Inner Peace

Demitrious makes his pondering way out to Redfang, pulling his cloak tightly around himself

Flash_Guardian is ... back at Redfang, where else? Currently he is inside one of the classrooms, which is still being used as temporary sleeping quarters until the dormitory is built. He is seated cross-legged, staring out the window and watching the snow roll past outside, the slightest hint of a smile on his face.

Demitrious looks to the newest entry having never made her acquaintance

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she lay on a futon matress that was on the floor of the classroom that was being used as a sleeping quatres. she looked like all hell to be quite frank about it. she was pale, sweaty, her nose stuffy and red, lips chapped, voice sore. It was a rather crappy condition she was in. she had a few blankets covering her, which she had stolen from other beds, and kept silent, trying to fall asleep but she couldn't, being too damn sick, and the fact that she was in her human form, which caused her to be paranoid of everyone and everything that could be seen as a threat to her life.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The last anyone of His Lordship, Claudius Blue, a short conversation with Flash and Serielle had begun to spin certain mechanisms in his brain, being left with somewhat of a riddle of the man. How strange his behavior was... But perhaps strange was not the correct word. Maybe he had just been acting different or was a different person entirely. Oh, what was the answer? Through the winter snowfall did the bishop tread, the light sprinklings of soft white falling forming a pure and icy halo about the brim of his hat. The cleric walked in a fashion contrary to his usual stumbling, his hands not hidden in the small of his hunched back. Through the veil of crystal powder did he see the dojo, the slightest hint of Flash's presence in the window pulling his attention towards the man. "Flash!" A smile and a wave given to his old friend, clearly not in the attitude of dark lord. Finding it a useless option to stay outside and talk to himself, the cantor moved to the southern entrance and pushed himself inside.

Demitrious bows low at her upon his approach to the isle noting the familiarity she is recieved with

[ClaudiusBlue ] *anyone had seen

Flash_Guardian rises after a moment, hands pushing up off the floor casually. He casts one final glance back to the snow outside before turning and heading over to his bag at the foot of his bedroll, rifling through it and coming out with a sheet of parchment and a quill. No ink, surprisingly, though none is needed. A look is given to Kodora piteously. She was quite under the weather in both senses of the phrase, but there was little Flash could do for her at this point other than keep her bundled up like that. Others seem to be making their way inside, so Flash quickly sets the quill and parchment upon his bedroll, preparing to greet his guests.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she coughed softly and looked to wards flash. she didn't notice him there till just now. she watched him for a mmoment, and gave another sneeze. " flash?" she said in a wraspy, scratchy quite voice. "flash?" she said again, wanting him to hold her.

Flash_Guardian sighs, looking in Kodora's direction. "Poor thing," he says, quickly making his way over to her and bending over to look into her face. "Did you need something?"

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] [ :she nodded softly anf gave another sniff and held out her arms , wanting hi mto cuddle her, maybe that would help her sleep.

[ClaudiusBlue ] A dusting of the winter weather fell from the edge of his azure chapeau, creating somewhat of a speckled white patch on the floor of the academy. The click clack or maybe the soft padding of Flash's footsteps from the inner halls sounded echoed and carried the musician."Pish posh, Flash." The man sounded quite joyful and boitrous today, a refreshing change from what he had been for the last couple days. "You are not obligated to rise at with my closer proximateness. Now, now, now... Go back to your work and I will fix up a quick warm up, shall I?" The man needed no reply from him though, sneezes heard among Flash's footsteps. The headpiece set over his golden mane had been lifted and set aside for now, more important matters calling for him to remove the dressing. "Kodora... How are you my dear?" From his sidebag he withdrew a kettle, fresh water, and a large teabag.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *carried to

Flash_Guardian also looks to the other man standing nearby, smiling. "Ahh. Father ... err ... Demitrious, was it? Welcome back to the dojo." Seeing Kodora reaching out to him, Flash would move to sit next to her, wrap his arms around her and cradle the sick girl in his lap, stroking her hair quietly. The half-demon child was currently in her human form, for whatever reason. Flash would sympathize with that very much if he were still mentally here.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she cuddled up to flash and closed her eyes, resting her head in the crvece of his arm and chest. she would slowly open her eyes just wide enough to see benji and give out another stuffy zneez.e " achoo!!" she wiped her nose with the sleeve ofthe white kimono she had... well lets say aquired from one of the bed crates. "sick.." she said softly.

Flash_Guardian looks up as Blue at last enters the classroom, smiling. "Oh! Hello, Blue!" Flash greets him excitedly. He too seemed to be expressing a different mood after yesterday's events. Very unlike how he has been. "Hot tea! An excellent idea! Thank you. And as for my 'work,' well ... it concerns you very much, Blue. At least in part ..." Flash looks down to the floor now, still stroking Kodora's hair absently, arms wrapped around her. She sneezes yet again, Flash shaking with her. "Goodness!"

LoX arrives within the rush of a chilled breeze that shakes the leaves from the trees to dangle and float upon capricious air. Rather quietly, it seems, for one accustomed to louder and flashier entrances, but then, sometimes one doesn't need to show off. As he treads the familiar pathways towards the dojo, the winds continue to accompany him, wind-swept azure hair whipping around in an unruly fashion, the trail dust kicking up around him in small eddies of debris. Eyes the color of the skies themselves reside behind a pair of tinted sunglasses, his brow somewhat furrowed. Soon enough, he's within sight of the building, the winds finally dying down around him. Once within eyesight of the others, the man appears to be young and lithe, much like a feline's coiled form, clad in a blue leather jacket, the kanji of Air marked upon the back, black denim jeans and a pair of black leather biker's boots.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The inside ring of his feathered cap covered a stray protrusion, may be hook or a peg, on one of the walls within the room. The pouring of the water, the setting of his tea, a sweet and rather strange smelling substance... The other would most likely not care for the flavour, but he was sure that Kodora would adore it. Catnip tea, a common remedy for childrens aches and sniffles. "Really?" The kettle had been set within the plated palm of his silver gauntlet, the mistrel too busy to glance over to his companion. "How so?" Now that he had all the ingredients, how would he heat the water? This did not seem to puzzle him, nor even provoke the slightest bit of irritation within the man. He had a way to solve things, all things within his worldly and otherworldly grasp.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she would take the events from yesterday and put them out of mind. flash was flash, and she knew he didn't need to change for anything. he was fine the way he was, perfect to her. she yanwed tierdly, resting back aginst flash, purring softly, well atleast she would be if she were in hanyou form.

Flash_Guardian nods eagerly. As he speaks, it is done in a manner very unlike Flash's own manner of speaking, slight nuances sounding different, and at entirely too quick a pace for Flash's usual calm demeanor. "Oh, it's quite simple," he replies to Blue, glancing back once more to the other gentleman to see if he is still standing in the doorway or not. "There is much to be done, now. I was about to make a list, in fact. Firstly, I suppose, there is the matter with Flash becoming mentally trapped by his emotions. That needs to be looked into. Also, there is Glyniss's disappearance. And that demonic imp-like creature on the loose. Flash mentioned that he wanted to do something about it for the longest time now, but has felt that he wasn't able." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Also: Kodora appears to be sick, Jaia appears to be upset, and I have not seen the lady Aislinn in some time now." He looks to Blue curiously now. "Have I left anything out?"

Flash_Guardian continue to stroke Kodora's hair, whether she remains awake or not. But he wants to make certain that she'll be awake for tea. Flash himself wouldn't mind a bit of tea right now, either.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she opened one eye tierdly and would reply to flash " what do you mean flash? i thought youw ere flash? why are yo utalking in third person?" she asked softly and gave another caughing fit.

