City of Latent

It was Sunday.

Nobody ******** ever worked Sundays.

But here he was; opening the tattoo parlor that was just off the main street before you hit the docks. It was more of a st hole than anything else, but the rent was sure a lot cheaper than it was in Durem. And thank his lucky stars that his boss; Jax allowed him to rest his sorry a in the storage closet of what was called Wretched Ink. His head was still pounding from partying from the night before, as though a bass drum was beating in his head causing his green and black locks to bang against his forehead in rhythm.

How late was he up even last night? How many gorgeous ladies did he end up with from the Hawk? Was one of them even female?

Shaking his head to cause the thought to disappear he began to make his way around the shop. All of the ink seemed to be in place as well as his mightiest weapon; his tattoo gun. Smiling a bit, the man gave himself and stretch and stared out the window for a moment. It may have been quiet for the time being, however seeing as HoH was about to start that means that business was going to pick up. And this only meant that fan girls would be rushing in to get something of their favorite fighter and he would have a chance to sweep them off their feet. Although this year instead of partying and chasing tail, he seemed to have other intentions in mind.

“Alright Aidan… Show time.” That was his name. He hated it considering that the ones who took care of him for a good portion of his life decided it was a good choice. However it was clear that this was not a good choice. Why couldn’t he have been called Mercedes, or Raven, or something that had a bit more badassery to it? It just something that didn’t seem to even match his appearance; ripped jeans, a Deep Haze band shirt, a ripped vest with a couple pins from his favorite shows, with his hair parted just over his left eye to show off his green highlights and showing off his fancy eyebrow piercing over his one eye. Yup, that was him pretty much in a nutshell, and that name didn’t work at all.

With a deep breath of the morning air Aidan reached for the front door and opened it widely. The cool morning breeze hit his face, which caused his face to twitch awake. The store was open and he was going to be all by himself til at least noon. God damnit he hated being the new kid in the shop someday. Shrugging slightly, Aidan moved out of the building and found himself sitting on the stop step of the shop’s entrance. The town was all too quiet this morning, but it often was on a Sunday. And it was time to embrace the silence…

And to enjoy the metal flask of whiskey he had left over from the night before.

Aidan wasn’t paying attention to the main road at the moment to be perfectly honest, he seemed to now be focusing on the distant horizon as he watched the sun breaking through the endless sky. It was actually rather pretty looking seeing how it reflected off the water as though it were dancing across the sky. With a swig the man gave a refreshing sound of enjoyment as he turned his attention to find…

A purple and gold goat.

It was an odd combination considering it almost looked as though this young woman (who was almost the same size as a child) was wearing a circus tent. Oddly enough however it almost seemed suiting for the woman seeing as it hugged her curves just the right way that it almost made him feel two week to stand. But what really caught his attention was the beautiful golden eyes that seemed to match his pale mismatched eyes of green and blue. But unlike the obvious girl in front of him, he wasn’t shy. He was definitely far from it.

“Why hello there, Goldie.” Almost in a gentle movement he rose to his feet to show his true height in comparison to her. He may have been standing on a stair to give him another foot, but he must have been no more than five foot eight. His black high top shoe pushed off of the stair and he almost magically hopped beside her as though to give some sort of acrobat. He had a considerate amount of suave in comparison to what one might think; even the scent of him was oddly sophisticated for a young man of his stature.

“Anything I can help you with?” The scent of just before a thunderstorm filled the air as he was standing right beside her. With a rather dashing smile to show off his sparkling smile he lightly grabbed her hand to have their delicate soft skin touch. Her flesh seemed as though they were a fresh canvas that was ready to be tainted by him. “Perhaps I can provide you with an accessory to accent that beautiful skin of yours.” His words were smooth like velvet as he gently caressed her hand that was enclosed on hers.

“Or perhaps I can provide you with some other service.” Aidan’s free hand now cupped her chin slightly to make sure he had her full attention. Something was a little different now about his smile, he was still very charming as he had been, but there was a bit of an underlying tone to it. And for some reason it was definitely not hinting that he wanted to make a sale. Now the question was, depending on this mysterious woman’s next move was going to determine how exactly he was going to play his game next.

Continuing from the Hawk

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

Enness winced, even hissing slightly under his breath as the sunlight hit him, his blue eyes rather sensitive to the light, and most of his waking hours spent during the night didn't help that much. Holding the packaging containing his and Sonia's lunch in his teeth, allowing him to use that now free hand, as the other was firmly holding hers, to pull his own sunglasses out of a jacket pocket, he barely had enough time to mimic her motion of flicking the glasses open so he could put them on and stop being blinded before he was getting pulled down the street in what was likely a somewhat amusing display of his bulky body being pulled by the much smaller frame of the woman.

Not that he needed any convincing at all really, given where she wanted to go, a little devious grin appearing on his face as she spoke, catching a glimpse of her own look as her giggle floated by like music. He stumbled a couple of steps before catching up with her, taking their lunch back in hand now that his sunglasses were firmly in place, somehow having managed to hold onto it with his teeth when she started pulling him along.

"You had me at bikini. And sounds like the perfect place for you to relax a bit."

He walked by her side, leaving the streets and going along the docks as they headed toward the beach, never letting go of her hand, one of his fingers brushing against hers every so often. He didn't say much, something very different for him, simply enjoying being with her as he thought how getting away from the hotel for a bit was a good idea. His attention would turn to the Ark floating a little bit offshore for a moment, wondering a little about that ominous looking structure, but he wasn't one for asking many questions when it came to a job, certainly nothing beyond what he needed to know to get the job done, and knowing more about that thing wasn't something he needed to know quite yet.

Turning his attention back to this woman by his side that kept finding a way to make all the walls he had against forming meaningful attachments come crashing down, he gave her hand a light squeeze as his gaze wandered over her a little, a small smirk crossing his features.

"Not that I don't appreciate the need to get away from all the people, and trust me, I'm not complaining about this since it has it's, ahem, perks... But wouldn't you be more comfortable at the hotel pool, temperature wise?"

Nighthunter Wrote:

She was delighted when she felt the resistance in her arm go away and his steady pace come beside her frame. She had forgotten that being human, she wouldn't have the normal strength she did as her succubus side. Her shoulder gave a small throb, but it was overlooked by the warmth in their hands and his presence at her side. She could hear the waves the closer they got, making her itchy to pick up the pace yet she caught herself staring at the Ark as well. Her head tilted towards him, her bound up locks bouncing some as the loose ones dangled against her mostly bare shoulder.

She didn't like it. She had been around long enough to know that organizations who were that level of exclusive were no good in the long run. Still, they seemed to take care of Enness well enough and as long as he was happy with his job she had no place to complain. Besides, it seemed like the fighters gave him more grief with their antics than his bosses did. She was staring at the Ark when he spoke, his voice tickling at her psyche to pull her out of her dazed state. She tilted her head up at him with a small hum in acknowledgement to his voice before his words clicked. She felt her lips tug at their corners into a brighter smile, giggling and shaking her head.

"It's not that I prefer it temperature wise. You're right about that. I'm less likely to freeze at the hotel pool... I just feel one with the ocean and the waves calm me. I figured listening to them and laying in the sun for a bit might make me feel better since we have that event tonight. You know I'm all about my appearance.

Her pride was fierce and she knew he would buy the excuse, but she would have to tell him the truth at some point. At least out here, it was more secluded than at the hotel and she had the time and calm of the waves to figure out how to express it. As she worked their way to the shore, she could feel the mist being carried off from the sea. Her eyes seemed to deepen here despite her blocks, that pale ice shade turning to a dark crystal clear ocean hue. When she breathed out, she could feel her body easing up some and the waves of nausea lessening. Her body knew where she was and accepted the calm as much as her mind did.

She stepped gingerly into the sand at first, seeing how far her boots sank into it before treading along to the surf. When they are about twenty or so feet away, she stopped and let go of his hand. She stripped off her tank top to reveal her white bikini beneath and let the sun sink into her golden tan skin, her hands undoing that messy bun on top of her head to spill her locks down her back. She leaned down to unlace her boots before pulling them off, taking her socks off before stepping down into the warm sand. She sat them next to her tank top, unbuckled her belt and slipped off her shorts with a wiggle before adding them to her tank top pile. She stretched her arms wide, the mist of the tide tickling her frame before she actually looked up at him.

"Did you wanna eat first? Or try to wade into the surf?"

His reaction was too sweet. She watched with a raised brow as he had to cough in his hand and bite his knuckle at the site of her frame. She couldn't resist dropping her wall, letting the waves he was admitting slam into her hard and make her body feel electrified. She shivered, her hand raising to her sunglasses to pull them off and reveal those deeper shades of blue her hues had taken on. She folded the sunglasses up and let them plop down onto her neat assortment of clothes. She listened to him speak, taking in the undertones of lust lingering in each one with a small smirk crossing her full lips. He was just too delicious sometimes.

