An Uneven Trade

Glyniss_McMasters limps into the area eyes scanning the place as she stops getting her bearings somewhat having not been here before.....finding a place to lean against well rest mostly...a hand coming up as she finger flicks the brim of the stetson she wasn't here really to talk mostly just to check up on someone . Eyes skimming over those here that she can see before alighting on the person ...smiling somewhat under the shadow of her stetson studying a little the scene before her

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] " i missedy ou. all my frineds are gone" she whimpers softly, a few tears forming in her eyes. she didn't let go of him for the world. " it's not fair! they all go away! Flash is never around, Flash killed Mastr MJ, and achilles hates me because i made girls go away from him" :she whimpers softly, terying not to cry, her ears lowerd

Glyniss_McMasters continues to watch tugging a little at the pouch she had attached to her belt wondering when Flash was going to turn up to collect it from her

Flash_Guardian flies in ... wait a minute, he's flying? Yup, he's up in the sky about a hundred feet, probably unnoticed by much, his red cape trailing behind ... wait, that isn't his cape, it's a pair of bright red wings! He circles the edge of the Keep, eventually flying past one of its twin towers. Feeling he could use a break, he swoops down low, just above the top of the tower, flapping his wings madly as he brings his feet underneath him, slowly and gingerly landing. He thinks he spotted some others here, wondering if they are anyone he knows.

BenjaminBlue rocked back onto his right foot and placed his left hand on her shoulder, trying his best to keep his demeanor welcoming and friendly although sadness stirred within him. "Little Kodora, my precious treasure... All of your friend have not left you. I could scarcely fathom such a cruel and unjust punishment for you." Blue lowered his gaze back to the ground, his golden curls hiding his twinkling blue eyes from her view. Only his smile could be seen. "I could never abandon you. To do so would take a heavy toll on my heart and darken my soul. So long as you will have me, I will always be by your side. I am bound by the will of heaven to comply with my feelings and with the feelings of others. Your very special, Little Kodora..." Blue took in a heavy breath and slowly exhailed as he allowed his head to tilt back so that he could look to her once more. "Besides... Your friends would never refuse you. You know that."

Glyniss_McMasters continues to watch a slight smile on her lips unaware of Flash flying about or even of his presence in the area...her attention on someone else actually studying him to see about a certain injury ..mostly to satisfy herself of it's state..

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora "she wshook her head " achilles not like me anympore. i try to say sorry, but i accidently told a lie, and then said sorry about that. and he hates me. and i miss mj. and flash is never around" :she whimpered, nusslhing her cheeks agianst his shirt, causing ing it to dampen slightly form her tears.

Flash_Guardian tilts his head from one side to the other, a muffled series of pops sounding each time he does so. He then rolls his shoulders happily, smiling to himself as he catches his breath, folding his wings behind his back. A chill wind blows past him, causing him to shiver slightly. Seeking shelter, he enters the tower from above, making his way down the stairs. As he does so, he hears voices ... familiar voices ... ((where is everyone, exactly?))

BenjaminBlue slanted forward and embraced Kodora with one arm, gently patting her back to try and comfort in her time of need. Blue's eyes conveyed his stern attitude with a gaze which would have made the most corrupt and dispicable villain question their vile ways. It was a mix of his sympathy for her and his sense of obligation for her welfare that inspireds such look. "Do not cry, Miss Kodora... I pains me to see even a single tear cascade down beautiful face. Have faith that your doubts are nothing more than thoughts in your head. Empty words. I know that people care for you, especially Sir Flash of all people. So dry your tears..." His voice was soothing and very steady. He spoke nothing but truth, that was certain. Blue's gaze would soften as he noticed a familiar pair down the westen corridors. After hugging Kodora one more time, he moved to rise and greet them, flashing a smile to Kodora as he stood.

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] " i miss MJ the most. " :she sighed softly " he wasn't liek anybody else. and yeah i know he pissed everybody off, but.. no one ever stopped to even try and know him.."

Flash_Guardian catches sight of Blue and Kodora within the confines of the tower. Kodora seems upset, the way Flash almost always sees her. He slowly walks to intercept the pair leisurely, offering a wave and smile of greeting for both Blue and Kodora, bright red wings still tucked behind his back, his characteristic red cape strangely absent.

Glyniss_McMasters frowns slightly wellll that kinda answers her question....she had seen to one seems another has yet to be sorted...biting her bottom lip a little sinking into deep thought

BenjaminBlue returns Flash's gesture with a brief nod and slight bow. "Good Evening, Goodman Flash. Your presence could be felt in the night air. How do you fare this glorious evening?"

Flash_Guardian beams back at Blue, eyes wrinkling oddly. "Goodman, is it now?" He laughs happily, hands on his hips. "Alright then, Brother Blue. A fine evening it is, perfect for soaring." He quickly bites his lip, however, peering back to Kodora apprehensively. "How's Kodora?" he asks Blue in a low voice.

Glyniss_McMasters smiles now seeing Flash.....good that means she at least accomplish one task...pushing herself away from the wall or whatever she was leaning against....limping closer to Flash as she does unhooking the pouch she had been looking after of his...the clicks of metal upon metal following as per usual...

[Flash_Guardian ] ((Scratch that, Kodora's standing right there.)) "And how are you, Kodora?" he asks the girl.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she stayed silent, just snuggling up to Benji. almost purring softly, and pushing her head into one of his palms. she didn't feel like talking, she just wnat ed to be held. her mind rahter full of depressingthoughts,

BenjaminBlue averts his attention from Flash and looks down to Kodora thoughtfully. "No need for such a dark tone... Miss Kodora is in the best of care, I assure you. We were just about to relax within the warming glow of the fireplace in the lower study. Would you care to join our little venture?" Ben turned his attention back to Flash, his hopeful intentions showing itself with a slight tone of expentancy. Surely, he would join them anyhow. Many stories cried out in his mind to be shared with the group.

Glyniss_McMasters would actually stop a little way off not wanting to interfer.....and well....waits...pouch in hand

Flash_Guardian quickly re-examines the situation. "Hmmm." Perhaps things weren't as bad as he first thought. He grins, nodding to Kodora once before turning to face Blue once more. "I'd be happy to, Blue." Just then, a familiar squeaking/clicking sound meets Flash's ears. "Well, well, three's company," he says, chuckling to himself, "but four is a get-together."

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she looked up at flash and climbed out of blues arms and went to hug the winged man " four? who else is here?" she asked softly.

