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Creative Arts and Media => Roleplay => Serious RP => Topic started by: Leiton on January 07, 2012, 05:52:53 AM

Title: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 07, 2012, 05:52:53 AM
***MAKE SURE TO READ YOUR PM I SENT BEFORE POSTING***
(Sorry for the less than dramatic beginning to the story, but here it is...)
 
The sun shined through the trees, signalling the end of another day. The population around the market section was thinning as they finished their shopping and the store owners began to close up shop. The business area was closing down for the night. Those living on the outskirts of the city closed and looked their doors. The Guard's were beginning their nightly patrols.
 
It was just another normal day in Fnorgan.
 
--- --- ---
 
Deirx was taking a stroll through the market section, checking on the men who were supposed to be patrolling and watching the streets of the market area. Too often had he found them drunk in one of the bars scattered throughout town...
He grumbled under his breath as he walked down the street. Neither of the two men who were supposed to be on patrol were anywhere to be seen. He knew where they were. Gregory and Brandon had a favorite bar a little ways down the road.
He arrived inside the bar and immediately found them, sitting at the bar, drinking with a few of their friends. Though he couldn't really blame them for shirking their duties. Other than Jasper complaining about that black wolf at the inn and some kid, nothing had happened in Fnorgan for years. Besides, it Was Brandon's 38th birthday.
He left them to their drinking, and went back outside. His taking their nightly watch duties wouldn't hurt, and frankly, he was of the highest rank in Fnorgan, answering only to the Governor.
He scanned the streets routinely, watching for anything out of the ordinary.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 07, 2012, 09:34:49 AM
As night descended on the city of Fnorgan, life began to wind down. Shops closed, the city lights began to emit a dim glow, and people returned home to settle in for the night. As parents would return home to their children, the house would take on a new life and light up with a relaxed life.


This is what most families looked forward to everyday, but for Grant Sheppard, his family would come home to a house in shame. Ever since his escape, Grant regretted the decision he made to reveal his element to his parents. Not only did he probably forever invoke their ire, but he also could never return home for he was now hunted. The fact that he was even still alive was only true because he had managed to find someone to help him live for now.


Frederick, a fox; his wife, Crystal; and daughter, Sarah had by some great act of charity, decided to allow Grant to live with them for the present. He couldn't explain everything to them yet, but he meant to eventually. He just hoped his presence would not put this family in danger. As he watched the three of them interact with each other and eat dinner together, he mused over the last three days he had spent there.


One day in particular stood out to Grant; the day he met Leiton. He was a black wolf, Grant had met soon after he arrived at Frederick's house and shared lunch with. Although he was polite, Leiton seemed to be hiding something and did not let on anything else about himself. It was a strange encounter indeed, but it would definitely be forgotten within the next day or so. Perhaps it never even happened to begin with.


As Sarah laughed at a joke her father told her, Grant was re-anchored to the  present. Perhaps he was just overthinking things; maybe everything wasn't all that bad.  Then again he had thought the same thing the day his parents discovered his element.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 07, 2012, 05:41:53 PM
Jayce watched the sun set from his friend Zack's sales booth.
"Nature," he said to himself. "Is there anything more majestic?"
He began to pack away the magic tricks, gags, and other assorted impliments that comprised Zack's wares. The day had ended; it was time to close up shop.
Jayce still thought about how he had discovered his element. He never expected to find the village... he just did, and they told him he had an element. But all he had done so far was enchant his knife to always come back. He didn't see much use for powers if they tired the heck out of oneself. Besides, powers or not, if you don't know how to fight, you'll most likely die. So he practiced fighting. And then he found Zack, and the rest was history.
Jayce pulled down the shade on the stand as Zack got out of the back room.
"Finished already, boy?" the wolf asked inquisitively, shaking his head and laughing. "I must be getting old."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cami The Platypus on January 07, 2012, 09:51:14 PM
Cami wakes up and views the beautiful morning. "ah I love the sweet smell of morning" said Cami. He gets up, scratches himself, and falls back down on to his hammock and watches nature set it course. He starts tiring at the gentle breeze swaying him side to side. The wind whistles off of his metal shack that he slowly drifted away in.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Jay-Hyena on January 09, 2012, 10:21:25 PM
As nighttime descended onto Fnorgan, it was imperative that Cail and his squad hurried up with this job. There was little cover in the open area between the market and rural fields, but with the cover of darkness, the group successfully managed to scale a nearby rooftop and make their way to the roof of one of the Guard's barracks. Their targets, named the Blue Belts, were inside, likely planning out the next day's events. The silent assassins had evaded many of the Guard to get here, and they were ready to carry out this job.

Chris, the leader of the group, had a general idea of the layout of the two-story building. They were right above the room of some random Guard, but they were likely to be meeting at the lower levels right now. Cail cut through the thatched roofing, creating a hole big enough for each individual member to slip inside. First came in Jenny, who scanned the room over with her eyes.

"All clear!" she called to the rest in a hushed tone. Cail, Chris, Jasmine, and finally Henry slipped on in. The sound of the Blue Belts conversing was audible from up here.

"All right, let's do this, then. Each of you make sure to remember which guy you're assigned to." Chris gave a quick reminder. Their own numbers matched that of the number of Blue Belts, so it was convenient. Whether or not there were going to be more Guard stationed here wasn't of concern as of now.

Jasmine left the room first, coming out onto a small loft overlooking the room where the Blue Belts were meeting. Her light magic was an important part of this plan, and Chris hoped she could pull this move off without too much trouble. Jasmine channeled magical power into the palm of her hand, forming a ball of light. She hid it for now, as to avoid detection. As predicted, there were a few more Guard hanging around in the barracks than the Blue Belts alone. Either way, there was no backing out of this operation now. In one swift motion, Jazmine let the light in her hand burst and fill the room with blinding light. Jazmine herself was blinded a little as everyone began to stir in a commotion. From the room, the rest of the BLACK team entered the loft and jumped to the lower floor. The blindness wouldn't last forever, so they made quick work of their primary targets, slitting their throats as fast as they could. Jazmine, dazed from her own diversion, was hardly able to find her target, but Chris grabbed her and they all made way for the back door, Jenny setting the building on fire with her magic.

It wasn't the stealthiest job, but they made it out with 4/5 targets taken down and possibly the last with the barracks on fire. Chris was at least content with this. Their new member carried out his mission with much aplomb, too. It was all in all a smooth job. Minimal wounds were taken, with only Jenny getting slashed weakly and Cail was a bit bruised in the scuffle. The team vanished into the night, Cail's home would be where they rested tonight.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 13, 2012, 04:55:59 AM
((Well, Jay hasn't replied to me, so I guess I'll go ahead and type this up from the viewpoint of Chris...  :/ ))
The mission was going well.
They had already made their way through most of the city unnoticed amidst the surrounding buildings. The few Guards they had seen on patrol were easy to sneak past, and they didn't come across anybody in the various alleyways.
They had entered thorugh the more populated side of the city for more than one reason. Not only were the rural areas to spread out and open, but many of the people had dogs that would bark at almost anything. They couldn't afford to be seen, or worse: caught.
The five man team had been specially selected for this mission. Chris, the leader, had been looking forward to taking out the Blue Belts for a long time.
 
They reached the Officer's barracks with no trouble as the sun finally settled below the horizon.  As they reached the back entrance, Chris placed his hand on the lock and concentrated. The lock clicked open, and he slowly openned the door. The back room was empty, but still lit. They all quietly entered the building. Chris turned back and locked the door as Henry entered.
 
Chris turned to Cail, Henry, and Jenny, whispering, "You three go up to the above floor and search their rooms. I want to know where they got of all of their information. I trust you to do this without any trouble. Go." As the three left up a small set of stairs in the corner of the room, Chris and Jasmine left for the operations room where the Blue Belts always held their nightly meetings.
As they neared the room, they were surprised to not hear any voices or writing. They entered the room quietly, almost expecting an ambush. But nobody was there. The tables were cleaned off, empty. There were no papers, no nothing.
 
"This isn't good... We need to get out of here, and fast," Jasmine said as she was checking the drawer of one of the desks, which was empty as well.
Chris merely nodded and walked back out and started to head upstairs to get the others.
--- --- ---
 
Cail, Jenny, and Henry entered the Blue Belts' hall and began checking the doors. They were all unlocked. And as they openned each of the doors, they saw that each one was empty, save for a sheetless bed and an empty desk.
Afraid that this might be a trap, they began to head back down the stairs, meeting Chris and Jasmine.
"We need to get out of here now. They knew we were coming," Chris warned as he walked to the back door and unlocked it.


Post Merge: January 13, 2012, 05:09:11 AM
((And now my post :P ))
 
Deirx watched as the sun set below the horizon, and almost allowed himself to smile.
The moment was broken as he heard the roar of an engine coming from the west.
What is he up to now...
Though it meant leaving his post, he was rather curious as to what Jasper had done this time. Jasper was the only other Guard in the city who had the authority to use the vehicle they had gotten from Besmir a few months ago. It was a new design, built specially for the Guard. Jasper had been using it as his movable prison cell, moving caught magic-users between cities.
 
He left, heading toward the prison, grumbling to himself. If there was one thing he hated about that vehicle, it was the amount of noise it made....
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cami The Platypus on January 13, 2012, 09:19:08 PM
*Cami gets up* "what will I do with my life... I'm not spending it sitting here thats for sure. I will go travel see what fate awaits me." *Cami puts the fire from his campfire into a fire-proof satchel* "just in case..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 14, 2012, 01:46:55 AM
(Um... I have no idea what to do here... I'll wing it...)
Jayce woke up when he heard the vehicle. It was amazing that Zack was still sleeping.
"What the heck is that noise?" he mused. "Well, I'd better go check it."
The cat got out of bed, slipped on his boots, grabbed his weapons, dashed off a few lines telling Zach where he was going, and went outside in search of the sound's source.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 14, 2012, 05:49:32 AM
"Grant?" Frederick asked looking him in the eyes with concern written across his face, "is everything alright?"


Grant looked at his eyes and then quickly averted them. "Yes," he replied, "I'm only tired."


"Alright," Frederick replied unsure of the response.


Grant thought for a moment of the meeting he had had with Leiton. Perhaps he could meet the wolf again tonight? It was worth a shot. Grant rose from his seat and told the family that he was going outside for some fresh air for a moment. They nodded, but looked at him perplexed.


As Grant left the house the new night air reinvigorated him and gave him a sense of calm. The light from within the house gave a pleasant glow that lit up the surrounding wooded area. It was a different world at night. Grant looked around in the darkness, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps Leiton had gone.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 15, 2012, 12:18:33 AM
((I'll be controlling Chris's group in this post, though Cail is welcome to break off from his group.))
 
Chris's group was hiding behind one of the buildings as they heard the vehicle coming towards the barracks. He motioned for them to stop moving.
"Look." He pointed at the vehicle from their hidden spot and watched as it passed. "Either the Blue Belts are in that vehicle, or it's Jasper or Deirx. Either way, they mostly likely arrested someone, as fast as they're moving. Come on." He turned the group around and headed for the small crowd of people watching the vehicle being unloaded.
 
--- --- ---
 
Deirx was almost to the jail when he saw it being unloaded. A small crowd was gathered, seeing who the Guard had arrested this time.
Two... Three... Four people? They don't even look related.
A teenage fox girl with several purple streaks in her maroon fur and the most curious pair of violet eyes Deirx had ever seen. Her clothes were torn all over and covered in dirt.
Next, a large bear that looked strong enough to crush the vehicle with his bare hands. The young fox kept looking back at him, and he would give her a weak smile. The girl seemed almost in tears.
Following the bear was a cubi fox. Deirx stared at her in wonder. She had dark brown fur, with green tribal designs up her bare arms, on her face, and along her tail and wings. They weren't tattoos or painted... They seemed almost natural.
Last came out a young, dark grey mouse. He couldn't be older than 14, but he was chained up, just like the rest. He wasn't crying. He didn't even seem afraid. He kept looking at the crowd, as if he was searching for something.
 
Finally, his old friend came out of the large conatinment vehicle. The short squirrel seemed rather pleased with himself and his catch.
Deirx approached him and asked, "So, you couldn't get Leiton, and you decided getting those four would make up for it?" He was not too happy about seeing the teenage girl with ripped up clothes and the young boy being led to jail in chains.
Jasper shot him a glare before answering coldly, "My men are searching for Leiton now."

"You'd better have proof this time, else he'll only get away again." He looked back at the crowd, and saw it beginning to dwindle as people left, discussing the four people they had just seen, no doubt.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 15, 2012, 12:33:56 AM
Jayce watched in shock as they escorted the four anthros into the jail. He could tell by the look in their eyes... they were no criminals.
It was then that the last anthro, a mouse, looked at him as he scanned the crowd. His eyes were filled with bravery.
And then that shock turned into anger.
And then, suddenly, the chains restraining the prisoners broke apart and wrapped themselves around a nearby pole.
"Damn," Jayce muttered, realizing that he had mistakenly triggered his powers. "Not again..."
He started to walk away, trying to look inconspicuous as though he had nothing to do with freeing the prisoners.   
(Like I mentioned, he didn't really focus on his power training, so they're basically controlled by his emotions.)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cami The Platypus on January 15, 2012, 05:06:23 AM
*Cami hiding on the side sees the whole thing* "hmmm... Interesting. Why can I watch this with no pain? This is terrible. I think I need to think about... What my goal was... Back then. I would never forget what they have done the people can't suffer through this. Well at least the lower class."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 15, 2012, 06:36:34 AM
As the bonds broke, Jasper looked out among the crowd and snarled. A few of his men immediately began to walk towards the crowd, searching through it to find the source of the magic. Just as quickly as they had broken, the four found themselves chained up again as Jasper pointed his finger at them, never taking his eyes off of the crowd. "Get them inside now, before I have you all court-martialled!"
The Guards there hurried to get them inside the building, and slammed the door shut behind them.
--- --- ---
Deirx stared out into the crowd with Jasper, eyeing a group that had come by only a minute ago. They seemed different from the rest. While the others were a bit surprised and interested, these seemed mostly angry.
He paid it no mind and looked back at Jasper. "Don't worry, it's just another trouble-maker. Nothing you can't handle, right? Besides, it's late." He took one look back out in the dwindling crowd, put his arm around Jasper's shoulder, and they walked back over to the bar where Brandon was celebrating.
 
--- --- ---
((I will be taking control of Chris's party, but not Cail. Though Chris gives him orders, he's more than welcome to go against them. Also, after this post, I ask that we wait for Jay to post so we don't leave him behind.))
 
