Shaken Faith

Flash_Guardian moves among the high hills that look down on the Keep and its surrounding lands below, feet trudging steadily uphill to a place that he knows. Some time before, there was a rather nondescript hill, indistinguishable from its neighbors. Now that same hill bears a large crater from an equally large object which tore itself free of the earth almost a week ago. That hilltop is his destination this afternoon.

LoX fairly explodes into spot, the force of his arrival leaving a small crater of his own, along with blackened earth. Crackling lightning sheathes his form for a few moments, his eyes akin to a thunderstorm's dour gray. Lithe form is encased in a form-fitting button down long-sleeved shirt, the sleeves rolled to mid-forearm, form-fitting jeans and biker's boots in black. The unique azure hair is left uncovered today, then styled in a latest fashion, along with blue mirrored and tinted sunglasses that hide those eyes. A particular smirk plays across his lips before his eyes half-lid, almost sniffing the auras of those who had passed through the area. One in particular is strongest felt, so in that direction, he goes.

Flash_Guardian strides along, his long legs carrying him swiftly toward the crater. Approaching it from above, he looks down onto the gaping wound in the side of the hill. Volcanic rocks now peppered the area, littered remnants of the resulting eruption caused by the Triad. In places, the rock had been metamorphosed, partially melted and burned from the intense heat of the ship's shields and the rising magma. A small lava dome now rests in the center of the pit. Flash slowly surveys all of this, his face flat and unemotional ... or so he would have it, yet a hint of scorn betrays his gaze. He seems rather bitter about something.

LoX merely seems rather energetic, his eyes surveying the damage behind those mirrored shade with a slightly distasteful expression....his wife-to-be would never approve of such wanton destruction of nature's splendor. Perhaps he could do something about it, perhaps not. That remains to be seen, at any rate, he merely follows the mental signature left, almost phasing from spot to spot, a blue glow outlining his form as he shifts . Finally, he arrives behind Flash, cracks open a root beer from his back pocket and offers it to him wordlessly.

Flash_Guardian hears a familiar and welcome chinking sound, followed by a delightful sort of fizz from behind him. He turns behind him to address Kazuya, starkly slumped in contrast to his vibrant sensei. His eyes dart down to the offered root beer, which he takes gratefully. "Thanks," he says, taking a sip and looking back over his shoulder to the wreckage below. "What brings a guy like you all the way out here, huh?" he asks, his voice a plain sort of monotone.

[LoX ] "Guy like me? I'm a 'walker, mate. I get around. Big boom, huh?" Nonchalance, masked nearly perfectly. A man who had grown accustomed to hiding his true feelings...wisdom comes with experience and all that jazz. A second bottle is removed from his opposite pocket, then cracked open on his belt buckle. An azure eyebrow quirks upwards as he takes in the appearance, attitude and body language being displayed....heck, one didn't have to be a Psion of any kind to tell that something wasn't quite kosher. "Hell, it's a gorgeous day anyway. I just happened t'be free for a few hours s'all."

Flash_Guardian nods, taking a long and satisfying swig of his gift, then wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. A stray breeze catches his cape, sending it billowing softly to one side of Flash as he peers over the edge. "Yeah. You missed it. The Triad broke free, LoX. It's airborne again." Flash actually smiles as he remembers what had transpired. "Took a lot of effort. Glyniss, Devaine, Lydia, the other gremlins ... they all helped. Even me." He chuckles lightly. "I got nearly burnt to a crisp in the process, but it worked." He shrugs, as his wounds have long since healed. Still, there is a bitter look lingering in his eyes ... that wasn't the whole story, apparently.

LoX merely nods as he gazes down from the edge of the hill, that eyebrow still quirked upwards at the carnage down below. "Y'sure about that? Looks like it was a short flight or somethin'." He merely appears non-plussed at the continuing variety of names he doesn't recognize, other than Devaine's, that is. "Also looks like more'n you got burnt to a crisp as well. Somethin' blow out?" Of course, he knows that that isn't the full story...but it usually makes it easier to let someone merely ' get it off their chest' themselves. Besides, no one likes to have information pried out of them.

