Gifts From The Heart

HayaBusa opens her eyes slowly, not sure of where she was. Sitting up quickly, she pulls a small device from her pocket. These coordinates were not on the map. Growling, she stood as she began to move about the island.

Flash_Guardian is, once again, found in the clearing at the center of the half-mile island known as Redfang. His work is a little slower today, it seems ... is that an ice-pack he's holding over his eye?

GunnMurphy has followed Dev onto the island...

Devaine_Hawk barrels along the beach of the main land in his jet black Hum V . Racing along the sand he shifts the gears and reaches to push on the new diamond stud ring that pierces his left ear lobe . Triad E.T.A> two minutes , ready for extraction . Looking back over his shoulder , he knows some one is trying to follow him , just knows it . Checking his rear view , who ever it is they re good enough to stay out of sight. He cuts the wheel sharp and points the vehicle out toward the water. It would look like the maniac plans to drive it right into the sea!

GunnMurphy was crazy to drive her speeder out in a chase such as this. Keeping out of his mirror range, she sees him turn towards the water. Her speeder hovered slightly, as it was won't to do...

[Flash_Guardian ] Dev would recieve a response if his 'ring' is equipped with audio ... a petite, feminine voice. "Right, Devaine. Rendevous point established ... 500 meters north-northwest of your current location, near a small rock formation. See you there shortly."

LoX appears within a amber-tainted crimson circle of lightning, the sand parting to etch the kanji of Air around his boot-clad feet. Clear azure eyes shutter closed behind his lids for a few moments before he open slowly, his oddly colored hair caught in the sudden breeze blowing in from the sea. A deep breath is taken, his lips quirking at the corners as he begins to locate essence signatures across the island. Slowly, he begins to move towards the purple signature, then shifts through the Weave to re-appear rather close to Flash, perched on a random stack of lumber. "What's up, mate?"

Devaine_Hawk nods , and cuts the wheel hard again, in shallow water now he points the vehicle toward the rocks jutting out of the sea . here I come he taps the ear ring again. Gunning the engine he shoots up the slick rock surface and the Hum V goes airborne, he hopes he judged where the hanger door is right .

HayaBusa had been running aimlessly in of wolf form until she reached what appeared to be a house of some sort. Sniffing near the entrance, she decided to head on in. She made herself familiar with the house before retreating to the kitchen.

PhorenNarqu walked, completely pissed, to the clearing, wearing his armour, his helmet hanging from his belt, a bottle of vodka clutched in one hand, and a bag of mushrooms in the other, as he cursed Benjamin Blue to the pits of hell

GunnMurphy doesn't move her vehicle, but watches in the direction of which his was going. When she deemed the time was right, she'd fly her speeder around and park it securely in the scrub

[Flash_Guardian ] As Dev's Hummer launches itself up the rocks, something curious happens in the air ... a large-scale reaction of some kind, as the air begins to waver and distort, shifting and darkening in color. In the midst of the reaction, just before Dev's vehicle hits the ocean's surface, a rippling translucent cone of light grey energy shoots out from the underside of the reaction, enveloping Dev's vehicle and holding it suspended in the air, the crashing waves below just licking the tires. The strange reaction continues, as some kind of gigantic metallic object, some 350 feet wide, 550 feet long, and 150 feet high, seems to materialize out of thin air! ((For further info, type /whois Triad))

Devaine_Hawk bangs on the steering wheel and yells into the earring as he taps it Triad you are the man!! Now this is a rush!! What I call an entrance !!

Flash_Guardian senses a change in his surroundings closeby, stopping and glancing toward LoX as he is carrying a large roll of some odd pink substance ... insulation, for the more modern character. His other hand is currently holding a light blue ice-pack to the left side of his face, over his eye. Flash bears several bruises along his right shoulder, back, and face. He grins only slightly upon seeing LoX appears. "Heya, Sensei. Long time no see. Here to blaze another trail today?"

GunnMurphy (as a rewrite) Blinks, watching the event "Whoa..." she mutters. Impressive...

LoX glances over at Flash at the sudden appearance of Triad. "Well...now you've gone and done it. Now we'll have redneck country yokels screaming about Greys from other worlds kidnapping them and stealing their babies." He utters in a rather dry tone, his lips pulled up into a smirk, the expression fading at the comment. "Yeah...heh. Look...Sorry about that...but...it was either blaze a trail or blaze Devaine and the island....I took the path of least resistance, eh?" He slips off the pile of lumber, his arms crossed slightly. "Yeah, anyway...I'll be taking a vacation, mate. Can't lose it again like that....something worse could happen."

Demosis stretches as she walks out of the forest...she had been there awhile and came to see if today Flash could help her off the island. She had her hood over her head as usual and with cat like grace made her way to the dojo. She really wanted Flash not to be busy...but he always seemed to be. She shrugged to herself as she went to find him.

PhorenNarqu stumbld towards the dojo, still cursing Benjamin Blue to the nine hells, and still with that ring around his neck. "Falsh! Falsh! You here?"

[Flash_Guardian ] The gigantic metal airship hovers some 200 feet above the ocean's surface, its powerful wind turbines only just barely disturbing the water's surface, sending sea spray out in all directions. The grey ripple beam brightens every so slightly, beginning to pull the Hummer further up into the air. Slowly, a large hangar door of some kind can be seen slowly rising and opening at what must be the rear of the vessel, and Dev's hummer is being maneuvered towards it slowly.

Devaine_Hawk appears on the beach , after Triad drops him off with a bag over his shoulder . Not a real big one , not a real small one . Starting p the trail to the clearing where the Dojo is under construction, he senses a couple familiar arus, and one new not so familiar one behind him in the brush . followed me all the way from the Pub ? Might not b the rookie amateur I thought you where ! he calls out to the woman , the one he knows followed him . Walking on up the trail to the clearing he calls out to Flash and LoX , Ho Ho Ho!! Tis the season and all glad I caught you all here at one time !! as he set s the bag down .

GunnMurphy waits, pretty much hidden to all, bar one. "Neat.." she mumbles. She waits about ten minutes before silently exiting her speeder and scouting the area.

Flash_Guardian is inside the dojo at the moment, in the central arena room, holding an ice-pack to his face and carrying a roll of insulation over his shoulder. He looks rather worse for wear as he speaks to LoX, seeming rather confused at LoX's first few words. Apparently Flash can't see the Triad from where he is, inside the dojo. "Yeah ... anyway, it's no big deal. I suppose things could have been worse. If nothing else, thanks for handling it as well as you did. So it sounds like I won't be seeing you for a while?"

PhorenNarqu would burst inside, and swig from the bottle of vodka. He was deep in his cups. "Hello Falsh!"

Demosis comes upon the dojo...she didn't see Flash at first...she circled the dojo just to make sure...then would follow the voice of PhorenNarqu to the entrance. Flash must be in there she thought to herself...and quickly made her way behind Phoren and into the dojo.

LoX glances up at Devaine. "Hey, that was almost as flashy as one of my entrances. I've got a few 'going-away' presents for the both of you as well. Something to hang in your Trophy Rooms or summat. I dunno. Anyway, that's the reason I'm here. I could be gone for awhile... and I ran across a cache of Silvus' best trophies. Figured I might share the wealth." From where he is, just outside the Dojo, but close enough to Flash that he can be heard. "Yeah...if I 'handled' it at all. Whatever that was, well....it wasn't a good thing. It fed off of all my negative emotions, pain in others, violence...death. I need to learn to control it before I endanger someone else."

[Flash_Guardian ] Flash would hear Phoren calling from outside the dojo. "I'm in here!" he answers. And just then, Phoren arrives. Flash looks to him now ... and then to the bottle currently in his grasp, eyes narrowing and lips turning to a frown of displeasure. "Flash, Phoren. That's my name."

[PhorenNarqu ] "Falsh, that's what I said."

Demosis stood silently as she watched Flash and Phoren talk...she didnt wish to interrupt.

Devaine_Hawk drags the bag over to his hammock in between two trees and slumps down in the hammock to open it . To some a long missing swagger would be back in his walk . If any come close enough the mixed smell of booze and would waif from him . The cocky smirk is back on his face again . He even seems to stagger a little . Almost like he s still feeling the after math of what ever and where ever he d been doing on the night he spent off island still has a hold on him . He pulls a tube like object wrapped in bright holiday paper out of the bag and tosses it in LoX s direction. for the man who has it all, the one thing he can t have enough of !!

LoX blinks at Devaine, then catches the tube. "What? Penicillin?"

GunnMurphy -sneaks- towards the main house.

Flash_Guardian notices Demosis as she enters the central training room of the dojo, grinning weakly and nodding to her, seeing as both his hands are currently busy ... one with the bundle of insulation, and the other to the makeshift ice-pack over his face. To LoX, Flash walks a bit closer to the man and answers him, slightly amused. "More gifts? First Aislinn's banner, and now something else?" Flash laughs, shrugging and letting the roll of insulation fall to the floor. "Well, I wish I could help you ... but it sounds like you'll need to learn such control on your own."

GunnMurphy heard voices in the distance, one was Dev...sounding a little too pleased, and others sounding pissed...

Flash_Guardian simply glares at Phoren with his one good eye. The bruises on his face are clearly visibly, though the others are somewhat hidden beneath his gi vest. He seems none-too-pleased by what he sees, but only manages to utter a sigh, roll his eyes, and shake his head, looking now to Devaine who has just made his entrance.

Demosis sighed a bit dissapointed. she was right Flash was busy again. she cursed silently under her breath. She watched Flash let the insulation fall to the floor. She wondered what had happened to him..."what happened to your face Flash?" she would ask sincerely.

[PhorenNarqu ] "What by the abyss happened to you?"

Devaine_Hawk shrugs his shoulders as he pulls out a wrapped box just open it then looks around for Flash, as he side arms the box through the open door of the Dojo, think quick !! he calls . Then he straightens in the hammock, before he stands and looks out to the tree line . His left eye glows an almost electric neon blue as he speaks stop crawling around out there and come on in rookie , I want to talk to you anyway!! he calls out. Looking right at Gunn s location. He might not see her but he sees her aura just clear as day out there .

LoX nods once, then, in a business like tone, murmurs to Flash. "Kneel, gakuto . " From underneath his jacket comes his hand, and in that hand resides an elaborate-looking sword. The sheathe itself is rendered to look like a giant battlefield, men locked in mortal combat. He slips the blade from its sheathe, the steel itself finely decorated and drawn to resemble dueling Demons and Gods. "This....is the Tsurugi Bure-ka. I bestow this to my student and pupil as a symbol of how well he's done for himself. May it never be removed from his family." Called out to the others.

GunnMurphy w anders int othe main dojo. She still heard voices, but none that called out to her...

GunnMurphy pulls out her gun.....just because.....

Flash_Guardian looks to Demosis rather abashedly. "Wha ...? Oh," Flash says, gesturing to the icepack. "Right. Uhhh ... on the job accident. No big deal, it should heal by tomorrow."

Demosis nodded even though she wansnt to sure if he was telling the truth. "I know you are busy Flash...but do you know if the tide is down enough for me to get off of the island?" she felt trapped here...and silently wished that the tide was good.

GunnMurphy looks around for an office area...

Devaine_Hawk whistles to the sword that makes my gift look like chopped liver all I got the boy scout was a suit to wear if I can ever get him out on the town !! he laughs as he pulls two more boxes bad sets these next to his hammock. He watches Gunn as she thinks she s sneaking past them, to get in the dojo put the gun away, most of us are what passes for the good guys today he tells her . Seeing Flash through the door at last he stops in his tracks and takes a closer look at his friend . what the hell happened to you?!

Flash_Guardian recieves a box ... and a request to kneel. Not sure which to tend to first, he simply does as he is told and kneels before his teacher. Flash's eyes wander over the magnificent blade, taking in each finely crafted detail. A slight breath is exhaled in wonder ... Flash is able to do little else than simply hold his hands out to recieve the gift. "Sensei ... I ... I am honored. But ... I have no use for a sword. Why choose me for such a gift?"

Flash_Guardian is waiting to open the box at the moment ... but don't worry, he will soon!

GunnMurphy slips her gun back in it's holster, and peers into the main dojo area...

[LoX ] "Don't laugh, Dev. You're next. Didn't think that I was going to forget about you, didja?" Spoken dryly, a small smile playing along the corners of his lips as he turns to face Flash once again. "No one said you had to use it, Flash. I've enough of them in the Trophy room at home....and I figured you'd treasure it a bit more than I would. The blade itself is enchanted against going dull. The name means Sword-Breaker. I know you'll take good care of it." With that, he places the blade into Flash's waiting hands. "Besides, mate. You deserve it." He spins about on his heel, then grins. "Deeeeeev. I've got something for youuuuu."

GunnMurphy steps into the dojo. She blinks. She had expected more then this. Prefering to keep to a low profile, she walks around the dojo, checking it out, as it were...

Flash_Guardian looks skyward for a moment, trying to see the position of the sun, then looks to Demosis briefly. "I think so. The land bridge should be above sea level at the moment." Flash nods to the woman. "So, I take it you're leaving now? Well, I hope you enjoyed your stay here. Seems like you never really found a place to fit in, but know this - you're always welcome to return here in the future."

[Aislinn ] A rider was off the coast, though not near the bridge to the island. From far away, they may have appeared like a man. Dressed with a forest green tunic, brown leather breeches and black boots. But, the horse and her fiery red hair were unmistakable. Cleome, was a dapple gray mare, of uniqueness. The lady, had hair that you could see from a mile away, the deep bright red pulled back into a braid. Rider and horse got to the land, and soon enough pierced through the treeline. Upon her waist was a golden belt, secured to it was a magnificent sword. The hilt alone gleamed like none other when light hit it. Flashing into many smaller lights. It seemed to have been covered in gems. Upon closer inspection, to those that knew Benjamin Blue, it was his sword she now wielded.

GunnMurphy was confused. Why did this guy seem so pushy?

Devaine_Hawk stands there , and his tone goes to a more somber one . I wasn t laughing at the sword , it s the best I ve ever seen and I saw a few while I was in Asia on assignment He stops and looks away You don t have to give me anything more , your friendship and help are more than I deserve already

Flash_Guardian looks to Dev, still rather embarrassed about the bruises on his face. Just as awkwardly as before, he answers Dev. "I, uhh ... fell off the roof. Job accident, like I said." Flash nods, as if trying to convince himself of the truth of his own words.

Alison yawns flying in happly the young angel girl this time doing some barrle rolls in the sky befor sending off now multicouler flasher and bangs in the sky she was getting better at that she then flew up hight makeing a large COCK A DODDODO noice again happly

[PhorenNarqu ] "What the hell was that?"

Demosis sighs...and starts to walk towards the exit. She looks back once more before she makes her exit. "I am going. thanks for the help Flash...but i dont belong here as i dont belong truely anywhere." she glanced around at the people in the dojo. "stay safe Flash." she turned away again and started the long walk to the bridge. She was a bit down, she really didnt know why...but if one was to look closely her step didnt hold the same bounce as it usually did.

