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Kerin frowned again and looked down at Marisa as she gripped his hand. He put his other arm around her into a hug. How... how could Marisa say something like that with ease? Someone was going to die tonight? She seemed so bright about it. Fausto was the human kid, yeah? How could he just die... he hadn't really done anything except be possessed by an angry god guy thing. He dropped his eyes to the floor. Well, Kerin didn't really know what to think. His eyes flickered back as her she stuttered.
"What do you mean yeah? What's happening?" He arched his head around to look into her eyes. Hopefully she didn't mean something... would happen to them? To her? |
Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld
"Claws and wings? Are you trying to kill me?" I raise my eyebrows at him. It was possible to make those things, but... "It would take a week of my training to get claws, Raike. Wings? More around two. I'm not a legendary trainer in magic arts. Bernkastel is as close as you can get to that. You don't have two weeks, Raike. You have two days at most for training." I understood his concern for Ryuu's strength. Even if his punches didn't hurt me, I could still feel the strength of each blow. Not to mention, he would be able to pin down Raike with that body of his. No wonder he was called the rhyno... If he could, he'd stomp you to death. "Honestly, I think learning magic just to put him on fire would be enough. It seems to me that he's more into physical fighting, so why would he know much magic? I'd say, keep your distance from the freak, and throw fireballs at his butt." I grinned, even though Raike's tone was serious. "No, if you're with Bern, you won't survive. You'll thrive. Did you see the games last year? That proves it." I approach Raike calmly, but what I do next, is unexpected. I take his chin, and lower it slightly so his eyes look at mine. "I will not help you with any fights, if that's what you think. You may be a friend, but even I wouldn't go that far." I laugh a little, before leaning forward. We're inches away from eachother now. "If you want my help. My power... You'll need to make a contract." Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District The poor little girl is shivering now inside Kerin's grip. What was she seeing? Obviously something bad. My eyes lower calmly to her face, but she can't make eye contact. Not even with Kerin. She stares at her lap like she has a dead body there. She swallows roughly, and begins rubbing around her right wrist. "I-I only see seven other people in the arena with me... In front of a clock tower..." She squeaks out. There were sixteen of us right now... Eight there? That's only half! From the corner of my eye, I see Vergil push his lips together. "I-I see... Two people I've never seen before... Two adults... Shiro and Shizuka...And Ryuu." Her voice his hoarse; as if she can't breathe. Wait... That meant me, Fang, and Kerin were not there. Where were we, then? She continues to rub at her wrist, almost as if she's trying to take something off. Her golden eyes are wide in fear. "R-ryuu..." What she means, hits me full force. I stand up, move around the table, and kneel beside Kerin's chair. I stroke her head soothingly, as she speaks. "....I'm chained to Ryuu." |
Kerin went wide eyed as Marisa explained what she saw. He frowned, then shifted his gaze as he tried to put the numbers together in his head. There were... four from each district, so sixteen people all up. Okay, so from what Marisa said, there were only four left. Four? That can't be right, this was the start. From what he saw from last year's games, weren't they all meant to start together? He held Marisa firmly and he started to breathe quite heavily. No, no, she can't be right. The way she said it, no, she would have mentioned if he was there. She must be mistaken, maybe this future thing must be wrong. Kerin promised he wouldn't let anything hurt her, he wouldn't just go and break a promise, just like that. At the start of the games. He would make sure. He shook his head. He refused to believe.
"No, no, no," he said, closing his eyes. "No, that can't be right. No, that's just gotta be one scenario of a thousand different ones. The future is always changing. That wouldn't happen." He gently tightened his grip on her. Kerin didn't break promises. He... he wouldn't. |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
Natruo. My hand slowly touches Marisa's cheek in a soothing motion. Her... Chained to Ryuu? Natruo was being rather cruel this year... This little girl could probably keep up with him, but he'd kill her in an instant. He would do anything to get her away from him. He'd probably cut her hand off so he could do his thing. My other hand went over my mouth as I felt a gross sensation come up my throat. "Shhh.... Marisa... It's alright... The game designer must have something else planned. If he killed you right away, then the Gods watching the program won't be too happy. And just because we're not there, doesn't mean we never will be." I smile warmly at her, which makes Vergil flinch. The little girl squeezes tight against Kerin, looking at me cautiously. Did she trust me? Could she trust me? She reached out her tiny hand, and touched my smile. Her own, weak smile appeared. "Okay...." She nuzzles up into Kerin, thinking deeply. "......Is Bern-sama an ally now...?" I smile a little more, and I can literally feel Vergil's urge to hit me. "Only if Kerin lets me," I answer, looking up at him. Fang, who has been silent the entire time, has his face inside his hands. With what little I could see, he looked to be in distress. Quietly, I began digging through the pockets of my jacket. |
No, no Kerin wouldn't let her be chained to a stupid, psychotic moron like that. What kind of idiot would do that to a poor girl like Marisa? He shook his head a little. Bernkastel seemed... optimistic? Why, there was no reason to be. But what if Marisa's vision was true? Kerin bit his lip and furrowed his brow again, trying to figure this out. He sighed and closed his eyes as Marisa squeezed tightly against him. So, if Marisa really could see into the future, did that mean she could see her own death? Could she see any problem that was close to come?
"Can the future change? We can change it, right? If we burn down the clock tower or... or, uh, if we were to get rid of Ryuu, would that change it?" He really had no idea what he was saying. He breathed. No, Kerin, you have to be strong. This was not about you and why you aren't there, this was about Marisa. Kerin's eyes flickered to Bernkastel's as she said his name. He could see into her eyes. There was truth in there, mixed with some other emotions. Like regret or something, he didn't know. But, Marisa trusted Bernkastel. And Kerin trusted Marisa. So, ergo... "Yeah," he breathed. "I trust you." |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
"In order to burn it down, the games would have to have started.... As for Ryuu, if we attempt to kill him beforehand and we are unsuccessful, it'll make Marisa's situation worse. We just got to prepare Marisa for this." I said quietly. "When people go into the arena, they're allowed to take one symbol for themselves. Take these," I pull out three necklaces. Not those cheap ones, but handmade ones. A gold string that holds together a binding of different stones. Each is different.... I am careful with which necklace I give to everyone. I handed Marisa the one with darker stones. Kerin got the one with shiny, transparent stones. Finally, Fang got the necklace with a glittering stone. These necklaces... I had three more to give out. I still had one for Xavier, but I wouldn't be giving his until later. I stood, and brushed myself off. "W-well... The future can, but sometimes it won't change... Uu. Thankies, Bern-sama." She smiles brightly at me, and looks the necklace over in her hand. She won't find anything dangerous about it. It's just a necklace. But, it tugged at my heart to see her acting so strong, when there was a good possibility that she would die. I guess you had to be optimistic, in her case. Vergil's eyes flickered to the necklace in Kerin's hand in particular, and gave me a questioning look. I just gave him a shrug. Fang raised his eyebrows, and asked. "Do these have some sort of weird power?" Alright, he got me. All I answered with, was "It'll help you." |
"No, if you're with Bern, you won't survive. You'll thrive. Did you see the games last year? That proves it." Says Mammon, and I turn my face away thinking over my choices. It was true... anyone that fought with Bern, almost always lived through the games, but still... I turned my face back to ask another question, but I was caught off guard by her moving this close to me. "I will not help you with any fights, if that's what you think. You may be a friend, but even I wouldn't go that far... If you want my help...my power, you will need to make a contract." D-did she just say... a contract?
I felt the blood rushing to my face as her smooth hand took hold of my chin, drawing it so that my own eyes looked into her own. I felt my own pulse quicken ever so slightly as she leaned even closer, saying he would need to make a contract in order to gain her powers. I paused... trying to think of options like usually did, but I didn't find any others... her powers could help to ensure my own survival. I didn't have...much of a choice... But what would the consequences be? "What.... What do I have to do Mammon..." I said as I clenched my fists. |
"We could try," Kerin studied the necklace in his palm. It was... quite pretty to look at, the transparent stones seemed to glisten under the lamp lights. The gold chain holding it together was also quite nice. Hmm. He rubbed his fingers on the stones, they made a pristine ring as they tapped eachother. Well, if it was going to be useful, no time like the present. He unlinked the chain, then relinked it around his neck, letting it fall on his chest. "Thanks."
The effect was almost immediate, he could feel something... warm. It gradually grew hotter and seemed to... expand in his chest. It got hot, but not uncomfortable. He scratched at the skin above it and couldn't help but cough. Well, it didn't feel like it was killing him, so it must be doing something good. Maybe. Hopefully. "Help us how?" Kerin wheezed a little and coughed again. It was so queer, this feeling. Was something growing in his chest? Maybe it was like Bernkastel's familiars and he could make a huge dragon come out and-- okay, now he was being stupid. |
Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld
I grin widely at the question, and my grip slips away from his chin. "Oh, but you have options! Don't you like having options towards the things you need?" I spun on my heels and began pacing the room; recalling the different forms the payment could take. "Option one, and the most stereotypical, we take your soul when you die. This can go either way, really. If Ashura is still Ashura when you die, you'll go to the Underworld. But~" I clasp my hands behind my back; stopping to look at the machete hung up on the wall. "If it's Eashura, you'll go to the Shadowworld. Even more stereotypical!" I turn my head from the wall, to look at him. "While the Underworld has freedom, the Shadowworld will make you a caged bird. I'll get further into that later." I continue walking with my eyes trained to the floor. "Sacrifice... People tend to choose this one since it's the easiest. Sacrifice a person every three weeks. People also tend to cheat on this one; sacrificing people who are going to die soon anyways. Once, I had a contractor waltz into a hospital, and he was set for a good ten years." Suddenly, I appear back in front of Raike; my eyes glistening. "Option three used to be a simple enchange when Asmodeus and Levira were here. An eyeball for power. Pretty painful. Option three, is now something exciting..." I shift around Raike; my clothing slightly blurred with a red smoke before I am centimeters from his face. "For every inch of emotion you show...Hm... You'll experience the pain equal. Smiling... Laughter... Touch. Converted into a horrific pain to your soul and body. Some have managed to hide the pain they're in, but there is always people who are drived to complete insanity~ Can you think of what Bernkastel chose?" I reappear over by the door, back to the floor as I form an arch. It's as if I'm falling in slow motion. "If I were you, I'd pick option two~ The Shadowworld is a horrible place to be for an eternity. And that whole emotion into pain? I forbid you from choosing that." I pause, and for the final time, I appear on my bed; criss-cross. "Besides, there will be plenty of opportunities to do the sacrifices. You have an easy one tonight, too!" I giggle lightly. "I'm not the one who can see the future. Vergil can, though! So, what will it be?" Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District "Help you survive," I mumble, quick to regain my emotionless expression. Vergil was definitely going to nag at me after this... I inhaled as the burning in my throat ceased to exist... For a few seconds. "Please keep it on at all times. Including for sleep. I don't have to remind you about the Natruo incident, correct?" Marisa nods shyly, and places the stones around her neck. She seemed to be fine with it. Fang, on the other hand, looked totally uncomfortable with the surging heat eminating from the necklace. "Marisa, when and if you can, I would like a description of the four strangers that are to be present with you. Kerin, practice magic at training. Fang, I would like you to pay attention to Fausto's replacement when they arrive. Thank you." I take a handful of chips, and eat silently. Marisa raises her hand. "Why?" I look at Marisa, with only the slightest darkness in my tone when I say; "Because. There is a good chance those four are going to kill you. Better of a chance than Ryuu, really. The necklaces are for that reason. They protect your insecurities. Whatever... They may be." I look at Kerin for the last bit of my speech, and then Fang. "Training starts early. I'll assist if the need arises...Sleep." I kiss the top of Marisa's head, and make my way over to the ledge facing the Demon's Tower. "...If you can." And that is when I fall off the edge like a plank of wood; disappearing outside the light and into the darkness. Vergil sighs lowly, rubbing his eyebrows. "Good luck dealing with her. But she's right. You'll live longer with those necklaces. Just keep them away from us, alright?" He mumbles to himself about 'stupid Bern and her creepy witchcraft' and stands. In an awkward fashion, he snatches the moth out of the air, grabs the cat by the collar, and goes over to Shiro. "You just inherited a cat. Congrats." He plops the cat into the girl's lap. He then, with great difficulty, peels the pissed-off lizard off of the greenhouse. "Shut up, Zane. Stay and you'll give the entire city nightmares." He then, nochalantly, chucks the lizard off in a random direction. A few metres away, a glowly-black square opens up out of nowhere, and swallows the lizard out of existance. Keeping hold of the struggling moth by the wings, Vergil steps over to the break in reality. "No, Alice. You cannot stay and party.... Yes, you can party in your room... No. I'm not com-...Fine." And he disappears into the square. And just as quickly, it's gone. "....What the heck just happened?" Fang asks. |
"Practise magic? I don't even know how to do it," Kerin rubbed at his chest again. Then looked up as Bernkastel mentioned the necklaces. They locked eyes for a second then she pulled away to look at Fang. Kerin frowned. Insecurities? What did she mean by that? What did she know about Kerin and his so called "insecurities"? She didn't know him. Unless... okay, so this Vergil guy knew everything, right? So maybe he- no, don't even think about it. Bernkastel said a few things, gave some advice and... fell off the ledge. What an exit.
"A cat?" Kerin frowned at it as Vergil dumped the cat with Shiro then takes all the other animals and yeah, disappears. He rubbed his chest again. God, this felt real funny. He turned to Fang and coughed again. "I have no idea, but there goes our party." |
Chapter 3 - Fang Yumigami - Vampire District
"Well, she didn't seem like a 'partying' kind of person anyways....It was more like a get-together. A very awkward one...." I grin weakly. Although, I wasn't one to say that it was awkward... I had hardly talked at all, so that made me just as awkward as Bern's random disappearance. "She's a busy person... People to kill, people to talk to... She must be planning other alliances than with us." Well, yeah. She was probably the most wanted person for an alliance.... It must be hard having to figure out, out of fifteen people, who you want on your side. Heck, she could probably get away with no allies, and she would still win. She didn't even have these summonings last year, and she was practically in luxury... This year, she could probably camp out in plain sight and the crown of victor would be on her head. Bernkastel Vermillia was a professional at this, for whatever reason. She apparently lived a normal life aside from the whole 'demon servant inside her body' kind of thing. She wasn't all that mean and ruthless.... She was actually kind of caring. Just really awkward about it. The media always pictured her as some dark witch who lusted for blood. The witch thing was correct. Dark, maybe.... Lust for blood? Not so much. My fingers coiled themselves around the stones around my neck. She knew alchemy. Alchemy which was commonly used in the Human District. Except, this was some pretty powerful stuff. My eyes looked at each of the stones enwrapped in the gold string. I could name a few of these stones just by a glance. My own necklace was a combination of black agate, aquamarine, bloodstone, and fluorite. Others I couldn't recongnize, but they must have been the ties between the four main stones. I looked over at Marisa's necklace. Purple amethyst, orange carnelian, and aventurine. Those were the main stones there.... Then finally, I looked at Kerin's necklace. Bloodstone.... Citrine..... And jade. A combination of yellow and green stones. Hm. |
Ryuu went down the stairs, missing steps, and on a few occasions almost tripping. He was having trouble seeing anything very clearly. He knew what he had to do, and he had to do it quickly. His head felt immense pain from his head, as if a lot of blood had rushed to it.
Ryuu finally made it down and reached another area, but he couldn't tell exactly where he was at the moment. He screamed loudly, his roar echoing across, as he struggled to find his way to the agreed place of meeting. He reached another door. Like before, he broke it down. He took a look through it, but he couldn't actually "see" what was inside it, his mind wouldn't let him. All he knew is that it wasn't the place he was supposed to meet. He had done this with a few more doors around, breaking them, and checking the inside, and then moving on once he figured out they weren't the places to go. Ryuu would scream a bit after every door broken down, loudly. Finally, Ryuu broke through one last door, and instantly, his mind recognized the room. He felt his body relax, and his head cool down. It seemed once the presence of a fight was near to him, he automatically got his focus completely back. Ryuu walked slowly around the room, but didn't notice if his opponent was there yet. Of course, he hadn't actually taken a good look around the room yet. |
"Is that a good or a bad thing?" Kerin made a face. Bernkastel would probably prove to be an excellent ally but if she went around making friends with everyone, there wouldn't be any competition, now would there? Of course, there was probably a few people she would refuse to make allies with or wouldn't even bother trying; like Ryuu. She had her spat with him before, Kerin didn't think there was another way of getting on her good side. Wait, if he maybe... nope. No way Kerin could think of.
Kerin watched Fang as he studied his own necklace, then Marisa's, then looked over at Kerin's. Kerin couldn't help rubbing his chest and coughing. Again. Seriously, how was he meant to get used to this? He had had a thirst for blood for... no, he really hadn't gotten used to that either. Speaking of which, as he thought about it, his throat began to feel dry. Which wasn't that great, with all his coughing and everything. He moved his hand from his chest to his neck and massaged it, then leaned over Marisa to grab a handful of whatever was in front of him. The food wouldn't get rid of the thirst, just move his attention away from it. "Do you know what these are?" Kerin pulled up the pendants on his necklace and waved them a little. "And what they do? Because I have no idea." |
Chapter 3 - Fang Yumigami - Vampire District
"Hm?" I look over at Kerin curiously, as he asks about the necklaces. Okay, easy enough. "It's Alchemy." "Alchemy?" Marisa's gold eyes roll over me questioningly, as she nibbles on a chip. I nod at her. "Yea, alchemy. Me and my mother did alchemy together a few years back. Stone alchemy like this." I raise my own necklace off from my chest. "Each stone holds different properties. Normally, we just sold the stones seperately, but we did have some recipes to make charms. Stone alchemy is pretty complicated, ya know? Bern must be some kind of professional, because these things are high-quality." I look the stones over from within their web of gold string. "My necklace here? It deals with emotional departure and physical balance. This thing would cost about... Twenty hundreds?" I reach over, and hold out Marisa's necklace. "Marisa's necklace works on psychic grounding, and physical protection. Hers is extremely rare because it's so difficult to make. Ninety hundreds is the price for it." I let it go, and nod at Kerin's necklace. "Yours is a little more common. It deals with the life-death circle. About twenty hundred for that, too. All of ours also protect our weak points. So, mine would be the center of bad choices and sacrifice, which is my left shoulder." |
"Alchemy..." Kerin made a face. He knew next to nothing about it. Well, a little. His own adoptive father had used it a little, being a priest and all. Kerin had watched him once or twice make small charms to keep away bad luck and evil spirits but they didn't even look as interesting nor as impressive as these rocks. Okay, so the life-death cycle? That must refer to... wait. Kerin leaned back from Marisa and looked down at his stomach. Where was that feeling, that twisting sensation in his gut he got when he thought about his family? There... there was a small feeling there, but it was nothing like that awkward, anxious feeling. Hmm. Weird.
"Well, that sounds... cool," Kerin looked back at his own necklace. What else could Bernkastel do then? Summon monsters, make protection stones, kill people with ease. She was like a witch or something. Wait, had somebody said that before? "So what do you guys want to do now?" |
Chapter 3 - Fang Yumigami - Vampire District
It WAS cool. These would look like pretty rocks to one person. To another, these were priceless. They weren't even centered on dark magic. They were cleansed and everything! Alchemy was my best friend... "I was thinking of hitting the hay. Rest up for training. Because, anything can happen tomorr-" I pause, checking my watch. "Well, rest up for today. Ryuu is probably having his butt handed to him by that game designer. Did you get the vibe that he has the hots for Amelia? Must suck for her..." I eat a handful of chips, before standing up. As much as I wanted to watch Ryuu getting owned, I was exhausted. So much, in one day... Marisa hopped herself off of Kerin's lap, and pulled his parka closer around her. "Brrrr~" She was right. It was getting darn cold up here. I shivered, pulling my hands to fit under my armpits. Ugh... I was thirsty, too... "Kerin-sama! Sleep with me, okaii?" She beamed, taking the boy's hand. She was so adorable... And she could see the future, apparently. |
Kerin arched his head back. He had no idea what time it was, but from the way Fang had said, it was probably after midnight. Great. What time was training again? Early, probably. Kerin blinked bleakly and scratched his face. Sleeping was probably a fantastic idea. A lot had happened today too. First the presentation, then Shiro's outburst, then the pact with Fang and Marisa, Shiro getting drugged, the helicopter, the kitchen, the games and this. He had made three friends in a day! Kerin had really never had that many at one time. He smiled a little.
"Kerin-sama! Sleep with me, okaii?" Kerin flopped his head back and looked at Marisa. How could he say no? She was probably afraid something was gonna come out of the floorboards or something. Kerin smiled back at her and nodded. Then he coughed again. Aah, his throat. Dammit. "Yeah, okay," he lazily blinked and shifted his eyes to Fang. "Are you going to take Shiro down and the cat? Or is the cat staying here?" He turned back to Marisa. "Do you want the cat to stay here?" |
Chapter 3 - Natruo The Game Designer - God District
"Ow... Damn demon..." I rolled my stiff shoulders in pain; hearing them click and crack as the bones adjusted themselves back into place. Note to self; don't hit Bern when she's on schedule... Right. Damnit... I wiped my bloodied nose in disgust. I really wasn't expecting her to release Lucifier on me. I thought maybe I'd get a fireball or two, and that was it... That damned demon was so freaking huge! What was embarrassing, was that my punches had hardly no effect on him. Like he was immune to pain or something. And he pulverized me. I click my tongue as I recalled what had knocked me out. It infuriated me that I was belittled like that. The game designer! That Bernkastel was going to get Hell when she ventured into the arena next! Ugh..... I had just finished regenerating myself, when the crashing sounds started. Great. Now what?! I sat off by the vampire district's elevator; chilling and listening to the screams of anger and the crashing off doors being broken off their hinges. It humored me that we had some hot-heads this year. Now thinking about it, it was probably Ryuu rampaging the place down.... It wasn't even midnight! Sighing heavily, I listened as the crashing came closer, until finally the demon crashed into the training center. When he looked around, his body stature relaxed, and he began pacing the room; not even noticing me. I snorted, and watched this. Okay. I had a bunch of crazy people this year.... I suppose I better teach him he wasn't king, huh? Still sitting, I called out to him. "Oi, you're early. By like, an hour. Aren't you an excited one...." |
Ryuu's senses were calm, but that calm was instantly broken when he heard a voice from inside the room.
"Oi, you're early. By like, an hour. Aren't you an excited one...." Ryuu turned towards the direction of the voice, but his blood seemed to be pumping too much into his head again. He had trouble identifying immediately where the voice actually came from. Ryuu did some searching around the room, trying to locate the sound of the voice,before his eyes finally saw the figure of Natruo sitting on the far side of the room. Ryuu controlled his body to move forward, but the resulting adrenaline made him almost break into a run. Finally, though, he seemed to be in total control again, as he realized he would soon be in combat once again. "You're here as well, which means you either were expecting me to be early, or you were training here. Either way, that means you were looking forward to this almost as much as I was, so, if you don't f*cking mind, I'd prefer to get started before that midnight mark!" Ryuu took in a deep breath, and then exhaled. As he did, he turned his body to face Natruo, and clenched his fists. Ryuu had a heightened sense of things now. He could hear Natruo breathing, even from this distance. He saw all the noticable object in the room, and even some that weren't worth noticing. He could feel the night air rush in, possibly through a small crack in a window somewhere. He could feel the rain still drizzling outside. Ryuu was ready to fight. |
The first method of… payment, was the basic stereotypical thing most of my race would expect from making contracts with demons; she would take my soul when I died. Depending on what personality or form that Ashura was in, I’d either go to the Underworld or the Shadowworld. I’d heard enough from the quacks in my district to know that in the Underworld, souls had some measure of freedom, whereas in the Shadowworld, you were no better off than a bird in an adamantium cage. I wasn’t too familiar with the man named Ashura in first the first place, for all I know, he might just send me to the Shadowworld anyway. I waved this option off, dismissing it as a bit too risky, and I just wasn’t about to leave the rest of my eternity up to chance.
Another one was that I wouldn’t be able to show any emotion for the rest of my life, which would have been fine for me, since I don’t really smile around people I don’t know, and I barely knew anyone here, save for Mammon. Still, there were other things such as anger, suprise, and a whole mess of other stuff, which would eventually trip me up. Before I could even write it off though, she already said that she wouldn't let me choose it, which was fine for me. It kinda made me wonder though, because of the way she said it, and how quick she was to do so. Who knew? Maybe she wasn't kidding when she said that she was immortal, and that she had plenty of time to fall for me... The last choice... and really my only reasonable option was to make a sacrifice every three weeks. This could be a problem, considering the fact that, unlike her other "client" there was no hospital that he could just walk into and sacrifice the already half dead people. I would be in the arena, and even if there was someone that was about to die that I could sacrifice, I might not even get there in time, because either the beasts of that jungle or that corpse hovercraft would have taken it away. There was still Fausto, who apparently would be dead by the end of the night, and who I would have to sacrifice to get the contract going... "Whatever" I thought, sighing lightly and moving to lean against the wall behind me. "I guess I'll be choosing the sacrifice option... I'm beginning to get the feeling I'm going to earn the title, "Corpse Collector" just like another man in human history... I believe his name was Rammie... whatever, lets just do this thing already..." |
Chapter 3 - Fang Yumigami - Vampire District
Impressions of Kerin... A cool guy to hang out with, yet very overprotective of Marisa. Much too protective. Insanely protective. The dictionary needs a new word. Basically, god forbid you even scratch her accidently, or a rabid Kerin will claw your eyes out. Yikes. He had this attachment with Marisa like they had known eachother for years. A brother-sister relationship. It was actually rather creepy, yet really sweet. Was that possible? It was in my mind. Impressions of Marisa? This very, very pre-mature teenager with an obsession for talking like an eight year old. Well, it was cute if you got over the fact she was old enough to attend high school. Don't get me wrong. They're cool friends. Just a tad unique for me. Although, I shouldn't be one to talk. Technecially, everyone was unique in their own way. It would be pretty difficult to find two people who are exactly alike in this corrupt world. "Yay~!" Marisa cried out, beaming happily. Her smile was so intensely blinding. She could be happy in any situation, couldn't she? I hoped she gave Ryuu Hell with this. That guy was completely bloodthirsty. He would make the perfect stereotypical vampire.... From the angel district.... Amelia, the pampered leader's daughter. Shizuka, the strong-silent type. Pewita, the grudge-holder. Kaito, the normal one. Demon district, we had Bernkastel. The 'witch' who won two games, excels in alchemy, and can summon creatures from the Underworld. Xavier, the semi-masochist who hates talking. Paris, the famous model celebrity, and finally Ryuu, the rhyno. Human district.... Fausto, the bitter-sweet gentleman who was scheduled to die tonight. Nokoto, the naive, dancing girl. Raike, the boy who could hold his own in a word-fight against Ryuu. And the first crazy; Jin. Then, there was the vampire district.... Kerin, the guard dog. Marisa, the fortune-teller. Shiro, the morphine-crazed, and then.... Me? What would my title be? Surely nobody found me to be gothic, right? Hm... If not gothic, then what? I look over my choice in clothing. Skinny jeans... A black tie-dye shirt which was much too big for me... My hand trailed to my left ear, where a small ring was embedded into the piercing. I had rebelled ever since I stepped foot in the vampire district. Grew my hair out, hung out with the bad group in school.... I nearly flunked ever class I had ever attended, just for fun. So, was I 'Fang the rebellious vampire?' or 'Fang, the gothic sadist'? Neither. I was just simply... 'Fang Yumigami'. I looked over as Kerin asked me if I would be taking Shiro and the cat down back into the building. He then turned to Marisa and asked if the cat should stay. He never asked Shiro on her opinion, even though that demon gave the cat to her. I was just about ready to put out a witty joke about making soup, when Shiro mumbled out something. I turned to her. She had been silent throughout the entire 'party' and Bernkastel hadn't paid her any notice, either. She held the cat closer to her chest, and mumbled out again. This time, loud enough so we could hear her. "Please let me keep the cat..." Chapter 3 - Natruo The Game Designer - God District Calmly, I stood myself up as the younger boy approached me. When he first began to move, I thought maybe he was actually going to charge me like a rhyno. However, he somehow managed a fast-paced motion of coming over to me. He was high. Not off of alchohol. Not off drugs. (Hopefully). He was high off the bloodlust to fight. To fight me, a God and the game designer of these wicked Population Games. However, was he expecting me to be taken down with just fists? That sure seemed like it, because this boy didn't seem to have it in for magic. Most demons didn't, anyhow. A spell or two, but nothing major like Bernkastel's case. He excelled at physical combat, and he made that rather obvious. "Ha... Like I'd need to train to beat the crap outta you.... Silly... You're so obvious. I knew you wouldn't be able to wait if I set a certain time... Now then. Show me what you got, kid. I think this old man can take you." I stance myself; my legs spread in a triangle for balance, and my fists ready to block what I'm sure to be a frontal, no surprise attack. It would take a lot to put me off guard, and this kid was no exception. I knew better than to have my wings open for flight. The stupid rhyno would probably grab those if he had the chance. Instead, I kept them fastened against my tense back. "Don't go easy, sweetheart." Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld "Corpse Collector, huh? I find that much more befitting than other titles I've heard..." I stretch myself out across the bed; in no real hurry to get to Fausto's room. Then again, there wasn't much point teaching him anymore if he was going to have a contract with me. I am just about ready to ask how he'll kill Fausto, when the room vibrates so fiercely, I am off the bed and floating for a few seconds, before falling back onto the cushions. "FACK." I scream out. I am screaming, because I can't hear anything aside from the blaring music coming from underneath my room. It's some sort of metal rock crap. The sound vibrates some of my weapons off the walls, and their clattering just adds to the noise. Enraged, I pull myself to my feet, and begin stomping my right foot against the floor while covering my ears. "Shut that crap off, ZANE!" I scream. Throught the music, I hear a maniac laughter. Good Lord.... The music is turned down conciderably, until it's only a small hum. My door blasts open, and I am now glaring at the culprit of my bleeding and quite deaf ears. When they heal automatically, I'm screaming profanity at him and he only laughs. His black hair is messy like a dogs. Somewhat long, but not past his shoulders. A pair of crimson eyes stare at me mockingly; obviously not threatened by my swearing. He is wearing these baggy black cargo pants, along with this insanely long, grey shirt. The sleeves are just fine. The rest, not so much. It's practically at his knees! He sticks out his tongue, which has been pierced with a little silver ball. Ew. The main features, are what are on his wrists and ankles. Cuffs of sorts. However, changed to each one, are these chains, which come down to the floor. On the ends, are weights that I KNOW, weigh about fifty pounds each. Damn show-off... I growl at him lowly, and he only growls back playfully. A black tail is swishing around behind him like a broom. Wings of leather hug his shoulderblades, and he leans on the balls of his feet. "Since when did you replace Luci-chan for a human boyfriend, Ma'am~?" He grins at Raike and me, and I narrow my eyes. Damn it. "He's not my boyfriend. He's gonna be my contractee." I say defensively. "And stop calling me 'ma'am'! My name is Mammon, you douche!" |
"Corpse Collector huh? I find that much more befitting than the other titles I've heard." She says as she stretches her body, almost like a cat across her bed, and seemed like she was about to ask me a question when the room began to vibrate violently as if someone had picked up this room, and started shaking it around thinking there was loose change in it. I fell on my arse, leaning on my two arms while she simply hovered in the air for a few seconds, before dropping back onto her bed. The earthquake-like vibrations seemed to be coming from the room below, from which music sounding like heavy metal was blaring like there was no tomorrow. As I looked back at her I saw her mouth shapes as if she was yelling and she stamped the floor with her foot, of course I couldn't hear because my own ears were bleeding.
