Campfire Stories

Jaia-Asumoto sits up, placing either hand at shoulder breadth apart before abasing herself as a samurai would bow in their seated position. She would sit up straight once more, her small face, calm and somehow pleased with the peace she had aquired so strangely. Her eyes always had a tinge of curiousity, but as she could see...it was no match for that which burned inside of Flash. Standing slowly, and straightening out her kimono, her left hand would grip the hilt of Ichijmond, as she would ask the question that perhaps would lead him to the releif of such pressing concerns, "Is there anything you wish of me, Flash-san? I must admit, I've nothing better to do, or better to go."

[Devaine_Hawk ] Devaine_Hawk looks at Flash for a long time , with out speaking . the boy scout is forgiving , maybe too much so he thinks . Standing where he is , he raises his voice , thank you , he tells Flash . Looking around , as he feels a powerful and some what familiar aura , he sees the jackal, and nods back . Then seeing Glyniss , he quickly looks away again, forgiveness her self ,she was there even , saw what I did, probably the only thing kept loX and or Kade from killing me he thinks

[Devaine_Hawk ] Devaine_Hawk steps back again, finding a shadow to lurk in , as he seems to do a lot these days . no place in the sun fro men like me he thinks . He pulls a smoke from a pocket and lights up , watching the woman as her hand went to the sword , his own would slip under his jacket and come to rest on something there, staying hidden for now . HE looks at Flash, and Glyniss , he can tell they look at him different these days and how can he blame them ? Know they know just what the man they call friend is capable of . Before recent events he hadn t known him self . Taking a long draw off the smoke , he remains silent and keeps one eye on the female , the other on the jackal from his place in the shadows. Blue white flashes of bioelectricity crossing his eyes non stop as he does so.

[Glyniss_McMasters ] chcnages her mind from what she was going to do....that of leaning against the closet tree instead after pausing just a few minutes to give Flash and Dev time ...she begins taking those limping steps forwards....sideglancing to Kalakr as he approaches a smile forming having long stoped whistling seeing as everyone seemed to know she was there....steathly she was not..." Howdy folk'" repost with all the damn mistakes

Glyniss_McMasters chuckles softly looking at Kalakr " Geez yer sur' loo' all preetie' up.....wha' yer abee' up ter?"

Flash_Guardian just looks around at each and every person in the clearing, then up at the crimson sky overhead. He sighs, shrugging, as he realizes that daylight will soon be running out on him. He had finished enough wooden frames for walls and such for one day. Perhaps it was time for construction to close. "Here's a thought," he says to everyone. "I may as well call it quits at this point. Why doesn't everyone gather there?" he suggests, pointing toward the place at the edge of the clearing where his bedroll and bag currently sit. "I'll go ahead and get a fire going ... and we can talk things over. All of us. Doesn't matter what is said, really," he informs them all casually. "But I have a feeling that we all have a lot to talk about."

Kalakr turns his head slowly to Glyniss, looking at her for a moment before responding to her comment. "I am "up" to nothing m'lady." he says respectfuly, understanding what she said, but how she said it was a little different than what he himself was used to due to her heavy southern accent.

[Glyniss_McMasters ] " Yer see' anymor' of tha' littl' girli'?" head turning as she hears Flash speak glancing over to the spot by his bedroll....a sideglance to the shadows where she saw Dev slip into " Com' on Dev....don' be bashfu'.."

Jaia-Asumoto nods breifly and looks at the others, a little uncomfortable about sharing her problems with so many she did not know. But she would nod politly, like a good girl of eighteen...rather than a former samurai warlord. She would move as directed, but only in Flash's wake as it was the only respectable thing to do in her, now uncomfortable situation.

Kalakr eyes narrow somewhat, his looked now coming to seem somewhat annoyed, but it quickly fades. "The girl that you refer to has been... unreachible." he says with no tone change in his deep shadowy voice whatsoever.

Devaine_Hawk moves toward the area Flash indicates , still in the shadows that grow every minute now , and still watching the unknown factors gathered here with them . Finding a seat on the far side from the others , too him self he takes his hand off the gun under his jacket and reaches for a pocket instead as he settles . Pulling out a canteen , he tips it back, the smell from it would tell the others it s not water. He pulls another smoke out and lights up after a long drink , before glancing across at Glyniss, but never speaking . Instead he lowers his head , lost in his own thoughts for the time .

Flash_Guardian nods, then, quickly moving over to a place near his gear to prepare someplace comfortable. He would move his bedroll out from under the trees into the clearing a ways. A few severed cylindrical sections of fallen tree logs are quickly rolled over to the place to be used as makeshift seats. He places his bag at the center of this arrangement, still in its enlarged state, with his dojo blueprints, foodstuffs, and a how-to book resting at the top of the bag's contents.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow at Kalakr.....his annoyance hadnt gone unoticed even if it was fleeting....shrugging her shoulders she just nodded " Sorr'..." as she begins limping over towards where the makeshift camp site was going to be...the clicking following her before she pauses a quick look about before limping over to a place to sit and lowers herself onto the surface....the loud click echoing somewhat as metal locks in place....a frown as brows knit seeing Dev's silent look

Flash_Guardian continues his preparations while everyone takes their seats. He moves off a short ways into the trees to gather some other bits and pieces of the trees that once stood in the clearing, assembling them into a small pile at the middle of the circle. At this point, he kneels beside the branches, resting upon folded legs to stare intently at the pile of wood, gathering his focus ... however, his focus is quickly broken once he remembers whose company he finds himself in, offering a nervous glance to Jaia, his expression that of one who seeks forgiveness for something he is about to do.

Devaine_Hawk keeps his head bowed , as he thinks the blue white sparks grow brighter still . The others would have no problem seeing them . His muscles tense under the heavy thoughts as well . talk, what can I say? he asks him self. there s no words that make what I did alright , nothing to take it back , He shifts on the log , drawing on the smoke , and drinking from the canteen again . they want to hear me say how sorry I am, but that s the scary part , I m not sure I am he tells him self .

Kalakr looks over to Devaine, the man silent, consumed by his own thoughts. He knew of them all to well, he takes a moment before he reaches out to him on a mental level, "Perhaps you are not." he speaks with a echo of a voice, like a sound would in a large marble hall.

Jaia-Asumoto followed carefully, each step taken with an exquisite amount of care, as she followed Dev and Flash over to where he had indicated previously. She kept her head low, making her appear more defenceless than her fragile body would have one believe. She would slowly sit, but this time she would cross her legs, her kimono covering her legs as far as its length would allow. She would look to Dev with a slight interest, as she could see his own battle through his body language. She too was facing a struggle, and like him...wasn't willing to speak, but she would if asked...despite the fact it would not be a warm feeling that followed the revelation. She looked up at Flash, and felt her jaw drop lightly, just enough for her lips to part in surprise... as his expression was one that asked for forgiveness. But it was asking in advance, rather than for a deed done in the past. She would feel her muscles tense as concern became evident in her eyes. She would wait for what ever was at hand.

Devaine_Hawk jerks his head up at the sound of words in his head . His eyes , solid black , streaked with the blue white flashes, and reflecting the flames of the fire now , find Kalakr . HE can hear others when they talk to him mentally, he s just not able to return the favor . stay out of my head he whispers to the being . His voice is still carrying the strained tense tone it has for some time now , not the even cool tone his friends are used to . Maybe Kalakr hit a little to close to home with what he d said to Dev , and that s the cause . Or maybe the guy is walking a tight rope with out a net these days.

Flash_Guardian lets out short and remorseful breath, Jaia's gaze not really one of approval. Perhaps that was what he had wanted, futile as his hopes may have been. He returns his gaze to the gathered branches, holding his hands out in front of him, palms flat and facing each other. As he concentrates, a deep brown glow would surround his fingers and palms, the light quickly spreading through the air as he gathers his magic. Fortunately, not much power is required for what he has in mind, as he quickly moves to plant his hands upon the ground, the brown energy spreading forth in a circle surrounding the firewood, suffusing the earth with its energy. As Flash concentrates, the earth seems to ripple and move of its own accord, taking on an almost fluid look as it sweeps away to the sides, the firewood slowly sinking into a small pit of ever-increasing depth, the grass being swept aside. After a short time, the pit is sufficient to contain the campfire.

[Flash_Guardian ] Another swift motion as Flash brings his hand back, the energy seeming to come much quicker now, fist over his shoulder now glowing a subtle red. The fist is flung forward as his fingers spread, flames shooting out of an open palm to strike the kindling and ignite it. Shortly after, the fire begins to burn brightly and cheerily ... and none too soon, as daylight seems to be fading fast. Flash at last rises, looking to those gathered. "Alright, here we are," he says, for lack of anything better, grinning sheepishly. "Help yourself to my food, though there isn't much there. The canteen has plenty of water, though, if you're thirsty." He now steps out of the circle to the sides, seating himself between Devaine and Jaia, his choice more diplomatic than anything, and glad to be out of the spotlight for the moment.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow as she watches Flash work mostly in silent...she was thinking about the odd misture of folks here and the emm...heavy feel in the air that not needing a rocket scientist to work out...