LoX merely grins at Dev. "Deeeev. Get over here and take your present like a man, dammit." With that, a second blade is produced, the sheathe itself fashioned to resemble the midst of a thunderstorm, jagged golden bolts flashing amongst grey clouds and pure white petals. The Blade is pulled forth from its scabbard to reveal a decorated blue blade, the golden lightning giving way to serene clouds and azure colored petals. "This is Arashi-Hana. First sword forged by the Kiruitseki smiths, carried by the first Kiruitseki Lord. A woman...Tya. The name means Storm Blossom. Its innate powers should help make your powers a bit easier to concentrate, my friend. I know you'll take good care of her."

Flash_Guardian smiles, at last removing the ice pack from the side of his face and setting it aside to hold his hands out and recieve the blade properly. Flash's left eye is swollen and black, unable to open very much at all ... not a pretty sight. Flash smiles appreciatively. "Then I shall add it to the dojo's treasury, as a priceless gift. There it shall rest and give honor to the dojo." Flash closes his eyes and bows his head to his sensei respectfully before rising slowly.

Devaine_Hawk turns to look at Flash again your lying to a psychic you know , and you suck at lying any way to begin with he states . He can see shame and guilt coloring his friends aura on it s edges he didn t fall off the roof , he can tell that much . He watches LoX , and waits , thinking that he too would be able to see through the paper thin excuse .

Aislinn passed Demosis on the way, and slowed Cleome, looking at the drow. "Miss Demosis?" She remembered her. "'Tis me, Aislinn. You may not remember, because of your eyesight. You seem not quite right, if you excuse my saying. Is everything alright?" The lady was concerned. Atop the knightly outfit was a cloak of night, embroidered with golden hemming and a lioness rampant upon its back.

LoX seems to be a bit distracted and his concentration a bit addled, as far as his innate abilities are concerned.

Flash_Guardian grins, hearing a rooster overhead. "Sounds like our angel girl is back."

Devaine_Hawk kneels and bows his head . I don t know what to say it is to noble a blade for my common hands ..I will use it with honor and treat her with the care that most men would give their mistress or children he whispers .

GunnMurphy frowned slightly "hmmm."

Flash_Guardian would call to Demosis one last time before she left. "Hey ... just remember. This place is a sanctuary, a place for the weary to find rest, and the lost to find their way. Do not be ashamed to seek shelter here in your time of need. I wish you luck on your travels."

GunnMurphy turns out her notepad and a penn and starts to jot down some notes.

LoX sets the blade firmly into Dev's hands. "It's because you're not noble that I'm giving her to you. You'll use her well, if you use her at all, bucko. Either way, she's in good hands." The fact that both blades happen to be practically priceless goes unmentioned.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Falsh... Is it a place for someones who has nothing left?"

Demosis didnt even need to see Aislinn to remember her. She bows remembering how curtious Aislinn is. "It is me." she nodded "i am fine. Thank you for your concern." she hated lying to these people...the only people who had helped her. "I am on my way to the bridge." she froze a bit as she listened to Flash. She was glad at that moment that her face was hidden. For a saddness unlike anything she had ever felt before found its way into her heart. she swallowed hard and stook a step closer to Aislinn "I have to go."

Alison then lands on the roof of the dojo today she seemed supper happy as she lands her wings folding and she yawned a little giggled just to make sure people new she was here created flashers and bangd all over the area

Flash_Guardian grins admirably at Dev's gift, showing the same sense of wonder, though a bit more subdued as he slides his own gift, sheathe and all, into his belt for the time being. Flash sighs at Dev's accusations, affirming them. He really was a horrible liar. "Okay, so I didn't fall off the roof." Flash chuckles to himself. "Hell, I fall off the roof for fun." Flash starts to explain himself, but then looks around eyeing the seemingly crowded place. "Ummm ... I'll explain after we're all done here."

Flash_Guardian nods to Dev, smiling happily. "I can give you a few pointers on caring for a sword like that, if you need me to."

GunnMurphy glances around for anything lying around...

LoX 's azure brow arches at Flash. "Good. 'Cause I wanna know too." He enters the dojo proper, then glances around. "The place is really comin' along, Flash. By the time I get back, it'll be complete, I'd bet."

GunnMurphy hears someone approach and slips into a cupboard...

Aislinn leaned closer on Cleome, peering down at Demosis. The lady's empathic abilities didn't need to see her face. She could feel a wave of thick sadness rolling from the drow female. "Miss Demosis, I should say you feel anything but fine. Why are you so sad?" Her voice was gentle, as she looked to her. Concerned still. "Do you have to leave so soon?"

Flash_Guardian turns now to regard Phoren, a surprised expression on his face, yet also one of concern. "Yes," he begins. "It is most especially a place for those who believe they have hit bottom. When you're as low as you can go, the only place to go from there, they say, is up." Flash grins helpfully. "I would hope to use this place to ... start those with nothing back on the road to happiness." Flash blinks, wondering just what it is that Phoren is thinking. Unlike certain others here, Flash is no mind reader.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Well... I guess I'll be staying here for a while then, Falsh... She's already replaced me."

Devaine_Hawk nods to Flash and Lox in turn as he stands with the sheathed sword in his hands . I hope you will, and that you or some one teaches me how to weld her for some reason I think the blade is a she , he whispers . He slings the sheath over his shoulder it will never leave my side , even in my sleep, I promise . Then he turns away for a moment and a hand brushes at his eyes . But we all know Dev would never let a tear fall, right ?

Demosis sighed "i have been here too long. Trust me...i have to go." she wanted to run away then...so Aislinn couldnt feel the wave of guilt and pain that boggled her sences. She never felt this way before...she had never really cared about the well being of others...but she did now...and it frightened her.

LoX re-perches on a random stack of lumber, his azure eyes flicking over to Phoren, his lips curling into a smile. "They say that Tya's spirit still resides within the blade she carried next to her, Dev...it'd be no surprise that it's a she." A quick wink, then he turns back to glance at Flash again. "God...I'm so happy I'm engaged right now. Moreso then I usually do, even. It's times like these that make me thankful, though."

Aislinn , at that, dismounted Cleome to fall to a standing stance infront of Demosis. Since she didn't run away just yet, the lady felt that guilt and pain intermingling with the sadness in Demosis. She tilted her head, placing a hand gently on the drow's shoulder. "Why? Why do you feel the need you must go? We all wish to see you stay. Are you certain you wish and have to leave so soon?"

Flash_Guardian grins half-heartedly, picking up the ice-pack and returning it to the side of his face. He frowns slightly, removing it and giving it a queer look. It would seem to be little more than something squishy wrapped in canvas. Flash points a hand at it, wiggling a few fingers as a ray of shimmering dark blue reaches out and strikes the ice-pack, chilling the surrounding air with a crackling sound. Flash ceases his spell and promptly slaps the icepack back on. "Ahhhh," Flash sighs happily, following after his teacher. "The dojo has taken great leaps and bounds recently, thanks to the helping hands of others. I hope to have it finished sometime soon as well. The next step is the walls, which I was working on insulating." Flash follows, willing to give a tour or explanation if needed.

Alison growing like a spolt kid thinking she was being ignors now jums up and makes a flash so big and loud it spreds though the whole island and makes a sonic boom" well that sould get some one to notice me" she giggles happly

Devaine_Hawk wings a brightly wrapped box Aislinns s way now when he turns back , his eyes dry and clear , the left one glowing again for listing to a drunk and his woes the other night

Flash_Guardian blinks at Phoren's words, which would seem to be new news to him. "Aislinn ...?" Knowing that such was a touchy subject, Flash decides to leave it for a later time, when not surrounded by others whom such a conversation would not concern.

LoX glances around again. "Sure. Y'know, I think it's great you're finding yourself your own niche, mate. And every Master needs his symbol of office, right? S'kinda why I gave Sword-Breaker t'you. Kinda my way of saying thatt you've done an awesome job, mate. By the way...I wanted to show you a few things that I found in my...uncle's stash, you might say."

PhorenNarqu just nodded, and took another, deep swig of the vodka

Demosis tences at being touched...she still was getting used to that. She sighed then hung her head "i cant tell you. i can only say i fear to bring ruin upon Flash's dojo if i do stay." She let another wave of emotion batter her. It was so overwhelming.

Devaine_Hawk does some thing completely out of character next . He walks over to Phoren and gives him a gentle nudge on the shoulder I think we might have more in common than either of us know, want to talk about her and being replaced ?

Flash_Guardian drops everything and whirls to face his sensei. "Engaged?!" A massive grin now covers what can be seen of Flash's bruised face. "You and Lani? When's the date? Am I invited?"

Aislinn removed her hand, not wanting the other female to be uncomfortable. She said softly to her now.. "Very well. Please, though, listen to my words. They are true. You shall not bring ruin to Flash's dojo. You would only bring companionship to others. Do what you feel you must, but I believe we all hope to see you return, miss Demosis." She smiled at the drow female, meaning what she said. The fiery haired maiden dressed like a knight continued on, to have a package thrown at her from Devaine. A blink as she looked to it. "Oh come now, Sir Dev! I only did what a friend would. I need not a gift for it. Also, I pray that blanket I left on you kept you warm for the night."

PhorenNarqu shrugged, and took another sip, muttering a curse upon Benjamin Blue. "Yeah.... Might ash well."

Alison blinked now sure she was being ignor so she was now acting like a spolit brat flys hight in the sky and fires little balls of light all over the island in her anger of spolit bratness

Devaine_Hawk looks back over to Aislinn . can t any one just open their damn present around here ? he laughs . Then he looks to Phoren . first thing let me see that he ask extending his hand for the vodka .

PhorenNarqu passed it over "It's vodka... Kurn bought it for me a few years ago."

LoX grins back at Flash. "Yep. Soon, I think...maybe during our little vacation. I'll send word, I can recommend one thing though when you come. Stay away from her cousin Florian! Oh...and Sheathe...both of 'em are weird. Of course you'll be invited, Dev too...and Glyniss, if she'd like."

GunnMurphy came here for nothing. Nothing! Tired, and a little pissed off, she finds a back way out. "Great...just great..." she mumbles...

Aislinn looked at the skies, as Alison was throwing a temper tantrum. She frowned, unable to fly to get Alison to stop. With a laugh to Devaine's words, she held up a free hand in defense. "Alright, alright. But now I shall have to get you something!" She grinned, shaking her head as she began to unwrap the package.

GunnMurphy did learn something though.....where this place was...

Flash_Guardian can no longer help his curiousity as he retrieves Dev's gift and opens it. Flash's eyes open in just as much wonder as before, with the sword, as he removes its contents, holding them aloft. It's a three piece Armiani suit custom cut to fit him, with matching shoes tie, and diamond cuff-links. "By the gods, Dev ... this is a nice suit!" A grin of appreciation is shown as he looks the whole thing over. "You guys had better be careful, I'm getting spoiled rotten here!" A grin and a chuckle, then a glance back to Devaine. "Thanks, Devaine."

Demosis stood there for a moment not moving...she thought about it...she found herself walking away...she wasnt ready yet...she felt to different. she looked back once...and saw the people happly talking and enjoying each others company...no ...she wasn't ready. Though it hurt her in a way she couldnt understand...she couldnt go back...she walked towards the bridge once again.

Flash_Guardian sees a brilliant flash of light overhead, and a loud sonic boom. "Hey!" Flash calls up to the roof. "Quit with the dramatics and get down here so I can give you a hug!" Flash grins from ear to ear, seeming to take on an almost child-like visage for a moment.

Devaine_Hawk takes the bottle and nods , making sure the top is on tight as he flips it over in one hand . won t miss it for the world , LoX he laughs . Then he slams the bottle against a tree , busting it and letting the shards fall to the ground first lesson, this is not going to help at all ! he tells the vamp.

Alison giggles now and flys down happyer that she was being notised "hiya soooooo did ya miss me" she gigged to flash as she let her wings fold

[LoX ] "Good. That means we get t'show the Boy Scout a proper bachelor's party, right?" A broad grin, his fingertips steepling together ominously. "Sounds like a good excuse to paint Keep City red, eh? One last time! Now...if Jesse was still around, the crew would be completed."

GunnMurphy reaches her speeder when a thought crosses her mind "Maybe not here..."

Aislinn tilted her head, curiously at the gift. She read over the cover, then the back. Wondering who exactly this JFK person was exactly. Well, it seems she would find out soon enough. The few pictures, held a man that dressed much like some of the rest of them. Mayhap this was about their world? She smiled, holding the book to her chest. "Thank you sir Devaine. I love to read, really. I shall certainly start upon this soon." She arched an eyebrow, as Devaine shattered the bottle of vodka. This, from he who had been reeking drunk. But she smiled, proud that he was making growth.

Demosis didnt look back..she kept walking to the bridge...she looked at the water...she would make it across it with out a problem. she didnt know where it would take her...or how she would find her way back...but it didnt matter...all she knew is that she must keep moving and had to learn how to control her new feelings.

Flash_Guardian just grins. "Guess I've got something to wear to the wedding, too!" He quickly stows the suit back in the box for safe keeping for the moment, getting it closed just before a little angel girl at last appears. "Of course I missed ya!" A look is given to Devaine, just as he throws the bottle against the tree nearby, nodding in approval. "Here, here. A good lesson, Dev. One that I thought I had mentioned to you earlier, Phoren, if I'm not mistaken." No malice in Flash's voice. Simply a restatement of his earlier decree. Drugs and their influences are not welcome on Flash's island, as they cloud the mind and hide the truth from our perceptions.

Devaine_Hawk grins and pulls several more cuff links out of a pocket and passes them to LOX , then a earring to Aislin , and a tie clip for her to give to Blue when she see him , got some for Gyniss and Kade too, put them in/on, and listen , it s just too cool what they do!!

Aislinn received a pair of earrings and a tie clip for Ben. She tilted her head with a soft chuckle, looking back to Devaine, curious. But she complied, fixing the earrings on now.

LoX catches a random thought, then bursts into laughter before glancing at Dev. Old Earthians never die, they just think they own the world. He catches the cuff links, but he doesn't have any cuffs, really. So, instead, he takes the cross from his left lobe and places the cuff directly in the pierced hole. "Well...just call me MacGyver."

Devaine_Hawk presses the earring in his left ear lobe and speaks in a whisper that would be heard from all the gifts . this is bad egg to Boy Scout he nods to Flash, Rock and Roll God a nod to LOX , pretty Bird, this nod to Aislinn, and preacher man he stats last to the absent Blue . do you al read me ?

Flash_Guardian beams at Dev and LoX. "Team Desperado hits the town one last time! I like it!" At Dev's bidding, Flash takes the cuffs of his suit out, putting them on. They look entirely too ridiculous when seen against his large gold bracers, seeming almost out of place. "Okay, now what?" Flash asks Dev, quirking a brow in curiousity. Flash thought he caught the scent of alcohol upon Devaine also, a notion that gives him pause to reflect.

Alison giggles "me saveing all the money me is earning ane going to buy presents for you all for crismas" she giggles happly at them all and begin to wonder what to get em

Aislinn laughed softly, jumping now as she heard his voice through the device. Both from the earring, and from Blue's tie clip now that she held in her hand. "Yes I...hear you?" She grinned in wonderment. Technology was not something she was familiar with, but this certainly seemed like a curious thing. A warm smile to Alison, as she waved to the angel girl now.