LoX arrives within the entrance of the Dojo, then enters silently, stalking through the corridors soundlessly until the sound of voices reach his ears. He continues on his journey and finally arrives within the entrance to the room the others are inhabiting. "What's this? Home Ec class? You add cookin' t'your list of subjects, Flashie?" A lascivious grin flits across his lips, good-natured tone much akin to a glass of warm milk on a cold night. Soothing, somehow, yet he remains unaware of that effect. A quick glance and nod to the others he does not recognize suffices for now, then he enters the room fully and takes a glance around.

Flash_Guardian grits his teeth at Kodora's question. "It's ... difficult," he starts to explain. "I mean, I am Flash, but I'm not the Flash ..." Again, his hand seems to gesture in air trying to indicate two separate entities ... but he just seems to give up and rub his forehead, eyes closed. "I suppose that will have to be explained before anything else." As LoX enters the classroom in the east wing of the dojo, Flash's eyes would light up. "Oh! Sir Kiruitseki! Wonderful! Perhaps you can lend us some of your aid? As I've mentioned to the others, your student, Flash, would seem to be in trouble at the moment." And indeed Flash is. LoX can sense it almost immediately.

[ClaudiusBlue ] One eye had slowly closed, hiding the brilliant blue the was set within the left side of his perfect face. Gold stared deeply towards the kettle, the talons of his polished claw clamping around the curves of the black pot. "Oh, it is not quite as simple as you suggest..." A glimmer of ruby light, a bright spark of crimson from his right eye. Gradually, his silver plated gauntlet started to glow a dull but nean orange, the metal starting to grow warm and even hot. "What is there to be done?" The water inside started to stir, trying its most to leap away from the blackish floor of the kettle. "Flash, trapped by his emotions? I do not know what that means..." The tone seemed slightly smug, but meant no offence towards the man. "The imp creature, an easy answer... Aislinn? She has her own agenda and I will not question what ever she has decided..." The shining red light of his golden eye had dimmed now, a jerk towards Kodora with a wide smile on his face. "Would you like some tea, my adorable little cherub?"

[ClaudiusBlue ] *neon

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] [hey i am gonna go sleep, rather sick and tierd and all. so well sttyl.

[LoX ] "Sir? Sensei's one thing but I'm no Knight. Well...not a true knight, by any stretch. Now, what's this about the Boy Scout?" One blue eyebrow arches in a mockery of imperious behaviour, his mimicry almost perfect. Almost. That slight smile gives his true emotion away, his face finally giving way to a grin. A hand idly combs through thick azure locks of hair as his eyes narrow behind their cloak of tinted glass. "So." His tone has changed almost instantaneously, turning serious, his mental acuities already on edge. "How can I aid with my...er...'specialized' abilities." Fingertips idly press against his own lips, as if hoping this 'aspect' of Flash will keep his true nature secret.

Flash_Guardian nods to Blue. "Well, that crosses a few things off my list, at least," he says somewhat cheerfully. "Perhaps we can deal with the emotional trauma that Flash is currently experiencing first. I mean ... the real Flash would be much better suited to dealing with a demon instead of myself." Flash seems slightly bashful at this, eyes falling to the floor, only to be pulled upward as Kazuya speaks once more. Clearly, whatever hidden message the man was trying to imply must have gone straight over Flash's head, as he comes right out and says it. "Flash's persona has been highly emotional as of late, possibly due to some unknown stimulus. The emotions reached a peak yesterday, causing him to withdraw inward in a downward mental spiral. He has locked himself away in the far corner of his mind, leaving me to try and look after him." Flash seems very awkward at this point. "If memory serves me correctly, you were able to help Flash's mental state once before ... could you not do so again?"

[Flash_Guardian ] "Oh!" Flash would add, snapping his fingers. "Also, Sir ... I mean, Sensei ... Flash has been wanting to ask you about his sword. Your gift to him from the other day."

[ClaudiusBlue ] Four cups of steaming hot tea had been poured, one for his now sleeping niece, one for him, and the others welcome to whoever would wish to partake. Curving one ebony finger around the porcelain hand of his tea cup, his arm pulling back while his hand rose. The liquid was still quite hot, the vapor rising from his container enough to prove that to be true. "A list, eh? The use of this man's special gifts?" Of course, the bard would be speaking of LoX, whether he had turned that direction to address him properly or not. Imbibing a bit of the soothing substance he had prepared and lowering the cup with a slight click against the platter nestled in his other hand, the minstrel looked towards Flash with an indifferent demeanor, although he truly did care. "The real Flash..." The man parroted him to try to see it from his point of view. "So you are Flash as well? What is the difference between the two?" A golden eyebrow arched high, his question triggering his curiousity.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *handle

LoX nods wordlessly to the aspect, his lips twisting slightly as his teeth worry the edges of a lip. "I could at least enter....but I can't without express permission. If I enter without it and his conscious rejects me...well...I could break his mental faculties altogether. It'd be very delicate, but if I'm needed, I'll help. Now. What outside stimuli caused Flash's crash, mate? Don't be vague, don't withhold. I have to know, otherwise I can't help him. Understood? After this, we'll discuss this....demon."

Flash_Guardian slowly crawls out from underneath the sleeping Kodora, making for the tea eagerly. "Quite right, Sir Blue. Though I am afraid I am somewhat, well ... less than the real Flash would be. I was originally created as a kind of mental replacement for when Flash's consciousness suddenly up and went missing. I have all of Flash's memories and such, but none of his particular 'abilities.' I act the same as he does ... at least I certainly hope so," he says uncertainly, at last grasping a cup of steaming hot tea for himself. He holds it there for a moment, warming his hands and smiling. "Mmmm."

Turquoz sits up and looks around. Last she could remember, she was on Stanley's couch with a bag of E. She looked around. The snow covered trees and the ground glistened and made her squint. Turquoz began to shiver. She was only in a towel, for she was waiting for her clothes to finish washing. She looked around in the sky looking for smoke, of some sign of civilization, but found nothing.

Flash_Guardian now regards LoX, taking a nearby seat upon a bedroll laying nearby. "You need to know everything? Alright, I'll certainly do my best," he says with a resolute outlet of breath. "There's much to tell, so I'll try to be brief. First and foremost, there was the wedding. Also, Glyniss went missing recently. He hasn't seen Bida around lately at all, and at about the same time another woman has stepped into his life. Serielle." He attempts to sip the tea now, but quickly things better of it as it is far too hot. "Ow! Hooo ... okay, not yet." The tea is set aside for now. "Also, he still appears to be adjusting to his current mortality ... a fact that I don't think has been helped at all by the fact that he's been pit-fighting in attempt to pay off the dojo's construction materials. Also, yesterday's encounter with Jaia and the tree seems to have set him off the most. It was shortly after that encounter that Flash's mind slipped away and I had to take over."

[Flash_Guardian ] Turquoz may be able to spot a recently worn trail winding its way through the woods that surround the island, leading northwest in one direction, southwest in the other. Northwest appears to head further toward the center of the island.

[ClaudiusBlue ] Although the question had seemed to be answered, a plethora of unanswered inquiries still buzzed deep within. How strange... A safeguard against himself? Was that really necessary to do? "I see..." A low tone given, the end of the last word curving into a sort of growl as Flash mentioned his name. How the bard winced in response, internal rebuke and the harsh shouting that followed at the sound of his title. "Flash...?" His voice had been hushed beneath the furious temper that raged away from the other's eyes. "His Lordship feels strongly against using the title of 'Sir' with my name... Blue or Benjamin will do, if you could." The howls of the man deep inside him subsided at this request, pride restored and respect given. "Lady Jaia was quite upset with you... With this place. No longer does she claim allegiance to Redfang. She has taken her leave of this place until things improve." The tea had burned the lower edge of his lip a bit, his tongue running across the stinging sensation.