Glyniss_McMasters frowns.....puzzled...taken back from what she can see...maybe this wasnt Flash afterall...least not the one she knew...though the voice was the same and Bluey boy certainly had greeted him as if it was....limping step back unsure now

BenjaminBlue looks down the hall and points towards the figure just down the way. "Miss Glyniss of course, if she would wish it. I'll go prepare a few beverages and ready some snacks for us in the study." Blue stood on his tip toes and waved to her energetically as he took he leave. "I do hope that you will, Miss Glyniss. Like Goodman Flash recited, four is indeed a get-together time for celebration." Blue bowed his head to excuse himself and proceeded to the second door on the right, entering the room.

Flash_Guardian eagerly kneels and embraces Kodora. "Heya, Kodora. Seems like it's been a while." As she wraps her hands around Flash, she feels something soft and feathery behind his back, and perhaps catches glimpses of the wings themselves, as they are rather difficult to hide completely due to their size. Leaning back out of the hug, he tilts his head as if listening for something. "If my ears do not decieve me, I believe I hear a Glyniss approaching ... course I guess that could be some door hinges creaking." Flash shrugs.

Glyniss_McMasters chuckles softly having already it seems been seen by one person actually trying to slip away wont walk....soooo taking a step forwards she nods to Kodora who she can see in Flash's arms... ahand reaching up to lift her stetson..." Howdy mis' a smiles spreading her features now..." Howdy Flas' ain' asee' yer aroun' fer a spel'"

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she sighed softly and and plucked out a feather and ran her fingers over it, and turned around to follow Benji. se wasn't good around other females, as she has learned earlier. "hmph" she said softly, not really liking how high their voices were, or the bouncy happy attitudes, or how they flaunt and flirt around other men. ugh.. it rahter sickend her.

Flash_Guardian at last looks over to Glyniss as she makes her presence known. He nods, smiling at her. "Not since the fight with Jin, actually." He doesn't feel like going into the details of the fight, as it hasn't officially resolved yet. Yay for discontinuity. Flash seems to remember something. "By the way, you don't still happen to have my pouch, do you?" He grunts, wincing slightly as he is ... plucked, wings unfolding slightly and at last coming partly into view from all sides. "Oww ..." he says, rubbing at the spot where the feather came from gingerly and half-glaring at Kodora as she walks into the study after Blue. He simply shakes his head, knowing that she would be in for a disappointment after he changed himself back.

Glyniss_McMasters nods " Shoo' I sur' do" her hand coming up holding out the pouch to him.." Her' yer go" watching Kodora disappear taking a limping step back " I se' yer aroun' som' othe' tim' " spinnin' around now limping off...the clicking still following...

BenjaminBlue would be setting down a silver platter with an assortment of different items. A bowl of nuts, some chocolates, and a few goblets full of some type of fruit juice. "There we are. That should do nicely," he said with a nod. Noticing everybody entering the room, he turned his full figure towards the group and motioned to his confections. "Please, help yourself to whatever you would like." No sooner said, Ben lowered himself into one of the cushioned leather chairs and eased himself backwards. Blue swiftly removed his hat and set it upon the side table to his left, loosing an audible sigh. It would seem as if an unpleasant imaged had crossed his plain of thought.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she took the platter full of food, not realy caring at this moment if anybody wanted any, and began to eat it happily, she hadn't eaten in days, and as always, she had learnt that she came first abouve everything else, survivel of the fittest. The sleevs of her kimono had been torn somewhat and aswell as her hakama, showing the various whip marks and other scars she had recieved over the years. she didn't pay them any mind though, just happily feasted on the food she horded.

Flash_Guardian blinks as the pouch is returned to him, holding it for a moment and watching Glyniss walk off curiously. "Umm ... okay. See you around." Flash half expected Glyniss to be a bit more social than that, but no matter. Her agenda is her own, and Flash won't question it. Instead, he reties the pouch to his belt and walks his way into the study with Blue and Kodora, quickly spying the well-bedecked table. "Well, goodness! Food too?" Flash's wings are now out slightly, no longer fully hidden behind his back as he approaches the table to inspect the goods. He frowns at the nuts, instead grabbing a chocolate or three and one of the goblets, looking around for a place to sit.

Badchan strolls towards the tower and comes through the wall. Nothing happened to him or the wall. He sits on a couch and it starts float. He smiles. "Its like jolly siting on blinkin' air..." He smiles abit more. "Any you chaps got a wee bite ta eat?" He asks around.

BenjaminBlue snaps out of his little daze and gives a soft smile to the pair with a little chuckle. "Glad that I could be of service." Blue scooted forward in his seat and leaned forward, placing one hand on the table to balance himself. "So Flash, my good fellow, I couldn't help but notice that you have been blessed with a pair of dazzling wings. Where would one be able to acquire such a thing?" Blue lifted one goblet from the counter and eased back again, taking a drink.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she finished off the last of the choclates and licked her finger,s purring happily, almost like a motercycle, wlel not quite but yo uget the idea. she walked over to them, again on all fours, a walk which she had recently grown acustomed to and sat between the two, looking at each one, not really sure who to snuggle up with.

Badchan calls to them. "Blinkin' give me some scoff! Can't you flippin' see me starvin' up here?" He calls to everyone.

Flash_Guardian takes a fine drink from his own goblet, taking a moment to admire its quality before setting it across from Blue's finding a chair and easing himself into it, minding his wings. He blinks at the other gentleman's non-traditional entrance through the wall. "Nice," he comments, unable to answer his question as it isn't his food that is in question. He quickly turns back to Blue and rather humbly shaking his head. "Nah, the wings aren't anything special. I just haven't brought them out for a while and figured, 'hey, tonight's a good night.' So I worked my magic, and ..." He makes a quick swirling gesture in the air before him with his right hand. "Poof. Wings." An interesting notion comes into Flash's mind, and he looks curiously at Blue. "Don't suppose you'd like to try having wings sometime, hmm?"

BenjaminBlue shakes his head apollogetically to Flash and sets down his drink, ignoring Badchan's rude manners for now. Kodora ate most of his food anyway. "I would love to partake of your offer, but I'm afraid that magic has taken its toll on me." Blue withdraws his right hand from his pocket and suspends it in mid air for everybody to see. His hand was frozen solid as if it were a block of ice. "It is the punishment I recieve for performing vulgar magic."

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she went up to benji and sat in his lap, taking his handin both of hers, and blowing on it , tyring to warm it up, not really understanding it all.