LoX blinks, then simply chortles in compliance. "Rock and Roll God? Would that make me bigger than Gene Simmons?" He copies the motion, his hand pressing the cuff-link in his ear, so everyone hears his reply. In time, he turns to grin at Flash. "Damn skippy. Then afterwards, we go for breakfast!"

Flash_Guardian bursts out laughing, smiling happily and looking down to his cuff-links which seem to be speaking to him in a tinny version of Dev's own voice. He shakes his head, quickly catching on and lifting the cuff to his own mouth to speak into it. "Boy Scout, reporting in. Come in, Bad Egg."

PhorenNarqu went and sat down beneath a tree. He couldn't bear to see Aislinn, not know. The mere sight of her send bolts of pure agony into his heart. It hurt. That she didn't even wait for a month. That she, unlike he, had someone. Whereas he spent his nights in an empty bed, and cried. Cried until he slept, or until dawn, whichever came first.

Flash_Guardian laughs happily to LoX. "Just like old times." He looks now to Alison, thinking that perhaps the young angel girl has a point. "Indeed ... I'll need to think up some gifts for all of you guys, after all this."

Alison giggles "il give mr dev some plastic grenades and a plastic gun ummm for mr flash il give him a scout siut for mamay she can have a neclase and the rest can have somthing nice

Devaine_Hawk just shrugs his shoulders and grins as he catches all their reactions to the tiny micro transmitters . don t thank me , thank Javier and Uncle Sam s black ops funding that s where I hacked the funds to get all this stuff from !! he laughs .

Devaine_Hawk walks to where Phoren lies and nudges him with a boot . we re not done talking yet

Flash_Guardian watches Phoren make his way off to the edge of the clearing, making a mental note to speak with him a bit later. At Devaine's words, Flash simply looks to the man. "Hacking into top-secret government sites and leeching funds from their bank accounts?" Flash chuckles wistfully. "Sounds like a decent way to get cash fast ... maybe I should consider that for myself ..."

Aislinn shook her head with a wondering grin, placing away the tie clip for Blue when she saw him next. Along with the book, placing them in Cleome's side saddles now. She guessed pretty bird must be her? A small chuckle now at the code name. It was rather fun, she thought. Aislinn, wasn't the one to blame, though. Also, Flash had offered this island as a home for her some time ago. She had accepted. The lady would be here a lot.

[PhorenNarqu ] "I know. That bottle you smashed, that was my eighteenth birthday present."

Flash_Guardian turns and takes the opportunity to pry, leaning over and smiling at Alison. "So, Alison," he inquires, "what do you want for Christmas?"

Alison thinks looking a little takeing back "a teddy or a book" she said with a rathery happy smile on her face

[LoX ] "Yeah....just like old times." A wan smile is offered, a few errant breezes fluttering through thick azure-colored hair. Clear eyes that match the skies tinge crimson for a moment, before his lids shutter closed over them. "Hopefully, my vacation won't be too long...but...I've been away from Lani for far too long...we need the time. I need the time....to re-adjust. You know the routine." He digs into his back pocket, then produces a black toboggan that he pulls over his hair, a few strands escaping the bottom brim. "Time for this Lone Wolf to finally settle down a little."

Devaine_Hawk finds a tree stump and settles down on it as he talks to Phoren . Last night I went to the amin land and drank drank.then I drank some more .. Then I went to a place .ladies tried to help me feel better.The I stood across the street from ones house in the rain and watched another man walk her home first thing I wanted to do was drag his ass out in the street and beat him within an inch of his life ..but I didn t came back here and cried on Aslinn s shoulder.but this morning even over the monkey banging a drum in my head I heard the truth loud and clear you know what the truth is ?

Flash_Guardian nods twice to Alison. "I think I could probably handle that." Then one nod to Kaz. "Seems you're not the only one settling down, LoX. Maybe it's just ... time." Flash nods, understanding completely. "I'm beginning to find myself at home here. If you need me, you know where to look me up."

[PhorenNarqu ] "No... Not really."

Aislinn approached Flash, Alison and LoX. She smiled politely to LoX, not having been introduced. "Greetings sir." A warm smile was given to Alison, waiting for the little girl to give her a hug. She held out her arms. To Flash, she smiled as well. "Sir Flash. Always glad to see you. I have something to speak to you about as well."

LoX merely smiles warmly at his student and nods. "Indeed, gakuto . You're now a sensei in your own right, though. Besides, you still can't hide from me." A broad grin, followed by a clap on the shoulder. "I know you'll do well, mate. When you're ready for advanced techniques again...perhaps you'll find me ."

Devaine_Hawk listens to LoX and Flash talk about families and settling down, kids and all that . A shadow crosses his features from a cloud passing over head , and he slips into thought for a moment . he has his fianc has Bida..Blue has Aslinn.Kade has Glyniss ..that leaves me with.. That leaves me the one single and on the prowl!! he grins. Then he turns back to the sad little vampire man the cold hard truth is that you can t go back, they don t wait forever for you to get your head out of your ass and see a good thing right in frown of you before it slips through your hand s

[LoX ] "So. How does it feel to be a teishu ?" A quick grin follows his statement.

Devaine_Hawk turns to look at LoX after offering the wisdom of Dev to Phoren. I ll need some one to teach me about this sword

LoX glances back over at Dev, then grins. "I'm sure I can find someone who will teach you all you need to know about blade-fighting. Tenkagedo is the way of the Heavenly Shadow. A friend of mine, Scorpios, is the last surviving Teishu . A word from me will get you in, if you'd like, Dev."

Flash_Guardian turns between Aislinn and LoX now, as introductions need to be made. Flash quickly dons a more formal exterior as he addresses the others. "LoX, I'd like you to meet Aislinn, a fine young lady who happens to be my first student." Flash indicates Aislinn with a simply gesture from his free hand, nodding to her. "Aislinn, I'd like you to meet LoX, my teacher and good friend." Flash's formality drops, as he gestures to the little angel nearby. "And that little bundle of energy is Alison!"

[PhorenNarqu ] "I know but... She didn't even wait for a month! All this time I've been away from her, I've been alone. Yet she's been able to have someone to be with, to laugh with. Me, I'm lucky to find someone who won't try and kill me."

Devaine_Hawk nods . I would , guess I ll be doing a lot of learning between that and school here as Flash s second student ? he asks Flash and Lox

Flash_Guardian nods proudly to LoX. "Thanks, Sensei. Your vote of confidence means a lot to me. And as for how my studies have been progressing ..." Flash smirks, removing one of the cuff-links from his bracer and holding it in his hand, palm up. He closes his eyes, his expression one of focus as he tries to empty his mind of all save one thing. Moments later, as Flash bends his mind towards his tack, the small cuff-link would begin to twitch of its own accord in Flash's palm once, then twice, then slowly rise up into the air. No magic is at work here, this being the product of Flash's own mind at work bending reality ever so slightly.

Aislinn bows, as she is in knightly attire instead of her gown. "A pleasure, sir LoX. It is nice to meet the teacher of mine." She smiled, straightening after her graceful bow.

Flash_Guardian would shake his head at Dev, having overheard. "I can't teach you the true art of the sword, Dev. If such is the path you would choose, perhaps you should focus your efforts there instead of here." His glance returns to LoX now. "Unless this friend of yours, Scorpios, is willing to teach here?"

LoX turns to regard the woman, one azure eyebrow arching as he casts a critical eye over her. "Magic, Physical attacks, Kinetics, The Way of the Elemental Touch? No...I'm sensing empathetics here. Classic syndrome of emotion-sensitivity. As the man said, I'm LoX. A pleasure, I'm sure." His tone is brisk and business-like before he turns to observe Flash. "Nicely done, mate. Before long, you'll be ready for my own split-ended path." He means no disrespect to Aislinn, of course. "Oh...and it's just LoX. Or Kaz...either one works."

Flash_Guardian looks now to Aislinn's new look, doing a double take. "Whoa!" he exclaims in surprise, looking everything over. "Aislinn ... not bad." Flash nods approvingly. "Certainly a different look from the first time I saw you." Flash's eyes now light on Aislinn's weapon, eyes widening. "Hey ... isn't that ..." Flash points at the sword at Aislinn's side curiously. It seems somehow familiar ...

Aislinn frowned a little, noticing Flash's bruises. She saw them, wondering what had happened exactly. The lady in the knight attire shifted in her posture, the hilt of the sword in view. As light struck it, the little diamonds took to glimmering. Piercing any shadow or darkness.

Devaine_Hawk turns back to Phoren . shut ..up talk you listen before going on . Sadness will kill you faster than the sharpest blade he pats his new sword. You can t out run it , you can t drown it, and you never realy forget, what you have to do is replace it, start over and move forward, find some thing or one to live for , a purpose and place to belong . He never says it but that s what the school, the island and his friends are to him , all that a new beginning here and now . Just this morning he threw all his booze away, but they don t know that , the smell is from the bar s and places he d talked about being last night. Dev is almost as proud and serious about the school as Flash in his own way.

Aislinn tilted her head at LoX, a nod now. She was empathic, he was correct. Her eyes gazed back to Flash, a gentle smile growing. "Aye, it used to be carried by Benjamin. It was his gift to me."

PhorenNarqu looked down at the ground, and remained silent for a minute, before he finally spoke, in a small, meek voice "I know."

Alison walks from where she been on the beach giggled and jumped up on her mothers back giving her back hug giggling

Aislinn continued, on with a small laugh. "I find this attire suits me much more than the gown." She grinned, tossing her red braid behind her back. Indeed, she seemed much more at home now. "Which reminds me, I have something to tell you shortly. I will when things are not so busy."

LoX turns to look at Flash. "Mm.. that's a toughie. Getting Scorpios out of his own dojo is tough enough unless he has a mission. I'll ask, but I can't promise you. He's....secretive...last of his kind. Perhaps...well...I might have something that'd convince him otherwise, though." With that, he produces a modified ninja-to. The sheathe itself is a simple blood-red, but the aura surrounding it devours all light within a 10 foot radius, obscuring LoX's form into shadows that cling to him. " Chishio Arashi ...The Blood Storm. Last sword of the Leila...carried by LoX/Ebony. It steals life where it finds it and to even be cut with it will mean great weakness." The blade is removed slightly from the sheathe, a dull-red glow emanating from the partially exposed crimson steel. Then it all fades away as the blade is re-sheathed and vanishes from sight. "Another...inheritance from my 'uncle.'"

Aislinn acks teasingly as she felt Alison jump on her back and give her a hug. "There you are, you silly girl!" She smiled, shifting now so she could hold the little girl on her back, for a piggy back ride.

Flash_Guardian seems to look upon Aislinn with a newfound eye. "My, my," he utters, chuckling slightly. "I had derived the fact that you were a swordswoman, but an empath? I had no idea." Flash only smiles upon recognizing the priest's blade. "Yet another blade finds its way into good hands, it seems."

Devaine_Hawk stands and reaches for the back of Phoren s clothing trying to pull him to his feet with him . so stop pissing and moaning and do it , start right now, today, no excuses , be a man he growls . If they listen close they might think he s talking to him self as much as the other man with the lesson and words .

Alison giggled happly as she got a piggy back ride "hiya mamay me missed you tons" she smiles to her mother again and then again giggles

PhorenNarqu would be hauled up onto his feet, despite the armour, and closed his eyes again, before wiping away a tear as he opened them and saw Aislinn. Saw a vision of what could have been, so many times in his past.

[LoX ] "Anyway, I'm sure he'll be overjoyed t'get it back...and if I used that blade myself...well....bad things would happen, more than likely. It's best that it find its way back to those who have proper claim to it. No one else should have it. It'd devour anyone but a true master of will and Tenkagedo ."

Flash_Guardian admires Chishio Arashi as it is displayed and slightly withdrawn from its sheathe. "By the gods! How many of these weapons do you have?" Flash shakes his head in amazement. "You really will need to show me everything sometime soon." Flash also looks over to Alison and Aislinn, watching their horseplay fondly. A million happy thoughts seem to move through Flash's mind, all of which seem to revolve around progress and building for the future ... and hope. For everyone.

Aislinn grinned to Flash, a gentle shrug and a warm smile. "Aye. It's an ability one looks at with a blessing and a curse. It's the strongest one I have... I was born with it." She said softly. The healing abilities she had, developed, as did her ability to converse with animals. But, being an empath was always with the lady. "Indeed. He gave it as a gift for a special occasion. He said it suited me much more than he, the sword that is." She laughed more, her violet eyes sparkling as the girl on her back spoke to her. "I missed you too, little one. What is this I hear from your teacher? You are missing important classes?" She gently scolded her.

Alison gulped her worst nighmare coming true parent teacher relisons not a good thing she said "umm mamay me likes to have fun but teacher wants me to read big mean books" she then gulped again

LoX laughs slightly, but humourlessly. "I'm just now beginning to dig through my uncle's collections. Gods...I wish my memory hadn't been so fragmented when it came to the things that my Ancestors did. From his journals, each aspect has been collecting these weapons for centuries now. Taken from dealers before they can hurt themselves or someone else with them. Apparently, each LoX was the only being who could be trusted with guardianship over them...though I still think Silvus stole them. He liked to call himself the 'Thief of Hearts.'"

Devaine_Hawk looks from the blade in LoX s hands then back to the one in a sheath at his won side , wondering if he can ever be worthy to wield the blade . He walks back to his hammock, taking his new blade from it s sheath as he stretches out to gaze at it . The blue glow of his left eye reflected in the Steele of the sword . Lying there he thinks about the girl he watched in there ain last nigh, and how he walked away from her one last time then . He knows she s safer and happier with out him, and it s all for the better .

PhorenNarqu slowly walked over to Aislinn and Alison. After all, he was still wanted as a friend, so he might as well contribute "You should still go to class." That was all he said, before he moved away again. Feeling more than uncomfortable.

Flash_Guardian nods. "A daunting task," Flash agrees, turning the ice-pack on the left side of his face over, to where its surface is cooler. "Almost as daunting as keeping them in good hands, I'm sure." Flash looks to his own blade for a moment, patting it as if to reassure himself that it's still there. He then remembers something now, looking back to LoX. "Did you catch my display, sensei? Or do I need to demonstrate again?"

Devaine_Hawk jerks in his hammock. No, they ll think I ve lost it again . he thinks . she s in the blade, that s why I felt it s a she.did she just wink at me ? he ask him self . He turns to the others , your not going to believe what just happened over here he whispers in awe.

Aislinn shifted to place Alison on the ground, crouching down beside her. She poked her nose. "Your mommy loves to read books. They can be a lot of fun. Telling stories, and information. You will become more intelligent by reading them. Alison, you know you need to go to your classes. Your teacher is upset that you keep skipping them." She said softly. Her eyes looking up as Phoren approached. She gave him a little smile, though she felt his discomfort.

Flash_Guardian watches the exchange between Aislinn and Phoren, smiling happily and nodding in approval. Such an act from Phoren surely took a lot of courage, and should be encouraged as much as possible. Respect will be the road to his recovery. Not just for others, but for himself as well.

[LoX ] "Nope, I caught it fine. Have you got a clear area? I'll show you a few tricks you can use to broaden the telekinetic base. Focus and Energy...it's all around us, Flash. All you have to do is clear your mind and feel it....then do it." He glances over at Devaine, his grin broadening. "Sometimes the spirit stays connected to what it values most. Tya was almost the first female LoX. I do believe that blade was very precious to 'er, Dev. Jus' don't let 'er sass you."