Turquoz was a bounty hunter, so it surprised her at first that she did not see the trail infront of her. She did not care which direction it lead in, she was just to run as fast as she could to stop herself from freezeing to death. The path wound and turned so many times it seemed as if it would go on forever, untill she herd voices. She ran faster now towards the voices untill she came upon 3 men. She stood there quiet for a moment, then she had to interfere, for she was frezeing in her towel...

LoX nods once again, his head slowly slipping to the side, a kind of cocked curiosity flitting through his eyes. "Cereal? Love that stuff. 'Specially Lucky Charms. Awesome. Ah...Bida. Y'know...I had wondered about that. I'd seen her not too long ago and she never mentioned a word about him. I thought it very odd....especially considering that they're engaged, correct? Now. Who is this 'Jaia' and why the hell would he feel the need to pit-fight to pay this place off? I would've been more than happy to float him a loan and he could have paid me back through service or payments. Gah. Yeah...um...his mortality...eh-heh. I won't...um...moving on. Okay. Is that all?" A quick glance centers the other man in the room within his cool gaze. "Who is this woman that she thinks that her arrogance will win her the allegiance of Redfang? Y'know what...I won't. Just gives me headaches. Anyway, continue on."

Flash_Guardian looks extremely apologetic, wincing himself and holding up his hands. "Oh! Terribly sorry, Si ... err, Blue. Just Blue. Right. Anyway ..." A brief look is given to the woman currently in the doorway to the classroom of the eastern wing as she stands there in little more than a towel. Odd. Very odd. He blinks, turning back to LoX and continuing. "Right. Flash was trying to use his martial arts skills to bring down a tree. It wasn't going well. Jaia showed up, and was helpful at first. But Flash was overcome with emotion yet again ... he's been dwelling upon his own weakness for some time now. Ever since that demon made its first attack, striking Flash with some kind of goo ..." Flash halts in his story now, perking his head to one side curiously. "Actually, we never really did figure out what that attack was supposed to do. Flash just assumed his martial training had rendered him immune to the toxin's effects." Flash seems to ponder this for a time, seeming to have forgotten the story.

Turquoz walks in from the doorway shivering "Umm, co...cou..could some..one pl..lea..z he..lp.. me?" she managed to stutter out.

LoX pivots slightly to follow Flash's gaze towards the doorway, especially considering he's standing just inside it, only to find a woman clad only in a towel. A cerulean eyebrow arches for a moment, accompanied by a short laugh and a bright grin. "Well. She's ready, but I think the shower already left her." With that, he turns back around to face Aspect. "Okay. Heck, though. We're all mortal here. Any one of us can and could die. I just can't from old age. He's gonna have to learn how to get over this. Life is not about dwelling in the past, it's about what you're doing right here , right now . With plans for the future." At the woman's speech, he slips out of his jacket and hands it to her. "Sure could, ma'am. I'd give you my pants too, but no one wants to see that." A smirk punctuates his statement. "Now...what the heck are ya doin' runnin' around Redfang in a towel?"

[ClaudiusBlue ] The goo... That blackish evil tar that corrupted their innocence into acts of perversion, self-destruction, and violence. Oh, the hatred he harbored for the disguisting little creature, that vile piece of slime. They hated it. "Damned wretched thing." As a precaution against any sudden and possible violent motions that the very image of the imp would cause, gingerly was his platter and cup set down upon the ground. "It must be slain at first opportunity..." Another paired of eyes did he feel, the voice of a shivering maiden singing to him from the entrance of the dojo. The bard pivoted in his seat, layers upon layers of his golden curls falling over his shoulder as one golden eye examined her. "Dear lady, come and warm yourself with a hot cup of tea." With the courtesy he thought the lady worthy of, the pushed himself to his feet and slowly stepped over. His velveteen fingers pinched and ran down the edge of his flawless blue overcoat, eventually removing it before holding it out to their new guest.

Turquoz took the jacket then her eyes fell. She immediatly brought them back up as soon as the first word of his question. "Running around where?" she asked completely clueless. Last she could remember, she was laying on Stanley's couch poping E. That was probably why she couldn't remeber anything.

LoX arches an eyebrow at the woman once more. "Redfang Island. Kinda off the beach, sorta close to Keep City Central. You're way out in the boonies, miss." He steps away from the woman to allow her to enter into the room completely. "Still doesn't answer the question though, ma'am. How did you get out here?"

Flash_Guardian listens carefully to LoX's every word, as if committing it to memory. His words are mumbled in echo. "... learn how to get over this ... right here, right now ... plans for the future. Got it. I'll make sure and let Flash know once I can reach him. I'll tell him about the offer for a loan, too. I'm sure he'll appreciate it." Then, to Blue, Flash nods fervently. "Oh, most certainly! The demonic creature must be stopped! However," he informs Blue, "Flash wanted to make sure that the imp was captured first, and not merely slain. It seems the creature was seen wearing Glyniss's necklace during each of the encounters with it. Flash thinks it may know where Glyniss is. The very fact that a demonic creature like that is involved has Flash worried to no end, I can assure you." And now, to the woman, Flash quickly looks over to his bag. "There's a spare winter blanket in there somewhere, if I remember correctly. You're more than welcome to use it, Miss."

LoX turns back to regard Flash, at the mention of the demonic creature. "Right. If you succeed, hold it. I know pretty much any kind of Infernal muckery out there. Obviously, it must be something akin to a pekkle. Pekkles sow discord and tension everywhere they go, it's kinda like food for them. They thrive on negativity and violent emotions. They're sharp and very cunning, but they aren't extremely intelligent, so, trapping it shouldn't be overly difficult. Now...if I'm going to contact Flash directly, I'll have to enter his and your mind. Is that permissable?"

[ClaudiusBlue ] The plush lining of his left hand seemed to have been caught by the top edge of his deep cuff, sliding the ebon velvet glove off of his left hand. The removal of this relic sent a chill through the bard's body, a light pat sounding as it hit the ground. The end of his left arm still remained hidden with his the long sleeve of his jacket, hidden from the view of the others. The girl had seemed to decline his offer and take her leave, the corners of his mouth curving down into a small frown as he glanced down to his hand covering. "That is a shame..." It they would be paying much attention, his eyes had nervously shifted back to the pair before fixing to his glove once more. "I will not capture the creature, Glyniss or not." A crack and a snap sounded, the bard's joints popping as he knelt down to take hold of the dark fabric covering with the silver talons of his right hand. "Flash should not be worried for its safety or what harm it can cause... I will make sure that it suffers and dies without mercy."

Flash_Guardian nods to LoX, eyes full of hope. "You're certainly welcome to enter my mind. After all, you've done it once before. As for Flash's ... umm ... pysche? Well, I can bring you to him, but I'm not sure if he'll answer or allow you to enter. I must warn you, also ..." Flash's face frowns, his forehead showing lines of worry. "It's not a pretty sight." Then, to Blue, a cry of protest. "But Blue ... if you kill the creature, how will we ever find Glyniss? Flash suspects she has been taken by that demon, or its master! Oh, what did Flash say ..." Flash tenses, trying to remember. "Since the demon can travel between planes of existence, Glyniss may be on a different plane entirely. I think that's right. So if you kill the demon, how will we get Glyniss back?" Clearly, even this representation of Flash feels strongly for Glyniss, desiring her safe recovery.

LoX arches that brow over towards the other man in the room once more, his lips twisting. "Mate, I don't know you or why you're so all-fired ready t'go slaughter some pawn of some other mindless agent of Chaos, but it's not goin' to help any of us in the long run. The smart decision is to capture the small fish, then allow it to lead us to the big fish, thus, elminating the far more dangerous entity."