Flash_Guardian shakes his head. "Everything went smoothly, actually ... well, nearly," Flash explains. "Triad's a big ship ... you remember. You were on it once. Well, it was buried under all that rock. No easy task getting it out." Flash brushes something out of his spiky hair before continuing his story, root beer held loosely at his side. "We cooked up this idea to half cook, half shake the Triad loose. We modified the Triad's elemental shields to produce extreme heat instead of nullifying it, and we sent Glyniss's voice cascading along the hull, vibrating at just the right frequencies to break up the structural integrity of the surrounding rock. After that, Triad just ... swam up through the molten chunks of rock and was free." Flash looks up to the sky now, as if searching for something. "I think the resulting eruption was a small price to pay. A ship like that belongs in the skies, not trapped halfway underground buried under kilotons of solid granite."

[LoX ] "Y'ever stop to think about the damage caused by alla that, though? Pretty mindless." His tone isn't accusing, merely matter-of-fact. "Ruined earth for the subterranean creatures, blasted grazing grounds...heh...I'm startin' t'sound like Lani." A shake of his head before he silences himself by means of a long swig of Jones. "Anyway, ahead with your story, mate."

Flash_Guardian shoots a curious glance back to Kaz. "Yeah, I guess we weren't thinking much about that sort of thing," he admits bashfully, rubbing at the base of his neck. "At least I managed to come up with some sort of use for the new crater," Flash says with a smirk. He catches himself and looks away ... then suddenly his face goes very dark, the bitterness returning full force. "Not that I'm going to, now," he spits, trodding over to the edge of the crater and easing himself down to sit with his legs dangling over the side. He takes another reassuring drink and sets the bottle next to him, gazing away distantly.

LoX can't help sounding rather green-friendly...his wife-to-be is an elf, after all. He trods on over to the edge himself, then plops down next to Flash, lazily taking a drink of Jones. Suddenly, he merely drops a hand down into a blasted part of the crater, his eyes glowing softly as he does, then....miraculously, the ground that he's touching began to heal itself as he sings a gently melody in a low tone, his voice almost angelic. The green spot spreads little by little before it sputters out after a patch 10x10 in diameter is re-grown. "Heh...y'know...somethings I always take for granted....luckily for me, I've someone who keeps me grounded and alive." He doesn't even have to mention who. "So...why're you so bummed out if everything went mostly according to plan, mate?"

Flash_Guardian snarls. "That's just it, LoX!" He turns away and vents his rage into the air beside him, waving a hand dangerously as he shouts. " Everything went just as planned, both here and back at the bar! It always does! Chen always has to have his way, whether it's good or bad!" Flash stops, clenching his fist and stowing his anger, seeming rather disgusted by the whole situation.

LoX merely lifts an eyebrow at the sudden outburst, bemusement fairly etched permanently into his features. "Never understood this followin' the gods stuff. Funny, considering I'm half-celestial....anyway, you sound as if you wanted something to go wrong." It's not a question, it's a statement and an amused one at that. "Chaos is just somethin' that I've gotten used to...simply because it's my nature to be that way. But I have my own path in life that I tread....no one directs me...but me. Now, there are determining factors, such as the fact that despite what I choose to do...it still will be in the best interests of those I care about. I'd never do anything to hurt Celaeno or Lani...or any of my friends. The path you choose or were chosen for is one that might seem tedious....but at least it's predictable, aye?" For once, he's being serious.