Devaine_Hawk holds the blade in his hands as carefully as some would a new born babe . Flash and LoX know how he is about his weapons , right ? she can sass me ? Talk? he asks as he focuses on the blade again . He watches the image of the girl in the steel, if she s still there. hello, I m Devaine. And I guess I m your .owner.wielder now ? he ask

Flash_Guardian nods to his sensei eagerly. "We could practice here, in the dojo ... or the clearing outside. Or even the beach. Whatever you'd prefer. I just hope I'm in good enough condition to learn ... last night took a lot out of me." Flash catches himself, looking away suddenly. "Anyway, I should probably find a place to stow all my things ... and Aislinn said she wanted to speak with me at some point." Flash awaits his sensei's decision dutifully, raising a sidelong eyebrow at Devaine. "There he goes, talking to inanimate objects again," Flash mutters, chuckling to himself.

LoX winces at Devaine's use of the word own . "She can hear you, Dev...when you're ready, you'll be able to hear her too. The more you use her, the stronger your bond will be. Then one day, you'll know when you're ready. She's...willful...flamboyant. You'll get used to her."

Aislinn straightened now that Alison seemed to have flutter off elsewhere. Her eyes looked to Devaine, proud of her friend. He really had cleaned himself up well within these last few days. It was amazing. Her violet eyes looked over LoX, the male who was still somewhat of a mystery. Then, Flash, who was being taught by him. They passed to Phoren, glad he at least was trying. It was a good start. Finally, her eyes looked to her dearest companion, Cleome. A hand rested on the mare's mane, and she smiled. "Well, my noble steed, will you be allowing yourself to be dolled up for then?" Cleome gave her a look, afraid of what Benjamin had in store. She whinned, responding to the lady with some words. The red head just laughed now.

LoX turns to regard Flash, one eyebrow arched. "I'll await your decision, mate. Take care of what needs to be done first. Then come see me. Could be the last time I'm able to show you anything for awhile."

[LoX ] "Besides, when the mind and spirit are ready, the body doesn't even matter, eh?" A quick wink before he turns to observe the others.

Devaine_Hawk winces as if the sword might have gave him a dirty look her self . sorry I meant wielder realy I did, and don t listen to Flash I know your not an object . I talk to him , and he can be almost as bad he laughs .

Cannon shows up just walking, as he does sometimes. He is as he was yesterday though, which is that bit different from the way he was every day before that... apparently. Only Aislinn thus far has received the benefit of an explanation, but today... since Flash is here, the grey man has more pressing matters to discuss.

PhorenNarqu went and sat beneath a tree for a while, closing his eyes and thinking. He shortly dissapeared into the forest, and returned, dressed in his normal black silks. His armour in his hands, the fine chainmail as light as cloth. He soon went to the dojo, and laid it down within, with his sword and weapons. He was tired of being a warrior. Of being a king. And he cleaned himself up within, having sobered. He cleaned his face, and tied back his hair, before emerging again, and looking out at all that may have changed whilst he was inside

LoX begins to laugh at Devaine as he stumbles all over himself apologizing to the blade. "I think she might believe you a little, Dev. You should see the dirty looks she gave me when I first found her. I heard her say, plain as day. "What in the nine hells took you so long? I've been waiting here for forever!" Impatient little wench, I swear." A bright grin encompasses his features for a moment before he turns back to face the rest of the gathering.

Flash_Guardian nods quickly, eager to take advantage of LoX's instruction while it's being offered. He moves off to another part of the dojo, where he's been busy at work laying insulation the walls, lending them some sense of solidity. His things are gathered there. Flash places the sword inside his bag, as well as his Armani gift from Devaine and the two cuff-links. A word and a gesture is made, as the rune at the bag's side glows for a moment, the bag shrinking away to the size of a small belt pouch within seconds. 'They should be safe there for now,' Flash thinks, quickly making his way to Aislinn's side, nodding in greeting to the mare. "Hello, Cleome." Flash then looks to Aislinn. "I believe you had something you wanted to tell me?"

Cannon is walking for good reason. Today he is wearing his sandals and shirt (open shirt, with buttons but undone), which is about as fully clothed as he ever gets. He paces over toward Flash, still looking around as if to remind him of things long forgotten. When he gets closer, he coughs slightly to try and get the man's attention.

Cannon will wait. Sorry.

Aislinn smiled as Flash greeted Cleome, the mare giving a nod and a little whinny. She felt she didn't have to translate to Flash that Cleome had returned his warm greeting. She took his arm now, the lady leading him away from other ears for the time. "Aye, I did indeed. It concerns Benjamin and I, actually. We wished to tell you first, of our friends."

Cannon stays moderately close, but does his best not to listen in too closely on whatever may pass between Aislinn and Flash. This is indication in itself that things have changed somewhat. Explanation for that can come later though.

Flash_Guardian would note the presence of Cannon, grinning happily to see him once again, difference of character aside. "I'll be with you shortly, Cannon," Flash tells him, turning now to Aislinn once more.

Flash_Guardian gets led out of earshot, likely partway into the woods surrounding the clearing. He seems eager to hear news regarding two of his close friends, only having a slight suspicious as to what this news might be.

Aislinn , once they were out of earshot of the rest, she smiled, letting go of Flash and clasping her hands. Though the day before had been stressful, she believed Ben just needed some rest. He had been working quite hard on preparations, afterall. "You remember I had told you this sword was a gift from him for a special occasion?" She smiled a little more, feeling truly happy. "It is. An engagement sword. He thought it suited me much more than a ring." She laughed softly, awaiting Flash's reaction.

Devaine_Hawk re sheathes the blade with the utmost care and respect , laying it across his chest , then crosses his arms over the sheath. I m sure her and I will have a lot to tell one another when I learn to listen , he tells LoX . He rubs the three day stubble on his face , and yawns . Standing he walks toward the tree line Think I ll go take a quick dip in the surf to wash up. Then hit the sack , I was out all last night, and up most of the day he tells the others . He places the scabbard on his belt and adjusts it to hang next to his left hip, so he can pull it with his right hand, he thinks that s how to do it any way. He saw some one do the cross draw with swords in a movie or read about it some where once . Looks like he has a lot to learn about using it him self though .

[LoX ] "Oh, I'm sure that when you learn to listen, she'll drive you halfway bonkers by then, mate." A rare full smile curls his lips upwards, baring white teeth that contrast with his golden skin. "Yeah. That smell's gotta go, bro." He smirks.

Flash_Guardian 's eyes slowly light up at this news. A look of happy surprise lingers for a moment upon his bruised face, followed by a gleeful chuckle. The chuckle quickly turns into mirthful laughter, and a look of joy spreads over Flash's face which threatens to outshine the sun itself. No heed is given to his bruised state as he removes the ice-pack from his face and springs forward to catch Aislinn in an ecstatic hug. "Oh, Aislinn!" he cries out, perhaps just loud enough to be heard at the edge of the clearing before his voice at last calms down. "That's wonderful news! Congratulations!"

Aislinn laughed in mirth, folding her arms around her friend as he gave her a hug. She smiled, a rather dazzling one, unable to keep her own joy lowered as Flash showed his own to the news. "Thank you." She smiled still. "We have yet to pick a day exactly, but, the plan is to have it betwixt our days of birth. Mine is but a few days away, and his is ten days henceforth then. We wished to get opinions on an exact day.." She withdrew from the hug, looking at his wounds again. "Flash...whatever happened?"

Cannon sorta loiters around for the time being. Technically, what he needs to say can wait, but all the same he would rather not wait too long. No matter what the news that Aislinn has to make, and however good it might be, he is quite sure that the information he has become party to is of a rather more dire nature.

Annikashdra stares across the narrow bridge connecting the mainland to the circular island. So her travelng had brought her to an island, though what kind she was, as of yet, unsure of. Collecting herself, and hefting her harp and pack for the familar weight, she starts across the bridge, heading towards the voices she hears in the distance.

Flash_Guardian ponders, his excitement still bubbling up to the surface as he finds himself unable to keep still. "Between both of your birthdays ... yeah, that's a good idea! Makes for lots of gifts in a very short time. Or one really big gift to count for the whole thing," Flash begins babbling, eventually catching himself and waving away his distracting train of thought. "Oh! This is wonderful ! I ... I'm so happy for you both." Flash steadies himself with a breath for a moment. "If there's absolutely any way I can help you two with the ceremony or anything ..." Flash's eyes light up with an idea. "Ooo! If you need someplace to hold the ceremony, why not hold it here?" Flash gestures back to the dojo, beaming. "Probably not the most romantic atmosphere, but it's something." Flash seems a bit more steady now, but is still unable to keep still in his giddiness.

LoX looks around with a vaguely bored expression on his face before a wave of his hand and through a flash of sudden crimson energies, a large sundial appears for him to check the time. Another wave of his hand, then it's gone, one with the Weave once more. Fingertips slip into his jacket to withdraw his mirrored and blue-tinted sunglasses, placed over his eyes. A few more moments pass as he stifles a yawn before it finds purchase to breeze through his lips. "I need caffeine..." Murmured to himself, mostly.

Aislinn burst into soft laughing at his glee. She nodded now at his words, trying to catch all of them with a soft chuckle. "I think here would be wonderful. Benjamin is planning most of it. I fear I am no good at such, and it is his realm of expertise." She smiled. Too true. She was the knight, and Ben the maiden. Funny how that worked. "Flash.." She repeated again, wanting to know before he went to speak to Cannon. "What happened to you?"

Flash_Guardian becomes once more aware of his surroundings, as well as his other obligations. "Perhaps we should further discuss this later ... I shouldn't keep Kazuya waiting. Or Cannon, for that matter." Flash takes Aislinn's hand, giving it one last squeeze and a grin before departing. "I promise to tell you about the bruises later. Or maybe if you come with me, I can fill you in on the way to my lesson."

Annikashdra pauses as she reaches the edge of the island to tilt her head as she listened. Movement in the distance rang in elven ears, and after another moment to marvel at the splendid nature about her, she continued on her way, taking her time to walk down the well-worn path into the heart of the island where it's people reside.

Aislinn smiled as he gave her hand a squeeze, nodding. She'll accompany him for now, the lady did not have much else to do for the moment. She really wanted to know what happened, concerned for her friend. "Of course." She did not want to be rude and keep Flash too occupied. It seemed busy on the island, and his attention was needed elsewhere.

[Flash_Guardian ] Annikashdra can hear birds singing all around her, flitting from branch to branch as they sing their cheery songs. The atmosphere all about her is one of tranquility and serenity. A well worn path leads further into the center of the island, where the large clearing and the incomplete dojo reside.

Cannon keeps his gaze not quite on Flash, a little to one side. He appears to be 'typing' quickly in the air now. Its not quite in the same manner that one might have remembered him doing before. This is clearly something important, and he seems rightly concerned about whatever it is. The effects of his invisible typings however don't seem apparent in the slightest on this occasion. Whether they will or not at any point remains to be seen. He is preparing, all the same.

Flash_Guardian makes his way back, stopping to spare Cannon a glance as he makes his way to where his Sensei, LoX, is waiting. "Something you needed, Cannon?" Flash inquires, giving the 'Son of Dae' the floor as he walks. His thoughts for the moment seem to linger on his bruised face and body ... any medic or combatant would recognize them as powerful bludgeoning wounds, too strong for a mere human fist. Some sort of weapon, perhaps, was used. Flash seems rather ashamed ... even guilty about them.

PhorenNarqu is now flying blind using the magnet and degausser to try and fix his monitor

Cannon nods, his expression still quite serious, but he doesn't say anything just yet. He is still typing away as he looks at Flash. It would look silly being done by anyone else, typing on an invisible keyboard or whatever it is, but Cannon does enough strange things to imply that this is something important.

Aislinn did indeed recognize the wounds, being more of a medic still right now than combatant. She could even feel his emotions about the wounds. The fiery haired woman felt curious, wondering about it. Still, it seemed Cannon had a pressing issue, so she stayed silent. Wondering if it had something to do with what he tried to explain to her a day ago.

Flash_Guardian isn't about to wait for Cannon, who appears rather busy with something anyway. Knowing that Cannon could easily catch up with him, Flash continues the rest of the way to his sensei's side, nodding respectfully. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Do you mind if I bring a student of my own along?"

PhorenNarqu sighed, as he stood there, and walked to Aislinn, breathing deeply "Aislinn... Can I speak to you?"

Annikashdra pauses again as she reaches the edge of the clearing, and the unfinished construction beyond. Taking in the sight of the inhabitants she moves around the edge of the clearing, wondering silently, if it would be wrong of her to compose music as it were... she was afriad that, somehow, she might defile the very air around her by destroying the natural feeling.

[Flash_Guardian ] As Annikashdra reaches the trail's end, it ends in a clearing. She can see the dojo at the far north side of the clearing, an impressive oriental looking structure of great size, even in its incompleteness. There are a few others, clearly seen, standing outside the dojo's southern entrace.

Cannon sighs. He can't really 'make' Flash come and go if and where he needs him, but it would have been easier if the other man hadn't been busy in whatever matters he was involving himself this time. All the same, there was still more blocking to do, and potentially the entire island clearing could secretively be altered to an all-clear zone with an expansion of the required masking techniques. In that case, Cannon could in fact follow Flash in whatever he is doing without the possibility of being found out.

LoX merely rolls his shoulders into a shrug at Flash. "Don't mind a bit. But perhaps the..." He pauses to sniff the air. "Undead dude might have other plans for her, though. Anyway, you ready?" One arched azure eyebrow punctuates his statement.

Aislinn stopped for a moment, excusing herself from Flash's side. She arched a slender eyebrow at Phoren, curious, but nodded softly. "Of course. What do you wish to talk about?" She asked him, intending to rejoin Flash afterward. She still wanted to know about the wounds, afterall.

Flash_Guardian nods, hoping that Cannon had heard him and was truly able to follow. Otherwise, Cannon would have to wait until Flash was finished with his lesson. A nod of understanding is given to Phoren and Aislinn, followed by a look that says Flash will understand if Aislinn chooses not to follow Flash. Certainly there is too much going on at the moment to attend to all at once.

[PhorenNarqu ] "You're going to be married soon, aren't you?"

LoX glances over at Flash, still awaiting a reply to his query. "Busy man, eh? Reaping the whirlwinds. Nice. Anyway. Let's head down to the beach...I'll need a clear area, away from the others...and something that I might damage. Heh."

Aislinn 's violet eyes looked up at him. She wouldn't lie, that wasn't like her to. Her head began to nod softly. "Aye, that I am." The lady said gently. She could not lie, but she knew this likely wasn't to go over well. Not that she expected it to.

Cannon cannot follow just yet. This is a complicated process, and he hasn't completed it for a wide enough area yet.

Annikashdra she walks slowly towards the congrigated near the southern entrance, and settles on the ground not far away. Her harp is automatically on her lap, as in response to the music brewing in her mind. She tunes it quietly, notes heard only by the quiet maiden playing them. For a while she is engulfed in this process, being sure not to let the proceding ring to loudly, least it disturb others.