When she was done saying whatever she had been, the music lowered considerably until it sounded nothing more like some huge party happening in the next district. Just as my ears began to heal and I thought the Ruckus was over, the door slams wide open to reveal some dog haired, leathery winged, cocky overly self confident crackhead. This was the kind of guy that really pissed me off, just like Ryuu and that other joke of a gamemaker Natruo. "Since when did you replace Luci-chan for a human boyfriend Ma'am?" said Zane, grinning mockingly at me and leaning back slightly. Mammon growled aggressively at him, speaking in a defencive tone."He's not my boyfriend! He's going to be my contractee! And quit calling my Ma'am! My name's Mammon you Douche!" I myself turned to the weapon wall behind me, inspecting it for a few seconds before selecting a hand-and-a-half sword from the rack and plucking it off. Swinging it once with ease, I turned to Zane, a deadly calm look in my eyes saying, "I know you said I have to sacrifice a person Mammon, but wouldn't sacrificing him be acceptible as well?" I was really itching to steal this guy, right in his jaw, but common sense told me not to. This didn't stop me from talkin trash though. |
Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld
"I know you said I have to sacrifice a person Mammon, but wouldn't sacrificing him be acceptible as well?" He swings one of my lethal-looking swords a bit, and looks at Zane. I snort, waving off Raike's new option quite quickly. "I think it'll be quite hard to sacrifice somebody who is immortal, Raike~" I snicker, calming myself down and moving myself over to Zane. Before he can run, I sling an arm over his shoulder and lean on him harshly, yet playfully. "Besides~ I think Zane might haunt your nightmares~!" I giggle, and Zane gives me a displeased look. Zane was totally fine. I didn't hate him. He was just real annoying.... Just like a brother. Zane grins and leans back onto me. "Says greedy Mammon! I'm surprised you're not chomping on a cake right now~ Fat thighs." He snorts. I gape at him and push him away; snapping my fingers. Then, the coolest thing happens; a four by four vanilla cake appears above his head, and directly plops onto him. Among the icing and cake bits, I can see the blankness on his face. Suddenly, he's grinning and licking whatever has fallen onto his face. "Delicious. I've come to show you the fear of caaaakkkkeeee~" He hangs his arms out limpy as if he's a zombie, and he begins wobbling over to me. I cry out, a huge smile on my face, and I hide behind Raike. Zane stops and wipes off his eyelids. "Hurts my feelings that you wanna stab me. Ouch." He pokes Raike's nose, and leaves a bit of icing on the tip. I laugh at Raike's expression. |
"Please let me keep the cat..." Kerin looked back over at Shiro. What was up with that girl? Maybe... maybe she wasn't actually always psychopathic. Maybe that one outbreak she had was just some kind of mental disorder or she had schitzophrenia and the screaming one was the other her. Or maybe she was just so drugged up, she didn't know who she was anymore. Kerin shrugged at her and shifted Marisa over so he could stand up and stretch his arms out. He was getting tired. And thirsty. But mainly tired. They had a big day tomorrow, so he had been told.
"Well, come on, go get ready for bed then," Kerin waved his hands at Marisa. He felt his should crack then relaxed. Better. He looked over at Shiro and blinked at her. "Did you have anything to eat? There's still stuff here." She hadn't eaten anything at all, had she? When Kerin and Marisa had walked in on them fighting, she was yelling something or other. "I'll have to find something to sleep in too I guess." |
Chapter 3 - Fang Yumigami - Vampire District
I watched as the small girl hopped off of Kerin's lap, and stretched herself out. The way she yawned was simply adorable! She pulled the boy's parka closer as the chilly night air was made known by a small gust of wind. "Uuu. Kerin is sleeping on the bed! With me!" She gave a tired smile, and stumbled a bit. I held her lightly so she wouldn't trip. Well, at least her room was just underneath us... I lightly pressed Marisa ttowards the stairs, and she slowly stumbled over to get ready for bed. Now I had to deal with Shiro and her new cat... The kitchen better have something for the animal to eat... Because Shiro didn't look like she would be letting it go anytime soon. I felt sorry for the cat. The girl squished against the greenhouse, shook her head at Kerin's question. Like heck she ate anything! She didn't eat supper... She didn't eat on the helicopter, or even in the government building. She hadn't even had a blood tablet. Even if she did have a breakfast, I would be starving by this point if I was her. "No, thank you..." She declined politely, getting to her feet while still craddling the cat in her arms. Since when did she have manners? Oh, whatever. Sighing, I took her wrist when she walked over. Her bones were so damn prominent... Unconciously, I felt my hand at her ribcage. I narrowed my eyes. "Are you trying to starve yourself? Anorexia?" She shook her head quickly, but didn't say anything else. Ugh... Whatever. "Alright, fine..." I turn back to Kerin. "I'm taking her down. See you at breakfast, Kerin." I nodded at him, and dragged Shiro along down the stairs. Just before we escaped his view, it caught my attention, that Shiro turned back and waved slightly at him. Great. Lovely. When she wasn't psychotic, she was tugging at our heart strings. She wasn't that bad if she had her morphine... Which was very threatening. Because, a naive and drugged Shiro was more dangerous than a psychotic Shiro. Would I be able to kill her if she was like this? To protect Marisa or Kerin, maybe... But even then... Quietly, I slip ourselves into Marisa's room. Shiro recongnizes the place, but doesn't attempt to stop me from leading her out, and into the elevator. What really frightens me, is that I won't be able to kill Shiro unless she was psychotic and attacking one of my friends. So, what did that make her? Was she a friend, or an enemy? |
"See you later, then," Kerin stifled a yawn and turned off the lights adorning the outside area. He turned his head as Fang led Shiro down the stairs, just catching her wave as the two disappeared behind the wall. ... Okay. He grabbed the lights and the two, half-filled bowls from the table and followed everyone down the stairs back into Marisa's room. The music was still blaring, so he turned that off too and pulled his phone from the dock. He left the two bowls on the coffee table and wandered over to the bathroom. Marisa had probably gone to her bedroom or something to get changed.
He yawned again and felt the air pinch his throat uncomfortably. Great. Though, it wasn't that bad. Kerin had been for a week without blood before, though that was definitely an uncomfortable experience. Though, now, if Kerin got a whiff of blood, he'd probably go insane. There wouldn't be any blood until tomorrow though, probably. He drained three cups of water, hoping to dull his thirst (which it didn't) and wandered over to Marisa's bedroom door. Him getting thirsty like this, this quickly, it wasn't what usually happened. Maybe because all the talking he had been doing, all the yelling, all the confrontations. At home, he'd just sit and play his bass for hours on end. Which hardly worked up a thirst. "Marisa," he knocked on the door frame. "Are you dressed? Can I come in?" |
"And now you just made me want to do it even more, Zane." I said as I wiped the icing off my nose while glaring at him. Turning around, I decided to give Mammon a little reminder about the deal they had just made. I still harbored a little curiosity about the techniques that Mammon said would take years to master. "Concentrate" I mumbled, relaxing my shoulders and allowing my body to go limp, save for my legs. In my mind, I imagined four curved lines spreading out from one side of one side of my back, and four others parallel to the first set.
I began to notice a slight strain somewhere in my mind, but I ignored it, pushing it to the back of my mind, and beginning to focus on filling the wings with my own red flames. Again, the strain on my mind returned, this time much stronger, but I had already completed the wing set. About five seconds later, my knees buckled and I fell forward, my wings disappearing as I fell. On my face I wore a expression of shock, as I felt myself descending into unconsciousness. Whilst I was still vaguely, I tried to analyze what had just happened to me. Before I collapsed I had felt a strain on my mind... that must have been from trying to maintain the shape, as well as the amount of flames I was filling the wings with. I had been impatient, overlooking the number of things that had to be properly set in order to sustain the wings. I understood it a bit better now; the size of the wings depends on your own mental state, and I must've pushed it just a bit outside of my own mental capabilities...pity. |
Once on the elevator Amelia had immediately slammed her finger onto two buttons, she was obviously familiar with everything going on here because of her mothers connections to the Gods. She had hit two buttons, one floor directly above the other, and a few moments later the elevator dinged and the doors opened - that was when Amelia nudged Shizu out of the elevator. He turned and looked her directly in the eyes and wondered what exactly was going on inside of that girls head, the elevator doors closing and bring her to her own room. Shizuka returned his focus to himself as he was still pretty soaked, not that it bothered him, and he wanted to change and get ready for whatever was going to happen next. He walked forward and opened the door to his room and saw quite a site that he didn't expect, his room was merely a small room with a bed and enough space to allow someone to comfortable sit without feeling enclosed.
"Oh great. Looks like a college dorm room," said Shizuka out loud to himself. He glanced around the room to take in every detail of it, to his surprise although there wasn't much they had definitely done their research and had found all the essentials Shizu would need to prepare himself for training as well as a well designed room suited to his own interests. There was a small desk off to the left, a giant window outlooking the down pour sat above it, covered in puzzle books and blank paper - a cup filled with sharpened pencils to use with them. A queen sized bed with black, gray and blue linens sat against the wall to the right with a small table next to it, a metal lamp sat upon it. A book case lined the far wall and was filled with books with various titles that Shizuka knew and had already read in the past, but he still appreciated that had given him as much as they had. "Not bad, but it is expected in my opinion. They are trying to watch me possibly die, so at least they could do was keep me happy the few days I get to relax." Shizuka walked over to the last important piece of the room, his giant walk in closet and opened the doors - it was completely filled with various outfits ranging from formal to informal, as well as training outfits, that fit his taste in clothing. Shizuka began stripping his soaked clothing off one layer at a time and dropped them into a hamper to be taken care of. Shirt, shoes, pants, socks and even his underwear had acted like sponges to the water and absorbed quite a lot - didn't stop the water from dripping from his hair. He quickly grabbed a towel off a shelf and began to dry himself off from top to bottom, once finished he wrapped the towel around his waist and went and sat at his desk. He picked up a pencil and one of the puzzle books that said Sudoko across the top, he skimmed past the ones he deemed easy and found a challenging one and began filling in numbers. So much I didn't know. So much I should have known, Shizu began thinking to himself as he tried to solve his puzzle. The four worlds mean absolutely nothing anymore, why should they? All they are for is to breed new competitors for the immortal gods to endlessly kill for sheer pleasure. And I came into this competition thinking I had something to aim for to have it ripped out from under my almost instantly? Bernkastel and Amelia. Those two are quite the interesting pair of characters, especially Bern. There's more to her than meets the eye. Amelia on the other hand is pretty easy to read, like any one of the books these gods gave to me. The only thing I can't figure out to myself is why I have such a strong urgency to protect her. And she kissed me! Why the hell did she do that? Either way its time to figure everything out. Almost as if on command his stomach began to growl at him, he placed a hand on his stomach to help cease the rumbling. Shizuka placed the pencil in the puzzle book on the page he was working on and closed it, standing quickly and returning to the opened closet. He selected an outfit that he deemed would be appropriate for a day of relaxing. He first slid into one of his signature tanks, it was black in color, and then slid on a black button down and buttoned it half way but not tucking it into his pants. His pants were medium faded jeans and they were paired with some light colored boots, he felt completely comfortable but didn't think he was too casual. "At least these guys got my style choice right." Enough time had been wasted though and he quickly packed himself a back pack to bring with him just in case he didn't make it back here the way he'd like to. He threw in his puzzle book, a pair of sweat pants, a flashlight, two bottles of water, some extra tank tops and a small umbrella. Then he walked over to the small training chest that had a small note attached that read "as per request." Shizu opened it and found all of his tinkered weapons from over the years, things he'd made over time or thrown together in the heat of a moment, and quickly searched through it. Finding the three items he needed, Shizuka pulled them out: An 8-inched dagger with an engraving on it, a belt filled with throwing knives and a pair of gray night sticks. He slide the dagger into his right boot, the night sticks into his bag and the belt of throwing knives around his waist. His stomach began rumbling again. "Alright, alright I heard you the first time." Shizuka headed out of the room and closed the door behind him, he reached the elevator and hit the down button. Quickly it arrived and he rode it to his destination, the dining room. A large and beautiful room with quite a large table was before him, he walked around slightly in awe but quickly found a place for his backpack - just as someone walked into the room, a waiter possibly. "Hello Sir, what can we grab for you from the kitchen." "Good question, maybe you should ask him" Shizuka laughed as his stomach began growling. The waiter laughed along with him. "I'll just have some fruit to munch on for now until I decide. Some strawberries, grapes and a green apple will be fine." The waiter smiled and nodded and vanished out the door he came. "H-hello," came a squeak from behind Shizuka. Turning he saw Amelia and he looked her up and down, his first reaction was noticing she had changed IMMENSELY. Wash out jeans and a purple turtleneck was what she had selected, clearly her former appearance prior was not something she herself liked and was forced to do all the time. His thoughts were interrupted by Amelia speaking again and the waiter returning with his cart of fruit. "I-i'm nervous because I think I made you mad!" What a silly girl. Shizuka ignored her statement briefly to motion the waiter where to set his food, then returned his attention to Amelia. "I'm not mad. Yet. I still want that information we discussed earlier and I want to know everything you know about Bernkastel. As I said earlier, it would be pointless to lie seeing as who your mother is you definitely know everything you need to about her. That and the fact I've noticed how friendly the both of you are with each other at certain times." Shizuka paused for a moment to let everything he had said to sink in. "That however can all still wait, we are allies and I don't make promises I don't intend to keep. I will now be fighting every moment from now until the end of the games to keep you and myself alive, should we be the last to survive we will cross that bridge. Let sit, eat and get to know each other and actually have a conversation - something you should appreciate since I don't have them often. He walked over to where he food waited and began chow down on his fresh strawberries. |
Chapter 3 - Natruo The Game Designer - God District
"........" Painfully, I push against my left shoulder, which, may I add, is supposed to be connected to me. Damn. I was not expecting him to hit my shoulder like that. With a wince, I push until I hear my bones click back into place. Ow. The fight only lasted around five minutes, anyways. I pull out a handkerchief, and dab at my nosebleed. He broke my nose. Crumpled it, really. Every time I touch it, a new wave of pain shoots through. However, I must keep it in place so it heals properly. I raise my foot onto an object in front, and wait for my nose to heal. "I underestimated you. I was expecting recklessness. Not actual planned moves. This could have gone a lot smoother had I known you actually had a brain." Only when my nose and shoulder have healed, do I look down upon the object I have my foot on. Ryuu. It's a miracle he hadn't blacked out. Blood seeps from the cuts to his face. His broken hand resting against his chest. The first thing I did when I realized he was strategic, was break it. His right fist. Of course, I left the other one alone. I didn't need his boot prints all over me. Cleaning up the blood on my face, I remove my own boot from his stomach. I had the urge to just smush him. Like a bug. That's what all these pathetic demons, angels, vampires, and humans were. Bugs. Pesky bugs that were annoying as Hell. "However, you overestimated yourself. A demon like you can't beat a God like me. I could kill you instantly if I was permitted to. Although, I'm not, so you get to live. Lucky you." I smirk, and kneel down beside him. His eyes may be closed, but I know he can hear me. I know he's conscious. I take in a long sniff of the scent that covers him. Sweat. Blood. I turn to the bone sticking out slightly from his rib cage. Ew. Silently, I rest my hand a few inches away, and begin to heal the more serious things I did to him. Believe me, I don't care for this guy's wellbeing. I'm doing it, because I have to. Because, I still had a use for Ryuu besides using him as a punching bag. As his bone goes back into place, I talk to him. "Listen up, Ryuu. I don't give a damn if you think you're the strongest of your district. Because, you're not. And if you really think you can kill Bern with a few punches and kicks, you're damn wrong there as well. I also know for a fact, that you don't have a single alliance. How stupid can you be?" I leave the bruises and smaller cuts on him alone, and tend to his broken hand. "I don't care if you don't want me to, but I'm gonna give you some advice. Train in magic or some sort of long-range weapon. Otherwise, you'll have your butt handed to you on a silver platter. Make alliances with the stronger competitors. Kill off the weak, so that you have the strongest all to yourself for the big fights. So, suggestion, alliances with Bern, Mari, Shizu, and maybe that Raike kid... Feel free to disagree. I'm not making you. However, may I remind you, that you're like a corpse at the moment." I snort, amused. Chapter 3 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District As I hopped back into my room, I did something I didn't normally do. I shut my bedroom door. This wouldn't seem like a big deal to others, but... I needed my privacy. I quickly took off Kerin's warm parka, and set it off on the back of a wooden chair. I surveyed my room. "I hate being short," I whispered, walking over moving over to the walk-in closet. As expected, I wouldn't be able to reach the higher shelves without help. Or at the very least, a stool. There were perks to being trapped in a child's body. This was not one of those perks. Ignoring the higher shelves, I found some fuzzy pink-kitty pajamas in one of the stalls, and began stripping off my summer dress. I threw it whereever, and immediately looked down at my chest. "......." Another bad part of being a child. No breasts. Unconsciously, I felt my body; becoming very jealous of the other girls quite quickly. If I ever made it out of these games alive, I wouldn't be an object of love. I would be an adorable child. I'd never be sexy or beautiful or pretty. I'd always be cute, adorable, and small. I looked weird when I put makeup on, so.... I just lived with the fact I was a child. No earrings. No lipstick. It all looked too weird on me; A girl who appeared to be eight. Shedding off my underwear, I slid on my bottoms first, and then the top. I winced almost immediately. The clothing felt soft and all, but it was a little big on me. Oh well. I'd survive with big jamies. Hearing Kerin knock and call for entry, I quickly gathered my dirty clothing and hid them away. "Yup! I'm dressed, Kerin-sama!" I ran over to the door, and pulled it open for him. The first thing I did when I saw him, was smile and hold out my arms. "Pajamas!" Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld "Lovely," Zane snorted, backing off. Well, at least he knew when to stop harrassing... That damn dog! He had horrible timing to be doing this. He always did! Somebody needed to get a leash on him... Maybe Luc-- No wait, he's still in the Human Realm.... Damn. Sniffing, I glared at him. He glared back teasingly. "What~? Don't tell me you're sick of cake, greedy Mammon!" Okay, that's it! I take a step from behind Raike, and grab him by the collar of his shirt. "What was that?!" I raise my fist menacingly. Zane only responds by sticking out his tongue. "Why you--- I am NOT greedy!" I am swinging my fist forward to hit him, when I see.... Flickering? Like that of fire... Great, now what is Raike doing? I look back, and quickly release Zane. "What're you---?!" Is he an idiot or something? I thought I told him he wasn't ready! Damn human... Damn dog.... UGH. I watch, for the last few seconds, as the flames across his back lick away at the air. He was trying to get wings. Wings of flame. Yeah, like you're gonna get the product you want... Not without my powers, Raike. The power... To manipulate manifestation. The hardest thing I can manifest, is the copy of a human being. Wings would be no problem! But instead, you decide to be impatient and try it out yourself... Good Lord..... I watch as the inevitable happens; he fails. He fails horribly. A few seconds, and those flickering, weak flames are gone. A few seconds, and he's collapsed on the ground. Zane raises his cake-filled eyebrows at the boy. "Is he an idiot? You two would be good together. A greedy, bloody smoke. And a pyromaniacal idiot... Go get married." I whip my head back at Zane. I've had enough of him. In one quick gesture, I flick him out of the room through the door. I lock them up immediately. "I thought I told you it was useless. You can't make your 'flame wings'. You're too weak. Sure, you could get them to stay if you trained hard for a year, but do you think you'd be able to use them for flying? Jeez..." I kneel beside him, and gingerly touch his back. Yikes. It's not even warm from the flames... "Hey. Get up." I give him a light shake. "I know you're still conscious. Get up. You'll be fine in a few minutes." I know I'm speaking the truth, because I can already see that the room is bringing back his energy. Warmth is coming into his back. "Oh, and no way am I marrying you." |
Ryuu Akuma was on the ground, below Natruo's massive boot, panting hard. The actual fight had lasted only a little over 5 minutes...at most. Then again, most of Ryuu's fights were quick and to the point, and tend to be over rather fast. This was a prime example. He, like most of his other fighters, believed that Ryuu was a charging maniac, a no-nonsense fighter who planned with his head instead of his mind. And although it was partially true, Ryuu had been in enough fights to know that the mind is a weapon on it's own, and using it isn't weakness, it's more strength.
Of course, it did help that Ryuu would always make it seem that he was nothing more than a stupid maniac, hence his performance against Bern in the train. It was his strategy, for lack of a better word. And although he gave it his all against Natruo, even here, strategy didn't completely help him, and he lost. Still, it was probably one of the best fights in his life. "I underestimated you. I was expecting recklessness. Not actual planned moves. This could have gone a lot smoother had I known you actually had a brain." Ryuu smiled, but kept his mouth shut. Ryuu was smart. He did come from a noble family after all. He just never liked to show it. What good would it do? Ryuu felt his injuries across his body. His right arm was bad, broken. He had been using it the most. Suddenly, Natruo got his boot off of Ryuu's stomach, and continued speaking. "However, you overestimated yourself. A demon like you can't beat a God like me. I could kill you instantly if I was permitted to. Although, I'm not, so you get to live. Lucky you." Maybe we'll have another round later, and we'll see who wins, Ryuu thought, still keeping his eyes close. The God was tough, but Ryuu learns quickly, especially from short fights like this. He would have a new strategy to beat Natruo next time. Ryuu hears as Natruo kneels down and begins healing him. Ryuu doesn't ask why, and quite frankly, doesn't care. It feels good, especially to get rid of some of the serious injuries nagging at him. He listens as Natruo continues to speak. "Listen up, Ryuu. I don't give a damn if you think you're the strongest of your district. Because, you're not. And if you really think you can kill Bern with a few punches and kicks, you're damn wrong there as well. I also know for a fact, that you don't have a single alliance. How stupid can you be?" Ryuu is silent as he listens to Natruo. "I don't care if you don't want me to, but I'm gonna give you some advice. Train in magic or some sort of long-range weapon. Otherwise, you'll have your butt handed to you on a silver platter." This was the first thing he said, and Ryuu, although he wouldn't admit it, had to agree. He knew he had to get some sort of long range weapon or magic, and he had just the thing in mind... "Make alliances with the stronger competitors. Kill off the weak, so that you have the strongest all to yourself for the big fights. So, suggestion, alliances with Bern, Mari, Shizu, and maybe that Raike kid... Feel free to disagree. I'm not making you. However, may I remind you, that you're like a corpse at the moment." Ryuu felt better as Natruo healed up his bigger wounds, leaving the smaller once on him. He preferred it that was as well. But this last bit bugged him, to an extreme. Ryuu was never one for alliances, in fact, he preferred going solo, and he intended to keep it like that. But if everyone was making some sort of alliance, perhaps, Ryuu thought, I should attempt a small ceasefire as well... But there were two names there that were out of the question to make alliances with, and that was Shizu, who he believed was that angel, and Marisa, who was the Vampire. Ryuu would rather die than ally himself with an angel. He was disgusted by the mere thought. As for the Marisa girl, she was beyond annoying, and to Ryuu, the most worthless piece of crap out of all of the fighters. Even after all of this, Ryuu has trouble understanding why she is ranked as such a strong fighter. Ryuu could literally break her in half. Ryuu had a similar thought about Raike too, as he did with all humans. But the human impressed him on the helicopter. If anything, he had balls. As for Bern, although some slight amount of mutual respect has reached, Ryuu still feels unsure about entering an open alliance with her. Still, if it HAD to be anyone, it would be Bern or Raike. Anyone else was just out of the question. Ryuu sat up, groaning a bit from the minor pain, but shaking it off quick enough. "Ugh...I'll think about it." He said. He looked at Natruo. "Nice fight...you're alright." He said, as he began to get up. He had a lot to think about. But first...he was hungry. Not for blood...for damn food. |
"Oh and no way am I marrying you." Says Mammon, causing me to grin a bit, turning over to look at her with his eyelids lowered slightly as if he was sleepy. "Who would want to be married to you, Mammon?" Slowly, I could feel my own strength returning to my body, and I began to push myself up until I was leaning on my elbows, still looking kind of drowsy. The mental strain that had existed in my mind a few minutes ago had receded, leaving me with only a minor headache.
I was about to say something when my stomach growled, and I turned to her with a slightly annoyed expression. "Can we do this contract thing so we can go back? I missing dinner as we speak." I stood up, turning my neck side to side, until I heard a satisfying crack from each side. I felt a little colder, but I was warming gradually... so this was what if felt for non fire users... if was freezing! How could they bear it. Without another thought I held out my hand open, and repeated the process of making the whip, only skipping the last part and leaving it as a sword. Using my frustration as my strength, I brought down the sword with just enough force to pierce the barrier that encased the room, and break the tip through the floor, into the room below. I left it there for a few seconds, hoping he was watching before I wrenched it out, and turned it into a whip, cracking it once, and then condensing it into a red ball of flame, which I hurled at the wall with enough speed to only slightly disturbed the barrier. When I was done, I rolled my shoulders and went to lean against the wall, letting my head hang. Stress relievers. They came in all different type of shapes and forms... this was mine. |
"Looks like your ready for bed then," Kerin smiled back at her. Though something was up with her clothes. Sure they looked warm and cosy, but her pant bottoms dragged a little on the floor. Oh well. Pyjamas were much more comfortable when they were baggy anyways. Kerin let out a yawn and stretched his arms out, exhaling quickly as he felt the sharp air against his throat.