Serielle emerges from the ground nearby, the shimmering portal bringing a ghostly light to the area. She glances around before joining the group of me quietly.

LoX turns back to Flash and nods once. "Well...I've seen Flash crying and distraught over a river bank. This couldn't be as bad. So...like I said, this will be delicate...and if he rejects me, I'll have to leave or risk breaking his mind altogether. Is that understood?" The words are formed of a question, but the tone lurking underneath it implies that it's a statement more than anything else. "I'll wait until you're finished with the debriefing with the shiny knightboy, mate." A shake of his head, followed by a slight smirk before he leans his weight against the wall, one leg kicked back, foot also pressed against the wall.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The man brought his arm upright, his glove of midnight slid back into proper place, his plush fingers curling and flexing as he turned to the other men. "I am not worried for the long run ... What I am most concerned about is the present and bringing things back the way they were, even building a foundation of tradition and order to bring an end to this struggle." The bard waved one hand dismissively to them as he approached them once more, the click-clack of his buckled shoes sounding down the corridors. "I have no quarrel with you both trying to capture the beast. That is best left in your hands." His silver talons stretched and fanned before closing shut as if a jaw biting down hard upon its prey. "But I will show the beast no quarter..." Then the sound of Lox's mentioning of 'shiny knightyboy reached the keen ears of the musician, a disapproving glare given. "His Lordship asks for a little more respect, if you would not mind it. We both deserve that much courtesy..." Both arms crossed his chest.

Flash_Guardian catches sight of Serielle as she makes her entrance as she has done so many times before, and immediately breaks into a smile, quite happy to see her. "Lady Serielle!" Even this version of Flash seems to adore the lady, if in his own different way. To Flash's sensei, he nods in understanding, though he doesn't remember any such riverbank off-hand. To Blue ... he simply sighs, and quietly hopes to himself that he or the others get their hands on the little pekkle before Blue does.

[LoX ] "Respect is something in short supply until you earn it, mate. Right now, you're about two steps from being labeled as a small-minded berzer. Feel free to prove me wrong at any moment. Tradition is for those who need some order to cling to, mostly because they remain too indecisive to create their own path through life. One day, you'll learn that. Flash did. The hard way, unfortunately. Things will be best served by eliminating the major threat while allowing the minor threat to be caged. If my words seem short and impolite, a thousand pardons, dear Lord Boy , but I lack the patience and the temerity to bring myself to care. This is what needs to be done. You don't have to like it, you just have to stand back and allow it."

[LoX ] "And when I start to care about the feelings of a minor and overblown mortal, I'll release a memo. Now, folks... what's up? Are we ready for a mind-walk or not? If not, I'm gonna jet. I need air. Lots of it."

Flash_Guardian speaks up timidly now, words floating inbetween the arguing pair tentatively. "Ummm ... excuse me ... both of you, but ... seeing as both of you are friends of Flash and myself ... would you mind not so openly engaging in hostility towards one another? When Flash returns, I really don't want him to have any bad memories to come back to." He bites his lip, looking to Serielle hopefully. "Serielle, this is Flash's sensei, LoX." Then back to Kazuya. "LoX, this is Serielle, the woman that I told you about. The one whom Flash is currently showing interest in."

Serielle perks a brow as she joins the conversing men, unsure of the current topic at hand. She smiles weakly to Flash...still a bit baffled by the alternate consciousness currently inhabiting his body. She glances to Claudius, her eyes still carrying a glimpse of suspicion. Her encounter with the man the other day had been...slightly unsettling. Finally transferring her gaze to LoX, she studies the stranger, her eyes absorbing each detail...

Cassandra enters the island again waring a black tunic and black baggys also she wore white sandels and had a katana at her side she begin to look for the leader as she had hurd people were trained here and she was intrested in being traned

[Cassandra ] trained*

Serielle blushes slightly at the words from Flash...even though they weren't technically Flash's words...it was still rather baffling.

Flash_Guardian continues with the introductions, realizing he missed a pair. "Blue? LoX. LoX? Blue." Each recieves their own hand gesture indicating who is who, though perhaps it isn't really necessary.

[ClaudiusBlue ] Lox's retort reflexively caused the bard to take one heavy breath, the same lecture being given to him by all those who consider themselves to be above all others. It seemed distasteful for the man to carry on about how the bard had to earn his respect, Blue's idea that it really did not have to be explained unless Lox, himself, felt insecure enough to set the boundries. No arguement would be presented and his statement would not be countered though, the very act fruitless to even try and attempt. It was not that he wished to be treated better than anybody else, but rather with the same respect everybody around him also deserved, petty nicknames aside. Perhaps Lox was a greater man than Blue was, but how could he know? I was of no consequence though, nor any significance to the problem at hand. "As you wish." A contempt or animosity, just the space needed between Flash and him given without a fight needed or wanted. Serielle had entered fortunatelly for him. An extra cup of hot tea had been set aside for her.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *no contempt

Flash_Guardian catches Serielle's blush, looking away and nearly blushing himself, though no other response is given. He simply does his best to imitate Flash properly now, making himself comfortable on the floor and closing his eyes, mimicking Flash's own meditation in an attempt to prepare his mind for a new connection.

Cassandra spotted a groupe of people she shouted to them "hello may i ask who is the leader of this island she said" trying not to seem scare which she was oh so much so she blinks and looks at the people

[LoX ] "Oh, my apologies, Aspect. He wouldn't happen to be a member of the clergy would he? Well...um...sorry. I'll try to keep my mouth closed." A glint of his eyes, the room itself seeming to cool around him, a noticeable drop in temperature and atmospheric evident around the being. "Oh yeah! The Lucky Charms lady. Cereal. Pleasure." A wide grin flashes white teeth against golden toned skin, one hand sheepishly combing through windswept azure hair. A simple nod is extended towards his verbal 'opponent', the expression one of almost distaste, but not because of his mortality, it's more akin to his attitude. "Alright. No outside stimuli for either one of us. Any distractions could cause a massive chain reaction and cause me a massive headache and Flash's psyche...well...it wouldn't be pretty. So. Aspect, your hand please." The blue-haired 'man' strides next to him, then crouches down, offering his own hand.

Flash_Guardian looks to Cassandra as she calls out to the others from the hallway outside the classroom, waving at her in order to get her attention. "Yes! That would be ..." Flash pauses now and frowns, not certain how best to answer given the circumstances. "Well, I guess that would be me. Unfortunately, I'm actually rather preoccupied at the moment. Feel free to take up any matter you may have with any of my friends. I'm sure they'll speak for him as well as he could." Flash quickly winces. " I could. I mean." Then another look to LoX, apologetically. "Right. And her name is Serielle ," he corrects, seeming most offended. A deep breath, and then Flash slowly extends a hand to take LoX's, timidly but firmly.

Serielle snorts derisively, muttering something to the effect of "At least my name isn't an abbreviation..."

Cassandra blinks "ok" she did not like the idear of training with crazy ppl but Lady Ja Ja did rate this place highly she then said in a casual voice to any one "i seek training and i came here becase i hurd it was the best amost otheres"

LoX offers a more friendly grin to the aspect, his shoulders rolling into a shrug. "Right. My bad, mate. I really am horrible with names. My genuine apologies, miss. Seems like I'm making new friends wherever I go." Spoken dryly, in obvious sarcasm, but only towards the end of his statement, his apology actually meant. Suddenly, his voice changes pitch and tone, turning gentle and soothing. "Now relax. I won't hurt you, you won't feel a thing. Now....remember the last time we did this? That joke I told? I've another one for you. A college professor has a knack for telling off color jokes to his class, so the women within it decide to prove a point by walking out mid-session. The professor catches wind of this, however and changes his tactics somewhat. So, on the scheduled day, class starts much like any other and he begins it with : "So, the news said that there is a shortage of prostitutes in India..." With that, most of the females within the room, stand to leave. The professor turns to them and utters..."

