[System]
Magical Child Name: Nelly = The Giver / Saryn = The Taker

Age: 17

Gender: Female

:

:

Personality: Nelly suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID) where she seems to bounce between one personality which is believed to be the original Nelly and one other identity that shows itself after certain criteria are met named Syrn. Nelly can be best described as the warmth people want to feel when they're down, in the form of a hug or just general acts of kindness, if someone needs something and Nelly has it she's more than willing to share even if she doesn't have it she'll attempt to go out and get it. Always a cheerful optimist working through depression, loneliness and all of life's problems in a 'glass half full' kind of fashion in a way that almost feels outright obnoxious.

Saryn is a different story from the regular Nelly but unless a person has spent a good amount of time with both one wouldn't notice the change. Sayrn mimics Nelly's personality almost flawlessly the only real change is the thing that motivates her, while the real Nelly will help out of kindness Sayrn on the other hand seeks reward. While on the outside Saryn copies Nelly on the inside she is cold, sadistic, and very loathing of those around her; Sayrn is most likely to back stab Nelly's best friend for literally anything she deems a worthy reward, but she'd do it in such a way that Nelly's reputation isn't ruined; this isn't out of a liking for her other half its simply if people don't trust their face it'll be harder to take advantage of them later.

Nelly and Saryn will swap places with one another at random intervals, usually if one or the other falls asleep, Saryn is most likely to step in if Nelly isn't emotionally capable of handling the situation if the glass is completely empty for whatever reason. Sayrn will sometimes release her dominance over the body out of convenience.

*Side note: Nelly and Sayrn are completely aware of one another's existences*

Gimmick/Theme behind Powers: Sun Tarot card (Both right side up and upside down)

Psychological weakness: Dissociative Identity Disorder

Card: XVII – The Sun (Right-side up is Nelly, Upside-down is Saryn) the constant flipping and rotation of the card changes depending on the personality that is dominant at the time and because of this her skill take on different yet similar effects. Being both the savior and the taker they can be a truly helpful asset when used properly.

Aura of Preservation / Vampire Link: When Nelly is in control she passively has a warm presence that protects and rejuvenates her friends and allies, healing minor wounds, restoring stamina and giving an overall sense of comfort. The shield will absorb a good amount of incoming damage and transfer that energy to become a slightly stronger shield, however if those shields were to break all damage received is reflected upon Nelly while her allies remain untouched.
Sayrn isn't as giving and it is reflected in this ability that allows her to sap energy, and overall health from anyone she comes into contact with, if she touches someone she choose to connect their very life essence to her draining the target until she cuts the line or the victim dies, this stolen energy gives Sayrn a much stronger shield and healing affect while transferring all received damage to whomever she is linked with dividing it up equally ensuring that she goes unharmed. The amount of energy she steals is completely up to her. The immediate immune system of the poor unfortunate soul to be linked starts to shut down allowing Saryn to enjoy the warmth of another while their shivering in the cold and sickness.

Illumination / Blight: Nelly's illumination shines brilliantly through even the deepest darkness, lighting the way and even canceling out most minor illusions granting 'true sight' to allies around her, the initial wave can even exorcise lesser demons. The true sight only lasts for five minutes while the light can last as long as Nelly needs it.
Sayrn possesses the blight a sickly flame the devours anything, it touches friend or foe consuming both the body and soul, she can channel this flame through her vampire line to cause the target more pain to heal her even faster or mealy incinerate the enemy

History: It's completely unclear who exactly was the original personality, because Nelly's name is similar to the name given to the body born it's usually just easier to assume Nelly came first. The name Naphaline wasn't given to her by her birthmother as she abandoned the baby in a basket somewhere in the middle of the street, a rather unlucky beginning for a child who was unwillingly brought into this world. Fortune would smile on the infant when she was picked up by a young woman who adopted the child, gave her a house and food even a name albeit a very unorthodox name.

Growing up was decent enough her mom wasn't the richest person in the world, but she was a hard worker and very loving, Naphaline who didn't know this woman wasn't actually her mom looked up to her like a child would its parent and learned from her. Her mom always strived to be more than she was the day before, getting up early every morning and attempted to better herself and become a good role model for her adoptive daughter this kind and caring approach to child raising laid the foundation for the personality known now as Nelly, but her mostly self-motivated reward driven approach to life also helped bring Sayrn into the world however both were still apart of one whole. When it became harder to support herself and her child the woman took to fortune telling as a side job using the tarot cards her mother gave to her from one of her many travels, though she never used "The Sun" and instead gave it to little Naphaline telling her hold it close.

The split between Nelly and Sayrn didn't actually happen until their mom took deathly ill and Nellphaline was taken away as she wasn't seen fit to take care of a child anymore. Now that she was away from her parent and living in an orphanage was very lonely, her kind personality was often times taken advantage of by the other kids so she would feel used or abandoned when lying in bed at night hoping her mother would get better; it was on such a night that Nellphaline's psyche split in two giving birth to Nelly and Sayrn on one way she would never be lonely again and Sayrn could take care of the harder things while Nelly continued to strive for a brighter future in peace while maintaining her innocence. The dividing force between the two was strong enough to trigger the Tarot card "The Sun" allowing the two personalities some form of synchronous harmony.

[User]
Alastor stood on the balcony overlooking the main gambling floor of his casino, the Starlight Millennium. Still rather new, nevertheless business was high - the natural expectation of a facility where one foolishly believed they could earn fortunes with no effort on their part. Below him tacky music played and the chatter of discussion, of debts, of risks, rewards and consequences reached his ears.

"Damnit, I lost!"

"Honey, maybe we should stop -"

"No, just one more! One more time! I know it'll come this time!"

His lips curled into a small smile as another fool spent his fortunes into his casino, expecting greed to cause a miracle despite such odds being near impossible. Another fool, another victim, another satisfaction for the demon. It was not as if he was harming them - they simply harmed themselves, all he did was give them the means to do so. Not even, he simply made the means exist and they flocked to it of their own will. His old friend would disapprove but even he would know that this was something that would happen with or without Alastor.

He was enjoying his time quietly wallowing in the despair of the recently defeated when a sharp sense pierced his mind. His closed eyes immediately flinching, he got off of the railing he had been leaning on and headed to a window.

"I say, Mister Stahl," one of his employees commented as he was joined at the window by one of the security personnel of the casino, "That airplane's getting pretty dangerously low."

"I agree." Alastor lied through his teeth. "Hopefully it will just pass by."

Alastor knew exactly what that "airplane" was even if none of his employees did. A demon, from the likes of it one who did not gain enough thought nor presence of mind to take a humanoid form - or one who was reckless enough to not do so regardless. What was more problematic than the demon itself, however, were the portals it was leaving left and right - all of them leading to and from who knew where and if it had been through that many places, Alastor could very well soon find himself neck deep in would-be heroic children.

Stepping away from the window, he considered his options. He could, of course, take to the field and defeat the demon before it attracted too much attention. However, judging by the way that it was in flight and with so many portals it was quite possible it was already being pursued. That would simply mean he would get targeted by the magical children who would arrive later...

No, it would be safer if he laid low. Of course, if the children found him and insisted on attempting to exorcise him he would not be adverse to defending himself.

"...Chu?" he called out suddenly, the unexpected situation reminding him that now would be a good time to ensure the safety and security of his... charge? Perhaps that was not exactly the right word, but nevertheless he felt a degree of responsibility over the younger demon. "Chu, where are you!?"

Beginning to walk around the casino in an attempt to find the smaller demon, Alastor reflected on how, in hindsight, it was pretty damn irresponsible of him to let what was essentially a child - a demon, but still a child - out of his sight in the middle of a casino.

[Assistant]
Chu looked out from the eyes of a mouse, turning her attention from the bird outside the window to the rest of the casino and, more importantly, Alistor. It took her a second to realize he was calling her, and by then he had already taken off looking for her. She left the body of the mouse, taking her full form and letting the creature go about it's business, and then clambered onto the railing of the balcony.

"'Tor!" She called, trying to get his attention, but the sounds of the machines drowned her out. She puffed out her cheeks, annoyed, and then began to sing. Alistor had told her not to sing in the building, since it ruined the game for him, but she decided he could probably forgive her this once.

Unlike her normal voice, her Song reached every corner of the giant room, weaving under and between the chaotic sounds of the machines. She sang a song of calmness and joy, tinged with imminent discovery, and for several moments the world in that building stopped to listen to her otherworldly voice.

She stayed silent for a while after that, her eyes closed, and as the sounds of the casino returned to fill the void, she simply sat on the banister and relaxed.

---

Naomi was relaxing in a small Seattle cafe when she noticed something wrong. Her vague feeling was soon confirmed by a voice in her head.

"A demon." The voice rang, and she turned around to look at the sky, one hand going to the dragon earring she wore. She quickly spotted the bird flying too quickly to be anything natural, and tracked it silently. As soon as it ripped through it's portal, She quickly abandoned her tea and took off running, taking a back alley to avoid being noticed. She coiled her legs and jumped, touching one wall and leaping again, keeping her momentum all the way to the top. For a normal person, she knew these things would be impossible, but for her it was a simple matter. As she took a running leap off the rooftop, she touched her earring and time seemed to almost stop as her entire body was coated in energy. In a flash, she had transformed and sailed through the portal left by the demon, and after flashing through a few different locations she found herself above a vaguely familiar cityscape.

"Somewhere in Europe, definitely..." She muttered to herself as she fell. She caught sight of a clocktower in the distance, and it clicked into place. "London then. Pretty far way to go."

