessed that the three of them were her classmates. She slowly neared them and stood a foot away from them, feeling unusally terrified that they, like the others, might call her a monster. She crossed her arms and glanced at them consecutively, judging by how they looked, she assumed that all three were quite older than her.

[Raichu Master]

Johann noticed an unusual girl standing infront of all of them. Not wanting to seem nosy, but at the sametime wanting to know who she was. He stood up straight and said, "Hello, may I be of some servous to you? Or are you just a passerby?"

Absentmindly he right hand rested on the hilt of one of his scimitars, all though Johann probably couldn't hold his own against her, he hoped could intimidate her if she was here to cause trouble. His only fear was that she wouldn't fall for his intimidation and see right through it.

Steadily Johann grew impatient with the silence and urged, "Well, newcomer? I just want to know if you are friend or foe." He then cautiously took his hand off the hilf of the blade hoping that that motion to his hilt was not enough to intimidate her.

[~Ozy~]

<OOC>I'll be off for a while, try not to move uberly fast please.<OOC>

I nodded gravely towards the new arrival, unsure of quite what to do here. My training had never included social skills and none of these seemed to be willing to speak. I brought one hand up to the scroll pouch on the far left of my vest and drew out the slip of paper that bore my mission. I unrolled it quickly and perused it once again.

Atsuna Katsumoto, Geinin shodan of the 3rd Shinobi Corps:

You are hereby ordered to report to the drawbridge of Our Majesty's castle at 10:00 AM on the 12th of April. Upon arriving you will meet with members of your new cell abd be given a mission. Further details will be revealed upon arrival. This message is forthwith sealed to the flame.

With respect, Kazou Kamiya, Commander, Shinobi division of His Majesty's Royal Army.

I sighed after reading it as usual. It was an honor to be given a mission sealed to the flame, the highest level of security in the Shinobi Divsion, not to mention orders to report to His Majesty's personal dwelling but this...I didn't know. I'd never done anything remotely like this, who knew how badly I might screw it up. I re-rolled the missive and returned it to the pouch. Figuring that it might be a good idea to at least know everyone's name I asked evenly "So, who are each of you? I myself am Atsuna Katsumoto, Geinin." Noting the motion of one of them, I drew my right hand closer to my wrist, ready to throw.

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

I'm going to try this. ^^; I'm really going to try hard, and I'm really sorry if I can't right 3 paragraphs for each post I make. But like I said I'm really going to try hard.

Name: Kimi

Age: 15

Race: Human

Weapons: A bow and arrow, and a single sword.

Description: Kimi has brown hair, that flows slightly passed her shoulder blades. She usually wears it down, and doesnt pull it back very often. If she does pull it back, it will always be tied with a purple ribbon. Kimi also has beautiful brown eyes.

Kimi wears some torn black pants, that have patches poorly stitched onto the holes. As for shirts, Kimi wears ablack vest, and underneath the vest a white long sleeved shirt. (She'll get better clothes later on, you'll see soon why her clothes are all torn up.) All together, Kimi was always told that she looked like her mother.

Personality: Kimi isnt the smartest person you will ever see, she is usually quite scatterbrained and gets scared easily. Overall she is a very kind hearted person, and is never afraid to stick up for what she believes in. She is always willing to help others, even if it means risking herself.

History: Kimi's mother died when she was only 1 year old, and her father was terribly sick, so Kimi never really got to know her parents or anyone else. Therefor she usually spent her days by her mothers grave or her fathers side. As she got older, she began to do other things, and meet new people.But that was all after her village was destroyed by a flood.(which leads to Kimi being afraid of water. =P) Kimi was the only survivor, and for 5 months she managed to live on her own in a cave, catching her own food, and getting water out of a nearby stream.

Please tell me if that was alright! ^^ I'll change it if there is something wrong.

[Blaine]

OOC: Hello, Marina. ^^

IC:Aerais turned her head, noting the sound of footsteps. She smiled grimly at the younger teen. Green eyes scanned her form as she took grace to bow mockingly. Before the girl could mention anything in aghast stupor, the tall swordswoman flashed a toothy grin.

"Satire, dear. I'm quite the sarcastic lass."

She gave her a wink and smiled, turning to the shorter male.

"My name is Aerias Kevveya. I am of the Gaeao Elfen Village. I study swordswomanship." And I'm a knight-in-training? Her lips formed a thin line at the mention of her former home.

About eight years ago, her only abode was massacred by a group of nomadic people looking to have a good time. Their prejudices cost her dearly. With the loss of her twin brother, Jeorn, her mother, Alleain, and her father, Kaen, among others, she grew to know little pain, praying to achieve revenge on these hunters.

The young woman brandished the hilt of her sword as she noticed Atsuna's hand move to what she assumed where daggers of some sort.

[Raichu Master]

"Nice to meet you. My name is Johann, my family is poor, and we don't use last names." Johann admitted. He then turned back to the girl noting that Atsuna had his hand on his weapon. "Oh sorry you missunderstood me. I had my hand on my scimitar because of that lady right there." he said pointing to the girl that had yet to introduce herself, which she would as Anna.

Johann waited, foozen in his tracks as he waited for the young girl to introduce herself. He rested his hands to myside and continued waiting patiently.

"Calm down, please, Aerias, It was just a misunderstanding." Johann said hoping not to anger her, for he knew she was quick to snap at criticism.

[Mari]

Anna raised an eyebrow as a boy questioned her. She glanced at him, her eyes showing no expression. Her mouth slightly parted as she was about to speak but she noticed that the boy had his hands ready on his weapons. She glared at him, showing no fear. Once he asked her again, she grew annoyed. Her arms now fell on her side. She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to hit the boy.

"Why should I tell you?" She asked coldly, finally regaining her composure.