PhorenNarqu exhaled loudly, and bent down, to bring out his dagger from his boot. She would never have seen it before. It had a blade of silver, engraved elaborately, and a grip of gold. From the way he looked at it, it obviously meant a lot to him. "This was my coming of age gift... I'd like you to have it, as my gift."

Flash_Guardian spots an elven woman whom he has never seen before standing at the far side of the clearing, unable to offer much more than a smile and wave of greeting at the moment, though clearly there is no resistance to her presence here. He then quickly turns to LoX, nodding. "Whirlwind is right. I think my head's sprinning ... Anyway. I'm ready." To the elven woman, who at last has come within easy speaking distance, Flash quickly says, "Hi. Make yourself at home. If you're still here when I get back, perhaps there will be time for a more thorough greeting."

Annikashdra smiles as Flash passes, glad that her presence has not been a disturbance. Though by his hurried look, she could have picked a less hectic time. "Only time will tell." she replies quietly, before beginning a soft meoldy that mirrors the movement of the trees around her.

Flash_Guardian takes a deep breath, looking once more to his teacher, trying to calm himself in preparation to learn.

Aislinn heard a harp, and turned her eyes, but she soon seemed disappointed. It was not the elven female's fault...she had thought it was another who played the harp. One dressed in blue with a foppish way. Her eyes gazed back to Phoren as he spoke to her. She looked at the dagger, and felt what it meant to him. "I thank you, but you need not give me a gift... It seems very precious to you, and I would not want you to depart with it.."

LoX nods, then lays a hand on Flash's shoulder, psychoporting the both of them to the beach in a flash of crimson tainted amber light. Re-appearing upon the sand, he drops his hand to the side. "First things first. I want you to go about preparations for making a grain of sand rise. But don't complete it, I'll instruct you from there. Clear your mind, focus that bond of energy between your mind and that grain. Feel the link? Now....hold that picture, but flatten that energy within. Picture it as almost a ball that you can shape in any way you see fit. Now....picture a target. Choose something rather close..."

[PhorenNarqu ] "No. I want you to have it. I'm starting fresh. It brings back bad memories for me, but it's saved my life countless times." She didn't understand what he was doing. He was saying, by giving her this, that he would always be a part of her life, even if it was just as a friend.

Cannon becomes all too aware of LoX's transportation of Flash, and the location. If anything it annoys him more. Either he has to get the man back here to make the explanation, or spend even longer and put everything at greater risk by expanding his masking field.

Flash_Guardian nods thoughtfully, easing himself down onto the sand, sitting back on his legs and setting the makeshift icepack aside for the moment. He rests his hands in his lap, closes his eyes, and does his best to clear his mind of the previous night's aches that still plague him to an extent. His meditation does not come as clearly or as swiftly as a result, but eventually it comes. A hand is outstretched in front of flash, fingers splayed and palm facing the sandy ground before him. Flash nods, indicating that he is ready for more instruction, and proceeds as his sensei would have him, his mind trying to wrap around such a concept ... gradually, the established link begins to expand to fill two dimensions ... then three ...

Aislinn took the knife in hand, looking down to it for a moment longer. She gazed up, wondering if his new beginning included discarding all of his weapons. Many of the males seemed to be doing it lately, especially the ones with a dark background. "Thank you. I will cherish it." She says softly. Aislinn crouches, sliding it into her own boot now.

Flash_Guardian seems to have a decently sized and shaped 'ball' in his mind, easily more then enough to lift the grain of sand into the air. Keeping such a mental link and modifying it in this manner seems rather taxing for him, but he makes do the best he can, reinforcing the mental link with his strength of will. Now his mind seeks a target ... though on a flat and empty beach, there just isn't much to choose from. A slight smirk comes over Flash's face amidst his concentration, as the target he begins to imagine takes on the shape of his teacher ... after all, he's pretty close, isn't he?

PhorenNarqu smiled a little, and walked away. Everytime he spoke to her it hurt, but he was trying to be civil. Even though he felt like tearing off Benjamin Blue's head. He rubbed his temples as he did, and then sat down by the dojo, humming a little tune

LoX can almost feel the pulsing energy links between Flash and his surroundings. "Good. Very good even. Flatten it so that it appears as a...say...throwing star or knife. Focus it now....Now, open your eyes, pick your target and channel it out. You can do this. Once you feel it within your entire body, you won't need to close your eyes. That third eye will always be open whether you know it or not, my friend. Now. Release it! Picture that object and release it." A soft shimmer resides around his form for a moment, a quick laugh exiting his lips. Flash would have to learn how to mask his thoughts better. "I guess I can work as your target. Now release!"

Aislinn smiled in return, feeling sorrow. She could sense his hurt emotions, evertime he spoke to her. But it was a sign he was trying. She watched him sit by the dojo, and her eyes travelled to the skies above.

Flash_Guardian bends the mentally linked image in his mind, slowly forcing it to reshape itself into the likeness of one of his most cherished weapons, being rather easy to sculpt something so familiar ... indeed, one of his own shurikens. Once the image has solidified to where he does not need to concentrate on it, he slowly brings his eyes open, though the bruised one opens less. He seems a bit worried about using his teacher for what is most obviously an offensive manuever, but assumes that if LoX can teach it, LoX can deflect it. Flash focusses upon the link, the shuriken, his target, LoX. His eyes surge open and his arm straightens and tenses as Flash's mental energy bursts forth, bringing the power of his mind to bear upon his master.

Aislinn looked back to Phoren again with a tiny sigh. She would talk to him more, but she didn't want to bring him more pain. Flash and his teacher had disappeared, likely for training. The lady returned to her steed, a little musing in her head. She was certainly turning into a one woman arsenal. Two daggers, a sword... and her other sword. Her brother's sword. At the thought, she went to check it over. Yet, to her horror, it was gone!

LoX whirls about suddenly, one hand reaching out, almost to accept the mental kinetic offering from Flash. Before long, it winks out of existence, as if where the link started and Flash began was suddenly severed. But once the energy became external, a simple mental kinetic spell, Absorb Energy, was focused on, turning his own unique energy into a sort of vacuum that sucks in all latent energy-based attacks to bolster his own strength. "Excellent. Even had your color on it, mate. Now....here's the lesson. Using that same technique, you can forge any shape you need to defend yourself against both physicaly and projectile attacks. The more you become accustomed to it, the easier it'll be to manipulate. You can use that energy to form a shield bubble, or use it to create a sword, or even split it into several shuriken and rain kinetic hell on someone. Getting the bigger picture?"

Aislinn shook her head. No, this wasn't right. Where could it be? " Go n-ithe scata Fomh'rach 'lta th'!" She shouted a curse. Her gaelic accent appearing now. Where could it have gone to? She had strapped the sword well to Cleome. Did someone steal it on her travels? The lady worried. It was very important to her.

[PhorenNarqu ] "What's wrong?" He called out, looking at her, genuine concern in his eyes

Flash_Guardian takes a moment to ponder the lesson, speaking aloud mostly for his own benefit, as LoX could probably sense his thoughts anyway. "Kinetic energy ... shaped ... then manifested into some kind of solid ... force? It's a bit like making something from nothing."

Aislinn turned her gaze to Phoren as he called out to her. She let out a frustrated sigh, still searching about Cleome. Still, a sword couldn't just disappear into thin air. It had to have been stolen, right? "I lost something of great value.." She muttered, very upset. It wasn't that the sword looked especially like it was worth a lot. It had been simple silver in color, not like the one she wielded now. Still, it was more valuable to her, for other reasons.

PhorenNarqu stood, and stretched "I'll check the island for you. I'll also get Kurn to see if he can find any that look like it." He just... Changed. Into a raven. And took flight, other ravens joining him in a flock, each swooping low through the trees to search

Aislinn nodded now, appreciating that. She let out a sigh, still searching the saddle bags in what seemed like a futile effort. It seemed silly, since the sword was longer than each of the bags. But, she wasn't thinking straight. The lady was flustered, having thinking she lost something that was probably one of the two most precious posessions she owned.

LoX grins at Flash. "Bingo. But if you focus on it, it'll become like a second nature. Watch." Clear azure eyes begin to glow softly, as his fingertips stretch out, splayed, then the palm thrusts itself out. A wall of solidified air seems to shimmer into place in front of him, blocking the wind around them before he cuts his link to it. "The more you meditate on this, the easier it becomes to grasp. But once you have, you'll have taken the first step onto the path of Infinite Abandon and Diamond Mind. You can even use it to change your appearance, simply by psychokinetically focusing on who you'd rather look like." As if by example, his eyes glow again, briefly, his hair, face and eyes changing to resemble Flash's. A twin suddenly peers back at Flash, but his voice remains as LoX's. "See what I mean? It's all within the Focus and the Energy." The powers are cut once again, LoX's familiar features once again revealed.

Flash_Guardian nods in understanding, watching the forming of the wall closely. He takes everything in stride, right up until LoX steals his face, to which Flash recoils just a bit. "Oookay, that was creepy," Flash mutters. "Don't ever do that again." In spite of the last trick, the possibilities are already floating about in Flash's mind, just waiting to find home with sufficient practice.

PhorenNarqu soon reappeared near Aislinn, a few black feather falling. "Sorry. I couldn't find it."

Aislinn smiled at Phoren, or tried to, since she was still rather upset. "Thank you for trying at least." That meant a lot. But, as she kept searching the side saddlebags on Cleome, her hand brushed across something. Somehow familiar, yet unfamiliar.. Slowly, she removed a single bracer. It was silver, with a blue gem imbedded in the middle. She stared down at it. It bore the same few markings as the sword had. But, it wasn't possible that the sword had changed to suit its owner...had it?

[LoX ] "Sorry, mate. Had to be done to jar your logic process. I won't do it again, either way. Anyway...once you've accepted this and become accustomed to it the things I do won't seem so fantastic t'you. Watch. Mirror Image ..." Familiar Clones split from his form to surround LoX within a ring of his own look-alikes. They all stand regarding him for a moment, then, as one, they attack. The first one unleashes a rather nastily modified version of a classic Magic Missile, each ball of energy swarming against LoX's defenses, only to be absorbed by that all too familiar crackling body suit of electrified kinetics. "Taser Punch! " Erupts from LoX's lips, the kinetics trickling into his fingertips before he balls his fist and strikes the first clone with a speed that belies what a psionicist should have. At the same time, the second clone materializes blue energy blades, and attempts to attack LoX's back, but sensing the intention, he whirls into the air, his leg outstretched into spinning roundhouse.

[PhorenNarqu ] "That, is a nice piece of armour."

Flash_Guardian blinks, watching the combat ensue ... lots of psionic action seems to be taking place, and Flash doesn't want to miss a beat. For one, he might be able to use LoX's techniques to help him progress. For another, Flash simply loves a good fight.

[LoX ] Shaded Blast Kick! With that proclamation, his form itself wavers his own shadow slipping from his form to deal several smart kicks to Clone Two long before LoX's roundhouse levels him. While he crouches over the defeated second, the third leaps away, focuses and fires a beam of pure amber light that catches LoX squarely in the middle of his back. A snarl, before he shifts to the side, a simple power, but a subtle one, focused on. A small ball of electricity is released from his fingertips to waft through the air, before it splits into two balls, then those balls in turn, split into two more and so it continues until they all converge on their target. Clone Four elects to simply attempt a Sunburst Supernova, the flames erupting into a rather nasty circle that converges on LoX and the remaining Clones. Suddenly, he focuses, clearly, pushing the force of the blast away from him with a familiar technique. " Static Dome!!! " The sudden kinetics burst from his body to from a large bubble.

Aislinn nodded absently, agreeing. "I have an off feeling about it... it looks like it belongs with the sword, yet I cannot find the sword now. I did not carry this with me before either. It appeared as the sword disappeared." In the back of her mind, she remembered the bracer. Her brother used to wear it. The lady slipped it onto her left wrist, and the bracer reacted. Her eyes widened as it clamped down, refitting itself for a woman's wrist. "What in..." She whispered. It was form fitting, tight, but not too tight.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Magick, I'd say. Perhaps it is the sword."

Batosai16 walkes onto the island. He was looking for something to do. He pulls out his pump-action shotgun and begins loading it.

[LoX ] The bubble itself pushes the effects of the Nova back towards its originator, then all are encompassed within the sudden gush of light and electricity. The sudden explosion and huge bubble of electricity would likely be seen all over the island. Finally, the effects fade as he cuts the power to them, then lets out a gust of breath. Sweat runs down his face, but he's grinning like a madman. "They're getting better. They actually hit me this time."

Batosai16 beggings to walk around in the forest as if he is looking for someone, or something.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: sailed towards the island, holding the infant child in his arms. The boat was small, but fast. He could see people on the shore, and would yell out to them as he he peered over the railing, only his head visible "Mind if I come aground?"

Aislinn nodded now, knowing Phoren must be correct. Something in her whispered. Like she knew what to say to make it react as it should. Her eyes looked up to Phoren, confused. "Comraich." She said softly, a gaelic word. With that, the blue of the gem spread to cover her whole bracer. The sound of metal clinking was heard, and the bracer came to life. Armor pulling, laying out over her arm. It spread across her body, the last to cover was her head. She stood, in the middle of this armor suit. It gleamed with a blue color, not silver like most armor. Instead of Adair, it was Aislinn now... the blue knight.

PhorenNarqu blinked as he watched her, watching the armour spread. He reached out to touch her shoulder plate, assuming she had one, trying to determine the metal from the feel of it

Flash_Guardian can't help but chuckle lightly at this skill showed by his Sensei's illusionary duplicates. Flash noted the use of several useful tactics and psionic effects ... and also the last one in particular which was used to end the match. In spite of all this, Flash can't help but ask, "Is it actually possible for them to kill you? I mean ... what a way to go, done in by your own imaginary doubles ..."

Batosai16 then hears a small sound, and as he got closser he heard it again.....then all the sudden a dear jumps from behind some bushes and starts to run quickly away for him. As soon as he saw the dear he cauked the shotgun amd fired at the dear. BOOM!! the sound echoed around the island

[Aislinn ] The armor felt unrecognizable. It allowed his touch to the pauldron (shoulder plate). Yet, the thick sense of not quite natural struck it. The blue knight had been a fable, one thought of in legend. It seems, in reality, it was true. And her line was the one that it passed itself down from.

Sora stops, blianks at the sound of ...cannons??

[LoX ] "Yes and no. Complex instructions aren't possible to them yet, but unless I get beat senseless, I still control them and can tell them when to stop. So far, I've never had to. But all this is made possible by the power within. Why d'you think that the first martial artists and the best always stressed meditation and the like? They knew what was possible within the Focus of Energy. Ki and Psionics are very closely related, y'know. One runs on the body's energy itself, the other, the mind's. That's really the only difference."

Flash_Guardian looks over to see someone approaching in boat from the ocean. Flash simply nods and waves him in, silently indicating that it's alright if he chooses to beach his ship nearby, yet his focus quickly turns back to the lesson. And then a gunshot is heard elsewhere on the island, Flash's eyes going very wide all of a sudden ... for all he knows, it could be Phoren's revolver, a thought that does little to calm Flash down, panic quickly rising.