[LoX ] "Wait, ladies! The boat doesn't leave until tomorrow!" His expression remains gentle, a free hand moving to remove the cloak of tinted glass that shrouds those brilliant cerulean eyes from the light, then they are placed within the neckline of his tee shirt. "So. Ready now? This might be a bit....awkward. Not that two men holding hands isn't already kinda....odd, already." Lips pressed into a line suddenly quirk into a grin, white teeth flashing against the contrast of his golden flesh, his entire demeanor a complete one-eighty in temperament from his earlier obnoxious behavior.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The fact that Cassandra did not like training with crazy people would leave her sorely dissapointed with Blue. The man had often been considered eccentric, if not completely crazy and without any rational thought at times. It was just the way he was, a full history behind what had made his come to be, but that was another story. His right ebon hand carefully took one of the platters in care, the cup of soothing tea carefully balanced upon the saucer. "Here, this should be just a moment." A smile was offered with the concoction, just a reassuring gesture to ease her nerves. But soon did the request of the newest guest interrupt his sanctum, the cantor closing both eyes with a displeased sigh. "Wait a moment. This requires focus and quiet, if you could manage..." With that said, the cleric took his tea into hand and tilted his head back, a lengthy sip taken to calm his own nerves.

Serielle is curious as to the current goings on, but simply accepts Claudius' offer of warm tea, taking small sips as she observes the interaction between LoX and Flash.

Cassandra just stood there her arms folded she stood stone cold staining in to nothingness her small black ponie tail resting on her sholeder she looked around again and then though well any training has to be better than none...righe

Flash_Guardian can't help but come out with a laugh at the punchline, though it is quickly stifled as his free hand is clasped over his mouth. His eyes still twinkle, though, showing his mirth. He awaits the connection silently ... wondering if Serielle's own connection to Flash would have any unpredictable effects on the forming of such a bond. It was true, Flash and Serielle seem to have shared a powerful connection ever since they first met. 'No outside influences,' LoX had said. Flash silently hopes the aforementioned bond doesn't count ...

[Cassandra ] staring*

[Cassandra ] right*

LoX 's hand tightens somewhat on Flash's, his eyes taking on that unearthly glow of both crimson and amber, mixed into an almost hypnotizing color, evident when his powers are in use. That selfsame smile still graces his lips, even as his conscious entity begins to merge into Flash's creating a link between the two of them, and yet his avatar would also be within Flash's own mind. It was somewhat akin to Astral Projection, only he's manifesting within another being. Within the mind's eye, LoX would be standing within a wide open space, his 'eyes' searching for any clues as to where Flash has retreated to... and more importantly, for any traps left behind for the unwary.

Serielle coughs suddenly as she is taking a sip of Claudius' tea...her eyes flutter half-closed...and within her mind she begins to feel a tugging sensation...something is pulling at her consciousness...drawing her away...

Anwyn , a washed up flotsom on the shore of the Isle starts to stir, bedraggled and soaked to the bone, hair, like some deep beasts tentacles clinging to her face and back. A plaintiff mewl from the charcoal cat at her side welcoming and chastising at once. Eyes, the slatted shade of jealousy open slowly, widening with the surging tides of psionic energies that assailed her frame, gingerly scrabbling for her feet "What wonderland has brought me hence...Brave new words to have such in it..." Eyes closed to try and gain some sense of direction.

Cassandra glancers around befor speaking again "am i just waisting my time here maby i hurd wrong this dose not seem like a good place to train just a place to go crazy" she said now one hand on her hip frowning at the group

Flash_Guardian cannot answer Cassandra, as he is currently in a mind-link. Sorry. Flash's eyes remain closed in some sort of reverie, silent and unmoving.

[ClaudiusBlue ] What treatment were being administered? What were the chances of success? The musician sat silent and still as everything proceeded now, Serielle's sudden gasp for air only causing him to divert his attention for a moment. What was there for him to do? He had no mystical empathy or any way to invade the minds of others. That was the privilage and virtue of his better half, Aislinn, to do in his stead. Then the sound of a lady complaining reached him again, his mood souring a little more as he lowered his cup onto the cold hard floor. Turning on his heel and rising in one fluidlike step, the musician marched over to Cassandra and pressed a finger to his lips. "If you can not stay quiet, waste you time somewhere else... We have no need for that type of speak here." Now his harsh tone started to emerge, the duke starting to take control over. With a cleverly hidden scowl given to their guest, he marched out of the dojo and started to walk the path through the wood. He felt it... Somebody else was here.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *over control

Cassandra growled the people on this island were so rude she shaked her heads walking in to the woods resting on a tree brach sighing as she looked up to the sky a little

Anwyn 's stumbling up the shore, having spent lords know how long on that shore line, sand and snow alike plastered to her. Bare feet leaving footprints in the snow to mark her passage, cat already placed back into the hood of her cloak. Her staff, the thin cane she relied on so heavily found half buried by the sand, and now she has it, walking seems easier, less strained. The bruised youngster pulled like a puppet by the strings of unseen manipulations of energy, blindly drawn to it like river to the sea.

Serielle closes her eyes, her mind working at a madcap pace... what is causing this? Her eyes flash open as she realizes...just as she is fully pulled through the connection. Her consciousness flows through the ethereal space between herself and Flash...the connection shimmering almost visibly...She opens her eyes....to find herself with Flash' mind, appearing just before LoX's vision.

LoX 's eyes flare brightly enough to brighten the room, a certain waver in the air around the two of them, his own mind boring in to focus. " God...Boy Scout's settin' up a frikin' franchise in here. " Silently, he attempts to 'sniff' down each corridor in attempt to work out the proper 'direction' for his avatar to choose. Each entity carries a certain 'smell' to it, their true beings and natures much akin to each one. Vivid shapes and colors seem to slip through on bright viewscreen hues, memories floating by on wings of arid void, like constant moving pictures of important and unimportant, the bric-a-bracs that an individual picks up and stores away like old items too sentimental to throw away. Only this is throughout a lifetime. A form draws his attention like a moth to a bright light, Serielle's 'avatar' drawing his 'gaze.' His own avatar is a stark contrast to the man portrayed outside, as wings of crimson and gold drift gently behind him, fluttering as the being controlling them wills it. "Wait."

[Flash_Guardian whispers to LoX] The image of Flash appears across the connection. He seems to be looking around, eventually spotting not one, but two other presences. He seems a little confused, but eventually addresses the pair of people. "LoX." A respectful nod. "Serielle." Again, a nod of greeting. "Welcome. Flash is, as far as I am able to tell, this way." The aspect of Flash seems to almost float throughout Flash's mind, nudging Serielle and LOX to follow him as he leads them deep into Flash's disrupted psyche.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The feeling of foreign prints against his snow, an intruder into his artic domain. The winterlord absolutely hesitated to leave new arrivals to their own devices, plotting and scheming against him, his vassals, or his companions. The line between his vassals and his companions was a thin one, if even a line at all. The duke pulled his way through the sparce wooded lands just outside the dojo's ground, his claws digging deeply into each and every tree that he passed, his irritation showing clearly upon his face. What people had been allowed here? Those who would distupt the quiet of this land, the land which he considered himself regent caretaker of? Never again... The beach came into view now, white powder over white sands, a lady moving in the distance. "You!" His firm, commanding voice echoed over the chilled winds that swept the island, the man approaching closer and closer. "Announce yourself!" The duke snapped to the new arrival, Anwyn. Who was this? Hopefully, not what he expected.