Chris eyed the white fox coldly before taking his team and walking as if to go back into the urban parts of the city, whispering along the way. "We are going to free those people. The Blue Belts aren't here, so we might as well make this some sort of success. Besides, BLACK can always use more recruits. I, Jasmine, and Cail will break into the prison and free them. Henry, you need to make sure that the way back to base is safe, and be sure to meet us there. Jenny, I need you to hide until we get those prisoners out, then I want you to burn the place down. Make it explode. I want the place leveled!" His voice was almost frantic with anger.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 15, 2012, 07:56:07 PM
Jayce swiveled his head, watching as the odd group of anthros walked away, whispering about the prisoners and about destroying the prison. He though back to the mouse... how he had been so brave while his companions were on the verge of breaking down.
And, in that moment, Jayce made what was probably one of the most important  decisions in his life.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," the cat said, turning down an alley that would lead him to the back of the prison.
(Time for a jail-break.)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 19, 2012, 01:57:20 AM
((I'll guess I'll just go ahead and pick this back up...  <.< ))
 
Chris, Jasmine, and Cail headed for the back entrance of the prison, while Jenny sat down quietly, and Henry set off for the outside edge of the city where they had entered.
As they came from an opposite end of the alley, they noticed a cat. A cat with black wings... and he seemed intent on something...
They didn't slow their pace, but walked more casually towards the jail's back entrance.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 19, 2012, 02:29:52 AM
Jayce saw the group of anthros heading towards the jail entrance. He walked over to them casually.
"Nice night, huh?" he said nonchalantly.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 19, 2012, 03:50:06 AM
Chris merely nodded and put his paw on the handle. It appeared as if the door was unlocked, as he just turned it and openned the door. He entered quietly, followed closely by Jasmine and Cail.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 19, 2012, 03:54:01 AM
Jayce followed them in, being totally discreet.
"Let's see what you're doing," he said to himself, pulling his stealth mask over his head.
(The mask helps to preserve his alibi.)
(Leiton, just a note... I have a slight advantage on my side because I don't rely on my power, so no one would expect a fight.)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 19, 2012, 04:04:51 AM
((And you think these people do (Well, besides Cail...)? You don't know Chris... There's a reason he's one of my favorite characters...  ;)
Plus, who said anything about a fight?
What's more...
The Guard's are exceptionally skilled, and there are very few that rely on their mystic abilities. Most are straight up fighters.))
 
The group headed for the back, where the main jail cells were. Chris nodded at Jasmine. Right before Jayce's eyes, the three members of BLACK disappeared.
--- --- ---
The three of them headed for the hall of jail cells, invisible to all - thanks to Jasmine's exceptional abilities in bending light. There was one single Guard sitting in a chair, and he almost seemed to be falling asleep. It wasn't even that late...
These people have grown to comfortable... Chris thought as he touched one of the metal bars. A single sliver of metal came off, trailing behind his finger. He flicked it, and the Guard fell out of his chair, his jugular bleeding out. Chris ran up and caught the Guard as he fell and laid him down quietly.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 19, 2012, 04:25:20 AM
Jayce watched the murder.
"Hey!" he whispered. "You didn't have to kill him!"
Suddenly, he noticed that in the cell next to him, the fox girl and the mouse were staring at him.
"Oh... hi," he said. "Don't worry, I'll get you guys out."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 19, 2012, 05:53:15 AM
((Just gonna have Grant wait this one out; it wouldn't make sense for him to randomly charge off into the forest to find you guys  XD ))


As Grant stood outside the cozy home, the forest continued to enchant him with its dark and mysterious shadows. The branches almost seemed to be beckoning him within. He knew better, however.


As the night grew darker and the moon began to rise above the trees, Grant thought he heard someone calling to him from the forest, but it was foolish to try and pursue it. He was safe here; to throw that away could cost him his life.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 19, 2012, 02:11:06 PM
((Sorry Sig. After the fireworks, feel free to jump in any time ^_^ ))
 
Chris didn't say anything as he walked over to the metal bars and put his paws between them. With seemingly no effort, he pushed them aside, creating a massive hole large enough for even the bear, who was in the back whispering to the young fox.
The mouse was staring past Jayce intently, and walked out right past him. Chris knocked on the cement cell, and he immediately became visible, though Jasmine and Cail were still invisible. The mouse was staring right at the entrance, never taking his eyes off of something.
Chris started to help the cubi out, but she just gave him a blank stare and walked out herself. Just then, there was a loud banging as somebody fell by the door.
Jasmine was sprawled on the ground, as was the black wolf who had just ran into her.
The black wolf leapt up and looked between all of them. The mouse ran up to him and grabbed his arm.
"Mawz, are you alright?" The wolf asked the mouse, though his gaze was on the dead Guard and the other prisoners that were escaping.
Jasmine got up and brushed herself off. "If you weren't - "
Chris interrupted her. "We don't have time for this. Let's go." The bear and the fox finally got out and followed the cubi. The young fox was being careful to stay away from the ever-increasing blood pool.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cami The Platypus on January 19, 2012, 08:14:20 PM
(Yeah same here)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 21, 2012, 12:48:27 AM
(Fireworks?)
 :3
(Whatever do you mean by that, he he he?)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 21, 2012, 12:57:45 AM
((Waiting on you, Cif...))
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 21, 2012, 03:32:13 AM
"Alright," Jayce said. He followed the others as they began to leave.
However, just as they were almost out... he sensed something.
"I have a bad feeling about this," the cat said, absentmindedly placing a hand on the hilt of his dagger.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 21, 2012, 03:55:42 AM
The black wolf and mouse walked out, followed by the cubi, the fox, and the bear. Jasmine looked back at Chris, who merely nodded towards the door. They all walked out behind them. The back door was open, but there wasn't anyone there. The prisoners stopped while the wolf peeked out the door.
Chris walked up to him and stared him down. "What makes you think you can walk out of here, just like that?"
The wolf turned back to him and smiled. "Because I know my way around here better than anyone from BLACK ever could. Now, then. The Guard will be crossing the main road in about five minutes, and the replacement watch will find the body you left even sooner than that, so we had best be going."
Chris growled softly, but followed him out the door. Something didn't seem right... There were sounds of bustling in the street near-by.
Jenny ran up to them from around the corner. After stopping to catch her breath, she nodded at Chris and announced, "We've got a problem. I just overheard a member of Grey when they were packing. BLACK is attacking the city."
Chris's face went pale. There wasn't supposed to be an attack... Not tonight, anyway...
Either Grey was being mis-informed, or he was. Either way, he wasn't going to stick around and find out.
And apparently, neither was the black wolf. Followed by the other prisoners, he had set off in the direction that the BLACK squad had entered the city.
Chris set off after him, the rest of the squad right behind.
 
--- --- ---
-Sigcutio-
 
A pigeon flew towards the house and landed near the window. Frederick comes outside and detaches a small note from its leg. His face goes pale as he looks back up to you.
"Get your things. You should get out of here. We don't have much time." He runs back inside and you hear yelling as he wakes up Sarah and Crystal.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 21, 2012, 04:05:16 AM
Jayce watched them start to run.
"Good luck!" he yelled, starting to walk away. He stopped five paces from where he started and thought again about those prisoners... and that brave young mouse...
"Eh, who am I kidding, I'm going with them to help," the crat muttered, turning around and following them discreetly.
(Crat: Cat-crow. Term coined by Wolf/Shadis.)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 21, 2012, 04:09:08 AM
((Don't throw in the Guards just yet. I promise, I have a fight already set up. I'm just waiting for Sig. There's only one way to get my character to get your group without Jasper trying to kill all of you (And he'd prolly succeed...). Just give it a few more posts, alright?  ;) ))
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 21, 2012, 06:53:04 PM

((Sorry this took a bit  XD ))

Grant was startled by the sudden change in atmosphere. The serenity of the night had vanished and been replaced with a frantic rush to escape. Wasting no time with questions, Grant charged into the house and quickly collected all of his things. Having left with little but the clothes on his back, it did not take long for him to finish packing.


As he finished he pondered a moment what the letter had said that would cause such panic, but he did not dwell on it. Grant was a guest here and for several days  they had taken care of him. He owed them enough as it was already. The least he could do would be to show some sort of appreciation so he returned to the family room and caught Frederick as he was helping his daughter get ready.


"Thank you, sir," he said calmly, "you've done very much for me; is there anyway I can--?"


"Not now!" Frederick shot back in haste, "just go; quickly!"


Frederick then dashed away to check on his wife. Grant did not need another hint. Tightening the strap for his sword around his waist, Grant dashed out of the house and into the night.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 21, 2012, 07:10:11 PM
((No worries. I just woke up  XD ))
 
-Sigcutio-
The family finished packing quickly and ran out of the house, following behind Grant. Along the streets and among the rural houses, you see many families leaving their homes, heading for the main road out of Fnorgan. Frederick calls after him, "Grant! I need you to do something for me, okay?"
--- --- ---
-Cami-
As you are walking out in the woods, you hear talking up ahead in one of the clearings that is just outside the city.
((Sorry it took so long to get you really involved  :S ))
--- --- ---
-Cifero-
The group headed through the streets, trying to remain inconspicuous. There weren't quite as many families here who were getting prepared to leave, but they were there. What's worse, the Guard didn't seem to be anywhere in sight.
The black wolf muttered, "Something's not right here. We just got a message that BLACK is attacking the city, and the Guard isn't even here..."
They did not stop as they ran past one of the inns near the outskirts of the city. The black wolf stopped and turned to Chris. "I need to go check on something. You're part of BLACK, and since the woods are right there, you shouldn't really have anything to worry about." He eyed the crat who seemed to have joined their group. He could tell he wasn't part of BLACK, but was tagging along anyway.
Chris called out as the wolf started to run away, "Hey! How did-"
"Don't worry about it! Just get them somewhere safe. I'll meet you in about an hour. And Mawz, keep everyone out of trouble for me, eh?"
The young mouse laughed and strode out to toward the woods.
Jasmine turned to Chris and whispered, "Wait, did he say 'Mawz'?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 21, 2012, 07:16:40 PM
Jayce glanced around as the others talked.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 21, 2012, 07:17:16 PM
As Grant ran through the forest he could hear the sound of footpaws behind him. Frederick's family was following him. He continued onward and eventually found himself getting closer to the road out of Fnorgan.


"Grant! I need you to do something for me, okay?" Frederick called.


Grant stopped his pace and turned to face the fox, "What do you need?" he replied.

He hoped he could help this family, but Grant had the feeling he needed to get out of Fnorgan as soon as possible.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cami The Platypus on January 25, 2012, 01:04:19 AM
"Hmm... Time to get on with this pointless blackhole that we suffer in and make it meanful."

Post Merge: January 25, 2012, 01:05:37 AM
*Says Cami As He walks toward the voices*
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on January 26, 2012, 07:31:20 PM
((Sorry guys, I've been really busy lately with school work  :/ ))

-Cami-

The voices stop as you begin to draw closer. You hear a shuffling ahead, a then a loud crash and two people cursing. Someone steps out behind a tree, brandishing a sword.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Frederick goes over to his wife and hugs her before turning back to Grant. "I need you to get my family out of the city. Leiton said he had something planned tonight, and I have the horrible feeling he didn't get his message about the attack." About a quarter mile away behind them, one of the market stands explodes.
Frederick turns, surprised, and curses. Another stand explodes near it, and several of the stands and stores are being set ablaze from the explosions.
"Crystal, you know where Leiton's house is, don't you?"
Crystal turned to him, her eyes filmed over. She nodded and held Sarah's hand tighter. Frederick gives her a kiss on the cheek before reassuring her. "I'll be alright. I'll just find Leiton, get him out of there, and meet you at his house." He leaned down and hugged Sarah. "Daddy's going to be leaving for a little while, okay? I'll be back before supper." He smiled at her as she looked up at him.
Frederick turned to Grant. "I trust you'll keep them safe? Leiton's house is a few hours away, and the forest is not kind to those who travel at night."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

The group began walking quickly towards the woods. After a few seconds, they heard two explosions behind them, one right after the other.
"Sounds like it came from the market," Jenny said.
"So, there really is an attack..." Chris muttered as they continued into the woods. Henry stood waiting for them about a minute in. He ran up to them, eyeing the new faces. "Hey, I heard some explosions back there. Did you blow the place up?"
Chris continued walking as he answered. "No, we were sidetracked. Apparently, other sections of BLACK are attacking the city tonight. I was never told about this..."
They were headed for a clearing up ahead, when they heard voices followed by a crash. The group hurried ahead and saw what looked like a satellite being set up near a computer.
The fox at the computer looked over at them and muttered something before getting back to wiring the computer. The rabbit beside him was frantically checking to see if the satellite had been damaged.
"Hey, Conner." Chris called. The fox looked over at him, but didn't say anything. "I need you to get the info on our guests here. I want to know who they are."
The cubi gave him a glare and protested. "You know, if you wanted to know our names, you could just ask."
Chris said nothing as he went over to the rabbit and helped him set up the satellite.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on January 27, 2012, 04:53:10 AM
Jayce walked over and nonchalantly sat down next to the four ex-prisoners.
"So what are your names?" he asked.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on January 29, 2012, 08:28:37 AM

"I trust you'll keep them safe? Leiton's house is a few hours away, and I the forest is not kind to those who travel at night."

Grant nodded and watched in awkward silence as the family shared a moment together before Frederick ran off towards the chaos to find Leiton. Crystal wasted no time and immediately took control of the situation.


"Grant, I know exactly where the house is; just stay close and we should be able to make it just fine," Crystal tried to sound confident, but there was a hint of doubt.


"Don't worry," Grant reassured her, "nothing will harm either of you."

Nodding, Crystal grabbed her daughter's paw and led Grant back through the forest.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 01, 2012, 10:53:15 PM
((Well, Cami has yet to reply, and Cif's been muted... Guess we can post a few more, but all of our people are leaving  :S ))


-Cifero-

Chris walked over, carrying a pad with a see-through touch screen (High-tech stuff). He pointed it at everyone, capturing their faces with a scanner.
He took a step back and waited for the scanner to sift through thousands and thousands of pictures and names. Finally, he looked back at them and pointed to each individually.
First, the cubi. "Joan Swane. Element: Earth. Exiled just before the new king's reign after attacking a group of kids in the city. Since then, has remained living outside Fnorgan. Not dangerous." The cubi balked and started to protest, but Chris went on to the next.
"Theragorm Pugen." The bear. "Element: Unknown. Works in the industrial zone of Besmir, but was reported missing two months ago after not showing up for work. Not dangerous."
Next, the fox. "Deim Reif. Element: Unknown. Not working. Not dangerous."
Next, the mouse. Chris looked him over before reading out, "Mawz. Element: Unknown. Origin, unknown. Member of the Rogue Crew. Whereabouts, unknown. Extremely dangerous. Unless authorized, do not attempt to apprehend."
He walked back over to the table and set the pad down. "So." He looked finally to Jayce, who still had his mask on. "Are you going to continue wearing that mask out here, or will I be forced to take it off of you? Your choice."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Frederick ran off, back toward the city as their group headed for the woods. Crystal led them to the woods, and entered. Not but a few hundred feet, though well-hidden, was a small, wooden house. The light was on inside.
"Sarah, honey. I need you to turn off that light, okay?" Sarah nodded and giggled. After a few seconds of her staring at the window, the light suddenly went off.
"Now, come on." She walked up to the front door and pulled a small dagger out of a well-concealed sheath.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on February 04, 2012, 01:10:17 AM
"Now come on."