Devaine_Hawk scoots down the length of the log to give Flash more than enough room as he sits between him and the stranger . He seems to try and distance him self from the others as much as he can , a sub conscious attempt to keep from dirtying them with proximity to him . He holds up his own canteen , got all I need to drink right here , he whispers .

Flash_Guardian sits there cross-legged, glancing from person to person, waiting for someone else to take the floor. His gaze remains on Kalakr for a short time, seemingly perplexed by something. He knows that Glyniss and himself will be able to show due respect for the other's situations ... namely Jaia and Devaine's ... but he isn't so sure about Kalakr, not knowing what sort he is just yet. He silently hopes that Kalakr won't say anything that may inspire further negative feelings amongst the others.

Jaia-Asumoto for a moment she would watch him, still curious as to why he had looked at her like that, her eyes did not avert for a moment. Even as he began to put his magic to work, she would not look away...although if anyone was watching her, they could see her weaken substantially. A small noise resounded at the back of her throat as if a knife had carved into her abdomen. Although she despised magic, she now had a reason for the pure loathing she felt for it. Once it had been a mild dislike...but the flames created by magic had burnt her village and many of her friends and their families alive in their homes. Just as this campfire was. She would regain her complacent vigil, but would find no comfort in the warmth of the fire. She would listen, but not really hear. For a moment, she returned to a dazed condition, before awakening to herself...and her tranquil presence, as makeshift as it was steadily. So strange...memories, thoughts and the like had never bothered her until she had experienced tragedy. Now she --

Flash_Guardian nods to Devaine ... a sad smile on his face, though he seems to understand and does not question.

Jaia-Asumoto -- could safely assume that she had the wisdom and the experience to avoid these things. Taking a deep breath, she would finally accept peace, as relaxation forced her limbs to succumb. She was in a place where safety was seemingly complete. She would look at the others, but only with quick, shy glances...and then would look back into the fire, somehow finding solace in the flames, as she had in the gypsy camp, not a day before the fall of Asumoto. She would not think bitterly of the flame, and would forget its origin. It still did its job, and for once she could be grateful for it.

Glyniss_McMasters sideglances to Dev watching him move....and the rise of the canteen...even from here she could smell what it was...a soft sigh excaping barely parted lips....as she tries relaxing a little more. Eyes resting on the newer member of the group as least as far as she was concerned taking in the woman's appearance now she was that much closer..this was kinda an odd bunch of folks

Kalakr is not hurt by the comment made by Devaine, he simply does as he suggests and blocks his thoughts from his own mind. He

Flash_Guardian tenses visibly, looking to Jaia in concern as she makes a rather pained sort of sound. His posture quickly wilts, head hanging in shame ... he already knew how she disliked magic, assuming her reaction to his spells was due to that fact and nothing more. A steadying breath, however, is taken in the midst of the silence, Flash quickly straightening and trying to hold to his emotionally neutral posture. Wouldn't help things much if everybody gets gloomy too quickly. In fact, he chuckles ... a mirthful noise at last breaking the awkward silence. "Alright ... fine," he says aloud. "I'll go first."

[Kalakr ] continues to observe, being silent as he does so , speeking only when spoken too.

Devaine_Hawk watches the other woman as she relaxes . Wishing he could him self . He can sense the loss and sadness in her aura . HE closes his eyes for the briefest of moments to try and find some thing to say, any thing . He can t , and takes another drink , then looks back up I meant if you have some thing to say do it out loud , he addresses Kalakr , that s what this is all about , getting things out in the open, no more secrets .

Flash_Guardian nods, taking the floor for himself. "As you've probably noticed just by coming here," he begins with some measure of cheer and pride, "there's been a bit of construction going on here on this island. Those of you who've had the pleasure of my company before have probably heard of my plans to construct a dojo. Well," he says, looking around at the now dim surroundings, "I have found just the place. Here. This island." Flash simply leaves it at that, giving an opening for the inevitable questions that will probably follow.

Kaden obviously having just have found the island saunters up from the distance taking a drag from his cigarette. His eyes scan the area simply taking note of whats going on. He takes one last puff and tosses his finished cigarette to the sand (assuming they're on a beach of sorts)

Devaine_Hawk watches Flash as he speaks , falling silent him self . HE won t do any thing to bring attention or the discussion around to him , but he asks one quick question , for appearance sake . what will it be for, what will you do here ? he ask . Ok two questions .

Jaia-Asumoto would sense the assumption made by Flash only by the way his body seemed to sag with a shame that she knew, should not be there. She turned to face him, although she sat in the same position still, opening her mouth to explain, before his words silenced her before she could attempt to try. But somehow, his words were comforting as he explained the purpose of the site on such a remote island. So far from civilisation...it had been intriguing to find out why he had chosen here. She would smile gently, before Dev's words sparked her immediate interest. She would look up at him, but would say nothing...the jackal being, having something to do with this, she knew...but once again would say nothing. She was not good in situations like this. Even in the past, she would converse about the guild, how to run it...and how to fight. And of course, honour had been one of her favourite topics. But that had changed...She had lost all of that. Sitting back, she would nod slowly, allowing Dev to ask his questions...--

Kaden smirks a bit and decides to try to answer Hawks question simply to show he'd found his way here. He smirks "...well, its a dojo... so most likely some kind of martial arts... " evidentally he caught Flash's description of what was going on only moments ago

Jaia-Asumoto -- but remain silent. She would speak when spoken too...that was all she could say to herself. But even then, she could not keep true to this simple ideal, "Will you live here?"

Flash_Guardian turns to Devaine to answer his questions promptly. "Well, at its most basic it will be what any dojo is for ... learning to fight and to defend one's self." Flash waves a hand at his answer, knowing it was not the whole truth. "But of course, it will also be a place to pause and reflect ... to get away from the troubles of life. To seek enlightenment. To learn respect, and gain honor." He laughs, suddenly. "In short, it will be a place of aid to any who seek it. I'll see to that myself, if I have to." He now realizes that someone else had spoken, shooting the stranger in their midst a sudden and suspicious glance. At Jaia's question, he brings his focus back to the group to answer her question. "I do plan on living here, yes. I hope to call this place home once it's constructed."

Devaine_Hawk had sensed the new comer s aura moments ago. He d been tracking him with his mind s eye as he came up to the clearing . He stands slowly , brushing sand and leaves off his pant legs , then sits his canteen down . Looking the bigger man right in the eyes , his own sparking with blue white flashes of bioelectricity as he stares at him .

Kaden keeps the smirk, now being looked in the eye. He doesn't break the lock and notices the sparking in his eye "nice trick... you're eyes spark for every guy you meet?" he chuckles a bit. He holds his hand out a bit still holding gaze "hi.... i'm kaden" his voice confident but not really threatening

Kaden notes his voice is also a bit rhaspy

Flash_Guardian sighs to the newcomer, who seems friendly enough. Perhaps he meant no harm ... indeed he'd have to be crazy to attack such an assemblage of formidable figures, so perhaps his presence was acceptable. "Greetings, Kaden," Flash says, offering a quick head nod. "I must inform you, you've come upon our little group at a rather inopportune time. We were likely to discuss matters of a rather ... personal nature." Flash lets his awkwardness show, a concerned glance given to Jaia and Devaine before looking back to Kaden.

Glyniss_McMasters stiffens a little pushing herself out of the lazy position she had been in....now watching this newcomer and Dev intently....hoping there isnt going to be trouble...head tilted a little as she notes Dev's eyes...at least now she knew what they meant

Devaine_Hawk stands more than arms length away from Aden , not offering to return the greeting , or shake hands . His whole body goes tense , as he seems to be fighting some inner battle . It s all he can do to hold him self back this is Flash s place I will not bring trouble, at least not more here he tells him self .

Jaia-Asumoto smiles softly, her attention directed to Flash, as she would let her thoughts linger on what he had just said, replaying the words over in her mind. She would look back toward the fire, and through the flames she would see her own home. The cherry blossoms...blooming as they did, all year round. Green grass in the hills for as far as the eye could see. Just like Japan. Her smile would fade, as she would watch the houses burning in her memory. With the temple gate's shut...the temple itself could not be harmed. But it was abandoned when all the villagers were murdered. Sighing, she would reach out to touch the flames, still seeing the image of her own house and the vast temple itself in the tongues of fire. She would reach out to touch it, somehow lost in the hallucination. She would say one word, almost in a deep sigh of total bliss, "...home" Until her fingers began to feel the heat of the fire, she would not stop reaching...Quickly she withdrew her hand, the image fading. She would look up at the --

Jaia-Asumoto -- at the newcomer and bow her head once, before looking down at her lap...somehow confused at how she had lost focus. Reality finally sank in. No home...home was gone. She would peer quickly at the others to make sure no one had noticed, or thought anything strange about what had just happened. Attention drawn to the stranger, it might appear she was lucky in that hope.