Badchan waves a hand at them as if shooing them. "Fine leave me starvin' an' alone." He makes a table appear with lots of food piled high infront of him. "This is lovely scoffin's, wot wot!" He laughs then quickly eats. This is a huge table fkoating in the air with food piled past the max on it and as he ate the food few might be amazed at how much he can devour. He ate all the food on the table then made the table dissappear and he sat on his floating couch as he ate an apple. A piece of celery in his ear.

Flash_Guardian stares at the hand with his mouth open, shocked and motionless, blinking once, then twice. "Oh. Blue ... I'm sorry." He bows his head in sympathy for his friend. Unable to keep away his curiousity, he asks, "And what sort of vulgarity earned you such a punishment, might I ask?"

Badchan couldn't hear from the piece of celery in his one ear and the other against the couch.

BenjaminBlue shrugs to himself, not noticing Kodora moving towards him. As she blew on his hand, little droplets of water would slide down his fingers and drop to the ground. His hand was starting to melt.

BenjaminBlue speaks in a low and somber tone. "I had recieved a vision to go on a sacred mission to a foreign land to free a poor man from the clutches of evil. While trying to escape, I used my gifts to harm another human being. This is my punishment for crimes against my fellow man."

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she contonues to blow on it, occasionally rubbingher hands briskly over them, and cotinuing to blow " but you did it to protect someone else.. you had n o choice right?"

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she looked up at him with kind, soft, confused eye,s her ears gently flicking about from the various sounds of the room, expecially the sounds of the fire crackling in the fire place.

Badchan has fallen asleep. He slips through his couch and hits the ground. He sits up. "I say what happened? I was taking a jolly well deserved nap an' I wake ups on the blinkin' ground! Nobody should treat a Badchan this way, wot wot!" He smiles as he always did like the sound of his voice. He jumps back onto his coush and naps again.

Flash_Guardian can hear the footsteps of others outside the room, yet seems to pay them no real mind. An odd glance is shot up to the man on his floating couch, as well as his rather unusual eating habits. Flash had long since learned to stay away from magically conjured food, as it had a tendency to leave the consumer hungry again after the spell ended. As he looks back to Blue's hand, he can see some droplets of water forming. A curious reaction. He leans forward to study it more closely.

BenjaminBlue shakes his head and starts to take back his hand. One of his fingers was no bigger than a small twig and about to snap off. "Within the next seven days, my hand should completely dissapear and leave me with nothing more than a useless stump of a limb. I should have listened to Sir Devaine and allowed him to handle the situation..."

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she whimpered softly " but .. your music" she said a few whimpers in her voice, she took back his hand, snuggling up to it, tears forming in her eyes. why did bad stuff always have to happen to the people she knew?

Amarant of Fortitude - The gentle flutter of wings would trace the gentle breeze tainted with the ever looming fragrance of a favored blossom. A simple glimmer within the moonlight reflection of a star kissed aegis as the luminous strands of output fluxes circle the avatar of Fortitude. Twilight glinting the light feathered appendages. Imperfect beauty allowing the figure to remain aloft within the night air. Or so it would seem as they beat a step to easily. Twin conflagrant hues trace idly the tower as he carries himself to the confines. A simple sigh, exhaling the rose wind, a non-needed gesture but adding to the realism none the less. Perhaps he could find something here

Flash_Guardian can't help but hold back his outburst at that. "Devaine?!" An astonished smile breaks out over Flash's face. "You don't happen to mean a man by the name of Devaine Hawk, do you?" The tide of hope rises in Flash's chest as he hangs on waiting for Blue's response.

Jaia-Asumoto moved slowly over the green hills, the towering structure before her, she knew to be the hallowed site of many battles past....one which she was granted knowledge, privy only to those who trained under Kasumoto. Her kimono was a dull, blue as opposed to her usual brown kimono. The kimono was held together around her waist by a tight, white sash that also held the sheathed katana, Ichijmond. Her left hand rested leisurely on it's dark pommel, as she kept herself in her usual alert posture, yet in the least rigid way a warrior could. She was completely relaxed, composed...almost to the point, that she had become the embodiment of total control of human will power. Of course, her curiosity would reign over her from time to time. But not today. Today, outside the large tower, she stood on the grounds of a great battlefield...one that decided the fate of two clans. She had been a child then...but she remembered the legends. Azure Kasumoto, her master, had fought on behalf of the Shadow Guild against the --

Badchan awakens and glances around. He sighs, maybe he wasn't funny...Maybe he was getting old...well that could change. He looks to them. "Hey! Look!" He says as he waves his hands in the air and jumps up and down on his couch. He had aparently gone from adult to kid..

BenjaminBlue winces at the mention of what he would do with his music. "A man by no other name... My quest was to take him back and bring him home. I did what I had to in order to make that possible." Blue flashes a half-hearted smile to Flash and nods. "He is back, so do not worry yourself..."

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] " you have a wounderfull voice blue" she tried to make him feel better, but it waasn't working very well..

Amarant of Fortitude - A small smile covets the pale lips hidden within the shadow of an ivory hood as the soft click of metal rings true. The Poets grieves touching ground as the angelic utensils of flight folded simply behind the back and fadded from sight in a shimmer of hues. Faint clicks echo as his steps carry him into the interior, burning pools giving a simple look to Toshu as he passes and a simply quirk of the eyebrows to Puce... He also seemed to attract such attention...

BenjaminBlue turns down to Kodora and gives a slight nod. "Thank you, Miss Kodora. I do my best to keep it in top condition." Blue reached into his vest pocket with his free hand and withdrew a fashionable blue glove. He didn't wish to look at it anymore. Blue slid the covering over his icy hand and forcefully tugged on it to make his hand fit.

Flash_Guardian seems completely torn by two countering emotions, his head simply wavering slightly in the air, mouth hanging open without words. He was overjoyed to hear that Devaine had been freed from the clutches of his captors, but Blue's hand ... too great a price had been paid. At last he forces himself to address the matter using a somewhat neutral tone. "Blue ... I'm very glad to hear that Devaine has been returned safely. But ... your hand ..."

Jaia-Asumoto -- vampire coven of Ravnos. It had decided a brief war between the two, eradicating the Ravnos Clan from all known existence. Bowing her head gently, placing her right hand over her heart, she bowed at her hips to honour the victorious, dead. Her head of long, ebony hair had been allowed to fall about her shoulders in no particular arrangement. Her feet were covered by small, white socks and protected by the bamboo base of her sandals. All this added the appearance, and the visible truth for anyone who could see plainly, or...not so plainly. She was Samurai, and as such...she had come here to honour her master's past days. Regaining her posture, her petite form, still...even at full height, smaller then the average man, became seemingly rigid, despite the true calm flowing quietly through the fabric of her soul, her Ki. She turned slowly, and began to move toward the Tower, all thoughts cleared from her mind...so did not have to question why she was entering the Tower once she had honoured the dead. She --

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she whimpered softly as she watched the hand fit forcefully into the glove, tears rolling down her cheeks and her ears lowered.