He quickly inspected Marisa's room. It was much like the rest of the floor; large and regal. The bed was enormous, it could probably fit four people in it, and the sheets and quilt lining it looked like it was made from the best of threads. It looked so comfortable, Kerin wondered what the mattress felt like. Probably the softest he had ever felt, though Kerin's experience with beds wasn't particularly long and colourful; a bed he had slept in for 15 years at the church and a dingy bed back in his crappy house. So by the looks of it, this was definitely the best. "I think... Do you want to sleep now? Because I am beat," Kerin gave Marisa a lazy smile. |
Chapter 3 - Amelia Kunjui - Angel District
"I'm not mad. Yet. I still want that information we discussed earlier and I want to know everything you know about Bernkastel. As I said earlier, it would be pointless to lie seeing as who your mother is you definitely know everything you need to about her. That and the fact I've noticed how friendly the both of you are with each other at certain times." Oh. Um. "That however can all still wait, we are allies and I don't make promises I don't intend to keep. I will now be fighting every moment from now until the end of the games to keep you and myself alive, should we be the last to survive we will cross that bridge. Lets sit, eat and get to know each other and actually have a conversation - something you should appreciate since I don't have them often." So... He wasn't mad at me? I exhale in relief, feeling my muscles lighten. I had no problem telling him what I knew, except... I may not know as much as he thinks I do. Wait. 'I will now be fighting every moment from now until the end of the games to keep you and myself alive, should we be the last to survive we will cross that bridge.' Bridge.... Bridge.... Meaning, we'd die together? Not allowing a winner for the games... My cheeks relate a warmth that comes straight from my heart. What did I do... To make him care that much about me? I was nothing special. He was the special one. I opened my mouth to speak, but my words were not to Shizuka. They were directed to the servant who was calmly standing beside me. "A peanut butter sandwich, please. Oh, and fries." It seemed like a rather odd supper, but it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Back at my home, things as trivial as sandwiches were non-existant. It was all the fancy foods. Crab... Chicken.... Roasted pig, especially. Using your fingers to eat anything, was uncalled for. That was what utensils were for. In disgust, I took all of them, and pushed them off to the side. I turned to Shizuka, and fiddled with my fingers. How was I going to explain anything to him if I was so nervous? Breathe in... Breathe out.... Alright. Much better. "Th-that's good... I'm n-not a very good liar, anyways..." I mumbled, looking down at the tablecloth. Well... So much for being calm. "The reason behind our b-behavior to eachother... Uhm... Well, There is no way an angel like me could ever go to a different district, e-even with my mother's status... However..." I paused, swallowing hard. "Since Bernkastel i-is a Victor, she was obligated to visit each district for both years... So... We did meet twice. Only for a day each, so it's not l-like we're exactly friends... She didn't do much. She just stayed in the guest room the entire time..." I explained. I wasn't lying, either. She, quite seriously, locked herself in that room. I don't think she even came out to eat. The second she was aloud to leave, she did so. I talked maybe five sentences into her within those two visits. I pause, watching as a hand extends before me and sets my supper out on the table. I nod back at the servant, and he leaves. I turn my attention back to my food. Ah... Sandwich.... Fries... Perfect! As I scoop up a handful of fries to shove in my mouth, it occurs to me how embarrassing it would be to do that in front of Shizuka. To recover, I take the handful and set them off on the other side of the plate. "Well, for info on Bern.... She can summon the five demon servants of Lord Ashura...." I began slowly, munching at my fries individually. Chapter 3 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District Smiling widely, I looked up at Kerin. His midnight blue eyes grazed over my golden yellow. It was so... Complicated. Just meeting me today... And now he was a personal bodyguard to me. Although it was kind of annoying that he jumped between Ryuu and myself back on the helicopter, It was sweet. Really sweet, what he was doing. He protected and cared for me, like I was his own flesh-and-blood sister. And I liked him too. He was really nice. Probably the first person to be this nice to me in.... A year? Maybe.... *Flashback* "What are you doing?" I stand there, watching this new girl with a garbage back inside my grip. We were at the back of the orphanage, where the huge, metal garbage bins were. It had been my turn to clean, so here I was. But why was this girl here with me? I had never seen her face before. A new face. A fresh one. At eleven years old, she looked to have come from some rich family. Why was a rich little girl, here behind the orphanage? We stared at eachother; weighing the other down with our eyes. She was slightly shorter than me, and had this narrow face. Her bright amber hair was pulled back in a ponytail, which made her seem older than she was. Her pansy-purple eyes were wide in shock. "Y-you're one of those popular girls.... U-um. I was just throwing something out." She whimpered softly. It made me frown. She was scared of me. Well, I guess anyone who wasn't a 'pretty' would be. I look down at what she is carrying. It was... An instrument? Not any instrument, but a violin. A beautiful violin...! Although, it looked rather worn down. The golden brown paint was chipped off horribly, and some of the strings were rusted and/or broken. Before I have time to answer, she is raising it up to put in the trash. "W-wait!" I release the bag I had been holding, and take hold of her wrist. She looks at me in horror. As if I had just pulled a gun on her. "Wait," I say a little more softly. I coax her to release the violin into my hands. I had never touched a violin before... I had never played an instrument before, either. This girl was frozen to the spot, as I handled the musical artifact. So beautiful. I look up at her with a friendly smile. "Can I keep it?" Confusion furrows her eyebrows together, as she questions me. My existance. My words. Why would anyone want some broken down thing like this? I would want it, because it was pretty. She nods slowly, just to get used to me. To feel that I wasn't like the other 'pretties'. She seems to like that idea, and she ventures on into conversation. The words are curious, and it's like... Like she's tasting each one she says. She's careful how she words things. She asks me music-related questions. Had I ever played before? Was I good? Did I own an instrument? Each answer was a 'no'. She was calming down. ~~~ My mind trails off from that point, to approximately one year ago. Me and her, Asumu, up on the rooftop. We were laughing, with these huge smiles on our faces. Yes. My friend. My best friend. Asumu was the only person I could really feel comfortable talking to. A girl who didn't live at the orphanage, but somewhere nearby. She came every day to visit me. Little by little, teaching me how to play the violin. I could play sad melodies. Melodies of losing both my parents. Melodies of anger, which came from the world inside the orphanage. However, I mostly did happy, jumpy songs. Songs that made my heart flutter in freedom. A song that reeled back every time I saw Asumu. Her unwavering smile, and her smooth black violin. She played for me. Played these beautiful songs I had never heard before. Slow, complex songs that made tears spring into my eyes. She was an amazing violinist. Almost a prodigy. Each time she picked up that black violin, I was hushed into silence. My ears knew the sound of her playing almost instantly. Her songs too, were of different emotions. I liked her happy songs the best, because she was the only one I knew who could replay those feelings so perfectly into music. I would never be able to achieve her standard. I had only ever been truely happy when I was with her. She knew of many different forms of happiness. She played songs that celebrated a later bedtime. A song if the sky was clear. A song for a birthday. A song for when she was with me. And a song for the love of her parents. She was playing that song to me. The song of an unbreakable bond. Her mother and father, tied with so much passion into their only daughter. The movie nights they shared on those rainy days. Those silly faces the father would make to cheer Asumu up when she was feeling down. I would never be able to replicate such a song. Because, I had never felt the warmth of a mother's carressing arms. A father's hand reaching down to pat my head. Instead, his hand was always a fist. Pushing me further and further into the realm of sorrow and abuse... She stands up, and puts on this serious expression. "Marisa. You can do whatever song you like. Being perfect at it doesn't matter. As long as you enjoy playing the violin. That is what counts!" ~~~ Before the tears have a chance to get into my eyes, I hop into the huge bed. Ah.... It was so soft. The flannel sheets and the fluffy pillows... I crawl underneath the layers of blankets, and urge Kerin to do the same. Knowing, that I will probably have the nightmare again tonight. That same nightmare scarred into my mind. "Uuu... Please sleep with me, Kerin-sama...." Was I pleading? In my mind, I was. I needed him here with me. I wanted to cuddle against him. Maybe then, those horrible images would go away. Maybe then, I would be able to have a night where no tainted memories surface. Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld I watch him grin. Eh, so the boy lives... Good Lord. He better not be as stupid as I just saw him be, ALL the time. Yet, he was funny. Very funny, haha. (<--Sarcastic) I gape at his first sentence, showing a fake insulted look. "That's mean, Raike!" I purse my lips together, and watch him get up slightly. Oh jeez. "People who appreciate good looks! Now, are you done proving your point by dropping dead? You gave me a heartattack!" I continue on, jabbing my finger into his chest. And for the second time today, I am annoyed beyond comprehension. "Mammmmmmmmoooooonnnnnnnnn~!" A voice high and squeaky enters my ears, and I immediately cover them. I would know that voice anywhere. She was just as bad as Zane! What day was it today? Annoy the Hell out of Mammon day? GAWD. I look over in irritation towards the door. She hadn't come in yet, but I can still hear her loud and clear. Locks wouldn't mean anything to her. You could have the highest-grade protection and security and she would still get in. Who was this person I was talking about? Alice. My eyes are still trained on the door, when she bursts in. A demon younger than myself. If you based her appearance off of her annoying voice and behavior, you were dead wrong. She may look young, but she's dressed like a freaking business woman! Dark, olive green eyes look at me accusingly. And, I know exactly why they are like that. "Mammon! Did you steal one of my plushes again?!" She says automatically, hands on her hips. Her curly blonde locks of hair spill across her shoulders in perfect rings. Too perfect. And don't get me started on the description of her clothing. Again, business-like. A cuffed black shirt, with a matching tie. The skirt is black, as well, but has more of a school-girl quality to it. The huge bow on the side of her head makes her seem more childish. It's like they took a human career woman, and then mushed her into the personality of a ten year old. "Alice, I don't have time for you today. Get lost." I growl, speaking out my irritation rather well. However, she doesn't seem to get that I'm busy, and she continues. "Maaaaaammmmooooonnnnn! Give it ba-Oh!" She notices Raike for the first time. "Ohhhhhhhhhh~ I get it now!" "What is there to get?! I said get lost!" She does this cute little smile, and backs up. "I'm gonna tell Luci~!" "Tell him what?! That you got another elephant plush? Don't bother because that thing's head will be off before you can say "N" and "O"!" "That you got a new boyfriend, of course! I'll go now so that you can do your thing with him~!" I gape. Why was everyone coming to the conclusion that I was with Raike for THAT reason?! Damnit! "Don't you dare! He's-" "Nyahnyahnyah~ I can't hear you~!" "AAAAAALLLLLIIIICCCCEEEE!" She's quick to leave my room before I can snap her head in half. Damnit. I grab Raike by the back of his collar, and begin to drag him. An embarrassed, yet infuriated blush covers my cheeks. "We're leaving!" I open the door that Alice just hid behind, and chuck the human into the other room. When I close the door behind me, we are no longer in the Underworld, but.... An elevator? An elevator that Raike should find suitable. Looking over at the buttons, we are currently on the lowest floor of the Human's tower. "Go ahead, press Fausto's room." I say, gesturing to the controls. Chapter 3 - Natruo The Game Designer - God District "You'll think about it, huh?" I don't bother raising myself off my one knee. If he attempted to hit me, I could pull his legs out from under him. This boy was just lucky I went easy on him. I could have used magic. I could have made him see horrible illusions. But, I decided I liked him. He was a fighter, and maybe... Someone who would give Bernkastel a hard time. I knew he wouldn't be able to lay a finger on her right now, but if he trained in the right things during his time here, he could, quite possibly, injury Bern. Finally, I stand up. My neck cracking slightly. I was a little sore, but nothing that my exceptional healing couldn't handle. "Nice fight...You're alright." I smirk, crossing my arms over my chest. "Same to you," I pause, thinking things over in my head. Hm... "Hey. If you want, I'll teach you a magic that Bern doesn't know. A special magic, that will make Bern fight all-out against..." I offer up. I just hoped this caught his attention. I wasn't lying, because there was a certain type of magic the witch was unable to learn. A magic that was her weakness. "Training starts in nine hours. See you." Of course, I wouldn't give him that kind of power for free. I was, after all, the Game Designer. He'd have to pay up at some point. And wheither all the contestants knew it or not, the games had already started. |
"Sure, okay," he nodded at her. He kicked his shoes off and looked at his own clothing for half a second again. Hoodie, jeans, rock necklaces, t-shirt, socks, cuff bracelet. He pulled off the hoodie, dumping it on the floor and rubbed his fingers together. He felt a little gross, though he didn't smell. Not the same could be said about his shirt, which had absorbed several different things; rain, sweat, Marisa's tears, mucus, saliva and probably other assorted bodily fluids. If he was alone, he would just sleep shirtless, but he doubted that was appropriate in this kind of situation. He would probably get cold anyways.
"Uh, give me a second, okay?" He picked up his hoodie and whisked himself off to the bathroom. When he got there, he turned on the sink and let it run, slowly peeling the cuff off his wrist. He thrust his hand under the tap and washed it thoroughly, splashing water up to his face every now and again. Then, he splashed some water on his shirt, scrubbing with his palm at the parts that seemed dirty. When everything was clean enough, he turned the tap off and inspected his hands. His knuckles were scarred, which wasn't unusual (the unusual thing was the lack of fresh wounds). He rubbed his hands together and moved his eyes down to his wrist, his right one specifically. He ran his fingers over it as he counted the small holes on the inside of his wrists; one, two, three four. He sighed heavily and buckled his cuff back on; his self pity could wait for another day. Pulling his coat back on and zipping it back up, he rejoined Marisa in her bedroom. He walked to the other side of the bed and hopped in, pulling the covers over his feet. Yep, he was right, this was definitely the best bed he had ever been in. He shuffled his shoulders and got comfortable, sliding near enough to Marisa that he wasn't on the edge of the bed, but far enough that he wasn't sitting on top of her. He exhaled through his nose. "Um," Kerin started, then closed his mouth. How did Dana and Quinn (it was so weird to think the name, but not puke in his mouth) get to sleep when they had a rough night? Warm milk was usually a good option, though Kerin knew for a fact that warm milk would not make any difference. Extra blankets were good too, but this bed was plenty warm. From his own experience... Manuel had always told Kerin stories. A singular story, actually. Hum. "Did you want me to tell you a bedtime story?" "Mew, sure," she gave him a short nod. Kerin rubbed his eyes. It had been a while since he had heard it, but he could never forget it. How could he? It was the story of how he met his dad. "Once, there was a sad, little boy," Kerin started, trying to mimic Manuel's tone. "This boy didn't know where he was from or who his parents were, only that he was here and alone in the world. One day, a priest found the boy. He could see the boy was sad and alone in the world but only because the priest was sad and alone in the world too. So the priest and boy went home together so that they were both no longer sad and alone in the world. Soon, the boy would call the priest 'Father' and the priest would call the boy 'Son'. The priest took in many other sons and daughters so that they too were no longer sad and alone in the world. The boy grew with his new brothers and sisters until he was no longer a little boy anymore. They laughed together, they cried together, they loved together. They called eachother 'Family'. They were home." Kerin smiled. That was where Manuel stopped and said goodnight to him. It was a pretty crappy story, but Kerin enjoyed hearing it over and over again. It was as if he was seeing his baby photos after they had been pulled out of the top cupboard. It was nostalgic and it felt good. But, that wasn't the end of the story anymore. Kerin exhaled and continued. "But the happiness would not last forever." "One night, disaster struck the town they lived in. Two lovers attacked and fed of others who lived in the town. As the lovers grew close to the boy and his family, the boy stepped in front to protect them," Kerin coughed a little as he could see the images, clear as day in his head. It had been so long. Yet, he didn't feel uncomfortable about telling the story (the alchemy, he thought). So, he continued. "The lovers and the boy fought, but the struggle did not last. After cutting his wrist, they left the boy and his family. They left the town. Though they were gone, they left a little of themselves behind." "The boy became sick. He turned pale, his eyes grew dark, his skin went cold and he became terribly thirsty. A thirst that could not be quenched with water. His family tried their best to help him and make him better but nothing worked. Then, the next night, the boy's thirst took over. He, like the lovers, attacked his family though nobody was there to protect them this time," Kerin stopped for a second and blinked, swallowing hard. "The boy killed his brother. When the boy realised what he had done, he left his home and promised he would never return, not until his thirst was gone for good." "There once was a sad boy. This boy didn't know where he was from or who his parents were, only that he was here and alone in the world," Kerin's eyes shifted to his feet. Wait, that's not how stories ended. Stories always ended happily! He didn't want to give Marisa nightmares after all. "But, the boy found friends in the strangest places. He made his own family with his friends." Argh, what else? Happy end, even if it was ridiculous! "Then the boy and his friends overcame a lot of challenges and found out a way to make the boy better again. So he wasn't sick and wasn't thirsty! Then they all went home and saw the boy's real family and everyone was okay and his brother was actually alive and just fell asleep for a long time. So then they had a giant feast with lots of meat and potatoes and ice cream and toffee and everyone lived happily ever after." Kerin looked over at Marisa, giving her a bright smile. It wasn't really a fake ending, it was what Kerin really wanted. |
Shizuka watched Amelia as she appeared stuck in thought, she was a very pretty girl especially when her mind was running away with itself. Amelia began to speak but it was not to him, a servant had appeared behind them and Amelia made her request for some food.
"A peanut butter sandwich, please. Oh, and fries." Shizuka laughed to himself and let a smirk slip, what a strange meal for one to get - more so the mixture of the too, not the individual items. He quickly washed the face reaction away so as not to show too much emotion yet, he wanted her to feel the need to be afraid so she would just go with whichever way he lead her. Bernkastel was the key to these games now and this beautiful young woman was the key to getting to her, the simple fact that he also wished to see no harm to her helped make that decision very easy. Finally Amelia was ready and began to speak to him, his attention focused on to her every word immediately. "Th-that's good... I'm n-not a very good liar, anyways...the reason behind our b-behavior to eachother... Uhm... Well, There is no way an angel like me could ever go to a different district, e-even with my mother's status... However..."She paused and swallowed, her nervousness was covering her face like words on a page in a book. "Since Bernkastel i-is a Victor, she was obligated to visit each district for both years... So... We did meet twice. Only for a day each, so it's not l-like we're exactly friends... She didn't do much. She just stayed in the guest room the entire time..." Bernkastel visited all of the districts, Shizu began saying in his head, Twice. Shizuka thought back to the last two Reapings and tried to figure out when exactly she could have come. There had to have been a commotion about it. Or is the government that corrupt and secretive that they didn't even make her presence in our district known? This demon is very unique. I need to meet her as soon as possible. Just then was when Amelia's servant had returned with her food and placed it in front of her, she quickly began picking at the fries. Just as she began munching down a couple of them she cleared her throat and spoke through a covered mouth. "Well, for info on Bern.... She can summon the five demon servants of Lord Ashura...." Shizuka just stared at her with a suddenly puzzled look. What the hell are the five demon servants of Lord Ashura?! Shizuka quickly recovered and acted as if merely hearing what she just stated didn't confuse and put him a little on edge. "And those would be?" |
As Ryuu slowly began standing once more, he heard Natruo speak again.
"Same to you," Ryuu didn't respond at that. Natruo might not have known it, but Ryuu had a big problem with allying with anyone, especially given the circumstance of the whole idea. Getting comfortable with someone just so he could kill them later wasn't something Ryuu was fond of. "Same to you," The Game Designer said. There was a paused for a while, before he spoke again. "Hey. If you want, I'll teach you a magic that Bern doesn't know. A special magic, that will make Bern fight all-out against..." Ryuu looked at Natruo once more, absorbing what he had just said. It was at that moment he realized the difference between them. A big one, in the eyes of Ryuu. Natruo was strong, and a good warrior. He could fight, as Ryuu could, and wasn't a pushover like the many Ryuu had fought before. But Ryuu had one thing he wasn't sure this "god" had: pride. It was prideful to use your own abilities, your own strength when entering into a contest against powerful foes. It would be considered honorable to fight and die, if need be, based on your own abilities. And although the demon was willing to do whatever he could to win, and kill, he would never accept help on a level like this. In the end, he would beat them, and he would do it with his fists, his technique, and his abilities, not the ones taught by a person who evidently looked down upon the pure race of demons. Ryuu felt himself get angered a bit by this, but by his better judgment, refrained from any action. He had self control when he needed to have it. He just usually felt it was unnecessary to have it. In the end, he would take the advice of Natruo, and train in a longer range weapon, as was his plan before, as he had already picked one out. But he would refuse to learn petty magic abilities that weren't his own abilities. It would hurt his pride if he didn't win this with his own abilities. There was one more thing that was evident from his exchange with Natruo. Despite all of their superior knowledge, the god seemed to not know much about Ryuu, something he planned for, and of which it succeeded. They had, as he was sure most of the other challengers had, accepted him as the unrelenting brute, a fact he would like to continue to display, all until the fights began. Ryuu walked out of the building a little after Natruo, and proceeded to his own room. He noticed across the path was knocked down items and doors from when he was in his blood rage. He smiled a bit, as he realized he had no recollection of coming to the building, only a blank blur. As he walked back, he realized something advantageous. The contestants, and the Gods, were actually falling for Ryuu's "persona", rather perfectly in fact. Cameras fluttered around the god's district, and displays of statistics and victors were all across, but ultimately, they didn't know much about Ryuu other than what they vaguely heard. They know he could use his fists, but they didn't know he was left handed. They know he was from a noble family perhaps, but they didn't know that he used their knowledge to his own advantage. They know that his wings are gone, but that doesn't mean that he can't "fly". But his secret skills would be enough if he doesn't gain some strength in the long-range category of fighting. Then, he would be a complete warrior. Although the offer to get a magic that would defeat Bern was flattering, Ryuu knew he would already decline. He refused to use any abilities except his own. It was his way or no way, all the way. |
Chapter 3 - Amelia Kunjui - Angel District
I pause. Not because I don't want to tell him, but because I don't know what to tell him. I knew only a few facts on them because of my Satanist classes back home. Most of the other teenagers wouldn't normally take this class, but it was protocol for me. Well, that wasn't exactly true. There were books and references inside history classes, but not anything worth-while. The servants were hidden from history. It was all 'Satan did this' or 'Satan murdered this person'. The servants were kept hidden for a reason. Because it was government related. So... What could I tell him? I watch the rest of the servants retreat into the kitchen. Now. "The main servant is Lucifier. His manipulation is destruction, and he makes hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis... He is the most powerful of the five. Mammon controls manifestation, and she can make anything and everything with the snap of a finger. Zane is the embodiment of fear. He gives nightmares and things to be feared. Alice is the demon servant of illusion. She makes mental diseases and hallucinations. Lastly, there is Vergil. He controls wisdom, and he knows everything. Past, present, and future." I say this all at once. It was like those drills the teachers put me through, where I had five minutes to do a speech on what I had learnt. "The Demon Lord is Ashura," I add quickly, just in case he didn't know. What else was there...? I pick at my food carefully; thinking about everything I just told him. Hopefully it wasn't some big secret or something.... Or actually, Bern never left the government building at all during her time at our district. Did that mean that the citizens didn't know of her presence? Was that because of the Gods? Maybe what she said on the helicopter was true. A rebellion. "Oh, I don't think anyone outside the government knew that Bernkastel was visiting all the districts... However, three years ago on the fifth Population Games, it was a huge deal and everyone knew when the Victors were doing their tour..." Maybe this will prove useful for him. I don't know. His mindset was really weird... I take a few bites from my sandwich; doing the usual programmed habit of swallowing before speaking. "Not very many people know about the servants, either. And that the name of the Demon Lord is Ashura... Ashura is referred to as Satan in most cases. Government, priests, and dark magicians are the only ones with knowledge on them..." I think for a bit. Ah... Then how did Bern know of them enough to make contracts with them? Oh! I look back to the first time Bern became Victor. The reunion... "Bern's mother is an angel priestess who lived in our district. She owns that huge church beside the government building.... She was allowed to move into the Demon District when Bern became Victor. Bern was raised by her father ever since the Gods took over. Her father is a dark magician." So Bern had a bunch of different ways on learning about the Underworld demons... I suppose that made sense on her title. "Bern's a dark magician as well, obviously... The Seven Day Witch, I think. Anyways, magicians get titles based on their specialties." Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District "The security is that bad, huh?" I lower my glass down as the familiar voice calls out to me from behind. A male voice with some years growing on it. I look away from the flashing television, to the voice inside the dark room. He throws what appears to be a jacket on the side of the couch, before moving over. I know who he is, because I've met up with him exactly ten times starting now. Six with public appearances we had to make together. The other four were situated here. In secrecy. "It's not that... It's-" He cuts me off; chuckling as his personality calls for. "... It's because you're too good. But isn't it a bit late, Bernkastel? I know you can't help it, but you should at least try to sleep..." "You know I can't, Venius... I've tried multiple times without much success." I toss him a glass of wine, and he catches it perfectly; not spilling a single red drop on the expensive flooring of his house. That's right. I'm no longer in the Training District. I am, quite literally, in the heart of the God's District. It was an easy trip to make. Even with all the high-tec cameras, guards, and whatnot... It was a harder challenge to get out of bed in the morning. He sighs lightly, and looks towards the program I am watching. "The weather? Would it kill you just to watch something normal for once?" His face is censored by the darkness of this room. Because, of course, he doesn't use his fancy light fixtures. Maybe it was because they didn't hold any use for him? "Yes, it would..." I say blankly, swinging my glass up to finish the alchohol. Venius had gotten used to it, so he doesn't comment. "In any case, may I see the script?" He hands the papers to me without a second of hesitation, and I flip through them. "....." I set them on his lap. "And the clothes?" "Do you know how hard it is to find chunks of sapphire these days?" "Borrow some from my house. Just remember to disable the traps. I don't need a repeat of last year's incident-" "That flamethrower made me bald!" "Yes, and a bald Venius is a creepy Venius. That also doesn't mean you should grow out hair everywhere..." I eye the small beard I can see from the minimal television light. He grumbles at me to 'bug off' and I surpress a smile. "I'll shave before the big day. Don't worry... Beards are supposed to have health benefits." "Like what? The food that gets caught in one can be used as a snack later?" I wonder if he'll take me seriously. "Would you rather I have a mustache?" "Just make sure it's black and curly." We are doing this with straight faces, so when we hear someone cough on the other end of the room, I can't help but smile. Venius laughs out. "I can't believe you two. I'm trying to plan twenty-four deaths, and you're talking about mustaches behind my back...? Bern, I now promise to make something that resembles them, and have them attack you." "Fine... How did his test go?" And in the darkness, I see Natruo's fist come out, to give me a thumbs down. Chapter 3 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District My mind was screaming that that was probably the worst ending ever, but... It was a story Kerin made. Probably on the spot. She looked at Kerin curiously, before smiling widely. "I wanna be that boy's friend!" Snuggling up to Kerin, I closed my eyes. Maybe with the help of his story, and him being here, the nightmares would go away. But... When the nightmares came that night, the happy boy shifted into a blur of blood. ~~~ "Give it back! Please!" Anira cried out helplessly. Her hands reached out into the sky desperately. Desprate to get back her precious item. However, the bully only held it higher. Higher. I was there, looking on. I couldn't help her, because I was being held back. Held by two people who were my 'friends'. My 'clique'. My 'pretties' clan. The rude, bullying girls who got away with harrassment. I was not them. I may have been considered pretty or cute, but I wasn't a bully. I would never do anything to hurt anyone. "Please! My mama gave that to me!" She reached out further. "Oh look~ The snobby rich girl's mommy gave this to her!" The girl, several years older than me, waves the case around mockingly. Anira's violin case. I knew for a fact that that violin WAS given to her by her mother. A beautiful black violin with the most astonishing sounds replicated through her work. The other two holding me back, laugh. Anira is crying now. That was the exact reaction they wanted. However, they decided to push her further over the edge. "Who needs something so worthless? It belongs in the trash!" The bully's arm extends back over the railing. Today was a very bad day to hang out on the rooftop. Dangling by two fingers, was her violin case. "No! Music is not worthless! That violin isn't worthless!" Anira pleads. "Oh? Then prove it!" The girl drops the case from her grip. And, the outcome of this is unstoppable. Anira, throws herself off the railing to catch the case. I pull away from the two girls in horror, and look over the edge; desperate to find my best friend. I spot her. Inside one of the huge garbage bins. She's hugging the case close to her with eyes closed. Oh God. "Anira! Get out of there! Watch out!" I cry out. But it's too late. The words are too late. The two long pieces of metal are already folded into the slots, and the garbage bin was being lifted into the air. By a garbage truck. "Marisa!" She screams out. But I can't help her. I can only scream at the driver to stop. He can't hear me. Blasting out of his radio, is music. He doesn't notice us, and he doesn't notice that he just dropped my best friend into the back along with garbage. The bullies are laughing and pointing, like this was some joke. But I knew what happened next. What all garbage trucks did when they finished unloading a bin. I watch, as the walls begin to move in on either end of the truck. Anira is screaming for help. Trying to get out. She throws out her arms and manages to grab something on the top. Her violin, tightly in the grasp of her left hand. "Help me! Marisa!" She screams out more. Both of us are screaming now. Screaming desperately at eachother. But when I scream out "You'll be alright, Anira!" I don't get a reply back. Only the crushing of bones and blood shooting out. I regret looking down once the walls retract. I regret being there at all. I regret having been friends with her. Because what I see when down there, is not my best friend. But A broken, dismembered body of some poor little girl. Limbs unrecognizable as arms or legs... A face while I don't remember. The only thing that shows that she was once there, is the violin case; unscathed and throws off of the trucks roof. As the truck drives off, I stare at the violin case in horror. It sits there on the cement. Abandoned forever by it's owner. |
"I wanna be that boy's friend!" Marisa said as she snuggled into Kerin's chest, closing her eyes. Kerin held her close and sighed as he felt her slowly fall asleep. It was kind of relaxing, feeling her exhale and fall into a deep sleep. The last breath before the body went into standby. It was kind of beautiful. Kerin closed his own eyes and leant his head back against the pillow, drifting off.
"Me too." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "You should probably come home soon," Quinn said to Kerin as they walked through a endlessly long corridor, lined with thousands of doors. He couldn't see much else other than Quinn and his red, messy hair, blue eyes and unmistakable freckles. Kerin nodded along. He probably should. He had been away a long time. He was home sick. He missed his family, his room, his bed, his home. "Soon, I promise," Kerin nodded again. He peeked into the windows of each door as they passed by. Each one was filled with different things. Though Kerin only saw about 3 seconds of each room, he knew exactly what was in them. A snowy bridge, a set of swings, a church, a ravaged town, a bloody room, a dingy house, a large tower, a small doll,. He could explain them all, but knew not where to start. He looked down at his hands. They were red. Not red paint, not red lights, not red sauce, but the pigment itself had changed colour. Like he had slapped his hands together one too many times. Shadowy figures stood at a distance in the corridor, their faces a blur. But they grew closer as, the figures were instantly recognisable, though their names eluded Kerin. But it was a witch, hunter, a doll and a courtesan. The hunter and the courtesan nodded and split off, both leaving through a door. The witch held the doll in her arms, like a baby. The doll looked fragile, with pure skin and blonde hair. "Keep her close," the witch gave the doll to Kerin, who accepted it with a nod. Though as the witch let go of the doll, its porcelain skin broke, but behind was the skin of a person; an unconscious girl. Kerin looked at the witch. "She's fine, you can bring her back to life." "Just don't leave her alone like you left me," Quinn nodded and took the girl's hand. She awoke and hopped out of Kerin's arms. "Bring her to visit us, I want another sister. Everyone's a lost toy." He let go of the doll and she turned back to porcelain, falling to the ground. Quinn also fell, his face now morphed into a teddy bear. Stuffing was poking out of its neck, a slash on its body and its stitching on its limbs and eyes were loose. A lost toy. Suddenly, Kerin felt his surroundings grow large, the witch towering over him as he, the teddy and the doll grew small. Kerin looked at his hands again; they were no longer red. Instead, they were dark and clawed. He felt his body grow limp and he collapsed next to the doll and the teddy. "I need new toys too," the witch picked the toys up, studying each of them in her hands. "The doll and the teddy need a guard, so a lost soldier helps them, but the soldier forgets himself and becomes a wolf." "Aren't you being a little drammatic, Kerin?" the bear stared at him. |
Ryuu wandered around a bit in this unfamiliar place. Wondering where the hell he was supposed to go. It was times like these that he wished he would listen more, and know the damn locations. It was angering Ryuu, and quickly. He slowly began to make groans, and then they grew louder into outright screams. Finally, he ran into what he believed to be a servant. Ryuu spoke only one word to him.
"Food." He said. The person guided him to where they were holding diner. The path there wasn't very long, but Ryuu cared not for his surrounding as he entered there. All he stared at was the servant's shoes, which would guide him to his location. Finally, they arrived, and Ryuu walked into the room. It had a regal look about it, red and black colors across. Ryuu sat down in a chair placed there, and spoke once more, his voice filled with a sense of superiority. "Meat. All you've got. Steaks, Veal, anything and everything." He said. The food had arrived quicker than expected. Ryuu reached for the fork and knife next to him, but then stopped himself. If he was going to play the part of the mindless animal, it would be better if he eat like one as well. Even though the others may or may not be around, servants might talk amongst each other as well, and perhaps act as spies. Ryuu had no way of knowing for sure. He is from a noble family, and is familiar with all of the dining etiquette, but he decided against it now. Placing his utensils down, Ryuu grabbed the meat with his hands and began to eat. "Not bad." He said out loud, enjoying the food in front of him. |
It wasn't long after Zane had left before another obstacle decided to show up. This one had a voice high enough to shatter windows, and she would have, had there been any windows in this room. She burst in, uninvited, looking no taller than a four year old, but dressed like she was the CEO of some major company. She didn't notice me, or at least acted like she didn't for the first part of her visit, claiming that Mammon had stolen some kind of plushy or something. Her blonde haired head turned to me, and her face morphed into a mischievious grin and assumptious eyes.