Flash_Guardian can read Devaine's tension easily from where he sits, frowning now to the stranger. "Perhaps it would be best if you left us to our privacy, sir," he politely suggests, though there is a firmness to his voice that seems to indicate that 'no' will probably not be an acceptable response to his urging.

Kaden 's eyes trail from Dev's eyes slowly to his unshaken hand. He shrugs and drops his hand then looks to Flash and says "How you doin?" he glances around to the others at the fire a moment then says in response to Flash's comments "well then, by all mean.... I'll be no.." he smirks "threat" he glances to Devine at the word then back to Flash and the others "...to your personal life and you're conversations.... i'll find my way off.." he nods to the woods behind him where he came from

Flash_Guardian glances back to Jaia, concern rising as she has her strange sort of reverie with the campfire. Home, she had said. A clue. Some insight, at least. He would silently note that for later.

Flash_Guardian nods and mutters quiet thanks to the stranger as he departs.

Devaine_Hawk lets a slow grin playa cross his face a the word directed at him , and then he finally speaks in a low old tone , constantly sparking eyes following the man as he moves away. trust me your not at all he whispers . HE sits again and lights another smoke , chain smoking he is . Reaching for his canteen again he takes a deep drink and would seem to disregard Kadar as he leaves . But looks can be deceiving , auras stand out in the dark even when other senses fail , he ll know if the man is realy gone .

Kaden nods simply in respect back to Flash, turns and says to Dev a slight bit sarcastically ".... i'm sure i'm not blue eyes..." he simply digs for another cigarette flips open his lighter and lights as he walks off

Flash_Guardian looks back to the group once more, trying to redirect their attention back to the earlier conversation. "I must admit, the construction of the dojo has gone very smoothy and swiftly, thanks to a rather powerful entity named Cannon," Flash says, unafraid to use his name with much gratitude. "Also, Glyniss here," he says, nodding to the woman seated across the fire from him, "has been helping out. The foundation has been laid ... or formed, rather." An odd sort of look is given at that, one that Flash quickly shakes away. "We're ready to start building up the walls now."

Devaine_Hawk looks up from his canteen he s gone now he tells the others and falls silent again He feels bad for his behavior in a way, causing a scene here and all , in another it felt like it was the most natural thing in the world to stare the to the man down, almost like he wanted the stranger to make a move .

Kalabar lands and remembers seeing a small fire from the air he heads toward the center of the island.

Devaine_Hawk looks over at Flash wish I could have helped some how before trailing off again.

Glyniss_McMasters tilts her head a little studying Dev before speaking...." Yer drinkin' tha' fer a reaso'....?"reaching over as she takes the canteen from Dev....lifting it to her lips sniffing it a little

Kalabar sees a light and stops behing some bushes although they can hardly hide his over-sized body. Hep acts as if he is hidden and just stands there watching everyone by the fire.

Flash_Guardian glances around. Jaia seems to have withdrawn herself at some point, as has Kalakr. Odd ... but he doesn't question. Their motives would be their own. Instead, he simply glances back to Devaine. Perhaps now was a good opportunity for Devaine to speak his mind. As Glyniss makes for the canteen, his ears perk up ... he things he's heard something ... 'Not more interruptions,' he thinks, sighing impatiently.

Devaine_Hawk watches as she takes his drink away , it helps it just helps he whispers .

Kalabar goes to sit down, but one of his back paws snap a twig and he freezes.

Flash_Guardian nods to Devaine, smiling. "The dojo isn't finished yet," he informs him with hope. "There's still time." An offer extended, and nothing more. Indeed he thinks he hears something in the bushes nearby ... something large ... though in the darkness it is nearly impossible to see. A twig snaps, and all goes quiet. Between this and the other gentleman, Flash is now quite on edge, though still he tries to keep the focus on the discussion at hand.

Devaine_Hawk glances over to the brush , seeing a very large aura there in the dark . HE focuses and the animal takes shape in his mind s eye , even if he s not sure what it is now hat he sees it .

Flash_Guardian calls to the man seated next to him, scooting over a bit to face him better now that the other two seem to have gone. "Devaine," he verbally prods. "Why don't you take this opportunity to tell me what's been happening?" The look in Flash's eyes show he knows some degree of the events that have occurred, but by no means the whole story.

Kalabar knowing that he has been seen he unfolds his wings and walks into the light revealing a Griffion/dragon like creature standing 7 feet tall at the top of his head. His wings have a span of 35 feet. He does not say anything just comes into the light and stops, staring.

Devaine_Hawk nods to Flash if I can we re realy dancing all around the real topic ain t we ? he ask . He looks at Flash now that he focuses he can see something different about the man s aura . looks like I m not the only one with a tale to tale he says in a knowing tone .

Glyniss_McMasters frowns the action of the others more then actually hearing whats in the bushes...head turning slowly to focus in the direction herself.....her jaw dropping as she sees what steps out of the shadows.....this couldnt be what Dev was going on about lurking in the shadows...a nod to the creature her fingers kinda tightening on the canteen she held

Kalabar tilts his head as he sees the woman look at him. He then sits as he had first planned. Still not saying a word he just sat and looked from one person to the other.

Flash_Guardian does not turn to face the large draconic griffin, though his eyes dart sideways to give it a backward glance. Surprisingly, he doesn't seem too terribly shocked by the creature's visage. "We're being watched," he says in a hushed tone, making no other moves. At Devaine's comments, his voice returns to its normal volume, looking honestly perplexed. "Wha ... my aura? I haven't cha-" Flash stops himself short as he realizes to what Devaine is now referring, face dropping into an abashed look. "Oh yeah ... that."

Tulk'Rah is, simply put, bored out of his mind. And a little hungry. So, he starts to fish. It's then that he comes across a much shallower bit of land in the water. Curiosity getting the better of him, he slips further into the water, following the 'bridge'.

Devaine_Hawk stops as the creature steps in clear view , hand going under his jacket again . The sparks in his eyes never stop now , they re a constant thing these days . Flash, tell me it wasn t over what happened with me ? he ask . He watches the creature out of the corner of his eyes , hand staying where it is .

Kalabar hearing one of them men drop their tone of voice, he decides to get up and he moves even closer this time laying down by an empty side of the fire.

Kalabar watches the three people as a hawk would watch its prey, going from one to another and the other. Eyes fixing on the one with his hand in his jacket and tilting his head.

Flash_Guardian looks at Devaine, tight-lipped. And then the creature moves even closer ... and sits near the fire, his presence now completely unavoidable. At this point, Flash seems to be slightly annoyed, though he does his best to remain diplomatic as he addresses the creature that seems to have no sense of privacy. "Can I help you?" he asks, assuming of course that such a creature was intelligent and capable of speech.

Kalabar looks over toward the one who spoke and answers, "No, I don't believe you can.", Yet his mouth never opened and his words only heard by the one who spoke to him. He returns his gaze to the man with his hand hidden.

Devaine_Hawk locks his own onyx orbs on the beast now that it seems to be interested on him alone for the time . Between the blue white sparks of bioelectricity , and the reflection of the flames from the fire they would look like a lightning storm over a forest fire . Flash s silence tells him all he needs to know . It was over that , at least in part ,an that makes him grieve inside for causing his friend to loose something he can never pay him back. He has to wonder if maybe Flash and the others wouldn t be better off if he disappeared . He could do it , he s good at that sort of thing , having done it more than once in the past , just fade away , there one day and out of their lives in the next.

Kalabar moving his gaze back to the woman he studies her.

Flash_Guardian blinks as he feels a tapping at his mind ... his mental defenses begin to rise to repel the intruding thoughts, though Flash stills them and lets it through with care, his mental efforts showing clearly on his face. Ignoring that for the time being, he sighs deeply, at last finding words for Devaine ... a slight redirection from the truth, perhaps. "No, Dev. It wasn't because of you. Chen and I hardly ever got along to begin with," he explains somberly. "I think it was only a matter of time before we had a ... well, a falling out, for lack of a better way to decribe it." Flash simply shrugs, having already come to grips with his newfound mortality ... and freedom. At last he turns to look at the creature, with a stern gaze. In a low voice, he speaks to the creature. "If you have anything to say, I suggest you say it aloud if you're able ... you'll have less trouble from us that way."

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow glancing around at the others....brows knitting slightly seeing and knowing how edgy Dev was and Flash somewhat impatincet to have words with him....pushing herself up now extending the canteen to the creature as she limps forward the loud click easily heard as she moves...and then the following soft clicks....a smile upon her lips as she drives closer to the creature..." Woul' yer lik' somethin' ter drin'....ain' muc'..bu' it migh' hel'"

Tulk'Rah continues to follow the bridge, and soon reaches the island. When he does, he stops to look around, sniffing the air lightly. Humans. And... other things. Curiosity got him this far, so he continues to let it lead him. Heading further inland, he becomes close enough to start to overhear some voices. Even better. So, he heads towards the voices.