Without waiting for the boy's answer, she switched her gaze to the boy who mentioned himself as Atsuna Katsumoto. Seeing his hand move to his wrist, she assumed, that he was readying his weapon. She thought of how distrustful humans are nowdays and grimaced. She crossed her arms once again and glared at the two.

Her attention then left the two and went to the elf. Unlike her first impressions on the boys, she liked her personality. Even though she assumed they were worlds apart.

"Anna." She stated, introducing herself though her voice was barely audible. She wasn't the one that trusts anybody, but she thought differently about the group.

OOC: Hi, Blaine! XD You know, I missed your beautiful poems and your constructive critcisms [<--I often read them, I try to apply it on my writings. =] ]

[Blaine]

OOC: -blushes- Thank you, very much. I've a new topic with a new poem as well as an old one and a new part of a story and an old essay. I'm still working on displaying work so I'll have plenty soon.

Heh, I've noticed a change in style. I'm very glad someone has taken my thoughts to heart. I'm very flattered.

IC: The elfen teen smiled knowingly at the new arrival, clicking her tongue before looking back to the boys.

She loosened the grip on her blade, swallowing her pride on a misjudgement. Aerais nodded to her classmate before smiling weakly at the other two students. The tallest female folded her arms over her chest leisurely, sighing to observe the group. Lids cloaked her starlight eyes as she rested momentarily, collecting her thoughts. Upon opening them, she straightened up.

"Would you three mind showing signs of identification?"

She shrugged at Johann, knowing he might not be too happy that she asked something like that of him.

"I simply want to verify you are whom you state you are. I'd like to have a look of the letter His Grace sent you all."

Aerais fumbled with her belt purse.

"In return, this is my own statement."

The teen's voice softened as she unfolded the letter, holding it up for easy viewing. Her eyes darted from person to person searching for signs of disguise or perspiration, even noticeable scars that she could identify with in the future. This was the way of a true knight and she lived by it as she did the Code.

Won't this be such a wonderful adventure... I wonder how many others will be joining our party...?

As she awaited their statements, she clicked her tongue in mock patience.

[~Ozy~]

I nodded as I saw Aries produce her own letter. I moved my right hand back up to the pouch and drew out the missive. Holding my own up in turn, I moved it around, showing it briefly to each. Re-rolling and replacing it yet again I added briefly "Technically I wasn't supposed to show you that. Perhaps it would be best if you were to forget that I did."

Obviously a group such as ours probably wouldn't be allowed to wander the castle itself unguarded. Assuming someone would be sent to fetch us and show us to His Majesty (or more likely, a representitive thereof) I leaned back against the stone edges surrounding the door to wait.

I didn't particularly like anyone in the group so far, but that was typical. At least one of 'em was good looking, that could make things easier. I glanced over at the other male, Johann and nodded slightly, a typical greeting as far as I was concerned. My introductions now formally made, I closed my eyes and fell into a state of half-sleep often used on lengthy assignments where total unconciousness could be fatal.

[Raichu Master]

"Nice to meet you, Anna." Johann said raising his hand so she could shake it.

Then Aerais asked for identification."Aerais...you really know how to make things difficult..." he sighed with a chuckle. he took the torn and tattered peice of paper out of his shorts pocket and showed it to them, barely readable. Johann wiped a smudge of dirt off his cheek and smiled.

"Sorry for the dirty keeping, but as I said my family doesn't have much." I said almost pridefully. "And I don't have any other sign of ID. They raised taxes on IDs this year, so I couldn't get one, sorry. So this is all I have." Johann said shrugging his shoulders at Aerias.

Noticing Atsunas introduction, I figured I was the inferior one of the group and wouldn't be asked for my opinion much aside from Aerias. I sighed with a sign of acceptance, just got out of one lower class and into another.

OOC: Wow...this will be the first time my character is the weakest of the group and considered, "Less".

This should be interesting! ^^

[Anthem]

((Sorry I'm late! I was really busy over the weekend))
Raven flew through the castle, her feet barley touching the floor. She had been late because Master Kain wouldn't let her leave until she had fully mastered her Fugigata Ich... sometimes he could be such a pain...

She looked to the left, and the right, nothing but stone doors. How on earth was she supposed to find the gathering of people in this huge castle....? Oh well, all she would do is keep running...

Wait! Was that a gathering of people she just passed? She doubled back at an amazing pace, stopping outside the strange looking room...
"Hello? " she muttered " I'm sorry I'm late, but I had problems with my Sensai. I wouldv'e come much earlier." she said bowing to them all.
She produced her letter from her cloak and held it out to noone in particular.

[Pogiforce-14]

I'm feeling up to the challenge now, and since this isn't too far in, I figured I stil had time to join. ;)

Profile:

Name: Johnathan Davadov Winter

Age: 17 years old.

Race: Human/ Elf halfbreed. He gains the dexterity and fluid motion of an elf, and the physical strength and determination of a human.

Weapons: A 5 foot cedar staff finished with the finest ceal and marked with the symbol of his mother's elven heritage, the fig leaf. it had been carved and sanded by the finest woodcarvers known to elf kind.

Description: He is six feet 2 inches tall. he wears a pale white tunic with short sleeves and a trim that goes down to his waste, where it is tied off with a black leather belt. He has dark brown hair that has such brilliance, it often gives the impression he is pure elf instead of a hybrid. He has peircing grey eyes and a fair smooth complexion. his hands are callused from a great many practices with his father, a knight of the kings army, and has developed a fine muscularture due to said practices. He wears dark blue pants made of cotton and leather shoes that muffle his footfalls, having not enough elf in him to properly walk like one. HE also carries a leather sheath on his back, in which he keeps his staff when it's not in use.