Amarant of Fortitude - A puzzeling look, he was... examined. Yet while accustomed it never ceased to quirk his interest as to the means behind the examination. Usually he could tell the path of an individuals desires after mere moments... but this... This fur clad woman. She was a trifle more difficult. Short of forcing his way into her mind, or looking upon her soul she neigh unreadable. But perhaps intrigue could answer his curiosity. And alas he would speak but the sound simply stemmed from the air, warm vibes created from.. nothing. "How may I answer you inquiry, m'lady>..."

BenjaminBlue pockets his right hands and waves his left dismissively to Flash's comment. "That is of no importance. Sacrifice was needed to accomplish His goals. I have no regrets," he said in a friendly voice, trying his best to move off the current topic. "Perhaps you wouldn't object to taking a walk? I feel that the crisp night air could do me a world of good." Blue pushed himself up and finished off his fruity concoction, leaving the silver goblet on the table.

Jaia-Asumoto -- merely did as she felt, and moved up the winding stairs into the main chamber of the West Tower, each step seeming as always, to be limited by the length of her kimono, although if one were to insult her and she were less then a metre away...they would soon discover how much length it allowed her. Her features, were unmistakably, Japanese as anyone could attest as they watched her standing there by the door, her left hand still resting on the pommel of Ichijmond. Her eyes fell upon some familiar faces, and she smiled lightly...not approaching them, as she would not intrude on their conversation. She merely waited until she was either called over...or a request was sent from one of the Asumoto, or Black Talon for her presence there. Until then...she would stand there, any light cast from the entrance creating a shadow, which her small frame would cast across what length of the room it could.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she quietly got off benji, but kept her eyes to the floor, a few tears dropping onto her almost blackend feet. she wraped her arms around herself and hunched over ,still looking to floor.

Amarant of Fortitude - A soft chuckle within the rose kissed air and a small shake of the head ruffled the ivory hood. Tantalize effects upon the visage if one was to watch the blazing hues alter. But he would speak once more, allowing the soft wind to caress her ears with the tone. "Good... Bad... They are vauge representations of the truth. Yet disconcernable with enough effort. Your efforts would perhaps be better suited.. looking for the virtuous and the immoral." He smiles once more within the hood stopping his clicking pace. "It would be a slight easier in indentification and the results... more applicable."

Flash_Guardian shakes his head defiantly, refusing to dismiss the matter so simply. "The hands of a priest are the hands of the one they serve," Flash argues plainly. "Removing the use of your hand doesn't seem to me to be in your lord's best interests. Unless of course there is some test you must perform? A bargain to be made? Something similar to the good deed that I was forced to perform in payment for his healing by your hands? Surely there is some way for you to keep the use of your hand!" Flash quickly sighs, shaking his head. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to question the will of your god. It just ... something doesn't seem right about it to me. If you would walk, I would accompany you, of course." Flash rises from his chair within the study, quickly finishing the last of his juice, red wings rustling eagerly as he places the goblet back upon its former resting place.

Amarant of Fortitude - A simple nod and the clicking pace continues until he comes meet the locale wherein the conversation between Blue and Flash ensued. Intriguing really... a spark of interest would arise but not enough for his attention. But alas the coming Samurai. A long dead art he truly held respect for. Yet he said nothing simply... watched. He held no purpose to interfer unless to stem conflict. Which of the current seemed void... odd.

Flash_Guardian peers out into the hallway at a pair of passing figures ... the first a samurai woman, to whom he smiles and nods briefly at her passing ... the second, an angel? Yes, quite obviously an angel or some other representative of a higher power. Takes one to know one, after all. A double take is directed at the Amarant, and a more curious and inspecting nod of greeting.

BenjaminBlue snuggly fits his cap back over his golden mane and pats little Kodora on the shoulder as he passes her on his way to the exit. "It wasn't the will of god that my hand be taken from me. It was my arrogance that forced me to pay for my sins." Blue halts himself as he graps the bronze handle and looks over his shoulder to the pair. "I had always known that a certain danger would come with using the winter's magic. I knew that I would pay the price for calling upon her spells. Deep in my heart, dispite what fears I had, I knew that I had to help in any way I could to aid in Sir Devaine's escape, that much was certain." Blue turns back around and pulls down on the handle, opening the door. "Let us no let it spoil this evening. Where shall we go? I would just like to take my leave of this stuffy tower."

Amarant of Fortitude - Allowing in return a nod of gretting to Flash. A keen interest rising with longer speculation, but alas he looked away. Allowing his vision to gaze upon the samurai once more. He most certainly appeared of angelic decendance. While perhaps not exactly a similar token could be said. But he still said nothing as voice need not be spoken. A mutal understanding was all the detered. The man Flash was talking to seemed rather hasty and he left that matter well enough alone... Pondering the option of leaving...

Flash_Guardian sighs sadly to Blue, trying to keep to the bright side as best he can. Perhaps he was letting his own experiences with his former deity cloud his judgement. But were his opinions so wrong? Shaking it away, Flash simply nods. "Sure. Let's get out of here," he agrees, moving to follow Blue. "You coming too, Kodora?"

Jaia-Asumoto would take in her surroundings and those who kept patronage in it, or those who had just arrived to do so. She noted Flash's nod and returned it lightly, her attention drawn by the being of a higher plane of power...the Amarant. An intriguing being, but one she held little interest in. She respected his presence and would honour it if the need to do so arose. But until then she would keep her own counsel. Moving out of the major commotion and conversations that seemed to fill the usually empty Tower caught her attentions briefly until they too were washed from her constant, opaque mind. Her narrow eyes, closed slowly, the brown orbs fading beneath them like twin suns on a sunset, the reflected light from the room fading with them. If one had taken a deeper interest, although...that seemed unlikely.... they would have noticed the light beads of sweat coursing across her light brown skin, her complexion now glistening gently. Her Ki, resonated with a pure significance of one who had honed her mind, body --

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she nods softly and slowly follows beind. maybe she could help.. somehow.. there had to be away, and a thought came thorugh hermind, one that Flash would hate, but she wouldn't sharei t, not yet anyway.