Kalabar tilts his and speaks to her in the same manor as he did the man, "No thank you."

Kalabar jerks his head up and looks toward the direction of the bridge. He stands slowly as not to give them the wrong idea and moves to face the woods there. He stays standing, wings now unfolded, sniffing the air.

Flash_Guardian continues, his last words to the creature for Devaine's benefit. Flash was well aware of Dev's opinion of uninvited telepathy. He puts a hand on Glyniss's extended hand, pushing the canteen away from the creature. "Don't encourage it, Glyniss," he says, chuckling slightly. And then, he addresses Devaine once more, finishing his explanation. "I guess LoX was really the one to blame for what happened to me," he explains. "He explained my situation pretty well ... said that Chen had no real power here yet, and perhaps I could find something better for myself. Chen must have sensed my doubt and outrage ... and that was that." Flash smirks sadly, recalling what had transpired.

Kalabar moves to the left and heads into the woods. He walks back out to the beach and starts back inland following the new smell he picked up.

Devaine_Hawk follows the beast s gaze as it drifts to Glyniss , almost in challenge . He knows the pistols under his jacket wouldn t slow it down ,, but he thinks about how getting it to attack him might be another way out . It should be over quick , the thing could bite him in half with one chomp of those jaws . He can t believe his eyes as Glyniss offers the contents of his canteen to it, was she trying to get it drunk ? He turns back to Flash, and it finally happened over him stopping you from saving me that day at the pub ? he ask. He can t read minds , but he is a detective , and border line empathic, throw in body language and he s pretty good at connecting the dots .

[Tulk'Rah ] He pauses when he picks up a mixed scent- neither one good, as far as interspecies relationships go. Growling under his breath, he lifts his axe to shoulder height, drops into a combat crouch, and then starts to follow the mixed scent. Collision course.

Kalabar closes in on the smell. As he gets close he crouches down and folds his wings in tight against his body.

Glyniss_McMasters frowns she only had her mind talked to once before and that wasnt a pleasant experince....surprised as Flash knocks her hand away with ..stepping back well limping one step back...but what she had wanted had happened....head following as the creature stumps off towards the beach once more...a frown as she sits down

Flash_Guardian looks back at Devaine. "It wasn't just that, Devaine," he argues, trying to get Devaine to understand. Dev already had a full helping of guilt on his plate, and Flash didn't want him to have a second helping when he didn't need it. "What happened outside the pub that day was the straw that broke the camel's back, Devaine," he explains. "Chen's given me plenty of reason, on countless past occasions, to disagree with who he is and what he represents." Flash thinks for a moment, trying to find a particular example.

Tulk'Rah stops and straighten as soon as he sees the half breed. And a moment later, he lautghs. That's amusing. Griffons are creatures to be respected, as are dragons. But half breeds are mutts. And this is the most unique mutt he's ever seen.

Devaine_Hawk holds his hand out to Glyniss for his canteen back , letting Flash talk , the more he does , the less Dev will have to . And he knows he will sooner or later . Even if it s not his fault he can t help but wish there d been some other reason , not him that was that straw . He feels by his actions lately he might have made Flash s sacrifice in vain .

Kalabar crouches as close to the ground as he can get and waits.

Flash_Guardian at last recalls something. "I can remember a far away time ... a kingdom that doesn't even exist anymore," he states, the picture repainting itself in his mind. "It was a kingdom on the verge of a golden age ... and then Chen had me step in." His look darkens, glaring into the fire. "You see, the King had no heir. The next in line would have been the King's cousin, a decent enough ruler in his own right, but probably unfit for a Monarchy. There was, however, a bastard child of the King who had grown up on the streets. Chen's orders for me were to find this kid and bring him to the throne." Flash seems fairly calm as he relates his story, not having come to the point just yet quite obviously.

Tulk'Rah laughs for a few more moments, shaking his head, muttering about mutts and mongrels. And then he turns away, starting to follow the human scents again. One of them might make good food, after all.

Kalabar slowly follows this strange creature.

Glyniss_McMasters glances down at the canteen....lifting it to her own lips before tilting it as her head goes back....taking a loooong deep swallow from its contents....a hand coming up to wipe the the metal mouthpiece.....before frowning slightly handing it back...listening to Flash now

Devaine_Hawk picks up on a new aura , coming their way . HE sees the dark strands of hate and loathing in it , the red of anger . we got another visitor he tells the others as he snaps out of the trance he was semi in while listing to Flash . He takes the canteen and drains what s left , before lighting another smoke .

Flash_Guardian continues his story, an angry look coming over his face. "The kid was a nightmare! No manners, no taste ... no sense of judgement or rightness in him at all." Flash scowls, remembering the little brat. "I couldn't believe that Chen's plan involved such a punk kid becoming King! But of course, I followed his orders without question, and did as I was told, thinking that maybe things would turn out alright in the end." Any sense of lightness in his voice quickly falls away, leaving a flat and somber expression. "They didn't. It was a nightmare. Sure enough, the kid started throwing his weight around where it didn't need to be. He started a war with a neighboring kingdom that had been an ally for centuries before. The kingdom fell to its knees at the hands of the neighboring empire, who didn't look kindly on betrayal. After all was said and done, the boy was killed and a puppet king was on the throne with the king next door holding the strings." Flash stops the story there, shaking his head.

Kalabar continues to follow this creature.

Tulk'Rah soon comes within visual range of the three humans, and stops to sniff the air again. And then he smiles. Humans. Some of the best meals an orc can have. So, as he gets closer, the 'predator stalking prey' look becomes less inconspicuous.

Kalabar stands up and unfolds his wings. Preparing to strike with all his power and speed if its called for.

Flash_Guardian hears more movement in the background, becoming rather tired of his paranoid thoughts. But Jaia was gone now, leaving Flash with a solution. He closes his eyes, holding his palms out in front of him and concentrating. Small yellow shards of light seem to come out of thin air, gathering in a small pocket of energy suspended between Flash's two hands. A flicker and a flare sparks forth as Flash moves his hands apart, the energy moving out and quickly surrounding Flash, Glyniss, Devaine, and the campfire, forming a translucent sort of yellow barrier in a sphere not some twenty-five feet in width. That done, Flash nods, his barrier in place. Impenetrable? No. Difficult to breach? Very.

Devaine_Hawk locks on the aura of the orc with his mind s eye, seeing it as clear as day in the brush . Reaching under his jacket with both hands he pulls the twin set of Desert Eagle 357 s an aims them right at the orc , flipping the laser sights on . close enough he tells it in a cold flat tone .

Kalabar roars as the yellow light comes into view. He takes two steps toward the Orc and Roars again.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow as Flash finishes his tale....sideglancing to Dev as he declares about more visitors wondering if Flash meant the site to become as popular as this....head turning as she scans the area...a little surprised at the sudden appearance of the orc...darting up a little unsteadly...

[Tulk'Rah ] Between the man with what are obviously weapons, and the magic barrier, he can't help to come to a stop, thoughtfully, if nothing else. The first thing he does, ignoring Devaine, is reaches out and taps the yellow barrier. The second thing he does is turns to look at Kalabar, growling something in Orcish, then in Common. "Silent, beast! Is magic! Magic does odd thing."

Kalabar roars again and takes another step toward him. This time he crouches in a movement to get ready to pounce on the Orc.

Flash_Guardian rolls his eyes and shakes his head at Devaine. "Don't worry about it," he says, nodding to the translucent yellow barrier of light separating Devaine from his target, hearing the creature from earlier roar. Flash doesn't seem worried now. "Anyway, that little story is just one of many such incidences where Chen has ... gone against my own morals." He listens to the two on the other side of the magical wall of force. As the tall orc touches the barrier, he finds it to be completely solid and unyielding, though his senses tell him nothing save revealing its solidity.

Devaine_Hawk holsters the guns again , knowing he can t fire through Flash s shield and reaches for a pocket with his right hand . Pulling the hand back out the Orc would see if not recognize brass knuckles wrapped on it now .

Tulk'Rah still has that axe raised. A fight between these two could probably shake the very foundations of the island they stand on. He doesn't really want to fight the griffon creature. He's more interested in the humans, and the magic they cast. "Don't make Tulk bash head in! Magic is concern, not beast."

Kalabar speaking without his mouth opening to where only Tulk can hear..."When you mess with my meal I become your concern."

Flash_Guardian nods to Devaine, confident that he's presented his case quite well. "So you see? Not your fault. Besides," he continues, smiling a little, "I think I'm actually a little better off without Chen bossing me around." He seems to ignore the other two in the background, save a slight chuckle at the orc's rather comical speech. He does seem concerned, however, that a fight may yet break out outside the barrier, a thought that did not please Flash in the slightest. For now, he looks back at Devaine inquisitively. "Your turn," is all he says, head tilted to the side in perhaps a manner that seemed too comical for such a topic.