Grant nodded and followed close behind Crystal. He noticed Crystal reach for her dagger and followed her example by placing a paw on his hilt. He was curious as to what to expect, but he did not dare ask. Right now did not seem like the time for questions.


Hopefully Crystal was only taking precautions; fighting could expose them.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 14, 2012, 12:50:09 AM
Jayce stared right at Chris.
"I'd love to help you... but I'm not actually on any of your records," he said. "That's why I'm wearing the mask... I'd prefer to stay off of them. By the way, only I can take it off, and even if I did, you wouldn't get a match."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 14, 2012, 01:44:21 AM
-Cifero-

Chris chuckled at him. "Heh. You have guts kid, but noone escapes from the list. Now, you can either take off the mask and be civilized, or I and my associates will be forced to deal with you. And I'm sure Mawz here wouldn't like you knowing where he is and what he looks like when he doesn't know you. Though, I'm sure he could find out faster than I could."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

The door was thrown open, nearly hitting Crystal. At the door stood the arctic fox, Deirx. He held a pawfinger to his mouth and motioned for them to follow him inside. Crystal seemed almost relieved that he was there. She sheathed her knife and followed him inside.
On the kitchen table were four separate backpacks. Around them was a wide assortment of canned foods and other essentials. Deirx walked over to the table and picked up one of the packs, stuffing some of the last supplies into it. "I was going to wait for Leiton and Frederick, but we need to get out of here, and fast. I know where a group of BLACK is. They can protect us for now."
Crystal walked over and busily started doing the same. "Frederick went back for Leiton. He told us to wait for him here."
"He went back?!" Deirx cursed and grabbed another pack, filling it with supplies. Sarah just stood slightly behind her mother, staring at them. Crystal merely nodded and continued packing. Deirx finally looked back at Grant. "Have you seen or heard anything about this attack?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 14, 2012, 01:49:23 AM
Jayce sighed.
"Okay... but hold on, I can't risk anyone evil knowing that I helped... it would endanger a friend of mine."
He glances around, but not a guard is in sight.
"Alright, I'll take it off now..."
Jayce removed the mask, shaking his hair so that it fell back into its normal position.
"Don't bother using that thing, my name's Jayce," he said. "I control Metal, and I'm considered to not be dangerous."

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 14, 2012, 04:12:10 PM
((For now, I'm just going to control Cami, since he still hasn't responded, and I don't know if he will. If he doesn't come back within the next few days, I will either just send him off, out of the story, or kill him.))

Chris frowned and held up the scanner. After a few seconds, he read out, "Jayce Longstaff. Element: Metal. Exiled before the reign of the new king. Has been traveling with the merchant renegade, Zack Westing. Last seen in Fnorgan. Not dangerous."
He walked back and put the pad back on the table the small crew had set up. Just then, Henry stepped out of the woods. Right behind him floated a platypus, whose hands and feet were being held together by chunks of rock.
"Hey, this hurts, ya know!"
Chris sighed and picked up the scanner again, focusing it on the platypus. After it had found his profile, Chris read, "Cami Hubert. Element: Fire. Origins: Unknown. Surfaced two years ago when he tried to kill the king, along with the now deceased Alexander Stride. Current whereabouts: Unknown. Extremely dangerous. Kill on sight."
He put down the scanner and looked at him. "You sound like my kind of soldier."
He turned back to the group. "Now, I think it's time we filled in a little bit of information on some of you. Deim, Theragorm, Joan, and Jayce. All of you are going to be tested, right here and now, both elementally and physically."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 14, 2012, 09:58:49 PM
Jayce nodded. "Sounds fair..."

Inside, however, he was as nervous as the rest.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on February 17, 2012, 10:51:28 PM
((Kill Cami  XD  Oh that is sad, but sadly it may be the best option at the moment))
 
The door suddenly swung open and revealed an arctic fox. Grant wasn't sure how to respond until he noticed Crystal sheathe her weapon. He gave a sigh of relief and followed her inside.
 
"I was going to wait for Leiton and Frederick, but we need to get out of here, and fast. I know where a group of BLACK is. They can protect us for now."

"Frederick went back for Leiton. He told us to wait for him here."

"He went back?!"
 
"Have you seen or heard anything about this attack?"
 
Grant shook his head. "No this whole situation is new to me," he responded. "I wish I could tell you more, but there is little I can offer besides my sword."
 
Everything was moving far too fast for Grant. He wish he could have some clarification as to who this Arctic Fox was, but if Crystal trusted him that would be enough for now.
 
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 20, 2012, 04:21:45 AM
((Well, it has been almost a week, so I'm afraid Cami is out of the story. I'll decide what to do with his character later. For now, let's start up the fights ^_^ ))

-Cifero-

"Alright. Joan, you will be fighting Henry. He controls earth as well, so it's a fair fight. Theragorm, I'm going to have to ask you what your element is. Same for you, Deim."
Joan huffed again before standing up and walking over to a tree, resting back on it. Henry stepped away from Cami, who was now untied and rubbing his wrists.
Theragorm answered quickly, "My element's electricity, though I haven't actually been trained. I'm pretty good with me sword, but it's somewhere in Jasper's jail."
"Hmph. Jasmine." He turned back to Jasmine, who had joined the pair by the satellite. "I need you and Jenny to go back to Fnorgan's Guard warehouse and pick up any lost supplies."
"Sir."
"Considering the attack going on, they probably didn't have the time to actually put them in storage, so it shouldn't be hard to find them." He turned back to the group. " What weapons are you all missing?
Theragorm answered first, "My greatsword. Nothing special, but it's served me well."
Joan answered next. "My bow, arrows, and hunting knife. The knife has a rock handle."
Jasmine nodded and walked past them, into the woods, followed closely by Jenny.
Finally, he turned to Jayce. "Well, it seems you might as well go first, since you weren't arrested. You'll be fighting me."
The rabbit and the fox both looked over, surprised.
"Not to the death of course. Just so I know how skilled you are. Nothing dirty or fatal. Just like a training session, got it?"

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx and Krystal quickly finished packing the bags. Deirx tossed one to Grant and pulled two over his own shoulders. Krystal grabbed one and then walked out the door with Sarah.
"That's all I need. Leiton should know where the encampment is. He always does." He ran out the door and kept going at a light jog, heading along the edge of the woods, circling around the city. After a few minutes, they noticed a clearing further in the woods. There were shapes of people there, but there wasn't a campfire or anything. Even as they watched, the figures disappeared. The area around them seemed to grow even darker, speeding up the night.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 20, 2012, 04:27:29 AM
Jayce looked up.
"O-kay..." he said. "You wanna borrow one of my weapons?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 20, 2012, 05:19:06 AM
"I have my own."
Chris walked over to the center of the clearing and crossed his arms.
The pair by the computer stopped what they were doing and watched intently.
 He didn't have any visible weapons. He wore only a dark t-shirt, jeans, and a smile.

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 20, 2012, 06:19:30 PM
"Okay..."
Jayce put his mask back on and, removing all of his weapons save his dager and rapier, he walked over and stood opposite Chrism also crossing his arms.
"So... how do we start?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 20, 2012, 07:03:38 PM
"Simple. First, dull your weapon so it won't stick me. Then we fight."
He knelt over the ground and placed his palms on the ground. After a few seconds, he slowly lifted his hands. Under them, a thick, metallic stream followed. He took the stream and compressed it between his hands, creating a sphere. He then took the ball and molded it into a katana, though the blade was completely rounded. Grooves formed around his fingers, creating the handle. Finally, a small section rose above the handle, creating the hilt.
"Do you need me to dull your weapons? You didn't seem to have any problems removing the prisoner's chains back at Fnorgan."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 20, 2012, 07:24:22 PM
Jayce stepped back in shock... then stepped forward.
"No need... I carry dull weapons just in case," he said, removing a dull dagger from his satchel.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 20, 2012, 10:42:01 PM
 @.@ (I'm confused... who an I fighting?)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on February 24, 2012, 07:37:17 PM
((just gonna post a quick reply since im not sure if ill be able to connect this weekend))

Suzumi was in the basement of her house, her parents were out and she was using every minute she was alone to practice her magical talent. She pulled out 5 small pebbles from her pockets and dropped them to the ground but before they could hit it they seemed to levitate and start to orbit her body. She moved her hand in a sweeping gesture and exhaled, the pebbles spun around and  rapidly accelerated towards the wall hitting it with some force. A small smiles crossing her face. "They are moving faster now."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on February 24, 2012, 07:47:51 PM
(good so far... keep it up!)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on February 29, 2012, 05:17:30 AM
Grant was feeling uneasy. He noticed the lack of people around and the growing darkness was all the more ominous. Could they really trust Deiryx to lead the way? Grant wanted to ask more questions, but intuition told him now was not the time. Right now they needed to escape and questioning anything would slow them down and put them at jeopardy. After what happened in his home town, there was no question further punishment would await.



Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on February 29, 2012, 03:44:48 PM
((I'll just put Viola on hold for now, since she's muted again. Also, sorry it took me so long to reply. Had a lot going on the past few days :P))

-Suzumi-

"You."
The voice was sudden and came from everywhere. The pebbles she had thrown lifted off of the ground smoothly and came back to her and began orbiting her again. The voice sounded again, this time seeming to come from the pebbles swirling around her.
"You understand."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx suddenly skidded to a halt, and Krystal nearly tried over him. He turned and eyed the clearing, which seemed to grow darker by the second. He began to walk closer to the clearing, his eyes settling on what appeared to be a small spinning orb floating in the middle of the clearing. It was inky black, with splotches of dark purples and blues.
"Krystal, run!"
Krystal took off with Sarah just as the orb shifted, expanding quickly. It enveloped the clearing and spread a little ways further. The sphere passed around them harmlessly and continued expanding. After the sphere passed them, however, they seemed to be enveloped in black world, devoid of all color. The entire world had shifted to a black nothingness. The ground was indistinguishable even from the sky. Though, he could still see each Deirx, his white fur showing plainly off of the dark surroundings.
A dark figure swirled out of the darkness and came to rest in front of them. It appeared to be a demon of a sort, though it was in the form of a beautiful woman. She was floating slightly above the ground.
"Don't let this fiend touch you, and don't touch it."
Suddenly, as if to reinforce what he said, the woman shrieked an unholy shriek and thrust her arms at them. They turned into long spears of swirling darkness as they hurtled toward the pair.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on February 29, 2012, 03:55:25 PM
Suzumi was taken aback by the first noise spinning around quickly to make sure that there was nobody behind her, she quickly scanned the room with her eyes as the second response came she shifted her hands and let the pebbles orbit in a  ball floating above her hand. She struggled to find words to say still shocked that the pebbles were communicating.

"I only understand that this is a gift i shouldn't be forced to hide" She responded sternly focusing a little more small tendrils of sand and dust started lifting up around her feet slowly coiling around her legs.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 08, 2012, 07:41:47 AM
Any doubt Grant had held towards Deirx was lost as the situation took a turn for the worst. Some strange  illusion had been conjured in front of them all, but Grant was not certain what exactly was going on. As darkness grew Grant noticed a female figure just ahead of them.


"Don't let this fiend touch you, and don't touch it."

Grant didn't need to be told twice; the training with the guard had tempered and adjusted his reflexes to be battle ready. Thinking quickly, Grant rushed towards Deirx and pushed him out of the way of the swirling spear of darkness. However, the spear managed to slide across Grant's right arm and nearly cut him. That was too close.

Having never experienced this sort of magic before he had misjudged the creature, but it would not happen again.

"Deirx," Grant spoke placing a paw on his sword hilt, "how do we get rid of this creature?"


Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 09, 2012, 05:26:10 PM
-Suzumi-

The voice echoed again, this time in a deep chuckle. "But there is more it than that, isn't there..."
The sand coiled around her legs, rising slowly, becoming a thick, earthen shell around her legs. Across from her, where she had struck the wall, a man slowly materialized. He was short, not an inch over 5 feet tall, and his face was obscured by the dark cowl he wore.
"You must understand, Suzumi. Understanding is key."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

During the brief moment that the darkness touched his arm, Grant could feel an uncontrollable sense of pure, unadulterated fear. The feeling left just as soon as it had come, however. The demon cackled and began to walk lithely towards them.
A voice sounded throughout the darkness, shouting at them. "You have no idea what you've done! You're going to ruin everything I've worked so hard for! Just stop now! Just... DIE!!!" The last word was almost a shriek, and seemed to echo around them.
Deirx rolled and rose to his feet, taking off his own pack. He quickly undid the tie-string at the top and opened it. His hand was over the top for just a moment before he pulled it away, a sheet of silvery, liquid metal following. It was quicksilver. He yelled at Grant, not taking his eyes off the demon advancing towards them, almost tauntingly. "You wouldn't happen to be able to control light, would you?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 09, 2012, 11:54:47 PM
Taking a step back and taking a deep breath she focused on the figure  emerging from she shadows, the sand slowly making its way higher up her body, the pebbles starting to orbit her much faster than before. taking a more active stance she raised her hands and bared her claws.

"Who are you?, and How did you get in here?" Her tail swiping from side to side,  stirring up more dust from the floor. 
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 10, 2012, 12:34:50 AM
After unbuckling his rapier, sticking his dagger back in its sheath and pulling a dull short sword from his bag,  Jayce advanced and stood across from Chris, the sword in his right hand and the dagger in his left.
"So... now what?" he asked.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 12, 2012, 02:56:24 AM
(Sorry about the hiatus everyone! Had some business to attend to out of town!)


As the demon shrieked and began to approach, Grant drew his blade and pointed it at the demon; distancing himself.


"You wouldn't happen to be able to control light, would you?"

"No," he replied disheartened, "I'm afraid I don't, I-I can control gravity, but..."

Grant wouldn't allow himself to use magic! He could barely control it and last time he tried using it he ended up bringing himself into this mess. It would just be better if he ignored his ability for now. Grant could still fight!

He clutched his sword tight and brought a paw to his back; placing it on the handle of one of his knives.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 12, 2012, 06:42:46 PM
((no worries ^_^ and dont you just love starbucks wifi? xD ))

-Suzumi-

"I am one who would see how you would test the balance. As for how I got in here... " The cloaked figure chuckled softly. "The same way you're getting out."
The rocks and sand revolving around Suzumi's waist and legs suddenly shoot up, surrounding her and enveloping her in complete darkness, unable to move or move the earth. "Remember to understand, Suzumi..."
Through the darkness, a green symbol flashes before her eyes just as pain erupts in the back of her head. She fall unconscious.

She wakes up, lying down in the middle of a wooded area. Beside her is are two raccoons. One, the female, is dabbing her forehead with a wet rag while the man stands with his back to her, watching the woods.
"Oh my! You're awake!"

--- --- ---

-Viola-

(Your fight is a good bit of quick actions, so its alright if we reply quickly)
Chris nodded. "Now... we fight." He took a few steps forward and swung his arm in front of him. Three small balls of metal flew seemingly out of nowhere towards Jayce's midsection. Chris charged Jayce, sword down at his side.