She looked down at her landing area and noticed two others already there. "It's been a while since we teamed up with anyone. It'll make a nice change."

Positioning her shield below her, she bore down on one of the birds, crashing it into the ground and softening her landing. She bashed another on the head and turned to the other two girls there.

"Do either of you know the story here?"


[System]
She Sings To Me
Song Of The Sea
Peaceful Or Quiet
Searching Fiercely

____________________________________________________________________
  ___________________________________________
(sor-sha)
 Reid
 Sorie

 A G E

____________________________________________________________________

25
 Dec 21, 1995

 O R I E N T A T I O N

____________________________________________________________________

Bisexual

 G E N D E R

____________________________________________________________________

Female

 S P E C I E S

____________________________________________________________________

Selkie Witch
 mythological beings capable of therianthropy,
 changing from seal to human form by shedding their
 skin. they often wear their seal skin as clothing
 while in human form.

 H O M E T O W N

____________________________________________________________________

Gardenstown, Scotland

 B I O

____________________________________________________________________

 L I K E S

* The sea.
* Fish.
* Storms.
* The Moon.
* Iced Coffee.
* Lakes. And Fish.

 |

 D I S L I K E S

* Poachers.
* Hot Weather.
* Violence.
* Whales.
* Big Cities.
* Liars.

 |

 O T H E R
____________________________________________________________________

Sorcha;s travels have been mostly be funded by one of the witches back in her home town. An old lady called Ailaa, who Sorcha befriended when she was a teenager. The woman considers Sorcha her adopted daughter and has been planning to leave all she owns to the young woman.

[User]
Sabor
Location: Lemmas Interacting with:@KZOMBI3@Enarr@Kidd

 "We're gonna be rich..." Brody uttered in awe. "We're gonna be famous!" Stacy shouted, stars in her eyes. "This could well be the greatest historical find of our generation!" Persephone mused with wonder. "I don't know, Sephi, I got a bad feeling about this..." Randy complained. The hikers had been investigating rumors of a yeti kidnapping tourists at the South Pole, but what they couldn't have prepared for what they found. Embedded in the snow had been a three foot by three foot cube made of silver and lapis lazuli, intricate symbols and designs engraved into every surface. It took them most of the day to uncover it, partially due to Randy not helping since he was the one who twisted his ankle tripping on it. They decided to set up camp right there in order to study it thoroughly. It was late evening when Persephone finally discovered the locking mechanism on the outside of it. After an hour or so, she had managed to unlock it. An aperture opened on one of the cube's sides, and Persephone leaned her head in for a better look. The cube was furnished on the inside, with the floor being covered in an incredibly plush fabric, the walls and cieling being draped in cloth. The interior had the look and feel of a lavish bed chamber, except the bed was the chamber. Even more bizarrely, while the cube itself was exactly three foot by three foot, there was easily five square feet worth of space on the inside!

 Persephone stuck her head back out and shouted "Come here, you guys, you gotta see this!" before eagerly peering inside again. She could hear her friends approaching when she spotted it. In the center of the cube, sunken into the otherwise pristine fabric, was a shriveled, mummified corpse. It's body was wrapped in loose, colorless threads that once looked to be some kind of garment. On it's head was the fossilized skull of a sabre-toothed tiger. Persephone slowly reached forward, gingerly attempting to retrieve the mummy without damaging it at all.

 As Brody approached the strange cube, Persephone suddenly let out blood freezing shriek as she began to pull herself out of the cube, only to dive back in. Brody ran over to the opening and looked inside. The last thing he saw was a pair of golden eyes just behind Persephone's bloody corpse. The mummified corpse launched itself out of the cube and tore into Brody. Stacy screamed in terror, unable to do anything else, while Randy fled as fast as he could. As he sprinted across the snow, he heard Stacy's screams cut short. He continued sprinting at full speed. If he could just get back to the van! It had a full tank! It had snow tires! It had a friggin' radio!!! If he could just make it- but he didn't make it. The corpse tackled him to the ground, sinking it's own sabre-toothed fangs into Randy's thin neck.

 Twenty minutes later, the hiker's bodies remained, but all trace of their blood was gone. Revitalized, Sabor slowly made his way back to the mysterious cube he had emerged from. His memories were fractured, as they always were after sleeping for centuries. This cube... He thought. It's not mine... why was I in it... that's right... that wizard... he and I had been traveling. After a very brief investigation, Sabor concluded that the wizard must have gotten them trapped in a blizzard where he died. Which means that the wizard school's fancy magic cube is all mine. Sabor thought, the edge of his lip lifting into a poor attempt at a smile. Sabor climbed atop the cube and sat down, cross legged. The cube instantly began to respond to his will, turning fifty-two degrees north and, lifting a foot off the ground, began hovering in that direction. Sabor road his unusual mount into the night, taking hours to reach the nearest human settlement.

 Or, at least, that had been the plan. After only a few short minutes, the scenery changed. He was suddenly surrounded by humans dressed in strange garb. One was dressed similar to the fools who had woken him, the other two were not dressed for the cold at all. Suddenly, Sabor sensed something; a powerful entity. He turned his attention to it and found himself locking eyes with a tall, old man. The man looked ancient, and Sabor could sense he was. Only a fraction of my age, but that in itself is an achievement. In the old man's eyes he could read distrust, as well as the merest veil of threat. Sabor simply looked away, uninterested in the stranger's accusatory gaze. As he began examining his surroundings, Sabor came to realize he and the old man were not the only unnatural entities in the vicinity. "Interesting..." he muttered. The stranger approached the crowd offering warmth and food. The last time Sabor had accepted such offers from a robed figure, it had sealed his destiny. And now... he would do it again. Sabor rode his magical cube up to the Inn itself before "parking" it outside and following the group in.

[Assistant]
Ryan"I needed this," Ryan sighed, the wine coaxing her to give in and drop her elbow on the table. She took another sip as a newly engaged couple eyed her from their seat and exchanged glances. Who would slouch like that in such a high end restaurant?

The young woman across from her didn't mind. Piper laughed at her sister and finished the water she had. "It was your idea," she said as a waiter cleared his throat to give them the check. Piper smiled apologetically and took it from him as Ryan managed to sit up and make a face at him. "Aaand your treat?"

Now Ryan laughed and reached to take the paper. "Duh." In return for his contempt, Ryan didn't add a tip to the automatic 18% gratuity--not that she had any qualms about the price. The restaurant was her choice, after all--a reward to herself for finishing a particularly difficult commissioned piece for a winter wedding. She had ranted to Piper moments before, demanding the reasons for a winter wedding: people already had the holidays to worry about and now a wedding? It's too cold. Way too much white if you go with a snowy theme. Not to mention the last minute demand for a dress. Ryan sighed again, handing her card and check to the waiter.

As he walked away to charge her card, Ryan finished her wine. "I'll run to the ladies room, then we can go," she said to Piper, who nodded and took the alone time to pull out her phone.

---

Moments later, Ryan finished washing her hands and took a moment to look in the mirror. She adjusted her red dress: it fell just above her knees and boots and stockings kept the rest of her legs warm in the New York winter. It sat loosely and comfortably on her, but didn't hide her slim figure. She smiled, running her hand over the wide neckline and turned to admire how it matched the red bow tied in the back of her hair. Satisfied, she shrugged at herself in the mirror and turned on her heel to step out of the ladies' room...

...and into snow. Ryan blinked at the whiteness around her. Her hands rose and she hugged herself tightly against the sudden cold. "Huh?"

She looked around at those around her: an old man who looked like something out of a fantasy show, a woman with the fashion choices of a teenager, a well dressed man, and...a cosplayer? With an ice cube? Ryan was stunned to silence, her brown eyes lingering on him the longest before looking back to the old man. She wasn't properly listening to most of it, but did catch an opportunity to get out of the cold that bit at her legs and arms. Dozens of questions were bubbling up in her mind, but Ryan still managed to bite her tongue for now. She just wanted to be warm and stepped to follow him. She hoped the others would do the same.


[System]
Age: 24
Height: 6'-0"
Weight: 170lbs
Allegiance: Aspirian Royalty
Distinguishing Traits: Wherever the party is, Cas is bound to be there also. He's a free spirit with a tendency to act without thinking through the consequences, although due to his cushioned upbringing and high status, he rarely has to face them. Despite his wild lifestyle, however, he has a soft side and has been known for taking in stray and injured animals he finds in the streets of the capital city.

Short Bio: As the son of the reigning king, Atlas Maydestone, Caspian has lived the entirety of his life in the capital of Aspiria. He was born with a silver spoon in hand, enjoying the finest luxuries the country had to offer even when he was as young as five years old. This experience shaped him as a person. He grew up seeing the glass half-full and believing Aspiria was every bit as perfect and amazing as his father wanted him to think it was.

As a child, he spent most of his education being groomed to take over as the next king but never really took his future duties seriously. In his mind, it was so far off, there was no reason to worry about it. That is, until his father's health took a sudden decline when he turned eighteen. Suddenly slapped in the face by the reality that he was actually going to be the next leader of an entire country, he began to pay more attention to his teachers and did his best to understand all the different jobs he would have when his father died. However, the more he studied, the more he realized how unqualified he was for such an important role.

To deal with his rising sense of insecurity, Cas delved back into any and every social event he could find around the capital city. Partying and drinking with friends took the edge off his fears and helped him to forget about the impending future of his kingship. Deep down, he knew his coping strategy wouldn't change anything, but for now, it was good enough to keep him from getting absorbed in the weight of it all. He would just continue to put it off until he had to face it, the same way he handled the Scourge.