She had to roll her eyes at his undressing, however, as her mind reflected back to his stay at her home. It was about the same display there too, no sort of order to anything he did. She had always been a neat and tidy creature, but his messy habits were something that made her giggle. She remembered someone once telling her opposites attract and in this particular case, they would be right. He definitely didn't have the neat bone she did except when it came to his work. He was detailed down to a 'T' when it came to organizing and judging the fighters and matches.

She took a step towards him when he was done, feeling the sun beat down on her back and heat up what was left of the marks he had left there. Her hands roamed his chest, leaning forward to kiss its center before tilting her head up to kiss his chin. That contact of skin on skin would let him feel those intensifying sparks from her frame as she fed from his closeness, letting the waves wash over her from head to toe until she felt nothing but the buzz.

"Eating before swimming doesn't really affect me though I suppose you're right. Let's at least see if it's gonna be too cold."

She gave his chin a n** before pulling away from his body with a soft push off of his chest. She paced her way to the tide, walking into the waves to feel the chill roll through her legs as it crashed against them. She could feel that twist in her stomach again now that she had fed, the energy making her feel like her insides were on fire. Her arms wrapped low about her waist as she shut those walls back up, closing her eyes tight as another wave hit her legs. The lightheaded rush made her sway, taking a small step back before the next set could roll along the shore.

When she opened her eyes, the world was almost too bright again. She squinted out against the horizon, the reflection off the water stinging her vision. As the burning in her stomach slowly went away, she realized what it meant. She dug her nails into her sides some, her eyes fully able to open now as she tilted her head back to look for him in the spot she knew he'd take by her side. She searched his eyes, knowing what he saw on her face again would make him worry. She knew the color had drained from it and her eyes dulled. She clenched her sides as that stab shot through her again, leaning into him for support with a muffled groan.

"I.. think we'd better sit and eat first.. the water is a bit cold anyways."

Just Three Words Wrote:

Aidan could only chuckle as she seemed to process his offers. She didn’t seem to understand anything that he was hinting at. But at any rate, it wasn’t like he could leave the shop right at this very moment; mainly cause his a** was on the line if Jax decided to take a pounding to his face. But nevertheless, he still took the map from the goat lady and examined it slightly.

“Hm… Hmmm…” With every movement of the map he seemed to flip it back and forth. But if Allex was actually paying attention it really didn’t seem like he was paying to the map. Instead his pale eyes were focused straight towards her, but he wasn’t staring at her face. Oh no, like a proper gentleman his attention as on her lovely display of cleavage which he had no shame to pay attention too. His pale eyes were definitely to be worth looking at, for they barely had any color to them except for a light hint of each conspiring color. Although his one green eye seemed special in comparison, for the goat was now close enough to see behind the locks of hair it was actually swirling into his faded pupil as though it were leading to something far deeper than anything.

"Please?"

She was so desperate sounding; it almost made hi want to vomit as he embraced her cuteness to her advantage. Almost anyone would fall for it; but he was definitely not anybody. With the map still in hand he quickly crumbled it up and tossed it towards the docks. He gave it a good toss to send it on it’s way.

“I don’t see why you would wanna go back to your troupe, Goldie.” At that moment he turned away from her on the balls of his heels and began to walk back towards the inside of his shop and leaving her in the dust. “Especially if they make you wear a circus tent.” He had finally reached the stairs to find the home of his flask he had been drinking out of nicely parked on the steps. Picking it up he took a swig back and enjoyed the smoothness of its contents. He had forgotten how smooth and tasty it was all things considering; he had to remind himself he was going to need more.

With that he entered back inside his store; only to leave the door open to enticement.

Perhaps it was a bit of a d**k move, but for some reason it almost seemed to work. Besides, his head was still throbbing and the reflection of the sun was not helping his case. Nor was the shine off of the Ark from where he had been standing. But no he was indoors, and it was time to find some drugs to help ease the pain.

Dark Conspiracy Wrote:

With the map still in hand he quickly crumbled it up and tossed it towards the docks. He gave it a good toss to send it on it’s way.

Allex could only watch in surprise as the man crumbled up the only map and item she had on her person and then toss it as if to add insult to injury. She just couldn't catch a break, it was just her luck to have bumped into the only inconsiderate person in all of Latent and to top it all off, the angel wings and halo that once floated around him had burnt in a fiery blaze only to replaced by devil horns and accompanying tail.

She was just about to turn and leave to find her way out on her own, fist clenched and head dropped just a tad when the sound of the mans voice rang out and attacked her pointed ears.

Dark Conspiracy Wrote:

“I don’t see why you would wanna go back to your troupe, Goldie.” At that moment he turned away from her on the balls of his heels and began to walk back towards the inside of his shop and leaving her in the dust. “Especially if they make you wear a circus tent.” He had finally reached the stairs to find the home of his flask he had been drinking out of nicely parked on the steps. Picking it up he took a swig back....

It was almost like a rubber band snapped somewhere in her body. Not only had this man insulted her, but then he had gone as far as insulting her troupe back at the circus and so, he might as well have been making fun of her family.

Over-boiling with anger and hate for the man, the fainting goat turned on the ball of her feet and quickly charged at the man without a sound. She had already been barefoot from the beginning and the so called circus tent of her dress had given her enough leg room to do just about anything with little restrictions. While in the middle of his drink; had she gone unnoticed this far, the goat would simply run el toro style straight into the back of the man butting him straight into the store and probably even a little further with the blunter side of her horns.

She had broken off contact with the small of his back but she hadn't stopped in her pursuit of him. When he had come to a stop, if he had even gone all that far, Allex would be right up in his face; her pointer finger jabbing him right in the nose "." She shouted, nostrils flaring while she tried to control both her breathing and her anger. "Say what you want about me...but don't you ever...EVER talk about my troupe that way again. If I ever hear you defile seamstresses work, or any member of my troop, I will castrate you on the spot."she huffed, pushing harder into his nose "I happen to like this costume you just called a circus tent and they don't make me wear anything...I put it on myself!" When she had gotten her two cents in, she would stand, turn on the ball of her feet and head for the door of the shop where she then stopped, turned back to face him all the while glaring. "M'name isn't "Goldie" either, it's Allex. I'm sorry for having bothered you and taken up precious time. Have a good day, sir." She smiled, curtsied and began walking off just to fetch the crumpled up map he had tossed earlier. Having put off her fainting reaction was beginning to wear her down, she had to escape, and do it quick before mismatched hues were pouncing on her and blocking her escape.

Jay spun around as Bishop spoke, the poor woman's heart skipped a beat, since she was expecting him to do something far more violent than just talk. Then again Jay had no idea he didn't really care about her mistake, but rather he was holding a grudge against Darren. Sadly she had done the same, so when she had found out about their preliminary match...She had sought to make things even, and of course ended up being choked out. Although it all seemed to work out in the end.

"I am as ready as I will ever be, hopefully I can make you proud."

Jay was in a rather solemn mood, she had been watching the Ark for some time before Bishop had arrived, all manner of images going through her mind, each one playing out a different scenario. That and she was dangerously sober now, also it was another case of having been left alone..

"I think..I need a drink."

In the short time that Bishop had been standing with her she had grown pale, well paler than what she already was. The alarm bells were ringing in her head, all the pent up pain from the memories she could never seem to make peace with, that pain was beginning to take a physical form.

Jay closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

You would think by now she would of learnt to carry a hip flask, since these sober rages were becoming more and more common, if only because she had been so distracted by various other things to actually drink.

"The last thing ya' need t' worry about is makin' me proud. You need to focus on doin' things fo' ya'self."

In the case of TRS, she needed to make him proud. But personalized things like HoH. It was all about her. Hell, she should even strive to out due Bishop. This tournament was deeper than the clique, only while it was the tournament though. Once it was all said and done, it was back to the regular routine.

"Let's head back to The Hawk. I could go for a drink m'self."

As they began to walk back, he would abandon the remained for his most recently lit cigarette. His hand seizing the center pocket on his hoodie once more. A some smirk resting on his face as he carried on. After quite a few night caps, he would probably just turn in for the night. Unless he found some pretty little thing to take up to his room between here and there.

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

Enness brought his hand up to stroke her hair softly when Sonia curled almost into a ball, his fingers brushing lightly through the full length of her long purple locks as he watched her, wondering what was wrong and if there was something he could do. A small snort would come from him at her words and if she had looked at him, she would have seen a single brow raised with a look that said he wasn't buying it at all. He knew however that she was probably thinking about how weak she must appear right now, being maybe even more prideful than himself, and he would have felt the same. But he didn't see it that way. All he saw was the woman he loved in pain, no thoughts about her being weak, just concern for her well being.

"Uh huh. Sure. Hard not to stare at you at the best of times, babe."

He would give her a little smirk as he leaned in to kiss the side of her head, moving a little closer to her and dropping his arm to settle around her waist when she leaned back. Taking the pro-offered food and water, he waited for a moment to make sure she was in fact going to eat before starting into his own food, taking a small bite at first, then devouring half a sandwich in a few larger bites. Apparently he was more hungry than he thought.

Not much was said while he ate, his attention going between watching the waves before turning back to her every so often to make sure she was doing alright with the food, brushing his fingers lightly over her thigh while he kept the arm around her. Also being quiet because he was processing some thoughts, what she had said about just being hungry made him wonder about as he went over the events of the day, starting from when he first noticed she wasn't feeling well.