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

(Same with you, now that this is a full on fight :P Post whenever)
Grant grabbed to quicksilver like a sheet and flapped it once. Hundreds of small needles flew at the demon, striking it, but not slowing it down. The woman shrieked again and charged Deirx, arms flying wildly in her will to rip him to shreds. One of the arms flew dangerously close to Grant as they expanded and formed wicked claws.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 12, 2012, 08:02:28 PM
Jayce deflected the balls with a spin of his knife and charged at Chris, planning to meet him halfway.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 14, 2012, 01:06:14 AM
Laying on the ground and looking up Suzumi could still see the green symbol when she closed her eyes, her entire body feeling heavy. She slowly got up still in a little pain from whatever happened. Thinking to herself that whoever that person was she was going to make him feel pain.  She looked around again to see female raccoon next to her, not making eye contact she glanced over at the male keeping his eyes on the woods. With a raspy and strained voice she asked. "Where am I?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 16, 2012, 05:21:06 AM
As one of the claws flew towards Grant, he felt a sudden rush of adrenaline and slipped beneath the swipe. Reacting quickly, Grant pulled a knife from his pouch and slashed at the arm as it continued above him. A spray of some ethereal substance covered his face.


"Deirx! What is this creature?" Grant called again as he pulled away from the arm. 
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 16, 2012, 05:36:18 AM
-Suzumi-

The lady coon dabbed at her forehead with the wet rag. "You're near Triss, dear...You've been unconscious for almost two hours now after you just popped up out of the ground like you did..."
The male raccoon turned around, arms crossed, and looked at her.
"What's you color, eh?"

--- --- ---

-Viola-

 Chris smiled and, just before they would meet, spun down, swiping his katana at your legs and lifted his arms above him. A shield of metal seemed to pour out of his shirt and form above him, protecting himself from above,

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Grant paled and ducked under the arms as they converged above his crouched form. He lifted his hands, shouting, "It's some kind of demon!" The quicksilver shot at the demon in small bursts, going straight through it. Realizing it was futile, he crouched down, the metals flowing over him and forming an egg-shaped shape. The demon swiped at it, its claws glancing off of it, only make it more irritated.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 16, 2012, 08:03:52 PM
"T T Tris?" She asked stunned, wondering how she ended up so far out. Standing up she stretched a little the vertabrea in her tail making several cracking noises. "My color?" she inquired still a little confused from what had happened and not really knowing the history of magic other than what she had heard people whisper about.

Not knowing weather to trust them or not, she refrained from telling them she was a magic user.

"How far is Besmir from here?" She asked, making direct eye contact with the male raccoon,her normally emerald eyes betraying a darker color rising within them.

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 16, 2012, 08:58:48 PM
Jayce quickly jumped over the sword slash, propelling himself into the air.
"Shields can't protect you from everything!" he said as he kicked off of Chris's shield, sending the man flying back a few feet.
Using the moment to his advantage, Jayce rushed at Chris and swiped his sword at the black-furred agent's legs.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 19, 2012, 05:28:26 AM
So they were fighting some sort of demon? Grant recalled the creatures from nightmares he would have occasionally as a child. Was this one of those beings? The spray that had covered his face felt so alien on his face and it made him hesitant. However, Deirx seemed to be in trouble. The arm that had come after him was relentless. Using all the strength in his legs, Grant bounced off his foot paws and with a large slice, cut into the other rogue arm.


From what Grant could tell after watching Deirx fend off the demon was that it would not stop. Grant had to try something new. Blindly slicing away at the creature was not helping. He cast a glance at the floating demon and noticed that it seemed to be floating.


Floating, eh? An idea struck Grant, but it would require him to use his power. Should he risk it? He thought of what had happened at home, but the present moment demanded desperate action.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 19, 2012, 07:27:06 PM
-Cifero-

Chris grunted and rolled as Jayce kicked his makeshift shield.
Still with his back to Jayce, Chris stood and lifted his arms, though nothing around him changed or appeared to move.

--- --- ---

-Suzumi-

The female stood and took a few steps back, going back to her backpack and bedroll.
The male raccoon eyed her and frowned. "It's about a week's travel, but if you have a horse, you can make it in a few days."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

The sword passed through the demon, and the end of its arms seemed to unravel away. Though, it was quickly replaced by another wriggling swirl of darkness. The demon stopped its slashing and simply pressed its hand against the metallic shell that Deirx had placed around himself. A dark swirl of energy seemed to coalesce around her hand and flow around the shell. A gurgled scream came from out of the shell as the demon began to shriek and cackle maniacally.

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 19, 2012, 08:36:51 PM
Jayce hit Chris's legs just enough for him to feel an impact.
"Alright, Chris, now what?"
Chris still had his back to Jayce.
"Um... Chris?"
Jayce started to back away, sensing that Chris was about to pull something...
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 19, 2012, 09:44:16 PM
-Cifero-

Jayce's sword clanged off of Chris's legs, the sound of metal striking metal resounding through the air.
Chris chuckled and turned. "You missed."
He walked right past Jayce, turning around after about ten paces and bringing his sword back to his front at the ready position. "Now, Again."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 19, 2012, 10:32:12 PM
Jayce nodded.

"Alright... Here I come!!"

The cat rushed at Chris, performing a series of complicated combat moves.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 20, 2012, 06:48:07 AM
The situation was growing worse. Not only had the demon avoided his strike, but it was also harming Deirx. Something had to be done fast!


For a moment Grant stood motionless; unsure of what to do, but suddenly his body began to move almost instinctively. He wasn't sure what he was doing, but it felt right in a way. Unleashing a howl that had been building up in his chest, Grant swung his sword into the air and jammed it into the floor. He had used his magic.


Almost instantly Grant could sense a growing weight on his shoulders. It continued to grow and grow and movement began to grow extremely difficult. He tried to raise his head, but the force was so great it almost hurt to move. All around him, gravity was distorted. The grass started to curve down as if it was about to be stepped on and nearby trees began to creek as their branches were pulled down, and leaves began to fall from these branches as if they were plucked.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 20, 2012, 10:41:09 AM
-Cifero-

Chris stood and engaged Jayce's attacks, moving his sword faster than a normal human should have been able to. It moved in a blur, so much so that Jayce could barely tell where it was. He advanced a step, his arms moving in a blur, Jayce's sword getting struck again and again, the impact of the metal resounding through the air.

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

The demon's shrieking ended as it was forced to the ground and hunched over, its arms slipping off of Deirx's shell. His shell melded away, and he fell backwards, his eyes red and his body visibly shaking as he scrambled backwards, trying to get away from the demon now hunched over the ground.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 20, 2012, 11:58:18 AM
" A week?" She responed in shock. She looked around and listened to the sounds, having never really left the city everything was quite new to her. "Can you point me in the right direction, My father will not be happy that im gone. Then again how am I going to explain this to him."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 20, 2012, 08:27:10 PM
Jayce kept parrying, barely able to keep himself from getting hit.
"You're a... pretty good... fighter," he said in between sword clashes.
As Jayce was blocking another strike from Chris, he realized too late that this blow was rather strong...
And soon enough was left holding only his long dagger, the sword ringing on the ground some distance away.
(Don't think you've won yet... there's gonna be a little trick here...)
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 23, 2012, 04:17:12 AM
Grant watched as the demon doubled up on the floor. His power! It was working! However, he could no longer move his body. The gravity in the area was so strong it was beginning to force him to the ground. He could not stop the increased gravity!


"Deirx!" he called, "I...need some help!"


He could hear Deirx shaking behind him and knew that they were in trouble. With Deirx wounded and himself being trapped in his own magic, there was little they could both do.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 23, 2012, 04:35:46 PM
-Suzumi-

"You can't go alone, honey. Do you have any family out here?"

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris swung quickly again, this time knocking Jayce's sword out of his paw. With a quick back skip, he held his sword at the ready, a few steps away from Jayce. (Trust me, I know :P )

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx scrambled to his feet. His pack slid across the ground towards him and he walked slowly toward Grant.
"We need to get out of here. Neither of us can really hurt this thing, and you're only going to hurt yourself if you keep this up!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 23, 2012, 04:49:22 PM
She smiled. " My Parents, but my father will be furious if I have to explain to him what happened, and even if I do I won't be able to tell him the truth" . A serious look creeps across her face. "There isn't even a way to explain to him, if i try i would get punished severely and not because he is my father but because its his job".
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 23, 2012, 08:21:03 PM
Jayce looked at the sword lying on the ground a few feet away, his eyes betraying his surprise at losing the weapon. But instead of rushing after the sword, he just stayed where he was, turned to Chris with his head hung...
And looked up at him, chuckling maliciously.
"Well... I should thank you I suppose..."
Jayce flicked his wrist, causing a dagger identical to the long one he had in his left paw to slide out of a sheath on his right wrist. Just before it was totally out of the sheath, Jayce flicked his wrist, causing the knife to flip once in the the air before he caught it by its handle.
It was perfectly timed.
"Becuase frankly," the cat said, spinning the daggers in his hands, "I'm better with knives."
He caught the daggers and held them in a position from which he could either attack or defend, then motioned towards Chris.
"Bring it on."


Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 27, 2012, 03:12:12 AM
((Ummmmm... Sig?))

-Cifero-

Chris nodded and brought his other paw up to the handle of his makeshift katana and gripped it. He slowly pulled them apart, the metal seeming to liquify before pulling apart, forming two identical katanas, one in each paw. His eyes remained locked on Jayce's the entire time.
"One more round, then I test your metal-bending."
He skipped forward and lunged towards Jayce's chest, adopting a fencing style of swordplay, his other sword held in the defensive.

--- --- ---

-Suzumi-

The male raccoon's face grew stern as he looked at her. "His job? Who is your father?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 27, 2012, 03:23:45 AM
Jayce's eyes widened in shock at that statement... he was so surprised, he nearly forgot to block.
But he did.
Oh, he did.
Moving quickly, Jayce executed the knife drills he had taught himself over and over, adding in his own twists and matching Chris blow for blow.
"Um... can we skip the metal bending thing?" he asked, still attacking and parrying.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 27, 2012, 05:24:42 AM
(Sorry! Thought I posted  XD )


Grant couldn't move his head to face Deirx. The effort it took to restrain the demon was so great that he could not move.


"Deirx...," he grunted, "I can't...move!"


Grant was beginning to pant and his strength was failing him. However, now that he activated his power, he had no clue how to stop it. Before it would always stop on its own, but for some reason it could not. Grant felt himself being forced down even more. What was going on?
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 27, 2012, 12:01:11 PM
She instantly took up a defensive stance small trails of dust slowly swirling around her feet barely visible.  "My father is in the guard" she replied her voice hiding a little fear. "Why do you want to know who he is?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 27, 2012, 03:32:28 PM
((It's fine, Sig :P ))

-Cifero-

"I'm afraid not." He ducked under one of Jayce's blades, parried another, and swung himself, only to be deflected again. This kid isn't half bad...
He jumped back, out of Jayce's reach, and threw his katanas to the ground. They stuck, quivering, before they quickly melted into the ground.
"Don't worry, I just need to know how strong you are, and if you can at least do the basics."

--- --- ---

-Suzumi-

"Honey, there's no need to get upset." The female raccoon replied. "You can stay with us tonight, and we'll see you back to Besmir in the morning. It's getting late."
The male raccoon just looked at her, finally shrugging and walking off to grab his pack and pull out a few blankets. "You can take my bed. Supper will be..." He looked over at his wife.
"Supper will be in about an hour." She took a small pot out of her pack and set it by the fire. "My name's Clarissa, by the way." She smiled.
"Spurney, pleasure to meet you."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx pulled and tugged at Grant, trying to get him away from the thing and out of his element's range.
"Grant, you need to stop this!"
The demon shrieked as the black surroundings seemed to meld away, revealing the forest.
"We need to get out, now!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 27, 2012, 03:44:00 PM
Relaxing and lowering her hadn the dust around her feet silently droped down to the ground.  "Thank you, I appreciate it." She glanced back at Spurney but not saying a word she turned to Clarissa. " Is there anything i can help with?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 27, 2012, 07:45:05 PM
Jayce sheathed his daggers and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

"Um... yeah," he said. "Well.. um... when I bend metal, I suppose it can be... pretty strong..."

The cat looked over at the sword that he had lost earlier.

"Alright... well, I'll start with this..."

Holding up his hand, Jayce focused on the sword, the muscles of his hand tensing up. A brief flash lit up his eyes, and suddenly, the blade flew across the clearing and into Jayce's outstretched hand.

The cat looked back at Chris expectantly.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 27, 2012, 08:12:43 PM
-Suzumi-

"Hmm? Oh, no, honey, I've got it." Clarissa placed her hands over the ground and slowly lifted them. Underneath them, a mass of water seemed to flow out of the ground, following her hands. She quickly moved the water into the pot and swirled it a round a little before starting to set up the stand for the cooking pot.
Spurney walked up to her and handed her a small object. It was a locket-necklace in the form of a heart, open and empty.
"I think you dropped this. It was lying near you when we found you."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris stared, emotionless. "Alright, now turn your sword into a ball."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 27, 2012, 08:26:48 PM
Looking at Clarissa manipulate the water she went quiet, only observing what she was doing. "You...you know how to use magic...." her voice trailing off as Spurney handed her the locket, she looked at the empty space and closed her eyes as she closed the locket a slight vibration developing around her feet. She opened her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. "Thank you." Placing the necklace and locket around her neck.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 27, 2012, 09:02:47 PM
-Suzumi-

Spurney nodded and took a step back. "I couldn't help but notice... but what does the inscription on the inside mean?"
Clarissa started to take out assorted vegetables form her pack and slice them with a small kitchen knife.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 27, 2012, 09:33:55 PM
Jayce widened his eyes. I was afraid he was gonna ask me to do something more controlled...
"Um... A ball?" he asked. "What... what kinda ball?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 28, 2012, 02:35:41 AM
She looked up at the sky. "I'm not sure about its exact translation but he always said that it means to walk on the razors edge... Whatever that means." Looking back down her eyes betraying a slight hint of sadness, her fist clenching tighter, as the vibrations started up again, visibly stirring up the sand around her feet. Her voice weaker than before... "Please dont ask anymore question about this locket....."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 28, 2012, 03:05:59 AM
-Suzumi-

Spurney tilted his head slightly and replied, "Translation? It says, 'Understanding is key.' "
Clarissa turned toward them and admonished, "Spurney! She said not to bring it up, so leave it be! It's none of our business, anyway."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris frowned and held out his paw. Metal again seemed to flow out of the ground in front of him, going through the air, finally settling over his paw in the form of a small, metal ball. "This kind of ball." He rolled the ball around in his paw before letting it drop to the ground again.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 28, 2012, 11:44:34 AM
Shocked he looked at the inscription again...it looked different from what she remebered. "Understanding...Thats what that person said who before i woke up....Who is that person? You know who it is, dont you?" She inquired, a hestitant tone audible in her voice.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 28, 2012, 08:07:04 PM
Quote from: Leiton on March 28, 2012, 03:05:59 AM
-Suzumi-

Spurney tilted his head slightly and replied, "Translation? It says, 'Understanding is key.' "
Clarissa turned toward them and admonished, "Spurney! She said not to bring it up, so leave it be! It's none of our business, anyway."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris frowned and held out his paw. Metal again seemed to flow out of the ground in front of him, going through the air, finally settling over his paw in the form of a small, metal ball. "This kind of ball." He rolled the ball around in his paw before letting it drop to the ground again.
Jayce widened his eyes, knowing exactly what he meant... unfortunately, he also knew what might happen if he made one.
"But I don't want to kill you!" he said.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 28, 2012, 09:36:36 PM
((Sig...))