Glyniss_McMasters kinda wobbles a little bit as she watches the two creatures outside the shield......head swinging slowly to the others as she half listens

Tulk'Rah can't hear Kalabar's 'words', of course, because his armor protects him from direct supernatural abilities. Including telepathy. So, after a moment of looking at Kalabar, he shrugs. "Beast mute as is ugly."-- Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. And then he taps the barrier again with his axe.

Kalabar says to the Orc, "Now leave me and my food alone." But forgets to block Devaine out resulting in him recieveing the message also.

Kalabar Roars and takes another crouched step toward the Orc.

Devaine_Hawk looks back to Flash . Deciding to cut right to the chase , he lowers his gaze any way, as he speaks . Javier works for the government , he took me back . They did more of the same to me , only worse , torture ands experiments . I think they wanted to send me back on missions again , something about the south pole He pauses to watch the creatures . When Glyniss and Blue showed up , along with Robert Dark Lord , I escaped with their help he looks over to Glyniss wondering how much she d already told Flash.

Flash_Guardian simply sighs, looking over to the orc as he taps the energy barrier with his axe, then back to the loudlky roaring griffin. Too bad he possessed no magic to shield them from outside noise as well. "Would you kindly take your dispute elsewhere?" he asks in a diplomatic tone. "Not to be rude, but ... my friends and I are trying to have a conversation here." In spite of his formal words, there is a slight tone of impatience to Flash's words.

Flash_Guardian quickly turns back to face Devaine, not wanting to be rude now that Devaine was so kind to tell his side of the story. "Sorry ... go on." Flash listens intently.

Devaine_Hawk looks at Flash for a long minute , then looks away again, preferring the sight of the creatures than to face his friend for the next part . your not going to like this part , Flash he whispers .

Glyniss_McMasters plops back down on the rock she had been sitting on...only glancing over to the fighting pair..a brow rised a little before she looks away a soft sigh as she looks at the ground...

Tulk'Rah is starting to get annoyed. His potential food is telling him to deal with a big, dumb, angry beast that he wants nothing to do with, elsewhere. Which brings his attention to said beast. "Roar, roar. Too dumb to speak?! Trying to figure out magic! Help or go away. No fight here."

Kalabar takes another step now only a few feet away he roars, his breath sending a small breeze over the Orc.

Flash_Guardian decides to step in more directly at this point, calmly stating what he has already heard. "I know what you did with Javier's wife and kids," Flash states plainly, downplaying things a bit.

Tulk'Rah brandishes his axe in what's supposed to be a threatening manner. "Will split skull, beast! Make big mess of brains! Make some sense or go away!"

Devaine_Hawk just stares at Flash . well then , it was just like they told you, he states . no sugar coating it to make it better, let alone right, he pauses . I kidnapped hem in the middle of the night at gun point , tied them up , and held a gun to the mothers head , right in front of the kids .. he pauses and his voice drops lower. I came this close , he whispers holding his fingers up so close Flash wouldn t see space between them .

Flash_Guardian seems to take Devaine's words fairly well, especially his acknowledgement of the wrongness of his actions ... right up until the end, where Flash can't help but wince, turning his head away as he at last reveals his feelings on the matter to his friend through his hurt expression.

Devaine_Hawk turns away from Flash and Glyniss , putting his back to them and the loud creatures on the other side of the barrier . The low cold tone he had spoke in turns to a tense chilling chuckle , and there it is , and I m supposed to be one of the good guys

Glyniss_McMasters frowns now.....deeply...glaring at both Dev's turned back and Flash's reaction....damn it she had been there...hand reaching as she swoops off her stetson fingers gripping it's brim tightly as she slaps it across Dev's back....and reaching stretching as she slaps it across Flash's chest..

Tulk'Rah watches the idiot leave, then turns to face the humans again. From there, looking like a kid trapped outside a candy store, he leans close, pressing his hands and face against the barrier, and peers in at the humans. If one of them were to glance at him, it might be a rather interesting, or even more accurately, disconcerting display.

Devaine_Hawk feels the hat against his back , turning to see the orc press against the barrier , he flips it the middle finger , even if it doesn t know what it means , then turns to Glyniss it s alright Glyniss he just faces the truth like you need to start doing he tells her , then glances over to Flash.

Flash_Guardian doesn't open his eyes, his body rising slightly as he inhales slowly, breathing out in a single calming breath to steady himself. It still isn't clear to what extent Flash is opposed to what had happened, but he is clearly opposed. And then he is slapped across the chest, jerking his eyes open and looking back to Glyniss, giving her one of those it-wasn't-what-you-think sort of looks before looking back over to Devaine, his manner calm, though the pain is still there. "I'm not going to ask why you did it," he says. "I would think, given the situation, that much would be clear. I just want to know one thing," Flash says, leaning forward slightly. "If it had come down to it ... would you have killed them?"

Devaine_Hawk faces Flash , looking him in the eyes , and gives him the only answer he can right now . I don t know

[Glyniss_McMasters ] "Huh" she slaps the stetson back hard on her head...." Yer thin' I don' ase' ter trut'....wha' yer thin' I wa' adoin' ther' goin' aroun' wit' ter eye's close'?" eyes glaring back at Flash before swinging her head around to look at the creature at the barrier having not seen one of its kind before....." Friggin' critte' yer thin' everyon' els' ha' ter brain' in ter boot'"

Devaine_Hawk looks to Glyniss . no you don t look at the truth he tells her , before he walks farther away, but still inside the barrier . I don t know why you don t but you aren t doing it

Tulk'Rah studies the barrer for some time, using every ounce of his limited intellect to try to come up with a plan. Obviously, he can't go through it or over it. So, the next thing he does is digs at the base with his axe, curious to see if he can worm under it.

Flash_Guardian remains seated, eyes on Devaine, his voice still calm as he ponders things for a moment. At length, he looks away, seeming rather disappointed more than anything else. "Look," he starts. "I don't have any authority to judge you, Dev, and that wasn't the purpose of this conversation anyway. You're my friend , Devaine," Flash says, his words rigid yet comforting. "I'm not angry. I'm just ... confused. And concerned." Flash shrugs, shaking his head and glancing back in Devaine's direction. "You've changed lately. That much is plain to see. I guess I'm just ... trying to get a better idea of what you are becoming." A thoughtful look crosses his face. "And something tells me that maybe you are, too."

[Flash_Guardian ] As the earth moves away from the barrier, it reveals ... yet more barrier. Flash is thorough, apparently ... or perhaps the spell is simply designed that way to begin with.

[Flash_Guardian ] ((In other words, the field of force appears to be a contiguous, unbroken spherical surface the extends even beneath the ground.))

Glyniss_McMasters swings her head back to Dev....watching him walk away....." Yea'.....wha' yer wa' me ter do...stan' her' an' sa' I hat' yer gut' yer nothin' bu' shi' on ter boot'..tha' yer ain' wort' jac'..." pushing herself up now ..wobbling a little....a booted toe stabbing into the ground in frustration...hands suddenly slammed into pockets...." Wel' ferge' cos ifna I hav' ter sa' tha' ter prov' I aseein' yer righ' ten yer dumbe' ten me....I' yer frien' an' don' giv' a fig' vfar' in hel' wha' yer don'.." turning now muttering she limps off leg swinging slightly out before slamming onto the ground a little unsteady but who cares....

Tulk'Rah digs for about two feet before stopping and straightening, realizing that the barrier probably extends downward quite some distance. While part of him wonders if it's really worth the trouble, the rest of him has trouble walking away from a challenge. There's nothing an Orc hates more than being told he can't walk somewhere.

Devaine_Hawk looks between Flash and Glyniss , No, I think the answer to that has been made clearer than ever, and it was right under our noses all along , even if we didn t want to see it he aims the last part of that at Gayness in particular . I am what I am , what they made me to be , a weapon he states in that same cold tone he seems to use more and more . all that ever changes is who s hands I m in , my own or some one else s ,and who I m pointed at he slumps at the end and turns away again.

Tulk'Rah stares for another moment or two, then shakes his head and shrugs, as if showing defeat. Then he turns around, one hundred and eighty degrees, and starts to walk, as if leaving.

Devaine_Hawk continues with his back to them , Kade said I need help. LoX said I was garbage , and should put my own gun to my head and do the world a favor . he tells them. Reaching to a boot he pulls out his back up gun , a 38. Special revolver from a ankle holster and releases the cylinder , letting five of the six shells fall from his hand , then placing the lone shellback in and snapping the cylinder back in place .

Devaine_Hawk stares back at the gun , spinning the cylinder now , maybe they re both right he whispers .