Personality: A very eager young man. He will do anything to prove his worth, and to bring honor to his family. he is very serious, but is quite the joker as well. Sometimes he acts rashly, and due to his elven heritage tends to think himself a great warrior, despite proof otherwise. However, he knows true friends when he sees them and does not demean the abilities of others.

History: His father, Jack Winter, met his mother, Roanna Woods, during a leizure trip to the elven kingdom. Theire affection turned to love and they privately married and conceived a child. Fearing their half breed would not be accepted by either society, they kept it a secret and returned to their own society, keeping the secret to themselves. when Johnathan was born, the mother explained him as a gift from their gods, a child conceaved without a father. Although they did not believe this, they could sense something special about this child and decided to leave him be and see how he progresses. Eventually, Jack's King allowed him to return to the elven kingdom to teach weapon classes, as a form of cooperation with the elven leader. Johnathan often wondered why Jack was so friendly and so focused on him, that one day, he asked his mother about it. She expalined to him that he was Jack's son. After that day, Johnathan felt more human than elf, and considered the king of that time his king. At ten years of age, He foolishly asked Jack during one of his classes if he could go back to the kingdom with him, which caught the attention of the Elven leader. At first relations between Jack's Kingdom and the elves became tense, and many feared it would break out into war. However, they saw the love bewteen Roanna and Jack, and decided it would bind them as allies forever. With their secret out in th open, Jack returned to his kingdom, and since then Johnathan would spend one year with his mother, then one year with his father, and so on and so forth. During that time frame the former king died and was repalced with a new one. this king is teh one calling for all youths to seek the Mantle of Fire.

this is my character bio, if it isn't too late to join. just set me a starting point and I'll get moving.

[Blaine]

Aerais grinned broadly at Johann, ruffling his hair. She nudged his side with her hip, looping an arm around his shoulders.

"I have to keep myself true to the Code, don't I?"

Her green eyes smiled at him with a squint as she raised her hand to shield the sun from her orbs. Covering her weakness, the swordswoman laughed. The elfen girl released her training partner and tucked away her letter, bumping the sword's hilt at her side.

Alertly, she whipped around at the sound of steps, coming face-to-face with another female. She raised an eyebrow at her bow and sighed.

"Bow to no one. It shows signs of a weakness. Someone could easily thrust a knife through your back. Not that any of us would do such, I hope. Like I said, you bow to anyone other than your teachers, trouble might be up your alley."

She smiled.

"I'm Aerais. And as for your teacher, aren't they so fickle sometimes?"

Elfen laughter filled her voice and she grinned.

"It's nice to have another female in the group."

The teen grinned.

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

Kimi crawled from the cave that she slept it in every night. She put her hands over her eyes to bock the blinding sun, but quickly removed them. Some dull foot prints caught her attention.
"Huh? How did....", Kimi muttered to herself, and looked back at the cave. Kimi had spotted no sign of human near this cave before, only near the village nearby. Kimi then looked curiously back over to her cave. There in front of it, she noticed a slightly crumpled envelope. She walked slowly over to it, and picked it up carefully. She then opened it.
Kimi was careful not to miss any wor in the letter that she recieved, and read it throughly at least 8 times.

Kimi walked out of the forest, in which the cave she slept in hid, and looked over the village down below her. There was indeed some sort of castle there. Kimi scratched her head in cofusion. How did anyone know she was in the forest? why would anyone need her help on such a quest? Soon enough something pulled her from her thoughts. Kimi's eyes went wide, as she listened to the sound coming from behind her. She quickly pulled out her sword, and Kimi missed it by an inch. She sighed a sigh of relief as the rabbit bounded away. She was glad she didnt hurt the rabbit, and she was glad it wasnt something else.....something bigger at least.

Kimi shruged at sat down in the grass, trying to decide if she should accep the invitation to join the party. She wasnt sure if she was the right person for the job, and she didnt think she had the right qualities. But then again, it would be nice to meet new friends, and escape from the damp and dirty cave she lived in. She soon decided that she would go, and headed down to the village. Avoiding peoples stares, Kimi checked fir the letter tucked in her pocket. She spotted a group of teenagers, but being as shy as she was, she didnt go over to them.

[Mari]

Hearing the elfen girl's request, Anna took out a neatly folded paper. There were two, but she didn't want the others to see the other one. She opened the paper and showed Aerais. It was a letter from the king...sort of. Assuming the she had already seen it, Anna hid it back in the pocket of her skirt.

Seeing a female bow down to them, she rolled her eyes. She silently agreed to what Aerais said. Bowing down to anyone is a sign of weakness, unless teachers, masters, or anyone in a higher position than you, as her sensei told her. She crossed her arms, it was a habbit of hers. She gazed at the newcomer then at the others, frowning. She never had a true friend since the 'incident' and forgot how it felt like and seeing Aerais laugh, to surpress a feeling, made her more...upset? Impossible, she can't be.

She averted her gaze from the group as she felt a presence near by. It seemed that whoever it was, it had no plan on approaching the group. She rolled her eyes as she turned. Though her intentions were unclear to her, the young itako neared the place where she could feel the presence and rolled her eyes once more. With her hands still crossed, her eyes still...emotionless, she glanced at the girl.

"You." She said rather coldly. "If you really want to talk to them, why don't you just go? It's not like they are going to bite you." Her tone was slightly softer than a while ago.

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Pogi, glad to see you finally decided to join us! ^^

IC: "My name is Johann. It's a pleasure to meet you." Johann said starting to bow back, but Aerias stopped him. He patted down the ruffled hair that Aerias stirred, and looked around counting the people in the party. "5 people..." he commented absentmindly, silently fearing that many people in the carrivan. Looking around he acquired that he was the only low class citizen there. Rank was something he learned the hard way through the years of his youth, and Johann was careful with every step he took with this band of seemingly talented fighters.