PhorenNarqu spun at the sound of gunfire, automatically crouching, but relaxed when he saw no hostiles or bullets. He tapped the armour. Perhaps that would distinguish the metal from which it had been wrought

Batosai16 went to see his catch. It was a fairly sized dear, not the biggest he has ever shot but it will do. He picked up the dear and starts to head toward a building he had seen on his way.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: grinned like a maniac, and hopped back down on deck, slowing the boat so that when it went ashore it was gentle, and threw the anchor over into the sand. Just in case. He soon hopped over, landing in the sand. Revealing that he was only four feet tall. "You wouldn't have any idea where Phoren Narqu, or Aislinn someorother is, would you?"

Sora shivers from the sea breezes

Aislinn 's violet eyes peered from the helm, as she heard the gunfire. Flash would not be with a gun. And Phoren was right infront of her. So who was it? As he tapped it again, a hint of the fabled material it was made of. Bronzium.

Batosai16 finally gets to the building. he looks at the building, it looks at and desides not to go in it looks like its new, he didnt want to get blood on the floor.

[Sora ] i'm going need some shoes....

Flash_Guardian looks to Kuru, nodding. "They'd probably be back at the dojo, at the middle of the island," Flash says, indicating the direction with a jerk of his thumb, then quickly looking back to LoX. "Perhaps that's enough of a lesson for now? I think I've learned enough to meditate on for quite a while." Flash is ready to be finished, but at the same time wants to know what the heck made that gunshot.

Sora doesn't know which is worst, keeping the dirt of, or keeping off the cold...or getting all pruney from the wading in water

Batosai16 then layes the dear down and begins to collect some firewood surrounding the area he was at.

[LoX ] "Guns. How freakin' boring." Uttered in a low tone. "Anyway, I tried to keep the tactics and abilities a little more simple for you this time. Focus can actually increase your own power, even in a physical battle. Observe me now." With a motion the clones are back in place, but before they can even react, his mind reaches out and wraps around three of them, suddenly reducing them into buzzing insects from the inside out. The other three attempt to attack him from behind, but get caught within a solidified burst of air that sends them flying into the water. "Not everything is as it seems, aye? Anyway, aye...enough for now. I'll be seein' you, kid." A tip of an imaginary hat.

PhorenNarqu blinked a little. He recognised the noise, but couldn't quite put a name to it. So he simply shrugged. He still had his pistol at his side, and he kept his hand near it, in case the firer of the weapon did attack. It was the only weapon he would keep on him twenty four hours a day.

Batosai16 thens sets them all down and begins to make a fire with them.

Sora decides to keep out of the water, hopping out to the grainty bits.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: nodded, and with a wide grin took off "Thanks!"He was walking quickly through the trees, singing a rather insulting song, something involving somebody's mother.

Batosai16 then takes some of the meat and places it in the fire. As it sizzles smoke rises

Aislinn whispered now, an echo in the helm. "Falbh." She said simply, and the armor retracted, withdrawing. Just like before, it retracted, growing from the last point, to finally rest as a bracer once more upon her left wrist. She was left quiet, surprised by such. So this was how Adair became it... It would take further study, which would happen another time. Her violet eyes peered around again, wondering what the heck was going on.

Flash_Guardian , hearing that the lesson is over, quickly rises. Perhaps it doesn't fit the relationship, but Flash bows formally to his sensei out of respect. To do otherwise simply wouldn't be proper. From the sound of things, Kaz was going to take off anyway. "Thanks, LoX. See you around, and good luck." A brief wave is given before Flash quickly starts racing back through the trees, heading for the dojo at the islands center, following the sound of the gunshot.

LoX simply smirks to Flash's retreating back. "Aye. Good luck t'you too, mate." Spoken softly and mostly to himself, then with a rush of air and thunder, he's gone, as if he'd never existed at all. Perhaps he hadn't.

PhorenNarqu blinked. Looking curiously at the bracer "How odd." But then he heard the singing of his old friend, and turned to face it. As soon as the halfling emerged from the trees, he would call out to him "And what do you think you're doing here?"

Aislinn managed a little laugh. He tookt he words right from her mouth. It was odd, to say the least. Her eyes gazed up as well, hearing a familiar voice. She smiled as she saw Kurn, the halfling, come from the trees. Was he the one who had used the gun?

Flash_Guardian soon after bursts from the forests into the clearing, moving at superhuman speeds and quickly coming to a stop beside Aislinn and Phoren. "What happened? I heard a gunshot! Is everybody okay?" In truth, Flash still seems more beat up than the other pair, his eye still blackened almost swollen shut. He seems a bit relieved, yet confused at the same time. "Yeah, I guess you're both fine."

PhorenNarqu Kurn: grinned "Bringing your daughter." He wandered over, giving an exaggerated bow to Aislinn, and a curt nod to Phoren

Cannon has been here the whole time, apparently busy with whatever he was doing before. For Cannon to be spending so much time doing something clearly implies its difficulty (and importance) are apparently astronomical. He appears to have stopped now, and is finally phasing back into realisation of the rest of the world.

Aislinn shook her head in confusion, unsure what had made it exactly. But it seemed, whatever had was gone. "Nay, not us. You still seem a little worse for wear, my friend." As Kurn approached, she smiled, bowing to the halfling in response.

Flash_Guardian spies Cannon nearby, and call out to him questioningly. "Cannon?"

Cannon turns to hear Flash approaching at last. Its been long enough. He watches the man, waiting for his attention, then would beckon if it was given.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: passed the child to Phoren, wh took his daughter with care, gently holding her in her arms. He looked at the newcomer, and just laughed

Cannon gesticulates even from where he is. With one hand he makes a circular sweeping motion, following it with his eyes, the acknowledged symbol for 'all' .... and then draws his thumb across his neck, no need to explain that one.

Aislinn noticed that their gray skinned friend seemed done with his task. Though she still didn't know what the task was. Nothing visible happened as of yet, had it? Her gaze looked to Flash and Cannon, before going back to halfling and elven master.

Flash_Guardian looks around one last time, clearly mystified by the mysterious gunshot ... but seeing as everyone was alright, perhaps it was best let go. Flash excuses himself from the trio of Aislinn, Phoren, and the laughing halfling, raising an eyebrow to the latter as he makes his way to Cannon's side, standing and folding his hands behind his back, his bruised left eye clearly showing as he does not have his ice-pack up against his face at the moment, preferring to let his bruised skin have some fresh air for the moment. "You wanted to speak with me?"

Cannon shoots a glance to Aislinn. She is welcome to listen in as well, since she is to be trusted. He isn't so sure of Phoren and the others though.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: looked between the two. There was a strange sort of tension between them. He looked back and forth until one of them answered.

Flash_Guardian watches Cannon's gesture, seeming suddenly alarmed.

Cannon nods to Flash, but apparently there is something that needs to be dealt with first before he can get to the point. "Flash. Strange though this may seem, I need your help with something of importance. It has to be kept completely clandestine though, so before I tell you anything, I must get you to swear an oath of absolution that you will not speak of it openly nor even think about it unless you absolutely have to. It is safe right here, yet I must still keep it from the ears of those nearby. Is this understood?"

Aislinn frowned now, something didn't seem right. She held up a hand to Kurn and Phoren, gazing at them. "Please, excuse me for a moment. I will return.." She walked towards Cannon and Flash, after a glance was shot her way.

PhorenNarqu Kurn: nodded. Looked like ti would be Phoren who would break the news to Kurn.

Cannon notices Aislinn approaching. When she gets close enough, he gives her the same little speech, then glances back between the two before adding. "I trust you both enough absolutely. If there were any less than absolute trust I would have to formally pact your oath via means to make it unbreakable. I sincerely hope this will not be necessary though. The matter in hand is of more importance than you are likely to know precisely how to deal with."

Flash_Guardian nods quickly. "I understand. What is said here stays here." A questioning look is given to Aislinn.

Cannon gestures with one hand. A mute-zone forms around the small area where the three of them stand, rendering it absolutely impossible for anyone outside the area to hear what is said inside. He even goes so far as to cover his mouth with his hand so his lips can't be read.

Kade hums softly as he makes his way up from the beach towards where Flash has been building.

Aislinn placed a hand over her heart, whispering in gaelic now. Her own oath. It was her word. After finishing, she would listen now. Understanding the situation was grave, at least.

Cannon nods finally, then explains himself...

Flash_Guardian manages to pick up the fact that Aislinn knows a bit more about the mood of the situation than Flash has picked up on. He folds his arms and listens well and intently. Something doesn't seem right ...

[Cannon ] "Mother has been keeping things from me. That is why I spent so much time rewriting aspects of local reality earlier. I'm hoping it was sufficient to stop her from being aware of what is being said here, or even that anything is out of the ordinary. . . . . Aislinn, you already know, but Flash, I didn't explain to you yet. About two days ago, at 10pm ... I was sent back two years into the past supposedly to stop an inconsistancy in the timeline by returning to a point in time where the keep was dominated by overpowered archmagi and the like. I suspect that the real reason was much more simple, a matter of power gathering on one hand... and of distraction on the other. It was a flawed decision however."

[Cannon ] "I became aware that in the relative timespace two years ago, my mother then was less advanced in her defensive subroutines, and I was actually able to stealthily gain some insight into her levels of thought. What I found out troubled me. I believe, with the loss of her mortality.... the eventual loss of her sanity has started to catch up with her. . . . . I suspect she is trying to eradicate existence."

Kade after some time reaches the site of Flash's dojo. Unaware of anyone else nearby for now, he decides to take his own tour to see how the construction has gone thus far, and wanders the building.

Flash_Guardian nods, taking everything in well so far, corrective time travel being nothing new to him. After all, such was his job for the last several thousand millenia. At the later news, however, his eyes grow wide. Flash doesn't like what he is thinking, horrifying as it is. Still, he does his best to listen and give Cannon room to speak.

Aislinn understood his last bit quite well. Her eyes widened, listening now. She was listening before, but this was indeed as grave a matter as she had assumed. Her eyes look to FLash, worried, before settling back on Cannon/

[Cannon ] "Since I found this out, I've been doing my utmost to keep certain elements of my thoughts unknown to her, focusing all my cognitive processes altered by this subject to a coded transdimensional subregion, and setting all my self-advancement routines to keeping these aspects of my knowledge secret from her. As you might imagine, its not easy to keep information from a goddess of technology... even if I am her own son. I have gained some insight into the nature of her plans, and how she plans to eradicate existence. Incidentally, I don't just mean the present Universe. I mean this entire existencial pocket. It would eradicate this universe in all timeframes, past, future and present."

Flash_Guardian nods, understanding the graveness of the situation completely, though he remains surprisingly calm. "You're talking about a complete 4th dimensional wipeout of the Keep? The whole nexus?"

[Cannon ] "Being clever as she is, she has taken double-methods to ensure that it works regardless of the flux in universal supposed constants as regard the changing of history. She has located an individual of personally little import from a future timeframe. The woman is a 'ninja', you might say, but she is not the important one. Supposedly, this woman is the mother of a daughter who will follow on from her trade, and somehow prevent the Universe from being destroyed at some point in the future. My mother has taken the original woman in question from her time-point and instead placed her at this point in time. This in itself may lead to the destruction of the universe at least in the first three dimensions if it is not changed, simply through the alteration of this woman's history. It doesn't end there though."

Cannon nods in response to Flash's question, incidentally.

[Cannon ] "She has reprogrammed the woman's mind completely, leading her to believe she actually belongs here. The woman has been given a new identity, though she retains the same essential purpose and abilities. The point is, she doesn't realise that she has been taken from the future. She believes absolutely that she is like anyone else here. Thats not the danger either. She doesn't realise the other alteration that has been made."

Aislinn held back a sound of surprise, as this was a lot to take in. The whole nexus being destroyed? A woman who will bear a daughter to stop this all. It was incredible. What mattered, is obviously, they had to stop this from happening. She listened more, ocassionally glancing to Flash.

[Cannon ] "Mother has fitted her with a dimensionally phased prototype Paradox Bomb. It is a design that hasn't been tested, simply because to test it would potentially mean eradicating existence. It is unlikely to be significantly flawed however. Mother is very thorough like that. The point is that this Paradox Bomb is set to detonate at the point of the woman's death.... and at that point, existence will cease to be."

[Cannon ] "Thankfully, to ensure a more predictable point of detonation, mother deliberately chose a woman who is very adept at keeping herself alive. This will give oppurtunities of course for those in the know, hopefully outside of her awareness, to find some means of disarming the device without triggering it........ Now, I can say with some degree of assurance that I could figure out how to do such a thing in a few weeks if left to it. That is not an option however. Mother has taken steps to ensure that I supposedly don't find out about this situation. A dimensional flux anomaly has been set in place that I cannot occupy the same dimensional space degree as this individual at any one time. That literally means that wherever she is, I cannot be. Not only that, but if Mother suspected I was personally tampering, she would be able to stop me instantly."

Flash_Guardian glances to Aislinn from time to time, mirroring her horror in his eyes. He nods, clarifying Cannon's statements from behind the no-sound barrier. "So she's completely convinced that she was born and raised in this time period? And she's been fitted with a Universe Killer ... great." The more Flash hears, the more he dislikes the situation.

Aislinn spoke up as well now. "Then, it is up to us to somehow disarm this device... And if we are small enough, we might not even show in your mother's eyes. Like peons to a ruler." She said.

Kade after spending several minutes wandering the mostly done building, steps outside now to find himself a quite place to wait, in case others arrive.

Cannon nods. "Thats it precisely. I can attempt to assist you with whatever information you uncover, when you inform me of such things. Be warned though. Mother is keeping a close eye on the individual in question. She also keeps somewhat of an eye on this location and its inhabitants, since she is aware that I come here with reasonable frequency. Now.... further information I cannot presently give you. I'm not even aware of what the individual looks like yet. Should I gather any further such information I will make it known to you. I would however ask that if you do knowingly encounter the individual in question... please try to get a sample of her genetic data. Try to make it look accidental though. If mother suspects that we know for even an instant, this entire defence project could be for naught. Once I have a sample of the woman's genetic data, I can fit this area with a dispersal image reflector device, making it seem like the woman is elsewhere if she actually comes here, from the Lab's perspective."

Cannon seems thoughtful a moment. "Oh yes.... and you might do well to explain this to Jaia if you see her as well. That is if she is to be involved. If she isn't, then it would be best to ensure that she keeps well away from the individual in question for reasons of a more sensitive nature. From what she told me, she didn't seem terribly fond of the ones called 'ninja's ...... and unless I'm completely mistaken, what we will be dealing with is precisely that."

Aislinn stops for a moment, thinking. Processing it. She had heard him say genetic data before. "You mean...blood, or skin, or hair? That sort of thing?" She murmered. The easiest may be a strand of hair. "Devaine recently gave us all communication pieces. Perhaps that could work to our advantage?"

Cannon shakes his head. "No. No communication devices. No technology is safe. Your best means of dealing with this involve that which you call 'magic'. Neither mother nor I have any strongly established understanding of it. Its your safest bet."

Kurn coughed, looking at his master. His chocolate brown eyes fixated on the slender elven man infront of him. He could feel things were different. They just did not seem the same between Phoren and Aislinn. "Is there something ya need ta tell me?" He crossed his short arms, waiting for an answer.

Aislinn 's eyes sparked, as she looked to Cannon again. Now, this was something she would be more comfortable with. Techology and her never seemed to mesh. But, she was a woman of the old ways, afterall. "That, I can comply with."