[LoX ] "You're here too? Mm. This does not bode well. Nevertheless. Aspect!" He turns, noticing the somewhat subtle projection behind him. "You lead. We follow."

Alison begins to cry as she gets out of her bed waliking around the buliding holding her teddy in her silk pink pjs she just cried more and more as she walked looking for any one in the dojo

Flash_Guardian is in one of the dojo's classrooms at the moment, locked in a trance with Serielle and LoX.

[Flash_Guardian ] Flash's aspect nods, and continues to lead the pair through Flash's mind, to a darkened corner. As they proceed, the calmly floating images surrounding the three change subtly. Slowly drifting images become hurtling projectiles that buzz past dangerously. Emotions can be felt breaking over them all like waves the further in they go. At last, they all come within sight of where Flash is currently held, or at least it would seem. Hundreds upon thousands of Flash's most potent memories, most of them recently made, swirl rapidly about a central point, blurring and masking the form trapped inside them. Each image seems to almost burn with its own powerful emotion. Despair, guilt, sorrow, longing, frustration, hate, and fear now form the cage which binds Flash, locked in his own maelstrom of feelings. The odd thing, though, is the intensity of these emotions ... you've never seen or felt anything like this. No normal human has, anyway ...

Anwyn stills at the sudden gunshot of a man's voice, dropping to her knees instantly, forehead lowered to the snow, hair snaking across the pale virgin fall, fiery strands to stain white to red. Obvious injuries making the movement difficult, but not impossible as with cane in hands held flat to the earth she prostrates herself to his mercy, ghost grey cat springing from her hood to stand as sentry, hackles up and spitting as the child speaks in an accent as cold as the snow, tinting a voice that should be musical "Iam beink svorry, vor the rudeness, Svire..." Weariness making her voice feint, shoes long gone, a shiver from bone out.

LoX 's avatar frowns slightly, the wash and tide of negativity and pain being formost amongst them...well...to his own delicate sense of projection, that is. The 'smell' hits him quicker than the actual barrage of staccato imagery, his form of reaction being a nullified 'field' around the both of them, the sudden force of focus akin to a surgeon's delicate scalpel, invasive, but not overly so. "Do not dwell on these things, or they will make you mad. Come....take my hands, both of you. This kind of storm is not meant for either of you, let me bear your burdens for awhile. It is the only way. " The eyes belonging to his avatar glint slightly, as if somewhat pained by the onslaught, but not unbearably so. "The quicker we move, the quicker we get to the eye of this storm. "

Serielle glances to LoX before looking back to the maddening storm...and shakes her head. No...if I am to help rescue Flash...I cannot hide behind the shield of another...I must prove myself able...willing...I too must face this...

[Flash_Guardian ] Flash's aspect shakes his head. "I don't dare go any closer myself, so ... good luck." He stands back now and lets the other two work as they will. He seems very uncomfortable here ... fearful. Strange, ethereal sounds can be heard ... Flash is sobbing, moaning, crying out in pain. Flash is normally a very emotional person, though he has always been able to handle them thanks to his martial discipline. But this ... the strength of these emotions goes beyond words. Something is fueling this inferno of negativity ... and strangely enough, the same thing that feeds the fire is itself fed by the flames.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The collaspe of the girl little attributed to the slowly of his approach, eyes of amber and azure carefully inspecting the lady who had seemed to wash up upon his lands. Blood... The red that stained his grounds not an insult, but a warning. "Silence!" The sight of her crippled form upset him to the point of frustration, another mortally wounded person coming to Redfang to die. Not another one... How tired he was of them, of the blood spilled and of the blood upon his hands. "Come now." She would hear a soft crunch next to her as two knees draped in dark fabric lowered to the ground, the slightest grip of his left hand on her shoulder. "Do not speak to while you paint this land crimson with your own life's blood." His voice had lowered from a roar to a whisper, not a suggestion, but a command softly spoken. "I will take you inside where you may explain yourself. The priest can tend to you there..." WIth that said, the lord hunched over to lift her from the ground and carry her to shelter, shelter in the dojo.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *slowing

[Flash_Guardian whispers to LoX] A particular mental image, a memory of Flash's catches LoX's eye. Back in a bar, LoX, Flash, and Devaine sit around a table. LoX had just rammed a dagger into the table to get Flash's attention. This memory is clearly tinged with guilt, very powerful guilt. Just a random memory, though.

[Flash_Guardian whispers to Serielle] A particular mental image, a memory of Flash's catches Serielle's eye. Flash is in his Armani suit. He is sad and awkward after just catching sight of Serielle ... quickly excusing himself and fleeing, leaving Serielle there with a hurt look on her face. The memory reeks of guilt. Just a random memory, though.

Anwyn 's not bleeding, it's her hair, tumultuous curls of blood red hair. The only injuries old and healing of their own accord, even if poorly. Eyes half hooded as she looks up at the commanding voice, the most vivid shade of green, though pupiless, no sight could come from such eyes. But, there is only a weak little mutter of protest, soaked to her skin and frozen the girl has barely the strength for such things, her pet trailing them unhappily, still hissing at the man "Z'ere iz little xo eckxsplan...And I am not beingk bleedingk now...Please, Svire...I am able to walk beingk.."

LoX glances at the woman strangely, then smiles, followed by a nod of approval. " Very well. " He winks, then grimaces as a quick flash sends a certain image burning through his own psyche. " Gods-be-damned....I never knew it meant that much to him... " His eyes go wide with wonder for a moment, then he braces himself and moves along, the very air and sound attempting to tear at the fiber of his projection, but fails, due to the mastery of a tentei no arashi . A true Lord of Storms. " Flash! Come out! This is not the man I've tried to teach you to be! This is not you! Hiding when the choices become difficult and cowering behind things that should have been dealt with! Come out and face me like the warrior I know you to be! Come! " The projected mental shout is spoken with the clarion blast of a chorus of the heavenly choir itself, alive with joy, life, warmth and pleasure.

Sanctuary yawns, lifting one hand to cover his mouth while he lifts the other over his head as he stretches. Shortly afterwards he notices here isn't exactly the there he expected.

Serielle looks once more to LoX, for just a moment...before she too steps into the eye of the storm. Images swirl around her, flashing before her eyes like a thousand bolts of lightning...she grits her teeth, forcing herself to continue with each step. Flash! I will not have this. I will not see you hidden away within yourself, trapped within a prison of your own making! I want you back, Flash...and it will be so...

[ClaudiusBlue ] So many times had he seen it before that he had mistaken her the shade of her hair to be a sign that she was wounded. Though the question as to who she was still held fast in his mind, her proposal had changed his outlook on the situation. "If you can walk, then hurry yourself!" The man growled to her now, rising to his feet feeling as if she had tricked him into feeling sympathy for her. "If you would rather stay behind in the frost, I will not object. But if you would rather wish to warm yourself, then I suggest you follow behind me..." The thick layer of golden curls masked his face from her, although it would be a safe assumption that his expression had not changed much. The man was not in the mood to argue, nor really was he ever in the mood for a debate. It was not his place to quibble over such things like this, the willing doing what they want to do. Hastened footsteps now, the duke took long strides back towards the forest with arms straightened to their extend and pointed toward the ground.

[ClaudiusBlue ] *extend towards the ground

Sanctuary urks softly and looks up towards the sky. A frown then crossed his face a she studdied the weather, and he began to button up his coat. "Sometimes, I figure I shoulda never left Mort."

[Flash_Guardian ] LoX's cascading voice sends powerful ripples through the whirlwind of memories surrounding and imprisoning Flash, the projected emotions mingling with the barrier ... all at once, new memories hurtle past, drawn from the far reaches of Flash's mind to replace the old memories which find themselves released, returning to their proper place. In this manner, the barrier of emotion shifts in kind to a more positive light, but the intensity is no less. All at once, a multitude of voices, all of which are Flash's, sound forth. "Sensei?" "Go away!" "It hurts ..." "Serielle ..." "I'm sorry." "Leave me alone!" "Help me, please ..." "This is wonderful!" "Don't look at me!" "I can't do it ... I can't!"