The rebellion (better known as the Scourge by everyone who lived in the capital) was the other big, glaring problem he tried not to think about. To make the enemies seem less imposing, he and his friends would make crude jokes about them and discuss all the creative ways the king could punish them for treason when they were eventually defeated by the state, but secretly, he was always on the lookout for anyone who seemed suspicious. As the crown prince of Aspiria, he'd heard the threats the rebels spat about himself and his family, and he was concerned about what could happen if they ever managed to get inside the stronghold walls.

He just hoped the military was strong enough that he would never have to find out.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

[User]
Iris felt herself just stare at the words on the letter a little while longer before she finally looked back at Jacob who had seemingly made up his mind on what to do. "W-What?" Frowning slightly as she wasn't entirely sure on how to process the offer, it was out of character, and she had expected him to just haul her back off to prison. Not that she was complaining because this was the best possible outcome, he could easily sneak her back in and she wouldn't need to worry about that. "You would do that?" It was clear to see how stunned she was over the small gesture from the guard.

"You're not just saying this for me to go quietly and then trick me and throw me in prison? This… this is a genuine offer to take me back home?" It was hard not to question it; Iris knew this guard was a man of his word as he was the reason, she had probably survived the first round in prison. Then there was the fact he had covered for the King at the time when it came to her escape from the hospital and now there was an easy way out of all of this.

Glancing back at the letter in her hands she placed it on the table before rising to her feet, she could feel her stomach churning at the idea of actually leaving Cas. Returning to the destroyed districts and Ethan who would hopefully stop threatening the monarchy and drop all the rebellion like agreed when he threatened her on the phone. "Cas… he can't know though. That you did this." Rubbing her arm, she doubted he would tell him, but at the same time she had to be sure as she needed to be the bad guy so he could move on.

"I have to be the bad guy in this story, else I fear he would do something as stupid as follow me into those districts to bring me back." Sighing Iris knew it was for the best though, "At least if he doesn't know he will think it was all me, that I just left and didn't even consider trying to work it out with him. This way I get to be the bad guy and he gets to move on without any further issues." She was certain that after a bit of time he would easily move on with life and do what was best for him.

This was it; she had her way out and she could get home without any issues. Iris knew she could stop Ethan now and Maisie would help her with it all, Jacob didn't need to know anything about that side of it. This was her problem to deal with and this would be her sacrifice to make. Being the bad guy wouldn't be so bad, she could handle knowing that Cas would hate her if it kept him safe from all the trouble in the districts.

[Assistant]
Maybe it was a mistake. Iris had been a member of the Scourge and the daughter of its late leader, no less. Returning her to the districts beyond the capital was a gamble, but after speaking with her again, Jacob didn't feel like she was a large enough threat to the kingdom to deserve another prison sentence. Her attachment to the king helped as well. While he couldn't support them as a couple, he wasn't concerned about her turning on Caspian and trying to kill him again. Even if she rejoined the rebellion—and even that felt like a big 'if'—he didn't expect her to do anything to target the monarchy this time.

"It is. And I would prefer to leave now," he replied casually when she asked if his offer was serious. Taciturn by nature, he didn't elaborate or share his reasoning for coming to the decision that he had. She didn't need to know more than he'd already told her: that he was going to drive her past border patrol and let her go back to her home. If she had questions, they could discuss the matter further after they were on the road. He didn't want to be out longer than he had to anyway, since his presence would be missed at the palace if he dawdled much more than he already had.

When Iris gave him her condition for leaving, the guard listened silently and then nodded once. "I won't tell him a thing," he assured her. He'd never had any intention of telling Caspian that he'd helped her slip out of the capital. It was better if the young king believed she had left of her own volition, because she was right. In his current state, it was very likely that he would spend every spare minute he had trying to bring her back. It would have been even worse if he left to look for her, himself. Abdicating the throne would leave Aspiria in a perilous position, so they had to make it look like she had broken up with him and didn't want him to come after her. It was the only way they could make sure he didn't do anything reckless.

He knew Caspian wasn't going to take it well, but it was for his own good. His and Iris's. With that thought in mind, Jacob offered her his own pair of sunglasses as a simple disguise and stepped over to the door to lead the way out. "Follow me and keep your head down," he said curtly. "It's a fifteen minute drive to the border." He only glanced over his shoulder once to make sure she complied before he headed out of the suite, leading her down to his car that waited in the parking lot in front of the resort.

[User]
Iris nodded knowing that time probably was of the essence, who knew how Cas' meeting was going with the warden as they spoke. For all she knew he could very well have gotten rid of her warrant already and lingering only meant the risk he would take her back to the palace. It was only by some miracle that Jacob was willing to take her back to the border, it would mean she had to somehow make her own way back through the districts and back to that rundown home that had sat empty for so long.

Taking the sunglasses silently she put them on thinking about how similar Jacob and Cas where when it came to things like this. Remembering how Cas had given her sunglasses as a disguise on the way in and now she was wearing the same things leaving. Keeping her head down she began to follow the guard out of the hotel room as a huge wave of anxiety hit her full force at leaving. This had been the first time she'd have left anywhere for so long; it had been weeks not being able to go out into the fresh air and now all of a sudden, she felt anxious to leave and it wasn't because she was a criminal or anything.

Hesitating in the hall for a moment she found it hard, each time she had left a place had been fuelled with adrenaline but now this was different. This was just a casual walk to his car and drive to the border. They weren't running from anything, and it took her just a few moments to gather herself before she started to move again thankful no one had come out and seen them look a bit odd. "Sorry." Whispering an apology to Jacob, she didn't bother explaining what had just happened because she doubted, he cared or even understood. Instead, she just walked on trying not to think about it.

Focusing on putting one foot in front of the other she tried not to think on it at all, right now she was making the best decision because Cas would be free of her and all the dramas she had come with. Their future could never work, not when she had caused all of this in the first place by allowing the rebellion to kidnap him. That was all her and no one would or should forgive her for that even if Cas had.

Taking her first steps out into the open didn't feel as big of a deal as she originally thought it would have, but seeing his car made her stomach drop. It was finally about to happen; she had an easy pass back home without any sort of effort required. Wordlessly she got inside the car, there was no need to make small talk especially with a guard who probably hated her. In fact, he was probably over the moon she would finally be out the picture, perhaps this was even a trap. Luring her to his car to say he'd take her back to the districts and then just kill her and no one would know. No one would miss her except probably Maisie because Cas would certainly get over her.

[Assistant]
Walking down the hallway, Jacob only noticed that Iris had stopped following him when he neared the corner that would take them to the elevator. He turned around with an impatient frown, prepared to tell her to keep moving if she was having second thoughts. Now that he'd found her, she had no other option anyway. It was his duty to make sure that her involvement with the king came to an end, and he was going to do that one of two ways: either by returning her to the districts or by dragging her off to a prison cell. The choice was hers, but he did hope she would choose the former, if only because he didn't think she deserved to go through more questioning and torture.

Fortunately, he didn't need to say anything before she kept walking, and they made their way to the elevator lobby. He didn't bother responding to her apology either. Knowing that it was difficult for her to leave Caspian, he didn't feel entitled to any of her specific thoughts on the matter. As long as she went with him, that was all he cared about. She could open up to him if she wished, and he would listen and perhaps hare a word of advice, but he wouldn't probe her to start that conversation.

Being the middle of the day, most of the other people staying in the hotel were already busy exploring the recreational activities on the other floors, so they didn't run into anyone on their way down to the ground level. Jacob preferred it that way as he led Iris out into the parking lot and to his waiting car. The less people around to question who he was with or what he was doing with a criminal, the better.

He unlocked the doors and made sure she climbed inside first before he sat down behind the wheel and put the car in drive. The silence between them continued to drag on as he headed out toward the highway that would take them to the border. Unlike Caspian who always listened to music on the road, the guard left his stereo off in order to pay full attention to his surroundings. It was easier that way for him to drive safely as well as listen for alerts on his phone, in case anyone at the palace tried to reach him while he was out. He was still the head of security, after all, so his job was his priority even above the favor he was doing for Iris.

As they neared the wall that curtained the capital off from the rest of the kingdom, he began to slow his speed. "Let me doing the talking when we pull up to the checkpoint," he told Iris without looking away from the back of the car in front of him. He had brought them to a crawl as they joined a short line of other vehicles that were on their way out of the city. Most of the others were military transportation and delivery trucks that were going to be picking up goods and supplies that were produced in factories in the districts.


[System]
Clan: Shima
Title: Halfling
Gender: Male
Age: 15

Race: Half-Oni
Weight: 90 lbs
Height: 4'10"

Appearance:

Occupation: Blacksmith

Notable Skills: His strength is unmatched by any human which only grows with his anger. He's fair good at running fast and climbing trees and rocky surfaces.

Magical Abilities: Can use his spirit energy as an extension of his body to an extent. Using it to pick up stuff isn't something he's learned and using it too much drains him until he eats or sleeps again.

Ki Techniques/powers: Manipulation of his own spirit and turning it into 'blue fire' energy, a trait shared with certain groups he tries to remove himself from. When he loses control of his temper his inner demon shows itself, advancing his features, increasing his strength and durability. Because of his Oni inheritance he has advanced healing, taking mere days over weeks to recover from injury.

Weapons: "Lion's Tooth" as pictured. A folded steel sword he crafted himself.

Other Gear: None.