Flash_Guardian stops, trying his best to calm himself, though he still seems completely bent out of shape. He leans forward, running a hand casually over the newly created greenery below him, stopping to appreciate it. A little ash in the soil always did help with the growing of things. He looks back up at his sensei, somewhat surprised and distracted by this new information. "You never mentioned your heavenly heritage," Flash comments. "And somehow I doubt that your life isn't guided by true chaos. Like you said, there are guiding factors in almost everyone's lives. Some we follow, others we ignore," he says, shifting his foot to kick a small pebble which clatters noisily down the side of the crater. "When Chen directed me to the Triad, I felt it was a good thing. I wanted to help, so I did." Flash smiles at that, but his face grows dark once more as he continues. "But then I try to save a friend, and my deity holds me back." Flash's eyes are daggers, his face an expression of hurt.

LoX reaches out to clap Flash on the back lightly, then finishes his bottle of Jones and merely phases it out of existence, quite effieciently. "Yeah. Most people would never believe me if I told them what exactly that I am. I'm a hopped up demi-god in a body that's not really mine. Y'see, almost two millenia ago, I was born on Easter Sunday on a small and very backward planet called Earth. Let's just say that the religious fervor there leads to wars and many atrocities. The Deity there is simply called God....and his opposition is his own lieutenant, a being named Lucifer...a Fallen Angel. At any rate, my father was once an Arch-Angel and decided to follow Lucifer's path...well...you just don't anger a full-blown God like that....so he was cast out with all his followers to roam the Earth. My mother, a Blessed Maiden Angel, just happened to meet my father and love blossomed between them....I was born on the day that God's son, called the Christ, died."

[LoX ] "They figured that my birth would go unnoticed...and they were right. Unfortunately, my mother's betrayal of the Light resulted in her banishment....without it...she withered and died. My father went mad and used the original incarnation of this body as a Guardian of sorts...a Locksmaster, used to safeguard the gates of hell on this plane, The Keep. That was back when this place was merely a frontier...new creatures and beings popping up everyday, new things created and expanded. I fulfilled that mission blindly....until I was forced to make a choice between what I was called to do...and what I should do. I made it and saved a young girl named Celaeno from a dragon....for that, I was hunted. So, I went on the run, made allies with two other families, The Kiruitseki, masters of the Storm, The Leila, masters of Shadow...and my family...the Furies. Masters of the Flame, Life and living." The voice in which LoX is speaking is not his own....but Lhach Fury's....the memory triggering a programmed speech.

Flash_Guardian blinks and listens to his sensei's story ... a complex beginning for a not so complicated man, and quite a bit to take in. "No wonder you know so much about this place ... sounds like you were here in the days of its birth." Flash just nods, taking it all in. "Yeah. That all makes sense, and it actually explains a lot." Flash glances back to Kaz, showing a smile of newfound respect for the man. He seems somewhat thoughtful for a few moments, then speaks. "So are you saying that I should make my own choices, throwing caution and my deity to the wind, and go after Devaine?"

[LoX ] "I'm saying that you should choose the path that you take. Let your heart lead you...and you'll never go wrong, mate. I'm actually the eighth incarnation of this body to inhabit and inherit. Each one of us had choices, each one of us followed a certain destiny....I'm merely the first with the ability to follow one of my own choosing. Fates-be-damned....and Deities are just as petty as mortals are. The original incarnation, Lhach? Hell...he might as well be a deity himself after he ascended. He's the Prime Representation of the Element of Flame in the Keep. Remember that each time you tap into those powers....it's his whim whether they work for you or not. The good thing about him is the fact that he doesn't give a rat's booty about what other selfish natterboxes the other Primes are. He'll grant to those deserving of it." A quick wink, then he merely settles into his spot, a happy sigh in the golden rays emitted from the Sun. "Life is for the living. The only question is how you live it."

Flash_Guardian ponders his teacher's words for a time, his half-empty bottle twirling idly between his hands as he thinks. The wind blows around them both, and small gusts can be seen moving amidst the grassy patch. And still he sits, wrestling quietly with his thoughts and emotions. A subtle movement as he sets the bottle aside ... then pushes himself over the side, to slide his way down into the crater, hand and foot scraping along the bits of pumice and ash as he slides along the rather steep decline of the immense crater that is roughly the size of two football fields.