Jaia-Asumoto -- and soul to a point that it had become meaningless to use, all abilities revolving around her sword and the harmony of its use. Her eyes snapped open as she felt another pair of eyes fall onto her form once again, and noticed that it was the Amarant, which looked upon her again. Bowing her head this time, in acknowledgement of his presence, she would feel as he would. A silent, mutual understanding. Words, perhaps...would have been a little more interesting, but something told the young samurai...that this being was not one for many words...like herself. Smiling weakly, she gave little of her emotions away...her aura of Ki, (Not a visible aura) resonating with a calm energy that one who knew it...could feel at a distance.

BenjaminBlue pivoted once more to make certain that the pair were indeed following him. Again, another night full of celebration and merriment would be torn asunder by Blue's personal troubles. But if he not run into both Flash and Kodora in the corridors of the Western tower, it would have been most likely that he would have taken to the drink only to end up in another drunked rampage. Within that sense, Blue was thankful that he happened to meet up with both of them. His feet would rapidly move one before the other as he descended to the lower floors, loosing a soft rythemic beat that echoed down the halls. "Let us stop by the garden first. The hues of the flora seem to glow when touched by moonlight."

Flash_Guardian follows Blue in the gardens, his red wings kept close around him to help keep what warmth he had. An unnecessary gesture, really, due to the warmth provided to him by the amethyst hanging from his neck. At Blue's request, he puts aside Blue's punishment in favor of happier news ... the return of Devaine. Flash can't help but smile knowing that his friend had been freed from captivity. Remembering such, he quickly turns to Blue. "I don't think I've told you as much yet, but ... thanks. For rescuing Blue." Flash shakes his head wistfully. "Just wish I could have been there."

BenjaminBlue proceeded slowly down the gravel pathway leading through the carefully tended gardens of the keep with both hands tucked in the small of his back. It had been a while before he had the resolve to set foot within the garden once more. Although the seemingly endless cascades of flowers fill him with wonder and awe, he had the feeling as if they expelled poison into the air to curse him with misfortune. The moon shone brightly down upon the trio as he approached the fountain, slowing his pace before looking up to the night sky. "This is much better..." he said with a deep breath. "Tell me... I have not seen either of you in a matter of days. So much can happen within such a short window of time. Please, tell me of your exploits..." It was strange that he wished to hear a story instead of telling one.

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] " hmmm what was his name" she said softly, lagging behind him " Nor .. something.. what did MJ say it was" :she rubs her head softly " why can't i rememrb teh name of that guy" she lagged behind them, uttering to herself.

Flash_Guardian just shrugs, his red wings rising slightly as he does so. "Haven't been up to much since the fight with Jin, really. And you were there for that, Blue." Flash chuckles. "Seems like everybody I knew was there. After that, I've just been around. You know, exploring. Looking for a place to call home." Flash looks back at Kodora, trying to place her words to some kind of name. "Nosturdine?" he thinks out loud for her benefit, not uttering the name lightly.

BenjaminBlue allows himself to look to Kodora approaching them from behind. "Nosturdine?" he asked, looking back and forth between the two. "In all my travels, that name had never found its way to me. Somebody of historical signifigance?"

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she nods softly "thank you flash" :she runs to a tree and hides behind it " he can help" she said to herself, in a normal tone, " just.. how?" she wasn't really sure how to even talk to him or anything..

Flash_Guardian looks to Kodora, shocked. "Kodora, you can't be serious! ... Nosturdine?? Help a holy priest?!" Flash shakes his head in disbelief, turning to Blue to explain. "Nosturdine is one of the deities from my realm ... god of rage and vengeance. Be happy that you've never heard mention of him. I doubt you two would see eye to eye."

Flash_Guardian is a bit too shocked at the moment to notice someone nearby who happens to be only four inches tall, unfortunately. Perhaps after he calms down a bit.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she sighed softly, staying silent, she thought it qas worth a shot, but aparaently not, but she had to help out benji some how, and she couldn't give him her own hand, though she would if it were doable.

BenjaminBlue lowers himself down onto the fountains edge and lowers both hands into his lap. "I can not ask for the help of devils. I would rather be transformed into a statue of ice rather than to plead with the dark forces for rescue." Blue gazed into the reflective pool of the fountain and simply looked to himself as if to expect an answer. The image scattered as Blue ran his free hand through the waters. "I may be able to ask for an audience with His Holiness or maybe a bishop, but I doubt that they would appeal to my requests."

Flash_Guardian steps forward, having earlier been content to avoid the subject as Blue had requested, though it seemed rather unavoidable. "Your lord is ... an understanding and reasonable one, if my understanding is correct. I'm more than certain that a bargain of some kind can be reached," Flash smiles hopefully. He looks over to Kodora as he sits upon the edge of the fountain beside the priest. She wanted to help, that much was plain to tell.

Little_Half~Breed_Kodora she went silent, bringing her kneese to herchest and herarms wraped around them, and resting her head on herarms, crying softly and rocking back and forth

BenjaminBlue shakes his head with a small, but sad smile and turns to Flash with the hint of a tear forming in his eyes. "My Lord is not meant to understand or reason with the will of humanity. As his servant, I am obligated along with the rest of the clergy to follow what ever out Lord deems fit, regardless of what we would really wish to do. It is in that manner that we show ourselves worthy to approach Heaven's Gate by showing complete self-sacrifice. All things must be done His way, or I'll face the consequences for my actions..." Although he showed a smile to his friends, his dispair and sadness would show itself to them. His words pained him.

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] "it's not fair! " she almost yelled out " A god who is supposed to be carig and holy has to tae in the circumstances around what caused the actions oto happen in the first place, and if this so clled gof doesn't even stop to listen to what his creations say, do, and need understanding then he is not fit to be a god at all!"

Flash_Guardian looks between his upset companions, not really knowing what to do. At Kodora's outburst, emotions well up within him, though for diplomacy's sake he supresses them. "Fair enough, Blue ... but how can you be sure of your deity's will without first asking? Is the affliction upon your hand a curse? A blessing? A punishment? Or is it merely a test, as my ex-lord Chen may be testing me now?" Flash seems thoughtful for a moment, taking Kodora's words into account. "If it were me, I'd simply revoke your ability to use such harmful magics and that would be that."

BenjaminBlue raises his hand to Kodora and bows his head. "Please don't blaspheme against the Lord. It is in his footsteps that we find salvation and life everlasting." Blue turns back to Flash and shakes his head. "I dare not bother him with such trivial matters. I can only say that everything is meant to be this way. Whether it is a curse or a blessing is up to us to decide." Blue loosed a heavy sigh and rocked himself back. "There is a reason I have called him the nameless god. He goes by many different names and guises all around the world. He may be a god of punishment to one worshiper, or a savior to another. It is our belief in the Lord that makes Him what he is." Blue gave an almost invisible nod to Flash's testimony. Harmful magic did him no good.