-Cifero-

Chris frowned, getting slightly irritated.
"Try me," he growled.

--- --- ---

-Suzumi-

Spurney eyed her even more curiously. "That person? I don't know, we just found you here this morning."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 29, 2012, 06:19:17 AM
Jayce sighed. "Alright... just be ready to dodge..."
Jayce concentrated on the sword, willing it to become a ball safely.
Suddenly, with a huge flash, the sword turned into an army of metal balls and flew straight at Chris.
"LOOK OUT!" Jayce screeched.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 29, 2012, 11:51:27 AM
"I-I-I am sorry im still just trying to make sense of what happened.... one moment I was practicing, and the next a cloaked figure womhow got into the locked basement.... Whoever it was said tat understanding is the key. Then I got engulfed in shadow,saw a bight symbol flash before my eyes and woke up here." Shaking her head not sure how to react.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 29, 2012, 03:34:55 PM
((Just a quick thing, magic only makes flashes of light when... well... a light-bender makes a bright flash. At the most, you're lack of control might make the metal scratch against itself and create sparks. Other than that, there are no flashes when you do magic.))

-Cifero-

Chris scowled and waved his arm in front of him, unfazed. The metal balls stopped moving in front of him momentarily before they floated towards each other and melded into one solid metal ball.
"All power, and no control."
He took a few steps forward, the ball elongating and retaking the form of Jayce's sword. He reached out and grabbed it, walking the distance to get to Jayce and hand him back his sword.
"Joan, you're next."

--- --- ---

-Suzumi-

Spurney looked even more confused than before. Clarissa looked up from her spot by the fire and muttered, "You poor thing..."
After a few moments, Spurney shook his head slowly before turning back around and taking his watch over the forest.
"Don't worry, we'll get you home."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 29, 2012, 03:50:56 PM
Sitting down next to the fire Suzumi went quiet simply litening to the sounds of my flames, as she tried to make sense of it all. Her thoughts wandering from one tpoic to the next as she started to scratch the strange symbol into the ground infrom of her...."understanding....." she muttered to herself.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 29, 2012, 08:18:06 PM
Jayce hung his head.
"Sorry about that," he said. "I tried to warn you... I don't really use my powers thatt much, and I kept getting kicked out of class because of my lack of interest."
He looked back up.
"Wait... give me another chance. I can do it."
Jayce holds out the sword.
'Okay, just... do something to make me angry, okay?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on March 29, 2012, 09:27:05 PM
((Sending a message to Sigcutio. I don't want to lose people, but if he's going to be gone or just not post, he needs to tell me... Also, I lost track of the in-game time, so for all purposes, our journey has passed us through the night and is now mid-morning. Sorry bout the sudden change  XP I've been too busy to pay attention.))

-Suzumi-

Breakfast was ready within the hour, and the sun was finally rising above the trees. Clarissa took out small, wrapped bowls, unwrapped them, filled them with some of the vegetable soup, and gave each of them a bowl. Spurney took his and sat down by a tree, eating quietly.
Inside of her own head, Suzumi could feel this urge; a small, almost unnoticeable itch. It bade her go somewhere, a specific direction. It was behind her. South-east. The locket seemed to press against her, almost pushing her in that direction.

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris immediately turned to him.
"No. You were dismissed from your training because you have no control over your emotions, nor what to do with them. You ask me to make you angry, yet even then, you would have no control of your actions. You could not harm me, but I don't trust you enough to not harm the others that might not be able to defend themselves so easily."Another blast sounded in the distance. Chris jerked his head back and stared into the woods. "Where are you..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on March 29, 2012, 09:52:40 PM
Silently eating the soup Suzumi couldn't shake this nearly unbearable urge to head south-east. "This soup is delicious"  shy shyly remarked, and without a seconds hesitation. " What lies to the south east of here?" The locket around her neck feeling heavy around her neck silently humming and pressing her to want to move.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on March 30, 2012, 02:14:32 AM
(Sorry again!  x_x )


Grant could feel Deirx tugging on him to move, but his power had left him drained and was weighing him down too heavily. This was bad. If they could not leave in time they may lose the opportunity to leave. Grant began to wonder if he would even be able to leave. He remembered what he had learned in his training in the guard. It was better to ensure someone made it out alive then to risk total failure.


"Deirx...leave!" he shouted panting heavily. "One of us needs to make it out..."


As he said this he felt gravity push him down towards the floor again. Was he going to die here? Now? Deirx was free; he could leave just fine, but was Grant really going to die? No...not yet! He had to think of something. Maybe I can still get out of this? He focused his thoughts on the first time he realized his power and tried to think about how he released his power. Something was coming to him... he almost had it... did he still have time? The pressure on his back brought him even lower and now his snout was touching the floor. There had to be something he could do!
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on March 30, 2012, 02:36:09 AM
Jayce glared at him angrily, breathing hard and spinning his sword, angered thaat the man thought that he would dare hurt someone by accident....
Jayce suddenly stopped spinning the sword and charged at Chris. However, while he was ten feet away, Jayce slammed the sword into the ground hard, found what he was looking for, and activated it.
Seconds later, huge tendrils of metal wrapped around Chris's legs and arms, pinning him in place. Jayce held a blunt knife to his throat.
"Like I said," the cat whusoered, surprisingly calm. "I'm not that accurate with metal-bending... unless I become passionate. Becuase only then do I have the most focus."
Jayce waved his hand, forming the tendrils back into a sword and freeing Chris.
"By the way, you're wrong," Jayce said, motioning towards the others. "I could never hurt them. I'm not evil, and I have control over my actions."
Jayce formed the sword into a ball and rolled it to Chris, then walked back over to his satchel and sat down.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on April 02, 2012, 08:55:07 PM
((sorry guys, ive been pretty busy recently  :S ))

-Suzumi-

(I said nearly unnoticeable, not unbearable :P )
Spurney turned to her. "The south-east? Not much, just more of this forest. There's a few villages and small towns, but it's not the way to Besmir."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx cursed and started to slowly drag Grant across the ground. "Get up! You're going to kill yourself if you don't stop this!"

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris stood, his eyes cold, unflinching as the metal sprung up around him. The two by the computer gasped and continued to watch.
After Jayce sat back down, Chris tapped the ball with his foot. It flowed slowly, elongating and splitting. It took the form of several flowers, each intricately designed; with further inspection - even the veins on the leaves were visible.
"You... have no control. Over yourself. Over your element. Over anything. You let your emotions take control of you, and you will fall." He walked back over to the gaping pair at the electronics and grabbed the pad, starting to slide his finger across it and tap it.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on April 02, 2012, 09:07:17 PM
She frowned a little trying to figure out what to do...Still feeling the urge to go there.
"I know... I know." She replied softly "theres just something i need to see....I think."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on April 03, 2012, 01:08:07 AM
Jayce glared at the man.
"We'll see," he muttered.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on April 03, 2012, 03:15:00 AM
As Deirx pulled Grant away from the demon, he could feel the effects of his own power diminishing on him. Relieved he found he could think clearer and his recall was more effective. Grant could recall that when his power would get too out of hand, he could just wave his arm and his power would almost instantly shut off. Being moved was the best way for Grant to regain control!


With a grunt and a wave of his arm, he felt the weight dissipate almost entirely.


"Deirx!" he shouted, "Let's go!"


They didn't have much time now that his power was cut. He could barely move, but it was just enough to help himself to his feet and make a dart for the opening.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 10, 2012, 02:14:54 AM
(Thanks for waiting on me for so long, guys! Here we go!  :3 )

-Suzumi-

Clarissa looked up from her soup and smiled. "Well, we need to get going soon anyway. We need to get to Fnorgan by tonite, or else we'll be out of food again."
Spurney quickly turned to her and sighed. "Yeah, yeah... We'll, uh, get you to Fnorgan, and from there you should be able to find your way to where ever you need to go. Just... If you came from Besmir, I wouldn't recommend going back."

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx quickly righted himself and reached out his paw. His pack slid across the ground toward him and slid over his arm and onto his shoulder. He immediately took off after Grant, following him in this void. Grant soon emerged from the darkness and into sunlight, Deirx right behind. They were in the woods, same as before. Deirx turned around, but the darkness was gone. It was just the woods.
"What the..." Deirx whispered before turning back and turning his head back and forth, searching for Sarah and Krystal. They weren't there. "Let's go, we need to meet up with the others. Do you need some help?"

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

As Chris tapped and slid his finger across the screen, rustling came from the woods behind them, then stopped. He looked up and frowned. "Did anybody see you?"
Jasmine appeared out of thin air just beside the group sitting down and began passing out their lost weapons. Deim sort of jumped at her, but neither the bear nor the mouse flinched. "No, not that I could tell. But we still need to move from this location. The mission's over. I didn't see anybody in the city at all, but there were some buildings on fire in the marketplace. If this IS an attack from Black, I don't know who the target is. They aren't hitting anything important or dangerous."
Chris nodded and looked over the crew. "Alright, you heard her. Get everything you need, and let's get out of here." He walked over to the rabbit at the computer. "Can't you see where he is, he's taking too long..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 10, 2012, 02:19:56 AM
Jayce raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Who or what is Black?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 10, 2012, 03:16:27 AM
As Grant left the shadowy vortex, he felt reinvigorated by the sudden flash of light and loss of crushing gravity. Panting, he turned to find Deirx following right behind him. They had both made it out alive.


"Let's go, we need to meet up with the others. Do you need some help?"

Still clutching his sword tight in his paw, Grant took a deep breath and stood up straight. He could feel his energy returning to him and now that he had returned to regular gravity, he felt as light as a feather.

"I'll be fine," he replied turning back to Deirx. "By the way, thanks for the help," he added. "I don't know if I would have made it out alive otherwise."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 10, 2012, 11:41:49 AM
Suzumi looked at Spurney quizically and asked "Why shouldnt I go back?  Fnorgan is kind of in that direction isnt it,or close to it?" She inquired as she pointed towards the direction she asked about earlier.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 10, 2012, 07:38:57 PM
-Suzumi-

Spurney frowned and finished her soup. "Well, if you were exiled from Besmir, you don't want to go back... They might kill you. You're better off finding a place to stay in a city or village somewhere. Fnorgan is to the east of here, and the closest village is about the same distance, to the south-east. We could take you there, if you want. I've been wanting to visit an earth village... We could make it there this afternoon if we hurry."
"More like if you ever start packing up your things..." Clarissa chimed in.
Spurney rolled his eyes and finished his soup. He set his bowl by Clarissa and started to roll up his bedding, putting all of their things back into his pack.

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx nodded. "No problem. Let's go, the others are waiting for us." He dashed off into the woods, heading in a generally south-western direction. <Insert time lapse here of running for ten minutes>. They suddenly emerged from the woods and into a rather large clearing. A group of people were standing at the other end, close to the woods. Deirx nodded as he saw Krystal talking with someone by a computer. He jogged up to Chris and asked, "Has Leiton made it back yet? He wasn't at his house."
Chris shook his head. "He met with us in the city, but ran off. Said he had to do something. We can't wait for him. I guarantee Black isn't the ones in charge of this attack."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris looked over at Jayce and gave him an odd look. "You really don't know? Black is a group of people that are trying to overthrow the current ruler. He obtained the crown by force years ago, and started issuing orders that everyone that used magic should be thrown out of the city in his... 'Purification'."
Across the clearing, two people broke out of the woods, Crystal and Sarah. They ran up to Chris and Crystal started babbling about Leiton not being there and this dome of darkness. Chris calmed her down after a minute and sat down. After a few minutes, Deirx and Grant emerged from the woods and made their way towards the group. Deirx and Chris began speaking as the two by the technical equipment started to pack everything back away.
Chris turned to the group and nodded. "Alright, the rest of you can follow us until we get the village. We're going to be crossing the major road as well, so be careful. We don't need to start a fight with the Guard on the open road."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 10, 2012, 07:45:14 PM
Suzumi glared at Spurney for a few seconds before asserting herself. " I wasnt banned from the city, I dont even know how I got here.Im sure my father isnt going to be happy, especially given his position". She looked at Clarrisa "Is there anything I can help with?, And what did he mean earth village?" Her father had always avoided talking about anything magic.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 10, 2012, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: Leiton on May 10, 2012, 07:38:57 PM
-Suzumi-

Spurney frowned and finished her soup. "Well, if you were exiled from Besmir, you don't want to go back... They might kill you. You're better off finding a place to stay in a city or village somewhere. Fnorgan is to the east of here, and the closest village is about the same distance, to the south-east. We could take you there, if you want. I've been wanting to visit an earth village... We could make it there this afternoon if we hurry."
"More like if you ever start packing up your things..." Clarissa chimed in.
Spurney rolled his eyes and finished his soup. He set his bowl by Clarissa and started to roll up his bedding, putting all of their things back into his pack.

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio-

Deirx nodded. "No problem. Let's go, the others are waiting for us." He dashed off into the woods, heading in a generally south-western direction. <Insert time lapse here of running for ten minutes>. They suddenly emerged from the woods and into a rather large clearing. A group of people were standing at the other end, close to the woods. Deirx nodded as he saw Krystal talking with someone by a computer. He jogged up to Chris and asked, "Has Leiton made it back yet? He wasn't at his house."
Chris shook his head. "He met with us in the city, but ran off. Said he had to do something. We can't wait for him. I guarantee Black isn't the ones in charge of this attack."

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

Chris looked over at Jayce and gave him an odd look. "You really don't know? Black is a group of people that are trying to overthrow the current ruler. He obtained the crown by force years ago, and started issuing orders that everyone that used magic should be thrown out of the city in his... 'Purification'."
Across the clearing, two people broke out of the woods, Crystal and Sarah. They ran up to Chris and Crystal started babbling about Leiton not being there and this dome of darkness. Chris calmed her down after a minute and sat down. After a few minutes, Deirx and Grant emerged from the woods and made their way towards the group. Deirx and Chris began speaking as the two by the technical equipment started to pack everything back away.
Chris turned to the group and nodded. "Alright, the rest of you can follow us until we get the village. We're going to be crossing the major road as well, so be careful. We don't need to start a fight with the Guard on the open road."

Jayce nodded his head in understanding. "I see... well, I haven't been in town for quite a while, so it would make since that I've never heard of them or seen them... until now, that is." He watched Chris and Deirx start to pack up, then stood up himself as Chris told them the plan. "I'll do as you say, sir," he said, saluting him.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 01:46:04 AM
Grant was relieved to see Krystal and her family were alive. He would have hated to have found that the family that had helped him in his time of need had perished. He watched as a person was working on something on a computer, but his ears perked as Deirx began to talk to Chris. Tuning into their conversation, Grant hoped he could discover a piece of what was going on.