"Oooooooooh, I get it now..." She says still grinning and edging towards the door slowly, while Mammon stands there looking as if she wanted to impale the girl on a wall of spikes. "What's there to get?! I already said get lost!" Says Mammon, literally shaking with anger and annoyance. The girl grinned, responding in her same playful tone, "I'm going to tell Luci." Mammon tried to make a threat, but it seemed to have no effect, as the girl disappeared beind the door without another word, leaving Mammon and I alone once more. Before I could say anything, Mammon turned to me, a embarrassed/infuriated blush on her face growling," We're leaving!" She grabbed the collar of my jacket much to my own annoyance and began dragging me towards the door, and when she got there, opened it and threw me in. Only whatever had been behind it before was gone, and in the place was now a room I remembered as the elevator of the Human District, my own. I stood up, dusting myself on and glaring at her, before abiding by her instructions and pressing the button for Fausto's room, the first one. As I felt the elevator begin to ascend, I placed an emotionless expression on my face, attempting to prep myself for what I was about to do. ((Hurricane Irene is going to hit my area so I might be without power for some time. If I survive, I'll post when my power is back on XD.)) |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
Even with Ryuu's animal-like behavior of eating, he didn't snag so much as a two-second look from the servant. Most, being the five outside the kitchen, glanced once in his direction and that was it. They didn't give out any expression or motion that Ryuu was bothering them. In fact, they were acting as though it was a normal occurance. They didn't show signs of fright or disgust. More like, content. What were these servants? That obeyed without question, and expressed no personal feelings to the outside? Of course, they were God servants. Superior just like the entire species. Not that they believed they were higher than demons, but higher than the servants that served the demons back at their district. "......." The door leading out to the huge balcony connected to the dining room, opened with hardly a sound. Just a little squeak. A form in their usual attire, black and white, moved past Ryuu's seating to sit across from him on the other side. Who could come so close to this giant, without being the least bit caring? Their calm, blank expression said absolutely nothing on what they were thinking. They weren't looking at him like an enemy. Quite opposite with everything that had happened on the helicopter. Actually, they had every right to show spite to Ryuu. That being said, it wasn't like it was a kind gaze. So... What was it if it wasn't kind or spiteful? Well, that's Bernkastel for you. The witch settled herself into her seat; uncaring of the person across from her. For once, her hat was adjusted accordingly. Up just enough so that her eyes could be seen. Her hands, folded politely on her lap. Really, she was like a doll. Very beautiful, with eyes like a void. Even her clothing was doll-like. Who in this day and age would wear a blouse with a long skirt? Not to mention the hat. Wasn't that just a bit too cliche' for a witch? "Surprise me," Was she talking to Ryuu? Perhaps not, because immediately after, two servants slid themselves into the kitchen. When they returned, they had her meal out on their trays. Setting it before her, it was a rather elegant platter. A chicken breast with some sort of orange sauce. Half a dozen baked baby potatoes, with a side of rice. The other servant placed a wine glass onto the table, and expertly poured a red liquid into it. It must have been alchohol, because that's what it smelt like. Alchohol. She was a teenager, and the servants were serving her an adult drink? Oh whatever. I suppose the two-time Victor got special treatment... "Thank you," She mumbled quietly, staring at her meal. It took her a while to even raise her hands. It was actually kind of mockingly funny. The noble was eating like a slob, while the witch was eating like some sort of etiquette-crazed lady. Using the jillion utensils spread out, she ate her meal in a clean manor, without paying much attention to Ryuu. Was she ignoring him? "....." As she came close to finishing her chicken and rice, she paused. Quietly, she placed her utensils back into their proper places, and reached over past her dish. Returning with her wine glass, she gave a gentle sip. "...." She looked at the glass for a moment in confusion, and set it down. What she did next, was completely surprising. Completely odd. Completely... Insane. She reached past her end of the table, and grabbed a piece of steak Ryuu had just set down for a millisecond. With his bite marks prominent on it's surface, her fingers brought it to her mouth, and she bit directly onto Ryuu's markings. What happened to all her fancy etiquette?! Was she insane? Perhaps, perhaps not. Without a word, she finished the steak which had originally belonged to Ryuu, picked up her utensils, and began eating her potatoes like nothing happened. Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld Holding my forehead in annoyance, I took a few breaths to calm myself. Right... Okay. Who knew Alice and Zane could be so...? Whenever I had a new male contractor, they would always assume things that were... Ugh never mind. In any case, I had better steer clear of Alice for a bit. Let her find that plush underneath my bed for all I cared! As for Zane... He better not be smelling like cake next time I see him... Ew. That would be really gross. And I wasn't greedy! I just happened to like having things. A lot. Especially sweets and weapons. Did that make me greedy? I think not. Zane was just obnoxious. Alice was a pain the rear. Vergil was... Ah, did he even count? And Lucifier was the only sane one. So cool... So strong... So... ACK. I immediately change myself into a long, pointed dagger, and clip myself to Ryuu's sleeve. The elevator has stopped, and we are now facing the small hallways that spaced Fausto's door to the elevator. A very convienient little room that could have saved me an exposure. "I hope you're not planning on cooking him like a piece of bacon." I comment. "You strike me as the type...." When we finally did get inside Fausto's room, it was surprising to see that he was actually here. I was, in honesty, expecting him to be elsewhere, and we would have to wait for him to return. Instead, the lights are off. Even the curtains are pulled back over the sliding glass door leading outside. The darkness is vast, but from the light peeking back behind us from the room we exitted, we can see a sort of window of sight. This cone of light in Fausto's room, held what appeared to be the clothing he had worn previously. Just dumped in the middle of the room for a maid to pick up. Also in this light, was the target. Sleeping peacefully in his bed, was Fausto. Hair damp from a shower, and wearing short-sleeved pajamas of a sort. He must have not expected anyone to come in while he was dressed like this, because for the first time, his wrists are exposed. Ten even, slightly fresh cuts to each wrist. |
Ryuu ate silently as he filled his mouth with another bite of the meat. He didn't look up for an instant as the waiters brought him more meat a little later. Evidently, what happened next, not even Ryuu would expect.
He noticed as Bern walked passed him and sat right on the opposite side of where Ryuu was sitting. At first, no words was spoken, as Ryuu stared he down, trying to figure out what she was doing. Finally, Bernkastel spoke, but it was not to him. "Surprise me," she said, and the waiters went into the kitchen. Ryuu took one more look at the waiters, before returning his gaze to the woman on the opposite side of him. A flood of emotions filled Ryuu, most prominent of which was anger, confusion, and intrigue. Most of all was the intrigue. Few often even approached Ryuu, but Bern went so far as to sit right by him, and then outright ignore him. Ryuu didn't know whether to be pissed or impressed. After a moment longer, Ryuu decided to do as she did, and pay her no mind. Her food was eventually brought out in front of her, including a glass of wine. Bern accepted the meal, and began to eat. Ryuu placed another of his steaks on his plate for a moment as he took a large gulp of his own wine, finishing it completely. What happened next was even more unexpected. Bernkastel reached over at the steak Ryuu had just placed down, and began to eat it. Ryuu looked at her, his expression a combination of confusion and a bit of anger. He silently stared at her as she ate the same way he did, finishing his steak, before finally picking up her utensils again and continuing with her meal. For a moment, it looked like Ryuu was about to get up and smash Bern's face in. But in all honesty, Ryuu was actually quite amused. Instead of a usual reaction expected of him but the others, if they were there, Ryuu began to laugh. He then spoke. "You've got some gut, Bern. No one's done anything like that before in front of me. Well, and got away with it! HAHA!" He said, looking her over. But Ryuu never liked people getting the best of him. He reached over to her wine glass, and grabbed it up, draining the contents down his throat in one gulp. He placed it back down in a hard stomp, and spoke once more. "Looks like we'll need some more." He lifted the glass again, and spoke loudly. "Servants! Bring us a bottle!" He yelled, placing the glass back down. He leaned back in his chair now, and crossed his arms, looking at Bern. For all her strange antics, she was quite gutsy, and Ryuu liked that. This may be someone he might be willing to get along with, or at least tolerate. "You know, Bern",He began again, "Of all the deadbeat competition out here, you're the most interesting. Or at least the most insane. I like that." He said this as he gave a smile, but it wasn't his usual 'I'll rip your head off' smile. It was more of an actual smile, if Ryuu could have those. |
"The main servant is Lucifier. His manipulation is destruction, and he makes hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis... He is the most powerful of the five. Mammon controls manifestation, and she can make anything and everything with the snap of a finger. Zane is the embodiment of fear. He gives nightmares and things to be feared. Alice is the demon servant of illusion. She makes mental diseases and hallucinations. Lastly, there is Vergil. He controls wisdom, and he knows everything. Past, present, and future."
Lucifer. Most powerful. Mammon. Snap of a finger. Zane. Fear. Alice. Hallucinations. Vergil. Wise. Shizuka memorized each name and the their 'attributes' for lack of a better word. "The Demon Lord is Ashura." Demon Lord Ashura. The demon lord was the one that interested him the most. Demon's and angels have never been ones to get along, but their races fascinated Shizu. He knew all the history of his species, which meant he knew all about demons as well..but he had never heard of any of this stuff. So many secrets. "Oh, I don't think anyone outside the government knew that Bernkastel was visiting all the districts... However, three years ago on the fifth Population Games, it was a huge deal and everyone knew when the Victors were doing their tour..." This didn't really interest Shizuka. He wanted to get back to Bernkastel in general. "Not very many people know about the servants, either. And that the name of the Demon Lord is Ashura... Ashura is referred to as Satan in most cases. Government, priests, and dark magicians are the only ones with knowledge on them..." More secrets.. "Bern's mother is an angel priestess who lived in our district. She owns that huge church beside the government building.... She was allowed to move into the Demon District when Bern became Victor. Bern was raised by her father ever since the Gods took over. Her father is a dark magician." Angel Priestess? Dark magician. No wonder Bern is the woman she is today, she comes from a chaotic past. "Bern's a dark magician as well, obviously... The Seven Day Witch, I think. Anyways, magicians get titles based on their specialties." The Seven Day Witch. Its time to meet her face to face again. I need more information about what's going on. Shizuka pushed his plate of fruit away and then looked deeply into Amelia's eyes. The flickered slightly, she was reciting all of this information from physical memory. She was telling the truth. "I want to see Bernkastel. Will you take her to me? Now would be a great idea in my opinion." |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
The witch finally looked up at Ryuu when he began laughing. It wasn't really unexpected, in her eyes. It was just math. Percentages, on his reaction. Oddly enough, the more appropriate reaction was what he was doing. According to the math, anyways. Honestly, Bern had been leaning more to a hostile intake of the situation. However, this was her mind speaking, not math. Bern's theory would have been correct, had the circumstances been different. If this senario had played out before Ryuu had fought Natruo, then there would be blood spilt. Instead, it was after. Due to her observation inside the helicopter, Bernkastel had learned several things about Ryuu the Rhyno. Most likely, the others had caught the more obvious traits of this boy. There was another, that had only been an assumption until now. The assumption was that after Ryuu fought a good opponent, he became exhausted. Now, don't get the wrong idea. You may be thinking that anyone who broke a few bones would be 'exhausted' too. However... Not everyone had that mindset. Ryuu made the impression that he was a literal rhyno. A rhyno who wasn't too bright, and whose only thoughts revolved around hostility and fighting. But as mentioned before, this wasn't the case. With a quick talk with the demon district's leader, Bern learned some useful things. Ryuu came from a noble family. High chance he killed his parents. This would seem like rubbish info for most, but it wasn't for the witch. These two sentences were vital, in getting to know him. So, what did Bern mean by 'exhausted'? Well... Look back at his reaction to after he beat up Mammon. He was 'exhausted' or, for a better word, happy. He was so happy over what he did, he lost sight on Bern being the one he was originally fighting. He was no way physically worn out. He could have went for a second round! Instead, he was content with his first 'kill' and thus, did not pursue Bernkastel as a target. "I'm guessing that I got away with it," She mumbled out, watching as he snatched away her glass and gulped the alcohol down. Demons had a hard time getting drunk, so it wasn't a problem how much he consumed. To give you a better scale, we could probably drink a medium-strong alcohol for an entire week, and we'd still only have a twenty percent chance of getting drunk. Angels, were a completely different story. Two tablespoons of the same stuff, and they'd be loopy. They just weren't adapted to consume that sort of stuff. That was because their consumption senses were more adapted than that of a demons. Tastes were more strong, and food lasted longer in their bellies. Starvation was hardly a problem with them. Opposite, for demons. Demons had to eat about double the amount of calories an adult human is supposed to consume in a day. As he shouted out for a bottle, the witch adjusted herself in her seat. Her blank, emerald pools glazing over Ryuu. What would be the appropriate response to his behavior? "Deadbeat... A fitting term," She agreed with him on that note. All the other participants were just a bunch of... 'Deadbeats'. Nothing of concern to either of them. "Insanity? Well, I can tell you now that I am not sane..." One of the servants came back calmly, with the bottle Ryuu requested. A brand-new bottle of alcohol. Silently, he poured each of their glasses full. He left the bottle on Ryuu's side, and went back to the kitchen without a single word. Instead of reaching out to take her glass which Ryuu had snagged, she kept herself in her position, and watched Ryuu. Chapter 3 - Amelia Kunjui - Angel District I paused. This request, I wasn't so sure about. I mean... Bernkastel came off as one of those people that approached YOU. Not the other way around. Besides, being the two-time victor, she was probably busy already with others. Would it even be appropriate to meet with her this late at night...? Surely she slept... Right? I swallowed, and finished the rest of my food. What if she just waved us off? What then...? She was kind of... Scary. Threatening. Creepy. Especially with those five demon servants on her. No wonder the Gods wanted her dead. She was a big threat. "A-ah... O-okay..." I stuttered, unable to speak fluently because of how nervous I was beginning to feel. Taking him there, would mean I would also have to come into contact with Bern. "I-if she isn't in h-her room, w-we'll wait there u-until she returns..." That was the plan, anyways. Now... Who else was at the demon district? Anyone to be worried about. I began to stand, but I didn't exactly make it. I froze mid-stand, and stared at the table. Oh... There was one person there, that we couldn't afford to run into. Ryuu. That blood-thirsty rhyno. If he found out we came to visit Bern... He would probably be threatened to attack us. I couldn't defend myself, so that would leave Shizuka. Would he be able to handle Ryuu? Perhaps... No, he could, couldn't he? He was Shizuka, after all. I quickly shook my head to clear the gore out of my mind, and I slid around the table. I waited for Shizu to join me, before leading to the elevator. Let's see... Who else was there? Well, there was Paris. That model from the demon's district. She wouldn't be too much of a problem. Really, she was probably already sleeping. As for the other boy... What was his name? Xavier? He didn't seem too fond of people. So, more than likely secluded inside his room. So it was just Ryuu and Bern. Both rather frightening to me. Why did I have to accompany Shizu there...? Did he think maybe that the brief interactions I had with the witch, would help? Hm... Before I knew it, we were leaving the elevator, and were now standing in the training center. I whimpered slightly at the smell of blood. I had completely forgotten Natruo's scheduled fight with Ryuu. Where were they...? Or at the very least, Ryuu? Off by the demon's elevator, stood Natruo. Well, not really standing, but actually at work. He did that kind of stuff? In his hands, was a mop. Why was he cleaning the floor now, when it would be dirty again tomorrow? My eyes trailed the floor, and I whimpered a little more. I slid myself slightly behind Shizu. Blood. Splatters of blood from a fight. Their fight was already over? And Ryuu... Where was he? Natruo seemed to be perfectly fine. So... Did that mean that the Game Designer beat the rhyno? What exactly happened to Ryuu...? Cautiously, I moved onto the other side of Shizu, and began directing him over. What really made this situation worse, was that Natruo was cleaning just in front of the elevator we needed. Thus, we were obliged to get rather close to him, in order to pass. I didn't like that idea one bit. But, I had to cope with it. If I couldn't pass Natruo without a panic attack, Shizu would probably think badly of me. I didn't want that. I silently led Shizu over to the elevators; keeping in mind what Natruo was doing. The game designer was being quiet. Really too quiet for my tastes. Maybe he was injured and he just was hiding it with his silence? I don't know why it bugged me so much... Nerves. As we came closer, the more nervous I became. He didn't look up from his work not a single time. Was he ignoring us? I suppose that was a good thing... But as we came closer, the number and size of the splatters became more vast. The smell, intesified. The blood was fresh. Sticky... Slippery. Very, very slippery. I tried to avoid the blood as best as I could, and maybe it wasn't the blood that made me slip. Perhaps it was the soaps from the mop that did the trick. In any case, I felt myself fall back. Shizu probably wouldn't be able to catch me. Natruo would probably just stare. So I did what I could to protect myself in that fast-moving fall. Instead, I didn't crash down. I didn't get a concussion. I was... Stopped? I opened my eyes in confusion. Maybe I regained my footing? No. Somebody had caught me. Not Shizuka, but... Natruo? One of his arms held around me almost protectively. The other, holding the mop he had been using. He wasn't even looking at me. At first. I stared at him, and his eyes slowly came down to look at me. And just like that, everything hit me like a ton of bricks. I stumbled away from him quite quickly. Not even thanking the man for catching me. I just needed to get out of there. Not exactly in the elevator, but just... Away. I stopped in front of the doors, and jammed my finger into the button. That's when the shivers began. Slight shivers that were just barely noticeable. As Shizu came up to me, I looked back at the person who had caught my fall. He had gone back to mopping up the blood. I looked back Shizu with terrified eyes. "Th-that isn't Natruo... Natruo didn't f-fight Ryuu." I whimpered quietly, moving around as I waited for the elevator. I needed to get out of there. Before he turned on me. Or Shizu. "R-ryuu f-fought Lucifier, I th-think..." Chapter 3 - Scarlet Uiromo - Demon District "You were trained for this." I look up from the unconscious man, and to the woman who had spoken. Arms crossed, with an approving smile at what I had done. This man would die if we didn't get him to a hospital. But she didn't seem to mind. Neither did I, at this point. He was one of many little slugs that roamed the district. Rebels, I had been told. Criminals fighting for a 'cause'. And that cause was not what I wanted. Not what we wanted, as I whole. The world was at it's prime, so why would people rebel? Because they couldn't accept change. They couldn't accept a solution if it wasn't their own. Selfish was what they were. All of them. We weren't selfish! I wasn't selfish. We were helping the people. The people who didn't fight the solution. We helped them, by getting rid of threats like this one. ~~~ I look around the building I had been sent to. Such an elegant place, to be prepared... Well, I wasn't preparing to die. I was preparing to kill. The lobby reminded me something of a hotel's. Wide and open.... A corner reserved for couches and love seats and a television. This was prime. I lowered myself down into a black leather seat, and watch the programs rolling on the screen. Reruns. The usual. Nothing of interest. Well, that was completely fine with me because the others were here. Two more girls, and a taller boy. I didn't care about the angel and demon. I cared about the vampire who immediately approached me. I flung myself out of my chair, and into his arms. Those arms that have carressed me every day. He holds me in tight. I don't care what those other two think. "I missed you, brother. So they let you come?" I ask softly, looking up at him. His gold eyes gaze down at me, and a soft, warm smile eminates from his lips. "I missed you too, Scarlet. Yes, they're letting me participate with you." He confirmed. The boy, who was about seventeen, stuck out like a sore thumb. Clothing that almost seemed royal. His hair was quite different, too. Gold, with white streaks fanning out from the middle of his scalp. I pull back from him, and smile. "I'm really glad they'll letting you. With you by my side, we can win this." I glance at the other two. "Me and you, can win the Population Games." |
Miharu walked through the doors of the lobby, immediately glancing over the room to see if anybody else was there. She noticed a few others there, but chose to ignore them, although she did raise an eyebrow when two people embraced each other, but decided that it wasn't any of her business. However, when the girl mentioned that they would be the winners and glanced at each of the people in the room, she stared coldly back. Like she was going to be intimidated.
She stayed standing, mostly against the wall of the entrance; a little bit away so she wouldn't get hit by the door if it opened. She looked completely and utterly relaxed, like she was just waiting for a friend to come. Miharu wondered if dinner would be over soon and, if not, if they were allowed to come in. She would rather like to survey the competition. |
"Deadbeat... A fitting term,"Bern said as the waiter brought out another wine bottle, filling their glasses, then leaving the bottle before departing.
Ryuu took the bottle right away and gulped it down. Less than half was remaining as Ryuu slammed it on the table. He looked back at Bern, to see she was watching him. He gave her back her glass now, and took his own in his hands, examining the drink, holding the base tightly in his hands with a fist. It was a miracle it didn't break. He spoke, not necessarily to Bern, but more to himself. Yet it was still a bit towards Bern. "I found out something interesting today. Like anything else, Gods can bleed." He chuckled a little, then continued. "It's funny. Once you take down their titles and flashy districts, they're just the same as demons: strong, for the most part, arrogant, but rightfully in the position they should be: on top." He paused once more, taking a big gulp of the glass in his hands. He began thinking about what Natruo said before, about alliances. It just didn't sit well with him, and it didn't seem right, even if everyone else was doing it. To ally with someone was already a hard thing to do. But to ally with someone only to get to kill them later is just unpleasant. Still, Ryuu couldn't understand everyone's reasoning behind it. They were all too friendly for their own good. But then again, Ryuu didn't give a damn about any of them. It was silent for too long, so Ryuu finally spoke, and bluntly for that matter. "OK, fine, how about we make a deal. I promise I won't go killing you first, and you do the same." He said, looking into her eyes as he took another gulp of the wine, finishing his glass, and moving on straight to the bottle. "This is not an alliance. This is basically saying that we won't f*ck with each other once the competition starts, until later. What do you say?" He said, looking at her, expecting an answer. It was put in a rather blunt way, but people who know Ryuu shouldn't expect anything less. |
-I walked across the hallway to Fausto's room with the grimly emotionless face that one would not see under the mask of an executioner. I glanced at my sleeve which had become slightly heavier, and saw that a long pointed dagger had been clipped to my sleeve. Seeing the "M" engraved on the blade, I turned my attention back to the matter at hand, the boy on the bed, and released the breath I had been holding in slowly, allowing my shoulders to relax. I had originally thought the boy was an emo, but now my suspicions were confirmed as I looked at the 10 fresh neat cuts on his arms. Then again this could be because Natruo took control of his body again and forced him to do it to himself.... nope, unlikely.
I held up a gloved hand to my shadowed face, and inspected it, looking at the design of the silver dragon on the back of it, and then turning to look at my palm. Taking it from the view of my face, I lifted it high above my head, until elbow was only slightly bent and looked down at my target. Lifting my hand slightly, I brought it down with deadly force and without hesitation towards his temple where the weakest part of his skull resided. Things seemed to slow down to me, and I remembered what I was about to do, and why I was dong it, for my own survival. I tried to remember what I knew about this kid... not much of course... first when he stepped onto the heli, possessed by Natruo, and falling asleep after he was released, and then at the elevators where he "flirted" with Nokoto. "Poor little bastard" I thought as my fingers easily crushed through the weakened part of his skull which became like daggers, each piercing the brain with their sharp points. He was dead before I pulled my hand up, and returned it to my side, yet he hadn't moved at all not like he had the chance...Turning to go, I surveyed his face for the last time, seeing the damage that I had done, which was not really going to ever be seen, as it was all internal. No one would notice anything wrong with the kid... except when he didn't wake up next morning. I walked down the hallway slowly with my face still shadowed and into the elevator, pressing the button for my floor, and leaning against the wall of the elevator. |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
I gazed at Ryuu with my signature, emotionless look, as he swung back the bottle. When he slammed it back down, he'd already drunk half of it. Even I wouldn't have to stomach to swing that much alchohol in me in one go. Were men just built to consume? Hm. When he extended the glass out to me, I took it silently and just watched the liquid sway around inside. It was pretty, actually. That shimmering liquid that sent that buzz into your skull. That buzz was very helpful for Bern. No matter how much she drank. No matter how strong it was... She would never get drunk. But it wasn't like she was trying to. It was all for the buzz. That buzz kept her sane. A faint smile appeared on my lips, as I turned my attention back to Ryuu. It was a ghostly smile. Very, very small. Seen, but not comprehended. That was the kind of smile I was capable of. I took a long sip of my beverage, until the buzz returned back to my head. The buzz was really distracting and annoying. Like a mosquito... Out of reach, yet still buzzing into your ear. Just like a mosquito, the buzz was just a low hum inside my thoughts. But, it was very useful. This distracted me from the more important things. Like the stabbing pain in my mouth. No, I did not bite my cheek. And no, I didn't drink acid. Even though the pain did not show emotionally or physically, it was there. So what was the cause of this horrific pain? My smile. Just the lightest, butterfly smile triggered every nerve in my mouth to catch on fire. When I first began experiencing this form of payment, it was annoying. I smiled less often. Hugged less often... But I came so unused to the pain, that it was nearly unbearable for a time. But I could handle it now. I wasn't Superhuman, after all. Well... Technecially I was, but... In any case. The alchohol withered down the pain considerably. Within a second, it was nothing more than an insignificant tingle. "I found out something interesting today. Like anything else, Gods can bleed." The chuckle he emitted was peculiar. It sparked me to roll my attention to him. "It's funny. Once you take down their titles and flashy districts, they're just the same as demons: strong, for the most part, arrogant, but rightfully in the position they should be: on top." I immediately had to disagree with that. Gods weren't rightfully on top... The compound word 'slave-driver' comes to mind just at the mention of a God. Well... It was understandable that Ryuu wouldn't give a rat's ass about politics and the way things ran. As long as he could fight and kill and do what he pleased, he was as happy as a hummingbird. However... What if he suddenly couldn't control everything he wanted? What if he somehow lost the ability to fight? What if...? That was an interesting theory. Ryuu without violence was like a rhyno without horns. What would that kind of Ryuu be like? Surely he would be enraged. Surely he'd just struggle more to kill whoever did that to him. However... Right now. That smile that wasn't mocking. That laugh that wasn't directed to me. Those hands kept to himself, instead of at my throat... Was this all he could handle, in terms of positivity? Was this the 'good' side of Ryuu? Was this the best it got? I suddenly found myself amused. Over this whole thing. So what was the appropriate response for me? To laugh in my head. I definitely wasn't myself, because I lowered my head, and let out a few chuckles. Apocalypse, anyone? Possibly. The pain shot down my throat like heartburn, but it only made me shake my head slightly and clear my throat. No matter what, I would always be stronger than Ryuu. Not physically. Not with magic... But I could definitely beat him at emotional hurt. Being Ryuu, he had probably never experienced love before. Or having been loved. Lonely? Or ignorant? Take your pick. I straightened myself, and with only the slight flicker of a smile on my lips, I spoke out to Ryuu. "Ryuu, you're very interesting... Did you know that...?" I rotated my glass on the table. My fingers, tracing the smooth surface. "It is funny... Especially if you know how stupid their weaknesses are." I pause. I look at whatever exposed skin on Ryuu I could find with my eyes. Bruises. Cuts. Right. I should comment on those. "... I'm guessing you lost the fight against Natruo?... Strange." I speak the truth entirely. I rest my elbows on the table; my emerald pools glazing over his facial features. "Honestly... I thought you would win..." I lower my eyebrows in concentration. I already knew that Ryuu had failed his test with Natruo, but... It was still quite strange for me. I seriously thought Ryuu would win, and gain some sort of fulfilled pride. I rest my chin onto my pair of knuckles; still looking at him thoughtfully. "You're strong enough... I know you're smart, too... What happened, Ryuu? Did he use magic? His 'body infiltration' ability? That one is rather... Nasty. Makes you think your bones are broken, yet no pain." He speaks to me. Rather bluntly, I might add. He made a big point in making it clear this wasn't an alliance he was offering up. His wording was amusing, and carefully thought out. "OK, fine, how about we make a deal. I promise I won't go killing you first, and you do the same. This is not an alliance. This is basically saying that we won't f*ck with each other once the competition starts, until later. What do you say?" "First...?" I ask, tilting my head. I've regained my emotionless look. "I suppose... I wouldn't mind not being first for once," Oh... I'm so funny. "When will later be?" I pick my glass back up, and drink what is left of my wine. "So... I'm under no obligation to help you if... " I smile mischieviously. "If... you got yourself into a sticky situation...?" |
There was something about saying those words to Bern that just didn't sound right coming from his mouth. Although he hadn't really said much, it felt like Ryuu was bargaining, and the Rhino really didn't like to bargain. In usual cases, it was either his way...or you're dead. But Ryuu convinced himself that this would be preferable...and it would still be his way. Bern spoke, and for now, Ryuu listened.