He hadn't put much to it before, but as he went back over it in his mind, both times she had gotten really bad, he had felt her feed from him. Earlier in their room, he remembered the waves of energy passing between them as he had held her looking out that window, then soon after when he touched her again, there had been nothing beyond the warmth of her hand in his and her body leaning into him. Same thing this time. Feeling those sparks when she had her hands on his chest, but nothing when he carried her from the water. That was strange, especially as she was eating food now and seemed fine. Her feeding off him, and possibly in general, appeared to be causing her severe pain, and as soon as she closed herself off, she began to feel better. Feeding shouldn't cause her such discomfort, it was a part of her natural being. So to speak. It was as if her body, or something in it, was being effected by that act. Maybe he gave her indigestion? Not that he knew if it even worked like that.

The light touch of her hand taking his to her lips snapped him out of his musing, bringing his full attention back to her as he gave her a soft smile when she finally looked at him, gazing into those eyes of hers once more and feeling some of the worry leave him at the beautiful color he saw there and coming back to her cheeks. His eyes didn't leave hers when she spoke, rubbing his thumb over the hand that held his as he listened, nodding some, then his face went blank for a moment and the thumb stopped dead as he pieced what she just said with everything else. He blinked a few times before he spoke, his eyes a little wide as he considered the possibilities, however far fetched they seemed, and gave her hand a firm but gentle squeeze.

"I love you too, Sonia... How to tell.. me? .. Wait. Are you... How? Well. I know how, but... How?"

Okay, so maybe he didn't quite have the forming complete sentences back yet, if his suspicion proved correct. He wasn't able to express his feelings well at the best of times, but right now he had absolutely no idea what to say. However his arm around her would tighten and pull her frame against his to show he wasn't going anywhere.

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

His voice would trail off a little as he watched Sonia crack up at his reaction, blinking some more before simply shaking his head and looking out to sea himself while he tried to collect himself so he could speak some sense, unable to help but laugh as well. Also not entirely happy with himself how he handled that, wanting to hide what little he could of it now. He was pretty sure his cheeks felt a bit warmer too. That never happened. What was it about her that made him drop his usual uncaring demeanor.

Looking back to her when she took hold of his hand again, squeezing her fingers a little as he looked deep into her eyes, hanging on every word she said. He remained silent, just letting her explain, nodding a few times as what she said made sense and giving her a soft smile at some of the things she had to say as well. He had known there was something different from the beginning of that wonderful night when she invited him to her home.

His brow furrowed in concern when she looked away from him, burying her face into his shoulder. He could only imagine what she must be thinking now, what she must be worrying about, and he could hear it in her voice when she said out loud what he figured was going through her mind then. A low growl sounded in his chest, wondering what would make her offer to do such a thing to herself if he just told her to.

Not only did he know it would devastate her emotionally from what she had already said, could see what even considering it was doing to her, he also could figure what it would do to her physically. Not to mention this sounded almost unheard of, so even if he did ask her to, and changed his mind later, or the more likely option of her leaving him, as she'd probably hate him, with good reason, there was no guarantee it would happen again. He was having none of that.

His arm would move from her waist to curl fully around her, holding her frame tight into his chest as he hand went down her arm to lace into her fingers from the back of her hand, taking his other hand she had been hold to cup a finger beneath her chin and lift her head towards him so he could look into her eyes when he spoke.

"Honestly, the thought had never crossed my mind before. Hell, I never wanted anything more than just a cute warm female body to ******** until you came along... What I'm trying to say is, Sonia, I love you, and nothing could ever make me ask you to do that. I will support you completely and utterly whatever you want to do. So if you want it, so do I."

And just in case she felt like arguing, he would lean in to press his lips to hers in a soft, tender kiss, letting it linger for a few moments before he leaned his forehead lightly to hers, keeping his lips barely away from hers and looking into her eyes.

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

Enness couldn't help but smile a little when he felt her body shudder against his, seeing her cheeks gaining more color. He wasn't angry at Sonia, he was angry that something or someone had made her offer such a thing with what sounded like the full intent to carry it out if he had said so, to tell her, for all intents and purposes, to eat her unborn child. The man was quite a self admitted a*****e at times, but in everything he did, even his more unsavory work, there was certain lines he would not cross, no matter what, and if he wouldn't do it when he was getting paid, the possibility of telling this woman to do something like that never even entered his head.

His smile widened as he felt her relief, hearing it in her voice when she spoke, feeling her body relax as he kissed her and the warmth in her hand as she took his from her chin. A soft laugh would come from him as her words almost exactly echoed what he had been thinking, she also was adorable when she rambled a bit, kissing her cheek and rubbing her firm stomach gently in slow circles when she placed his hand there.

“I know. I could hear it in your voice when you told me. I figured that was the case, which just more so made the other thing not an option. So we're keeping it. Though I think you're crazy if you really do want to build a life with me. Not that I'm gonna argue.”

Another soft growl would rumble in his chest, this one in content when she kissed him, giving her lip a light n** before she pulled away. He let go of her hands, letting her get her food and holding her frame to his, his hand staying on her stomach and continuing it's soft strokes, looking down at the smooth skin with a half smile, as he processed things himself. Not quite sure what he was getting himself into, but it wouldn't be the first time, and this time there was no doubt it was worth anything.

He kissed the top of her head as he just watched her for a moment, for no reason beyond just doing so this time, his smile going soft as he found her delicate bites of her sandwich very endearing. Leaning his head to hers lightly, half closing his eyes as he listened to her hum and feeling the pounding of her heart almost in sync with his own. He stared out to sea with her, letting himself drift a bit between her sounds and the waves crashing against the shore.

When he felt her head move, he lifted his to look down into her eyes, her bright smile spreading to his face as she spoke. He nodded, leaning down to give her lips a little peck before he disentangled himself from her to stand up, turning to her once he had with his arm held out, palm up, to take her hand, pulling her gently to her feet once she placed her hand in his and walking beside her back out into the water.

“Sure babe. I know you could still use some time in the water, so we'll go as far as you feel up to.”

He loved that smile he got when he pulled Sonia to her feet. It felt like a little more of his usually cold heart melted every time she smiled, especially when her fangs peeked through. Normally he found fangs sexy, a nice bonus, and he did with her, but they were also really cute with her for some reason when they just barely showed like they did now.

A light shiver went over his body as they entered the water, rolling his neck when a wave crashed against his legs. He smiled to her when she squeezed his hand, giving it a squeeze in return as he walked out further with her. He took in a sharp breath, watching her as the rest of his body adjusted to the temperature of the water. The way she seemed so instantly at peace here and now, standing in the ocean with him, made his smile grow, it made her appear even more beautiful, not being in any kind of pain anymore, and it made him intend to keep her that way.

“I can see why. I'm inclined to agree. There's a certain peace I find in the din of a battlefield... But sometimes I'll just go into the forest for days, sleep under the sun by the water. If I can help it, nothing will harm you in any way.”

Enness was a realistic man, so he wouldn't give her empty words that he couldn't stick to and say something like nothing would ever hurt her, because s**t happened, but if there was anything he could do about it, he wouldn't let any harm come to this woman. He thought she might be able to appreciate that.

An eyebrow raised as she went further out, stretching his arm as she went. Sighing out another shiver, he followed her until she let go of his hand, the water a little above his waist now. What was that look for? He didn't think he liked that, or her diving under... Oh. That's what.

“You're lucky I don't mind the cold you lit-... Ffffff.”

He barely had time to brace himself before the wave hit him full on, just able to keep himself from getting knocked on his a**. As the wave washed over him, water streaming off his upper body with his exposed torso slightly reddened from the cold and impact of the water, he would spit out a stream of water like a fountain before shaking his head, sending droplets flying around him.

His eyes focused on Sonia as she surfaced, seeming quite pleased with herself, even splashing him a few more times. She would pay for this. Oh yes. Using both hands, he would create his own mini wave, pushing it at her then starting to move towards her with a devious smirk of his own.

“Come 'ere, you.”

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

The smirk remained on his face as he continued calmly towards Sonia against the waves, walking through each one that hit him since he saw them coming this time, and her little splashes in between.. Water up to his chest now, with each step he'd push a little off the sand to move himself forward. Clearly it would have been easier to just swim at this point, but he wanted to draw it out a little, let her have some fun, and take his time before he caught her.

Truth be told, he was having fun as well, this was a nice release after all the worry of the past couple of hours, and he liked that she seemed to be enjoying herself as well, seeing that playful side of her really coming out was a nice contrast, almost a relief even. His smirk widened to a grin, tilting his head while looking at her, the water glistening on her exposed skin and the way her purple locks had splayed out across her shoulders seemed to make the blue in her eyes sparkle. He liked that look. Even more so when she issued her defiant challenge, because that's what he took it as. Oh it was on like donkey kong.

“Just you watch me.”