Anwyn 's cane is employed, her steps slower than she'd like, and pained enough to be a pace such slower than his, but his aura left a wake of a trail, sure as a yacht through a calm sea, and she followed this, a light in the darkness, stronger than the background thrums that gave her sight more than sight "I am beingk zo zorry vor the interruption, I'vill just leave, Svire" Attitude of the man seeming to scare the child ahlf to death, her voice shaking, turning back for the shore, looking with blind eyes for the causeway, or rather the grey tabby cat is on her behalf.

Serielle ponders the effects of her current, ethereal nature upon her abilities...but this is not the time for quiet contemplation. Yang Chi...Star of Revelations...I beseech you...clear the path before me, grant warding from all those who would give delay! " she shouts, a bright light flooding from the blue crystal staff...

[LoX ] "Flash....when have I ever failed you? When have I ever failed to help guide you? Come, talk to me...focus yourself. This is not hard, my friend. You only need make it so! " The avatar's arms suddenly reach forward, a bright golden glow suffusing him to his very core, as a beautifully angelic countenance is revealed within the being with LoX's voice. "You know what I am...you know I can help you. You have to learn to let go, Flash. Slide. Just....slide. Now come! "

[Flash_Guardian ] For a moment, perhaps, the emotions died down slightly to a point where Flash was visible ... suspended in the center of the storm of feeling, curled into a fetal position. But no sooner does the intensity fade than it seems to spring back up again, the inner turmoil feeding upon itself. It's as if this emotional inferno is being fueled by some external source ... perhaps the other, hidden presence? Indeed the presence seems to be connected to this maelstrom ... both fueling it and feeding off of it. At length, the presence seems to lash out at both LoX and Serielle. Go away ... it booms in its high-pitched, childish and scratchy voice, the attack seeming to be almost like that of a frightened or injured animal lashing out in defense of itself. If nothing else, this attack pushes LoX and Serielle back away from Flash, further out of the maelstrom.

Sanctuary finaly snaps out of his own selfish thoughts and focuses more on his sorroundings now. There was more then a small disturbance in the air, and this quickly gained the Ebon's attention."Curiosity kiled the DAF..."

Serielle , though her spell had ultimately failed...it had succeeded in giving her a glimpse of Flash, and that was all she needed. A surge of determination washed over, and she slams her staff into the ground behind her, helping her to stand against the gale. Using the staff as leverage, she slowly begins to move forward, every step filling her with even more determination. Flash...I will not give up...

LoX stands, buffeted by the winds of emotion, but remains the master of them, even as he's shoved slightly backwards. "Why? So you can continue to sit and stew in your own self-pity and grief? So you can continue to hurt the ones you love the most? This is not you, Flash. What're you so afraid of? Yourself? Something new? Something untamed and wild? Or is this about tangled emotion and mixed regret? I've heard about you and the young lady beside me. I also know that Bida is still around...that must be a very stressful situation. Or maybe this pekkle that continues to menace the island? This Jaia woman and your fight with her? These are simple things and we can work through them if you'd only let us in . "

LoX glances over at Serielle, his eyes aglow with a radiant surge of focused raw power. "Be ready. This'll be strong, even if he lets us in. "

[Flash_Guardian ] Again, Flash's voice sounds out, echoes of his thoughts. "Why?" "I'm so scared ..." "No ..." "Please, just leave me alone." "Argh!" "What's wrong with me?" "Things will be better now ..." "Oooh ..." Flash seems almost incoherent, as if the entrapping web of feelings has him so wrapped up that he can't sense anything that is going on, effectively confused and blinded by his powerful prison. Again, the scratchy, menacing voice of the other presence sounds. Go away! You hurts us! Leave us alone!

[Serielle ] Flash! I wish you now harm...and you know that well! I shall not leave this place without you! Without you, the bond is nothing...an aching emptiness...do not leave me like this, Flash!

[Serielle ] (*no)

LoX suddenly changes his presence, making it less intrusive and more streamlined. A small amount of surging power acts a barrier against the swirling emotion for himself, allowing him to slip closer to the Flash entrapped within. "Ahh. To the root of it, we are. That last one didn't sound like Flash. Something's feeding on all this emotion. We need to find a way to cut it off from him. Think you can keep him talking? " An arched brow, his avatar glancing back at Serielle once more. " You'll serve as a far more attractive distraction than I would. " A bright grin, then he uses that Void energy to simply mask his presence as if he'd suddenly taken his presence elsewhere, when in reality, he'd be slipping closer and closer to the coccoon.

[ClaudiusBlue ] The hurried steps of Claudius came to an immediate halt as the child addressed him from behind, her voice so meek and mild. "Listen to me..." A dark, deep voice from the character as he slowly turned. But the annoyance he had showed her before had either been masked for her sake or even melted away as he spoke. "My concern is to have you somewhere more fogiving than out here among the chilled winds and weather of this isle. If I sound as if I am being interrupted, it is because I am only worried and nothing else." Both hands found their way into the other's deep cuffs, the black in the right and the silver in the left. "If you would like to leave, I will not hold you here. It is not within my best interest that you continue to marched under these conditions though, nor would any of my companions approve of such rash behavior." The man pivoted on his left heel, the other foot turning around and landing in its place next to his left foot, the bard attention still towards the girl even though he did not face her

Anwyn makes to speak, but instead wilts away into a feint....exhaustion finally answering the quandry.

[Flash_Guardian ] Flash's voices continue to sound, a bit softer now. "Stay away from me!" "This can't be ..." "How can I?" "I'm a failure ..." "Shut up!" "Don't leave me!" "Oh, god ..." And now, the high-pitched scratchy voice sounds out in shrill laughter. Kee hee hee ... haa hah hah hah! He cannot hear you! He is trapped, yes he is. Trapped! Feelings ... so good ... so powerful ... And indeed, as LoX calls attention to it, it somehow becomes more noticeable. A thin silvery thread, almost like spiderwebbing, trails its way downward from somewhere within the maelstrom, leading down into the darker recesses of a new and infant presence that wasn't there before ... something alien, like a parasite leeching off of Flash's guilt, his hate and sorrow. The presence is dark, almost ... almost demonic ...

Serielle glances to LoX, her eyes filled with hope, and she watches him fearfully as he journeys farther in...she has to help him succeed! Flash! I can't lose you like this Flash! I can't and I won't! I need you, Flash!

LoX 's eyes narrow, then he moves away, following that silver threading, his nostrils flaring slightly, following by scent and sense both. Whatever that 'goo' they were speaking of earlier was, it must have something to do with this. Whatever created this must have been slightly more advanced than a standard pekkle. Closer and closer he moves, his speed suddenly surging to heights unthinkable to normal man. Those crimson and amber-lined wings spread in flight as he desperately seeks an adversary to unleash a holy might against. A celestial who blasphemes he might be, but no little conniving entity was going to escape his notice and go undamaged. Suddenly, he stops, snaps his fingers, then focuses on a spell that remains subtle, happy...joyful. "A warm hearth, filled with life and care. A warmer embrace from the woman that meets you there....a loving sigh. Blessed are the binding ties. The cheer of many, the joy of sending. My gift to you, Flash....the key to your past. Recall Joy! "

[ClaudiusBlue ] There was no response... Not a word from the girl he had asked to proceed with him back to the santuary. "Folly..." A comment directed to nobody but himself, said between his teeth. Those people who seemed so distrustful, as distrustful as himself had been. It sickened him to think that such people existed, those who would hedge around the proper course out of fear, anger, pride, or something even more sinister. One silver tipped claws slid over the brim of his blue chapeau, the sound of metal hitting fabric punctuating the end of his conversation with the girl. His journey now continued, back into the powdered forest. The man could not help but feel dissapointment as he tread through the snow, kicking some of the powder into the air. "We must try harder..." Both men had the same opinions on this situation, circumstances that should have been under their control seeming to slip through their fingers. "That we must." A quiet mumble as he reentered the dojo, kicking off the caked snow before stepping in.