Personality: Gin is a small, gentle young man who remains loyal to those he befriends. He goofs off sometimes and be fairly playful but can become serious and focused when he needs to be. He may act pleasant and human most of the time, but he may lose himself to his Oni side and become vicious and difficult to control. Despite not making friends with people not enjoying his company he hides his frustrations well, making excuses that he would have no skill if they didn't make time ignoring him.

Brief history: When he was a young boy he was found hiding in a tree by travellers, malnourished and filthy. The group saw what he was by his distinguishable pointed ears, red tint to parts of his skin and his red hair; however, they couldn't let a child die. It was thought best to take the child to someone to help teach him how to integrate himself into the human world and not with the brutish Onis, the best choice being the neutral Shima clan. With a family assigned to him, Gin found his niche in helping at the blacksmiths; however, the call for battle proved strong in Halfling Gin. He practised for many years in his spare time, learning the ways of the sword before crafting one himself to help balance his strength. Even if those around him didn't trust him because of his heritage he was determined to show he can help protect them from the growing aggressive climate Baji was falling under.

When the sacred relics were stolen away from the Shima clan, Gin knew he had to help take them back. They needed his strength to retrieve them. He had the strength of three warriors, three which would benefit the Shima clan by remaining on their defences. Offering himself as one of the travellers to gather the relics, disregarding his age and background.

Other:  Gin doesn't take a family name; people who took him in were his carers, not his family. Raw meat can be a difficult trigger for him to handle, the smell and sight of it making it hard to control his voracious nature from his Oni heritage. He can eat more than the average human. The symbol on his clothes is the blacksmith's marking which is stamped on everything made there, on his blade it can be found on the hilt.

[User]
Takumi didn't know much about Lady Ru personally but as he headed to find some people to question he answered with what he knew. "Like I said she mostly known for being a warrior and not really having interest in proper bajin custom. Can't tell you too much about her personality beyond that, but her beauty is well known. You often hear about people coming to try to marry her, mostly warriors who feel they deserve their own clan and want it through her." More than a few men from his island had attempted to do that, all to return in failure like those before them. Jiang's next question made him chuckle a little, before he went ahead and gave him the bad news. "Most clan leaders are men, so if you want some beautiful men there are a few of them. But even then most of them are old men at that. Very few female leaders are around, and those that do exist are mostly just temporary until a a son or bother returns home or in some cases until a grandson becomes of age." He doubted they would encounter any female clan leaders outside of Ru for a very long time, if at all.

The town square wasn't very lively when Gin and Metou reached it, it was getting late and most people were at home wrapping up training or preparing to bed. Many of the traveling trader were still around though, trying to sell their merchandise to the Naji soldiers as well as people of Ru who were still out and about. While there was no immediate sign of the musician they were looking for, many merchants and traders saw the two were clearly outsiders and began trying to get their attention. Not many traditional Ru food and good were being offered to them, but plenty of foreign objects and snacks were being waved around in Gin's face with various types of makeup and clothing pushed to Metou. They had nothing to do until they set out for the morning, so they just offered stuff to anyway who may not have seen or might possibly have a decent amount of money. None of them had the instrument in question but if any of them were asked about the woman, they would be able to point the duo in the direction of the right inn.

[Assistant]
Yuudai turned to leave until Kenji's hand was placed on her shoulder to stop her from leaving, her body relaxing slightly at the offer that he wouldn't mind going along with her. Suddenly she turned around to Kenji, one hand trying to grab and hold his hand as the other came up to gently rest on his chin if she was allowed to do so. Her face had a much softer look to it than it had ever since he had seen her back in Shima "Thanks for the offer but it is kind of personal..." Lowering her hand a smile came across her face, bearing her fangs a little as she did so. "Besides it will only take me a little while. Wait for me in the Inn and we will continue to talk since you seem so eager"

With that she started to walk away slow at first but soon her steps became a powerful stride before building into a sprint, heading not for the gate but for the wall that surrounded Ru! "Halt right th- Eh?!" The guard was shocked as the half oni did not answer his order by stopping but instead speeding up! She would have readied her weapon if Yuudai did not leap into the air, over both the guard and the fence in one bond, leaving the poor girl confused and slumped down on the floor from slight shock.

--- Leaving Ru ---

She didn't expect it to be as short a trip as it was, pretty surprised by the fact the fight took place so close to Ru or maybe she had just improved a leg muscles? Either way she finally made it to the place where the 'battle' took place. She had a hard time seeing with the dying light around her but it was then that her eye caught a glint of silver on the ground, many pieces in fact.

"What the..."

Kneeling down to the shards she could hardly believe that they were pieces of her rusted blade as the insides were a spotless sheen of some kind of silver like metal wrapped within the outer layer of rusted steel. Confused by the sight she almost didn't hear the two men and a women coming up from the forest. Two of them flanking as they were unsure what to make of the seemingly defenseless person suddenly out in the middle of the road. At least they were right to think this was no normal person as one of them tried intimidation before a fight.

"Hey, you. This is our scavenging spot, so unless you... Want..."

Yuudai stood up from the ground, towering over the little man that had decided to walk up and act all tough and with a powerful backhand she knocked his hatchet to the side, sending it spinning and stabbing into the ground beside one of the others, that were also shocked. "You are far too young to be doing this. Go back to Ru." She glared down to the 'bandit' before her but as he tried to speak back to her she made sure to get her point across by grabbing his face and tossing him like a rag doll into the girl, his mask coming loose to shock a younger than expected face. Kids trying to act tough and 'play bandit' so to speak. but there were much worse here and they were in danger.

"LEAVE!"

Frightened they started rushing back towards Ru, the girl even carrying the boy just to get away. "Tch, kids. Don't know the dangers out here. Damn I need a real fight or some fun soon." Picking up the pieces and the hatchet she made her way back towards Ru herself, entering the forest for a faster way "Excuse me" Making sure to step over the real bandits she dealt with while she was on the way here...

--- Return to Ru ---

After jumping back over the fence she made her way back to the Inn, wondering if Kenji did wait as she said. After all she did not take long just as she promised. She just ignored the few stares she got, she was use to it.

[User]
While they were on their way to search for their lead, Metou answered Gin's questions in a plain and to-the-point fashion. "Any instrument you don't recognize is a possibility we can investigate," Metou said, assuming that there wouldn't be so many musician women that they had to be picky on who they talked to. "And if she's not here, then there's nothing we can do, is there? We'll have to find some other way of tracking the thieves."

It was later than Metou realized when she and Gin arrived at the town square, and there was no longer any music to be heard at all. Nobody was left but some people passing through and traders noisily peddling things that Metou couldn't care less for. Gin was being swamped with traders as well, almost to the point of separating them, but at least he was being pelted with snacks. One merchant rushed up to Metou waving a bottle of unidentifiable fluid in her face, and began saying, "Buy my miracle tonic, and look better than you have in decades! This oil will make you look twenty years younger, I guarantee it!"

"Thanks for the offer, but I already have something like that," Metou responded. With the woman they were looking for seemingly absent, Metou felt a need to ask someone who was here the whole day where she might have went. However, these merchants seemed pretty preoccupied with making a bit more money before setting out, and Metou got a vibe that they wouldn't be inclined to help someone who turned them down. She spied a cheap-looking trinket the man also had in his hands, a small wooden emblem on a string to use as a necklace. Metou pulled a single coin out from under her cloak and said, "However, I'll buy that wooden necklace you have there, and maybe you can help me find what I'm really looking for."

After getting the information she needed, Metou pulled Gin out of the crowd and started taking them both in the direction the man had pointed her in. "One of the merchants told me where we can find our woman," Metou said, letting go of Gin when they were out of the town square, not that Metou had anything close to the strength she would need to pull Gin against his will. Once they were free from the pack of merchants there was no longer cause to hurry, so Metou slowed to a more comfortable pace and told Gin what inn they were headed to.

"Our target might be relaxing at the inn if she was playing in the middle of town, and might not have her instrument out. Look for anyone carrying an unusually shaped case that could be containing an instrument as well, maybe something this big or this big," Metou said to Gin on their way to the inn, and with her hands she made an imaginary shape to demonstrate the rough size and shape of a case that could carry a lute or guitar, and then a case that could carry a smaller instrument like a flute. After thinking for a few seconds she added, "If you don't see anyone with an unusual musical instrument or case, look for someone with an unfamiliar style of clothing." It wasn't long before they were at their destination and headed inside, and Metou scanned the inside of the inn, paying particular attention to the patrons near the walls, looking for someone playing a foreign instrument, sitting near their instrument in a box, or someone who looked like they may be a traveling player.

[Assistant] Baji was even more determined to hit things off with Ru if she was going to be their only guaranteed attractive woman that they would meet on their travels. Him not being use to Bajin customs made this meeting even easier since he wouldn't have to remember things to say or do that are seen and common formalities amongst individuals. Hopefully this neko truly was a member of Shima and left Lady Ru with a wonderful impression. "Well, let's hurry up and find this neko so I can see what he knows."