"... I'm guessing you lost the fight against Natruo?... Strange. Honestly... I thought you would win...You're strong enough... I know you're smart, too... What happened, Ryuu? Did he use magic? His 'body infiltration' ability? That one is rather... Nasty. Makes you think your bones are broken, yet no pain." Ryuu was silent in response at first, not wishing to speak to her on the topic. It was personal, and Ryuu still didn't trust her, even as he proceeded to ask her about the deal. Her response was interesting. "First...?" Bern asks, tilting her head to the side a bit. "I suppose... I wouldn't mind not being first for once. When will later be?" She asked, finishing her wine. "So... I'm under no obligation to help you if...If... you got yourself into a sticky situation...?" She said with a smile. Ryuu smiled as well, but this smile was his usual 'I'm going to hurt you an enjoy it' smile, not the one he had before out of general amusement. Ryuu drank up the rest of the wine bottle, and slammed it down on the table, producing a noticeable crack. "I don't get into sticky situations, Bern. I'm the f*ckin' Rhino. If something comes up, I'll find my own way out. I don't want any help from you, or anyone. I'll find my own way, or I wont. But I'd rather die painfully than accept physical help from someone!" He said, his voice picking up momentum, almost at a yell by the end of the sentence. He then seemed to calm himself, and return to an earlier statement that Bern said. "And as for the fight against Natruo, I'll have to say, you are wrong. There is no doubt in my mind that there are many ways to be a winner, but there is really only one way to be a loser, and that is to fail and not look beyond the failure." He said, looking at her, and wondering if she understood. "I didn't go into the fight thinking there was only two options: to win or to lose. In reality, those never were among the options. Instead, it was to fail or to learn. Whatever would be the result of the fight, I knew I was a newcomer to this challenge, a newcomer to a district I have never been at before, a place I have never interacted. Needless to say, the best way to interact is to schedule a meaningless fight, thereby showing two essentials: to the other fighters, that I am a no-nonsense killing brute with complete disregard for the simplest etiquette and standards, and to myself, that I will have learned what I should have from the engagement and applied it to my pla-" Ryuu stopped himself dead right there. He had just realized he had done something completely stupid on his part. He rambled on. It was something he knew he should have done, and yet did. If one person didn't know then, they might have guessed now. The facade of the relentless brute was a simple masquerade for the true killing genius of Ryuu, and Ryuu almost gave it away by saying too much, talking, so to say, with too many big words and prolonged sentences. "Never f*cking mind. WAITER! MORE DAMN WINE!" He screamed, waving around the empty bottle in his hands. He decided to change topic drastically, back to the other question of Bern "Oh, and as for when later will be...I'm thinking when there will be only a few more battlers left. Then I'll probably come after you. Of course, I'm not gonna tell you when, because I don't know myself. But you'll know. I'll be sure to scream that it'll be your death time. HAHAHAHAHAHA!" |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
"I don't get into sticky situations, Bern. I'm the f*ckin' Rhino. If something comes up, I'll find my own way out. I don't want any help from you, or anyone. I'll find my own way, or I wont. But I'd rather die painfully than accept physical help from someone!" Ah, good old Ryuu. How I've missed you so. My eyes seem to shiny as I looked him over. 'Oh, but you will... And you'll be pissed to realize you'll be dead within twenty-four hours in the arena. With the wave of my finger, I could set your body aflame. I could crush the water inside you to make your organs mush. The ground to cave underneath you. Air stucked out of your lungs. A knife to jab your heart. Light magic to destroy your insanity. Void magic to make your body a walking corpse... What will it be?' "Yes, I do realize you are the f*cking rhyno," I say, matter-of-factly. The swear comes out like any other day-to-day word. "Either way, if you go by that...." I gaze down at the new tattoo which has formed on my hand. A wing. "Even with us not messing with eachother, you'll be dead within twenty hours. I can tell you that right now. You are in it for physical fights where you can see your opponent and do massive damage. It doesn't work that way, Ryuu. You won't be seeing the traps laid out. You won't realize the mine underneath you. Boom." It occurs to me that he is smart, yet a complete idiot. "And as for the fight against Natruo, I'll have to say, you are wrong. There is no doubt in my mind that there are many ways to be a winner, but there is really only one way to be a loser, and that is to fail and not look beyond the failure." Okay. Never mind. My eyes soften their gaze. "I agree with that, Ryuu." It erked me that he didn't realize I had just complimented him. I didn't normally compliment. Perhaps I had been too vague? Oh whatever. "I didn't go into the fight thinking there was only two options: to win or to lose. In reality, those never were among the options. Instead, it was to fail or to learn. Whatever would be the result of the fight, I knew I was a newcomer to this challenge, a newcomer to a district I have never been at before, a place I have never interacted. Needless to say, the best way to interact is to schedule a meaningless fight, thereby showing two essentials: to the other fighters, that I am a no-nonsense killing brute with complete disregard for the simplest etiquette and standards, and to myself, that I will have learned what I should have from the engagement and applied it to my pla-" 'Plan,' I finish for him inside my head. I know he knows he said too much. He wasn't acting like a rhyno right now. Planning? Not a rhyno. "Don't even bother covering up, Ryuu... I already knew before this conversation that you plan. You may not have realized it at the time, but you made a mistake in the helicopter that only I noticed. However, make no mistake. I am not the tattling type, and I will not tell of this conversation or that you're actually smart. If I somehow do, feel free to think of it as an invitation for you to hit me." |
(OOC: omg i'm going crazy i HAVE to write a post. I haven't RP'd in DAYS. i'm sorry if this is unethical or unrealistic but omg i need to lol)
Kerin blearily sat up, his hand moving to his throat immediately to scratch it. Goddammit, his thirst was almost unbearable. He had hoped he would last through the night and just get something for breakfast but that didn't seem like the case. If he didn't get something now, he would probably suck on his own arm or worse, on somebody else's. His eyes drifted over to the sleeping Marisa on his shoulder. He did not want to hurt her or anyone else for that matter. He could only imagine what would happen if he skipped breakfast or something; if a single drop of blood was dropped, he would probably either need to leave the room (and run for at least a mile) immediately or he would proceed to licking up what was left of the person. It wasn't a good though and Kerin never liked to think about what he was, but it was a grim truth that he would have to accept one day. One day. He slowly shifted Marisa off his chest, placing her head comfortably on the pillow. She was sleeping so soundly, waking her up would be stupid. She needed to sleep so she could be rested for tomorrow. What about Kerin? He knew that he wouldn't be capable of learning much. Magic had not come to him in the 3 years it should have and he knew how to wield a gun or whatever. Pull the trigger? Swords and such would be no use to him when he could just use his fists. He was strong, Kerin was confident he could probably break a gun into pieces if he wanted. He could break a person if he wanted. Though, that wasn't something he was about to try. He tip toed outside thought the dark, feeling around a little and trying to find his way to the door. He eventually got there, stubbing his toes silently on a few innocent tables. There was a light on outside so finding the elevator was definitely not as hard as maneuvering through a dark room. Still groggy, he punched the button next to his name. The elevator moved fast and soon, he was outside his own floor, one of which he had not stepped foot in. He changed that as he walked through, turned on the lights way down low and wandered through his floor, finding some things he needed. First off; clean clothes. He stripped out of his dirty clothes and searched around for some similar substitutes; a singlet top, a pair of tracksuit pants, fresh socks and fresh underwear. Something comfortable to sleep in. After he had lazily thrown it all on, he dragged himself back to the elevator, using his tongue to scratch the back of his throat. Nrgh, it was getting extremely uncomfortable. He punched another button, not even sure where and away the elevator went. He stepped out of the elevator and it wasn't until he had walked a good three meters that he realised this was the wrong floor. This was the place they had been when they came, a foyer of somesort. He turned around and four elevators stared back at him. Oh boy. One to each district's tower, right? He was far too tired and far too thirsty to logically pick the one that he had come out of (he couldn't remember anyway) so he just chose one at random. He rubbed his eyes and leaned in closer to the buttons, trying to read them. That one said... kitchen, right? Food? Dining? By the time he had pressed the button, he realised that the buttons above those, the ones with the names and the player floors, none of them said Kerin. Crap, he picked the wrong elevator. Oh well, surely everyone had gone to sleep and the dining room was empty. And nope. As soon as the elevator opened, his eyes snapped to Bernkastel and Ryuu, who seemed to be in conversation (like Kerin could hear or really cared what they were talking about). Great. This was the demon floor. And not only that, Kerin was standing there in pyjamas. As he inhaled though, that's when he truly regretted stopping at the floor. He could smell it; remnants of blood from meat. It smelled so good, it really did. And it was everywhere. He let out a moan and moved his hand to cover his mouth and nose but it was no use. His thirst was disgustingly unbearable. He clenched his teeth together, avoiding his own skin. Though his own blood really did nothing for him, he would probably suck himself dry like a crazy person. He was at a kitchen though, which had been his overall objection. It might not be the right one, but moving himself back to the vampire district's kitchen seemed too far of a journey, despite how fast the elevators moved. He strode over to the kitchens, trying to avoid disrupting the two demons' conversation and quickly found a servant. "A really, really, really rare steak. Raw. Please," Kerin coughed out, his nose catching the whiffs of the kitchen. Ugh, the meat, he could smell it from a mile away. "Quickly, please!" The servant moved at lightning speed and returned with a lump of bloody meat. Kerin didn't even thank the guy but nodded and held his breath as he moved back to the elevator, away from the demons. He sat next to the elevator doors, released his hand from his nose and almost shoved the whole steak in his mouth and sucked. Oh... oh god. The effect was almost instantaneous. His thirst was instantly subdued, but it didn't stop him from sucking the steak dry. And taking another from the servant who had taken the initiative of bringing him another two. He sucked on the second one just as fast, like how a child sucks the orange juice from and orange, leaving the inside pulp intact. The servant brought him another two as he started to suck on the third. "That'll be enough, thanks," Kerin said with a mouthful of steak. True, he felt a little embarrassed. Sitting on the ground in dingy clothes, sucking on steaks. Like he was a homeless guy who had severe allergies or something. Whatever. As long as it would keep him from making a terrible mistake, he didn't really care. |
"A-ah... O-okay...".
Shizuka grew excited but made sure to hold back his emotion, he needed to appear confident in everything he did from this point on, he knew he was a skilled fighter and would be able to hold his own against everyone in the competition. His odds of winning weren't as clear in his mind though, that was the only reason he was silently afraid. But Amelia is a smart girl who says she is weak and has done nothing but provide evidence to support so, but deep down he felt she was lying; she wasn't as frail as she was letting people on to believe. He was quite sure he had her pegged so that's why he pushed as much as he did. "I-if she isn't in h-her room, w-we'll wait there u-until she returns," Amelia interrupted suddenly. Good now she was becoming more and more interested in the idea of seeing Bern. If she was still as frightened as she claimed to be in the sound of her voice, she wouldn't have made the suggestion of remaining in Bernkastel's room if she wasn't there. Amelia stood and begun motioning towards the elevators to begin our mission to seek out the demon witch, Shizuka grabbed one last grape and plopped it into his mouth and then followed his companion. The elevator ride down was silent, neither of them making really any noises with the exception of breathing; the elevator itself didn't even have that tacky music everyone despises listening too anymore. The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened to a rush of air that smelled of mass amounts of gore and bloodshed came crashing in; Shizuka was caught off guard and then his eyes caught up with his nose and he saw the scene before him. The room before them was the aftermath of a battle scene with broken walls and furniture, blood splatters and puddles everywhere, as well as one person at the far end of the room mopping up a small lake of blood. Lucky for them it was Natruo. Oh great. Just what we need. Almighty God jerk who was already giving Amelia a hard time. And lets not forget to mention how he kicked my ass by grazing me. Yes! Best Day Ever. As Shizuka thought to himself, every thought dripped in sarcasm about seeing the god. He remembered quite clearly the before hand and aftermath of their last encounter on the helicopter. Amelia tensed up herself but slowly began moving forward and motioning sliently to move as quick as possible. The closer they got the more distressed Amelia appeared to be, Shizuka just watched for any movement so he could retaliate if needed. Suddenly Amelia slipped on some blood, but before Shizuka could react Natruo already had his arm around her and stopping her mid fall. His attention had not turned away from his prior mopping, that was until he turned his gaze to Amelia and stared her directly in the eyes. Amelia suddenly jolted out of the gods arms and she flew into the elevator, Shizuka didn't hesitate and just rushed passed Natruo himself; Amelia slammed her finger on the button to our destination until the doors finally closed. "Th-that isn't Natruo... Natruo didn't f-fight Ryuu." Shizuka raised an eyebrow of confusion at her sudden statement. "R-ryuu f-fought Lucifier, I th-think," she followed with. "And what exactly does that mean" Shizuka asked puzzled. Whatever it did mean they would have to bring it up with Bernkastel because he was still focused on getting more information out of her. He knew he had claim to seeing her when he wanted, she did 'take notice of him' as she as said. |
"Yes, I do realize you are the f*cking rhyno, Either way, if you go by that...." I gaze down at the new tattoo which has formed on my hand. A wing. "Even with us not messing with eachother, you'll be dead within twenty hours. I can tell you that right now. You are in it for physical fights where you can see your opponent and do massive damage. It doesn't work that way, Ryuu. You won't be seeing the traps laid out. You won't realize the mine underneath you. Boom."
As Ryuu continued to speak, Bern finished up his last sentence for him. "Plan. Don't even bother covering up, Ryuu... I already knew before this conversation that you plan. You may not have realized it at the time, but you made a mistake in the helicopter that only I noticed. However, make no mistake. I am not the tattling type, and I will not tell of this conversation or that you're actually smart. If I somehow do, feel free to think of it as an invitation for you to hit me." Ryuu casually accepted everything that Bern had said. She was absolutely right. If Ryuu had learned anything from his conversation and battle with Natruo, it was that physical strength wouldn't be enough to win. Of course, he wouldn't say so out loud. He had too much pride for that. Besides, he figured it was better that Bern assumed Ryuu wouldn't care, and wouldn't take her advice, when in reality, he understood. He had already planned a particularly effective long-range weapon he would be using, and had some kind of way to defeat most of the others, should he run into them again, probably even Bern. But there was another reason he had agreed to this deal of 'non-aggression'. It was because he wasn't sure if it was full-proof yet. He had to observe some...irregularities first, and once they had added up, then he'd kill her. For now, and probably a good way into the Reaping, he would settle with the deal. But Ryuu's stopping of his conversation wasn't because he didn't want to know that he planned. Every fighter did, even one who charged, whether to the extreme, or not. What he did want to stop himself from saying is that he planned well. Still, he felt he should respond to her last statement. "If you tell anyone ANYTHING that you think you know, I'm not going to hit you, Bernkastel. I'm going to kill you." |
Chapter 3 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
"If you tell anyone ANYTHING that you think you know, I'm not going to hit you, Bernkastel. I'm going to kill you." Laughable. First word that came to mind after hearing that statement. Neither of us really payed any attention to Kerin, as he ordered some bloody meat. He was gone quickly, so that was good enough. Had he stayed, I would have been forced to be harsh with him. 'Just don't come back in here,' I thought to myself. I focused back on Ryuu. "Ryuu, I do not spread things I think." Which was very true. I didn't talk about people behind their backs. I didn't spread lies that would get me into situations. And I certainly didn't make assumptions on a person, and then tell another. "You won't even hear me utter your name... Oh, and it's difficult to kill someone whose already dead. Didn't I already say this at one point...?" My eyes flashed red momentarily. 'Miss Bernkastel... Two angels just boarded the elevator,' Came the low voice inside my head. Ah. Lucifier. I closed my eyes for a moment, and took a sip of the remaining alchohol. 'Allow them entry. I am finishing up.' I answered back. Right then... I better do that. Two angels... Probably Amelia and Shizu. Hm. Seemed that I didn't get much rest in terms of talking with people. This must have been what it felt like for popular people at school. Good thing she never had to deal with that. It was hard enough going around the city in the demon district without being mobbed. Some wanting to fight. Some fans. Some angry. Some happy. The latter. I opened my eyes, and stood up from the table. "In any case, a deal is a deal. Ceasefire until nessesary. My silence about you... I will take my leave, now. I have things to do." Politely, I set my dirty dishes into a neat pile, tucked my chair back in, and nodded. "The person you killed on the helicopter is still alive," I commented at random. Before he could react, I swiftly moved on my feet, grabbed the back of Kerin's collar, and literally carried him up the stairs to the entertainment room. He had a sickening, bloody smell to him thanks to the steaks he was still sucking on. Calmly, I watched the lights above the elevator stop at my floor, before beginning it's descend back down. The angels were now in her room. "Swift, Kerin." I pushed him into the elevator, and pressed the ground-level button. The second we were stopped, I shoved him out and jammed my floor. "Please be more careful," I warned, before the doors closed again. Thank God Ryuu didn't attack him... Poor vampire... Within seconds, I had stopped at my floor. I left the elevator, but I didn't enter my room right away. Instead, I hesitated. I would have to watch myself. No contact with Amelia. Alliances weren't a problem for me. Alliances just meant they couldn't hurt me, and I couldn't hurt them. It didn't mean that say, Kerin couldn't attack Xavier or something. So really... If it came out like last year... Putting on the most bored expression in history, I entered my room. (OOC: Bern's mind: A² + B² = C²) Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld I watched silently, as Raike raised his hand, and plunged into the boy's temple. He was dead before you could say his name. He didn't even flinch. He just continued laying there as if nothing had happened. But I noticed the difference. The rise and fall of his chest eruptly stopped. Strangely enough, I felt a small amount of pity for Fausto. No idea why, I just did. Within seconds, the color of his skin changed dramatically. Pale. Atleast Raike made it virtually painless... I kept myself in the dagger form, until we were back in the elevator. Only then, did I change back to my humanoid form. I leaned against Raike's shoulder. It was weird how emotionless he was about it. He killed somebody, and he waltzed away like he just came out of a serious lecture. I decided to tease him. "Aw~ Raike is so cute when he's an assassin~" I chirped, mocking Alice. "Is it bad if I imagined you brutally slaughtering him?" I laughed. The elevator stopped at his floor, and the two of us made our way inside. I didn't take much notice of the surroundings, and instead plopped down on his bed. It was rather soft, and her butt immediately sank in. "The contract will be in full effect after you sleep. You hungry?" I didn't wait for a response. With the snap of my fingers, a huge plate appeared on my lap with our supper. A huge pizza with lots of melted cheese and pepperoni. It smelt delicious~! Yes. Demon servants actually ate normal food. Well... We could taste it and stuff, but it went right through us. We didn't need food or water to live. We were immortal all the way. Gingerly, I pulled out a piece from the circle, and began eating. I held out the plate for Raike. "I'll be teaching you how to use my powers after the group training. Because you need to learn how to control them. Manifestation is dangerous. And in order to make those wings of yours, you'll need more than just power. You'll need knowledge and experience. Unless you wanna dress up as some extra crispy bacon!" Chapter 3 - Amelia Kunjui - Angel District (To Be Editted) |
"Mmph?" Was all Kerin could muster with a steak in his mouth when Bernkastel pulled him by the collar (or edge of shirt? He was wearing a singlet afterall) and up the stairs. He hadn't even started his fifth steak, though luckily it was in his hand when she grabbed him. He couldn't stop it from dripping all over the floor though. She shoved him in the elevator, joined him and pushed the ground floor, almost dumping off when it arrived.
"Please be more careful," she said before the doors closed again, leaving Kerin alone. The steak still in his mouth, he stood there for a little bit. Careful of what? Ryuu? Why? It wasn't like... well, he probably would attack Kerin, with a temper like Ryuu's. Kerin wasn't worried though. With blood in his system, it wouldn't have been hard to dodge the Rhino's attacks and come with a counterattack at least. At least Bern was nice enough to care about him. He appreciated that. Finishing off the steak in his mouth, he got started on the last one. Now that his sense weren't quite so dulled thanks to the lack of blood, Kerin could really taste how bad the steaks were compared to other things. True, these were top quality, but nothing beat fresh meat. He could taste the age in the steaks and taste the animal. He needed this though, and would have to grin and bare it. |
-I didn't pay much attention to the teasing comment she had made inside of the elevator. Frankly I wasn't mad at myself for what I had just done, but I preferred to just not think about it, and it was already in the back of my mind. They say that when you kill someone, it only gets easier to do it, which I guessed would benefit me in the arena by a long shot, and I wouldn't be the idiot who stands there with the hand on his sword shaking as if he were scared out of his wits, while the enemy on the ground was busy pulling out a dagger. When the doors opened to my room, I didn't smile, but inside I was pleased; the wallpaper looked like the rising and falling of the bars in the tiny screen on a boombox. My bed was pretty cool too, having a red bedding and a black comforter with black pillows, it kinda looked like draculas bed... or coffin... or whatever he would sleep in.
The demon girl was on my bed before I could sit down, but I didn't care much because I was tired, and covered myself on the opposite side of the bed, ignoring her little plate of pizza. I wasn't exactly in the mood for her jokes and teasing.- "I'm already full" I said, already falling into the world of dreams as my head sunk into my pillow, muffling my voice. "and have my own type of magic too, watch." I said as I held up my fingers and snapped them, causing the lights in the room to automatically shut off, bathing the room in darkness. I guessed I would go to the regular training session anyway, just so I wouldn't raise any suspicion and no one would come to check up on me, if they cared. I also hoped no one was too hungry at breakfast, because I was going to devour all the food they had in that place.- |
Chapter 3 - Amelia Kunjui - Angel District
I was mute. That's what came to mind when my mouth opened up, and no voice could be heard from my throat. I kept my back flat against the elevator wall. I felt us moving upwards through the shaft... To me, even though this was the fastest elevator I had ever been on, it wasn't fast enough. I needed to get to Bern's room. I needed to lengthen the distance between Lucifier and myself. To dim the shock of what I saw in relation to him. Thise gruesome images... My knees buckled, and I sat down in astonishment. My entire body shivered in some sort of dance. Everything I touched felt cold to the bone. Freezing. The center of my stomach tightened as if I had just been stabbed in the gut. That's the feeling I got.A sharp pain that shook through my spine. I was still alive, wasn't I? That had been possibly the worst experience I've had with my Sense Feeling ability. It was like I had jumped inside of him. The cold I had once welcomed was a biter enemy. All peace and kindness slipped through my grasp, and was replaced with a horrible feeling of murder and evil. Senseless destruction. When Shizuka spoke to me, I immediately scrambled to stand. Looking at his face, my skin crawled into a tone of white. That brief second I felt a pang of dread. I had suddenly wanted to hurt him. What was wrong wiith me?! I would never... I would never do that to anyone! My eyes drifted up to the ceiling, and that was when I knew how to explain this rush of experience. Lucifier didn't just destroy buildings and land. He brought destruction to people as well. This sensation had been like someone had flipped me inside out. a mirror image of me. A person whose goal was to hurt others. To kill without reason. "Hah..." I closed my eyes before I could shed tears. I needed to answer Shizuka. I needed to prove that I could handle a simple touch from someone. If I couldn't do that, I was absolutely useless to him. I took an unsteady breath, and looked up at him to answer. I couldn't do it. I stared at him for a moment; my words caught on my tongue, and unwilling to break free. I was terrified. Ryuu, Bernkastel, Natruo, and even Shizu... They all scared me to death. They could all kill me. I found myself wrapping my arms around Shizuka. What was I doing? Well... He was the only person who had been nice to me. He tried to protect me on the helicopter... And he told me we were allies. I didn't care if his wings were black, white, or multi-colored. I didn't care if he was handsome or ugly. If he treated me well... I would too. I nestled my head to lay against his shoulder. I was such a wimp... Crying on the shoulder of a person I had only met today... And he probably didn't understand how horrified I was. He probably thought I was delusional. I didn't make any sound as I cried. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and landed onto him. This was so embarrassing... I wished that Bern had also been her. I would have rather cried on her shoulder. Because, atleast I had met her before, and she was a girl. She would understand, right? She wouldn't judge me. More or less, she would go stiff. Emotionless and silent as always. I was so weak compared to everyone else. I was clumsy and useless. Sure, I knew a few secrets, but once I told them, there would be nothing to stop anyone from killing me. "I-I'm sorry," I managed to sniffle out. My voice cracked as I hesitantly slid away. God... It was going to be so much more awkward between us. Thanks to me. "It m-means that r-rest of her servants a-are around... I s-saw someone k-kill Fausto." Finally I answered him. Fausto was dead, and his death was linked to Lucifier and/or the servants. I couldn't see who had done it, though. And with one sentence, I summed up what 95% of the participants wanted. "I want to go home..." Chapter 3 - Mammon - Underworld I clicked my tongue against the top of my mouth, and allowed the manifested pizza to disintergrate into nothingness. There was no point. He was just human, after all. And today HAD been rather tiring. Fate sealed to participate in a fight to the death. Deal with Ryuu. Eavesdrop on Bernkastel and Xavier. Train in the Underworld. And the kicker; killed a cutter. Although, he was pretty cool to not be insane by this point. "Alright, suit yourself..." I hopped off the bed and stretched out my muscles. It was gonna be a long night... Carefully, I slid myself underneath the blankets with a blank expression. I made sure to stay on the opposite end so I didn't touch him. Icckk. If he asked, I'd just say that I needed to be close to you for the contract to be sealed. Which, was technecially true. I made myself as comfortable as a demon with wings could get, and closed my eyes. I wouldn't be sleeping, though. I would be concentrating on the contract all night. And man was I gonna be grumpy when he woke up. "Good night," Chapter 3 - Shiro (Daxity) - Vampire District "....." Her body laid against the door-frame like some sort of doll. Her eyes, gazing up at the clear night sky. The view was beautiful from here... A crown of sparkling light across the horizon like a drape. The God's District. Would she be able to go there? Probably not. She would be stuck in the Victors District because of her... Stability. (To Be Editted OTL) |
Ryuu ignored the comment about her being dead. He didn't understand, and really didn't want to understand. But he never forgot when she said that. It didn't make sense, but something told him he would figure it out eventually.
"In any case, a deal is a deal. Ceasefire until nessesary. My silence about you... I will take my leave, now. I have things to do." Ryuu remained seating as she got up and left. Ryuu quickly went on to finish his steaks. Bernkastel made one final remark before she left. "The person you killed on the helicopter is still alive," Ryuu looked at her as she departed, then smiled as he spoke out loud, partially to himself, and partially to her as she departed. "I dunno, are you sure he's not dead either, or is that just you?" He said, in his voice can be told that he was partially mocking her. Ryuu turned back around and finished eating. When he was done, he got up, flipped the table over, and threw it outside, just for the heck of it. He smiled, pleased as he heard the table crash onto the ground below. He left without another word, taking the empty bottle of wine with him, and went straight to his room. He was tired, and wanted some sleep. |
Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District
"......!!" THUD. I laid there for a moment; eyes wide and half-awake. What...? Where? The first thing that came to mind when I realized I was on the floor, was that I had just woken up from the usual nightmare at the orphanage, and my roommate kicked me off the bed. Slowly, I rolled onto my back, and sat up stiffly. I could already hear the insults she was going to say about me. How clumsy I was, and all that. Instead, it never came. Blinking, I looked around in confusion. Ah... Right. No roommate. No orphanage... My golden eyes gazed upon the empty bed, and everything hit my gut. Which place was worse.... Here, or there? Surely, here. Where I was being prepared to die in an arena. But something was wrong. That was what the back of my mind kept telling me. My eyes couldn't rip away from the bed, until I could remember. That's... It. I was supposed to have a roommate. A kind roommate who would never push me off the bed. Who would never hurt me. My eyes softened, as I felt my hands over the blankets. "Not here..." I whimpered. In a panic, my head whipped around the full dimension of the room. Not here. Not here. He wasn't here...! I scrambled to the closet and peeled clothing off of me. I didn't even bother to undo buttons or anything. I heard the pajamas rip, but I didn't become more gentle. I didn't own the clothing, and they wouldn't mind. Within two minutes, I was in a long summer dress with little flower imprints at the base. I grabbed my roommate's parka from where I had left it the previous night, and stumbled out of my room. 'Maybe he's in the dining room,' I told myself. Where else would he be? Once inside the elevator, I stabbed the button with my little finger. I was panicking. Where was he? Where had he gone?" A choked voice came from my throat. What if something happened to him, that I didn't see? Had he been kidnapped? Was he fighting someone? Was he... Dead? When the elevator doors began to open again, I squeezed myself through; not even bothering to wait a second for them to open fully. The room had changed significantly from last night. Light, warm colors. A table was set off to the side, with what appeared to be our breakfast. Fresh, too. Different types of fruits were in a huge glass bowl. Oranges and apples and bananas... Some I couldn't even recognize, but looked delicious anyhow. Several plates were dedicated to pancakes and waffles. Huge stacks of perfect pancakes, with maple syrup jars beside. There was more. Omelettes of every type of ingredient. Scrambled eggs. Bacon! It was enough to make even Bernkastel's mouth water. Freshly squeezed fruit juice was at the end. Orange and peach and lemonade... It was all so overwhelming. Quickly, I gathered up a plate, two pairs of utensils, and dished up two of everything. I drank down some orange juice, and hurried back into the elevator. He hadn't been there, either. He wouldn't be in Fang's room. Definitely not Shiro's.... The training center! I repeated the process of attacking the 'floor 1' button with my finger. 'Please be there and okay...!' That thought spammed my mind until I felt dizzy. When the elevator doors opened again, I was in shock. It was like the world as I had known it, had changed overnight. Everything. The once boring, cement-ridden room was now a paradise. A true training center. To my left, over on the space between two elevators, was a forest-like space. Real trees had grown out. Grass covering that section as though it was a natural occurance. Bushes and flowers and bird noises. Up ahead, were three tables. Each, were filled with weapons. Weapons that were obviously swords and knives and bows. Some I couldn't seem to comprehend. Just beside that, was a shooting gallery, complete with dummies. That entire section had a shimmering barrier around it. Well... I guess they didn't want anyone fooling with sharp objects beforehand. All across the room were more and more stations. Plants and camoflauge and physical combat. Rope tying and swimming lessons. And according to a sign, there was flying manuver training outside on the roof. My attention turned to the only other person in the room. A boy who was passed out at the camoflauge station. My heart jumped, and I immediately ran over there; being mindful not to spill breakfast. I set the plate off to the side, and sat him up. Ooof. He was heavy. I looked at his lips, which were smeared with a red liquid. And according to my nose, it was blood. Animal blood. I breathed out slowly. My hand reached for a napkin, and I wiped it away. I propped his back against the nearest wall, and I shook him gently. "K-kerin-onii-sama...! Wake up..! Breakfast!" |
Akira Tsukuda - Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
They came for Akira sometime in the early hours of the evening while his parents were still out and he was sprawled out on his bed. He heard the knocks on the door from the far reaches of his sleep but chose to ignore them, waiting for the strangers to leave. They didn’t. Bleary eyed and disorientated they dragged him from the comforts of his bed and out the door; lucky for him Akira had slept in his clothes. As soon as the evening rain splattered in his face, Akira became fully conscious and aware of what was happening. He had been chosen. Akira stood upright, his wings kept close against his back, as they transported him from his home to a waiting helicopter. At first thought, Akira believed that they were after him following an incident he was involved in several weeks ago, but as soon as he hopped into the helicopter and noticed the difference in clothes that the officials wore, he realised that he was about to take part in the Population Games. Akira focussed upon the ragged city that flew by below him, wondering if he was the only one who would be brought fresh into the Population Games and whom had died before him. “They must have been weak,” he muttered to himself as the helicopter touched down at a building situated somewhere between the city and where the Population games were to be help. As far as he knew, it was only Day Two of the Population Games, people who had died this early, probably didn’t deserve to have continued living at all. As soon as he exited, more like was pushed, out of the helicopter, it took off, leaving him alone on the launch pad, and open terrain surrounded the solitary building that stood tall. Akira was to last to arrive, or so he thought. Four other contestants had already arrived ahead of him and unlike him, weren’t soaked from the precipitation outside. To his amazement the building was more elegant inside than it was outside, seeming to him like they were trying to give the contestants a nice farewell before they died at the hands of another. “So sadistic,” he muttered again as he surveyed the surroundings and his competition. To one side a human female leaned against the wall, trying to look relaxed, Akira sized her up, something about her put Akira off; even though she was human, he would be reluctant to side with her. He saw two of what he guessed to be vampires cuddling each other, “how cute,” he said under his voice. The female one said something about them winning the Population Games together making Akira chuckle a bit; they didn’t look like they would last long. Akira quickly sized up his other competition before relaxing on a couch that sat up against the wall; protecting his back. Akira paid no attention to the television, he was never the kind of person to watch mind numbing programs, and instead he decided to watch his competition; find out what he could about them. Real life was much more dramatic and interesting that anything television could offer. |
"K-kerin-onii-sama...! Wake up..! Breakfast!"