His careless dress was something, for the first time, he had begun to feel embarrased about. He looked at his dirty appearance but then tryed to shrug it off reasoning to himself that it was the best he can do.

Although Johanns' attire may have been alittle reckless and unkept, his intellect was something that he didn't lack. "If you don't mind me sayin', I think we should start heading south across the mountains. It's unexplored territory and it would most likely be where we'll find the Mantle." He said taking out a burnt and dirtied map of the explored world. "But there is a concern, orcs rule the mountains there. We'll have to find a way through them or around them. So I suggest we head northeast to the kingdom of the dawn. That way we can see records of how hostile the orcs have been. We might find we can just pass through under the right circumstances." I said pointing the locations out on the map. The points he picked where a quest all by itself, and would prove most challenging even to make it to the kingdom.

"So what shall we do?" He asked remembering my authority wasn't in high favors because of my status as a lower class citizen.

[~Ozy~]

"Are orcs a challenge to you, child" I asked slightly demeaningly. I didn't really mean to, I just tended to come off that way to new acquaintences. I returned to a fully awake state and stood up in full (though the effect was not impressive, I was one of the group's shortest members). so far I hadn't been able to tell much about any of them, although I continued to file away every little detail on each one.

Perhaps I did mean to insult Johann a bit, from what I'd seen he was the least talented of our group. he had the potential, that was plain. what he lacked was confidence. I said "Myself, I say we go by the shortest route possible. The sooner I can return to my training, the better."

I looked around at my five companions doubtfully. I worked best in a group of three, this added new dynamics I was unused to. To show that, however, would be intolerable weakness. I added quietly "I think we need a leader. If we all are vying for control we'll be fractured."

[Blaine]

The elf raised a brow at the girl approaching. She smiled gently at Anna as she approached the newcomer and quickly masked the softness with a co c ky grin. Aerais listened deftly to Johann's mapped plan, thinking logically.

"We cannot leave tomorrow... It will take weeks to gather proper provisions! I'll have to spend hours in the stockroom making lists of all we must carry! And what about horses? Or, do you plan on us trekking the rest of the way? Not to mention, none of us are quite sure as to how reliable our teammates are."

She ticked off important tasks on her long, nimble fingers, looking her friend in the eyes.

"There's so little preparation that this caravan won't last three miles! We've simply got to wait at least a week. I'd feel better if we waited a fortnight, but sunrise?! Are you mental, Johann?!"

The elfen girl shook her head, cradling her arms underneath her chest.

"It just can't be accomplished... A five... Maybe six person team leaving the same day they met... Without provisions..."

[Raichu Master]

I looked at Atsuna, and said insulted that he'd even question my intellegence, "Yes we have to. You may have played around with those little orcs for training, but let me assure you that these orcs are bloodthrusty and could tear you to shreds in a matter of seconds. You are nothing but a newbie, as I like to call people like you and I. You have no experience under your belt when dealing with these creatures. SO unless you'd still like to face about a thousand and some orcs, I suggest we take my course of action."

I then turned to Aerias, taking a deep breathe, "I never said we were to leave anytime soon. But if we know our plan of action to begin with we can better prepare ourselves." I said trying to keep my voice casual.

I rolled up my map and started back into the kingdom, completely enraged at how quickly Atsuna judged me, even if I was a lower class citizen.

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

Kimi was quite startled by the cold voice from behind her. She was quick to turn around and face the group, but said nothing. Instead she just blinked curiously, and took a small step back. But right when she stepped back, she fell backwards. She quickly stood up again, and rubbed the back of her head, turning slightly red in embarrasment. Then, Kimi walked slowly over to the group.

"I'm sorry to interuppt....but my name is Kimi....and I was wondering if you guys are the group going on the quest....", Kimi muttered, and looked down at her feet. She glanced up slightly, no longer embarrased about tripping. "If you are, I was asked to come along with you....".

Kimi didnt know why she was so shy, she hadnt always been this way. Back when she lived in her village, she was always so open and would talk to anybody, but that all changed after the big flood. Soon enough she lifted her head, and smiled at the others, now only feeling a little nervous.

[~Ozy~]

'The greater the challenge, the better" I quipped, turning away from Johann. I personally felt that we could get through the mountains without incident. That is, I could. I needed more information on the stealth capabilities of my companions.

As for preperation, I was one to agree. We needed supplies, a plan of action we could agree on...I couldn't think where to begin if we worked without planning. it was an essentil skill in my mind. I added to the group at large "Things will be more efficient if we divide the work. Do you agree?"

My question was rehtorical as far as I was concerned and I did not believe I'd get any answers, just a general assent. I added to the newcomer "Hello." That was it, no names or anything. It was unnessacary for me now.

[Raichu Master]

Johann stormed through the town and truned down a dark alley that was the entrance to what people called "The Slums". "The supplies and maps we need are at Dawn. Why do they want to stock up here." Johann muttered as he entered a shack.

It was a one room, dirt floor shack. With a chest that was covered in locks. Everything in that chest was what he owned. As he unlocked all the locks he sighed to himself, "On his own? Who does he think he is? God? Orcs of the mountains are 10 times his strength." he huffed as he opened the chest to find a small perse of 10g.

"Sometimes I hate being poor." Johann muttered his voice full of hate toward himself. "How is it that I can manage with only this and all of them need 'supplies'?" he criticized to himself as he exited the shack and walked out of the kingdom setting up camp for him, and whoever wanted to join him.

[Blaine]

OOC: I'll have to go for the night. I'll see you lot tomorrow!