Flash_Guardian shrugs, putting forth his argument. "Okay. So say you are just a weapon. What is a weapon, really, other than a tool? Tools can have many purposes, Dev ... constructive or destructive, that depends on the situation. Like you said, the wielder and the target." Flash gestures around him at the now darkened foundation and clearing around him. "I don't suppose you know of a man by the name of Cannon?" Flash grins. "Well not more than a week ago, this was all forest. Cannon came here and not only cleared the area of trees ... he cut the timber up into those piles you saw stacked neatly at the sides. He even laid the foundation with cooled magma by causing small scale, controlled eruptions. And yet, his name is Cannon." Flash nods, hoping he's made his point. "He's a weapon, Devaine. But he has the power to create. Just like you do."

Flash_Guardian just stares at the gun, shaking his head morbidly, eyes wide with worry. "That's not the answer, Dev. And you know it. Use that gun on yourself, and you'll never manage to prove LoX wrong."

Tulk'Rah makes it about ten feet before turning and charging back... only to find the barrier still in place. Then again, a chimp wouldn't have fallen for that ruse.

Flash_Guardian spares a sidelong glance to the orc and his antics, raising a brow before turning to look back at Devaine, hoping the situation will get better before it gets worse.

Devaine_Hawk tries to place the barrel to his head , but some thing stops him , they would see his arm shake with effort , before he tosses the revolver away. you know the programming stops me ? he ask . I would do it but Gemini won t let me he continues . Turning to face them again . He s not wrong , Flash he nailed what you all won t except . Maybe I should look him up, nothing to stop him from doing it

Flash_Guardian seems rather relieved, actually ... though still bears no less concern for his friend. At Devaine's words, he can't help but turn and look at the barrier surrounding them at the moment, then back to Devaine. "Oh really?" He chuckles to himself light-heartedly, a smile breaking out over his face.

Devaine_Hawk starts that chilling laugh again , and shrugs his shoulders . well I can t forget , can t get drunk, and Gemini won t let me kill my self , so he might be the answer , he seemed willing when I saw him last he looks around , noticing how silent Glyniss has been sense her little out burst , or Kade

Glyniss_McMasters head down as she leeps muttering....she was heading towards the beach and if the barriers there then she'd walk right into the damn thing her mind cloudy and not thinking

Flash_Guardian spots Glyniss as she stands and makes to leave. Flash realizes he should drop the barrier for her, but he doesn't want to ... and Glyniss slams into the barrier, causing Flash to wince. Without another thought, he waves his hand back and forth, the energy binding the field of force quickly dissipating, causing the barrier to fade. "Sorry," he mutters quietly, looking away.

Flash_Guardian just shakes his head, looking down as he speaks to Devaine once more. "I guess if that's the way you want it, I can't stop you," Flash says, then chuckles morbidly. "After all, killing yourself is one of the easiest things in the world to do. There's gotta be ... I don't know, a million different ways to go about it, all of them equally effective in the end." Flash shrugs. "Funny ... I always figured you were the type that liked a challenge, Devaine." A sad look lingers in Flash's eyes. He doesn't want to see Devaine throw his life away so easily.

Glyniss_McMasters slams into the barrier causing her to fly/stumble backwards....metal clicking legs moving fast as hands get dragged quickly out of pockets automaticly...darting out to stop her from hitting the ground...which is somewhat unavoidable landing with a thud ...as she sits there getting her breathe back

Devaine_Hawk looks at Flash , but if I take my self and Gemini out how many lives do I save in the long run? he ask. HE looks after Glyniss , how long before it happens and your not there to stop Gemini like last time , Glyniss ? he shouts after her . Turning back to Flash or Javier or someone just like him gets their hands on me and or Gemini . ? he asks him .

Flash_Guardian blinks thoughtfully, moving to offer a hand to Glyniss and help her to her feet again, apologetically. "You make it sound like you and this 'Gemini' are separate people, Dev," he comments. "Are they?"

[Aphrodite ] *she walks along the shoreline, not speaking because she does not know anyone, her sapphire eyes wondering curiously, and her wavy, golden hair gracefully moves with the wind. The water splashes against her feet as she slightly holds her her almost transparent pink gown above the waters reach*

Devaine_Hawk looks at Flash and shakes his head , the flashes in his eyes getting brighter Gemini is the programming , the experiments training his voice falters and changes to the colder tone , and Dev is just in the way for now the new voice tells him.

Glyniss_McMasters looks at Flash's hand scrowling......seconds passing before she takes it muttering a thank you as she reaches for her stetson slapping it on her head....lips pressed tightly together

Flash_Guardian stands there, staring at Devaine blankly while Glyniss pulls herself up with his offered hand, otherwise not moving. His mind is elsewhere at the moment, pondering something, some small fact that perhaps he hadn't noticed before ...

Devaine_Hawk shakes his head again , and when he looks up the flashes are gone from his eeys completely . what happened ? he asks the others .

Flash_Guardian slowly smiles, looking back over to Devaine with a happy smile. "What just happened ," he states, "is that I saw some hope."

[Aphrodite ] mumbles to herself, "I knew this was a bad idea. Walking on the beach alone. Stupid, Aphrodite, stupid..." she turns to leave and stops suddenly. "What is that speck of light coming from the trees?" she walks slowly throught the forest-like mess of trees and sees people. She pauses not knowing what to do.

Glyniss_McMasters looks over at Dev quickly....the scrowl still on her face...eyes sweeping over his appearance...a brow slowly rising...as she pulls her hand away from Flash...." No' wha'?"

Devaine_Hawk lowers his head again , and when it rises the sparks are back. The clod voice rings out again , abandon all hope Ye who enter here , and he taps his head before laughing a chilling sound indeed . hope is for those to weak to do

[Aphrodite ] thinks to herself,"what is wrong with these people? I really don't think I should be here" is about to run off when a stick cracks beneath her foot, "Did they hear that? Let's hope not" She tries to tip-toe away but sticks keep breaking

Flash_Guardian 's mind continues to race along at the speed of light. "Not really," Flash says. "More like hope is for those who have dreams of grandeur yet currently lack the tools required to make their dreams reality." Flash looks back to Devaine, smiling. "I know now what I have to do."

Devaine_Hawk snaps his head around at the sound of sticks breaking in the trees , well well well.. he chuckles , reaching under his jacket and starting that way.

[Aphrodite ] looks as if shes been busted and laughs uneasily,"he...he"

Glyniss_McMasters blinks.....she knew what was going to happen seeing his hand disappear into his coat...." DEV......N' WAI'"

Flash_Guardian hears what must be the hundredth twig to have been stepped on in the background over the course of the entire night. At this point, he just rolls his eyes ... until he sees Devaine spring into action. "Ummm ... where do you think you're going?" he says, moving himself quickly into the path that Devaine is taking, standing some dozen feet away from Dev, arms folded and still smiling.

Cannon 's entrance this time is a lot more abstract. It seems there is more to his life than simply helping out here at the site, and the first sign is some very loud noises coming from a nearby horizon, gradually coming closer. It sounds like aerial combat.

[Aphrodite ] "Don't mind me, I'm just a....a...lumberjack...yea, jus cuttin' down some trees..." she hoped they believed her, but highly doubts it.

Devaine_Hawk starts toward the girl now, pulling one of his Desert Eagle s and twirling it on one finger like a B movie gun fighter , didn t granny ever tell you to stay out of the woods at night little girl? he laughs you might run into the big bad wolf

Flash_Guardian moves his head to one side, speaking to Aphrodite behind him. "Run. Now!"

Glyniss_McMasters suddenly begins limping hurridly after him...covering the distance between them as quickly as possible...." Eas' dow' we ain' aknowin' wh' it is aye'"..

[Aphrodite ] screams with terror,"AHHHH!" she runs into the limping Glyniss and falls unconsious

Devaine_Hawk slumps again, and they hear his normal voice from his lowered head , Flash why do I have my gun out ?

Cannon would probably interrupt most anything that was going on around the island below as there is the sound of a sonic boom from above. Cannon rapidly decelerates in the air somewhere above the island, hovering still, skin black but with much paler palms and feet. He appears to be looking back the way he came in the air, and sure enough a massive roar can be heard, sounding very draconic. From the distance, a massive shape appears to be persuing Cannon... and it does indeed appear to be some kind of dragon, shimmering ruby and amber in colour and doing its utmost to catch the evasive humanoid.

Flash_Guardian continues to keep himself between Devaine and Aphrodite, staying a goodly distance from the gun-toting man. "Not so fast, Dev," he says, shaking his head and remaining at the ready now, arms held up in a gesture of surrender ... next thing he knows, Glyniss and the other woman fall over, and Devaine comes to. Flash takes that opportunity to close the distance between himself and Devaine. "Dev, give me the gun," he tells him firmly, holding out a hand.

Devaine_Hawk fades in and out of awareness , muttering under his breath Javier see how easy I got to you family.. Can do it any time any one any where Reikia are you want Reikia

Cannon appears a moment after everyone else. If they hadn't brought Devaine's weaponry and the like with them incidentally, then he had.... and its relative positions from him would be the same too. He looks around as he arrives.