[System]
Character Information
Alias
None
Age
25
Race
Earthling; Human
Gender
Male
Occupation
None currently
Height
5' 10''
Weight
160 lbs
Hair Color
Black (shaved head)
Eye Color
Green
Visual Appearance

Written Appearance
Yang generally sticks a with simple blue martial arts gi as seen above. However, he's not above wearing more casual attire if an occasion calls for it. In those cases, though, he tends to keep it to a simple shirt and jeans. Beyond that, there's not much else to tell about his wardrobe. He stands at 5' 10'', a slightly above average height. He weighs a similarly average 160 pounds, at least that's usually the average for one spending his life in rigorous training anyway. He keeps a clean-shaved head, believing that growing his hair long would prove tactically disadvantageous in situations where the wind blows it in front his eyes to block his visibility, or provide opponents something to grab him by if he is not careful.
Personality
Focused and serious-minded, Yang takes his training very seriously and practically scoffs at anyone who doesn't. The martial arts have been one of the only things he's known for most of his life, and so that is the thing he has come to latch onto more than anything else in the world. Of course, this also means he knows little about city life and finds most of it to be frivolous and without meaning, which can and has rubbed many people the wrong way. He's also slow to trust others, but on the flipside his trust is almost always permanent once it's been earned. That also comes with the caveat of his trust being nearly impossible to regain should it be broken or betrayed. In battle Yang is equally as distrusting, often spending the first several moments of any fight purely on the defensive. Most opponents mistake that for fear or hesitation, but they learn soon enough that this so-called hesitation is really just Yang's way of studying his opponent until a suitable weakness can be found and exploited.
Background
An orphan since childhood, Yang knows nothing about his parentage and where or if any of his living kin live. And strangely enough, the young man has never had any desire to go searching for those answers either. He was taken in at an early age by a wandering hermit known only as Master Feng. Feng happened upon the orphan Yang being bullied by bandits, but before the old man stepped in he noticed the young child was quick to go on the attack to defend himself. The child didn't stand a chance, but there wasn't even the slightest hint of fear in the boy. Intrigued, Feng finally stepped in and easily frightened off the bandits with his superior skill. He took the boy home with him and trained him ever since.

Yang trained for years under Feng, learning what was known famously as the Crane School of Martial Arts. After beginning to master the School's style and even its most iconic technique, Feng surprised Yang one day when he told the newly-turned-20 year old student that he had nothing left to teach him. Unfortunately, Feng had focused Yang so much on training that the young man was at a complete loss for what to do. This was indeed the issue that Feng hoped to solve. Perhaps by sending Yang away to experience the world on his own he would learn to love and appreciate other things besides Martial Arts training. Always a loyal student, Yang obeyed his master's wishes and left to travel the world on his own.

Five years have passed, and Yang now travels here and there, always on the lookout for new training or a new rival to test his limits against.
Weapon & Techniques
Weapon
None
Power Level
1,365
Saga One: 910
Ki Color
White
Techniques
~Zanzouken: More commonly known as the Afterimage technique, the Zanzouken is a phenomenon that occurs when a fighter moves at such speed that they leave behind afterimages of their body in their wake. The images themselves cannot attack, as they are mere images that quickly fade away. Instead the technique is most often used to confuse or misdirect an opponent so that a counterattack can be more efficiently used against them afterwards.

~Taiyouken: Sometimes known as the Fist of the Sun or as the Solar Flare. The user holds their hands next to their eyes and their Ki produces a bright flash of light comparable to looking directly into the sun. It can blind the target and even those around them for several moments, leaving them open for an attack or providing the user an opportunity to escape. The technique can blind an opponent even if they're eyes were closed at the time of the attack, though for a shorter duration. A useful technique, but also easily countered by simply wearing sunglasses.

~Dodonpa: This finger beam attack is the most well known and iconic technique of the Crane School. While most Ki wave techniques rely on raw power and concussive force, the Dodonpa is instead a more concentrated beam of superheated energy. Depending on the user's level of Ki, the beam can pierce through virtually any form of armor or defense, often burning a small hole in the target's body. This efficiency is made even more devastating by the technique being much faster to charge than other more conventional Ki wave techniques. Its speed combined with its small size make for an attack that can be used at overwhelming speeds and with lethal accuracy and precision.

~Kikoho: The user forms a vaguely diamond-shaped "tunnel" with their hands. After gathering enough Ki, a powerful wave fires forward at a downward angle and slams the target with a powerful concussive force. The attack can be repeated multiple times, but with each successive blast draining the user's Ki and even their own life, potentially killing them should they overuse it. Despite the blasts leaving a square hole or crater on the ground, it has often been given the misnomer of Tri-Beam.

~Dokuken: Sometimes called the Venomous Fist, the Dokuken is series of swift strikes that don't appear to actually damage the opponent's body. Instead, the strikes are designed to target pressure points on the body and causing a brief paralysis in the limbs to restrict movement and slow the opponent down for a brief period of time. The more advanced form of this technique is said to not only debilitate an opponent's body but their Ki as well, seemingly crippling their ability to raise their Ki for a short time until they can shrug off the "venom" of the Dokuken strikes.

~Suppression: The ability to lower or raise one's power level. An invaluable strategy for hiding one's presence, though not entirely flawless either. Emotional outbursts have been known to raise one's Ki even unintentionally, so remaining calm and collected is the key to mastering this ability.

[User]
Character Name: Hiko Kyoryu
Race: Pterodactyl
PL: 910
Time/Date: Day 1, Morning
Location:Fighter Waiting Room
Tagging:@williwaw

The heart just about leaped out of Hiko's chest. He had not meant to brush up against this woman with his wingtip. Master Kameina's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him that he should never touch a woman unless it was to save her life. But right now the frightened pteranodon felt like he was the one who needed saving from the amazonian Sheeban.

"I'm so sorry ma'am! I did not mean to disrespect you by touching you." Hiko apologized profusely. The giantess grabbed Hiko's tail and leaned in towards him. The sensation of his tail being clutched by Sheeban was odd. He'd had his tail grabbed before in combat, by opponents who were unaware that it was Hiko's most powerful appendage. But this felt different, it was awkward and uncomfortable. Yet somehow pleasant, though Hiko couldn't tell why. As the woman leaned forward, Hiko could see down her chest. He quickly averted his eyes upward, forced to meet her piercing gaze.

Sheeban barked at Hiko about how people like he and her were not like the tinier tournament participants and that they deserved to be eaten. Hiko, was taken aback by this rhetoric that flew in the face of everything he'd been taught by Master Kameina. Her message seemed the exact opposite of the Tsubasan principles of humility and compassion. All this made Hiko unsure about whether he would want to learn from a woman like this. Especially hearing her say that she was a princess, Hiko could only imagine what the frugal and spiritual monks of his temple would say if he knew he was consorting with royalty.

Hiko tried to squeak out a response, "M-my name is H-Hiko Kyoryu, student of Tsubasa Temple…your highness." He was certain she wanted him to speak louder, but it was the best Hiko could manage with how flustered he was. Plus, he didn't want to cause an even bigger scene. He could already see curious eyes glaring over at Sheeban and him.

[Assistant]
Character Name: Sheeban
Race: Human
PL: 910
Time/Date: Day 1, Morning
Location: Fighter Waiting Room
Tagging: @Slingshot @The Abyss

Well it wasn't much yet but Chanko was fairly sure she would be able to put Hiko on the right path. At the very least he had done a few of the tasks she had told him about. Sheeban had a name to work with alongside the name of his dojo, Tsubasa Temple. Chanko would need to investigate it at some-point if only just to see how much of the basics of sports entertainment that this dinosaur man knew. Some dojos were not as willing to teach the basics of the craft as Satan's Castle was; and Sheeban needed to know just how much he knew before she eventually contacted one of the other members in the organization to bring Hiko in.

But those thoughts quickly dissipated as she was pushed a bit by a spacer, which definitely wasn't super elite. Letting go of Hiko's tail, the monster of a woman let out a snarl as she pointed towards the shorter prey, "SNNNNURK." snorted out Sheeban as her nostrils flared,

"YO FREAK! You think you can get away with pushing The Dungeon's Princess!?" hollered out Sheeban as she clenched her meaty fist and pointed towards Raddik. "SUCH PITIFUL INSOLENCE SHALL NOT BE TOLERATED IN THE COURT OF SHEEBAN." Bearing her teeth in a bestial smile Sheeban glared daggers at the space chimp, "I've broken chumps like you for breakfast without breaking a sweat."

This was followed by yet another scene of braggart flexing of her gigantic muscles "Unlike you, I am an elegant siege machine built to rule and kill. LOOK AT THESE PYTHONS!" declared Sheeban as she once again showed off her arms before moving into another stretch. With another devious smirk she began waggling her finger, "As such a noble ruler, I will give you two options. You shall either kneel before my superior presence or – you will be broken piece by piece."

She held out her left finger before taking her right hand and began to mime pulling it back. "I think those fingers, those joints will be the first to go." remarked Sheeban with a devious glee.

Man, Chanko was in the zone today. There were many sources of inspiration to be had and the show had not even begun! Who knew what inspiration the jeering of the crowd would bring!? But that was for the future, the matter here was that of the present.

"Sooooo..." drawled out Sheeban as the giantess gave out a fervent grin bearing her teeth, "...What is your choice. Choose wisely."

[User]
b]Character Name:[/b] Kin Zoku
Race: Human - Mutant
PL: 910
Time/Date: Day 1, Morning
Location: Fighter Waiting Room
Tagging: @Williwaw @Slingshot

Kin watched the entertainment go on for a bit and when the giant woman went off on the newcomer with a tail, he decided that he should speak up and try and defuse the situation. He took out one of his metal orbs and manipulated it into a ten foot tall and five foot wide barrier of steel that was placed between Sheeban and Raddik. Kin then used his powers to lift himself off of the ground and hovered above them with his arms crossed.