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Night, Blaine! ^^

Wow this should be really interesting...A hot head, a genius, an elf, a shy girl, and a girl who has emotional issue...that's a really sane group! XD

[~Ozy~]

I was restless, for my part. I could survive on my own or with my other classmates easily but I didn't wish to endanger other in my group through poor planning. I left the castle ground and entered the city proper for the first time in years. It was uncomfortable and overcrowded to my sense, accustomed to peace and quiet for the most part.

My goal for now was a small market district I remembered. four years of back pay was burning a hole in my poscket and I needed a few replacemets for somne weapons that seemed to be wearing out. I passed by several armorer's shops before I found something worth my time, a bir of steel-capped black oak nunchaku to replace my current pair, beaten and worn from nine years of solid use.

After a few practice routines I purchased the pair, eager to try them out in a real circumstance. They were well made and perfectly balanced with a strength charm laid into the wood. It took up a good half of my money to buy them. For noy, my other weapons could do with a simple refurbish at the same armorer's. It was nighe on 1:00 now and I still had energy to burn. I exited the city by the south gate, figuring to take a walk. I was unsure of what it was, but I felt a bit of guilt on me. I hoped a hike would help me think through it.

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

OCC:You'll find later in the RP that Kimi isnt as shy as she seems to be. ^^

Whats going on here? Kimi thought, as she watched Johann march away. She wanted to follow him to see if he was alright, even though she didnt know him, but decided not to. Kimi still didnt exactly understand what was going on. Maybe her invitation to join the party was just a misunderstanding....

Kimi pulled the letter from her pocket and read it over once more. It couldnt possibly be a mistake could it? The letter was addressed to her and everything....

Soon, without hesitation, Kimi decided to follow Johann. She found him outside of the kingdom.
"Hi...", she said kindly to him. "Do you need any help?"

[Raichu Master]

Chomping on an over cooked rat Johann noticed someone come up in front of him. "Who does that guy think he is?" Johann asked more to himself than to Kimi. "Thinking he's elite, thinking he's the best there ever was. I'd love to give that guy a peice of my mind." He said looking up at the girl who stood on the other side of a blazing campfire.

He cleared his throat and said, "Sorry, didn't mean to voice my thoughts out loud. I need no help at this time, just someone who'll lend an ear out of this group of rash extremist."

Johann rubbed his hands together and took a few steps closer to the fire. And as he sat down Johann asked her, "Your name is Kimi right? Mine's Johann. It's a pleasure to meet you...if you could call it a pleasure at this point."

[~Ozy~]

It it me with the force of a 200-pound weight: Johann. "****it" muttered, stalking around in search for him. for all I knew it could be a fruitless search, I'd ignored him completly after we'd parted paths. I put both hand up behind my head and plopped onto the grass, still trying to figure out why I felt the need to apologize. Tings weren't boding well in my mind, I usually saw everything clearly.

It was a shockingly blue sky today, the kind any normal kid my age should love. I was far from normal, though. Restless energy still bubbled through me and I needed to do something. Sighing, I got back to my feet and rearranged my hair as best I could and walked off again, heading for a small ravine.

It was one of the few places I remembered from my life before the Academy. It seemed I'd come here to think after all the other kids I'd grown up with had been teasing me for not wanting to play Knights. it was a beautiful spot, really, rocky outcrops looking over a shallow little creek. I hopped down into the water, the splash soaking me up to mid-calf. darting across to the other side, I found my old favorite rock to sit on, mainly because of the ample supply of kindling nearby. when I was young I used to light fires to take all my negative feelings away in the smoke. Simply for old time's sake I lit another of these small fires, hoping again that I could figure out what to do.

[Anthem]

Anthem's lips raised into a smile, revealing heavily fanged teeth.
" I don't usually bow. Except when greeting a new group. After that it's either bitter, or bright, depending on what side of me your on!"
she laughed
"Luckily, you've started off on my good side! I'm Raven!"

She looked around, ignoring the sideways glances of others, then turned back to Aeris.
"What now? This seems awfull boring." She leaned up agianst the wall, playing with the double Sai on the side of her belt...

Something in her mind was troubling her. She didn't like this, it was too quiet. She was getting paranoid again... figures. Her eyes gleamed with a slight mischeif... she wanted to cause a little trouble, but she'd keep it to herself...

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

Kimi smiled at Johann cheerfully, and sat down opposite of the fire.
"Its nice to meet you to Johann", she replied, grabbing a stone and playing with it in her hands. "And this boy you're speaking of.....I'm sure he isnt as bad as you think he is. Maybe if you just try talking you're problems over with him, you two would get along better".

Kimi made a perch with her finger, and a small blue bird landed on it. "Not everything is what it seems to be....", she said silently, but loud enough for Johann to hear. Kimi lifted her hand high into the air, and te bird flew off.

Suddenly, Kimi remembered the letter in her pocket. She quickly pulled it out and threw it into the blazing fire, knowing she would need it no longer. Kimi stretched out her legs, so that the fire could warm up her cold bare feet. She hadnt been around a fire for so long, and she was grateful that she was around people who could make one.

[Raichu Master]

Despite all the intellect Johann possessed he couldn't figure out why anyone would be as hot headed as Atsuna. Aerias was he could handle, he never really concerned himself with her, no matter how rash she got.

"I guess I'll talk to him tomorrow or if we meet up tomorrow." he said thoughtfully. If this quest was going to go smoothly Johann and Atsuna were going to have to try to set aside their differences for the best of the group.

Then noticing how rude he was being he smiled and said, "Rat?" as I held up the small burnt creature. "It's not the best, but it's the best I've ever had." Johann sighed again reminded again of the painful reality, that he was the lesser of the group and he was nothing but a poor rouge, not even being able to be considered a fighter but a robber.

But truly that wasn't his personality, he didn't have the drive to steal, although he was skilled at it for doing it all of his life, he despised every minute of it. He had the heart and brains of a ranger, not one of a rouge, or outcast.