[PhorenNarqu ] "Uhm.... She left me." He scratched the back of his head. He hadn't mentioned it last time they'd met.

Flash_Guardian nods. "Communication will be essential ... even without using technology. Beyond that, we'll just need to keep our eyes and ears open," Flash says, nodding confidently. "This woman will probably be easier for me to spot, seeing as I have the ability to sense powerful affects of destiny on people using a bit of Che- ..." Flash stops in midsentence, wincing. "Oh, yeah. Crap. Scratch that. Forgot. Never mind." Flash adamantly waves away his former thought with a hand, seemingly upset about something.

[Cannon ] "If all that fails, your best attempt might be simply to communicate via emotion alone. Can you manage that?"

Kurn tried his best to look sympatheic and hide the glee in his twinkling brown eyes. He patted Phoren's arm gently, looking up at his master. "I'm sorry.. I know it's gotta hurt. But, maybe lady Aislinn and ya weren't meant ta be. There's someone out there fer ya. Trust me." He said to his master, still trying to supress the happiness from Phoren and Aislinn breaking up. Not that he didn't like the woman. It wasn't that.

Aislinn snapped onto Cannon's face again. She nodded now. "Yes, I could manage well with that.." It was her nature. She wasn't sure about the others. Though Devaine seemed to be able to read auras. That might work almost the same way.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Yeah... That's what everyone says." He looked down at the short little fellow, shaking his head with a slight chuckle "So what've you been up to lately? We didn't really get much of a chance to talk before."

Flash_Guardian gives Aislinn a thoughtful look, though still seems rather bitter about something. "Well, we have one-way emotional communication, at least. I'm sure we can work something out."

Cannon seems to think of something else at this point. "I yet have no information on the actual personality of the target. It would probably be advisable to make sure she knows nothing of what is going on though. Don't let it be known that you have any idea. Try to avoid hostilities wherever possible."

Kurn shrugged his broad shoulders. They were broader than his slender elven master's. "Eh, this and that. Been worried about yer sorry arse. Saw ya took the vodka. Didn't want ya dipping inta the spirits again, Phoren. Ya do that every time yer depressed. Everytime ya need a good bath too. Glad ta see ya managed ta keep clean this time." He smirked, his eyes looking up to Phoren.

Aislinn frowned a little at Flash, wondering where the bitterness she felt came from. Still, her gaze went back to Cannon. "I might be able to create something of communicators working with emotion. But it shall take a little time." She admitted. It involved enchanting with portioning off small slivers of her ability.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Will you stop going on about that? Anyway, what are you, my guardian? That's how you've been acting lately."

Aislinn nodded at Cannon's words. "I am certain we can come up with something nonchalant. Aye? Something to make her stay. Befriending seems an easier option. Though, who knows if she is a friendly type.."

Flash_Guardian just nods, showing some difficultly in looking directly at either Cannon or Aislinn now. In an expressionless voice, he continues, "I'm good at avoiding fights. One more question ... any idea how much time we have to find her?"

Jaia-Asumoto would remain kneeling as she had been doing so for the past hour, just over the ridge from the Dojo itself. She had seen it from a vantage point in the distance and had been intrigued to see the slight changes. The exterior of the Dojo appeared complete now. It was the interior, which she had studied the previous day, which was what sparked her interest the most. But even from her vantage point, she could not view it so she would simply kneel down and sit in the traditional Japanese style, and meditate. She had been doing this for sometime, and when she finally broke the trance, she was facing the sea...her back to the dojo and it's current occupants. She wore a brilliant white kimono, with no patterns or decorations. The sash itself was also white, making her appear as if more a being from a Positive Plane. She did not wear her straw hat, so her face could be seen as clearly as anything to any observer. Her small, petite frame still held more than the eye could possible discern or understand. Perhaps...--

Cannon looks pensive at that. "I believe time isn't too much of an issue. The bomb isn't due to detonate unless the lifeforce it is linked to is terminated. It might be remotely triggered though if mother finds out that we know about it. If she remains ignorant of that simple matter however, the time limit is the woman's lifespan. Mother has that down to the very hour apparently, but timelines can be changed easily enough. I apologise, but I don't know her natural lifespan. I assume its several decades though."

Kurn snorted, almost grunting with laughter. His brown eyes looked up to Phoren's blue ones, the twinkle, as always, still there. "Ya, well, ye been needing one lately! Ya'd drive yerself ta an early grave if ya could, I swear. Whether ya like it or not, I'll be watching after ya." He seemed resolute on this. Stubborn little male.

Aislinn again nodded, as it should be several decades. "Who else will it be safe to tell about this?" She asked. They may need all of the non technological help they could get.

[PhorenNarqu ] "You forgot Kurn. I've already been in a grave. Well, I haven't, but you know what I mean."

Jaia-Asumoto -- it was best this way. She would incline her head lightly, and look around her with an avid interest. Her narrow, sharp yet strangely exotic eyes would draw in everything that her vision would permit her. Turning to face the Dojo, she would not pause to observe it, but merely begin her descent of the ridge, being careful...remaining silent as not to disturb anyone, even at the distance she was at. Time would carry on, and she would eventually make her way to the West Wing of the dojo. Here, she would stop...watching her surroundings for anything of interest. She could sense vague interpretations of a warrior's Ki in several places, but chose not to move to close to their presences. She would not even look in their direction to recognise them. Instead, her left hand would remained rested on the hilt of the sheathed, Ichijmond. Where fate took her from this point, only her interest, and curiosity could dictate.

Flash_Guardian nods. "Probably human, if that's the case. So our current goal is to find this woman. When we find her, make sure to keep her alive, and try to get some piece of her back to you. From there ... it's in your hands, I take it?"

Kurn waved a large hard at that, shaking his head. A few of the short brown locks tumbled across his forehead. He was surprisingly handsome for a halfling. "Nah, I didn't forget. Ya know what I meant, though. Cheer up, Phoren. Start taking better care of yerself. I'm always here ta help you, ya know that."

[PhorenNarqu ] "I know. I figure I'll start fresh. Make a new life. Or rather, unlife." He smiled a little at that. Despite being a curse, it could make for some amusing lines. At least for him

Cannon shakes his head slowly. "As I said. I cannot approach her. I can only analyse the data I'm able to aquire and give possible solutions. I will need others such as yourselves to actually act on the possibilities I can present in return." .... and looking to Aislinn. "Its best not to tell any more than absolutely NEED to be told, and if you can help it, don't let anyone else know why either. Information needs to be restricted as closely as possible."

Kade blinks, and then yawns. He'd almost fell asleep for a moment there, so he got up and stretched.

Aislinn hummed low, thinking to herself. "Who do you suggest, Cannon? I would wager Devaine is good with planning.. and Benjamin has abilities that are not connected to technology, just like me.." She murmered.

Flash_Guardian spots the familiar face of Jaia, offering her a wave of greeting, and managing a halfway convincing smile. Apparently something is troubling him, though from behind the sound-nulling barrier there isn't much for him to say to Jaia just yet. He takes notice of Kade as well, offering him similar greetings before turning back to the discussion at hand.

Cannon considers this. "Ben can be told, though still, he shouldn't necessarily be informed of all the details. Make sure he also receives the warning about not even thinking about it if it can be helped. As for Devaine..... if he still has nanotechnology in his body, I would advise against letting him know anything about it."

Aislinn glanced to Flash. She didn't know what those were, but figured he would know if Devaine had them in him? She nodded about the Ben thing. "How do you propose I tell him? Find a way without speaking?"

Kade waves back to Flash, and then performs a double take. He haden't even been aware the others were there to now.

Cannon notices Flash's glance toward Jaia. At that he suddenly seems worried. "Ah. Jaia is here. I'm unsure as yet whether she should be let in on it or not.... but if she isn't she may have to have part of her memory of this actual situation re-altered. She will remember that sound isn't passing here, among other things. The others aren't paying attention at all though, so I suspect it wouldn't be an issue about them."

Kurn came around, patting Phoren's lower back like a chum. "Good ta hear, really good. And you know, ol' Kurn will follow you ta hell and back. So you'll have at least a friend on your travels?" He boistered, in response. All the while, those chocolate eyes watching Phoren.

Flash_Guardian ponders. "Devaine's probably not a good idea, then. I suspect he's still got some nanos in him. Other than that, sounds like we let people know on a need-to-know basis, if at all? Blue may be a good person to tell."

Cannon nods. Thats it. He seems concerned about something else now though. "We should probably stop talking about this now. The effects of the temporary field I set up around this area should be wearing off soon. I'll have to find a way later to set up a more permanent field. For now though, lets leave this conversation. Alright?"

PhorenNarqu shrugged. And let out a sigh, resting his arm on his friend's shoulder. "I don't even know if I'll be leaving for a while. You know that bottle of vodka you bought me years ago?"

Flash_Guardian blinks innocently. "What conversation?"

Aislinn nodded back to Cannon, as well as Flash. "Alright. I shall keep an eye out, and do my best to tell Benjamin. With as little draw to attention. I suppose it is time to return to..normal?"

Cannon smiles, raising one hand slowly. "So just.... be wary of female ninja sorts." ...... And with that, he lowers the mute-field around them. The other field he set up to con his mother into thinking all was normal here today is still active, but starting to wear off.

Robert~Darklord appears in a swirl of blue light near Flash, taking a drag from his cigarette as he crosses his arms over his chest as he raises an eyebrow at the man "Yeah, what conversation?"

Aislinn after Flash said that, she grinned. "The one of my wedding! Did you forget so easily?" She laughed merrily.

PhorenNarqu notes RD would not be able to hear, if the field is still active

Kurn patted his friend's back, letting the elf rest on his broad shoulder. "Well, leave or not, I'll be with ya. Yea, what about the bottle?"

Kade blinks, and looks rather confused at now being able to hear those who a moment earlier were silent. For the moment he just chalks it up to being weird.

[PhorenNarqu ] "One of my friends broke it against a tree."

Flash_Guardian tries to bring himself to a smiling face, though between his earlier bitter thought and the bruises that still cover his body, it's only halfway decent. "Oh, yeah. Right. Can't wait. You said Blue was busy planning things?"

Cannon glances to Kade. So he noticed. Cannon walks over to the guy, smiling in a subtle manner. He raises one hand ever so carefully. A sequence of subtle light flashes occur.... Essentially what he is trying to do is merely imply by hypnotic suggestion of a particular kind that Kade experienced nothing out of the ordinary.

Kurn frowned at that, then narrowed his eyes, looking up at his friend with suspicion. He pieced some things together. "Wait a moment there.. Ya were depressed over lady Aislinn. Ya were drinking, weren't cha? He broke it ta stop ya drinking, didn't he? Didn't he?" The halfling accused.

Cannon is odd afterall. He does odd things. Thats all there is to it.

Robert~Darklord narrows his eyes as he keeps looking at Flash, Aislinn and Cannon, not liking this at all, since secrets between friends led to very bad things

Cannon walks back to Robert. "Scuse me. Look to me a moment!"

Jaia-Asumoto would incline her head softly at the look she received from Flash. She knew that look. She knew it very well, although not always from his eyes. She would shake her head slowly and sigh. Something was happening, and once again her instincts told her that she had one too many fights to deal with on her own, and did not require the additional stress of...whatever it was they were talking about. The fact she couldn't even hear the low murmur one could hear from a conversation at a distance is what surprised her the most. But she would shrug it all off and move toward the main entrance of the Dojo, more or less eager to observe the interior of the dojo, to study what had been, and still needed to be done. A final glance over her shoulder, she would move away quietly. As she entered the dojo both hands went back behind her head, and began to work at the Samurai topknot that held her hair to the back of her head. She would allow the strands of ebony hair to fall down her back, as she would carefully run her --

PhorenNarqu nodded "Pretty much. He neglected to take the mad caps off me, though. Shows how thorough he was."

Aislinn nods, flicking back her red braid again. "Aye, Benjamin has most of the planning. Though, like I said, we still are wondering about a date. Tell me, friend, what happened to your face? You look as if you received quite a thrashing.." She frowned.

Kade has this sudden urge to say, "These aren't the droids we're looking for," but instead wanders over towards Flash, "Whose getting what now?"

Robert~Darklord turns away from Cannon, taking another drag of his cigarette "Oh no you don't! I don't trust you one bit on this Cannon, since someone as advanced as you knows how to do memory wipes!"

Kurn snorts, holding out one of his hands. "Fork 'em over. Ya got no reason ta do that anymore. Time to sober up good. I'll help, don'tcha worry." He waited for the mushrooms.

Cannon rolls his eyes. "Hmph. Like I would need to do something so thorough to you. No. I just wanted to tell you that our personal plans for the wedding of Benjamin and Aislinn are a surprise, private... and not something you should be sticking your nose into."

Aislinn nodded now, laughing softly. "Aye. It is hard to surprise Benjamin as it is. He is planning most of it, and I wish to come up with a surprise of my own. Less known, the better."

Cannon shoots that look back to Flash and Aislinn, as if implying that they should be hushed about it too.

[PhorenNarqu ] "No! They're my mushrooms! Besides, they have health benefits if you use them right." He sighed a little. He had a feeling his reason would make no difference

Robert~Darklord spins around quite quickly now, holding out a business card to Cannon with a smirk "Did I mention I do weddings and I am a certified priest and minister to do such ceremonies. My fee is quite reasonable and I even dress up for the occasion"

Kurn gave him a look, not buying it. "Come on, enough with it. Fork 'em over. You're getting sobered up, Phoren."

Flash_Guardian sighs deeply, that same guilty look coming over his face, mixed with the bitter expression from before. "You know, now that I think about it ... it's rather a long story." Flash ponders a moment, then looks back to Aislinn. "It reaches back into my history as a Guardian of Time, when I served as an avatar to the god Chen, lord of destiny, fate, and time." Flash plants himself into a seat right then and there, watching Jaia make her way inside the dojo. Again, Flash was being a rude host, but he had kept his explanation from Aislinn for too long already. The dojo would be there later. "You sure you want to hear this?" Flash asks her, somewhat wary.

Aislinn perks up as Robert says that. "Actually, sir Robert, I am in need of someone to perform the ceremony. I do not think Benjamin should be the one to..it seems wrong. Groom and priest all in one.." She laughed softly.

Cannon stretches, in a manner of speaking. He weaves his fingers together then stretches his arms back over his head until his shoulder joints.... well, they don't crack. Its more like a subtle hiss. Cannon's internal workings have too high an eccritic temperature for the substance in his joints to be fluid. With that, he turns his attention away from the people here and over to the temple itself. He knows Jaia is here, and he seeks to speak to her, though as it happens not about what he just conversed with the others.

Jaia-Asumoto -- hands over her temples, trapping the stray strands of hair and forcing them back behind her ears. Her face was completely visible; in it s round, small yet strangely knowing features. Of all the youthful features her face possessed, her eyes were far from it. They were older, aged and wiser. The experience was reflected into their brown depths. And it was through those sharp eyes that she would begin an evaluation of the dojo, taking in every detail with a fevering interest. She would not allow her thoughts to wander back to the strange, soundless conversation. She had no need too. Instead she simply...lose herself. She would not think either, that with her hair down she looked far younger than anyone would have believed. Instead of a woman of 19...she looked more a girl of 16. Her height was also an attributing factor.