Kerin mumbled a little then snapped his eyes open as he felt a pair of small hands gently shook him awake. He looked back at those big, golden eyes of Marisa and blinked once, twice, three times. What? Where was he? He rubbed his own eyes and yawned, stretching his arms out and pulled his shoulders back until he heard a small snap. Well, that wasn't a bad sleep though he could have gone for longer. What time was it anyways? He quickly scanned the area as he cleaned his mouth out with his tongue; his eyes told him he had wandered to some kind of tropical area. He had gone outside? He didn't remember opening a door except an elevator one. "Where a--" his eyes went to the grassy floor around him. There were dry steaks next to him and dry blood on his hands (and two plates of food to the side?) Oh, yeah. That's what happened last night. He got thirsty. So he must have fallen asleep. Hah. That wasn't all that surprising; he was definitely exhausted. That still didn't answer his question. "Where are we?" The haze in his mind disappeared and he suddenly realised what he had done and who was standing over him. He wiped his face and hands on his now dingy singlet (which had its fair share of blood on it), shuffled himself up, coughed a few times and threw the dry steaks into the trees around him with a flick of his wrist. Marisa, Marisa was standing over him! She didn't need to see this, though she was probably one of the three other people who understood his need for it (though he didn't think she understood why he chose to kind of shy away in the first place). "Marisa! Marisa, hi," he let out a little laugh. |
Chapter 3.5 - Paris Junibe - Demon District
Don't you just hate it when, in the best dream ever, something happens that wakes you? 'Sunlight. Ooh, how I loathe you,' I groaned mentally. Honestly... I didn't get much sleep, and I woke up annoyed. Stress is not a part of beauty! Anyone who cared about appearance would know this! A thousand scrunches of the face, was one wrinkle! Wrinkle!! Wrinkles were NOT beautiful. It was made so that displeased people were ugly and older-looking faster. As for sleep, there really was 'beauty sleep'. A perfect amount of hours and minutes which would remove bags under the eyes, cleanse your facial features, and allowed the brain to work at its full potential. I had gotten eight hours, twenty three minutes. Definitely not enough. My beauty sleep mark was ten hours, fifteen minutes. Ugh.... That two hour difference was going to screw me over. Carefully, I slid out from bed, and adjusted my hair. Stupid Population Games.... Couldn't I just give the Government my pocket change and go back home? This was all such a pain. Beautiful people shouldn't be obliged to participate. The word was short-handed, as it was. How about people who didn't do anything? Tch... My eyes shifted to the one other person in the room. A boy. My lips curled up into a deliberate smile. Xavier was a smart boy. He must know about the sciences of beauty, because he was drop-dead handsome. Best non-celebrity i've seen in YEARS. Since he didn't express much emotion, that meant less scrunching of the face. Thus, less wrinkles. And, overall, longer beauty. He seemed to be someone who knew the importance of sleep. 'Mmm~' I licked my lips. It took everything I had not to jump him in his weak form. 'I am SO hooking up with you after this, sexy.' I moved off the bed, and pulled my hair back. 'Stupid sun,' I jerked the curtains leading to the balcony shut, as so the sun would not disturb Xavier as it had me. Well... Better go clean up before stupid training... Whatev. Sighing, and with no belongings to take, I opened the door to leave. That was when I stopped, and looked at the square piece of white taped to the red-wood finish. "....." Paper. Gingerly, I peeled it off with the tips of my fingers like it was some disgusting dead thing. Unfolding, I read the words. 'Good night,' it said. The words were a sort of fancy handwriting that even I couldn't achieve. But it was familiar. The idiotic stalker...! Well, of course I was talking about Bernkastel. Who else? She was a true WITCH. Creepy and murderous. Xavier didn't NEED to see such a stupid message from HER. Crumbling the paper inside my palm, I jerked my hand back to throw it away. I missed the garbage can, and I cursed silently. Whatever. Like Xavier would read it. Turning my head, I shut his door behind me, and headed for the elevator. |
Ryuu opened his eyes and sat up on his bed instantly. Like many nights before, he was dreamless. One second, he lay in his bed, and the next, he lay awake. He didn't mind not having dreams, but it got a bit old for him. He wished he could dream about something, even if it was a nightmare. It really begged the question: Is it better to dream a bad dream, or to not dream at all?
Ryuu got out of his sleeping attire quickly, dressing up in an outfit he had on that was similar to the night before; dark pants with a coat reaching down to his ankles. The sleeves, however, were ripped off, revealing his well-toned muscles. If he wanted to, he could probably break almost any of the contestants in half like they were toothpicks. Ryuu made his way out of his room, responding to his now grumbling stomach as it yearns for food. Ryuu would oblige it. He made his way to the dining hall, the room a bit different than last night. A table stood in the corner with all manner of goodies to enjoy. Ryuu looked over it carefully. In all honesty, he didn't know what to get first. Should he make himself an omelette? Perhaps a few pancakes? Really, any of them would be good choices. But Ryuu wanted a bit of everything, so instead of getting anything particular, he grabbed at the edges of the table, and lifted it, up, moving the entire thing, with all of its contents to the far side of the room, close to where he was the night before. Grabbing a chair, he sat down, and dug in. |
Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District
“Where a----“….. “Where are we?”….. “Marisa! Marisa, hi” ‘Kerin is so funny!’ I realized with a giggle. It was entertaining; just watching him self-consciously clean himself up. We were both vampires…! Though, maybe it was because, according to Fang, that Kerin was originally human. Anyways, I understood that he needed to drink blood. It was normal for our species, and it didn’t bother me all that much. I had a high tolerance for the smell, not to mention I didn’t need much due to my age. Though, soon enough, I would need to feed more than once a day, and the pills in my pocket would not be able to curb my hunger. It was a scary thought, yes, but it was believed to be a milestone for our culture. It was a right of passing to turn sixteen, and to gain our utmost abilities which were like a fingerprint to us. All vampires had something unique. Not just in their appearance and personality, but deep within; their best manipulation. It could be a certain element like fire or earth or void. Or, it could be a material. Our best factories were filled with vampires who could manipulate the materials in use. Like iron. The possibilities were endless. I wonder… Was my ability to see the written and unwritten history, my manipulation? Was I going to be known as a fortune-teller, like the Mayans we talked about in class? I didn’t yet know what I wanted to do with my life. I loved my violin, but I wouldn’t be able to make it my profession. Not against vampires who manipulated instruments as a born talent… So what, then? I liked animals. Maybe I could be a doctor for familiars. Though, not very many people had familiars these days. No zoos, either. All animals were kept outside the districts, besides the summoned familiars. These familiars mostly belonged to government officials or the rich. I didn’t want to work with either… My eyes shifted to the forest-like patch in the training center, where Kerin had thrown the remains of his steaks. I then cocked my head to the side curiously; blinking my golden-blonde lashes. “Uu, we’re in the training place! Kerin was silly and fell asleep here! Sleep walking is bad.” I dragged out ‘bad’ and giggled happily. “They…. Re…Renovated!” I beamed widely, and took Kerin by the wrist; only because he would probably be uncomfortable with me touching the dried blood on his hands. It was fine with me, though. Because Kerin was Kerin, and Kerin was a nice person! It was better that I found him with dried steaks, than with a living person. Trust me; I’ve seen vampires passed out with another after sucking their blood. Not pretty. “We’re gonna clean Kerin up! Here!” I grabbed his plate, and carefully gave it to him. “Eat, Kerin-sama!” Chapter 3.5 - Mammon - Underworld "....." Real demons did not dream. That was the first difference between us. We rarely slept. Slept only after extensive use of our powers, or, in this case, to finish up a contract. At this point, it wasn't a dream, but could be classified as one since I was 'sleeping'. No. When a real demon slept alongside a person after they had fullfilled a contract quota, something interesting happened. It was a sense of reality, with the dreamy blur of something unreal. There was nothing, yet everything. Everything flashed through our minds like some sort of amazing historical timeline. Everything in existance. Everything I could manifest to the great of my abilities. This would be come to be known as Vision Telepathy, since there was no two words which could better title it. It was a point in time where the contractee and contractor envisioned a set list of things. In my case, anything and everything I could manifest at some point. That was me. I was made up of every sort of code out in what we call our Universe of Space. A complicated set of numbers which could create one thing even with a total of zero. I reached my arms out into this vast plain of everything-ness. It colored me. Shaped me. Took form inside my palms. It was a dark light, if that made any sense. It was brighter than anything possible, yet it was dyed the color of black. The darkness enveloped my whole. Carressed it like a mother's warmth. I could only imagine what it would feel like, though. Real demons did not have a one creator. They came into being by a sort of chemical base that could simply not be comprehended. A manifestation without a single owner. So, was I owned? Was I owned by every existance, due to my nature being born from existance itself? If a man fell into the bush, and nobody was around to help him, did the man exist? I awoke with a sense that I had only closed my eyes briefly. I didn't stretch or yawn. I did not feel the side effects of awakening. It was like I was in an eternal state of mind, in which I could not fall into unconsciousness. I blinked up at the light which had drifted up onto the high ceiling; casting the shadows of objects to loom over. Instinctively, I rose from the bed, and looked down at the boy. My eyes, lowered down almost in pity, gazed down at the exposed skin of his palm. A symbol made of a crimson red, was engraved into the human's skin. The same symbol which was now swirling uncontrollably on my left pupil. We were bound by matter. A contract which could not be broken. I would stay with Raike until the end of his life, or until I was no longer in working condition. My hand, like some sort of alien abductor, reached out within inches of the demonic symbol. That too, began to spin. It hurt my brain to move the marking elsewhere, but it was nessesary. We could not afford to throw out the information that I, Mammon, had made a contract with a Human. Keeping the same distance, I trailed my close, almost-touch right up to the space over his heart. At that point, the marking disappeared. If I checked his chest now, I would be able to see it. "Raike," Though all my own power was stored inside me, all he really had to do, was give a single order, and I would give him the energy to create whatever he desired. In this case, flame wings, it seemed. I backed away to give my contractor some room to awaken. Though, he may not need it. My contractors had the tendency to wake up with a searing pain as though they were on fire. However, Raike was a fire mage. He controlled heat; even unconsciously. He was a human sun, and, if he wanted to be, he could be just as radiant. |
"Training place..." Kerin looked around. Indeed, it seemed a lot different than what he remembered from last night. It was a forest now, a little dense if he looked into it. Why a forest then? Ugh, was the gods planning on a game of hide and seek or something? Because that would not be fun. At all. Though, it would most likely be less fun if it was the actual game, since everyone would be trying to kill everyone. Hopefully, all of the players would be on speaking terms and not try and kill eachother. Hopefully. Though, knowing Ryuu, that wasn't likely. Bleaugh.
Marisa grabbed him by the arm and yanked at him. Kerin followed and got to his feet and took the plate the thrust at him with a "Thank-you". Ooh, bacon! Pancakes! And fruit! Boy, Kerin felt pretty damn hungry. Not thirsty, thank god. Well, his neck twinged, but it always did that. He wouldn't need anything to drink until at least tomorrow. Depending on what he did that day. Since it was training, Kerin would probably burn off the blood quickly, which wasn't a good thing for him. But he would have to hack it. He had to. In any case, he pulled his hand out of Marisa's grip and used his hands to eat what was on his plate as Marisa led him away from his 'bed' and towards the elevators. He needed to shower, he needed to change. Though, if Marisa wished, he could just grab some clothes from his room and shower up in hers if she felt like she needed him there. "Need some clothes," Kerin mumbled through a full mouth, stabbing his floor with a greasy thumb. |
-I felt the sinking, then rising of my bed as if someone was getting up. The thing that was weird was that I didn't remember allowing anyone to sleep in my bed, let alone in my room! Normally I probably would have been a bit more pissed, but hey, I had just woken up... and I was still temporarily tired. Inside, I could feel the normal warmth that indicated my own fire abilities, but then there was something else, something abnormal. For some reason, it seemed that my flames were growing on their own, gradually exceeding the boundaries I had put in place in order to keep me from glowing like the sun, and burning my cloths.
The gradual pace of the flames picked up, and knowing that I would not be able to prevent it, I did what I could and rolled off of the bed, hardly feeling the impact of hitting the ground on my left arm, and jumped away from the bed. A few seconds later, I released the boundaries, allowing the flame through, but not before putting some restrictions on it, lest it burn the whole building down. Instead of the blast incinerating everything in the vicinity, it only released a golden flash of blinding light, very briefly. When the light subsided, I still glowed slightly, but I felt a stronger heat, somewhere on my chest. I lifted my right hand to touch the place where the heat was originating from, which was on my chest just above my heart, and squinted at the demon standing on the other side of the bed. Dropping my hand I held up the base of my coat which I had left on when I fell asleep, and growled slightly when I saw that it was singed; It was my favorite jacket and not only because I thought it looked cool, but because it was made from a special type of material most adept fire users wore. This material was known to be very resistant to fire, and since more fire wizards couldn't completely control their power, this material cut down on clothing costs. These cloths in particular were made from a very high grade form of that thread, making it more resistant than usual, and now it was burnt. I rolled my neck a few times, then sat on the bed and closed my eyes.- "It's done now isn't it? The contract? A bit of a warning would have been nice, but I guess these arena people will have a way of restoring my jacket. Anyway, its morning, I'm hungry, and... yeah, I'm hungry, so I'm gonna go eat something." I said, walking towards my door, already having put on my boots and a new coat. My gloves seemed to have a new sheen about them also. " You should probably get back to Bernkastel before she gets suspicious, we can go over the details of this thing later; don't miss me too much." And with that, I was out the door, already pushing the button for the dining hall, and trying to calm my raging stomach. |
(OOC: it seems to be working again!!)
Kerin blinked a few times as Marisa pushed him back, forth and around his room. Waah, not so early in the morning! Kerin was barely awake, let alone conscious enough to be wandering backwards and forwards trying to find suitable clothes. Marisa had already picked out something for him though; a tan parka, a light blue shirt with a bird on it and a pair of jeans. Kerin had just enough time to grab appropriate underwear (he was glad Marisa did not pick that. A pair of white and red boxers with hearts adorning them lay close to the top and Kerin would rather be dead than wearing those) before Marisa pulled him into the bathroom with a gleeful smile. "Shower!" she exclaimed at him, throwing him his clothes and towel. Without any time to object, she closed the door on him, leaving Kerin to himself. He sighed. What an enthusiastic girl. Kerin took a few moments to wash his face, to wake himself up before turning the shower on. There, that was better. At least he had some sense in him now. His shower was fairly brief and he pulled on his clothes quite quickly. Sure, his shirt wasn't entirely to his liking but whatever, a shirt was a shirt. It was comfortable and it did the job of covering his torso. He then spent a minute or two inspecting the alchemy rock things that Bern have given him last night. He hadn't taken them off and didn't want to either; the feeling that burned in his gut when he thought about his past was gone and he liked it better that way. When he was done, he exited the bathroom, only to find Marisa gone. Oh, right, she was going to shower in her room. Grabbing his wallet and phone he had left on a bench the night before during his search for food, he left his room and took the elevator up to Marisa's. "Marisa? Are you here?" he called out, opening her front door slowly. She didn't want to walk on the poor girl if she had forgotten something and wandered out of the shower butt naked. But, it's not like Kerin hadn't seen any of it before; he had other sister he had dressed before, it was no big deal. |
Ryuu was more than full. He had always been a big eater, and would often eat almost anything. Almost. Some things were just to unbearable to bring himself to eat. There was once a time back in the demon district, for example, where...never mind, a tale for a different time.
Ryuu stood up slowly, wiping his mouth with his arm, and casually began to walk out of the room...before he grabbed the table with the food on in and tossed it out of the window. Shattered glass littered the floor, and crashes of plates and food fell towards the ground. The shattering of the plates and all other objects from the table with the food on in falling was like a symphony of music in Ryuu's mind. He closed his eyes and listened, as if composing the piece of chaos. When everything was quiet again, Ryuu walked out of the room. It was time he got some training in, and what better place than the training room. Ryuu proceeded there, his thoughts bent on the coming competition, the Reaping. He had been denied years after years of participation before. Actually being here was, in a way, supposed to be like a dream for Ryuu. But ever since he got here, things haven't always been as they appeared. All it was filled with was fine foods, casual rides, and luxurious settings. If Ryuu wanted all that garbage, he could have stayed in his mansion in the Demon District. He was here for the fight, the killing, the action. Although the fight with Natruo was nice, it didn't do much but whet his appetite. So much more could be done here. He was eager to get started, and he'd start with a bit of training. Now, when Ryuu says a bit, it must always be understood that his "bit" would be taken way out of proportion from an ordinary reasonable person. Ryuu certainly is not ordinary (and he sure as hell ain't reasonable). Ryuu finally reached the training ground. The room looked a lot different than it did the night before, a forrest littering the area. "What the f***?" Ryuu exclaimed out loud. He looked around it, wondering what it was all about. He shrugged, and stretched as he spoke to himself. "Well, it'll do." A second later, he positioned himself, squared up, and charged the tree. It took one blow from a full-fledged charge of the Rhino to snap the tree in half, and bring it down in a large crash. |
*Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District
As soon as I had Kerin all ready in the shower, I hopped myself out and made my way to my room. Training... Well, according to the way the room was set up, there were going to be stations, and everyone could freely move around to train at them. Which meant.... Ryuu would be there. With about three-dozen different weapons and things that couldn't possibly be weapons. Like a pencil, maybe. Basically, the best place for him to go on a rampage before the games began. 'And to think... I'll be chained to him during the games...' A light whimper came out from my throat as I entered into my room. He was gigantic in comparison to Bernkastel. Me? I was the smallest and weakest out of everyone here. And with Kerin or Fang or Bern present...? What would that mean for me? Getting ready to take a shower was all a haze to me. I knew what I had to do, and my body did as such. However, my thoughts were elsewhere. Only when I felt the cold splatter of ice-water against my bare skin, did I snap out into reality and yelp. I hopped from both of my feet to avoid the sensor-activated streams, and I jammed my fingers into several of the buttons on the side of the shower. I was immediately doused with hot water, a foamy soap, and other products I hoped were not permanent. Scrapping an orange-scented glue substance from my limbs, I finally was able to fix the settings and have a somewhat normal shower. Hopping out, I realized that my skin was a bright pink from the brush I had been pain-stakingly rubbing against my skin. Oops. Raw like a chicken, I stepped out onto the mat and was bombarded with a blast of hot air. I humored myself with the thought of a chicken being roasted. When the bathroom was done torturing me, I grabbed the nearest towel, and looked myself over in the mirror. Well.. Atleast my skin was turning pale again... My hair was a glossy waterfall of blonde, and I smelled thickly of orange. It would have to do. Wrapping the large towel over the entirety of my body, I stumbled out into my room. What I was not expecting, was that Kerin would be there to greet me. I sighed in relief, and gently opened the door for him. "Kerin-onii-sama! The shower was bullying me!" I cried out; throwing myself into his legs. Chapter 3.5 - Mammon - Underworld I blinked several times at Raike, who had come from being a cute sleeping human, to an irritated, slightly smoking wizard of fire. I rolled my eyes away as a bright flash of light came from him. Good Lord... Human flashlight! When he finally dimmed down, I looked him over again. His coat was slightly burnt, yes, but nothing I couldn't fix. "It's done now isn't it? The contract? A bit of a warning would have been nice, but I guess these arena people will have a way of restoring my jacket. Anyway, its morning, I'm hungry, and... yeah, I'm hungry, so I'm gonna go eat something." "Um. Hello. Mammon of manifestation, here. How may I help you?" I muttered. "Manifestation is the creation of things out of nothing, or the repair of a three-dimentional object. I think your jacket counts, Raike." He now shared the power of a million-year-old demon servant of the Demon Lord, and the first thing he utters is a complaint about his jacket. Jeez. Well. Atleast he didn't burn down the building.... Taking the smoked jacket in my grasp, I snapped my fingers. That's how easy it was for me. A snap of my fingers, and the jacket seemed to be fresh out of a store. I then teleported myself beside the no-rest-more-eating boy, and hung it over his shoulder. "There you are... And don't worry about Bernkastel. She doesn't need me 24/7 like you do. She favors Vergil, anyhow. The main problem is if that is what happens when you wake up, I'd hate to not be there when you turn into a human torch over that Ryuu child." I smirked, and slid myself into the elevator before Raike had a chance to close it on me. I smiled softly. "Don't think you can get rid of me so easily." Chapter 3.5 - Scarlet Uiromo - Vampire District I clicked my tongue as I felt two pairs of strange eyes slide onto me and him. Hmph... I stuck out my tongue naturally, and pouted. They didn't know anything. They were all pawns, and they were all going to die. This was all just an easy way for the government to take care of all their problems. And me. Us! We were the ones who were designed to win this. No objections. No nothing. Wheither they deserved to know it or not, we had a contract which SAID the God government was personally going to make sure we won. And there would be no survivors besides us. And that sat perfectly fine with me. The room had lightened up since our arrival and, looking outside, I could see why. Just across the horizon, the sky was becoming a tropical camoflauge. Oranges and yellows and light blue. Purple and red... It was rather breathtaking. However, all of that was soon pulled away when a limo pulled up to the glass doors of the hotel. Oh... Who could this be? Another victim? This was Natruo. Natruo the gamemaker. His well-sculpted body slid out of the passenger seat with ease, and his eyes flickered to the four pairs of eyes looking outside from inside. He smirked, and knocked on the glass. "Hey. Ready to train?" Even though I was going to win the Poppy Games, I was still rather cautious of this man. He was basically the middle-man between the government and us. And he was the one overseeing all the deaths in the arena. So to make my first impression as clear as daylight, I stuck out my tongue and said, "Well, who said all the Gods were beautiful?" Chapter 3.5 - Natruo - God District "No sir, you will not be driving," I clicked my tongue in annoyance. This sleek beauty of a limo was mine anyhow. And I had the money to repair any damages taken to it. As for the several people I was to pick up, it honestly didn't matter what kind of condition they were in when they came for training. Why couldn't I drive something that belonged to me? I basically had government status, yet a mere servant was able to tell me what I could, or could not do. Apparently, according to him, I couldn't drive two blocks without running someone over with the side of the car. Don't ask if that is even possible, just take my word for it. I was standing outside Venius Cloud's residence, and with each waking second, it was becoming closer to morning, and closer to the time I was designated to pick up the extras. I was going to be late, yet this servant was standing in my way. Crossing my arms, I looked down at the scrawny, silver-haired boy. "I will be driving," I lowered my voice down. He still did not waver, and he actually took my shoulder and pushed me in the direction of the passenger seat. Well then. "Fine then, but if the extras want me to drive, I will be." The servant swallowed hard at this, but slowly managed to nod his head. He was more terrified of my driving, than my status as Game Designer. So would all these participants if they spent two minutes in a car with me. Sliding myself on the hood, I rolled around and popped myself into the seat beside the driver. The servant was calm, and took every safety measure possible even though there was nothing to really hit. But Venius said these exact words: "If you were in a desert with absolutely no animals to hit, you would still hit something, Natruo." Wheither it was my lack of driving skills, or the servant was actually gifted at the sort of thing, I was impressed overall that he didn't so much as allow a bug to splatter the windshield. These servants were amazing. High-class, you could say. Pulling up to the marked hotel the group was apparently in, I straightened up the clothing I had changed into. Overtop my regular tank, I had on a light autumn jacket. My clean-cut jeans were damaged horribly, but it wasn't like I was going to a wedding reception. Sliding out of my seat and into the semi-morning air, the effect was immediate. Eyes trained on me, and through the glass of the doors and windows, I could see that they all recognized me. Who didn't? I was infamous to them. A sort of blood-lust celebrity who killed teenagers for the entertainment of the general public. Why, hello there~ "Well, who said all the Gods were beautiful?" That was the first thing I heard when I stepped inside the building. My eyes automatically scanned for the voice who said the comment, and they landed upon a girl in a black dress. A vampire. I narrowed my eyes calmly at her, and crossed my arms over eachother. This girl had guts. "And who said you were any better, sweetheart?" I cooed. I removed my attention from her, to the taller boy at her side. Another vampire...? Or perhaps a demon. Whatever. I looked at the other... Three? Weren't there only supposed to be two? Whatever. Not my business. The first on the list was someone by the name of Umi. She didn't really interest me much overall, so I allowed her impression to slip off of me. Really, the only interesting demons out of these entirety of the participants, were Ryuu and Bernkastel. The other girl was Mi... Miharu. She too was a little boring. The final extra was also the second male. Akira something-or-other. Eh. He was alright. "Alright. Hopefully you all know what's up. Now, let's take you all to training," I paused half-way out the door with a slight, mischevious smile. "Who wants me to drive?" |
The door opened, only to have an almost-naked Marisa in a towel grab Kerin by the legs. Oh boy.
"Kerin-onii-sama! The shower was bullying me!" "M-Marisa!" Kerin let out a nervous laugh. Okay, so she was totally okay with just running around in a towel. Kerin was okay with it... kind of. It was just a little awkward, but Kerin was enough of a big brother to pull her back and guide her back to her bedroom, where all her clothes were. "I'm sure if you treat it with kindness, it will return the favour to you?" Kerin pulled her wardrobe open and kind of ogled at it for a second. It very much full of clothes, much like Kerin's was, though the clothes were much smaller and consisted mostly of dresses and bright colours. She needed something more suitable for training, right? So maybe she should wear jeans or something flexible. In saying that, dresses were pretty easy, only that she would be showing her undies everytime she did a roll or something. "What did you want to wear?" he asked her, pointing at one of the many colossal stacks of clothes. |
Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District
"Hau au... Okay, Kerin-onii-sama..." Pouting slightly, due to my assault with the shower options, I followed Kerin over to my closet where he seemed to understand I couldn't wear just a normal summer dress. I may look and act like a child, but I still had problems with people seeing my underwear. Not to mention, the Gods. They were extreme sadists to have this sort of event happen each year...! To have teenagers slaughtered for their own amusement on live television, and mark it as a sort of way to lower the population...! The population was just fine, now! They already wiped out half the population on Earth! Taking a deep breath, I shimmied myself inside and began paging through the articles of clothing. When I came back out, I had what appeared to be a huge bundle. Spreading it out on my bed, I asked for Kerin's opinion on it. This attire consisted of a knee-high blue dress with a white ribbon at the front. This dress had sleeves, but that didn't change the fact that my lower part would be exposed. I had that covered, as well. They weren't exactly jeans, but they would work. White pants which were just slightly on the long side for my ankles. Beaming up at Kerin, I patted the outfit. "This!" When he did confirm I could wear it, I scrambled to bunch it all up, and then I threw myself into the bathroom to change quickly. Coming out, I glomped Kerin again. "Let's go, let's go!" |
"......Toro?" Xavier blinked. His bed felt entirely different. There wasn't that one spot where the spring made itself more known anywhere. And it was too big. One foot wasn't sticking out over the edge. In fact, when Xavier stretched, it didn't even feel like it was close to the edge. He called out for his dog again before opening his eyes. His hair had fell to the side from sleeping, and he could see as clear as day he wasn't at his home. Xavier remembered that he wasn't home. He was at the training center. But where was Paris...? He raised his head, looking around the room before giving up. Not like he looked hard, or even at average for that matter. Well... It didn't really matter to him at this point in time. Xavier's hands went up into his messy, somewhat greasy hair. All he really wanted at the moment, was a shower.
Once he was up and off the bed, it took Xavier a few minutes just to find the washroom. Yeah, turns out in this place the washrooms are connected directly to the bedroom. Weird. But he guessed all rich people lived different. He didn't know any rich people. He's seen some of the residential zones by the market area. Two floors. And a basement from what he's heard from other demons. Well, he didn't exactly hear it from them. It was more like passive eavesdropping, but oh well. He even came across Bernkastel's house one time in one of his rare visits to civilization. At least that's what he believed. Because who else's father in the Demon District is an exorcist? None that he could bring up from memory. Which is weird since he was married to an angel... Which is what should make him infamous, but for whatever reason, whether Bern was his daughter for one, he was famous. "......" Basically, on one of the rare occasions Xavier came to civilization, he noticed the exorcist's house starting to flood with people. And that just happened to be only hours after the end of the Sixth Population Games. The very first games that Bernkastel Vermilia had participated in. Coincidence? Maybe, but Xavier didn't think so. Xavier blinked, bringing himself out of that parade of thoughts. He tended to daze out when he had free time, the only thing knocking himself out of his cloud of thoughts being himself. Okay, he was going to take a shower. Right. Nodding to himself, Xavier went over to pick a pairing of clothing for today's training. At first, the wardrobe seemed to be a little familiar, it wasn't obnoxiously large like most of the things in this room. But then... Xavier looked inside. It was as if everything in the room had heard his obnoxious comment somehow, and somehow made the inside of the wardrobe full with pairs upon pairs of clothes. How did all of those articles of clothing even fit in there?! He hadn't seen that much in his life! Xavier pulled out one of the white, button-up T-shirts. He looked at the sides of the sleeves. An omega on both sides, one red, one blue, just like his average clothes. Did they come into his home to check his wardrobe? Oh, how thoughtful... Xavier rolled his eyes, taking black jeans with the T-shirt into the washroom. Xavier stripped his clothes, and he carefully placed one of his hands under the faucet to test the temperature of the water. Once he had aquired his desired heat, he stepped in under the warm embrace of running water. And look at all of the different body washes they had~ Mango, orange, all different kinds of scents! A lot more than he had in the Demon District, that was for sure! Applying a wad of shampoo into his hand, he slowly massaged the substance into his scalp. It felt softer already. Xavier ended up deciding on the orange scented wad of body wash, and as soon as he applyed the gel-like substance onto his body, he washed himself off and stepped out. That was extremely refreshing! "...~!" With a small & content smile on his face, not that there would be one if someone else was here, Xavier stepped out into the room. He felt really good! His hair was super soft, and his skin felt great! It was awesome to be able to finally have a shower where he hadn't needed to wipe himself down with a plant! "..." Xavier blinked as he stared at a crumpled paper on the floor. And by how it sat right next to the trashcan, somebody probably shot it and missed. Paris, most likely being the perpatrator. Well... It wouldn't hurt to take a peak. Calmly, Xavier reached down and picked up the wrinkled piece of paper, reading it swiftly. 'Good night,' it read. It was calligraphy. Fine calligraphy. Xavier tried to piece together who this was, thinking Bernkastel for a few minutes, but ultimately dismissing it as a servant's work. Everyone probably got one... Xavier put on his blank mask again as he walked out the door, quickly making his way to the dining hall. |
Akira couldn’t help but laughing as the ‘little’ girl stuck her tongue out at him in a very immature gesture. “I’m sure doing that is going to win you the Population Games,” he retorted when he finished. He wasn’t scared of her, all she was, was a scary vampire from fairy tales, nothing more than a myth extrapolated by human fear. ”stupid humans” he thought to himself. He settled back into the sofa, regarding the rest of his competition with disdain.