Then he braved to show a hint of his true personality and deep thoughts, "Did you ever wonder about the injustice under which we live? The way we're all discriminated against each other, and the way each class despises the next. The wealthy hate the poor and the middle class, the middle class hate both the poor and the wealthy, and the poor hate the wealthy, middle class...and even themselves." he said his eyes portraying that that was how he really felt about it, 'injustice' was the perfect word for society.

[Pogiforce-14]

ooc: I went to get my fire red version, and now I'm lost. someone tell me what's happening, so I can make a good ic post. :\

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Yeah the group has seperated to prepare for the unknown so just blend in with someone elses character, like Johann and Kimi are at a campfire talking, Atsuna is somewhere rocky with a river, and the others haven't posted lately. hope that helps! ^^

[Pogiforce-14]

Today was the day. My father had come with a group of soldiers, and was preparing to take me to teh castle. he walked into mother's home in a complete suit of armor, the decor of a knight belonging to the king. "Time to go son." he smiled. " We should get there before sun down." I nodded eagerly and slung my pack over my shoulder. We walked outside whgere I saw the soldiers and horses mulling about. I jumped up onto the horse designated for me and kicked my heels, urgin the horse onward. seemign to take a cue form me , father and the other knights followed.

Before long, we had made it to teh castle and I found myself in teh kings chamber. This king was young, and full of spirit. I bowed humbly to him as I was told was teh custom. He nodded and I stood upright again.

"I called you here because I understand that you are a skileld bowman." the king said.

"That is correct sir."I replied.

"May I see it?" I pulled my staff from my back, and showed to him. He seemed very surprised.

"I was under the impression that you used a bow as ina bow and arow."

"No sir, I use a bo staff." I replied.

"Interesting... you will make an excellent addition to the team of youths i've set up."

"Begging your pardon sir?" I asked, not understanding.

"I've recruited young men and women like yourself to obtain for me something called the Mantle of Fire. It promises to be a dangerous task. Are you up for it?"

" Sir, I'll face any challenge with the greatest of ease." I said confidentally.

"good. two other members of the group are out in the woods about now. Find htem and learn more from them." I nodded and after saying goodbye for my father, I jumped back on my horse and took off for the woods.

[Mari]

Anna watched as the girl approached the group. She was quite glad that the girl did, she didn't want her to be alone, after all. She just denied it. Anna made her way to group, too. She heard their plans for their quest and had no problems with it. She watched the group with slight interest as they continued on their conversations. Seeing Johann and Atsuna marched away to gather supplies, she walked away aswell. She needed more arrows...just in case.

While walking towards an armory, her hands then found it's way to the belt bag on her waist. She took out her favorite bandana and adjusted it on her head. She also took out her wallet. Her family, being fairly rich, had given her a large amount of money for her quest, thankfully. She walked in the armory and bought the finest looking arrows they had. She also stopped by in the market borough and bought a few treats for her frien-companions.

She sighed inwardly. Why on Earth did she even bother to buy things for them? If they knew what her abilities were, they would just call her a monster, just like the others. She frowned at the thought.

Can't change anything. She thought casually. I just have to give this to them to get this over with. She still couldn't believe she had gotten a tad soft.

She hid behind the armory and held out her prayer beads. She stated a chant, summoning a spirit. "Konnichiwa, Suzuki-chan." She whispered.

The spirit squealed. "Anna-chan, I missed you!" Suzuki cried.

Anna's lips slightly curved into a smile, a very small smile. She was a friend, a friend who wouldn't be frightened of her. "I missed you, too, 'Zuki-chan."

"'Zuki-chan, can you tell me where this boy is?" She asked. She described how he looked like and Suzuki nodded happily.

Anna waited for a short while before Suzuki spoke. "He is with a girl, a friend of your I assume. From here, go left, straight, right, and right again."

"Arigato, 'Zuki. See you later."

"Hai! Sayonara!" Suzuki exclaimed, waving goodbye at her.

After seeing her disappear, Anna followed what Suzuki told her and true to her words, the two of them were there.

"Sorry for the intrusion Kimi, Johann." She called coldly, though it seemed that she was just trying mask the softness of her voice. "But, just incase you guys are hungry..."

She put down the paper bag she was carrying and broke a loaf of bread she took out. She threw them each a piece and tried to looks as ruthless as possible. "If you don't want them, just throw it." She added.

She was about to leave but Suzuki appeared in front of her. "Iie, Anna-chan. I want you to spend time with your friends. Please?" The spirit begged.

"Hai." She said slowly. She turned to Johann and Kimi. "Do you guys mind if I...well, sit here with you?" She asked in an oddly timid tone.

Her head slightly ached. Since she hadn't gotten full control over her abilities, she gets weaker everytime she uses it.

[~Ozy~]

<OOC>RM, I've used Atsuna before and always played him as yaoi. You mind if he develops a crush on Johann?<OOC>

"The mission is the only important thing" I muttered to myself, reciting a bit of the 25th law of Ninjutsu. I slammed my fist onto the hard granite of the stone beside me, barely noticing when my knuckles began to bleed. "****it" I said again, trying to reconcile what I was feeling. Johann seemed underconfident and divisive. Why the **** did I want to seek him out then?

Grumbling mentally, I got to my feet again, failing to have resolved anything. I flicked a kunai into my hand and threw it into a tree, the small knife embedded in the wood to the handle. I ripped it out and returned it to the bracer, snarling at myself.

I returned to the city gate, looking for any sign of Johann. It was hard, but through a few cafefully posed questions and a set of footprints, I found what I suspected to be his trail. I followed it, stalking along the track until I came upon his camp, two others joining him. I marched in, head held high and refusing to lose my dignity in this apology as I said "I'm sorry, Johann, we need to repair what damage was done. Perhaps I was a bit harsh." I pulled out my new nunchaku and tacked on "I'd like to find out if I was."