Taking a deep breath, Enness pushed himself off the sand and dived down after her, taking a moment to locate her retreating well toned rear before his powerful arms pulled himself through the water while his legs kicked. Seemed they had a little game of capture the babe going. He was perfectly okay with that since he also enjoyed the chase, almost as much as the prize, and she was definitely a prize worth chasing.

He could tell she wasn't really trying to get away, since he was upon her within a few strokes, he knew he still had to catch her though. Something he fully intended to do. One of his arms reached out mid stroke, getting a brief hold on her lower leg to pull her towards him some before his grip was kicked off by the movement of her legs, however his first attempt brought her a little closer as well as slowing her down even if he didn't fully succeed. With her much more within range now, he would maneuver a little so he was just below her, turning himself so his back was scrapping against the sand some, his arms snaking around her waist to pull her frame to his, and his lips pressing to hers for a moment raising them both to the surface.

PK Lady Sonia Renegade Wrote:

Enness wasn't quiet about much of anything when he didn't want to be, and that wasn't very often. He had to admit though, he was thankful Sonia didn't decide to kick him. That could have sucked a little, even if the water would have taken a lot of the force out of it. However he did expect reprisal later and would be waiting for it. Would probably enjoy it too.

He smiled when he felt her lips pressing back hard against his, slowing their ascent as she parted them to breathe into him, not really wanting to surface yet either, especially now. So he held them under for a little longer, letting that kiss linger, the dampened light and sound from being under water making it feel like they were the only two in the world in that moment, and he wanted to keep it that way as long as he could.

Alas, he needed more air eventually, taking in a gulp as they broke through the surface just before his smile widened with her lips back on his. He blinked several times, his eyes adjusting to the brightness of the surface, even with the sun starting to wan a little, as well as clearing his eyes. He took a hand from her waist to rub his eyes, going to stroke her cheek, brushing a few purple strands behind her ear, the other remaining around her to support her some while they tread water while he got his bearings. Seemed they came a out a lot further than he thought. That scrapped one of his plans for when he caught her. Oh well, another time.

“Seems like I did. Not gonna let someone like you get away that easily. And I guess we should”

The man could hear it in her voice too, a reluctance to leave that he shared, not wanting this time of just the two of them to end and with her so at peace. He knew she must be getting a little tired though, for her to suggest it, and he didn't want her straining herself after the events of the day. His arms slipped from around her, about as happy to let go as she seemed to have him do so, waiting for her to start towards the shore before following suit, swimming calmly a little behind her, his larger frame not quite so adept with the waves, he watched her with a small smile at how she moved. Even just how she swam made her seem so at home in the ocean.

Emerging from the surf shortly after her, water streaming off his body as he did so, he stopped when he saw her, a pleased smirk forming on his features with just a little tilt of his head. His eyes roamed over her body, the millions of tiny droplets giving her golden skin an extra shine, she looked just straight up sexy as she wrung her hair like that.

With a shake of his head to keep him from getting lost in his own mirage, he joined her by their belongings. Seeing her looking back into the ocean, he turned so his front was to her side, taking her hand in his as he kissed her cheek before looking out into the water.

“I'll bring you back here, Sonia. Promise. We can stay for a bit longer if you want, too.”

Nighthunter Wrote:

She smiled at his kiss to her cheek, giving his hand a squeeze before gazing back out. The sun was starting to come down. The mid-afternoon heat was making the water evaporate right off her skin. She nuzzled her cheek to his chest, sighing as her eyes drifted over the waves one more time before spotting the Ark. Her eyes narrowed at it, still unsettled by the fact he worked for a company like that. She let it pass through her for a moment, she knew she had to come to terms with it sooner or later if she wanted this to work.

"We can come back when you have time off from your job. It's no rush.. besides, we'll be home soon enough and I can sit out at the lake again."

Being human had allowed her the weakness of their emotions.. which made her miss her home so much more in this simple moment. She was pregnant, about to go spectate the most popular fighting tournament and be near more than a dozen dangerous fighters. She wanted to go home and hide out for nine months in peace and quiet.. and unfortunately the next few weeks were not an option for peace and quiet. This was her last moment to savor it, but she knew by the sun coming out of its peak in the sky that they needed to go get ready for the ball.

She managed to pull herself away from him, bending over to scoop up their clothes and fold them over her arms. She handed him his boots and took her own in hand before moving quietly back towards the shore. She didn't mind walking around in her bikini and they weren't that far from the hotel.. plus she didn't want to get her clothes soaked. With her arms full and her other hand carrying her boots, she leaned against him when they moved back to the hotel. Her locks were almost dry by now and strung back to their bouncy ounce as they swayed back and forth along her back from her half-lean sway.

"Do you think we can get a nap in? I don't think I can last all night if we don't."

Nothing answered her call but the sound of something larger pass behind her, and the scrapes against the moist wood that made up the Latent Docks.

'Fwoosh!'

Whatever it was it was fast and when she finally turned to face her flank, whatever it was had long passed. At least, she thought it had passed. She could not see very far due to the obscuring fog that rolled in from the sea. The smell of the ocean was particularly dank today and something about the dense fog seemed absolutely unnatural.

The sensation of dread washed over Pamela and it was bolstered when she heard the scuttering of several somethings sharp scraping against the wood of the dock. The scuttering was maddening and soon her fear overwhelmed her senses. She broke out into a run towards the closest shipping depot that she knew of and ran for the door.

Nothing obscured her path but she couldn't shake the sensation that something was watching her and that she was surrounded. She nervously opened the door to the large dockside warehouse, stepped in and then closed the door behind her; putting her back to it. She breathed heavily for a moment trying to will her heart to stop beating so fast.

'What was that?' she thought.

She wondered if her son had encountered the same thing.

"God please let him be ok", she whispered to herself as she opened her eyes...

Latent Docks

The half elf woman ran as fast as her legs could take her while looking around frantically to see if the beast were pursuing her. She could not be so sure if they were or not, the fog had obscured so much. In her haste she had not noticed the elevated plank on the docks. Her left foot caught on the plank and she fell to the ground. It took her a moment to get up and all the while terror filled in her soul as she heard the scuttles of those long spindly legs scrape against the wood of the docks. She knew it would be upon her soon and she turned to look over her shoulder, shrieking as loud as she could.

"AIIIIIEEEEE!"

Latent - Docks

As she screamed the creature screamed with it, unleashing a blast of sonic energy directly at the fallen maiden. The blast of sound smashed into the fallen woman, lifting her clear off the ground no less effective than a blow from a giants club. She smashed into the wood of the dock and rolled limply to a stop. Small bones in her body had been smashed by the impact and life itself had nearly left her body.

The creatures, thinking her dead, returned to lurk the docks and guard there lair.

Hours later, a young human male with slight elven features happened by the woman. His eyes filled with tears and fright as he noticed the identity of the battered and beaten woman. He dived down towards her to recover her body and take her to the nearest hospital. He called her name as he carried her in his arms and though she gazed at him with her bruised features, conscious enough to mutter babble, she did not seem to hear his words as blood ran from her ears.

The Cyborg wasn't wasting any time with this delicious treat, he had managed to finish off the vanilla portion of the sandwich already, and was nibbling at the start of the chocolate end. A disgusted look consumed his face as he began actually biting into the remainder of the sandwich.

"HELP!"

Darren jumped a little bit, the shout starting him, forcing him to take a large bite from the treat. It was cold, very cold, and that disgusted look quickly turned into a look of pure horror as he basically juggled the large piece of ice-cream around in his mouth. "That's cold, oh ******** me, that's cold!" Darren screamed, flailing about until the ice-cream eventually melted, and went down.

A glare was shot at the man that approached, and Darren slowly made his way over to him. Upon getting within range of the man, the Drug Lord cocked back his arm, and hurled the remainder of the ice-cream sandwich at him. Aiming directly for his face.

"Go ******** yourself,"

Tresondros Ecstuffman Wrote:

Latent- Heading to the docks.

"Go get it Skit...Go on! Fetch?"

Jay would call out as she tried to encourage her griffin to go after the stick she had thrown, he wasn't a dog but she still had high hopes that he would learn to enjoy the same games that they did. Skittles simply sat down and stared at the woman as if she had lost her mind, since she stood there waving her arms about in a terribly vain attempt to get him to run after the stick.

Jumping up and down a bit before giving up on the game, Jay would lean over to pet the confused beast.

"Ah forget it, guess we will find something else to do right?"

Wearing a black bikini with matching black hot-pants, she was dressed for the beach...but it was not exactly the best day for a swim. Then again if one was to take in her whole outfit...They would notice that she had opted for her combat boots over a pair of sandals. They even had her beautiful trench blades hidden safely in either side.

Also there was that black spiked collar that she hardly ever took off.

But either way she was looking as hot as ever, the bikini top barely holding in her ample breasts while the shorts were nice and tight to accentuate her hips and a**. Was there ever a time where she didn't dress to impress...the answer was no...

Sighing a little Jay began to walk towards the docks, Skittles happily walking at her side. She kind of hoped that the prices of food were low enough to get a snack before going to the beach. Since she was still..Broke. Funny that.

Latent- Docks.