As dawn fast approached, Akira watched from his position as the windows lit up from the morning glow, spreading light and warmth across the room. It was then that he realised that his parent’s did not know where he was or where he had been taken, but he figured that the government would have told them some dramatic story about how he had been chosen. Snapping back to reality, he noticed the light creeping closer to the vampire couple. “Watch out,” he spoke, “the light is going make you burn.” He finished by laughing in hysterics at his own joke. Not overly funny, but Akira regarded other races as mere inferior organisms than himself. Vampires were just bloodthirsty humans and demons were crazed monsters. Meanwhile humans… they were human after all, so filled with flaw and weakness. Angels were the supreme beings. The light was nearly at the vampire couple when it cut out and was replaced by a long shadow that stretched across the room. Akira got up from the sofa and made his way over to the door; a long, sleek black limousine stretched in front of the building, and shielding his eyes, Akira watched as a tall figure emerged from the car. Akira help a breath in as the Game Designer stepped from the car, his body sculpted like a god’s. He sidled up to the door and knocked on it like they were some sort of animals in a zoo; as far as Akira was concerned, the others were. “Hey. Ready to train?” he spoke, smiling afterwards. The immature vampire girl retorted; “Well, who said all Gods were beautiful?” sticking her tongue out in the process. Akira laughed; this girl sure had a set on her, sarcasm at a god meant that she was gutsy, something that would probably get her killed in the arena, but would provide Akira with a laugh during his death sentence. Natruo was a very dangerous man; Akira doubted that she would live long if she was going to be sarcastic to him. Natruo retaliated before looking at them all in turn. When his eyes fell on Akira, Akira shivered all over. There was something about this guy that set Akira on edge. Those eyes seemed to drill into his mind; and although Akira thought himself above everyone else in this room, Natruo was the only person present who actually made him feel inferior; something that scared Akira. "Alright. Hopefully you all know what's up. Now, let's take you all to training," he paused to smile at us before continuing, "Who wants me to drive?" Akira wanted so much to retort right now but something inside his head told him to shut up and not draw attention to himself; especially from this guy. For once, Akira was actually afraid of someone aside from himself. Nodding his head he stepped forward, “feel free, I’m keen. Anyone else?” he said turning around to face the others; his arms out in a wide gesture and his wings stretched slightly behind him casting a shadow against the other group as he walked backwards to stand next to Natruo. “Nice to meet you finally, Natruo-sama” he said taking a small bow of gratitude. |
"Looks great!" Kerin said with a smile. He was quite glad she went with a more pant-sy approach, and hopefully she would do so for the rest of their time here. And perhaps after their time here. He knew they could make it through the Poppy Games, he knew they could both make it and live together. And they would need Bernkastel's help for that. But yeah, they had a few more things to worry about right now.
"Let's go, let's go!" Marisa gave him a hug then grabbed his arm and pulled him to the elevator. Where were they going? Probably training, right? Kerin stabbed his thumb to the appropriate floor and waited briefly before the doors opened and revealed where Kerin had slept the night, only now it had a foreign user in it. Ryuu had taken the liberty of destroying a few trees, leaving them in pieces all over the place. Kerin gave him a funny look. Oh, he had been talking to Bernkastel last night? Kerin blinked, but thought not much of it; he couldn't hear what they were saying then anyways, since he had been a little too preoccupied. "Should we go somewhere else?" he whispered to Marisa. He knew she was quite afraid of the guy, but should they stand up to their fear or show the Rhino that they were indeed scared of him and his stupid attitude. Well, Kerin wans't scared, just wary that if the guy ran and headbutted him like he had tried to do to Bernkastel on the helicopter, Kerin would have a very sore stomach indeed. But, if he could try and plan everything, Kerin could take him out. To protect Marisa, yeah. |
Chapter 3.5 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
Have you ever wondered what I have thought about sleep? Of course you haven't. Sleeping is something you hardly think about in this kind of world, so why would I ever think about it? Well, I do. A lot. Some may say it is insomnia, while others would say it is the end result of me being dead. I am scared to sleep. Both unable to, and unwilling to allow myself to rest my head down and close my eyes. Oh, but you need sleep, don't you? Sleep is energy, right? Sleep is what helps you grow, and keep your memory and concentration strong... Right? I could care less what the human professionals have said. I am living proof this is all unreal. When was the last time I slept....? I cannot remember. And no, it isn't because my memory is all messed up. It was a period so long ago, I would never be able to place a specific date. Sleep is, and will always be, unimportant to me. It just gets in the way of what I can accomplish. Most, if not all teenagers, sleep away half of the day, before getting up to do something productive. Why waste that much time doing that, when you could be learning? Learning about things a twenty year-old wouldn't be able to touch until their thirties. Sleeping is a heavy weakness to all, but not to me. And then you may wonder... Where are the bags under my eyes? Why am I not dead, or collapsing all over? It's all about the science of humanoid beauty. All demons, vampires, angels and gods are born with a gene that enables them to become eye-catching. Unique, yet a beauty that humans could only achieve with their starved models and photoshop. Our bodies are made to heal imperfections when we desire a fix in them. So if you had a cool battle scar on your cheek, you could potentially keep it forever, if you didn't mentally wish for it to disappear. “Lady Bernkastel, what are you doing…?” I remove my gaze from the pieces of glass on the floor, to the door that hadjust opened. Two startled servants are looking at me curiously, with a longtable in their arms. Judging from the hole portrayed in the balcony window, itwas made by a large object of sorts, being thrown out. This must have been thatlarge object. It’s a miracle the table itself appears unharmed, but I do notexpect things made by the Gods to be as easy to break, anyhow. Standing back upand removing my gloves, I look at them calmly. “I was cleaning up,” The two servants, one with brown eyesand hair and the other with black hair and gold eyes, hurry themselves into theroom, and fix the table back into place. Then they’re apologizing. Apologizingfor the mess, and not being here to cater to my needs. I resist the urge tosmile, and keep the blank calmness on my face instead. They act as though theyhad broken a jillion rules which were punishable by death. Before they couldcontinue, I raise my hand out. They shut up immediately. “You were doing your job, and you went to get the table Ryuuthrew out. You are not at fault.” This soothes down their expression, when theyget this reassurance. For the rest of the clean-up, we are silent. The servantsreplace the glass door, while I go down on my hands and knees to pick up thesplinters of glass. One would think this to be insulting, but I find it to benot. I am simply showing a kindness by lowering myself down. The servants don’teven object outwardly. And this was when Xavier came in; with servants still scrambling around toreplace the breakfast lost to Ryuu’s gesture, and me throwing a handful ofglass away into the disposal. I straighten my hat out, and look him overcarefully. I can immediately tell the difference between a clean Xavier, andthe Xavier from last night. Moving closer to greet, I can also notice hisscent. Much more appropriate for one in the God’s Land. “Good morning, Xavier.” My smooth voice says. If I had any expressionpreviously, it is gone now. “Ryuu decided to throw breakfast out the window. As per usual,” I explain when I see his eyes trail to the servants. “How about we serve ourselves and have breakfast? |
I growled slightly as she taunted me, it was too early, and I was still barely awake. "Look, I know I have your powers and all, but I don't to become all lazy off of them, I'm already pretty lazy right now. I don't like depending on people, and I only made an exception for you, since you are the closest person I have, and because I would probably be killed without your help. That doesn't mean I need you 24/7.... crap I forgot something..." I pushed the button for my room again and walked immediately to the bathroom, stopping only to turn and tell Mammon to stay out.
I took a pretty quick shower, since I was still very hungry, but I didn't want to be all smelly and stuff before the training even started. The funny thing about this was that I didn't even sweat, for some reason and whether good or bad I didn't know, or care. Turning the water off I dried myself quickly and got changed into a shirt and a pair of jeans, both resembling my clothing that I already been wearing when I arrived the other day. The jacket was still the same though, although it smelled nice indicating that it had been washed and how those people got it done that fast is still a mystery to me. My hair was still damp, and shined as if someone had spilled glitter all over it as I stepped back into the elevator, this time waiting for Mammon to come before I pushed the button for the dining hall. It opened up to a very large room, complete with some very fancy furniture and a long table. I sat myself down randomly on one of the chairs and ordered my omelet, taking another look around the place, and for a second I almost felt like I was disrespecting it by eating there. Almost. I ate large servings, sizes which might have even rivaled the appetite of Ryuu the Demon, but not quite, and I did not allow any food to get on my cloths, the table, or the floor. When I was done, I stood and thanked my servers for the meal before turning and walking out of the room just as casually as I had waltzed in. I waved to a passing Nokoto, and stepped into the elevator, pushing the training area button, rolling my neck and cracking my knuckles. Time to show off. |
Chapter 3.5 - Scarlet Uiromo - Vampire District
"Mhm, you bet it will," I taunted back. He was a pain in my arse to deal with, but no way was I staying silent. I was gonna have fun if he persisted with his lame vampire jokes. "Hey a**hole, reread Twilight. Apparently, we sparkle." I wiggled my fingers out to imitate sparkling. Not only was I messing with him, but the idiocy of the humans. What the Hell were they thinking when they wrote THAT? I think the best vampire story I've heard about was Dracula. Damn right. Skewering humans on spears and sacrificing women on an altar. Castles were wonderful things, too. Maybe when I win, I'll have a nice castle on the hillside, with spears sticking out of the flower garden. "Oh, you're such a moron... In the end, you'll be kissing my ass and BEGGING me not to whip yours too hard." I leaned forward, and gave him a fanged smirk. "Who wants me to drive?" Hah! A God, driving? That would be entertaining. They only had the fancy limousines because they showed POWER and AUTHORITY. Did we have cars? Not really. Maybe five throughout the entire district. "Why not have your servant drive us? Tired of being a lazy fatass?" I think I went overboard with that one, because at that moment, he approached me as I was coming outside with Cyro. This made me stop, and stare up at him. He was much taller than myself, for obvious reasons. And then he downgraded me. He knelt down on one knee, and took on the form of a father having a talk with her daughter about respect or some crap like that. But his expression was not of a father. It was of enjoyable, murderous intent. "Perhaps it is because my servant will be driving another car...? Which gives you plenty of room to sit up front with me. You can sit in the passenger seat." His eyes flashed, but I only crossed my arms. So what? Back in the day, kids would whine until they were able to sit up front with the driver! What was so special about that particular seat? It dawned on me that maybe he was hinting that I was some whining child. I stuck my chin up in defiance, and looked him dead in the eye. "Tch. I'm not gonna sit beside an ugly giant!" To my amazement, he actually smiled, and stood back up. I was smirking back; knowing I had won. I was beginning to flaunt back at Akira, when Natruo's hand hand brushed my stomach, and grabbed at the collar of my dress. First, it was shock. Then anger. Then horror. Within two seconds, he pulled me into the air by a single hand. Instinctively, my hands grabbed and clawed at his wrist; urging him to let go. "Let go, you stupid--" And that was when he slammed me into the building's exterior wall. I felt the material crumble at my back, while my lungs felt the air being pressed out my throat. I made a small, choked sound, and stared at him. He was holding me back calmly. With one hand, while the other inspected the small bit of dirt which had gotten underneath his fingernails. My eyes slowly looked down at my stomach, and it took everything I had not to scream in fright. A stake made of metal had been plunged through my back, right through. I was skewered cleanly to the wall, and if Natruo let go, or pulled me off, my blood would rain like a fountain. I felt myself become pale, as all the blood and cells rushed to heal the wound. If it healed, then It would simply be broken through again when I came away from the wall. "B-bastard," Damnit. I stuttered. His head tilted down, before the most devious of smiles washed across his lips. "It was not an option, Scarlet Uiromo. You play by my rules now. This is my game board." My eyes widened in horror. He couldn't do this! I had a contract with the government and... "Do you understand, little girl~?" I nodded slowly. I just wanted to get this stake out of me, and heal myself up. He smiled wider to show his perfect white teeth; releasing his grip on me. My heart rised up into my throat, as I felt myself fall and hit my knees on the cement. Oh God... The skewer. It ripped me. it ripped me!! My hands went to my stomach to stop the bleeding. And that was when I realized something much too horrible. There was no wound. There was no blood. There was no pain, and there was not a metal stake, in sight. Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District (To Be Editted) |
Chapter 3.5 - Marisa Ryunatta - Vampire District
I paused outside the elevator, and stared at the boy who wasbusy destroying a few trees. He was like Natruo. They were both about the sameheight, and they both were physical fighters. But which was worse? The Game Designeror the demon dubbed as ‘The Rhino’? I pondered this as I slowly made my wayaround Ryuu, and over to one of the barriers supporting the camouflage equipment.Berry juices and leaves; things that would allow you to blend in with nature.Picking off a stick over by the make-shift forest just across from it, I gentlytossed the stick at the barrier. Like a bouncy ball, the stick reflected off,and went flying back over to the forest. I smiled happily at this discovery. “Uu, we’ll stay,” I answered. “Everyone’s gonna be here soon~!” And with thatstatement, I took a stance, and ran at the barrier. At the last minute, Ijumped into it; body tilted slightly. Just like the stick, the barrier releaseda sort of energy which had me fly off instantaneously with a touch. You couldn’tsay I exactly made impact. Unlike the stick, however, my trip through the airwas much more graceful. Within about four seconds, I found myself falling intothe branches of a nearby tree. The barrier had catapulted me across. I actuallyFLEW for a few seconds…! Excited and with a few twigs attempting to snag me, Ipoked my head through the leaves and waved at Kerin. “That was so FUN! Au au!” I giggleduncontrollably, and sunk back into hiding. I felt like an animal; a cat,perhaps. My eyes adjusted to the insides of the tree’s coverage, and I stealthymoved myself around; only getting caught a few times thanks to my dress. Then,I was hopping. It paid to be small and light. The branches did not break underthe weight of my body, and maneuvering through the tree was as easy as a play-structure.Within a few minutes, I had gone to the other side of the forest, and was nowpeering down at the demon. Sure, he could topple trees down with his sheerphysical strength, but I doubted that he could climb as easily as me. He hadpower, and I could just avoid him entirely. Well, if there were trees. The arenacould be basically anything; a snowy mountain top, to a blazing, endless desert.All I needed was a forest. It didn’t matter if they were pine trees or oak. Icould sleep up on the tallest branches, away from Ryuu. If he attempted to takedown my tree, I could simply hop into another. Ryuu didn’t seem to know anymagic, so he would have to PHYSICALLY get me, in order to harm me. Then again…Weren’t we going to be chained together? If that was the case, wouldn’t it bedifficult to get even a metre from him? But there must be some way to get ridof the chains that would bind us. Natruo would have to be pretty messed up tohave a small girl tied to a giant for a killing spree. And Ryuu didn’t seemlike the kind of person to coo over how cute I was. He’d beat my face in withina millisecond. Chapter 3.5 - Mammon - Underworld "Look, I know I have your powers and all, but I don't to become all lazy off of them. I'm already pretty lazy right now. I don't like depending on people, and I only made an exception for you, since you are the closest person I have, and because I would probably be killed without your help. That doesn't mean I need you 24/7.... Crap I forgot something..." Startled, I watched as we went back up to his room. I followed him, yet I knew not to follow him into the washroom. Come on, I wasn't gonna follow him EVERYWHERE. "Hmph..." As he showered, I leaned myself back against his bed. So... He was lazy? Hardly in my eyes. Let's see, he took his time to come over to the Demon's Tower and eavesdrop on Bernkastel... Then he trained without myself having to motivate him... Nope. Not lazy. As for that other bit. It startled me. Okay, so I was the closest person he had... I kind of felt honored. Did he not have friends back in the Human District? Surely he did... Right? I sat myself up the moment the washroom door opened up. That was possibly the quickest shower in the history of showers. Even Zane, who wasn't particularly fond of water, took a good fifteen minutes underneath the shower head. I was half-expecting a load of steam to rush out from behind my contractor. You know, the water turned to mist when it hit his skin? Yes, I expected his skin to be warm enough to do that. Especially after his whole 'sun-boy' phase. He didn't even bother to dry his hair... Hm. Sticking close to Raike, I followed him down to the dining room. I didn't even both hiding my appearance, since there were only servants around at this point. I guessed that everyone else was still in bed. Typical. There was really no point in me eating, either. Though I could digest food normally, it really wouldn't do much good for me. I didn't need food and water to survive. However, that did not mean that I didn't like food. It was alright. So instead, I occupied mysel with watching the curious behavior of the human before me. Raike didn't need to know this, but this was the longest period of time I've ever spent with a human. Fascinating creatures, they were. Definitely Raike. He seemed to be making sure he left the place as clean as possible, save his plate and untensils. Not a single speck on anything else. In any case, the servants appreciated it, so I decided to not think much on it. Thanking them simply because Raike hyad, I left with him. However... "Shi--" I jumped; immediately shapeshifting myself into my signature red mist, and slipping into Raike's arm. Not exactly his skin, but something ON his skin. A tattoo. Not an animal like Lucifier's, but a intricate spiral of designs. The most common shape being triangles. The reason why I had removed myself from view? Nokoto. I was not going to expose myself to any competitors unless given permission by Bernkastel or Raike. She didn't notice. She waved a greeting to Raike, and helped herself to a seat for breakfast. "....." I waited until we were in the elevator alone, to speak. "You know, you'll get arthritis by doing that," I commented; obviously talking about how he was cracking his knuckles. When we were finally inside the training center, I was surprised to find exactly three other people there. Well, only two could be seen, really. Ryuu and Kerin. However, hiding inside a tree near the demon, was the little girl named Marisa. I was more transfixed on Ryuu, though. He was the one that beat me to the ground thanks to Bernkastel. Inwardly, I grinned. "Permission to mess with Ryuu?" I asked Raike. "I'd like to see how pissed he'll be!~" |
Miharu tensed, suddenly waking up. She felt for her knife under her bed, feeling that the room was off. When she opened her eyes, she glanced around and finally she remembered that she was now in the population games. How strange, the fact that she had been randomly sent here. She knew that she had pretty much been condemned to death, but she would fight. And if she was going to die, at least take someone out with her.
Miharu shifted, her bare feet touching the ground quietly as she got up from her bed. She pulled off her pajamas and put her regular clothes back on, hiding her knives and senbons, before putting her katana on her back. Today was a training day if she remembered correctly. She would have to make sure to only show a third of her strength in order to get people to underestimate her. She stepped outside the door and into the hallway. It seemed fairly quiet, although people should have been awake by now. They could have been down in the dining hall around, or having their own little misadventures. However, Miharu knew that it would probably be best for her to head to the dining hall if no one was there in order to be a..."surprise". Miharu walked to the elevator and waited for it to come. When it came, it was empty(1). She walked inside and pressed the floor in which the dining room was in. When she stepped out, she walked through a hallway before arriving at the dining room. It seemed almost empty, even though the dining hall was huge. She sat down and grabbed some of the fruits that were at the table. She started eating quite calmly, ignoring the others that were there. However, when a "servant" tapped her on the shoulder, she stopped. "Um, Miss?" questioned one of the "servants". "The training ground is a mile away from here and you need to be there soon." Miharu glanced at her barely eaten breakfast and nodded. "Sorry that I made you have to clean up more." The "servant" shook her head. "No, it is quite alright. You should hurry before you're late." Miharu nodded, standing up. She half bowed to the "servant" who bowed back in slight shock before leaving. If she jogged, she would be there in about twelve minutes. |
Akira should have been angered at the remark, but he let it slide, he knew that eventually if this girl continued to be snarky, then karma would kick in and she would get what was coming to her. Yeah, even to himself, Akira sounded hypocritical, but he knew where to draw the line. He would rather kill himself than kiss the ass of this little girl. He didn’t even have the patience to read the first book of Twilight, the writing was absolutely shocking and all it ended up being was a giant novel about teen angst and how important it is to have a boyfriend.
To his amazement, this vamp girl continued to get snarky to Natruo, did she want a death sentence? He thought to himself. Even Akira was smart enough to not to mess with a God. It didn’t last too long though. He watched, first in excitement as Natruo began tear the girl down, but later in horror as he grabbed her like a little rag doll, slamming her against the outside wall. Akira stood stunned, sure the girl deserved this for getting snarky to him, but this soon all seemed a bit out of control to Akira and things were rapidly turning for the worse. Something inside of Akira moved and his entire mind set shifted from being sarcastic and amused, to outright horrified. The longer Natruo held her there, the more Akira began to feel uncomfortable in the Gods’ presence and more worried about the vamp girl. Yeah, she may have been snarky to Akira in retaliation, but the fact that Natruo was going this far stirred Akira; what he had done now seemed to be way out of line and a bit extreme. And for the time being, Akira forgot the fact that this vampire was a verbal adversary, instead focusing on the facts at hand; Natruo was injuring nothing but a little girl. Snapping out of shock, he walked over as Natruo let the girl slide to the ground, and stood between Natruo and the cowling vamp girl with wings fully extended. “I respect you Natruo, but what you have just done is disgusting. Sure, this little vamp girl was running her mouth at you, but to throw her against the wall? Man, you are sick.” Akira was now incredibly angry at Natruo for harming a female, he was holding himself back out of fear for what the God would do if he let himself get overwhelmed by his emotions. Akira turned to see the girl fumbling around her stomach for a wound that wasn’t there which puzzled Akira, most likely it would have been her back that hurt. “I would advise not to mouth off to Gods, it was a very stupid idea.” He spoke in a condescending tone. Akira turned back to the God whom he assumed was not too pleased about Akira’s sudden act of interference, “Now, could we head to the training room please, Natruo-sama?” he asked politely, still fearful of what the God could do to him. Akira’s heart beat a hundred beats a minute as he waited for the God’s response; the other new participants standing there gawking at the scene that had unfolded. “You coming or not?” he asked sarcastically. |
Without much of a care in the world, Marisa ran from Kerin's side to go play in... the trees. Though Kerin had to learn to not be so smothering of people (and Bern's necklace was very much helping with the whole 'guilt if someone got hurt thing' (and boy, did it feel weird)), he saw this as very much a bad idea. There, below Marisa, was a outrageously uncontrollable, angry demon boy who liked breaking things. Who knew when he'd change his next thing to break to a small girl? Well, if Marisa's vision was true, then she's be chained to this brute at the beginning of the games. So wouldn't getting on his good side (if he actually had one) be a better idea than pissing him off by doing... weird things? Kerin shook his head slowly but gasped and ran forward as Marisa's landing was not quite so smooth. In a tree.
"Marisa!" Kerin called out as she waved back at him and disappeared into the trees. Oh god. What was she going to do? Play a prank? Mess around? Annoy the piss out of Ryuu? Hopefully not. She should be alright for now, right? Ryuu probably couldn't catch her. She was small, probably fast. Well, Ryuu was kind of fast but his lack of wings made it hard for him to fly up in a tree effectively. He'd have to climb. Or break the damn tree. Kerin heard a voice behind him and spun around, only to see a human boy. A human? Kerin frowned a little at the absence of regret. Usually, when he saw a human, his memories flooded back and made him all angsty and what not. This time? Nothing. Kerin made a mental note he'd really have to thank Bern later. "Hi, uh," Kerin stumbled for a second. What was his name? Oh god. Uh. Rain? Sky? Uh... It was something Japa-- oh! It was, "Raike." He had no idea how he remembered that. Usually, Kerin was very bad with names. His mind floated back to Marisa and he looked back at the trees, having no idea at all where she was. He could probably find her with his sense of smell and his non-human eyes but she was too far away for a good scent and she practically blended into the trees. He called out to her. "Marisa, where'd you go?" |
Ryuu lost track of the number of trees he brought down. His arms ached a bit, as he used his forearms mostly upon impact. But it was the good sort of pain. The pain you experienced when taking off very tight shoes, or sitting up the first time after getting a beating. It was nice. Ryuu always preferred a bit of pain in some parts of his body than none at all. It reminded him that he was there. It reminded him that he was alive.
Ryuu noticed a girl, the vampire Marisa around now. If there was anything he hated more than annoying people, it was annoying people that interrupted him. If there was anything he hated more than annoying people interrupting him, it was annoying people that interrupting him while exercising. The girl seemed to somehow fly into the sky, and then a moment later, was gone. Ryuu shook his head, eager, almost begging himself to go and look for the girl and break her like the trees, but he decided he wouldn't go to any unnecessary lengths to fight them just yet. Just yet. But then he heard another vampire, the one that was always near the girl. He didn't remember his name, but he remembered his face. He called out to the girl. Ryuu turned to him, except he didn't see a vampire. He saw a log. A log that spoke and seemed to move and walk. It stood upright, this log, and had four branches, two at it's side, and two on the bottom for support, and a leaf on top. It was clear as day. Ryuu was hallucinating. No, he wasn't, he was only making his mind see what he wanted to see, and that was a vampire, Kerin, transform into a tree. If there was a God, and if he made signs, it was a simple one for Ryuu. Keep doing what you're doing. Hit the log. Its just another tree. Ryuu positioned himself as he smiled eagerly at the "log", and charged forward. He screamed a sort of war cry as his did, a triumphant smile on his face before he even reached him. What did you expect? He didn't get along well with others. They were trees to him. |
Chapter 3.5 - Natruo - God's District
“I respect you Natruo, but what you have just done is disgusting. Sure, this little vamp girl was running her mouth at you, but to throw her against the wall? Man, you are sick.” Oh the irony... Didn't anyone watch the Population Games? I clicked my tongue against the top of my mouth, as my eyes surveyed the angel. Stereotypical angel? Not quite. There was an air about him much different from, say, Amelia. Not quite as dark as Ryuu, but still dark enough for an angel. His hair, especially counted towards this. His eyes? No... They were probably the only bit of him that actually looked angelic and soft. But that was it. The rest looked... Kind of like... Punk-styled? Either way, he was probably the darkest-looking angel this year. 'Boy... Won't that be fun seeing Amelia and Akira in the same room together....' The girl was still touching her stomach in shock, when the angel spoke to her; noting on her obvious act of stupidity. But then again... Akira had just previously been stupid in saying that he was 'sick' and what he had done was 'disgusting'. Ha. It's my job. Why couldn't anyone understand that? I was paid to abuse the other species. And even better, I took pleasure in doing so. “Now, could we head to the training room please, Natruo-sama?” What the heck was he trying to accomplish? One moment calling me sick, and the next implying respect and manners. Odd child... Heaving a loud sigh, I looked at the crumpled Scarlet, then the other participants which hadn't caused me so much trouble. "Look here, Akira. I really don't give a damn if something is disgusting in your eyes. Ever watched the Poppy Games before? I made limbs blow off at the press of a button. In any case. There are five of you. Meaning, one of your lives is expendable to before the games begin. I would all watch yourselves in training, because I will not stop my personal favorite from beating you to a peaches' pulp." Ignoring Akira's guard, I circled around the angel back to the startled vampire. "Up you go," I easily lifted the girl to her feet. She didn't even speak. She was still touching her stomach in bewilderment. I led her with a hand on her shoulder, to the limo. "You. You're gonna go with her," I shoved my thumb in the other vampire's direction, and then back at the vehicle. He obeyed without question, and slid in beside Scarlet. I closed the door behind him, and went over to driver's side. "Take them to the training arena for me," And the servant drove off. I took my attention to the last three. "Have any of you ever teleported before~?" Obviously not. |
The first thing Xavier came in and saw, servants running around as if their heads were cut off trying to pick up some shards of glass, and Bern doing the exact opposite, calmly picking up her share. Why would Bern break...? His thought was cut off by her moving up to greet him. “Good morning, Xavier.” Smooth and emotionless. Just like his. "Good morning, Bernkastel." Then came the explanation for the glass. "Ryuu decided to throw breakfast out the window. As per usual." Xavier's eyes trailed back over to the servants, nodding at her proposal for breakfast. He sat down at a spot in the middle of the table, and he silently watched as Bern did the same. Their eyes met for a few seconds, before Xavier's went back to mindlessly staring at the wall. A servant quickly came for his order, apologizing for the wait. "It's not a problem... I'll have pancakes please..." The servant seemed to be taken aback from the 'it's not a problem'. She even gasped as she heard the notion of 'please'. Jeez... It's not like he was worshipping her feet. He was just being polite. Xavier watched the girl run out of the room, flustered, and he went to thinking aimlessly about his predicament. The population games.