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Why would he have a crush on him?

IC: Johann looked up at Anna. "Sure." He said lightheartedly. "You take a spot anywhere you'd like." He added as he raised his rat-on-a-stick. "Rat?" He offered once more to them.

Then something surprised him, he didn't know what but he sensed a presence here. Never before had he been so sure of himself, he turned around, and saw Atsuna standing there. He huffed a curse under his breathe and continued eating.

Johann listened carefully to what the boy had to say, but appeared not to have heard him. Finally after about 3 minutes he mumbled, "What's there to talk about? You're a hot head by nature, that's completely understandable. It's your arrogance that bothers me the most." Johann put his hands on the gound behind him and appeared to slounge against them. In all actuality, Johann didn't trust the young man, not one bit, he had his hands ready to reach for his throwing knives if Atsuna dared to make a harmful move. He may have been weak with the blade. But he could throw his knives with deadly percision, that was the reason he failed the academy, was because he was absolutely terrible with the sword, and they refused to teach a rouges weapon.

[Legendary_Pokegirl]

Kimi smiled cheerfully once again, and accepted the rat. She was used to eating things like this, and they didnt taste bad at all. It was a matter of time before Atsuna arrived, and him and Johann began to talk.
"Johann....maybe it would be good for you two talk...thanks for the rat, I'm going back into town. Bye!" and with that, Kimi ran off.

Kimi really hoped everything would be okay between Atsuna and Johann, she really didnt like it when people were fighting. She really know why she came into town. She
had no money, so what was the point going there?
Kimi just merley shrugged, and continued to walk down the narrow alley, peeking through shops windows with interest.

Kimi soon came to a weaponry shop, and she carefully pulled an arrow from the basket flung over her shoulder. She studied it carefully. Kimi made her own arrows, and they always worked fine for her. She guessed she really didnt need new weapons, although they would be nice to have.
Oh well.....maybe someday Kimi thought.

[Mari]

For the second time that day, Anna smiled. But this smile was smaller than the last one, it could be barely seen. She was grateful Johann was kind to her. She sat down a few feet away from him and when Johann asked her if she wanted to eat a rat, she politely refused. She would never dare kill a harmless rat, and eating one? She slightly grimaced at the thought of the poor, harmless, if it was harmless, rat being eaten by someone.

Since she was feeling hungry, she grabbed an apple she bought from the market and took a bite. She then noticed Atsuna standing in front of Johann. She backed away slightly, wishing not be in the middle of hatever conflict Atsuna and Johann had. Though, incase they go too far, she readied her prayer beads. She placed her hand on top of her head and silently watched the two.

She felt weak but it was all worth it, she hoped. Once she had control over her abilities, she would be stronger...much stronger. And she would be able to see all her friends everyday without slowly losing her...her life. She averted her gaze on the two and looked down on the ground, writing the Japanese word for hope on the ground.

[Blaine]

OOC: Blaine's back! Yay! And John, yaoi is a homosexual preference.

IC: Aerais raised her eyebrows at Raven and shook her head.

"I don't care what side I'm on. 'Long as you follow codes and standards, I'm fine. And just don't do anything stupid. People's lives are on the line."

She clicked her tongue in thought.

"I'm off to the wood. I need to check in with Johann," she muttered, half for her own self and half for Raven.

Her emerald eyes smiled frankly at the human female.

"Farewell, young bird."

The dame raced off toward the forest, grinning ear-to-ear. Her eyes scanned the forestry for her friend, noting the crowd around him.

"Fair gentleman! My ladies, how art thou thy fine eve?"

Aerais crouched, leisurely beside her sparring partner.

"Dinner, I see? You ought to come with me to the castle sometime... You know the King doesn't mind. Rat is scrumptuous, but perhaps you might enjoy pork?" She grinned, leaning forward and picking a small bit of the creature of the stick. Delicately, she devoured the piece, feeling much better. "All of you. Would you not like to dine in the castle with me? I am certain the table is welcome of you."

Her lips curved into a soft smile, softer than anything she had shown this group.

[~Ozy~]

"I have a few issues to settle" I replied politely to Aeris. Snapping my nunchaku out infront of me horizontally I returned my attention to Johann, saying grimly "You see arrogance, I see confidence. Anything less than total faith in my own abilities is fatal. Again, I must ask that I see if I judged you harshly."

I swung one bar of the weapon up under my left arm, the other firmly in my right hand. As I fell into a basic fighting stance I said with finality "Draw."

I entered the mindset of a fighter instantly, calming my mind and eliminating thought. Reaction over proactivity. Know the weaknesses of any routine. Calm the mind. The ideal was one of heian (peaceful mind). Sound was blanked out for me, all my attention focused on Johann, on every move he made. All this in the time it took to blink my eyes.

<OOC>Hope you don't mind that I incorporated a few Shotokan principles. And thank you for defining it for him, Blaine.<OOC>

[Blaine]

OOC: No problem, Takai. However, my character's name is Aerais. With an "a" as well as an "i"... It's an odd name, pronounced Air-RY-iss. I'm sorry. It's a common mistake. Though, I just wanted to clear that up.

[~Ozy~]

<OOC>Ah. I have trouble reading font that small, particularly when there are i's and l's involved.<OOC>

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Ok, thanks Blaine! ^^ Just got a bit confused.

IC: Johann looked at Aerais and said, "Pork is a fine meat indeed. But I am a rouge, rat is good enough for me. I couldn't stand eating anything better while my family and friends starve on the street."

Johann snorted at the invite to a fight with Atsuna. He truly could careless to prove anything, since he was clumsy with a blade, and Atsuna, no matter how skilled he was, could probably top him.