It was Skittles that would suddenly begin growling, his body stiffening as he stepped before the woman. Blocking her path as the smell washed over her, it was putrid alright, and despite her best efforts she could not get past Skittles to go and find the source. Peering into the fog was futile, she couldn't see a damn thing. What the hell was going on?

"Skit, what...what is it..."

Confused by her pets actions but it wouldn't take long for her to become distracted by the cries for help. Something was not right, a sense of dread filled the brawler as she took off as a dead sprint towards the source of the cries, Skittles keeping pace with her. He knew something was here that wasn't meant to be, his keen sense of smell and hearing told him there was something at the docks...And he could not let his master go any further in that particular direction.

But now he had no choice but to keep by her side as he too heard the distressed cries for help.

Bolting through the alleyway she would try to locate the man...

Tresondros Ecstuffuan Wrote:

The Docks

Near Latent's docks, an old boarding house (turned inn) stood. It was four stories high and covered in vines. The mansard roof, like the rest of the stonework, was worn yet retained a certain strength which was a common characteristic amongst older structures. Within the city, the inn's reputation was nearly nonexistent; a great majority of the citizenry wouldn't have recognized the inn by name, even if they walked past the ancient edifice on a daily basis. Outside of Latent, it might as well have not existed. Certainly, it could be said that nothing of importance had ever occurred within its walls. Of course, it could also be said that the Hurtfew Inn was easily one of the oldest buildings in all of Latent.

On the top floor of the building, a single dormer window was open; a figure leaned forward on the sill, admiring the ocean from afar. It wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing sight considering the thick fog which obscured the figure's vision. However, the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore were most calming, and the smell of sea salt in conjunction with the breeze that carried it had a revitalizing effect. It reminded the man of home... if only slightly. Hammerbog was an underground city. Something that Latent was certainly not, but the Free City did have an underground sound.

Grim Voxville looked the quintessential warrior. He was a handsome man, standing at an imposing six feet and four inches and would have weighed two hundred and forty five pounds (give or take a pound or two) even if he was stark naked. His musculature was composed of stout core muscles, powerful limbs, and a barreled-chest. A short crop of black hair could be seen atop his head; it was long enough so that it could be styled in a variety (albeit a small variety) of ways, but short enough so that it wouldn't be an advantage to any opponents. Currently, the fighter was dressed in a black short-sleeved, button-up shirt made from expensive spidersilk; while his lower half was adorned in a pair of dark blue jeans and black steel-toe boots.

"Strange..." Grim remarked as he noticed a young man (Elliot) running down the street. Even from the fourth floor of the Inn, the warrior could see and feel the direness of the lad's situation. Clearly, the total stranger required assistance. That or he was really, really late for an important appointment. Either way, his mind was set. He was going to see what was up. Not out of some notion of concern, for Grim was only ever concerned about himself, but because he feared of dying from boredom if he didn't. Retrieving his dark-gray leather duster and donning it (along with some other equipment), and hesitating long enough to consider his rectangular-headed war hammer and targe before moving back to the window for reasons only people who understood the nature of the weapons would know, Voxville climbed over the windowsill and powerfully leaped to the sidewalk.

Bending his knees as he impacted the ground (crushing the concrete underneath), the warrior was now standing directly in the way of the incoming Elliot. Grim lifted his left hand in the universal gesture for 'Stop,' and if that didn't give him pause then the fighter's hard stare surely would.

"You're in quite the hurry."

Unspeakable Tragedy Wrote:

Darkest Silver Wrote:

Tresondros Ecstuffuan Wrote:

Jay took one look at the limp woman in the man's arms, gasping at the sight of her pale face. The poor woman was bleeding badly, and from her ears...What the hell could of caused this, and more to the point who?

Not many people would attack a woman for no reason, let alone nearly kill her...Most demons mutilated their victims...But this woman was intact. Wasting no more time Jay would push past the large soldier...who dwarfed the 5'4" brawler, moving to take the woman from the young man's arms. Despite her small size Jay was more than capable of carrying the gaunt woman, hell she could probably lift the massive man who also seemed just as intrigued with the situation at hand.

Skittles sniffed the injured elf and snarled, the lingering scent of what ever attacked her was strong enough to set him even more on edge.

"Where...Where is the hospital."

Jay would ask, her voice clam and collected, yet it held authority..

"What happened to her.."

She would whisper more than ask, since right now they needed to try save her life, hell Jay would even turn to regard the man who had stopped Elliot from running, large dark brown eyes peering into his as if to ask if he knew anything?

Just Naota Wrote:

Tresondros Ecstuffuan Wrote:

"Please my mother needs help. She needs medical attention immediately."

Voxville regarded Elliot and his mother curiously. He wasn't skeptical of the young man's claim, though he wouldn't have blamed himself if he did for feigning injuries was a tactic oft employed by thugs in Hammerbog. Clearly, the half-elf woman was in dire straits. Instead, he was curious simply for curiosity's sake. It seemed (or rather was) rude that Grim didn't immediately move in to help the injured woman, choosing to ponder the why of the injury and if whether the person/thing that caused it was still nearby first, but frankly the warrior hardly cared for such things. Thankfully, the act of remaining stationary wouldn't look too bad, especially as a newcomer (a woman) rushed past him to help.

Eyes shifting to the other woman, an odd feeling came over Grim. He had seen this woman before. He'd seen Jay at some place, at some point in time, and not in the manner in which one would recognize a celebrity (though he supposed that was a distinct possibility.) To save his life, a life which he valued above all others, he wouldn't have been able to recall exactly where this meeting occurred, but it (in his mind anyways) certainly did happen.

"There's a hospital a few blocks from here," Voxville chimed in, turning about halfway to point them in the hospital's vague direction. He moved up closer, remembering he had snatched up some of his equipment before hurling himself out the window. "I don't suggest you move her around to much, jostling her about will only quicken the pace of the bleeding and exacerbate her situation.

"Lay her down inside Hurtfew," The warrior gestured over to the Inn he had jumped out of, "And call emergency services. They're not too far from here. Luckily, I think have exactly what she might need. For now anyways."

Ever the prepared adventurer, Grim fished a small, flask of transparent (but tough) plastic from his duster's inner-pockets. It was filled with a bright, light blue liquid and would have been easily recognizable to anyone who had ever taken a stab or two in their day. He passed it, albeit mentally hesitant to do so in his selfishness (it didn't show outwardly), over to Elliot since Jay's hands were now otherwise occupied with carrying the woman.

"I shouldn't have to tell you what to do with that," Voxville opened the short gate and stood aside, granting them access to the small lawn which led to the Hurtfew Inn. Of course, suddenly, another man appeared. This one, Grim did recognize as a teammate of a rival of his.

He waited for the others to rush inside (sans the new man), hopefully with a recently medicated half-elf woman, before speaking.

"Chocolate's the best part." The warrior opined, entering the lawn himself and closing the gate behind him before moving towards the Inn.

Jay nodded in agreement with the warrior...who she honestly had no recollection of, although she saw many things in her recent travels...But not him. Leaving Elliot to carry his mother as he saw fit. Glancing over her shoulder as they began to walk... "Don't help this guy..."...The woman narrowed her gaze as she watched her lover approach. That had to be a joke right? There was no way she wasn't going to help, even if Darren had wasted the last of his treat because of him.

That was none of her concern, even if she thought it was cute how he bit into the chocolate part with a slight complaint. It almost brought a smile to her lips, but sadly the situation at hand was far too dire for her to actually do it.

See the woman had no qualms about helping the man, even if she was just as new to the city of Latent. However as he asked how to contact the emergency services she simply looked to the blinged out fighter on her wrist. Surely she could use that to do it? To be fair she hadn't even tried to use it for anything yet...Maybe the chocolate hating Darren could help with that, if he wanted to..since it was not likely she could force him into doing anything. The damn cyborg was out of her league in the physical aspect.

"We could use this..."

She would say while lifting her arm to show the others her bracelet.

"I don't have my normal phone on me...But I think this thing can make calls and stuff."

It was kind of cute, since she lowered her voice towards the end of her sentence, while moving over to the woman to begin tending to her visible wounds, since she grabbed the liquid after the young man had opted to carry his mother inside..The blue substance made her a little uneasy though, it was far from natural.

Looking more closely at the woman she wished she had worn something else, then she could at least spare the material to wipe the blood from the woman's face.

It was a sad fact that Jay was a soft and caring person, almost too soft though, and even though she always threw herself into random situations to help...It always...ALWAYS ...ended up getting her into trouble.

"The docks..."

Whispering the words to herself, it was where she was heading before Skittles had so abruptly stopped her. It sent a chill down her spine to think she could of suffered a similar fate? What if someone else went down there?...

Skittles slinked along the outskirts of the room, watching the group of people while his master was crouched next to the inured woman. The young griffin was still on edge, his ears laid flat against his skull while those piercing golden eyes studied each person in turn.

Not knowing who to trust other than Darren, and Jay of course.