[Little_Half~Breed_Kodora ] "humph. he isn't so great to me if he takes my friends hand off just because my friend used magic to save someone" :she stood up, rather angry at the whole situation, mixed emotions from hate to sadness welling up inside her, tears streaking her cheeks pink, an occasional tear of blood staining her face. " some god he is" she said sarcasticly, running off to the forest to hide. [ note i will stay here ooc untill once of you decided to go to the forest o.o;;]

Flash_Guardian slumps forward, resting his chin in his hands, elbows on his knees, wings drooping behind him. He recalls a memory, pondering for a moment before relating it to the others nearby. "I actually lost the use of some of my magics once," Flash says, chuckling, watching as Kodora runs off sadly. "Accidentally incinerated one of Chen's VIP's with an arc of flame during a street brawl." Flash seems rather grim. "Not only did I have to go back in time and find a way to fix things, I also had my ability to conjure fire magics revoked for ten years." Flash shudders at the thought. "Wasn't even my fault, really. The guy just happened to trip over the wrong pitchfork at the wrong place and time."

BenjaminBlue wipes away the tear from his eye and nods, loosing an unpleasant sounding grunt as he lowered his hand. "Circumstance, or fate? The terms of order and chaos..." Blue looked towards the heavens and leaned to one side as he stargazed. "I used to believe that anything were possible... I used to believe that I could defy the present and proceed forward with achievements that no one had accomplished. Such is the mind of one filled with wanderlust... Now," Blue lowers his gaze to the grassy floor. "Its seems as if I have no control. Like I am just a piece to be moved in a game... All things predestined and prescribed as the gods would see fit... What kind of a world is that...?" he said sadly, hunching over. As more tears started to form, Blue withdrew a pure white hankerchief to wipe them away.

BenjaminBlue pushed himself up from his seat with both hands and walked towards the path, trying to hide himself from view. "A sadistic game... The very cosmos is at their disposal, and that makes me fear for life itself."

Flash_Guardian hears Blue's words echo in his own mind, reminding him of another place and time, sitting at the edge of the Triad crater, the discussion with his teacher ... and the loss of avatar-hood that resulted. He looks down at the ground grimly, his sensei's words playing again through his mind. "He's not gonna answer you, mate. You're a tool....nothing more. I hate havin' t'be the one t'tell the truth about the Gods to one so....gah...naive, but....They're selfish creatures, Flash. That's the end of the story...the only reason he's helped you previously is because it better serves his cause. Helping Devaine doesn't gain him anything but your gratitude. He won't gain in power or gain more followers by doing something like that...so why bother? Sorry, mate. I figured you should know."

Flash_Guardian quickly calls after Blue. "Blue!" A deep breath, and then the important question is asked. "Do you believe that what your lord has done to you is right?" Flash awaits the answer earnestly, as it will be Flash's final view on the matter.

BenjaminBlue clenched his one hand tight and gritted his teeth, shutting his eyes tight. "What can a man do?!" he shouted, turning back to Flash. "Is a life worth living if you don't live by your own standards?! Is it worth risking the wrath of God to do what I feel I need to do!?" Blue brings his frozen hand to eye level and dons a menacing mask. "Perhaps it would be better to condemn myself and live a life I see fit! Damn the gods! I shall not be a servant to such selfish desires!" he exclaimed, removing the glove from his right hand.

Flash_Guardian can do nothing but watch and stare, paralyzed by the priest's sudden blasphemous outburst. His senses are now on full alert, his gaze turning from Blue to scan the heavens, as if to have some early warning of the swiftly descending wrath of Blue's deity.

Flash_Guardian trembles slightly in fear, his breath quickening as he waits and watches. The situation seems to be balanced precariously upon the dangerous edge of a razor at the moment.

BenjaminBlue stood silently, his eyes full of anger. A menacing aura could be felt by Flash, as the sky started to darken and a frosty rain begain to fall. Blue immediately turned his glare to his right hand and thrusted it towards the heavens. "I only ask of Thee, O Lord, to invoke thy holy judgement! To look upon this deserter with Your very eyes and behold what he thinks of Thee!" he shouted. A strong wind blew through the tree and a thin line of lightning shot across the sky, following with a thunderous roar. "Flash!" he said, looking to his friend with a stern face. "Leave at once! Tell Kodora I would wish to see her again!" he said above the howl of the winds.

Robert~Darklord walked into the Garden, narrowing his eyes as he heard Ben, pulling out his custom .45 before he pointed it into the air, slamming down the hammer and pulling the trigger, the gunshot ringing through the air sharply as he arrived near both men, taking a drag from his cigarette "What the *bleep* are you doing bible boy?! It's too *bleeping* early to deal with this *bleep* and i'm still *bleeping* sick!"

[Flash_Guardian ] ((repost)) Flash stands, slowly backing away from Blue, yet not leaving entirely. Flash was always rather foolhardy like that. "I would see your deity for myself," he shouts back over the coming storm. A flash in the back of Flash's mind ... danger! Flash's arm whips out to block the attack ... but the bullet is aimed overhead, not really a threat. "Blue! Be careful!" he calls out. A defensive stance is taken, ready for anything ... wrath of god or otherwise.

BenjaminBlue had barely heard Flash's voice or Robert's gunshot. His attention was entirely focused towards the malevolent sky. "I'm done being cautious and timid! I'm done humbling before an entity I've never even laid eyes on!" he shouted towards the pair, his arm still raised high. "It's time I accept my mistakes and move on! He does not curse me with sin! I curse myself by believing that!" Another streak of lightning shot across the sky, ever closer to the keep's grounds. "Flash! Robert!" That was he could say before a stray bolt would find itways down to him, lighting up the entire garden with its radiance. Blue let out a horrific scream as the electricity ran through his body, arching back in pain. The seemed to remain and hold him captive, starting to lift his body off the ground back towards the sky.

Robert~Darklord blinks as the lightning comes from the sky, striking Blue which causes his jaw to drop, the gun being put into it's holster as he was in total shock. Blue's god had actually struck someone down! Holy crap he had never believed it, but he had to now because he had seen it! "Holy moley that's amazing! Flash! Get him out of there!"