"Has Leiton made it back yet? He wasn't at his house."

"He met with us in the city, but ran off. Said he had to do something. We can't wait for him. I guarantee Black isn't the ones in charge of this attack."

Black had not been in charge of the attack? Grant suspected the criminal organization had something to do with the event, but this was a surprise. Who could have done it? Grant kept his ears perked and tried to look inconspicuous by staring off into the distance as he tried to glean more information.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 11, 2012, 03:22:12 AM
(Jo's Profile) (http://www.thefurryforum.com/forums/index.php?topic=18899.msg887179#msg887179) (italics are mental thoughts)

"Hmm...it looks like the markets are closing up shop...Too bad, I could have gone for a treat after the amount of traveling I've been doing lately."

The vulpine traveler was passing through a marketplace in the city of Fnorgan, having just completed a four-day journey along the main road to the city. The sun was going down on the horizon and he looked off at the sunset with a sigh.

Just then, he was jolted from his thoughts by an explosion that rocked the stand just behind him, followed by another that sent wood flying all around him as he was surrounded by flames, scorching his shirt and sending his horse, Whiskers, into a fit. She whinnied out in surprise and stood up high, almost throwing him off before dropping back down and galloping off wildly, as the stunned fox held on to her tightly, trying to control her but knowing it was futile.

After a lot of running, she finally calmed down, and Jo was able to catch his breath, panting heavily before falling off of her, passing out, exhausted.


Jo blinked open his eyes as he came to his senses. It was the morning now, and his horse was still waiting beside him obediently.

"What the heck...happened back there? And great...now I'm outside the city. Probably best I stay out for a bit though...now where am I...?"

He looked around, noticing he was near the edge of the woods as he got up and brushed himself off, flicking the dirt out of his fur from the fall off Whiskers.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 11, 2012, 03:57:49 AM
-Suzumi-

Clarissa shook her head and started washing out the bowls and putting away things. "No, I can handle everything. As for the earth village, he meant one of the elemental villages. This one in particularly is specifically earth-based. We don't really have a reason to go there, other than for sight-seeing-"
Spurney looked up from his pack and interrupted, "Alright, there's my things." He turned to Suzumi and nodded. "It's your choice then. Back up to Fnorgan, and from there go back to Besmir, or to the earth village, and maybe see the world a little? It's about the same distance either way."

--- --- ---

-Jojo-

There wasn't much around you, save for the city in the distance and the woods behind you. Except for a dark figure that was sprinting away from the city. As it neared, Jo could see that it was a black wolf, carrying a rather large bundle on his back. The wolf kept running, though as he past him, he winked at Jo. As he ran off, he shouted back, "Might want to get to running! Guard's swarming like a bee hive again!"
A loud whirring noise arose, from the direction of the city. Two rather large vehicles were moving across the plains towards Jo at a rather fast pace.

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio and Cifero-

Chris gave the rest of his squad a few more orders before walking over to a tree and grabbing a small bag. "Alright, let's move out of here." The rest of the Black squadron followed him into the woods. Joan, Gorm, and Deim followed them into the woods, but Mawz stayed where he was at. Crystal gave him an odd look before grabbing onto Sarah's hand and following the rest of the group.
Deirx walked over to Mawz and squated down next to him. "So, the infamous Mawz got captured himself by the likes of Jasper, eh? Seems like you goofed that one pretty bad."
Mawz chuckled and leaned back. "It wasn't MY fault... Your buddy Jasper keeps on following Leiton where ever he goes."
"Eh, Jasper's an odd one... He just can never seem to let go of things..." He picked a blade of grass and examined it for a second before standing back up. "He was supposed to be here by now..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 11, 2012, 04:05:24 AM
"Huh? Oh crap..."


Jo turned toward the incoming sound, his ears catching it before his eyes as the familiar noise of engines got his heart beating fast quickly. He jumped into motion, deftly hopping up onto his horse's back.

"Let's go!"


He grabbed the reins and thumped his footpaws against Whisker's sides, mushing her into a run quickly as he followed after the wolf, not knowing exactly where to go so just following his lead. He looked over his shoulder, seeing the vehicles approaching as he swore under his breath.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 11, 2012, 11:53:46 AM
Suzumi quietly nodded despite knowing that she should go back, but the urge to visit this village was gnawing at her mind. "I thought the elemental villages were just a rumour...or at least that's what my dad told me."

She stood up and stretched out, indicating that she was ready to get moving again
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 11, 2012, 08:55:12 PM
Quote from: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 01:46:04 AM
Grant was relieved to see Krystal and her family were alive. He would have hated to have found that the family that had helped him in his time of need had perished. He watched as a person was working on something on a computer, but his ears perked as Deirx began to talk to Chris. Tuning into their conversation, Grant hoped he could discover a piece of what was going on.


"Has Leiton made it back yet? He wasn't at his house."

"He met with us in the city, but ran off. Said he had to do something. We can't wait for him. I guarantee Black isn't the ones in charge of this attack."

Black had not been in charge of the attack? Grant suspected the criminal organization had something to do with the event, but this was a surprise. Who could have done it? Grant kept his ears perked and tried to look inconspicuous by staring off into the distance as he tried to glean more information.
"Snoop around much?" Jayce said, popping up behind Grant suddenly. "Or are you just interested?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 11:05:50 PM
Still listening to Deirx's conversation, Grant was startled when a young cat approached him and struck up a conversation.


"Snoop around much?"

"Or are you just interested?"

Whoops. Grant hadn't planned ahead for this awkward occurrence.

"Oh--er...no...just....watching...t-the ground, yeah! The ground!" he struggled and formed a sheepish grin to hide his surprise. Inwardly he chided himself for exposing himself. It was completely obvious he had been listening in on Deirx's conversation, but deny it he must! He decided to throw the conversation back around to the cat.

"W-well what about you?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 11, 2012, 11:09:48 PM
Jayce shrugged. "I'm just helping them out. I like helping."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 11:21:58 PM
(Just to keep things rolling I'm gonna post again. If I should hold off next time just let me know, Leiton!)


"Helping?" Grant asked.


That was a simple answer, but better than his. Grant wasn't even sure why he was here. Things happened and first he was in one situation and now he was in another. He had no idea what he should be doing or where he should go. Sticking with Deirx seemed to be his best option for the moment.


It then dawned on him that he was still talking to the cat and it would be rude to be lost in thought at a time like this.


"Sorry, I'm a little tired," he continued rubbing his forehead. "Do you know what exactly is going on?" Grant figured that the cat must know something about what was going on if he had decided to help these people.


Suddenly remembering his manners he added, "My name is Grant by the way. Yours?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 11, 2012, 11:27:19 PM
"Call me Jayce," the cat said, offering his hand to Grant. "Pleasure to meet you."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 11:34:14 PM
"Likewise," Grant added extending a paw and shaking Jayce's.


"So what do you know about this whole situation?" he asked again.




Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 11, 2012, 11:38:28 PM
"Well, they were freeing some wrongly accused people, and I happened to be trying to do the same, and there was an attack in the town, but they weren't behind it and are trying to figure out who was. Oh, and their leader doesn't think I have any control over my powers."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 11, 2012, 11:46:03 PM
Grant was suddenly bombarded with information that he wasn't sure how to respond to. A prison escape just before an attack on the town? Sounded like this was a chaotic time. He didn't know how Jayce's uncontrollable powers were relevant to the conversation, but now he knew that Jayce was capable of magic. This could be troublesome if he couldn't control his power, but Grant had little grasp of his own as well. Perhaps being critical of another was not best for the moment.


"So why were you trying to free that prisoner? Were they in any way related to the town's sudden attack?" Grant was confused by the situation, but he wondered if everything was connected.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 11, 2012, 11:49:50 PM
(No problem, Sigcutio. As long as the conversation doesn't stretch for pages and pages, it's okay :P )

-Suzumi-

Spurney and Clarissa finished packing the rest of their things and started to make their way to the nearby road. It split the forest, stretching as far as the eye could see.
"Hehe... Your father is also part of the Guard. You'll see the truth soon enough," Spurney commented before he and his wife set off towards the east, walking along the edge of the road.

--- --- ---

-Jojo-

The wolf kept running, straight into the underbrush. Oddly enough, the pack on his back barely moved as he ran, and seemed to be running almost effortlessly. After a few moment, just as your horse is about to catch up to him, you emerge into the clearing with an arctic fox, a mouse, a cat, and a dog. The fox and the mouse look behind them and start to say something, but the wolf keeps running past them, shouting, "Hurry up, let's go!"

--- --- ---

-Sigcutio and Cifero-

Deirx and Mawz exchanged a few more idle words before the black wolf emerged from the clearing. It was Leiton, carrying a rather large bundle, and a fox riding a horse.
Before anybody could say anything, the wolf shouted, "The Guard's on their way!"
Deirx and Mawz immediately jumped up. As Leiton ran past the group, he called, "Hurry up, let's go!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 11, 2012, 11:50:30 PM
"No," he said. "They're just other magic-users, but they were wrongly imprisoned." Hearing the alarm, he turned to Grant. "You might want to come with us if you would prefer to live."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 12, 2012, 03:12:01 AM
"They're just other magic-users, but they were wrongly imprisoned."

Grant began to wonder if perhaps those attacking the town had any intention of helping those with magic or just making things worse for everyone. He could recall the demon that Deirx and himself had encountered not long ago. Was it a part of what was attacking?

Before he could speculate further, Grant's train of thought was completely derailed as a black wolf charged across the clearing and raised alarm.

"The Guard's on their way!"

"Hurry up, let's go!"

"You might want to come with us if you would prefer to live."

There was no need to tell him twice. Grant quickly turned and sprinted to catch up with the fleeing wolf. He tried his best to dispell his thoughts of capture, but the thought of being caught and executed lingered. On the bright side, however, Grant still felt as though his body was lighter than air. Running was a breeze. Did this have something do with his power? As the sound of footsteps behind him grew louder and louder, his thoughts shifted from this question to focusing more on keeping up with the others.
 
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 12, 2012, 03:14:19 AM
Jayce followed quickly, pulling his mask on. "I hope Zach's alright..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 12, 2012, 07:10:56 AM
Jo slowed as he burst into the clearing on his horse, staring in surprise at the sudden group of anthros gathered. He could only pause for a moment though before the wolf's words once again cut through his thoughts. He refocused and galloped forward alongside the swift being, not sure exactly what they were running from, but sure he wanted to live, no matter what.


What had he gotten himself into...
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 14, 2012, 11:43:31 AM
Suzumi glared at Spurney once more but wasnt able to  say a word as that scene of her friend flashed through her mind, she looked down and just kept walking behind them without a word.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 16, 2012, 09:54:17 PM
-Suzumi-

<time lapse filled with nothing important> The pair walked down the road for a few hours, idling chatting about weather and food. As noon came and passed, they started to curve off of the road and into the woods. "The village is just a few miles this way..."

--- --- ---

-Everyone else-

Leiton continued running, with Deirx and Mawz close behind. They soon passed by Chris and the rest of his team. With nothing more than a curt nod, Chris immediately shouted orders.
"Alright everyone, head for the rendezvous! Once we get to the road, get across as fast as you can. We don't need anyone getting caught again." Leiton was well out ahead, still moving faster than he should have been.
Jojo's horse had trouble getting through the dense foliage of the woods, swerving around trees dangerously in their mad dash.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 16, 2012, 10:07:53 PM
Jayce sprinted forward, running right up a tree and jumping from branch to branch. "So much faster than running," he said.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 17, 2012, 04:47:03 AM
Grant had no trouble keeping pace with the rest of the runners. It looked as though they were finally close to safety. After all that had happened, Grant was eager to be safe once more from the clutches of the guard. Being caught would surely lead to his death so following these people was his best chance of escape.


Grant took a quick glance at the rest of the runners. A sizable group of people had joined in with them. What exactly was Grant making himself a part of? He supposed that question would have to wait. Reaching the rendezvous point was the goal for now.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 17, 2012, 11:45:34 AM
Suzumi quietly folllowed them and noticed  that they were starteing to leave the road. "Isnt there a road to this village?" The faint urge was growing weaker the closer they got to the village, barely visible swirls of sand were wraped around her tail and feet. "Its so calm here" she thought to herself.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 17, 2012, 06:36:38 PM
Jo's ears were swiveling around everywhere as he focused intently on making his way through the woods, tucked down and helping his horse navigate the treacherous wooded path to the road. He could hear a variety of dashing footsteps behind him and above him as the group followed the unknown trio in front of him.


He could still hear the faint noise of engines on the road far off, and hoped they could make the road up ahead before the vehicles following them did. He started to wonder if maybe he should have stayed at home as the pounding of hooves on the ground echoed in his ears.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 20, 2012, 01:40:11 AM
((Sorry about the hiatus. I've been a bit busy the past few nights. Also, yes, please delete the above three posts you two :P
There are in fact cars, as I mentioned in the very first post about the class system.))

-Suzumi-

Clarissa turned and answered as she walked through the woods. "Of course not, hun. If there was a road to it, everybody would know where it was."
The woods grew more and more dense as they went through. It was odd... The faint pressure on her mind seemed to be pushing her forward and down. It seemed as if they were going nowhere. They walked for a good hour before Spurney and Clarissa stopped.
"Gotta find that blasted entrance..." Spurney and his wife began looking around at the trees, as if searching for something.

--- --- ---

-Everyone Else-

The group ran quickly through the woods. The vehicles couldn't be heard or seen behind them, but they pressed forward. Due to the denseness of the trees, they could only tell they were anywhere near the road when Leiton and the other leads broke out of the woods. The road was just a dusty stretch of dirt and splotches of grass that extended to either side of them. There didn't seem to be anyone behind them, and the vehicles weren't anywhere to be seen, or heard. Chris and his group were silent the entire way as they crossed the road and entered the woods on the other side.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 20, 2012, 04:31:42 AM
((You're fine, Leiton! We all get busy sometime  ^_^ ))


As the group broke through to the road, Grant noticed that the sound of their pursuers had disappeared. Were they still being followed? Was this just some trap? Grant had little time to contemplate this, however, as the group started to rush towards the forest on the other side of the road. Why where they still running? Perhaps it was best to just go with the flow.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 20, 2012, 05:01:36 PM
Jayce shivered from up in the trees. "I have a bad feeling about this..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 21, 2012, 11:49:11 AM
Suzumi looked around as the other two seemed to be looking for something,walking to a tree she placed her hand against the bark,tracing her fingers down towards a small hole. "What are we looking for?" She asked.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 21, 2012, 07:11:55 PM
Upon reaching the dirt road, Jo stopped for a moment before following the group..

Did he want to continue following them? He could take off down this road and potentially out of danger, away from the rag-tag group of anthros he had suddenly encountered...