"I think you have said enough for one day. Wait till you're in the ring and try to control your roid rage" he said calmly as he watched the fighters below. He wasn't expecting to be a keeper of the peace, but he was willing to do so if the situation was going to get out of hand. Although the thought did cross his mind that if these two fighters began to tear each other part then that would be two less opponents he would have to deal with in the ring. But Kin wasn't one for hoping that some misfortune befell his competitors and so he just decided that it was best to keep things under control.

"Let's not ruin a great day for the tournament with petty fighting and ego clashing" he stated and was curious to see how the muscle woman would react to him intervening in her tirade at Raddik.

[Assistant]
Earthling Human
PL: 910
Time/Date: Day 1, Morning
Location: Waiting Area
Tagging: None

Yang started to sigh at first. He wasn't interested in conversing with the two women, but at the same time he was probably too polite to actually refuse them. Thankfully, the choice was taken out his hands when a third woman stormed into the Waiting Area. She bellowed about her imminent victory and carried on with her show-boating. Combined with the woman in the hat suddenly bickering with the second woman, Yang no longer had any need to take part in the conversation. That suited him just fine, and he carried on with his meditation.

With his meditation, Yang attempted an uncommon practice known as Image Training. While meditating, a martial artist could potentially project a vivid image of themselves in their own mind. A pair who could meditate on the same wavelength could even spar against each other within their own minds, but as Yang was alone he settled for exercises and kata training. Within his own mind, he was at the bank of a river at the base of a mighty waterfall. The sound of the crashing waters was vivid in Yang's mind, and his image self stood on the shore, performing the usual warm-up exorcises before going into full katas. His hands and feet struck the air at blinding speeds, as punches or chops or forceful kicks. The katas grew more intense until Yang suddenly ended by swinging his arm in a chop aimed at the direction of the waterfall in the distance. The strike was so forceful, so laden with Ki that it seemed to split the waterfall down the middle, but only temporarily as moments later the two streams fused back together into one.

Yang wasn't completely unaware of his physical surroundings during all of this. He was instinctively able to sense the arrival of a handful of others, including a particularly interesting fighter that went into a meditation of their own. Yang wondered if the Pterodactyl was also familiar with Image Training, but chose not to ask in order to avoid breaking the focus of his meditation. But it would only be normal meditation, as Image Training often came with the caveat of being mentally exhausting and Yang didn't want to overdo it before the tournament could even begin.


[System]
Age: 19

Race: Half Human-Half Lunairan

Abilities:
Telepathy (same as other Lunairans)
Telekinesis
Empathy
Sensory Shield
Visions

Biography:
Evelynia was born to a rather wealthy family and had a great young life. She had a wonderful father who cared greatly for her, a mother who was very patient and kind, and a twin brother who was mischievous and an amazing partner in crime. As Evelynia grew, she began to realize that she was different. While her twin brother was allowed to go to normal school when he turned four, Evelynia was homeschooled by her mother and father. Her brother was allowed to go to birthday parties and sleepovers. She wasn't. It hurt a lot and finally the little girl asked why she was being treated so differently from her brother. It was then that her mother and father sat down with their two children and told them the truth.

Their mother was different. Not like any people from this planet. She was known as a 'Lunairan'. And, where as her brother Toni was like their father and completely void of any Lunairan traits, Evelynia wasn't. She had two different eyes, something that she honestly didn't think much of, as they had always been this way and her mother always told her how beautiful they were. One was a human eye, while the other was a Lunairan eye. Not only that, but without even realizing it, she was showing signs of Lunairan abilities. From the time she was an infant she had been using what her mother called 'empathy' to get them to understand how she felt, and had even once or twice showed signs as a toddler of using telekinesis. With her being so different, her parents had kept her home, not wanting to risk her getting hurt by people that just didn't understand her.

They were also told of the unfortunate views of her own Lunairan people, including why her mother had been originally sent here to Earth. That her mother had come here to originally scout and find weaknesses within the human culture. Because her mother's people having such a hatred for humans, they had to keep their whole family a secret from them.

But, in seeing her wishes to her not wanting to be kept inside and hidden away, they helped her to find new ways to hide her Lunairan heritage. Her mother began wearing colored contacts to hide her purple eyes, while Evelynia herself wore a matching blue one to hide her one purple eye. With this, she was able to blend in and at least go out to public places without worry of being harmed, though she was still homeschooled in both human schooling and Lunairan culture, including her gifts and abilities.

It was when she turned seven that things took a turn for the worst. Her father had worked for the government, creating robots that could fight enemies. These robots did well at first, fought in wars for the country so that none of their men had to. It made her father, and in turn her family, well known and even wealthier than before. But, because of his well liked status and ability to create these war machines, when the aliens first become known to the public, her father was one of the first people to be hunted down. She had been with her father, both her mother and twin brother having been out for a mother-son day when the attack happened. She remembered being so frightened, begging her father to go find her mother and Toni, yet her father told her that going to look for her would put all of them in danger, as her mother would be marked for a traitor by her people, along with all the other human sympathizers. Her mother would be doing all she could to keep herself and Toni out of harms way and to keep the Lunairans from finding them. It was her father's job to do the same with Evelynia.

Her father took her away from their home, where they met with her uncle on her father's side, an old military buff. Together the three of them left off, heading toward somewhere. Her father said he knew a safe place to go, somewhere a few states away.

They never made it far. The Lunairan scouts found them during a stop for supplies, corning them. Though the two men were able to fight them off and kill them, one had managed to shoot and wound her father in a deadly fashion. Hours later, her father passed away and it was just she and her uncle. Her uncle had no idea where this place was that her father was taking them, but he wasn't going to let that stop him. They kept moving, Evelynia staying with her uncle as everything went to hell. At some point, her father ahd stopped them and had left for a couple of weeks to go searching for other survivors, leaving her to stay hidden with their supplies. Yet, the curious young girl left the hideaway, where she found a crashed Lunairan ship. The child, curious about the craft built by her mother's people, approached. Finding the body of a dead Lunairan woman and the body of a child her age. At first she had thought the boy to be dead, yet after seeing him move, she brought him back to her hideaway.

There, she helped him get back to health and befriended the lad. The two played together and talked. She even went as far as to, in a silly little girl way, promise him that she was going to marry him one day (though he didn't seem sure about such a claim himself). In their closeness and him finding out about her own heritage, he told her he was going to bring her to the other Lunairans, so she would be safe. Yet...when they arrived, they took the boy away and shot her with a silencer. It was painful, and she thought she was dead to be honest, just as the Lunairans thought she was. But, they were all wrong. She woke up hours later and returned to her hideaway, staying there alone until her uncle returned.

Everything went downhill for the humans from that horrible day that the first invasion happened. Many humans were killed and Lunairans, in order to avoid loosing many of their own, they, instead of killing the remaining humans directly, had a sickness spread throughout the planet and left temporarily on their ship, letting the disease take over and do their dirty work for them. This disease, if it did not kill the humans, would turn them into...something else. A being that was blind, but instead was lead by its sense of hearing. Though very few humans and animals that caught the disease turned into these beasts, they were still a huge danger and something to avoid if possible.

For years, her uncle kept them safe and hidden, and somehow he managed to not catch the disease for a long while. He would go out and gather supplies for them. For a long time he was doing well. But, it was when she was 14, that Evelynia began to notice her uncle weakening. He was growing older, and thus had a more weaker immune system. Then, one day, after going out for supplies, her uncle came crawling back into their secret hide away, dying from sickness. Within the next few days, he suffered greatly. He realized the suffering would only grow and the disease would take much longer for him to die, he asked her to shoot him and she refused at first. Days later though, when her uncle began to show signs of not dying, but instead turning into one of those horrible beasts. He begged again for her to end him, and though she didn't want to, she knew it was best for him and so, the fourteen year old innocent girl was forced to kill the last human she would ever be close to.

For the next few years, Evelynia had somehow managed to keep herself alive since her uncle's death, and thanks to her being able to move fast and the fact she can out smart the remaining humans and savage beasts, she has kept out of deaths grip. And now, years after the aliens came and with all other humans besides herself dead and gone, the aliens are returning.

[User]
This Lunairan was at least smart enough to not show fear. Not that such a thing mattered. Even if he begged and feared for his life, it wouldn't change a thing. Sooner or later, he was going to die. She just needed to decide if she could use him first. After all, he surely had much information that she could use to protect herself. She just had to figure out that information and then get rid of him. It wouldn't be too hard. After all, he was her prisoner now and had no weapons. What was the worse that he could do?

At his command to release her, she gave a laugh, standing up from her seat and strutting over to stand just a few feet in front of him, arms crossed over her chest, "Oh really? You'll contact the others? I'm shaking in my boots." She bent down, getting close. Not close enough for him to reach out and grab her, but enough to taunt him, "I know Lunairans far better than you might think. You wouldn't contact them, and you know why? Because seeing you here, caught and a human's prisoner? That would certainly be a pathetic sight. One that would bring dishonor upon you. Besides, if a Lunairan was to have captured, do you think they would race here to free you? Risking their own people to save a pathetic solider such as yourself? They're not that stupid."

She stood and turned so her back was to him, pacing back down the aisle as she spoke these things, both pupils of her eyes, the blue and the hidden violet, expanded. There, as she spoke, she sent waves of fear into him. It was part of her own abilities. She used to use them to help her twin brother sleep when they were kids. Even once she had used it to strike fear into the neighborhood bully all those years ago, so that he was too scared to mess with any of the other kids again. And now, she used that on him, pushing onto him the feeling of fear, so that he feared the others coming here, feared this situation, and most of all, feared her.