Flash_Guardian shakes his head a growls. "No ... no! HELL NO!!" All at once, Flash leaps up into the air, spreading his bright red wings and shooting forth up into the sky, wings pumping hard to propel Flash after Blue. That lightning wasn't going to feel too good, but Flash had been through worse. As LoX had saved Flash from his deity, so now would Flash return the favor for Blue. If Flash catches up to Blue, he'll grab him and use his own momentum to propel him through the lightning, taking Blue with him.

BenjaminBlue ~ Flash would catch hold of Blue's arm and the electricity would shoot through his body as well. As pulled upon Blue, another bolt would shoot from the heavens and strike him as well. The two would seem to combine and amplify the torment by two fold. "F-l-a-s-h...!" Blue stuttered, the shock preventing him from speaking any faster. "N-o...! D-o-n-t...!" Blue struggle to fight against the torture and removed his charred and damaged wide-brimmed hat. "T-a-k-e i-t...!" he shouted before letting out another horrible scream. Flash had seemed to stop his ascent, but only stop it.

Flash_Guardian is struck by the second electrical blast, pain shooting through every nerve of his body. "Can't ... use ... magic ... too ... powerful ..." Through the intense pain, all Flash can seem to do is reach out and take the hat with his free hand. At last the pain seems to become too much as Flash's hold on Blue weakens, until at last Flash releases the man and falls backward dangerously out of the lightning. Flash's senses return quickly, charred as his form may be. He flaps his wings furiously, trying to turn about for another pass, eyes lolling back in his head and reciting the words of a spell on the way. "If there is any god listening who opposes this one's will, I call upon them to grant me strength! Shield me from the wrath of the heaven's vengeance!" Flash's hands are now charged with some strange sort of wavering, intangible energy as he shoots back up through the sky, careful to dodge any more incoming lightning as he moves to intercept the stroke of energy that Blue is in ...

Robert~Darklord smirks as he pulls out a cigarette, lighting it before he takes a long drag and begins walking towards the two men, a circle of energy growing bigger around his feet as he walks, but when he stops walking near the two, he places his hands together and begins to chant softly " Right, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, Down " over and over again, the circle growing bigger and bigger as he continues to chant. His eyes flare open as he looks to the air, reaching towards the sky before he smirks " Sunny Weather Cheat Accepted! " He throws his hands down forcefully, the circle having a diameter of 1 mile long now as the magic shoots straight up, and it was a breaker spell so it would only be temporary, but he had gotten it to the 20 minute level thankfully so the sky would clear and they could move Ben to a safe place, if this whole plan worked

BenjaminBlue ~ Flash flies with all haste and courage back towards the unforgiving storm towards Ben Blue caught helplessly within a torrent of lightnight bolt pulling him towards the sky. Another wave of lightning bolts would shoot down towards him with intent to strike him down and take his life. (Assumption time.) Flash deftly avoids the first bolt by turning slightly towards the side, just barely uncurring the wrath of heaven. Several more would follow behind, sure to hit their mark. With a look of utmost commitment and determination, Flash rolls towards swiftly to the right and left, further avoiding the bolts of crackling energy. Meanwhile, Blue had further been raised towards the sky and the bolts released their grip on him. Now, he just floated in the air like a man who had drowned. A beam of light, as if the sun were showing through the clouds, shown down upon everybody in the garden and the wispy form of a man clad in decadent robes would appear.

Flash_Guardian stretches his awareness and dodgery to its limit in avoiding the storm, only to come to a sudden and abrupt halt as the lightning ceases and sunbeams part the heavens. Flash watches as a robed man appears from above ... and continues to watch, simply holding his unusual magical charge for the moment, badly hurt yet ready for anything.

Robert~Darklord blinks as he looks up, taking another drag as either his spell worked too well, or this was one of those damn coincadences he hated so much. In either case, he looked at the dude who was now in the sky, rolling his eyes as he was not impressed as usual, and really wished he had his guitar to tune and then play at the moment. What a drag

BenjaminBlue ~ The figure finally came into focus as it floated down towards Blue's body. He looked to be man of seemingly ancient origin. His hair was white, and his robes were black. His eyes conveyed no sense of emotion or symapathy as he turned to face Flash. " ~Mortal...~ his voice echoed across the expanse. " ~ Why do you oppose me...? ~ "

Flash_Guardian simply hovers in the air, wings beating rather quickly to do so, regarding the black-robed figure with care and caution. Gods don't manifest themselves lightly. Flash knows this. He takes a moment to ponder his words with care. "Because I made a choice. I choose to fight for what I believe in, just like Blue here is doing now. I believe his actions had just cause ... and I think Blue here is starting to see that now." A deep breath. "And besides, Blue is my friend. I respect him and his ideals." Flash chooses simply to leave it at that for now, no less on the defensive should this god try anything else.

Robert~Darklord looks up still as he takes yet another drag, shaking his head softly as he really doubted this god was all that powerful, and he had better stay up there for if he gets too close to him, he's going to try and slug him square in the *bleeping* jaw a few times "Oh stop acting so polite and nice around him Flash! The guy is nothing more than a a**hole that can float!"

BenjaminBlue ~ The entity stared deeply with two amber eyes, a gaze would appear to pierce his very soul. His dark garments would flap in the wind as he simply looked to Flash, expression not changing in the least. " ~ A worshiper that violates His way will reliquish his very essence in hommage to the Lord... So was the pact that this man is bound... ~ " The entity turned his gaze to Blue's floating body. " ~ Those who ideals do not act in accord with God will be taken from this earth... Can a man with no faith in his own god stop the Lord...? ~ " The beings simply turned to Blue and extended one grotesque, bony hand over his face. " ~ He will be taken and judged... Such is His way... ~ "

Flash_Guardian chooses to disregard Robert's comments as he hovers hundreds of feet up in the air next to the suspended form of Blue and the black-robed decadent man. He knows a divinity when he sees one. Hell, he's worked for one for several million milli- ... a long time. Perhaps he isn't a god and more of a messenger, but does that truly matter. He continues to show the man the proper respect by not looking directly at him, though in his gaze is still a hint of distaste. "And what ideals has he violated, if I may ask? Where is your disagreement with his actions, for I see no wrong." Flash continues to hold onto his wavering confidence, trying his best to appear strong, knowing quite well that he lacks the force to back up his words. "Please don't underestimate me. I know the ways of heaven and hell."

Robert~Darklord snorts loudly at the deity or a**hole or cheap magic trick or whatever is spouting all this idealogical nonsense, raising both his hands until only his middle fingers stood up straight, basically flipping off god as he took another drag "Your nothing but a fraud! You sit on your cloud, thumping your bible and all that good stuff, talking about John 3:16. Well Darklord 3:16 says Your full of shit!"