Deep down though, his heart pulled him forward, his horse instinctively starting the journey as his soon as his mind did. The fox and horse trotted over the road and back into the brush, keeping right on the tail of the wolf.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 24, 2012, 06:53:19 AM
((sorry again guys, it's been pretty busy getting settled down and doing all of the stuff over here, and I keep forgetting :<))


-Suzumi-


Spurney kept looking around, checking through the trees. Clarissa instead turned to her and answered, "There's an entrance to the village around here somewhere, but without an earth-elementalist, it's kind of hard to find..."


--- --- ---


-Cifero-


Everyone crossed the road, except for Jayce, who was still in the tree, and Cami, who was lagging behind. Just as the rest of the group disappeared into the opposite undergrowth, a flying vehicle appeared over the trees, completely silent and not making any wind. It curved around to land in the road. The large, almost bus-like vehicle's door opened, and out poured twelve Guards, clad in their red uniforms. They formed three lines and waited for the last passenger to get out. It was Jasper, clad in black armor that should have been too heavy for the short squirrel to walk in. He motioned for the woods, and the men began running after the main group, oblivious to Jayce and Cami's presence.


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The woods were even thicker on this side of the road, and seemed to get thicker as the group ran. It was almost unnatural, the way the tree-limbs were inter-twining and mixing.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 24, 2012, 08:20:42 AM
((It's fine, Leiton. We know you can get busy ))


As Grant continued to follow the group through the woods, he could not help himself from growing concerned with the environment. Something about the dense forest felt off to him, but he could not peg why. It almost reminded him of the instance he had been pulled into with Deirx. Was another one of those demons going to appear? Just the thought of the crushing gravity he summoned fighting the demon started to slow his pace as if he were once more being smashed by his own power.


Grant immediately turned his attention to the other runners and felt himself easily crossing the ground as he did before. As he eased back into the group, Grant's questions of where they were going and why he was following these strangers once again began to pop into his head. He was getting tired of not knowing what was going on so Grant finally decided to voice his concern.


"Does anyone know where we are going?!" Grant shouted.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 24, 2012, 11:44:09 AM
(No worries)

Suzumi kept tracing her hand over the tree, somehow drawn to it.  "I think its this one" she quietly said.
Reaching forward she rushed against the endentation she felt on it earlier.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 25, 2012, 01:09:59 AM
Jayce watched the men step out of the vehicles. "Oh dear," he said, watching them chase after the others. "I'd better go after them... the others will need help getting rid of those thugs..."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 25, 2012, 09:07:38 AM
Jo was struggling to make it through the thick branches with his horse now, thinking about abandoning her as the pair struggled to keep up now.

"Sorry girl..." He hopped off of her back, his feet crunching down on the leafy ground. With a quick, firm slap to her haunches, he ordered her back to where he knew she would be safe. He had done this a few times, and knew he could find her at her usual place at home if he ever needed her.

Free from restraints, he continued through the dense foliage in tandem with the group, catching up quickly, his vulpine instincts kicking in as he maneuvered through the most efficient path in the branches and vines. He had enough time now in the slightly slower pace to ask the wolf in front of him, while panting...

"Where exactly are we going??"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 25, 2012, 04:54:42 PM
-Suzumi-


The indent moved in with a slight click. After a moment of nothing, the ground beneath them rumbled. Less then ten yards away, a female panda shot up out of the ground. The earth around her seemed to liquefy as she moved up. As she reached the top, the earth below her quickly took back it's original place. Even the grass seemed completely undisturbed. The lady walked up to Suzumi and nodded. "So, you people trying to get into the village?"
She straightened and looked behind Suzumi as there came faint noises growing through the trees. Something large was coming towards them, and fast.

--- --- ---

-Cifero-

The Guards were long gone in the woods, but Jasper had yet to leave. He looked up and sniffed the air, then turned around.
Cami had gone into the road. Flames swirled around his paws as he dashed towards Jasper. Jasper snarled and raised a paw. The flames around Cami's paws went out. Cami stopped and looked at his paws, then shook them. A slight spark formed, then nothing. He looked up just in time to see Jasper standing right in front of him, and was too slow to dodge the butt of the sword knocking him sprawling in the dirt.

--- --- ---

-Jojo and Sigcutio-

The horse ran back, urged forward by the slap it had received. Not a few seconds passed before a loud whinny sounded behind them. A scream split through the woods. Another whinny.
The wolf kept running, not even panting as he replied, "We're headed to the earth village. We need to..."
The noises behind them grew louder as a large group could be heard coming up behind them. "We're almost there!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 26, 2012, 02:20:46 AM
Alarmed by the sounds behind them, Grant could not help turning around to see what was chasing after them. However, the forest was so dense that it was no use. All he could see was the thick overgrowth that they had just pushed through. As the screams started to come closer and closer, Grant could feel his heart beat steadily faster. Now he was sprinting and keeping up with the front runners of the pack. He didn't care what was going on behind them anymore; Grant wanted to get out of the forest immediately.



Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 26, 2012, 05:54:54 AM
Jo's ears perked and swiveled back quickly as he heard the horse whinny. He cursed under his breath, knowing he couldn't stop and check to see her fate, but still hoped she would be okay as he made his way through the trees, the branches occasionally breaking through his shirt's thin material.


He was definitely not prepared for this type of situation material-wise. The fox kept on though, his heart pounding against his chest as it took in quick breaths, feeling the group of chasers on their tails now.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 26, 2012, 01:53:55 PM
Suzumi turned around as the panda came up through the ground, but before she could reply she heard the noises growing louder without  second thought she spun around and took a few steps back, clumps of dirt and rocks starting to levitate around her. "Whatever it is, it sounds big." she said to herself.

Raising her hands into a defensive position, she kept her gaze forward.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 29, 2012, 08:12:17 PM
Jayce silently drew a knife, then raised a hand towards Jasper's sword, angered by the brutal attack on Cami. "Let's see what he thinks of this," he said silently as he turned his anger into power and projected it at Jasper. Without warning, the sword bucked out of Jasper's hand and entwined itself around his arm, biting deep into the man's flesh.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 29, 2012, 09:14:41 PM
((Just a quick warning for the future... When you attempt something with magic, don't always expect it to work. There are some things that you don't quite know about yet. Also, there's a lot going on, so bigger post alert xD))


-Suzumi-


The panda scowled and took a few steps back, sliding slightly behind a tree. Spurney and Clarissa were hidden among the trees, completely silent. After a few moments of the crashing noises getting louder, several people started to run past them. In front, a black wolf carrying a rather large pack vaulted into the limbs of a tree. Several others followed behind. The one in front scowled as he saw Suzumi, then turned around and barked, "Damnit, we're here! We need to get rid of these Guards before we try to get into the village." More followed, until there were no less than a dozen assorted people around her. They all seemed focused on the other noises coming from behind them. A bear kept running a bit, with a young fox. He eyed the panda as he sat the fox down on the ground and told her to stay there. He took a few steps back around and faced the rest of the groups just as one of the Guards burst through the woods, slashing a sword at a woman. The woman easily side-stepped the swing and came up with a fist that seemed frozen in ice. Another few Guards burst through the woods. One went after the female cubi fox, another after the rabbit, and still another after the wolf who seemed to be in charge. The woods erupted into chaos, fire nearly lighting up the woods, metals flowing through the air and forming into weapons and shields, and gusts of wind that nearly blew people over.


--- --- ---


-Cifero-


Jasper was starting to cuff Cami's hands together when he stiffened. He snarled and looked up in the direction of Jayce. Jayce's metal-bending never reached the sword.
Jasper stood and steadied his grip on his sword, facing Jayce and smirking. "Come on down and join the party, kid."


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The group continued running through the woods, though it wasn't a few seconds before Leiton suddenly jumped up into one of the trees with his pack. Chris looked at Suzumi and cursed, "Damnit, we're here! We need to get rid of these Guards before we try to get into the village." Cail, Jenny, Jasmine, and Henry turned immediately and settled into a semi-circle formation with Chris. The fox carrying all of the computer gear kept running as the rabbit turned around tried to look up at the sky. The canopy overhead was much too thick to see the sky. If the sun wasn't shining so fiercely, it would have been pitch black. The bear and young fox continued running past a lizard who had been standing there with a defensive pose. Deirx, Mawz, and Joan stopped next to the Black squad and turned to face the Guards coming up behind them. Suddenly a red-uniformed greyhound burst through the trees, taking a heavy swing at Jenny. She immediately side-stepped and came up with a vicious upper-cut, her fist covered in a solid block of ice. Another few Guards came through, attacking various members, and chaos ensued. The Guards were attacking with magic, just as your group was. Theragorm came around, swinging a massive broadsword at one of the Guards, but was blown over by a massive gust of wind. Joan was snarling and slicing around with a hunting knife with extreme grace and speed, dancing around the trees and the Guards. Deirx slammed his fists on the ground, and a wall came up between two trees just a Guard was about to run through them. Deirx jumped through it, and it liquefied around him, forming a solid, if thin, metal plating over his clothing. Chris engaged one of the Guards, taking a few quick swipes of his sword at the Guard, who was busy pulling a large ball of rolling water out of the ground. The rabbit was assailed with a barrage of metal shards flying towards him, but he immediately ducked and waved a paw in front of him. Electric charges shot up and bounced off of the metal shards flying overhead, quickly making it's way back to the shooter. The shooter screamed once as he was electrocuted. Mawz hopped nimbly away from one of the Guards, his small form proving hard to hit as he frantically looked around. His eyes shot into the trees above, and he seemed to find what he was looking for. The Guard instantly fell in front of him, hitting the ground. He tried to stand back up, but couldn't move.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 30, 2012, 12:23:39 AM
Jayce raised an eyebrow beneath the mask that only he could remove. Well... that's new, he thought to himself, putting the dagger away and taking a pair of long elvish daggers from his belt. "Alright," he said. "I'll join..." Suddenly, he dashed forward and zipped right past Jasper, running right up a tree to a steady branch. "IF you can catch me."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 30, 2012, 11:25:23 AM
(Will do, but trying to rps from work isnt the best idea sometimes, heheheh)

Suzumi was slightly confued by the sudden arrival of the group, knowing full well that with her very incomplete traing trying to use magic was not the best idea. Before she could ask anything to the Wolf, the guards started attack the people around her, she recognised the uniforms as being those of the Guards, she hesitated for a moment, the clumps of earth around her droping to the ground

Looking around she  reached back and pulled one of the daggers from her belt, she jumped up onto a branch only to have a shard of metal fly through it shattering the wood. dropping down to the ground she got back up and rushed the Guard, the sounds of screaming and magic clashing echoing all around her.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 30, 2012, 05:36:45 PM
"Whoa..." was all the fox thought as the forest around them was suddenly a whirlwind of magic and leaping soldiers. He was caught in a moment of amazement, the events almost moving in slow-motion in his mind. He was still a fox though, and he watched every moment with rapt attention, his eyes and ears darting around, waiting to defend or strike as he readied his dagger. To be honest, he had never seen magic used to this degree. Child-like wonder was still present as he jumped up into a tree, mouthing "Wow" as Deirx created a wall and jumped through it, covering himself in the liquefied material.


He didn't see anyone else using fire around him, but definitely didn't want to light the forest on fire *too* much. He'd have to be careful. Seeing Theragorm knocked onto the ground by the Guard's gust of wind alerted him to action, the fox leaping down and landing deftly behind the Guard, who was more focused on the foe he had just dropped. Jo jumped over and knocked over the guard with a swift cross to his legs before running over to Theragorm, "You okay? Now's a good time to move!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 30, 2012, 06:59:59 PM
Everything was happening way too fast. First they had been running for their lives, but now they were going toe to toe with the guards they had tried to escape from. Grant was in total shock as magic was being used everywhere. He had never seen so much used before in all his life, but what surprised him the most were the guards who were using magic as well. Guards were not trained to use magic. What was going on here?


Grant's thoughts were interrupted as a blast of wind knocked him off his footpaws. He was caught right in the middle of the melee. As he tried to pick himself up, Grant realized that his power had given out and the sudden shift to regular gravity was difficult to adjust to. He grunted as his arms nearly buckled and paused for a moment to catch his breath. There was no way he would try his power in all this chaos; he nearly crushed himself the last time. Yet if he did not move fast he would be an easy target.


Once more Grant attempted to lift himself to his footpaws, but before he could react a guard kicked him onto his back. He yelped as he fell onto his back and felt a wave of pain flow through his body, reassuring him that if he did not act fast he would be dead. As the guard brandished his sword, ready to drive it into Grant's chest, there was a quick flash as a knife from Grant's belt was pulled and jammed into the exposed side of the guard's greaves. As the guard yelled in pain, Grant took advantage of the moment and attempted to grab the guard's sword to keep him from retaliating. A surge of adrenaline was giving him one last bit of power, but it was all he had left.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 30, 2012, 07:31:55 PM
-Suzumi-


The Guard growled fiercely at Suzumi and went after her. He lifted his sword and swung as if to hit you with his fist rather than the blade. He swung in a wide arch, aiming for her left shoulder.
Unbidden by Suzumi, the earth under the Guard's leading foot shifted, and he nearly did a split as he fell. Suzumi could feel that the magic had come from her, though she had done nothing herself.


--- --- ---


-Cifero-


(Though I know what you mean by the style, there's no such thing as elves :P So, just fancy daggers.)
Jasper turned as he past, shifting his feet slightly. He watched Jayce run into the tree and smiled. He did not move a muscle as the earth around the tree gave out, shaking the tree far too much to be able to stand in. Jasper set his sword aside and cracked his knuckles, walking calmly to the now uprooted and slanted tree. "You're in the woods, kid. You really think you can outrun a squirrel?"


--- --- ---


-Sigcutio-


The Guard yelled in pain, nearly dropping his sword. He growled as he felt the sword being wrenched from his grasp, reaching around with his other paw toward Grant. It was bathed in flames, even hotter than the Guard's anger. One of the flames shot out and singed Grant's right arm, though not too badly. The smell of burnt fur spread through the air as the Guard's superior strength began to pull the sword away from Grant.


--- --- ---


-Jojo-


Theragorm nodded and heaved his broad form off of the ground, then immediately lifted his paw and tapped his sword. Small electric charges swept across it, creating a loud hum as it moved through the air, leaving flashes of static in its wake as he swung at the Guard, who was freshly on his feet as well. The Guard deflected the blow, and a bright flash illuminated the woods when the metal struck metal. The Guard immediately took a step back and lifted a paw. A torrent of water erupted from the ground beneath Jojo and Theragorm, knocking them off balance. The plants and trees directly around them seemed dead, dry, and cracking. A shiver ran through Jojo as Theragorm's sword sent a small shock through the water, making his muscles tighten. Theragorm seemed uneffected and quickly lifted his sword as the Guard went back on the offensive, swinging vertically at the large bear.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on May 30, 2012, 07:38:20 PM
"Well, no..." Jayce looked down at the Jasper from the adjacent tree that he had jumped to as soon as he felt the ground shaking. "But I'd say my odds are pretty good." He jumped down out of the tree and glared at the squirrel. "Now quit playing God and fight me."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 30, 2012, 09:16:55 PM
Grant had to do everything he could to keep himself from letting go of the blade as his arm was burned. The smell of his burning fur clouded his thoughts in a haze where survival was the only thing passing through his mind. Blinded by his carnal state, Grant bit into the guard's paw. Clamping down tight, Grant could feel the heat of the guard's other arm growing in intensity as it drew near. Despite his efforts, it felt as though Grant was fighting a battle he could not win. The guard's strength was too much.