LoX merely watches the flights of songbirds that float upon the capricious breezes, each flitting through the air like mischievious Fae, chasing one another amongst the clouds, soflty cooing their songs. Sunlight radiates downwards to caress the earth with its warmth, the slight buzz of a few drones flitting from the petals of each flower that dappled the fields of the hill up until the crater. It was kind of peaceful here....and it was no wonder that his fiancee loved him so much. It was his appreciation for life and zest for living it, mingled with the absolute delight in each new thing that it brought him. Of course, his love of nature's quiet to riotous symphonies might not hurt matters much either. Finally, he sits up to watch Flash once again. "Just trust yourself, mate. You'll make the right choice for you ." He calls after him.

[Flash_Guardian ] The ground eventually levels out beneath Flash as he nears the center of the bowl-shaped crater, forcing him to stop sliding and start trotting. And so he jogs, straight toward the smallish lava dome at the center of the crater. The place had long since cooled and fallen dormant, though the remains of the eruption could still clearly be seen in the form of a large dome of fine volcanic stone the size of a mammoth. Flash slows his pace, stopping just a few feet from it, looking from its base to its more pointed tip, sizing it up. Another pause, and then he turns away and shouts into the air around him. "Alright! I listened to you! I freed the Triad! That's what you wanted, wasn't it? Wasn't it?!" Flash's voice echoed all around over the sounds of the birds and insects. "Through me, your hand reached out here, Chen! This very spot!" he says, gesturing to the dome of stone before him. "It's here that you have a tie to this realm now, this nexus! So hear me!"

LoX lifts an eyebrow as the blissful harmony is shattered by the shouts of one dissatisfied customer. Perhaps if individuals had to buy their religions, they'd be more careful about who or what they worshipped. He merely watches, not really expecting any reply...most deities were aloof, even to their own chosen, not even considering the fact that Chen was a new arrival in the scene and not quite come to full power within this realm. Startled birds shoot in all directions, like an eruption of bats out of a cave freshly disturbed, at the sound of Flash's voice.

Flash_Guardian continues his angry shouts. "You helped me to rescue the Triad, and to defeat our enemy, the jester! For that, I would build you a temple worthy of your wisdom and guidance! But then you rob Devaine from me, from us all! My closest friend, and an ally in dark of times! I tried to save him, and you held me back! And I'm supposed to build you a temple ? For that ?!" Flash is whirling around now, shouting at the sky. "Well, I say no! Why should I build you a house here?! Where does Devaine fit into your grand scheme?!" He stands with his fists clenched at his sides, hurt and anger burning on his face. "Answer me!"

LoX merely shifts down next to Flash, shaking his head as he comes up behind him. "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." A sheepish expression encompasses his features as he removes his sunglasses, one hand placing itself on Flash's shoulder. "Really...I am sorry."

Flash_Guardian has heard it all before, but still LoX's words break over his face like a splash of ice cold water. His anger visibly cools, leaving only the pain now. He slumps dejectedly, shaking his head. "I just ... it ... I wish I knew ... I want to know that Devaine's going to be alright." Flash looks up at Kaz's face, searching there for the answers he seeks. "Devaine deserves better."

LoX crouches next to Flash and smiles wanly. "You have the power...You can change his and your own destiny. All you have to do is choose. Choose to help out in any way you can....or choose to blindly follow some sporadic and predicable path that's been chosen for you by one who could care less about you unless you bring him something. Listen...not all of them are stuck-up prigs, mired in their own self-centered greed and lusts. Maybe you should talk to a certain Justice Wintermoon....The Elven Goddess of War. She might be able to give you some advice. Devaine's not the only one that deserves better, my friend. You do too." He straightens up, then hides those unearthly blue eyes behind his sunglasses once again. "Not that hard of a choice, once you consider the logic, aye?"