BenjaminBlue ~ The angel cradled his arms beneath Blue's body and lifted it as one would an infant. " ~ This man has lost all faith... Within himself... Within his lord... But not within his companions... ~ " he echoed again. The being slowly turned to Flash, eyes cast down upon Blue. " ~ His angst lies within this man's self-curruption... Slowly destroying himself by poisoning his mind, body, and his very soul with the sinful ways of humanity... He would wish to have him saved... ~ " The entity ascended higher into the sky and looked down upon Flash. " ~ Was it not you who asked if he would wish for wings...? ~

Robert~Darklord rolls his eyes as he is so being ignored at the moment because he's never believed in any deity of the sort, and even this isn't going to make him start. He jumps into a tree, groaning softly as he lets out a mega sneeze, firing off a ball of energy into a nearby bush and setting it ablaze as he wipes away his nose 'Great, i've still got that damn cold!"

Flash_Guardian 's eyes go wide at the divinity's words. 'Saved? Wings? But why the lightning? Why such pain?' Things just didn't quite add up. Flash grits his teeth, shaking his head. "Quit speaking in riddles! If you're going to take Blue from me, I would know his fate!" Flash suddenly droops visibly, his wings faltering for a moment as he falls a few feet. His earlier injuries are catching up with him, and the constant flapping of his wings to hover there doesn't seem to be helping. He manages to recover, at least, hovering now slightly lower than before.

Cannon appears. This is probably a most inappropriate moment, but he appears now anyway. His eyes immediately focus in on 'the angel' holding Blue. He analyses the situation.

Robert~Darklord rolls his eyes at he looks at Flash "You idiot! People in Blue's faith are struck down by lightning when they anger their lord! Don't you ready anything you dolt?! You should be happy he didn't turn him into a giant thing of salt or rain down a plague on his ass!"

Cannon tilts his head. Seeking a better opinion would perhaps be relevant in this situation, so he skims quickly over toward Robert, leaving the usual shimmering trail of heated air behind him. "What is happening? Why is the winged person taking him away?"

Cannon pauses before also querying: "Should I disintegrate the winged person?"

Flash_Guardian shouts back down to Robert at last. "Would you for once please just butt out and keep your damned mouth shut? You're not helping!" Flash winces and looks up and away, still trying to keep his balance up among the clouds.

BenjaminBlue ~ The being set its gaze upon Flash. " ~ Even those who the Lord loves and cherishes will not have sanctuary if one blasphemes against Him... Justice is blind and impartial angainst those who would commit such a crime... ~ " The beings slowly descended to Flash's level and approached him. " ~ We have no wish to take him from drives to him succeed in his duties... We will return him when he is ready... We will return him when we have fulfilled his prayers... ~ " The being looks towards the heavens and began to float higher and higher into the clouds again. " ~ He shall bathe in the glory of the Lord and partake of his most precious gifts... What has been given will be taken back when the time is right... ~ "

Cannon crackes his knuckles, and they most certainly crack. His eyes remain focused on the figures in the sky, and short of having any further advice from robert, he raises one hand to point his palm at the speaking angel. There is of course the charge-period to consider, and a humming noise starts, pulses of light starting to flow from all about Cannon's body to his outstretched palm. Unless someone dissuades him effectively, everyone is going to find out just why he is called Cannon.

Robert~Darklord looks at the diety before it leaves "Your full of shit pal!" He groans as he looks to Cannon "Apparently Ben has been deemed an infadel or whatever the term is in his religion so they're going to take him back to make him better or whatever. They're all full of shit"

[Cannon ] "Full of shit. Understood. I shall attempt to terminate them then."

Flash_Guardian visibly relaxes, still holding Blue's hat in one hand, his wingbeats coming slower now as he slowly begins to descend back to the earth. "I shall be praying for his safe and expedient return, then," he calls back up to the rising angel, voice weary and strength fading. "Because he'd better not ... better not leave ... his hat ... behind ..." A subtle smile at such a weak attempt at humor. The pulsating, transparent energy at his palms is starting to slip away. The only sign of strength seems to be Flash's grip on the feathered blue hat in his hand ...

Cannon 's outstretched palm turns bright white, almost blindingly so. His arm is stabilised at the wrist by his other hand. There is a momentarily flash of light... then suddenly a beam of pure destructive, transplanar force (effecting all dimensions within the region) blasts from his palm straight for the being in question. Its not all that wide though, not enough to damage Blue directly (though if this succeeds, the fall might have to be considered).

BenjaminBlue ~ The entity dissapears into the sky and with a brilliant flash of blinding light, everying is how it once was. Flash would be completely healed and so sign of a storm would be anywhere to be found, as if nothing had ever happened. (The reason I did this is because I'm going to be gone for a while and I wanted my absence to have at reason. Just vanishing without anything stinks...)

Cannon 's beam hits nothing, and he promptly cuts it off as Benjamin and the rest vanish. He seems distinctly disappointed. "The targets have vanished from this place."

Cannon seems disappointed at the pointless loss of energy. He will have to go elsewhere to recharge it seems.

Cannon vanishes.

Flash_Guardian feels new life and vitality surge through him ... just as a powerful beam of energy rips through the sky very near him. "Shit!" He quickly adjusts his wings, diving off away from the blast and turning about to scan the ground below for the beam's point of origin ... quickly spotting the strange humanoid from before, at the stream bank ... and a burning bush. Flash was no longer in any mood for violence. He swoops down towards the flaming foliage quickly, pulling out of the dive and deftly landing on his feet some few feet away, not looking at any of the others. The wavering energy about his hands dissipates and transforms, now a subtle and faint sort of blue. Wordlessly he concentrates, and eventually a soft translucent ray of blue fades into being, striking the bush and radiating a chill to all it touches. Flash slowly traces the beam over the entire bush, slowly putting out the flames, leaving only frost-laden charred branches and leaves.

Nikki_Hyrol turns her head and watches as another one leaves. she just sighs quickly, and turns her head back around. she looks at the brush as it was egnited, then the flames were put out. she slightly raises an eyebrow. she then looks at Flash, and shrugs. she continues to walk on, lightly dragging her feet, and continues to crack her fingers one by one.

Flash_Guardian nods politely to the young neko woman, managing a polite yet tired smile. The icy ray fades away, and Flash's left hand droops to his side. He looks down at Blue's all too familiar hat, rather flashy and debonair with its feather and all. His gaze then turns to the heavens above where the calamity had taken place. He stands there, staring up into the distant skies for a while before at last turning away, quickly taking to the wing and flying away.