Unspeakable Tragedy Wrote:

Just Naota Wrote:

Tresondros Ecstuffuan Wrote:

Near the docks, The Hurtfew Inn

"Make sure she drinks all of it," Grim stated as he closed Hurtfew's front door, obviously referring to the plastic flask (and the life-saving liquid inside) that Jay was currently in possession of. Currently, the trio - plus the dying mother - were inside the inn's foyer; the room was equipped with antique furniture that gave off a quaint and cozy vibe, and was directly attached to the living room which unsurprisingly enough wasn't exactly empty. A few boarders, including the eldest son of the inn's owner, stood up to come help. Utterances of 'Oh my,' 'what happened?', 'how can I help,' and 'lay the poor woman on the couch' were nearly immediate. The warrior gestured for them to sit back down, assuring them that all was well and that he would take care of it.

They all believed him.

He turned back towards Jay, noticing the FIGHTER on her wrist for the first time. Interesting. The warrior had never seen one up close, having never entered the tournament, but he certainly knew of them and what it meant to wear one. Based on some reading Grim had done recently, the FIGHTERs for the 2012 tournament had been updated heavily (and not just its aesthetics), and he wouldn't have doubted that it could make voice calls. Voxville stood astounded, however, as Jay mentioned that she wasn't sure if it could or not. Some would have classified her lack of surety as cute. The warrior just found it incredibly stupid.

"Don't worry, there's a phone in the other room. I'll make the call there."

Voxville departed, making his way into the Study and made the appropriate call. He spoke calmly, skillfully obscuring the fact that something was troubling him. He had given away an expensive potion of healing. Worst yet, he had given it to complete idiots.

I swear, that woman would be dead thirty times over had I left them to it...

After a few moments, Grim would walk back into the room and turned to Elliot and Jay. "They'll be here within minutes."

Unspeakable Tragedy Wrote:

Darkest Silver Wrote:

Tresondros Ecstuffuan Wrote:

Footsteps on hardwood stairs announced the arrival of another into the main foyer of the Hurtfew in. Enter Sokoya, still half asleep and trying to rub the sleep out of her eyes. The girl's silvery hair was an erratic mess, and her attire spoke to a quick grab and dash. A snug white T-shirt leading down into a pair of jeans that should've been retired a few years ago. Her standard black chucks still not even tied yet. The woman would stumble lazily down the flight of stairs, plopping to her toosh a few steps from the bottom.

Leaning forward, her attention was focused on tying her shoes, but after a moment her head would jerk up. Blood red gaze taking in the scene before her as if she were noticing it for the first time. She'd casually sniff, testing the air, and blink. "The hell did I miss then?" She'd ask, fingers still deftly working away at the shoelaces.

She didn't really have to ask, of course. The scene was pretty clear. Some lady had been talking too much smack and someone decided to land like 40 punches on her b*h a. It was probably all over youtube too. Smirking to herself, the 5'4" fighter would push off of the stairs and stroll over now to get a better look. Hands planted on her hips, she'd eye the scene with a very morbid sense of curiosity.

Sure, Soak had issues with her own violent tenancies, but this was something she could enjoy without any remorse.

A dirty hobo came into town stinking like wet dog. Unsurprisingly, the odour was probably due to a dirty wolf pelt he wore tied around his waist; unwashed and probably growing mould somewhere in its mess of tangled fur. It didn't bother him none, but for al the people he passed, they noticed it quite easily. And he did seem to pass quite a large number of people today. In fact, this seemed almost odd to him; last he remembered, there weren't that many people in town. As far as he can tell, the last time there were this many people about, it was tournament time, complete with spectators everywhere, news crews hanging about, and those pesky security guards trying to keep order.

Actually, there were a lot of people wearing armour looking all stern at the general populace. And there sure was a lot of televisions screens hanging around every corner. And there was a lot of fanfare going on. But this cant be right; everyone knew tournament time took place in the winter, it didn't make sense at all. But then something caught his eye. Something red. In fact, there were many-a-something-red's that caught his eye when he stopped to take a closer look around him. Red shirts galore, with some bold black lettering spelling out two words on the chest, 'KILL YOU', and in tiny text, 'Deity Inc' on the back collar.

"Oy, that's my t-shirt," he puzzled to himself. So it really was tournament time. The left side of his upper lip peeled back in a sneer as some fans seemed to recognize him and begin to walk over, probably hoping to strike up some kind of mindless conversation or ask for an autograph, all giddy at the prospect of meeting... whatever you want to call him. A previous fighter in the tournament? That guy which put dirty fighting on the map? A foul mouthed colour commentator? Someone who ate another competitor's arm during a match?

Well, dirty hobo was probably the best representation of what he was at the moment, and that seemed to be working quite well for him, and he didnt need some CHUMPS coming along and making a scene, so of course, he did the only logical thing in the situation. Logical in his book at least.

"Holy s**t, aren't you--"

HEADBUTT TO THE FACE. That shut up the fan quick enough as he just casually stepped over the fallen man and kept on going through the crowd before most people could register what just happened.

So it was tournament time again, in some odd really early time of the year kind of way, which meant it was time to be a TROUBLEMAKER.

Latent

Overwhelming the sorrows he felt for his mothers desperate situation, the boy felt a cold chill run up his spine when someone approached at his rear towards the foyer. Elliot looked over his shoulder away from his mother to notice the silver haired woman with pale skin and red eyes. He only caught her glance for a moment but it was like staring into the eyes of a shark. Though despite that feeling she looked rather normal, but all Elliot could wish for was to simply get out of here with his mother.

After the emergency paramedics arrived elliot turned to Jay, Sokoya and the large man who had initially came to his aid. His gaze trained upon the warrior as he said;

"I am but a simple fish monger, but I believe I would have something to interest your type. Please, make sure whatever did this to my mother does not do it again. Our family will make sure that each of you is rewarded."

Elliot then left with his mother in the ambulance.

Sokoya's interest in the woman on the couch was short lived at best. Sure, she was injured and not of human folk. The ears pointed to her being an elf, Sokoya noted smugly as if it were some difficult task to notice them. However, the pale skinned woman wasn't particularly hungry at the moment, nor was the couch-ridden woman seemingly anyone important. Sighing to herself, Sokoya would straighten up and glance about the rest of the room with a touch of laziness to her.

It was the morning after prelim fights, after all. Her side still protested at the slightest hint of movement and she was somewhat hung over from the night before. Her captain had tried to keep her drinking down to a minimum with those fruity drinks with a splash of alcohol...but she wizened up to his game. Clever b*****d. Having slept off a portion of her hangover, the woman had stumbled down the stairs just in time to catch this little scene.

Hearing chirping, the red eyed woman glanced up in confusion. Someone had a bird?

NOPE.

"The ********?" She asked, eyeing over the griffon. Cause, let's be honest, it's not too often you see one of the things just lying around and chilling. Hell, Sokoya had seen hundreds of demons and devils and all that, but never some half eagle/lion creature. Taking a tentative step closer, she'd be all for trying to pet the thing at the risk of losing a limb. She wouldn't take the chance, however, as Grim stepped back into the room and spoke up. Attention diverted, the griffon was put on the back burner in her mind for a bit.

There was talk of going down to the docks to find some sailors to suck off to find out who did this to the poor, innocent, and defenseless woman. It wasn't something that Sokoya was particularly interested in, at least for the noble purpose of clearing scum out of the streets. That just wasn't something she cared about. A chance to bash some faces and maybe get a fresher wound or too...that was an idea she could get behind. A small smile touched on the girl's lips, and she'd tuck her hands into the back pockets of her jeans.

"I'll tag along. Ya'll might need an extra pair of hands." She'd say, excitement clear on the silvery haired woman's face. As if the little device on her wrist wasn't enough of an indication, the girl lived for fighting. It was the only thing she truly cared about in her life, at the moment. Didn't have to worry about much when you're trying to keep your head on your shoulders. You know?

Latent: a typical sports bar <<<

Another day, another dive. Whatever this place was, for Lovi hadn't bothered to learn the name, it wasn't exactly that hole-in-the-wall, trashy, cheap wood paneled type of place she often found in the dregs of the city, but it was nothing especially tasteful either. Most of the beer on tap was something overpriced and local, therefor lacking in substance as well as personality. But there were always good imports to be had by the bottle, and he amazon had always preferred something that sent a fire all the way down her ever resilient insides.

Cheers could be heard across the room as most of the patrons crowded around the big screen television that covered most of the events as they occurred in HOH. This was, after all, the local culture of Latent. Without Heaven or Hell, what did they have to celebrate but a big wide, prosperous city with nothing of interest about it whatsoever. Nothing but the competition that brought life to their lives once a year. How bitter must the locals have been the last time around when the contest was cancelled?

She could hear the announcers over the television as they streamed the footage live..

'Coming to you LIVE from The Field...'

Glacialic Acid Wrote:

Serren appeared to have a little time. The orb was static and so was the monk. Serren racked her brain for ideas. Operation Beach Orb Rescue had begun.

Serren walked up to Wilson on her right and in what appeared to be a great show of strength she removed Wilson's lateral arms, wrenching the solid 5ft horizontal hardwood stick free of the primary shaft. In truth she used her organic collapse to weaken his stabilizers before amputating the “X” axis of his cross like skeleton. Wilson’s trunk remained intact with a hole on each side. She held the rod in her right hand like a walking stick. With her left hand she simply caressed the top end of the stick and some of the wood brushed off like browning ash leaving behind a spear tip.