Aislinn crouched down, to sit next to Flash now. She nodded her head, wanting to hear. "Yes, I do. Please, go on." She had shifted the magnificent sword, once sitting.

PhorenNarqu sighed, and took the pouch from his belt, passing it over. "There. Happy now?" He was, of course, muttering death threats under his breath

Robert~Darklord smiles as he walks over to Aislinn, handing her his business card before he gives a bow to her "I would be happy to provide that service to you" He blinked as he took a seat as well next to Aislinn, always enjoying a good story from someone

Kurn grinned pocketing the mushrooms to dispose of them. A hearty strong pat to Phoren's back again. "Yea, I am. Now are ya done here, or is there some more pressing business? I think ya need some good food, and rest. I saw a nice little inn some ways from here on that there mainland. Thought we could go."

Cannon walks over and steps inside. No flooring of any sort has been put in yet, and the structure as a whole isn't complete yet, so he doesn't bother taking off his sandals that he wears today. Stepping inside he looks around, wandering between the constructed walls until he finds the samurai he sought. Approaching her slowly, he comes to a complete stop at a very precise distance and makes a seemingly practiced formal bow to her. Odd that he should do such a thing, but he clearly has his reasons.

Aislinn took the business card, reading it over curiously. She held it for now, and would show Benjamin later. She didn't approve of Ben having to do the ceremony too. Just seemed not right, as stated earlier. Her violet eyes gazed to Flash, gently, as she listened.

[PhorenNarqu ] "Might as well. But the beds better not be halfling sized. They always give me cramps."

Kurn laughed loudly, as only a halfling can do. "Alright, alright. I understand. I promise it's not a halfling only place again, alright? Full bed, and everything." His brown eyes twinkled. "The row boat's on the shore. Come on." He motioned to Phoren to follow.

Flash_Guardian sighs, running a hand back through his hair and settling into position. "Right. Well ..." Flash seems rather awkward. He had always been somewhat proud of this particular past ... until recently. Now it was his greatest shame. "How to begin." He coughs once, before at last beginning the tale. "When I originally came here to this place, the Keep, I was sent here from a different reality altogether, one with its own peoples, its own worlds ... its own gods. One such deity is a god of law and order, one known as Chen, whom I mentioned earlier. Lord of fate, destiny, and time. And I was his loyal servant."

PhorenNarqu followed, but stopped, to wave to Aislinn and the others before he continued on, a little tune escaping his lips. A rather sad one

Flash_Guardian waves at Phoren's departure, the same bitter-sad expression on his face.

Aislinn looked away for a brief moment, to wave back to Phoren. She sighed softly, hearing the sad tune. But her attention was drawn back to Flash. The story was quite an interesting one. The woman hoped Kurn would take care of Phoren.

Kade shrugs slightly, and meanders back over to where he was earlier, and flops back down on the ground.

Kurn gave the lady Aislinn a bow, of course, before marching on towards the shores. Past the trees and to the boat he'd left. Though Phoren was sad, and he didn't want to see his friend so sad...he couldn't help but feel a little cheery. Maybe it'd rub off on Phoren. As they got to the boat, he gestured. "Now get in, and I'll push the boat off and get us going."

Aislinn also gave Kurn a smile. With a look to please take care of Phoren.

Flash_Guardian continues. "Chen sent me here as a kind of liason ... to serve his interests in a realm where he currently has no influence, basically," Flash explains. "For a while, I just kinda took it easy, getting to know my surroundings, the sort of people here, what to expect, existing religions in place here, and so on. And things were okay." Flash smiles now, as he remembers something happy. "At some point, Chen directed me to perform a job for him. I don't suppose you remember that large metallic beast that's been floating around the island lately?" Flash would ask, looking to the listening pair.

PhorenNarqu nodded, and got in carefully, watching the short fellow push the boat out. And of course, if he couldn'r get up, he'd get a helping hand

Robert~Darklord hears the question and taps his head a few times to try and remember what he meant "I've seen it, but what about it exactly Flash?"

Aislinn nodded now, remembering about the metal beast that circled the island. "The one that protected the dojo from rain. Aye, it comes to memory."

Kurn managed to push them off. He was a strong little fellow. That, and being an elf, Phoren didn't weigh a whole lot. Finally pushing into the waters, he hopped in and grabbed the paddles. Stroking to finally reach land after some time.

Kade gets up and wanders back off to his camp. His player needs sleep.

Flash_Guardian nods to them both. "That airship is named The Triad, and before Chen gave me that calling, it was buried underground, powerless and disabled. Chen sent me to the place where it was buried in order to dig the ship out. With the help of Devaine, Glyniss, Blank, and a few others, we managed to power up the ship, bring it back to life, and dig it out of the hillside. You can still see the crater in the hillside to this day." Flash seems rather proud at such an achievement, considering it a fond memory. He genuinely smiles at such.

Jaia-Asumoto 's hands would be clasped together as she studied one wall in particular, not having sensed the presence of someone approaching, although she was mildly aware of it. She would see a shadow cast from behind her, and would turn gently to look at Cannon, as he bent into the formal bow. It was fascinating to see how much he had learnt, and even if it was not much...it was still interesting to see him begin learning. She would unclasp her hands and bow, at a thirty-degree angle to acknowledge him and respect his presence. She would look back at the wall, as if still interested to see how well it had been fitted, and how structured it was. But as her taste in construction was not as solid as her ability in combat...she would simply bring her attention back to Cannon. She looked strange at an observer's view. Her body seemed smaller, perhaps immature in development. As her kimono did hide the curves and fullness of her body it did make it extremely difficult for one to judge. Still, she would smile, --

Aislinn 's eyes widened, listening. They dug out that metallic beast and made it fly? That was amazing... "Incredible.." She murmered, still listening.

Jaia-Asumoto -- and tip her head back, to let the long, pitch black hair tumble out of her line of vision, and back over her shoulders. Levelling her gaze again she would shrug, "It is good to see you again, Cannon. I trust you are well?" she would make no mention of the...strange circumstances of his last conversation with Flash and Aislinn, because it appeared he was not here to discuss that. She didn't know. She could only speculate.

Robert~Darklord tries to think of the sheer work it would take to repair such a mechanical beast like the Triad, knowing it had to be more complicated then Apache or SuperCobra attack helicoptors used by the U.S. military, but he would ask Flash for blueprints later so that he could study it fully and see just how it worked. Mechanical objects did interest him quite abit, especially ones that were seemingly complicated to others "The Triad is almost as big as jet fighters Flash. I've never seen a helicoptor that big before"

Flash_Guardian continues, his happy demeanor fading to something more gloomy. "Not long after that was when Dev got kidnapped by government agents ... I still don't understand what all was involved there, but I knew it was bad news. So I did what any friend would have done ... fought with all my strength in Devaine's defense." Anger clouds Flash's face now as he continues. "Chen stopped me. He reached out with his influence and held me to the spot while Devaine gave himself up. They took him away, and I didn't see him for weeks."

Cannon doesn't give a straight response to Jaia's question, but rather in reply gives a seemingly related statement. "Its been a long time for me since I last spoke to you, though it has been far less of a time for you. Needless to say, the twists of this matter are things I'm sure you would rather not concern yourself with, but I had little choice. It has been two years for me, yet only days for yourself. Thats all you need know...." .... He is hesitant. There is still much he isn't saying, both that which he shouldn't and needn't .... and that which maybe he should.

Aislinn frowned deeply at this. Why would his god stop him from helping a friend? She didn't completely understand why.

Robert~Darklord took a drag as he heard this part, knowing this part of the story all too well "Funny how a deity or god thinks they know better than the follower when they don't"

Flash_Guardian shakes his head, reliving the anger he had felt towards Chen at that time. "Apparently, Chen felt that Devaine getting captured was 'destiny.' Pre-ordained. As such, I wasn't allowed to interfere, so he stopped me." Flash sighs. "You should understand ... as loyal as I was to Chen and his ideals, we had our disagreements. Quite a few, really. We never really saw eye-to-eye on a lot of issues. I have always believed in doing what is right. Chen believes in doing what is 'correct.'" Flash makes a flexing motion with two fingers on each hand to emphasize that last word, rolling his eyes. "I was upset over getting prevented from protecting a friend from a fate perhaps not quite so bad as death. Pretty small potatoes, compared to the other arguments. But it was enough. The straw that broke the camel's back, one could say." Flash chuckles to himself.

Robert~Darklord grins as he heard that part, loving when someone started rebelling againist their god, knowing that was always fun as well "So how'd you break away from Chen at this point?"

Cannon isn't going to mention the irony in what was just said by Robert.

Aislinn nodded quietly, shifting only slightly in her seaton the ground. Unable to help a friend, that would have made her beyond angry as well. She did not blame her friend one bit. Those violet eyes watched, as she continued to feel various emotions from him through the story.

Jaia-Asumoto nods slowly at this attempt at an explanation for an absence which truly was days for her. But she would simply state, "Two years is along time for many people, Cannon. For you who experienced it. For me, who could not have." she wouldn't say what she was referring too, as she was sure he would know. Of course, there would was the question of how she knew things. But she would make no mention of it and simply shrug lightly, "My family has existed longer than you and I know. Through me, I pray they continue to exist." Another clue? No. She stated that simply because it did hold a candle of meaning to the situation. But she would not ask what seemed to be troubling him. She knew he was holding things back, where as she was doing the same. Perhaps he knew more, where as she knew enough, but hardly anything. Looking back to the wall she would bring her right hand over her shoulder and pull the long strands of raven black hair, back over her shoulder. From there she would comb her hair with her seemingly --

Kaiser_Drake - A white spectral figure floats into the camp, passing through all objects as if like a ghost, but thats what he was, nothing more than a spectre after his untimely death at the hands of a cannibal. "Grr...."

Jaia-Asumoto -- delicate and fragile, left hand. Smiling tenderly, she would finally ask, "What is you wished to speak with me about? Things go well, I trust?"

Flash_Guardian shakes his head, anger just starting to give way to shame. "At that point, all I could think about was all the reasons that I wasn't happy with Chen. I was angry, and I wanted Chen to know how I felt. I wasn't really letting any of it show, until LoX came along and dragged it all out of me. We talked my religious situation over right there in the Triad's crater, up in the hills. LoX ... well ..." Flash considers his words carefully. "He gave me a different perspective on my situation. Made me see that Chen would never work alongside my own interests. He showed me an opportunity, convincing me that I could have better. As angry as I was, I believed him. I wanted better. I didn't want to be Chen's lackey anymore."

Flash_Guardian shivers at that moment. Perhaps its his feelings on the story, or perhaps just a chill in the breeze. Or maybe it's caused by a passing spirit.

Robert~Darklord grins as he cracks his knuckles loudly, needing it to make his hands feel better "Good old LoX, running around making things better for everyone in this place. Ah how sweet it is to hear that from you Flash"

Kaiser_Drake - Floats around eerily, tatters of bandages waving in the wind as if he was in water. "This is lame.... I want a body...." He speaks in a long spooky tone. He cant take this for long, his gods never left him without a body for so long, but they must be making this one strong enough to resist such powers. "Lame...!"

Cannon nods slowly, though thats not the all of it. "Things go well enough, I suppose. Two years is nothing in the grand scheme of things, but with the flow of advancement its been enough to learn plenty I must admit. All the same though, what I speak to you of is a matter of relatively little importance overall. I sought to reacclimatise myself you might say. There are things I've missed, for whatever reason. Its a strange feeling I do not enjoy, but the better way to deal with it is the classic way it seems."

[Flash_Guardian ] "Chen attacked me ... I was so sure that he was going to strike me down right then and there. But LoX stepped in and fought for me. He actually fought against a God. For me." Flash shakes his head in bewilderment. "True enough, Chen's power and influence in this realm was minimal at the time, but he had enough influence over me to finish me off, I'm sure. LoX kept Chen's wrath at bay long enough for me to cast aside my avatarhood, essentially abandoning the service of Chen entirely. After that," Flash says, gesturing down at himself, "I was no longer an avatar. I became mortal again." Flash pauses his story there, though the gloomy look in his eyes says there may be more to the story.

Kaiser_Drake - He cuts through the air with his spectral blade, he falls back fed up with the whole ghost thing but floats in the exact same spot. "I can't do anything until my body is finished. This really is quite lame." He whispers to himself, the whole thing about moving through stuff and not being able to walk on his two feet really annoyed him.

Robert~Darklord nods at Flash as he finishes off the cigarette, letting it dissapear before he looks back at the man "At least your still alive and here with us Flash. It's better than you being dead lad"

Jaia-Asumoto looks down at her hands as they worked through the long, silk strands of hair, checking and double checking for knots and anything that may prove uncomfortable. She did this with surprising efficiency, as her brown orbs would narrow again, as she focused on Cannon. Nodding softly, she would continue with this gentle grooming, although her attention was almost entirely centred on her companion. After this pause, she would speak, "Missed things? What kind of things have you missed? I must admit, I did not realize that you had developed a vast enough awareness of this current time to grow attached to something, in so short a time. Whatever it is...it must be very important to you." smiling, in a completely friendly mannered way, she would look to her left hip, making sure Ichijmond had not left her side. Such precautions were always necessary.

Flash_Guardian shrugs at Robert. "That's true, I guess ... but some part of me still feels ashamed. To have served the same deity for countless millenia, only to turn around and reject him ... I don't know. I doubt I'll ever ... you know ..." Flash struggles for the right word, eventually grasping it from the air. "Regret. That's what I feel," he states with certainty. "Regret."

Kaiser_Drake - His spectral body shimmers with energy, a pulse is felt telling him its almost time. "So their putting the finishing touches on it, shouldnt be long now." Floats back up to a standing stance, ice forms on the ground and nearvy trees. "Still have one power at least." He bursts out laughing making it echo like all ghosts can

Cannon quirks a brow just a little, and almost sighs again. He seems a lot more natural and less of a machine since the last time he was apparently seen. "Its a general thing. Yes, a general sort of thing. For the past two years I've had to keep myself hidden effectively, to avoid tampering with the timeline which essentially I was not a part of. That especially includes any interaction with myself during this last period since my introduction to this world initially, and those I've been interacting with. I've missed the company of those I consider to be friends, you might say. Its good to be able to speak freely again and resume where I left off.... what was but a few days ago, but yet has been that much longer for me. You understand, right?"

Pwent walks about the island, his grating armour screeching quite loud. He curses under his breath as he begins looking for anyone to interact with, hopefully some smelly little goblins or orcs to slaughter.

Jaia-Asumoto nods slowly, and holds the same warm smile. She would gradually stop grooming her hair, and steadily throw the lengths of it back over her shoulder. It was true, he did appear more natural, but his being organic was what still appeared to be impossibility. Who knew? "A second chance. The relief to know, that after your experiences in the future...you have a chance to start again. And to prevent things from happening, that would inflict pain." For a moment, she would stare at the ground...before her smile expanded with a thought, "Am I still around in the future? Or are you not at liberty to divulge any details of what you have seen?" It was good, however...to be considered his friend. In his eyes, and her own. Perhaps, the first piece of sentient technology she would get along with. For her honour's sake however, she hoped he would be the last.