Flash_Guardian slowly brings his head up, a deadpan serious look on his face and eyes wide. His voice is low and fearful. "Kazuya ... tell me you aren't thinking what I think you're thinking ..."

[LoX ] "What? Stage a rescue mission? Naw...too foolhardy...might not even work, at that." A broad grin on his lips, his eyes twinkling as they peer over the top of the sunglasses.

Flash_Guardian turns away, shaking his head. "No, no ... I guess not." He clenches his eyes shut tightly, trying to remove the blasphemous notions from his thoughts. "I can't just up and defy Chen's will. There'll be hell to pay if I do, believe me," he says, shuddering visibly in remembrance of the sorts of punishments his deity can dish out. "And I've already turned my back him twice before. I don't relish the memories of my renegade days, either. Having to hide in pockets of chaos, constantly being chased throughout existence ... and besides, I doubt he'll forgive a third time. Even if he does say I'm 'destined' to serve him."

[LoX ] "Mate? Malarkey. You know it. A few words to the more powerful and established deities in this realm from me...problem solved. Chen's new....still vulnerable. If he wants to survive in this realm...he won't rock the boat goin' after you. Not unless he wants a Flame God and a War God on his tail in retribution. This is the Keep....fresh start for everyone...and a clean slate. I've been to hell....The Big S isn't even half as scary as he is pretty, really. Kinda pathetic. Anyway...like I said, if any place is chaotic, it's here. 'Specially if you're gonna be around me."

Flash_Guardian struggles with Kaz's words, turning them over and over in his mind. Just then, the ring on Flash's right hand begins to glow a rather dark shade of blue. Flash winces and clutches his right hand, pulling it close to his chest. There is a low rumble as the ground beneath them begins to tremble slightly. Flash's eyes fill with fear and he looks to his sensei. "We need to get out of here. Now."

LoX merely grasps Flash by his shoulder, opens a channel, then psychoports through untraceable mental planes. Where to? The thought is resounding within the plane and LoX's physical appearance has changed to almost....angelic. Bright blue crackling wings snap once or twice, his form radiating a calm and everchanging fluid power previously unseen from the creature.

Flash_Guardian seems overcome by a sudden terror, his mind hardly able to think straight. He just thinks of the first place that comes to mind. 'The gardens!'

LoX nods once and grins, one sparkling eye closing in a wink. Done and done, mate. With that, next stop, The Garden!

LoX opens the channel into the Garden, both himself and Flash tumbling out of the portal before it seals shut. "So? Mind tellin' me why we're runnin' from an earthquake that you probably stirred up by causing an instability in the core back there?" One azure brow quirks upwards as he readjusts his sunglasses and clothing.

Flash_Guardian seems suddenly frantic after he falls through the portal, unable to keep still in his panicked state. His breathing is quick, his eyes darting in every direction as if searching for a place to hide. "He knows, LoX ... he knows!" The ring on Flash's clutched hand is still glowing with that same ominous dark blue, the light threatening to envelop both his hands.

LoX sighs. "Give me the ring, Flash. Seriously."

Flash_Guardian whirls to look at his sensei horrified. "I can't. Kazuya, do you have any idea how old I am ? This ring is the only thing keeping me alive! If I take it off ..." Flash is unable to finish, he simply clutches his right hand more tightly. "I wouldn't last more than a week."

Vampire_girl sits in a shaddowed part of the garden, looking apon two men in what seemed a sticky situation. Katrina smiles and skipps up to them, tapping one on the shoulder. "Hi." Katrina said sweetly, tilting her head slightly to the left in wonder of what was going on.

[LoX ] "Flash....trust me on this, will you?" One hand clasps Flash on the back, the other still outstretched for the ring. "You forget....I'm nearly two millenia myself. Do I look like it? Trust me...I've a spell or two in mind."

LoX glances over at the newer arrival, one blue eyebrow lifting slightly. "Umm...Hi...y'might wanna give us some room here." A quick smile, then he turns back to Flash.