'Switching over now to the Spire of Heaven...'

Unspeakable Tragedy Wrote:

Crack, crack, crack.

A bright orange flicker consumed the Hedge, and began growing. Where as it would spread slowly, it would still indeed spread, and continue until it was manually put out. Unfortunately for Magnus, the smoke/heat would not bother KB, he was the only one that received the short end of the stick on this one.

She was still waiting to see about the H.S.F Aqualung to see how her friend was faring. Given that this particular stage was isolated from the average spectator, she had decided to watch the video footage in place of just waiting on the docks with the rest of an eager, captivated crowd.

HonoRaven Wrote:

"That is an interesting use of a striker... although I don't see the purpose when the entire team is stuck in the foliage that is now on fire..." She commented mostly to herself, but loud enough for the other woman to hear.

"Common sense escapes us sometimes," Lovi, much to her own surprise, commented in turn, "I mean, look at these people.." She gestured to the screen with a light wave as if to dismiss the significance of the whole thing. She did, after all, find the whole event to be somewhat pointless.

"They're not fighting for survival. They're not waging war over old grudges or prejudice. They're entertainers. And the choices they make will only escalate to insanity before they stop to consider the repercussions."

Lovi was, herself, dressed down for the occasion, though the specifics of attire didn't seem relevant to her present situation. The point was, aside from her great height, she blended with the crowd of people that had come to watch the match. It was a rare occasion for Lovi, though she was glad for the casual atmosphere.

She brushed her fingers over her short, dark hair and sighed bitterly into her drink before tilting her head back for another swig. It tasted awful, but she was so accustomed to it that one could hardly see her distaste for it on her face.

HonoRaven Wrote:

"But to some of them..." Rae nodded her head towards the TV "this is survival...they have no other place in this world except in the battlefield, and there are not so many wars these days for them to sell their swords in."

Hono'o smiled at the bartender as he put her drink down before her, taking a sip and trying not to grimace at the sharp taste of the vodka under the more pleasant orange juice and ginger ale.

"So what do they do with the rest of their time?" Lovi had to chuckle, even if the action seemed a little ironic to her, "Train for an event that happens once a year, if that? Even with other competitions and maybe some jobs in between, there's nothing to be gained here. Nothing that should drive a person to the end of their limits, anyway.."

"What is fame or money? What's the point of being named the 'greatest' when it only proves your devotion to a frivolous cause?" she shook her head, "We might as well go to the circus to be entertained.. At least the clowns there are supposed to be funny."

HonoRaven Wrote:

Hono'o smiled and shrugged. "I'd like to say it is perhaps a 'guy thing' but I have been guilty of playing that game myself in the past... although I was in it more for fun rather than money or fame." Fun and entertainment, since she couldn't even say that she was putting her life on the line there had been no other reason for agreeing to joining Ryugi and Damion.

She took another sip of her drink, smiling at the warm tingling spreading out from her stomach... she should have known better than to drink on an empty stomach, she was going to be tipsy from just the one damn drink

Lovi couldn't really debate that remark. Fun didn't really matter to her. At least, not the kind these people seemed to enjoy. But then, Lovi rejected fun, entertainment, happiness. She was just never contented. And in that state of restlessness, she was comfortable in a way.

She looked over at the stranger and for a moment she thought she recognized the woman, though she could scarcely see how. Those big glasses shielded her eyes from recognition.

"Do I know you?"

HonoRaven Wrote:

"I don't believe we have had the pleasure...." She smiled her sweet, innocent. smile. The one that seemed to suggest friendship or even just companionship without any strings attached. Her drink still in her left hand, she offered her right with it's red and black striped nails. "...I'm Rae."

She had debated for a moment on which name to use, but no one remembered team Phoenix's only female member had called herself 'Rae', and with the red stripes of her hair and her orange eyes both hidden there was little chance anyone would connect this Rae with that Raven....after all, she wasn't out today just to get a drink.

Lovi didn't smile in turn, but she accepted the offer of a simple handshake. It was pleasant enough, being able to share such a gesture of humility and kindness. Lovi might have recognized some of the woman's features from the year prior, but she was terrible with names, and only scarcely capable of recognizing faces.

"Lovi," she replied, and little else.

"Are you a resident here?" she asked after a moment's contemplation. Might as well remember her manners while it mattered.

HonoRaven Wrote:

Lovi... yes, now she remembered that face, the woman had been with Tres at the opening ceremonies... at least she had a name to put to the face now. Rae kept her friendly smile in place as she took another sip of her drink and nodded at the question. "I have a place in town... makes it easier to get to the Stadium, I work there from time to time."

"What do you do?" Lovi couldn't help her curiosity, though her eyes were still set on the television as it screened various fights in clips. She didn't care for the commentary. Maybe a little light conversation was a blessing. It distracted her from her bitter frustrations.

She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. Lovi made no effort to hide who she was, she just never made a point of emphasizing it. After all, when you spend so much time with someone who enjoyed media attention (Hell, any attention), some of it was bound to wear off on you. She wasn't used to being known. At least, not by anyone who wasn't a recommended client at her former job.

HonoRaven Wrote:

Rae took another sip of her drink, she was halfway through it now, and pleasantly warm... she should drink more often, she always forgot the artificial warmth that alcohol provided. "Mmmm, I'm a medic, and a nurse... among other things."

She took another long swig of her drink and waved at the bartender, trying to convey her interest in another glass. "What about you? What brings you to Latent and the Heaven or Hell Tournament?"

"That's the question, isn't it?" she chuckled, though she didn't expect Rae to catch her humor on the matter. It was a rather skeptical perspective anyway.

"I'm here with somebody," she explained, "I'm supposed to be protecting him, but.. I don't imagine he needs it. It's not like I can step in the ring when the need arises. But what else am I supposed to do? It's not like my old job did anything for me."

She shook her head and gestured to the bartender for a new drink.

"I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense. I'm just tired," she laughed, "It's far too easy to talk to a stranger, isn't it?"

Lovi smiled despite herself, and thought over the offer. The woman had a suggestive tone, but that didn't mean much. Not really. After all, they had both been drinking. And while Lovi herself had the practice and stability to maintain her alcohol (at least for a while before it struck her down like a great hammer), this one didn't seem to share her constitution.

Thinking back on the last few weeks, she couldn't help but make a mental note about her sudden lack of adventurous partners. Sure, she'd abandoned her profession, but that didn't mean she had to settle for one person thereafter. And really, it had been too long since she'd seen another woman. Mind you, when last she'd taken such a client, they were nine feet tall, quite foreign, and uncomfortably aggressive. Not that such a quality mattered to one of Lovi's, shall we call it 'stable' character..

But Rae was just being polite. Trying to lighten Lovi's mood. At least, that's what she suspected. Still, she would play along for the sake of her own amusement. A pleasant distraction.

"And what would make me feel better?"

HonoRaven Wrote:

"Mmmm, I can think of quite a few things..." Her smile changed from the friendly to one that the best sort of charmer tended to use on their clients. Her head tilted slightly as she rested her chin on her hand, her glasses slipping down her nose to reveal her chaotic orange eyes. "To begin with I can literally make you feel better, if you want, I am capable of projective empathy... so as long as I am feeling good, I can make my patients feel better too... a very handy skill for a nurse, wouldn't you say?" See, she hadn't been suggesting sex... although Rae wouldn't mind a female partner, men were not currently on her fun list. She was rambling a bit as she started to sip at her second drink, but that didn't seem to matter as much as it should have

"Interesting," she thought aloud, giving Rae a little more attention as the screen lingered on a bout she wasn't particularly interested in, "And useful, I'm sure. But I'm not in physical pain. I'm not sick or wounded, so I fail to see the point." But didn't she always?

"Personal suffering, distresses, anxiety," she began, "Maybe it's not a pleasant state of being, but it's my right to know these things. Know how it is to feel and think on my own terms, whether or not they are of a happy circumstance. And maybe I'm just incapable of feeling content, or being simply 'pleased' with the world as it is, but to be given false emotion otherwise.. It sounds like a drug. And I already have my vices.."

She smiled and raised her glass before drinking from it. Between that and her pipe, there was little else she could want for in the world. They helped her to cope, but they never robbed her of herself. Strange as she was, as poorly as she fit in with the rest of Gaia, she never wanted to be anyone else. She'd decided that much at least.

HonoRaven Wrote:

"You have a good point, and that is why I always ask first... although when I am unfortunate enough to encounter a severely wounded patient with drug allergies or extreme resistances, being able to fully block pain as well as ward off shock and depression... I occasionally cheat, at least until the danger point has passed." She did manage to look slightly abashed at that, but it was all in the name of helping those in pain....

"But perhaps you are trying too hard to feel content... don't force it, just ride on the good vibes now and again.." Rae shrugged a bit and grinned a mischievous sort of smile. "We could always just take a walk, enjoy the city... and each other's company."