Now... What was the point of fighting in this rigged event? Earlier the previous day, on the helicopter ride, Bernkastel had said that they were all set to die. All of them. Because they were all supposedly 'rebels'. Xavier rolled his eyes mentally and physically. It was that idiotic that a) the government would think he was a rebel of all the people, and b) that all the other competitors seemed to have forgotten this. They're all going to fall to the Governent as if they were mindless ants... Well, ants weren't mindless, but you know what he meant. Easy to kill. Very easy at that. Well, unless they were Argentine Ants... Hm! A metaphorical lightbulb lit over his head. A rebellion in the districts would be like a Super colony of Argentine Ants! His mine recalled more detailed information on Argentine ants. 'Argentine ants have been extraordinarily successful, in part, because different nests of the introduced Argentine ants seldom attack or compete with each other, unlike most other species of ant. In their introduced range, their genetic makeup is so uniform that individuals from one nest can mingle in a neighboring nest without being attacked. Thus, in most of their introduced range they form supercolonies. Some ants have an extraordinary social organization, called unicoloniality, whereby individuals mix freely among physically separated nests. This type of social organization is not only a key attribute responsible for the ecological domination of these ants, but also an evolutionary paradox and a potential problem for kin selection theory because relatedness between nest mates is effectively zero.' (This is exactly what Xavier is thinking, to let you know.) With all of the species in the districts coming together, they could in turn become their own 'supercolony'! Just like Argentine ants! His mind dug even deeper. 'Due to their nesting behavior and presence of numerous queens in each colony, it is generally impractical to spray Argentine ants with pesticides or to use boiling water as with mound building ants. Spraying with pesticides has occasionally stimulated increased egg-laying by the queens, compounding the problem.' And like a rebellion, the efforts to put them down would only make them fight harder, they couldn't be poisoned, and the only way to fight them would be to mindlessly stomp individually. They had tons of strength, but most importantly, the districts had more than enough numbers. And that's when it all made sense. The POPULATION games. It all clicked. It all made sense. Xavier just dechiphered something very important out of an Argentine ant analogy. Wow. And then, Xavier came back down to Earth as he saw his food laid out in front of him. Hot and steamy pancakes, smothered in maple syrup, and a little bit of butter. Xavier's stomach audibly growled, earning a giggle from the female servant from before. "Thank you..." He blushed a tiny bit from her giggle, and he quickly began to eat his pancakes. His chocolate brown eyes moved up to find Bern eating a peach, and staring back at him with a curious look in her emerald eyes. Well, it still looked blank to anyone else, but he could read her eyes. It was weird how it worked. For the first time, he spoke up first. "...Are we all required to train, Bern...? If not, I plan to go read in my room after I'm done eating..." |
When Raike didn't answer right away, Kerin went back to searching for Marisa. With his eyes and provided she moved around frequently, he would be able to find her. Unfortunately for him, she was as stealthy as she was tiny and his brief search came back fruitless. He worried about her, and he worried about what Ryuu was going to do with her when they were chained. He wouldn't kill her, because then he'd have to carry her around (the thought of Ryuu pulling around Marisa's dead body made him grit his teeth together) unless... he broke her hand off (and that thought made him even more angry). He'd keep her around until he found out a way to separate the two of them, but the way Marisa talked about it... how were they connected? Handcuffed, wasn't it? What would happen if the cuffs were weak and easily breakable or if Ryuu was disgusting enough to pull... to p-pull off Marisa's arm? Kerin wouldn't let that happen. Whatever happened to him, he'd find Marisa no matter what. Speaking of Ryuu, where did he go?
When he came back to the world around him, he had just enough time to realise that there was that angry, teenaged demon he was wondering about running at him with a manic grin on his face. Kerin blinked once in surprise then darted to his left out of the way, just missing the brute force of the demon and letting Ryuu run into whatever was behind Kerin. What the hell?! Kerin wasn't a tree! Though, he felt a little like a bullfighter thanks to the way that Ryuu had ran at him. "What the hell?!" Kerin looked back at the demon, his own face tangled into one mixed of confusion and surprise. "What was that for?!" |
Chapter 3.5 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
“Good morning, Bernkastel.” His tone matched mine right tothe period at the end; monotone, and as blank as a piece of paper. He remindedme so much of myself, actually. The voice and he didn’t seem like too much of aspeaker. Though he came out as almost sullen, that wasn’t the case. He waskind, but he kept to himself too much to show it. He always had a glint in hiseyes like he was in deep thought over something… Surely he was good at magic.Then again, we were also different. He grew up in a small house away fromeveryone; without knowing the comfort of either of his parents. He lived alone.Me? I was well off even before my participations in the Population Games. I hadbasically everything that everyone wanted. Even outside the Demon District. Everyvictor got a piece of land in the God’s District. Treated like celebrities,they were. Grand mansions and servants to cater to your every need… I found myself following him back to the table; watching the servants fix the glass door easily with the flick of their fingers. They may be ‘just servants’to some, but they were powerful; powerful because they had to train in magic todo their tasks for that day. Have you ever seen a servant slow down time to fix a falling vase back into place? I have. It was really quite extraordinary. If even a handful of servants rebelled against the Gods alongside all the other districts, we would win. It was just that simple. Servants were common-base these days. Everyone in the God’s Realm had at least one. Their population just might well exceed the number of humans left. After the whole bombings and changes, the population of that particular species had dropped like nothing before. A million maybe lived now out of a previous four billion. As for the other species, there hadn’t been too many to begin with; especially in the sense of the vampires. Hunted down and killed thanks to human folklore about them all being evil, blood-sucking monsters. Demons weren’t hunted because they simply frightened the humans. So they instead shunned them out from everyone and everything. Angels got plenty of privileges. They were given offers and prayers.Food and housing for hardly a dime. Quite unfair, in my eyes. And the Population Games were going to be so extremely cruel this year. You would think a few teenagers dying in the games wouldn’t do too much to thepopulation, but it did. Women were extremely hesitant to have children. Theworry of having your thirteen-year-old killed on live television exceeded theneed to hold a baby tight against their chest. Fewer children meant thatwhoever was left had a higher chance of participation. Fewer women to havechildren, and even then, anyone close to those certain teens would commitsuicide. The God’s were doing almost too well of a job. But that wasn’t all. “I require that you train, so that counts… Sounds nice,though.” Finishing off my peach and cleaning off my hands, I looked at Xavier. Histranslation of my eyes now would be something along the lines of ‘intense’ and ‘serious’. “You need to convince the vampires that you’re worth taking under their… Wings.” Okay fine. Vampires don’t have wings, but you get the point. “I already know you’re worth so, but they don’t. I have an alliance withthree of them already. What I need, is for them to ask you instead of me having to ask them. You need to participate in training today. Because tomorrow,nobody will get the chance." |
"Mayb-" I was about to reply to Mammon about the matter of annoying Ryuu, when speak of the devil, the demon started charging at one of the vampires... Kerin I think, like he was some kind of log. I looked around, and saw that Ryuu had already knocked down a number of trees, and they did not look very good, seeing as their trunks were splintered and broken every kind of way. I almost felt sorry for them, but he obviously took no pity, on anyone or anything because to him, all that mattered was his ability to fight. He was a bloodthirsty warrior no doubt, but he lacked the ability to restrain himself, even challenging a god, which I imagined didn't go too well. Now, since he was out of trees and such to smash, he had begun charging at the two innocent vampires, apparently really believing that they were just plain logs.
It didn't matter really, who Ryuu was attacking, or why he was attacking him, he had just given me a reason to attack. Moving with swift precision, I positioned myself in front of Kerin and planted my feet firmly on the ground, readying myself for the charge of the bull. I imagined that it would feel as if 10 trains were plowing into me from the same direction at the same time... could be worse. My brain felt differently, and so instead of going with my irrational plan of taking that hit, I decided to aim a steel plated kick to his head and see what that did to that hard head, maybe knock some sense into it. At the speed he was going, it would probably feel like running into a steel wall.- |
Xavier continued his silent gaze towards Bernkastel, awaiting her response to his training requirement question. His blank lips amost turned into a frown the second she told him that he has to. And it was the fact that she was requiring him to train that sort of bothered him. Isn't it pretty obvious that Xavier doesn't want to train? He feels as if he doesn't need to anyhow, nor does he want to go see any of the other people. All he wished to do was keep to himself, let everyone do their thing (As long as it doesn't involve him), and think. It wasn't really much to ask for... She was the same way wasn't she? Bernkastel didn't seem to talk much to others, yet here she is, talking to him... He didn't get that either. The victor sitting before him was a confusing one indeed. His lips turned to form a tiny frown. Xavier didn't want to have more people to deal with than he already had. And... Erm, he didn't exactly want to be with Mr. Overprotective, and Ms. Girl-who-acts-as-if-she's-an-eight-year-old-when-she's-actually-at-least-thirteen. They were a little... Odd to say the least.
"....May I ask why you are putting effort into helping myself...? I don't know you, you don't owe me, and I haven't done anything for you...." Xavier's eyes matched her seriousness, and his fingers seemed to tap the table a little impatiently. "....?" |
Chapter 3.5 - Bernkastel Vermillia - Demon District
"....May I ask why you are putting effort into helping myself...? I don't know you, you don't owe me, and I haven't done anything for you...." "... Is it odd? Preferably, I would like my allies to stay alive for quite some time... You may not know about me, but I know about you. As for that last bit... Mm." It took energy for me to come up with such an answer on the spot. I mean... How could you possibly explain why you'd want to keep your ally alive? So they could help you, of course. However, Xavier may probably not mind if I died. That's where it was... Lop-sided. "I have an alliance with them, as I already stated... I would hate to have to protect an ally from an ally. That would prove to be difficult..." Exactly as much. I didn't need the vampires stumbling upon Xavier and slaughtering him because they didn't have an alliance. Even if they didn't exactly do that, it would be nice to have a ring of allies for better performance. "Trust me. I've been in these games twice already... My entire purpose for participation like the last years has been lost. Thus, I owe protection to yourself and any others whom could... Somehow survive the tradegy." Too bad I was obligated to talk more to Xavier than anyone else. With a single hand, I reached underneath the table, and pulled something out for Xavier to see. An alchemy necklace made of beautiful red and blue stones. "Here," I pass it over to him carefully. "For you," I then take my leave; thanking my servers and cleaning up whatever mess I had made of my dining area. Tucking my chair in, I breathed out one last thing to Xavier. "I'm sorry you never got to know your parents. I'm sure they were wonderful people..." And I left; entering the elevator. Now to see what kind of mess Ryuu had caused already... |
Ryuu seemed to get an even bigger grin on his face as he realized the oncoming demon was noticed by the vampire. Ryuu always...'cherished', for lack of a better word, the expression on the faces of his victims when they realized he was about to come crashing into them, or he was about to stomp them, or (insert horribly brutal action here). In the vampire's case, his face exhibited the shock associated with what appeared to be a random act of violence. The vampire jumped out of the way, just in time. He was fast. But in his stead was the human from the plain who appeared, Raike. Ryuu kept grinning, admiring the human's sheer guts as he stood his ground and lifted his foot, prepared to take the hit, and return it too.
Ryuu was about to feel pain, but the amount the hit would do to Raike because of the momentum would be substantially more. Ryuu liked the pay-off. Some pain, in equivalence to a lot more to the opponent. And it was a human. The day just kept getting better and better. In a sudden crash of momentum and force, Ryuu plummeted into the human Raike, taking the hit of the leg to the face, a crushing blow. He overcame his leg, and his body continued going into Raike as he was sent flying from the momentum of it. Ryuu eventually halted and came to a stop as he fell from the force of the kicked. His face hurt and throbbed, most likely to be bruised as he got up slowly. He was in a lot of pain. He could only imagine what he did to Raike. At this point, Kerin was mouthing something off to Ryuu, probably something along the lines of 'why' or something like that, but Ryuu was far too 'gone' to be paying attention. He stood up now fully and looked at the direction where he expected Raike to be. The hit from both of them colliding has caused the nearby trees to break apart like twigs. Those further away were bent or cracked. Ryuu shouted loudly, now pumped up. "Come on, human! I'd be disappointed if you were down because of just THAT! Get back here and fight!" He said, screaming across the sea of trees. He acknowledged the vampire closeby him now. He looked over him briefly too, screaming at him. "I'll do what I want, when I want to, vampire! You have a problem with that? Then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!" He yelled at him, still waiting for Raike to fight him now, while also trying to provoke Kerin into a fight as well. |
"Look here, Akira. I really don't give a damn if something is disgusting in your eyes. Ever watched the Poppy Games before? I made limbs blow off at the press of a button. In any case. There are five of you. Meaning, one of your lives is expendable to before the games begin. I would all watch yourselves in training, because I will not stop my personal favorite from beating you to a peaches' pulp." It seemed to Akira that Natruo was blackmailing him, threatening him more like it, so Akira took the time to start keeping his mouth closed; mentally noting to be especially careful around this particular God.
Akira hadn’t been a big fan of the Population Games, but he had seen enough of them to know what they were about. Each time the contestants were chosen, Akira was always somewhere in the crowd, dragged there by at least one of his parents. The last time the contestants had been chosen, Akira had managed to escape the public humiliation of being chosen, only to be later disrupted at home when they came for him while his parents were out. Sure he had watched a couple of episodes with his parents, but he preferred to do something more constructive than watch teenagers kill each other. To him, it was a sadistic way of population control; one they could get away with. Despite being an Angel, Akira hated, no, greatly disliked everything about the world; the Gods, the Demons and Vampires, even the disgusting Humans and even much of his own race. The world to him was one rotting cesspit. Akira was only really participating in the Population Games in a bid to feel better about his past; somehow competing in the Population Games seemed like his only solace. Akira snapped back to reality; retracting his wings and swivelling around to find where Natruo had moved to. Once the limousine moved from its place, Akira saw the God looking back at Akira and the two other participants behind him. Putting two and two together, Akira realised that the little vamp girl and her vamp brother had gone to the training centre in the car, leaving himself, two others and a God alone. "Have any of you ever teleported before~?" Natruo asked the three contestants, and keeping with the idea of keeping his mouth shut around the God, simply shook his head in a gesture of ‘no’. |
-It hurt, like a mother******, my body felt skinned in a hundred places, but of course I was exaggerating. There were no broken bones through, miraculously considering I had just taken a direct charge from a human Rhino and lived. The trees had split apart when we both collided but I was pretty sure I was the one who took the most damage from the contact. The training grounds were fine, except for the fallen trees, and the hole in the wall that I had smashed into. It was monstrous, the amount of power that this guy possessed but there was one thing that stood from all the pain and other emotions... I was pissed.
I took hold of the side of the wall closest to me with a grip that caused cracks to form along that side, and slowly lifted myself out of the hole. My own quiet rage was concealed behind a deadly straight face and sub zero glare, and I stood up silently, staring at Ryuu. Suddenly, I broke out in a charge, but something was different, my body felt lighter and I felt way faster, I suspected the contract had something to do with it. I didn't care really, like I said, I was pissed. I charged, and quickly arrived in front of Ryuu, bending sideways and putting down a hand to balance myself I aimed a strong kick towards Ryuu's jaw.- "Know your place!" -Ever since I had entered the helicopter with this guy, he had come off as an self centered, arrogant person who really had no regard for the feelings or pain of others.... kinda like me, but at least I didn't blow up at people and charge them whenever they said something I didn't like, and them pound them into the floor until they became part of it. Besides all the first impressions and things, I just flat out didn't like him, and the way he dealt with certain things he was really like a rhino when he got mad. But then again, maybe I was the dumb one for trying to fight with Ryuu, since it was not really the place for me, a human to attempt going head to head with a demon...- |
"... Is it odd?" Yes, it is. If it wasn't then why would Xavier be asking? "Preferably, I would like my allies to stay alive for quite some time... You may not know about me, but I know about you." Okay, the first part made some sense, but that last part didn't make a shred of sense. How would she know about him? When would she be finding information on him? What would she be doing to get the information she wanted/needed? But, here comes the one question a scientist must always ponder. Why would she know about him? Of course, to keep him alive... But that didn't seem to be the only reason. It was probably the vibes he got from her. Xavier couldn't exactly describe those... Just the fact that they are foreign. Very foreign. He waited for Bern to finish what she was saying.
"I have an alliance with them, as I already stated..." Okay, that makes sense. You wouldn't want your allies attacking your other ally, right? It was easy enough to understand, he wan't an idiot. Far from it actually. "I would hate to have to protect an ally from an ally. That would prove to be difficult..." See? Although, he wished he would've been notified before she accepted to become... aliies with the Vampires. Xavier would've argued against it due to personality clashing, but oh well. Just don't blame him if something goes awry. He didn't know what he would do if he had to go through another guarddog scene with Kerin and Marisa. Xavier could literally feel a tinge of headache snake across his head at the thought of going through that again. He shuddered inwardly. "Trust me. I've been in these games twice already..." Touche, Bernkastel. But there are different ways to play the game. It's just in this one there is no winning. The only way to win is to run. Which is impossible. Fate just wasn't on their side. My entire purpose for participation like the last years has been lost. Thus, I owe protection to yourself and any others whom could... Somehow survive the tradegy." Xavier kept his blank look on her, and he didn't give too much thought on what her reason to be in participation of the games was. He merely thought about it for a few seconds, before dismissing it from his mind completely. It didn't matter. And the same for the second one, they were all going to die. Nobody was working together, nobody seems to remember this fact, and everyone's a puppet. Except... him and Bern it seems. Xavier would more think of themselves as... rats. They weren't puppets, which bend to your every whim and will. They could move around, think for themselves, but because of the situation they're in now, apparently very easy to kill. Not saying, Xavier wants to be a rat, but it's better than being a puppet. He'd rather be something more... majestic. Like a tiger. Xavier's rambling thoughts were interupted by a necklace being presented to his face. "Here. For you." Xavier moved his face a little bit back to get a clearer look at the necklace. A red and blue necklace, Using stones. Quietly, he took it in his hands to examine the work. Appealing, yes, but to be honest, he didn't really wanna wear it. Well, at the moment. He was going to be training, and rule #1 in combat, is don't have something an enemy can easily grasp. So, Xavier had the servant from before bring it up to his room, and he quietly moved into the elevator next to Bernkastel. He completely ignored her parent comment. Irrelevant. And potentially hurtful. You don't just say 'sorry you never met your parents'. He knew that. There's no point. He had nothing to grieve, so no need. She's lucky he isn't the kind to get offended easily. "Thank you for the necklace... I'll stay for up to an hour for training, and if the Vampires don't accept, then they don't accept. Honestly, I don't want to be in an alliance with them, so I'm not gonna make an effort. They either accept me or they don't..." He scratched his nose quietly, standing there nonchalantly as the elevator doors closed. |
"I'll do what I want, when I want to, vampire! You have a problem with that? Then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!"
"I'm not gonna get myself killed trying to make you happy!" Kerin yelled back at Ryuu, his fists clenched in his palms. "I'm not... that." He added under his breath. Why was Ryuu even doing this? To let off some steam? To get over some kind of daddy or sibling issues? Or was he just a retarded psychopath? It seemed most of the people here were like that, ranging from a bloodythirsty Shiro (who could turn mellow at the prick of a needle) to the crazy that was the game master, Natruo. Did anybody have a level head here? Even Bernkastel seemed a little out of her mind. Kerin watched with gritted teeth as Raike got up from his hole in the tree. Though he felt some concern for the kid (he was only human afterall. A human, taking on a demon! Only emphasising what Kerin was thinking earlier), he had brought the fight on himself. Kerin had not asked him to step in front and take a blow, even thought Kerin had managed to dodge it without even making any contact with the demon. What an idiot kid. Ugh! And even going back in for seconds. If it wasn't stupidity, this kid had balls. "Why don't you save the fights for the game?" Kerin yelled at the two. He wasn't going to rush in and intervene, not like he usually did. This was not a bully and a harmless kid. This was an amateur bullfighter playing chicken with a rhinoceros. |
"I'm not gonna get myself killed trying to make you happy!" He heard Kerin yell at him.
"Pah.." was the only response Ryuu issued back at him. He was a coward in Ryuu's eyes, but one way or another, he would get him to fight, he knew that. Ryuu turned back to look at the now charging Raike. Ryuu was thinking of the absurdity of a human charging at him. He was rather excited because of it. Holding his ground, he let the human do his worst, and so the human did, a kic directly to the face, which Ryuu took head on. It was actually a bit surprising. He never knew the humans could pack such a punch, but Raike was actually doing damage. Ryuu loosened his jaw a little from the impact as he heard Raike shout. "Know your place!" At it was that line that got to him. He reached and grabbed for the leg of Raike, and held on tightly. He looked the human in the eyes as he spoke, words seeming to be filled with hatred, as sharp as daggers. "I know my place, human. It's right on top, over your broken corpses. It you humans, and the rest of you who don't seem to know your place. Where you belong..." He said, starting to attempt to toss Raike with all of his might. "...IS BELOW MY FEET!" He said, as he tossed Raike towards a particular tree. Ryuu didn't wait around this time to see if the toss damaged Raike. Instead, he looked up at the particular tree to see Marisa there as well. He remembered suddenly that the vampire Kerin seemed to be attached to her. THAT was the best way of provocation. He turned to look at Kerin now for a second, and pointed to the tree, where Marisa sat. Without another word, he pushed off of the ground, behind him leaving a dent in the ground where he once stood, and charged at the tree, where Raike was tossed and where Marisa sat, hoping in this attack to get both of them at once, and to possibly provoke Kerin into action as well. A maniacal smile was on his face as he screamed and charged, the full force of the Rhino coming at Raike and Marisa. Right now, humans and vampires were going to know their place, Ryuu would make sure of it. (OOC Hope I didn't seem to bunny Raike, I left room for if the toss injured you or not...lemme know if it's alright) |
Physically holding himself back as Ryuu and Raike collided once more, Kerin felt that familiar, hot anger in his face bubbling closely to the surface. But no, he must not intervene like this. To get involved would mean putting himself on the line. He couldn't just throw his life away for a simple fight, there was too much to live for now! He had Marisa to protect, this new alliance with Bernkastel to uphold, he had a dream to live out if he managed to win. A far fetched one at that, but who knows? It could happen. Maybe Bern could help him.
His eyes widened as they fell on a familiar face. Marisa! What was Ry-- oh god no. No, he wouldn't dare try. But he did, dashing off from where he stood to where Marisa could be seen. And there, he was gone. The Kerin who thought things over was gone, replaced with Kerin who fought for not many reasons. With no strategy in mind, he ran after him as fast as he could. He managed to catch up to Ryuu, his legs being powered on his anger alone. Grabbing the demon's collar, he swung him around and threw him in the other direction, away from Raike and Marisa. "This is not how you do things!" he almost screamed after Ryuu, his fists clenched tight, on the verge of making his palms bleed. "This is not how you fight! Marisa didn't do anything! Fight me instead, you ass hole!" |
((Lol no its cool, im glad you're keeping to Ryuu's personality! I would be disappointed if he took that kick quietly, besides, I got to use that line, so im satisfied.))
"I know my place, human. It's right on top, over your broken corpses. It you humans, and the rest of you who don't seem to know your place. Where you belong..." Said Ryuu as he took hold of my leg that had seconds ago clipped his jaw, and was now preparing to throw me. "...IS BELOW MY FEET!" He exclaimed, tossing me in another direction with great force. This had the opposite affect that Ryuu might have planned, because now he had just thrown me like a doll, like I was nothing, and then he insulted my entire race. No freaking way would I let that slide. Pulling out of the tumble of the throw, I righted myself just as I reached the wall, and landed against it in a controlled crouched position making some slight cracks, and then dropped to the ground. My eyes still burned with the same quiet rage I was feeling as I looked and saw Ryuu heading toward one of the trees, which seemed to be holding someone.... it was that little girl! Now I was faster than usual, but I wouldn't be able to get over there in time, I knew that much. Just as I was about to move though, I saw the vampire boy- Kerin, grab Ryuu roughly by the collar and throw him in the opposite direction of the girl, and me. Damn. The kid had an arm, because Ryuu went flying into the air! I found my hand reaching up to touch my arm where the tatto...Mammon resided, and then jumped, hoping that what I was thinking would happen, would happen. And it did. I got some real altitude, catching up to Ryuu after a few seconds and grinning a cold deathly malicious grin at him, silently thanking Kerin for giving me an opening. Without making a smart remark, I quickly launched into a punching combo which concentrated mostly on Ryuu's arms and chest, before kicking with my own two boots right down onto his face, both of us now heading toward the ground once more. My voice harbored as much emotion as my cold steel boot, which was actually heating up now, on account of my fire magic, and soon reaching the heat level of a hot stove on its highest setting, and still climbing. ((Aahhh I left room for Ryuu to like, throw him off or reverse it or something, if it needs changes please tell)) "Who's beneath who's feet now, Rhino?!" |
Ryuu launched himself at the tree, prepared to go full force, when he was suddenly intercepted by Kerin. It was strange. Ryuu was tossed back by the vampire Kerin. He was actually quite strong. Ryuu was surprised, and a bit impressed. A bit. He heard Kerin shout back at him as he was in the air.
"This is not how you do things! This is not how you fight! Marisa didn't do anything! Fight me instead, you ass hole!" Ryuu couldn't help but smile as he was in the air. He had gotten him mad. Good. Now things might get a bit interesting. Suddenly, he was intercepted by a smiling Raike. Ryuu was quite baffled. How did he manage to get so high? Perhaps there was more to the human than he thought. He placed his hands in the way of the oncoming punches, but the bulk of them still managed to get through in the high altitude. Then he kicked down with his boots on Ryuu's face. Ryuu could feel a burning sensation as the two of them had collided in the air, Ryuu's face now burning, and getting hotter. "Who's beneath who's feet now, Rhino?!" He heard the human shout. Before the boots made any permanent marks, he began to grapple and fight back as the two tumbled closer and closer to the ground. Ryuu didn't think he would be able to make it out on top. But if he didn't make it, he sure as hell didn't intend the human to. He grabbed hold of his boots, and brought the human at the same position he was in. Then, he bear hugged him. Staring into his eyes with malice and hatred, Ryuu smiled maliciously at Raike as both of them were about to pummel face first into the ground below. Ryuu the Rhino the demon who was built for pain could survive an impact like this. The question is, could a human? That was what Ryuu was about to find out as he held on to Raike even through the pain of heat seeming to emanate from the him. A few seconds later, there was a large crash, and the two of them crashed into the ground, an enormous crater formed from the impact. Dirt fluttered everywhere, as well as debris from trees. And then, after a few minutes of chaos, everything was quiet. A few seconds later, Ryuu grabbed for a handful of dirt as he pulled himself up from the large crater now formed. He saw no immediate sign of Raike. He huffed a bit as he panted and made his way to a standing position, breathing hard as he looked around the area. What he did next could chill many to the bones. He let out a bloodcurdling scream. Then, he looked at Kerin. Assuming a stance of battle, he accepted his proposition to fight. He had a pretty good idea that Raike wasn't done for completely yet either, which means this might turn out to be a three-way fight, unless of course, the human was out, or dead. Ryuu didn't move at first. It was a rare thing, but Kerin had piqued his interest. He decided, for once, not to charge in and make the first move. Not just yet, anyways. He waited to see what was going to happen, between the missing Raike, and the position, and now ready Kerin. |
Kerin felt a wind rush by him as Raike ran ahead and had his shot at Ryuu, laying into him as much as he could. Kerin watched, making sure the tree Marisa was in was behind him and safe, whilst Ryuu was in front and in his sights. He despised this kind of attitude, this way of thinking by people. The way the strong preyed on the innocent. The way the tall made the small make sure they knew how small the world saw them to be. Kerin himself had never been the victim of this kind of bullying, but his siblings were. Many a time, Frederick had come home, missing money or a textbook or another pair of glasses. Kerin had always sort with bullies the same way; a good beating. It usually worked, but it never stopped them.
Ryuu, now emerged from whatever Raike had done to him, stepped forward and beckoned Kerin forward. He didn't run at the demon, nor did he take on some kind of karate stance and do some weird ass move. Raike had given him enough time to calm down a little, to focus on the main thing at hand here; how much of an ass Ryuu was and how much that Marisa meant to Kerin. He stepped forward, keeping enough distance between him and Marisa that he could keep Ryuu from getting to her and shouted at him. "Why do you insist on pissing people off? Are you trying to make enemies out of everyone?" |
Chapter 3.5 - Mammon - Underworld
My eyes fixated on the charging rhino the moment Raike’s words cut off. Damn. He was going to say ‘maybe’. That wasn’t a ‘yes’, so I couldn’t do anything; which really, really sucked. I couldn’t help but smirk inwardly at the sight of Ryuu. I was itching for payback. It had been humiliating to fake defeat; to fake cries of pain. It angered me to the brink of exploding that even one person thought I was dead. Ha! Death… Demons never had such a thing in the Underworld! How pathetic were these beings that only lived for so long? All of them had their worth split across their species. Us? Only of few existed, thus just one of us had more worth in the world than a million humans. Those ‘Gods’ were little more than toddlers cosplaying as Superman. An involuntary hiss escaped my throat when Raike stepped forward to take on the Earth demon in Kerin’s steed. ‘He’s such an idiot!’ My mind roared. He wasn’t immortal, so why pick a fight with a two-hundred pound moron? He wasn’t asking for my help either and I couldn’t just pop up and help him. He had to call upon me personally for my body to take shape. I really lost it when he was hurtled across the room by the rhino’s body. ‘You’re going to die!’ I snapped. At the last second, I blasted forth a cloud of red smoke behind his back; cushioning his body from harm. However, that wall just crumbled. Nearly toppled over, it did. I was a loud to take on the defensive for him. That was a part of the contract. If his life was in danger, I was obligated to do everything in my power to prevent his destruction. He had a few cuts and bruises here and there, but nothing I couldn’t deal with later. Before I could lecture him about life, he was up again; this time calling forth a fraction of my power to lift him straight into the air to attack the now airborne demon. There was a bit of a harsh struggle, but in the end (and inevitably) it was Raike who was bound to the most amount of damage. Boom. That’s really the only sound the impact made. Everything else just crumbled over uselessly. The dust clouds provided cover. Immediately, I went to work. His body was still unharmed by breakage, but I didn’t want to have to cushion his mistakes again. This time, I had the smoke drag him into the ground like he was a ghost. From right underneath Ryuu, I began lecturing him from the tattoo on his chest. “You’re an IDIOT, Raike! If you’re gonna attack him, burn him! Or if you want to be secretive, hit him over the head and knock him unconscious! Idiot! You’ve basically DIED twice! Idiot idiot idiot! How about you have ME fight him?! I don’t want you to get hurt---- Too much! It hurts ME you know!” |
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