Flash_Guardian looks desperately at his sensei, too wrapped up in his struggle to notice the other girl's approach. The darkened blue light surrounding his hands begins to crackle, drawing his attention painfully back to it. Flash grits his teeth and stifles a cry of pain, his eyes seemingly mesmerized by the light, pupils dilating strangely. The grip of his left hand has become so strong that his nails are digging into his flesh. "Kaz ... zuya ..." he barely speaks under his breath, clearly a cry for help.

Vampire_girl blinked, after being dismissed like that. Katrina gasped at the sight, "I think...i think i'll go and find somone to help." She said, looking from the back of LoX's head to Flash's hands.

LoX merely notices his own element, lightning, then slaps a hand down on top of Flash's. "Oh hell no, you bombastic bastard! You won't be using my element to torment him! And if you continue, I will be letting Lhach know about this! Now Stop! ." With that, the air around his form seems to distort and twist within itself, his own will in direct contest with the being causing the pain. "You will not win!"

Flash_Guardian can no longer stifle his cry of pain as he is now caught in the crossfire of a holy war, divine energies raging around and through him. Flash is simply rocking back and forth, eyes closed and mouth stretched tight. However strong Flash's deity may be, as LoX has mentioned, he has no power here. LoX soon finds his powers overcoming the resistance from beyond this realm. He can feel the ring beneath his palm. The energies have calmed somewhat, and Flash seems to be regaining some control, his eyes slowly opening and training on the intense blue glow and, at its center, the ring given to him by Chen, the lord of Fate and Time himself.

Robert~Darklord yawns as he strolls in, taking a drag of his cigarette before he hears LoX yelling, wondering why the hell he was yelling this early in the morning. He starts wandering over towards him as he runs a hand through his long red hair, his trenchcoat swaying back and forth slightly as he walks

Vampire_girl takes a step backwards from them, not knowing what they where talking about at all. Katrina snapped her head to the side to see another person running towards their direction.

LoX merely watches Flash carefully for a moment, his eyes emitting a soft blue and golden glow, his aura radiating as he breathes, the sound radiating within the confines of the Garden, a thousandfold. Streaks of azure and amber seem to float around the two of them, forming a sanctuary of sorts, the air around him almost curdling with the power he's unleashed from within. "Now let it go, Flash...let it all go. In here...you're safe." Indeed, while within the 'bubble' of his powers, Flash's wounds and energy becoming slightly renewed. "Now...take off the ring, mate. Trust me."

Robert~Darklord finally comes to halt near LoX and Flash, taking a drag of his cigarette as he looks at the little bubble they are in "Well this looks interesting to say the least"

Flash_Guardian is again mesmerized by the light coming forth from his ring, his dim gaze held there rigidly by some unseen force. As he stares, his left hand slowly begins to slide up his right arm, inch by inch. Flash's breathing seems to become louder and slower to match his teacher's and, once it does, Flash abruptly shuts his eyes tight and turns his head away. His left hand whips forth to grasp the ring and wrench it from his hand, casting it away on the ground nearby, outside of the protective circle. No sooner does the ring leave Flash's body then he seems to double over and fall to the ground slowly, collapsing at the foot of his mentor, eyes still closed and arms wrapped around his stomach. The light emanating from the ring crackles once more, then slowly fades and dies out completely.

Vampire_girl laughs, hearing Robert's comment. "I have absolutely...no idea what's going on." Katrina addmitted, folding her arms across her chest. Her long black hair was tied up that day, with of course her usual blood red ribbon. Her hair contrasted with her chalk white skin, she bit her bottom lip being careful not to pirce them, due to the fact that she did have fangs.