She couldn't help smirking at the little woman and her rather audacious personality. She'd met more than a few characters of such enthused confidence. She envied it at times.

"I don't know about a walk," she admitted, though she truly wanted to get out and around while she had the chance, "I want to keep an eye on the matches. Just in case." She didn't want to say that she was worried, but she had said as much in her body language, try though she might to put on a brave face.

Nobody else at the bar seemed to pay anyone else any mind. None stared or inquired or listened in on their conversation as some curious parties were apt to do. Lovi adjusted in her seat, bar stools not having been the most comfortable of furniture in the world. She looked into her glass, half empty as always. There was something comforting in the scent of a stiff drink, but not half as pleasing as the burning smoke and rising ash of her pipe. The place was too new, though. It didn't appear to welcome the atmosphere that came with casual smokers. So she left her pipe tucked away for the time being.

"I suppose you're on call tonight anyway," she gestured to the screen, expecting that there were bound to be some casualties in the wake of the event. When she looked to the screen again, it had finally switched over to the match she'd been waiting for. And she was quite suddenly glued to the television, awaiting news on the state of her companion. Apparently they'd just begun..

HonoRaven Wrote:

Of course... the other woman was working... "Unfortunately the tournament has it's own medical staff... although I am very willing to lend a hand when someone does not wish to be at the mercy of the staff healers and doctors."

Wow, Rae was sure now that she had lost her touch if TV was more interesting than she was

To be fair, Lovi had been raised and conditioned to the life of a professional courtesan. The attentions of an alluring pair of eyes (among other things) was appealing, but no more or less than, say, the offer of one's favorite food. It was a temptation, but not a need, and she certainly wasn't starved for it.

She didn't say anything for a while. Only watched and waited for the announcer to say something of interest. Something significant to ease her worries so she could let go of her fears and seize the moment. She didn't care for new friends, anyway. Company like this was fleeting, and if they did not serve the purpose of a companion, then they were merely left to the possibility of conquest.

"I recall some disturbing doctors last time around," she remarked finally, "I suppose you don't seem quite so intimidating to a man in shock from blood loss."

HonoRaven Wrote:

Rae took the silent time to enjoy her second drink, seeming almost startled for a moment as Lovi spoke up again. "Oh you see, that is always my secret weapon... I never seem intimidating to anyone!" She was tipsy enough to flash dainty little fangs as she grinned. "No one expects the five foot tall, 100 pound little girl to be able to dead lift three times her own weight, bandage, stitch lacerations, set broken bones, or flash heal any sort of injury..."

She smiled, "I know the feeling," and left it at that.

How peculiar. Caught in the middle of a rather flirtatious encounter with a lovely woman, and she was entirely distracted over a burden that she'd been contradicting since they'd first arrived in Latent. What's wrong with you, Lovi? Can't you have fun without second guessing yourself? It's not as though it would have been the first time you've thrown caution to the wind.

Of course, the woman wasn't promising anything beyond a little vacation from her apprehension of the world. Agonized as she had felt on the inside of late, she didn't want to leave it behind entirely.

((Getting sleepy. : P ))

Yea yea...laugh all you want, jerk.

She thought as she went to collect her crumbled up map from the street after having told him to have a good day. She had no intention of returning and could only imagine the look on his face as she blatantly ignored him and walked off.

Dark Conspiracy Wrote:

“Awwww… did I hurt Goldie’s feelings? How adorable…”

But then he had to open his big stupid pretty mouth again and speak. Why couldn't all of the attractive ones at least have some bit of sense to them? Why?! Without a moment's hesitation, the fainting goat was turning on her heels just outside of the shop just in time to flip him the bird with one of the most ugliest sneers she could manage. "NOT GOLDIE, ALLEX, A-L-L-E-X, ********!"

Lady Gilaen Wrote:

"I've only met Seig a few times," she remarked, "I don't like him."

"Well, that makes two of us.. on both counts..." Rae tried, and failed to repress the shudder that raced down her spine at the thought of Seig. "Actually, he scares me... and besides spiders there ain't much that scares someone as old as me." She chuckled a bit, shaking her head and then reaching up to brush her bangs away from her eyes again.

HonoRaven Wrote:

Big purple eyes looked at the massive building with a hint of terror, the people seemed to flow in and then back out again, in numbers that the child had considered impossible even with the size of the building… it was called the Latent Mall…and Musset was seriously tempted to run back to the hills and the forest where she felt safe.

But Raven had insisted, and then Samantha had handed her a bag full of money and told her that if she didn’t come back with new things, then the older girl would simply tell her mother Musset’s sizes and let Raven do the shopping… before Sam had told her that, the girl with the purple hair had shown Muse her mother’s closet… so between being fascinated and terrified at the thought that Hono’o would try to dress her like herself, Muse had realized that Sam was giving her the freedom to express her own fashion sense… or lack thereof, as Brendan had called it.

That last comment had really been what had motivated Muse to take the money and find her way to the mall… Brendan was… well Brendan was a boy, and Muse had started to notice boys as more than just other people of late, and she had also noticed that she wanted Brendan to think of her as more than just someone that his mother had told him to look out for. So here she was….and oh boy was she ever wishing she was some place else

"Hi!"

Musset would likely be caught of guard as the little brown haired Karin Lasanti approached the other young girl. The two had met in the past before but the hadn't spent much time together on a one-on-one situation. In fact, that was a rather noticeable absence of her usual person - the girl's father was nowhere to be seen.

"Are you here to shop too? I was gonna get a few things for daddy. Do you wanna go shopping together?"

The child had a completely innocent look on her face, happily smiling at the slightly older child. The hustle and bustle of the Latent Mall didn't seem to bother her; in fact she seemed rather comfortable despite being small and otherwise completely on her own.

HonoRaven Wrote:

"Karin! Where is your dad?"

"Oh, he's being checked out by the doctors after his last fight. I was gonna get him a get well soon present." She looked over Muse as she mentioned she needed to go clothes shopping, and giggled a bit. "Yeah, it looks like you're getting a little too big for that. We should get you something really cute to wear instead! "

The little girl grabbed her friend's hand and started pulling her along. "You should tell me what you've been up to! I haven't talked to you in a long time. How old are you now? How's your family been? Have you done anything fun recently? Are you going to school?..."

The little girl rambled on a bit as she scampered along and pulled the other girl behind her, little brown pigtails bouncing merrily alongside her head.

HonoRaven Wrote:

"Doctors...." Muse wondered if Raven was looking after Karin's Dad... and that idea was enough to make her smile again as she let the other child drag her along into the scary mall.

The thought of something 'cute' however was almost too much to handle... Musset may have been all tiny and petite, but she was not the sort of girl who inspired 'cute' thoughts at a glance... beyond the boyishly short hair cut, the fact that she was only four and a half feet tall, and the knives that the little girl had strapped about her person, she dressed like the little wiled child that she really was.

"I'm almost 14, how old are you now?" Muse was surprised when the, questions just kept coming and she attempted to keep up with them. "Ummm, I am staying with some friends... and I don't go to school, I just work on my training, and that is almost always fun."

"I'm almost 11. I do self-defense training with daddy, but I don't think I'm gonna get into the fancy stuff until I'm a little older. It looks hard anyway!" she chirped happily. "School's ok, its a little boring. I like my teacher but I get a little antsy sitting in my desk all day. I like it when daddy picks me up after school and we go on an adventure!... Or just get ice cream, that's fun too..."

The energetic little doll stopped in the middle of the mall, and looked around at the various stores. "Where do you wanna look first? I don't know what kinda clothes you like, but I'm sure we could find you something comfy to run around in. What do you think?"

The child was practically bouncing in place, excited to be going on a romp with her friend like a big girl. Fun times were on the horizon!

HonoRaven Wrote:

"I tried school for a bit... but we all decided that it would be better if I just took lesson's with Brendan and Sam... Sam is like, supper-dupper smart, and Brendan can make almost any lesson fun or at least interesting... besides, when I figure out how to get home I wouldn't need any of the boring history, or mathematics that the old grumps at school were trying to teach me."

They stopped and Musset slowly spun in place, eyes wide again as she looked at all the stores. "Ummm... stuff that I can climb in, or hunt in... something that won't fall apart on me when I spend a night out in the woods." Muse scuffed one booted foot against the shiny tiles of the mall floor, feeling a bit like a bug crawling across a fancy cake.

Karin looked around thoughtfully for a minute, and then started pulling Muse over to one of the stores that sold K-12 range clothes for adolescents and teens alike. While it had a number of various frilly dresses and tee shirts, Karin drug Muse further back to the heartier gear, generally comprised of denim and other sturdier fabrics.

"Maybe we can find something back here. Some nice hiking boots and some kind-a jeans or overalls... I dunno, what do you want? You should get what you think looks good. I'm sure you'll look super cute in whatever you get "

The child was very much so fawning over her friend, but this was mostly due to the fact that she didn't get enough "girl time" - the last time she really had a play date was with D., and while Unca' Max's friend was nice enough to her, he wasn't really an exciting buddy when candy wasn't involved. Muse, however... she could get in a lot of delightful trouble with her on a girl's day out.