Nonetheless, Johann got up, dusting himself off. "Very well." He said taking out his scimitars. Johann had a plan for the young fighter but he'd have to keep his cool to follow the plan out.

"I don't feel like fighting you. But if this'll knock some sense into you then I guess I have no choice." Johann reasoned as he jabbed his right scimitar clumsily at Atsunas' ribs, following through with the other one slicing across his chest, as Johann brought it under his right one.

Johann smiled, showing that he knew that his weakness was with the blade. He looked behind him, signalling that he had a hidden plan, although he didn't realize that it was obvious that he was looking at something.

[~Ozy~]

Both attacks were slapped down quickly with a quick flurry of strokes from the leading bar of my own weapon. I recognized that Johann proibably had a plan and decided to press him, keep him from getting the distance necessary to use a ranged weapon.

I followed up my block with an impressives series of attacks, most aimed at either the face or gut. I still hadn't started the fight in truth, using attack patterns for now instead of improvisation. My traininjg hadn't been put to practical use in years and the tension of an actual fight was something I'd almost forgotten. In this regard, Johann who had probably fought to survive every day held the advantage.

I finished up this particular pattern with a feigned front-snap kick that rapidly translated into a graceful sweepm aiming for Johann's ankles.

<OOC>Where 'ya been, man?<OOC>

[Raichu Master]

OOC: Long story. Look in the leave of absense thread. ^^

IC: Surprised that Atsuna wasn't trying, Johann managed to block all the attacks fairly well. He hopped over Atsunas kick and tryed to stop his attack at the sametime. But it failed and both of his scimitars fell out of his hands while he was still in air.

He landed far enough from Atsuna to use any sort of long range weapon. Johann reached behind him and gripped his throwing knives so that each one was wedged between his knuckles. He threw one of the knives that was rest between his index finger and thumb at Atsuna with deadly speed and accuracy.

The small knife barely missed Atsuna, scrapping the top of his shoulder. Silently Johann cursed under his breath since it had been years since he last used his knives, since the academy insisted on him only using a blade.

Johann readyed two more knives to be thrown as he waited for Atsuna to strike. Little did Atsuna know that Johann can use his knives from far away and up close in hand to hand combat extremely efficently, although his aim might be off since not being aloud to use them for so long.

[~Ozy~]

I hissed as I felt the air whistle by from the knife. I tossed the nunchaku high in the air. As I did, I reached into my vest and let loose three shruiken, more as a distraction than anything else.

I caught my primary weapon deftly and jumped forward. My first attack in this series, now serious was a spinning roundhouse with the chain, aimed at Johann's left arm.

I was serious about this now, determioned to prove my skill and hopefully teach this child a thing or two. As the chain wrapped around Johann's arm, my own left hand shot up and caught the other bar. In closer now I went staight into another attack, a roundhouse knee strike.

[Raichu Master]

Johann, once the chain was around his arm, grabbed the chain that arms' hand and pulled him down. Once he was on top of him, he sacrificed his defense to drive one of the knives into the knee that Atsuna was kicking out towards him.

Once Johann dislodged the knife from Atsunas knee he realized he was left wide open for him to launch a counter attack or finish his attack.

Johann quickly tryed to prepared one of his knives to throw, but he was too clumsy and slow and feared that Atsuna would take this fault to his advantage and attack.

[Blaine]

Aerais watched with an uninterested glare though the eyes followed the boys' movements intently. Her arms folded across her chest as she leaned against a large oak, careful to check first for any other human source. A hand slipped from her crossing over her ribs to cup the hilt of her blade. Just in case things got out of hand.

"Boys, watch it now. One wrong move amongst you two and I'll have your hands separated and on the ground."

She clicked her tongue and grinned devillishly as the two males went at one another with vigor.

As soon as she heard Johann's knife pierce Atsuna's skin, she jumped into the brawl, pulling the two apart and pushing them down.

"This mission CANNOT afford to lose members to petty fights. If I see anything like that again, you both are going to answer to His Majesty."

Her voice was cross as she kneeled against the dirt. Standing, her expression lightened.

"Go clean up, you hoodlums."

Aerais gave a slight smile and turned on her heel. She leaned against her same tree, slumping down into a sitting position. Her fingers hooked around the hilt of her blade as she sighed.

"I'm to young to be motherly if at all..."

[Raichu Master]

Johann just spat at the dirt as she walked away, "Clean up?" he muttered, "Who does she think she's talking to?" He said as he placed his knives behind his belt.

Johann stomped off into the forest cursing everything he laid eyes on, not because he meant to, but because of habit.

Rouges barely ever blame themselves for mistakes or blame. They always find someone to blame and then seek revenge on them. So out of habit Johann cursed, not ever really meaning what he said, he did it because he was raised that way.

Finally cooling down as he reached a stream, he started to think about what happened if Aerais wouldn't have stepped in. Walking into the freezing cold water Johann muttered to himself, trying to rationalize the situation, "Why did she step in and stop it? Surely alittle bloodshed never hurt anyone. Nonetheless kill someone."

As he ducked his head under the water letting the chilled liquid flow through his matted hair, he jerked his head up and said slowly to himself, "Did...Aerais...stop the fight...because...she saw my distress and didn't want me getting hurt?"

Johann chuckled to himself and said, "Aerais? Do that because of me? Not likely. That ain't her style. She stopped it because she didn't want two of her new comrades killing each other before the quest got started." He then pushed the thought of Aerais saving him far into the back of his head and finished cleaning up.

Returning to the camp Johann was ready to talk to Atsuna and the others about their course of action.

Noticing that everyone wasn't there Johann sat quietly as he waited for the others to show so they could get this thing settled and get moving with the adventure.