[LoX ] As soon as the words are breathed forth, a powerful psychokinetic warmth floods the maelstrom with a bright golden light, akin to a warm summer's day, filled with the sunlight, feelings of home and happiness. The reasons why each person suffers through each trial and tribulation, the reason why each one of us pay the price. To the happiness within us all. " Take it, Flash. You can defeat this by yourself....just accept my gift. Embrace it. " A soft smile even as the words are whispered, mostly to himself. " I know you can do it, mate. "

[Flash_Guardian ] More echoes from a chorus of tangled and interwoven thoughts. "Hopeless ..." "Don't talk to me!" "It's wrong, all wrong." "I can't!" "So much pain ..." "What?" "I won't lose you ..." "Noo!" "Please ... please!" All at once, a warmth of light surges forth, disturbing the tangle of memories yet again that keep Flash at bay ... the negative emotions part way for happier ones which circle at a softer pace, and at a greater distance. Again, Flash's fetal form becomes visible ... and a single eye begins to open. Flash is heard now, all voices calling out in one single thought. "Serielle!" And indeed, he's looking right at her, through the newly created gaps in the storm, though those gaps won't last long ...

[Flash_Guardian ] The scritchy, high voice seems to almost purr at the new surge of emotion. Yesssss ... morrree ... more! The silver cord that ties brightens and becomes a bit more visible now ...

LoX turns to face Serielle. " Go, woman, go! I can't make it through, but you can! Tell him he needs to focus on what's good and joyful. I must continue searching for the parasite. " With that, he turns and continues to follow that silvery substance once more, his form becoming more and more akin to a whirlwind of sparking light and color, the positive vibes flowing from his aura in intense waves of raw feeling.

Serielle raises her brow as the gaps suddenly open...but her shock is quickly overridden by desperation. She dashes off through the gaps, running full tilt towards Flash.

[Flash_Guardian ] At length, LoX begins to sense the other presence, now that he is aware of it and following the binding trail. The demonic 'goo' apparently has had an interesting effect upon Flash. It latched onto his heart, and began to do two things: make his emotions stronger and more intense, while at the same time feeding off of them. Good emotion, bad, whatever ... the emotional energy is being leeched from his heart and mind, and being used to create another being within Flash ... in a sense, Flash has something growing inside him. Something that's a mixture of demon and something else. This is what LoX senses. This is what's waiting for him at the end of the silver cord. He can see and sense it now, plain as day ... and it can sense him.

[Flash_Guardian ] Added note: It can sense his presence, but not his precise location ... sorry, forgot the masking effect.))

Turquoz comes upon the door of the dojo once again. She entered and looked around for LoX. She wanted to return his jacket. She looked around, but didn't see him.

Flash_Guardian seems to move as he sees Serielle moving towards him ... all of his being wants nothing but to accept her with open arms and draw from the strength that she seems to provide. Legs uncurling, eyes opening and arms spreading and waiting for that reassuring embrace. At last, contact is made as their two minds touch, their hearts becoming as one. "Serielle," Flash says, clinging to her as the webbing of emotion begins to close all around them once more. The emotional net closes slowly, but Flash doesn't seem to care. "Don't leave me ..."

Flash_Guardian is still in a trance with LoX and Serielle ... but things are coming to a close! I think.

LoX 's avatar's hands begin to crackle, the fingertips surging to create identical twin blades with Celestial properties, anathema for any Infernal entities. The blades twirl around him in the dance of the Shadow Blossom, the intricate movements striking at the cord with precise motions each step of the way. Now that he could see and sense this entity, the cord was no longer needed. "Prepare yourself to meet your new master, child. Moloch will be pleased to have a new one to torture before he finally removes the soul from your pathetic body. You will suffer. You will die. Over and over again. Or perhaps it will be Rokugantess, the greatest duelist of the underworld. He'll toy with you, taunt you, then use you for a practice dummy. How do I know these things? They are my half-brothers! "

[Flash_Guardian ] A pleading screech assaults LoX's senses. "Please! No! Don't hurt us! We beg of you! We don't wants to die!" The demonic entity cowers in fear of such a powerful mortal presence. It lays helpless before LoX, like a tiny infant about to be torn from its mother's womb.

[Serielle ] I won't Flash...I promise...

[Flash_Guardian ] The emotions return now, at last closing all around Flash and Serielle ... but instead of a hodgepodge of emotions and memories, only one remains. Flash has at last found the focus that has abandoned him for so long ... Serielle. He loves her. And right here, right now, in the midst of the storm, that's all that matters. One mind embraces another and the strength it gives as the whirlwind becomes more like a swirling breeze, warm and gentle.

[LoX ] " No. You should not even ask this of me. You were born of ilk, lived in ilk and back to ilk you must go. I don't give mercy to beings who know not the meaning of it. Now meet your fate with at least some courage, mewling whelp. " He leaps forward, his blades twirling around him in a beautiful dance that matches the surging tide of pure love that suddenly surrounds Flash's very fibers. The blades coalesce into one meeting spot, that yelping infant's neck, in an attempt to slash it from its shoulders. "I am sorry. There never was hope for you." He speaks quietly.

Cassandra wakes up in the tree she had rested in near the dojo her eyes glazed over she drops down from the tree and desides to do a little trining she calms her body and mind as she gose in to a fury of kicks at the tree trying to control the pain with her mind failing as she yelps in pain evey time she connects with the tree

[Flash_Guardian ] "KAAIIIII!!!" The demon infant screams in agony from the mortal blow, its shrieking echoing about the mental link, lingering and gradually fading away into merely nothing. The effects this renders upon Flash's mind aren't tangible at first, but slowly, gradually, a change begins to take place. Flash's emotions are no longer hostile, his memories safely returning to their rightful places within his mind. No more daggers and cages ... just one pure, heartfelt moment, and the great joy and sense of calm it brings. "Serielle," Flash whispers amidst the happiness all around. "You came for me. You ... you saved me."

LoX 's blades fade to nothingness, his mental presence already disentangling itself away from its host. Outside the bodies, LoX opens his eyes, the glow fading to nothingness, his hands releasing Flash's. LoX rises from his crouch and stretches before glancing back towards Flash. "You awake, mate?"

Flash_Guardian doesn't seem to respond to LoX, as his eyes are still closed. As are Serielle's. Apparently they are still wrapped up in whatever bond they seem to share. But by the smlies on both their faces, LoX can tell that they're both just fine. The demonic presence has been purged from Flash, and Aspect has faded once more into the background. All is as it should be.

Cassandra then growls in so much pain from her kicks thinking she is ready to let her rage out now she smirks and with one tight fist puch to the tree she not only knocks it down but sends it back 10 feet she they yelps in pain again she had really hurt her hand but having leant a new move from now on when she was mad she would be able to use her new move Fist Of Rage "oh yes thats 2 spechil skills i leant so far woohoo"

LoX smirks slightly, then nods once. Finally, he fades into the shadows and is gone. "Sleep well, mate. Hope you find the peace you need so desperately."

Flash_Guardian , thanks to his sensei, has already found it. At least for now.

Flash_Guardian , thanks to his sensei, has already found it. At least for now.