Robert~Darklord cracks his neck slightly as he looks over at the girl, a small smile coming to his face as he studies her "So, why the heck are you around this light show? I don't think i've ever seen you hang with LoX before"

LoX crouches next to Flash, then places both hands on his shoulders, the power being directed and channeled straight back into Flash, restoring the youth, then purging the age within and without. The essence is pushed throughout LoX's hands, then shot through Flash, much like a sort of kinetic restorative. "Wake up, mate. Life begins anew.... now! " With that, the bubble winks out of existence, the last of the essence shot through Flash's prostate form. The winds die down, the air around them turns to normal and his eyes slowly fade to their normal shade of sky blue. LoX is drenched in a sweat, he attempts to straighten, then stumbles before he catches himself. Too much energy dispersed at once had its side effects, after all. Fatigue being one of them. "Gah....gonna sleep well tonight..."

Vampire_girl grinned, "Oh im not into all that hanging buisness....well, i was just here, and saw some weird stuff...so naturally, i want to know what's going on." Katrina replied, shruging slightly. "What about you, are you here to hang with him?"

Robert~Darklord walks over to LoX, offering a hand to help him steady himself as he grins at Katrina "I couldn't sleep tonight so I decided to wander around and I came upon this on pure dumb luck" He turned back to LoX now, grinning again "Need some help mate?"

Flash_Guardian doesn't move. He just lays there, curled fetal, eyes closed. He is by no means in any sort of pain, no, none at all. By all rights, he seems to be in peak physical condition. And yet he doesn't move, teeth clenched and forehead wrinkled. What everyone sees is the result of extreme emotional turmoil.

[LoX ] "Nah....a bit of a tangle with a God that doesn't like givin' up. Nothin' major, man." He uses Robert's hand as leverage to straighten up, then sighs. "Sorry I was so short...but if you'd been caught in all that energy flyin' around...well...it wouldn't have been pretty." This is offered to the girl before he turns to check on Flash. "Damn....we'll have to get him to somewhere he can rest until he collects himself."

Robert~Darklord walks over to Flash, bending over to pick Flash up and gently put him over his right shoulder before he turns back to LoX "Got any suggestions on where we can put the lad until he recovers?"

Vampire_girl walks slowly to where Flash lay, she gets down onto her hands and knees and looks at him. "Is he a good guy?" Katrina asked frowning slightly, looking up at LoX and Robert.

LoX ponders that for a moment, then tilts his head to the side at Robert. "I think I've still gotta room for him at the Beach House....it'll be peaceful and restful there. Whatever happens next...well...it's up to him." He turns to regard the girl crouching next to Flash and nods. "Yeah....he is."

Flash_Guardian offers no resistance whatsoever as he is draped over Robert's shoulder, completely overcome with loss and overwhelming sensation. No one is sure, perhaps it's just a trick of the light, or the way he's hanging, but Flash looks slightly older than perhaps those who knew him before might remember.

Robert~Darklord nods as he shifts Flash on his shoulder slightly, making it a little more comfortable for him to carry the man "That sounds like an excellent idea LoX"

Vampire_girl raises her eyebrows and stands to her feet, "Oh...." Katrina muttered, "well....has he always been good?" She continues, looking up (no doubt )at LoX. She tied her cloak more tightly around her shoulders,, and brushing loose hair from her silvery eyes.

[LoX ] "Heh...yeah...almost too good, actually. We call him the Boy Scout. C'mon, Rob...I'll just shift all three of us there. I think I can still manage that..."

Flash_Guardian is slung limply over Robert's back, unmoving. Slowly, however, his eyes flit open, staring at the ground beneath him as it slowly comes into focus. That's about all he seems able to manage.

Robert~Darklord smirks at LoX's comment "Compared to me he's a damn Boy Scout. I guess the girl doesn't have a clue about me still"

LoX merely manages a tired smile before he reaches out and places a hand on Rob's shoulder. "You an' me both, pal. Good thing you're married and I'm about to be." A quick grin that belies his exhaustion, then a sizzling pop and all three of them disappear into the Aether , as if they'd never been there at all.