[Flash_Guardian ] A spark of golden light shines suddenly in an unoccupied space nearby. As you watch, the light begins to expand, eventually forming a large golden sphere of swirling magical energy. The energy shimmers and shifts, then finally begins to fade, revealing the familiar trio of Flash, Glyniss, and the unconscious Devaine. They currently stand (or lay) in the computer room, the one with the chairs and harnesses from before.

Cannon considers it worth mentioning that his appearance is completely devoid of flashy pyrotechnics. Its a matter of not there one moment, there the next.

[Flash_Guardian ] This room is very strange indeed, as its walls seem to be lined from tiled floor to metallic ceiling with nothing but frames and frames of glass rimmed in metal in a repetitive sort of square pattern. A low sort of droning humm can be heard coming from all around. Upon the glass, images are shown clearly of you and your companions standing in this room and looking around, showing ghostly duplicates of the group. As each of you move about the room, so too do your reflections move about in the glass, and in exactly the same manner. Those with more futuristic experience recognize these glass oddities as TV monitors that are currently showing images of the group. In the center of the room, a massive pillar of wires, cables, and assorted electronic boxes is surrounded by six comfortable chairs, each of which has a small metal arm coming out of the headrest, the end of the arm bent at an angle and ending in a metallic loop that looks like it just might fit around a person's head.

[Flash_Guardian ] Above each of the six chairs, six monitors are connected to the tangle of wires near the ceiling. These do not show any images, currently dark and dormant.

Glyniss_McMasters quickly scans the room....making sure no danger seem immdeitate...her finger relaxing on the trigger...in fact pulling it out ..as soon as she recognises where she is and she solidfies she lets out a sigh......stepping out of the tight circle

Cannon makes his own visual scan of the room. He slowly quirks one eyebrow. Yes, this area was definitely classifiable as a laboratory of sorts, but its layout made it all too clear that it was meant to be used by humanoid beings. The adaptive nature of the technology was advanced by Keep standards, though seemingly primitive compared to that his mother generally works with. All the same, it does seem to have a specific, unique feel to it. The methods of whoever designed this seem less than orthodox perhaps.

Flash_Guardian simply scoops up Devaine's limp form, seating him into one of the green chairs at the base of the pillar of electronics, preparing to harness him in. "I think Dev should be safe here until I can figure out just how to help him," Flash says. Just then, right on cue, swatches of electric hues play about an unoccupied area of the room, colors gradually solidifying into the form of a small boy with white hair, dark grey pants and long-sleeved shirt on his body, his face bedecked with a sort of curious expression as he regards the others. "Flash? Glyniss? Why are you here now?" The boy's gaze falls upon Dev now. "Is something wrong with Devaine?"

Cannon undergoes a rather strange change at this point. If anyone happened to be looking at him, they might be severely surprised. His skin slowly seems to become more reflective, from neutral grey to the point where he actually seems to be made of quicksilver for the most part (his eyes being the main exception). Moments later this effect dulls a little, reaching the point where he has the sheen of freshly cut lead perhaps. If anyone gives him funny looks he explains succinctly: "I wouldn't want to cause malfunction in the machinery. I'm configuring my skin to a neutral point relative to the latent energy levels."

[Glyniss_McMasters ] " Yer gonn' kee' hi' harnes' lik' tha' ti' yer ....." she frowns her brows knitting as she watches him.....turning as she dumps his clothes in a corner...though keeping hold of his weapinary......" Howd' Tria'"

Flash_Guardian manages to get Devaine into the chair, then quickly lowers the metallic arm and connecting loop over Devaine's head. A moment later, Devaine is plugged into the Triad's mainframe, his eyes closing once more, a sort of peaceful stillness overtaking Devaine's mind as he gets plugged into the system. The Triad simply watches Flash and Dev for a moment, then turns to look back at Glyniss, offering her a smile and nod as greetings. But when he looks at Cannon, his eyes go wide, and his smile goes almost from one ear to the other. "Wow," he says, his scanners going to work as they try to make sense of the complexity that is Cannon. Cannon would feel something external to this room training sensors on him, probing him.

Cannon 's skin becomes a tone or two more reflective as he finds himself being scanned, and conveniently enough, though his outside is scanned normarily, it fails to penetrate his skin, simply reflected off. He looks at the visual representation of 'Triad' and explains quite simply: "Scanning of my internal workings is prohibited. My design and genetic code is Copyright information, and I cannot permit you to view it."

Cannon 's mother didn't want anyone figuring out how he was made, let alone the possibility of they replicating him or any of his functions in another being. Not only would it be plagiarism of her work to do such things, but theres also the chance that people could want to mass-produce anthro weapons of mass destruction in his image for war purposes. Its logical really.

Glyniss_McMasters after dumping Dev's clothes limps back over to where Flash and Dev are a brow rised as he continues to plug him into the machine....a hand reaching out and tugging Flash's sleeve..much like a lost child would...her voice low ...quiet...and way full of concern and worry...." Wha' yer go' planne'?"

[Flash_Guardian ] The boy blinks, tilting his head at Cannon inquisitively. "What is Copyright? Does that mean restricted?" He does seem rather disappointed at not being able to see more about Cannon. At Glyniss's tug, Flash turns to her ... well, to everyone, really, and attempts to explain. "I think it's safe to say that there is actually a distinct separation of some kind between Devaine and what he keeps referring to as 'Project Gemini,'" Flash explains. "I have a feeling that the Gemini in Devaine's head is trying to become a little more dominant, maybe even developing a personality of its own, while Devaine is getting shoved to the back burner."

[Flash_Guardian ] "So in theory," Flash says, continuing, "if we can get into Devaine's head somehow, I think it may be possible to get to that 'Project Gemini' and ... I don't know ... stop it somehow? Neutralize it? Kill it?" Flash shrugs, not fully understanding at the moment. "In any case, I think the Triad may be our best bet here." Flash turns to look at Cannon. "Though you mentioned that you knew something of biological programming?" Flash asks.

Cannon explains, since that is precisely what he is designed to do, to some extent. "Copyright, in my case, means that I and my genome are the creative property of the Dea Ex Machina exclusively, and that any attempt to copy or reverse-process said genome or information is illegal by all laws and punishable to the fullest extent." ....... He turns his attention then to Flash. "Yes... I know of biological programming, extensively. I could program Devaine to tapdance when he hears the word 'water' for example. I'm personally programmed with extensive knowledge of the subject."

Cannon continues. "If however, you simply wished to remove Project Gemini from his system, that would be a much simpler process. I have specific A-Lymphocyte cells in my system designed to eradicate foreign synthetic technology. I could extract some of these cells from my system and introduce them to Devaine. They would be completely harmless to his body, but should eradicate all synthetic nanotechnology present in his system."

Glyniss_McMasters frowns this was going over her head again...like so much of the stuff of lot....." So yer asayin' tha' ter reaso' he di' wha' he di' in ter pu' an' all?" tilting her head as she studies Dev all hooked up as he is

[Cannon ] "Alternatively, I could reprogram either these units within him, or his own bodily capabilities... whichever you would prefer. Its a simple process, relatively speaking."

[Cannon ] "Potentially, I could even reprogram his genome to produce its own A-Lymphocyte cells, which would do the job just as adequately if not moreso."

Cannon mutters something under his breath about only his own genome as a whole and other certain specific functions being copyright, and that technically speaking his mother never laid down this aspect of the law upon the specific A-Lymphocyte-producing genes.

Flash_Guardian nods. "That could prove useful, I think." Flash looks from Cannon to the small boy, then back to the 'sleeping' Devaine in the chair. The boy blinks, translating the latin aloud for everyone's benefit. "Goddess in the machine." Flash is about to respond to Cannon when he overhears Triad speaking ... instead his eyes twitch and he makes an odd face. "Goddess in the what?! " He simply stands there, overwhelmed. The small boy, however, is hard at work pondering all of the possibilities that Cannon is speaking of with much excitement and eagerness.

Cannon cuts in at this point. " She is the self-made goddess of technology, and I am her creation. In about as real a manner as a typical naturally occurring lifeform might consider it, I am her son."

[Flash_Guardian ] The boy seems absolutely delighted by this, clapping his hands together and smiling toothlessly. "So you were artificially constructed just like me?" he asks, sounding surprisingly joyful in spite of his usual factual speaking habits. "Is your neural net biologically based, or electronically based? What kind of power source do you operate from?"

Flash_Guardian just shakes his head, bringing a hand up to rub his forehead. Things had just gotten unnecessarily complicated, it seems. "In any case, I don't think we should do anything until we talk to Devaine directly ... but we need to make sure it's Devaine talking, and not Gemini." He glances back to Devaine in the chair worriedly. "For now, I think he should be okay here, where Gemini can't hurt anyone."