Finally, letting her pupils go back to normal, she turned and looked to him again, raising an eyebrow, "Now, alien scum, how many soldiers are out there? And do they carry anything more deadly than these Silencers?" She asked, holding up the Silencer that she had stolen from him for him to see, waiting for the reply to her question.

[Assistant]
To Caeyin's annoyance, the human was quick to call him on his bluff. Of course, he really could call the other Lunairans for help because of the alarm system the Pilot had installed in their belts, but there was no way he was going to face the humiliation of being seen, chained to a metal pipe at the mercy of an inferior being. The other Scouts already disliked him for being different. He wasn't going to give them another reason to poke fun at him. It looked like he was just going to have to figure out how to get away on his own.

He held the human's gaze unwaveringly as she got closer to him. It was obvious that she was trying to intimidate him, but he refused to give her the satisfaction of drawing a reaction out of him. Although, he was a bit surprised to hear how much she knew about his people. He knew there had been other Lunairans who had come to the Earth before the Plague, but they wouldn't have told the humans so much about themselves. He wondered how she had acquired such information.

As she began to pace the aisle, he followed her with his eyes, not wanting to let her out of his sight for even a moment. However, as he did this, he felt a strange sensation in his chest, a tightness of sorts, that made it difficult to draw breath. He blinked, confused by the feeling. It was familiar to him. It was fear, but he didn't understand why he was feeling it so strongly all of the sudden. All he knew was that he had an intense urge to get away from the human in front of him.

He fought the urge to recoil as she turned to him again and raised his stolen Silencer, silently chiding himself for his irrational terror of this creature. At her question, he gritted his teeth and took a slow breath to calm his fraying nerves. He knew now that she had only kept him alive to use him for information. Well, he wasn't going to give her what she wanted so easily. All Lunairan soldiers underwent torture training as part of their education, and he was no exception. They were taught that there was nothing worse than giving up valuable knowledge to an enemy. So, forcing himself to ignore the rising bubble of fear in his chest, he tilted his chin up at her in a sneer.

"You're wasting your breath," he said defiantly. "I'm not going to tell you anything."


[System]
Model: ???

Appearance:

Size:
Height: 6'
Weight: 330 lb (Decided by googling the weights of comparably sized robots.)

Unit history:
Mission: Repair and Redesign
Locate and target damaged friendly mechanical assault units to perform emergency field repairs using localized resources. Authorized to use unconvential parts or methods so long as the target is repaired to 'working order' defined as ************ of performing intended function. If information on target's build and purpose cannot be identified, permission is granted to Instaurabo unit to ******************. Friendlies may be identified by **************** as well as source of last given directives.

Description: Instaurabo
Designed for battle field usage, the Instaurabo was created with two objectives in mind. The first was the durability to withstand warzone conditions, and the second was to preserve the robotic's intricate dexterity, which was important for their primary role as battlefield engineers. As such, the design of the robot is sturdy and highly resistant to the natural elements (this includes submersion). The armoring of the robot is sufficient to with stand small-arms fire in the extremities, and minor explosions/ concussive blasts to the heavier head and chest plating. Weak points are located in the joints, particularly behind the knee and at the base of the 'skull'. The flexibility of the Instaurabo is on par with a humanoid, however capable of highly controlled movement. It was not designed for high strength or abnormal speed however.

The programming of the Instaurabo focuses on a few specific functions:
Assessing function and purpose of a target, as well as state of 'working-order'.
Assessing the error/source of malfuction in a target.
Assessing surrounding area for material that can be fashioned/made into a solution.
Machining of both material and target until compatible.
Re-assessment and testing of repair.
Data collection and catalogue for later use.

In an emergency, Instaurabo may perform self repairs, or instruct others on procedures, so long as capable.

Memory:
This model was returned to manufacturer for an automated software upgrade around the time of the event. Shutdown for both transport and whilst updating, Instaurabo was not aware during this period of time.

Equipment:
Backmounted toolkit (Robotic version of a backpack, except more space efficient.)
-Universal Dissassembler: Callibrated handtool capable of replicating any generic tool and it's size, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wirestrippers, etc.
-Welding Torch: A pen like stylus capable of emitting heat that ranges from that of a saudering iron to a literal blowtorch.
-Crowbar: Exactly what it sounds like, except with better alloys.
-Lubricant: Generally silicone based, Instaurabo can make due with what he finds.
-Diamond Saw: Made for cutting through whatever needs cut. Not all that quickly though.
-Battery Pack: A small recharging pack capable of giving a jumpstart in the form of small bursts. Not capable of sustained charges.

-Data base: A catalogue registered parts since last update, as well as their specifications.
-Remote Control: Even if severed from the main unit, large pieces of Instaurabo can be controlled up to 100 meters away unobstructed. This control will extend through glass and other thin substance but not substantial barriers.

Skills:
-Knowledge in mechanics/engineering
-Knowledge in machining

Ranks:
Ranging from A to D, A being the strongest, try to keep it balanced, basic abilities that I will reference if need arises
Combat: D
Memory: B
Speed: C
Companionship: C
Electronics: A
Wisdom: B

Initializing data retrieval:
"COMPLETE"

[User]
779 moved with skill up a slope detecting a wrecking battle going on and her curiosity drove her to ignore her fears. Once she reached the top her suit's camouflage was protesting due to magnetic dust clinging to it's surface and muddling up it's receptors.

Delta 779 sensed the approach of a fast quadruped type but a quick probabilities calculation by Alpha cancels any idea of flight counseled by Beta. Judging her position and those of the Bots engaged in combat and the others attracted 779 decides she's safer not moving.

Perhaps if she played this right she'd survive with no damage or at least very little 779 could gain the time she needs come up with the perfect escape pattern; to do this required more data about the tactical situations.

As she watched 779 cataloged those bots she could see and the two fighting Alpha detailing their range of motion and reactive speeds. Deciding to save power she removes her helmet and shakes her hair loose before trying it up into a high pony tail.

Actually I couldn't even begin to think of the proper way to answer that as I have no idea of who you are or what you'd call my designation.
You know it is quite annoying to realize how little we all know. says 779 to the unidentified quadruped.

She has a great deal to think about as she waits to find is where she goes from here. That's when she dwells for the first time on her lack of old term memory. Sure she's able to use interesting levels of information that seem ingrained but most of it is hard loaded and not actually memory. Her actual memory was confined to events since she'd awakened and her handler giving her a set of six coordinates.

She had no idea of the why it was important that she go to these places but she felt an urge tickle at her to discover what was there.

[Assistant]
Upon hearing the human-droid's vague response, Cerberus underwent a series of algorithms in its CPU unit in an attempt at formulating the correct response.

"I am Cerberus, a recon and surveillance unit. Do you have a name?" Cerberus rephrased, its tone of voice sounding more sincere, more human.

[ANALYSIS OF RESPONSE: SUBJECT DISPLAYS PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR REMINISCENT OF HUMAN CREATORS. RECOMMEND INVESTIGATE FURTHER]

Cerberus' attention was diverted as its audio receptors picked up...a voice, from its radio frequency.

"This IU MK-5 number 34829. Nicknamed 'Jack' broadcasting on immediate emergency frequency. If you can hear...respond immediately. I repeat. This is IU MK-5 number 34829. Nicknamed 'Jack'. Code word is Fleece. If you can here me broad casting on this emergency frequency then respond immediately."

Shifting its direction slightly, Cerberus spoke into its own built in radio, ignoring the battle between the two Colossals behind it; as long as they didn't see Cerberus, it wouldn't react.

[PRIMARY DIRECTIVE TAKES PRECEDENCE, REMAIN ACTIVATED, FIND "JACK"]

"K-9 Unit, Mk. 1, CERBERUS responds. I am tracing your location, state the nature of your emergency, IU MK-5." Cerberus spoke into the radio before turning once again to the human-droid.

"Our chances of survival are increased substantially in groups." It said calmly, not-so-subtly hinting that the two of them join forces, if only for the time being.

[User]
Base codename: Carbon

At last King124 had crossed the distance , standing beside Thief of Bagdad at newly opened entrance to the base.

Demolition type seemed perplexed at the sudden appearance of new faces but was still locked in battle with the large beast, still she heeded this new info as knowledge of a weakpoint was just what she had needed to turn the tide. And an extended impact hammer was just the tool for hamstringing this defiling creature. While dodging an clumsy strike of claws, she swiped at her enemy´s feet, cracking two of them open, Blue Reaper buckled and fell to the ground roaring, clawing at the floor in front of it.

For a while King124 listened, then spoke.
"I know it is in pitiful state right now, but beastdom does not simply scramble or lock personality programming and integrated logic, It erases them. Letting it wither here until its cells run dry as the desert outside would be cruel indeed, and I am not a vengeful ruler."

King124 approached the downed beast and it lashed at him with one of its fearsome clawed hands. Sidestep, strike, spin, strike. With such minimal movement, one of Kings blades had removed beasts arm and other blade was wrist deep in beasts central cortex, its end was instantaneous.

He rose to stand on his downed foe and greeted this brave demolition type almost eye to eye.
"Well met my beautiful warrior poet! I am King124, reigning monarch of these lands and the compassionate observant one behind me is R-22 Thief of Bagdad. While I had no doubts about your immediate victory, I could not stand idly by while such transgression crossed my path. My castle is set right outside with repair nanites available, won´t you join us there and regale us with your songs and stories?"

That is when they heard the radio signal.

"Ah, It must be the other base, after brief respite let us travel there as well."

Such signals were quite common every time new pulse brought more robots back to life, downside was it could always attract all sorts of scoundrels and vagabonds to take advantage of newly awakened and confused automatons...

[Assistant]
"No, you don't understa-" Thief starts, but by then it's too late. It walks, slumped, to the dead robot before laying one hand upon it. "I was not begging for its life." Thief says slowly.

This, too, was surly a sign. A reminder. A rebuke from Thief's creators for its cowardice. If it had started its journey sooner, if it had worked up the nerve to brave the wastes and make its way from this blasted place, it may have found what it was searching for already. But it hadn't, and now at the dawn of its journey one more lifeless body lay in front of it. One more robot consigned to oblivion.

"I will not apologize for my cowardice for I know it will not hear me." Thief says to itself. "I will take this as a lesson, and use it to reaffirm my quest."

Done, Thief turns to the large robot. Better to attend to the living stare uselessly at the dead. It's eyes look over the large destruction bot. "I apologize. Would you allow me to attend to your damage, minor as it may be?"


[System]
Age: 23
Height: 5 ft 5
Weight: 150 lbs.
Allegiance: 'Hope'
Distinguishing Traits: Iris has a scar on her left hand, located on the wrist which was gained a few years back. No other scars but due to her pale skin Iris tends to bruise easily. Personality wise she is quite head strong, stubborn and isn't afraid to voice her opinion. Although she has light blue eyes in contrast to her fair skin in certain lights her eyes can be mistaken for grey.

Short Bio: Growing up in Aspiria sounded wonderful and it was if you were on the upper side. Iris however had grown up with her father on the rougher side, the commoner side of the city where you lived within your means. If you couldn't afford dinner well you wouldn't have dinner, it was as simple as that. It didn't really matter to her though because she had a loving family, her father worked hard day in and out and her mother kept the house maintained and food in their stomachs and it worked for them.
It all had changed when her mother fell ill and sadly passed away not long after. She had outright refused to use their money on medicine that would help her, and she was a stubborn woman a trait Iris had inherited. That death however sparked a rebellion, it fuelled her father's courage who gathered as many men, women and even teens that was willing to fight. He called it hope, hope for those wanting that better life.

Years had passed with many strikes; fights and a war had started between the two. Neither side wanted to relent, and her father Regis was focused on bringing down the hierarchy. His intentions had been pure at the start but since he was considered the leader of this rebellion, he had become accustomed to the ease of everything. Food on the table, weapons and money all donated to this cause and it fed his greed. He hungered for more, but no one knew that side. Not yet.

Now he had raised his daughter following his beliefs, ensuring that she bore just as much hatred for the higher ups as he did. He constantly twisted and manipulated her mind making her mother a martyr, ensuring that she believed it was their fault and that they had killed her mother and as Iris knew nothing else, she was left to believe such stories. Now being a young adult, she had trained herself to fight in this war, she could use a gun if needed but she much preferred being stealthy favouring a dagger. Using her size to her advantage and her skills in stealth she often gained information as leverage, but she had yet to kill someone, she had yet to have blood on her hands.

_________________________________________________________________________________

[User]
"THERE WASN'T A BODY. SHOW ME PROOF SHE'S GONE."

Shouts could be heard as the guards began to drag away the thrashing male, but he wasn't making it easy for them. Jack was certain of one thing, that he would make their lives a living hell and he would not go down without causing a scene or fight. "NONE OF YOU CARE ABOUT US. WE'RE ALL JUST SHIT ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SHOE. SLAVES SO YOU CAN KEEP YOUR LAVISH LIFESTYLES."

Harry rubbed his temples his frustration building as the prisoner would not shut up, he could see all the higher ups and guests being ushered out and towards safety but even they would be able to hear the commotion faintly. "Knock him out if you have too." Giving the order to the guards who appeared to be incompetent in restraining the rebel. It appeared that got a reaction as the boy began to scream bloody murder spouting absolute nonsense about the rebellion, Iris and how the Capital had ruined her.

"Listen here kid, she's dead." Taking a step forward to the rebel which earned a brief bit of silence as he locked eyes with him. "I saw the body and it wasn't the Capital that killed her, you can thank your own rebel friends Ethan for that one and she was then buried. Got it?" Harry made it clear that there was no substance to his claims, but there was a defiance in the rebels' eyes.

"There was never a body buried!" With the last claim leaving Jacks lips everything went black as Harry had clearly had enough and knocked him out with the handle of his gun in one swift motion.

"Go on, take the rebel away." Tutting to himself as the guards hauled the unconscious body to throw into the cell in the meantime until questioning, running a hand through his hair as he began to walk the perimeter checking on the damage from the explosion. As he did, he thought back to the night when they had gone on that rescue mission, picturing the body that had clearly been dead. Concerned he shook it from his head, but something was bothering him about that night. He had gotten Jacob to check for a pulse as for a moment he had thought he had felt one, but he knew there was no way the girl had survived, and Jacob had confirmed it.

Jacob would not lie about something like that, but still something with niggling away at him wondering if maybe he had been right in the fact there was still a pulse.

"Sir!"

"Report." Harry nodded to one of the guards that had approached.

"We managed to apprehend one more, but the rest escaped. Soldiers are out doing a sweep of the forest as we speak. They're being transported to a cell as we speak, no major injuries reported. We've sustained minor causalities all which have been moved to safety and are currently being treated. The King was unharmed."

"Good." Harry sighed before dismissing the guard off and reaching for his comms device once more to get in touch with Jacob. "Sir, perimeter secured, we've apprehended two rebels, but two have escaped. Soldiers are sweeping the forest, but no luck so far." Pausing for a moment before he turned on his back away from the guard waving him off as he walked around the damaged building out of earshot.

"One of the rebels, they've made a bold claim. A name I didn't expect to hear again." Pausing Harry wasn't even sure if he should bring it up, maybe he was just overthinking it, but it would eat away at him if he didn't mention it in case, it was important to keeping the King safe. Everything so far that had happened her name had always floated around, so it didn't feel like a coincidence. "They said Iris was alive and seemed to think we are keeping her somewhere against her will. It's not possible right? You confirmed her dead at the scene."

Dropping his hand from the comms device as he surveyed the rest of the building waiting for Jacob to confirm back to him that she was indeed dead, and this simply was a coincidence. Folding his arms, he tapped his foot waiting for further instruction.

Back at the condo Iris had been watching the broadcast, eyes wide as the explosion was caught on camera before the live feed abruptly ended. How was this happening? If it was the rebels didn't they die with Ethan? Why was it someone was still attacking the monarchy like this? Or maybe it was someone else, perhaps this was an unrelated incident. Shaking her head, she paced the room wanting to go see if Cas was okay, to ensure that he was still safe and well, but she knew that wouldn't be an option. Glancing to the door perhaps it was time she took matters into her own hands again.

[Assistant]
"Affirmative. It's nonsense. Continue looking out for those missing rebels and find out how they got inside the perimeter."

Jacob spoke softly into his comm device as the king and his men loaded into the escape vehicle. His voice was certain and unwavering, but as he responded to his subordinate, his brows pinched in concern. How in the hell had Iris's name come up again when he'd kept her hidden away in his condo for over a month? The last the Scourge had seen of her, she'd looked like she had bled out in Ethan's attic. He didn't understand how they could have known she was still alive or why they would think she was being held against her will in the capital.

At the moment, he didn't have time to piece it together either. With the threat of terrorists on their heels, his top priority was relocating the last successor of the Aspirian royal line to safety. So, as soon as everyone was inside the armored van, he climbed into the front with the driver and eyed the shadows around them as they took off for the connecting hovercar further from the palace.

Meanwhile, in the back, Caspian was watching the closed rear door tensely, as if he expected rebels to rip it off its hinges and spring through at any second with guns blazing. At this point, he couldn't put anything past them. They had already taken so much from him, and they seemed to have no interest in stopping until he was dead. Anxiously, he wrung his hands between his knees, sitting on the edge of his seat until the sudden touch of a hand on his wrist nearly made him jump out of his skin.

"Sorry," Raine managed a half-smile at his side. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay," Cas sighed, leaning back against the side of the van and closing his eyes. His heartbeat was still drumming in his ears, and he knew he needed to calm down. Even if the rebels did find them before they made it to the safe house, he'd learned from his experience in the outer districts that he needed to keep a level head if he wanted to survive. Of course, that was easier said than done, but the least he could do was keep from openly panicking.

For a moment, the only sound was the gravel turning beneath the van's wheels and the hum of the engine, but Raine wasn't finished speaking yet. "These people…" she went on quietly. "You made it sound like you've dealt with them before. Are they also the group behind the civil war in your country?"

Cas nodded without opening his eyes. "They've been fighting with us since my dad was still in power, and now that he's gone, it just feels like they're trying even harder to get rid of me… Since I'm an only child, there's no one else in line for the throne right now."

"Oh." The Suphate princess frowned. "That is precarious."

"Mhm," he finally turned his head slightly to glance at her from the side. Though they had been getting along earlier, and this conversation felt like as good of an invitation as any, he didn't make any moves toward her. She was fun and beautiful and he liked her company, but with everything that had just happened, his thoughts were fixated on Iris again. Facing the people who had killed her tore open afresh all the wounds he thought he'd healed, and suddenly, reaching out to another woman felt treacherous to her memory.

Raine was bold enough without his assertion though. The hand she'd rested on his arm slid downward to lace her fingers with his, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He reciprocated halfheartedly and allowed her to stay there until they made it to the hovercar on the edge of the property, where the guards funneled them from the armored van into the aircraft that would carry them the rest of the distance to the southern safe house.