Cannon answers as best he can, though he quirks a brow slightly. He isn't used to dealing with so many personal questions, and being organic he is fully capable of emotion. "I am an Anthropomorphic Organic Battery, Energy Collection Device And Ion Cannon Unit . My 'neural network' is an enhanced and specially programmed organic brain...... and I AM a power source. That is my primary function. I presently contain enough energy to power an average planet for a week. Mother is working on increasing my capacity regularly though."

Glyniss_McMasters sighs as she limps over to one of the chairs...kinda tired....slumping into it resting Dev's guns on her lap....head going back a little as she relaxes and sinks into the chair

Cannon continues, as before, since he might as well. "My primary means of energy intake is the variable pigmentation in my skin, brought about by hyper-modified Chlorophyll-B and Chlorophyll-J2. I also have ionic displacer field generators and energy conversion units, all organic in design, in my hands, feet and pylons for efficient energy absorption from other sources."

Cannon slumps just a little. "Is this sufficient information to satisfy your curiosity, synthetic unit Triad?"

Flash_Guardian joins Glyniss in a chair beside her, wearily sinking into the seat and slumping over. He looks over to Glyniss worriedly. Meanwhile, the Triad continues to bombard Cannon with inquisitive questions, absolutely fascinated to meet someone whom he can identify with. And he is only two years old, after all, so questions a plenty there are for him. Flash just rubs his forehead some more, peering over to Glyniss, face dark with worry. "I hope we can work something out for Devaine here ... I really want this to work."

Cannon looks to Flash, momentarily choosing to turn his attention from triad. He states in a rather wearied voice: "I believe I am beginning to understand the emotional concept known as regret. Perhaps I should not have come here."

Glyniss_McMasters nods slowly her eyes had been closed til she had heard Flash's approach opening them..it was clear she was worried and more then regretting her earlier outburst to Dev..she hadnt a clue where it had all come from ...." I ahop' so to'....leas' he akno' yer stil' his frien'" sighing deeply unsure if she still held that place in Dev's eyes

Cannon looks back to Triad. "Perhaps I can help you in another way. I have access to copies of a disk I made not so long ago containing full instruction for the construction of a freeware organic body genome, and details concerning the process of transferring synthetic consciousness into such an organic body. If you would like, Triad, I can give you a copy of the disk, and you could learn what you wanted from it. You could even 'do the Pinnochio thing' and 'become a real boy' if you wanted. You appear curious enough to want to try such a thing. Would you like that?"

Cannon didn't do the smart thing of asking Flash first. One has to wonder if Triad was ever given the "don't accept candy from strangers" speech.

[Flash_Guardian ] The boy stops at last, as Cannon seems to turn his attentions elsewhere. He ponders for a moment ... then walks over to stand in front of Triad once more, seeming a bit calmer now, though still happy. "I'm sorry," Triad apologizes. "I did not mean to overwhelm you with so many questions. I simply haven't ever met someone so similar to myself before. I was beginning to think that another artificially constructed being like myself did not exist. I see now that I was incorrect." At the mention of the disk of information, Triad's eyes light up once more. "Really?" He looks like a small child who's just been offered some candy.

Flash_Guardian gives Glyniss a consoling look. "Dev still thinks of you as a friend, I'm sure," he says, patting the back of her hand. "Don't worry."

Cannon nods. He rubs his hands together, and there is a slight spatial distortion in the air as some kind of disk appears in front of him. Oddly enough at this point, the scanners might pick up that this isn't magic, but rather appears to be some kind of intrusion into the nature of reality. Whether the scanners can even read it correctly is questionable, but it seems like Cannon just rewrote or performed an overwrite on a bit of existence. Either way, he takes the disk carefully from the air and looks to Triad. A brief scan is performed to establish whether Triad's manifestation is solid or not.

Glyniss_McMasters looks down " I asai' som' rottin' thing' ter hi'......bu' he wa' amakin' me ma'....madd' te' spi'"

[Flash_Guardian ] Triad's manifestation is indeed solid, some sort of holographic technology combined with high-complexity forcefield generation. However, if Cannon's sensors would tell him as much, the disk is already being scanned without the boy doing anything other than closing his eyes, seeming to concentrate. The Triad's scanners go to work on the disk, processing the information contained within.

Flash_Guardian just shrugs at Glyniss. "Words are words ... besides, you and Dev have had scuffs before, right? I'm sure he'll forgive you."

Cannon lets go of the disk then, so his skin isn't blocking any of the surface. It floats in the air before him.

Glyniss_McMasters smiles nodding..." Shoo' yea.....bu' I ain' calle' hi' thos' thing' afer....dan' gon' I lik' hi' I ain' agivin' u' on hi' eve'"

Flash_Guardian gobbles up the information hungrily. A short while after the scan completes, the image of the boy is seen with his eyes closed and brow furrowed, apparently deep in thought. "Hmmm," the boy says. "Hmmmmm..."

Cannon leaves the disk in the air where it is, and turns his attention back to Flash, Glyniss and Devaine. "Is there anything I can do to help immediately?"

Flash_Guardian shakes his head. "Not immediately, I don't think. It would probably be best for us to examine Devaine's condition more thoroughly. I mean, as of right now all I'm operating on are theories and assumptions. No sense acting blindly until we know what we're dealing with."

Glyniss_McMasters isghs softly the drink getting to her making her sleepy....and as she's already comfortable finding it hard to keep her eyes open and concentrate though her hands were resting on Dev's guns like her life depended on it

Cannon blinks slowly. "Blindly? Some of us can see what may be wrong. He can be scanned to determine the exact source of the problem, and simulations ran to determine the direct consequences of different forms of treatment, surely?"

Cannon looks thoughtful. "If this is likely to take a while though, its at least advisable that I install some kind of simple program to allow him to be incapacitated without the necessity for executing bludgeoning damage to the back of his cranium. That cannot be good for one that does not regenerate quickly."

[Flash_Guardian ] The Triad breaks from his contemplation and speaks up eagerly. "Can I help? I'm used to having simulations run on me. Maybe we could ask Lydia, too!"

Glyniss_McMasters kinda rises a brow at the same time as she seems to curl up a little in the seat....her braced leg dangling just a little clicking as she gentle moves

[Flash_Guardian ] The boy nods to Cannon. "I already have a program in place that is keeping Devaine incapacitated," he states. "Upon entering my mainframe, I detected his brain patterns were erratic and different from those that I sensed during his earlier time spent in the interface."

Cannon shakes his head. "Not what I mean. I refer to the possibility that his condition might not be resolved in one sitting, and that when released from this place he may still be a danger until its absolutely certain that his harmful functions have been deprogrammed. It is a simple matter for me to write a minor routine into his brain for instance that will cause him to instantly fall unconscious when a particular sound or sequence of sounds is made in the vicinity. This would enable him to be harmlessly disabled whenever and wherever he might be."

[Cannon ] "Its a standard procedure. Mother put a somewhat more complex version of the same security measure into my own mental programming, and I cannot override it, nor identify the trigger. If she needs to deactivate me in an emergency though, for instance if I started to malfunction and cause destruction, she could do it simply and easily. Its a useful process."

Glyniss_McMasters head slumps..fingers relaxing as she finelly falls asleep

[Flash_Guardian ] The Triad nods. "Ahh ... a kill-switch." Triad frowns, considering. "No ... an unconscious-switch?" Followed by shrugs a moment later. "A failsafe, in any case. Lydia says that I have one, too, but she won't tell me where it is." Triad scowls mildly. He then looks over to the two in the chairs, Flash and Glyniss, who both appear to have drifted off to sleep where they sit. Triad tilts his head at them, then looks back up at Cannon, this time communicating via a signal transmitted through the air (assuming that's possible, as Triad may have over/underestimated Cannon's abilities). 'Perhaps we should let them sleep.'

Cannon intercepts and translates the signal. He can pick up on such things, though its only a subsidiary ability for convenience rather than necessity. ~ All will be safe here then? ~

Glyniss_McMasters would just like to point out that Glyniss is actually asleep in the chair with a couple of desert eargles on her lap.....not exactely a safe thing to be doing

[Flash_Guardian ] Triad nods. ~ I have no need of sleep, so I can watch over them while they are here. Lydia and the others may come and check on them from time to time as well ... I am sure Lydia will want to visit with them. You are welcome to return here after they awaken. Just follow this homing frequency ... ~ Sure enough, information describing the wavelength used by Triad's homing frequency is used.

Cannon nods and records. He glances however to the two Desert Eagles in Glyniss's lap. Perhaps he is just being overcautious, but he reaches down and picks them up, examining them briefly. What he does next may well render them permanently useless, but with one fingertip he melts the triggers clean off each of them. That is to say they would still function, if you can just about manage to dig the tip of your finger up inside and somehow exert the right kind of force..... essentially impossible with a human finger. Following that, he merely puts them back down in her lap gently.