Snarling, Grant continued to attempt to pry the blade out of the guard's paw as he bit down on it. He may not succeed, but he would not give up yet.




Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on May 31, 2012, 12:21:43 AM
Taking a step back Suzumi glanced down at the ground, she knew that it was her power that caused it to move but she didn't do anything, looking back at the guard struggling up onto his feet she ducked down and slammed into him shoulders impacting his abdomen end sending them both a few feet back. Her grasp on teh dagger still firm but her hand was shaking a little. " I, I cant kill him, he hasn't done anything wrong" she whispered to herself.
Looking down him she was being torn between her memories and what was happening around her.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on May 31, 2012, 08:51:19 PM
The sudden influx of water did indeed surprise Jo, as he was knocked back, yelping in discomfort as the shock of electricity shot through him, paralyzing him for a moment as his fur tingled. "Grrf! G-guess he's an electric ursine...my luck...water and electricity."

He watched as the bear and the guard clashed, shaking off the shock as he glanced around at his surroundings...

The fiery fox analyzed his current chosen fight swiftly, his quick instincts finally getting put to good use, noting that the guard's water attack hadn't really affected the electric bear, and that the guard would probably stand a good chance against any sort of heat the fox could deliver. With this in mind he moved his attention elsewhere...

He could see a female reptile hovering over a guard, seeming to have control of the situation and about to deliver the killing blow, so he moved on, eyes darting over to another pair as his nose caught the familiar scent of burning fur he had so often smelled in his past escapades.

The sense of struggle was present all around the group, but an air of panic emanated from the wounded guard and German Shepard struggling with a sword. He watched the flaming paw as it singed the dog, surely aiming to do more soon. Sensing a worthy foe and someone in need, the vulpine dashed over, focusing on the ground under the stabbed guard's tail. As he ran over he lifted his paw up quickly and set the leafy ground under the on fire, sending up a burst of flames and hoping that was enough to break the guard's focus long enough for the German Shepard to take control. He called up simultaneously to the Shepard while trying to assist, "G-Shep, move and help!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on May 31, 2012, 10:15:53 PM
As the guard's arm drew near, Grant could hear the sound of a spark just below them. Distracted, the guard moved his arm away.


"G-Shep, move and help!"

Salvation! The guard's tail had been ignited by a fox's intervention giving Grant just the opportunity he needed. Grant recognized the fox as the same one that was riding a horse just before. He would have to thank this fox later, but for now he gave a subtle nod and wrenched the blade from the guard's grasp. With a quick thrust to the guard's chest, Grant returned the blade to its owner who was not so happy to have it back. A red spray hit Grant, but he failed to notice. All that was on his mind was "fight" and adrenaline fueled his surge back into the melee.

Now that Grant was back on his footpaws, he felt comfortable once more with the level of gravity around him. Moving quickly, Grant drew his own sword that he had not had the time to grab, along with a knife from the belt strapped around his chest. Grant growled as he tossed the knife at a guard about to attack the fox who had saved him.  Deciding it was best to stick together, Grant charged to the fox's side.

"You had my back so I've got yours," Grant spoke quickly to the fox as he kept his eyes on the remaining guards.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on May 31, 2012, 11:58:16 PM
-Suzumi-


The Guard cringed at the impact, falling backward. He looked up at her with fear in his eyes as she readied her dagger. Suzumi hesitated, and the Guard took advantage. He drew in his feet and kicked her away from himself. Scrambling backwards a few paces, he quickly stood, on arm over his abdomen in pain, the other lifted in the air at her. Parts of his armor broke off and hurtled toward Suzumi, the deadly points flashing through the air. Again, Suzumi felt her own energy spurning on the magic as the ground below her lowered a foot, taking her off balance, but saving her from the deadly points that passed by harmless overhead and buried themselves in a tree.


--- --- ---


-Cifero-


Jasper looked up him and scowled, but did not stop as he continued to walk into the woods. Just as soon as he entered the darker woods, he called, "I'm after Leiton, not you. Now, get lost before I get irritated." The air around him shimmered, as if the sunlight was reflecting off of the air around him.


--- --- ---


-Sigcutio and Jojo-


Around them, several of the Guard were laying around, dead. There seemed to be only six left alive. One was fighting Theragorm, another fighting Joan, another getting double-teamed by Jenny and Henry, and another fighting the lizard. The last growled as the knife struck him, but through up a fist and opened it. Directly in front of Grant and Jo, a bright flash of light erupted, blinding them. He started to attack again, but you both hear a strangled gurgle from his direction. When your vision returns in a few moments, though still painful, you can see a small metal bar sticking out the front of the Guard's throat. He falls over, dead, with Chris's derisive sneer right behind him. He nods to the both of you and runs off toward Joan, who seemed to be struggling against the electric-elementalist she was pitted against. She was just barely dodging his attacks, and when she retaliated with magic or her knife, he either blasted his way through it or dodged it completely. Theragorm seemed to not be having any problems with his adversary, his massive sword hammering down on the Guard's now-chipped blade. The female lizard  had just been kicked, but managed to duck under the daggers flying overhead. Jenny and Henry were quickly dispatching their foe while Jasmine, the rabbit, and the fox gathered their packs that the fox had been carrying.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 01, 2012, 12:10:35 AM
"Well, if you're looking for leiton," Jayce said, "you're going the wrong way." He pointed in a direction that led away from the group. "He's planning on looping back that way and cutting you folks off."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 01, 2012, 03:05:20 AM
((Let me know if I take it to far))

Inhaling sharply as the guards foot contacted her stomach Suzmi could feel herself pushed a few feet back from the force, grasping her stomach in pain she looked up at him, before being able to react properly he had sent razer sharp shards of metal flying towards her, instinctively she focused and the ground under her suddenly dropped just enough to avoid the metal now impacting the tree behind her. "If I don't stop him he is going to kill me...just like they killed him".

Feeling her own anger starting to whell up inside her Suzumi slammed her right hand into the ground, a small area turning into sand and warping itself around her arm.She once again rushed at her opponent her small lithe body moving forward quickly despite her stomach still burning from the force of his kick. Ducking down as low as she could as he swung his blade at her again.

"Im sorry" she whispered to herself as she slammed her sand covered paw against his neck, her claws leaving scratch marks, the sand wrapping around his neck, slowly tightening its grip,but even this was draining her much faster than she was used to.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 01, 2012, 07:41:11 AM
The fox followed the knife that flew past him, relieved that canine had such an accurate arm.

"Anytime, and thanks for that, heh." Jo smirked and nodded toward the knifed guard, but just as soon as he had readied himself beside his new comrade, he was suddenly surrounded by a searing white light.

The fox winced and covered his face, not having any time to react as his vision failed him. Luckily, the expected feeling of being sliced open never came, and relief flowed over him at the blurry sight of the persistent guard falling to the ground, dead.

After a quick sigh and recuperating from the surge of his heart racing, the vulpine decided to give Jasmine, the rabbit, and the fellow fox some defense as they packed and started to leave, just in case there were any stragglers. Whatever they were carrying had to be important, and Jo hoped the German Shepard would follow and help, waving over at him as he ran to the threesome.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 01, 2012, 08:40:18 AM
Catching Grant by surprise, the guard was able to recover from his knife. As he created a flash to blind him and his ally, Grant prepared himself for an attack, but was surprised when none came. As the flash faded away he noticed Chris nodding at them. The guard that had stood before them lay slain. Grant nodded back as Chris charged off into the fray.


Just then he realized the fox had charged off to assist a rabbit and a smaller fox with some equipment and was waving Grant down to help.


"I'm coming!" Grant called as he narrowly avoided a rogue spark from the guard Joan was pitted against. With a burst of energy, Grant launched himself toward his ally and managed to avoid more magic misfire. However, he felt his efforts beginning to wear on him. He needed to make the most of his last surge of power.


"We're here to help," Grant attempted to calmly explain as he slid to a halt next to the fox. Keeping a cautious eye on the action behind them, he continued. "We can protect you" Grant turned his gaze to his ally and gave him a quick nod. He was ready to help regardless of his growing fatigue. Grant knew he was beginning to push his limits, but when he was with the guard, pushing one's own limits may as well have been a virtue. As he thought this, Grant brushed a paw against his singed arm and attempted to cover it up with his sleeve. He could not show weakness; not now.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 02, 2012, 12:45:25 AM
-Suzumi-


 The Guard paled at the paw reaching around his neck. His swing had gone just a bit high, and he was paying for it. He could see the anger in Suzumi's eyes as the sand tightened around his neck, chocking him. Both of his paws instinctively jumped up to his neck as he fell back. He scratched and pulled at the sand. As his face went beet red, he began kicking and squirming vigorously, throwing one paw out to try and ruin Suzumi's concentration.


--- --- ---


-Cifero-


Jasper smiled and continued walking, not even taking a second glance at Jayce. Another Guard walked out of the vehicle behind them, looking from the obscured figure of Jasper to Jayce in the tree. Finally, he shrugged and sat down, then took a rock from the grounded and began bouncing it on his palm.


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The rabbit and fox nodded as they approached. A female panda was with them, with a pack across her back. Just as they watched, she nodded and seemed to sink in the solid earth, disappearing from sight. Jasmine handed Jojo the final pack and growled, "Be careful with that. Don't do anything stupid."
The Guard around them all were either dead or dying. There were only two left. One was currently being choked by the female lizard, and the other was doing his best to run away, defending himself from the wrath of Henry and Jenny.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 02, 2012, 12:59:54 AM
Suzumi could feel the guard squirming under her drip as the sand continued to tighten around his neck, but now completely engulfed by her own anger she couldn't stop herself. Her heart was racing as a few tears dropped from her eyes as she taxed her body even more, the sand now at a point where it could start crushing the guards trachea. Suddenly his waving hand distracted her enough to break her focus the sand dropping down to the ground, her body collapsing with it.

Reaching back and drawing both dagger she crawled over to him, using all her strength she slams both daggers into his forearms "Try using them now" her voice raspy as she struggles up to her feet again, hearing the sounds of battle dieing down around her.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 02, 2012, 01:17:52 AM
"Shite," Jayce said under his breath. Suddenly, a thought occured to him. He glanced back at the vehicle and the distracted guard. Worth a shot, he said in his mind, swiftly and silently moving through the trees towards the transport.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 02, 2012, 04:06:47 AM
The remaining guards were scattered and demoralized. For now, they were safe. Grant gave a sigh of relief and his rush of power began to dissipate, leaving him drained. A sharp pulse from Grant's arm came with the realization that he had been burned. He brushed his paw over it again and felt a tender sensation that made him feel as though he had just jammed a knife into it. He winced and was thankful the red patch was small.


As Jojo was entrusted with carrying the pack, Grant wondered what was left for him here. Following these people had nearly killed him, but they had also saved his life. Perhaps he would stay with them a bit longer.


"I will make sure he carries that pack safely," Grant replied to Jasmine's rough command. After helping save his life, Grant trusted Jojo and sticking with him seemed to be the best option for now.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 03, 2012, 06:35:07 AM
JoJo nodded back at Jasmine, his expression one of exasperation and determination, taking the pack and putting it over his back, making sure it was secure. The fox checked his surroundings, making sure every guard was accounted for before continuing on, his heart still beating quickly as the action subsided.


He looked over at his canine compadre as he started following the group, smiling for a moment in greeting, "My name's JoJo. Nice making your acquaintance, bud." He knew they couldn't stop for now, but felt this was as good a time as any to introduce himself. Jo figured that he had already gone past the point of no return now, and that maybe, just maybe, this was where his heart had led him.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 03, 2012, 01:26:45 PM
Jayce landed softly and silently behind the transport and looked inside. There were no other visible guards. However, he snuck around to the side, waiting to see if any more came out.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 03, 2012, 10:05:39 PM
With everything under control, Grant and the fox set out to keep the pack safe. As they walked along the fox introduced himself, which reminded Grant that they had not officially met yet.


"I'm Grant," he replied. "Thanks for your help back there... I don't think I would have made it otherwise..."

As his body was beginning to calm down, the gravity of the situation he was just in began to cross his mind. It had been a fight for his life. He looked down at his footpaws and suddenly realized the red liquid flecked on his paws. Was that from him or someone else?


Grant shuddered and focused his gaze ahead of him. He didn't want to dwell long on what he had just been through.



Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 04, 2012, 05:20:37 PM
-Cifero-


The vehicle was large, and appeared designed to carry over a dozen people at once. There were two seats in the front, with 16 seats behind it, facing from the sides inward. The Guard left behind quietly played with the rock, though from Cifero's angle it was hard to tell what he was doing. There was only the one Guard left.
Though, the car seemed especially awkward in design. In the front, there seemed to be no way of operating the machine. At each of the four corners were small, empty alcoves. It seemed more like a containment box than a car.


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


The Guard let out a strangled gurgle as the life was quickly being crushed from him. He arms waved weakly as Suzumi grabbed them and stabbed them. Finally with the pressure off of his throat, he tried to breathe again. It came in short, ragged gasps, accompanied by searing pain through his neck. He tried to move his arms, and though his energy was all but gone, he still managed to barely brush his paw over Suzumi's tail. Tears ran from his eyes as he finally convulsed one last time, then became still.
Around her, the people that had rushed in were slowly make their way to the denser part of trees, with the rabbit, two foxes, and german shepherd. Suddenly, Clarissa ran up to her and hugged her, exclaiming, "Oh my goodness! Are you alright? What happened?" She brushed at Suzumi's clothing to get the dust off of it.


--- --- ---


-Sigcutio and Jojo-


The panda rose up out of the ground in front of them.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Without warning, she laid a her paws on both of them, and all three of them suddenly sunk into the ground, the earth seeming to thin and become extremely fine below them both. It felt like sinking into sand. After a few seconds, the earth receded around them.
Grant and Jojo find themselves looking in a large, dome-like room, along with the rabbit, fox, and a few new faces. The rabbit and fox were handing off some of the items from their packs to the new people, who immediately left through the door, walked down a hall, and went through another door.
The room itself seemed rather unstable, as if it should not be able to stand there naturally. It was made entirely of dirt.
The panda headed over to one of the unknown faces and began whispering. The person left through the door, and the panda headed back to the pair.
"C'mon, the others will be here shortly."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 04, 2012, 05:50:15 PM
Tears still rolling down her face, she looked down at the gaurd the fleeting feeling of his touch replaced by the feeling of somebody hugginh her. Hearing Clarissa's voice "Oh my goodness! Are you alright? What happened?"

Looking back at Clarissa, but with her voice still raspy " I I I'm fine... I think.... The Gaurds just attacked us." still weak from using magic way beyond her untrained level. "Where are the others going?" she asked as she heard the group scatter into teh trees.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 04, 2012, 07:56:11 PM
Jayce got into the vehicle and sat down in one of the two front seats. Well... this is certainly a puzzle, he thought, realizing there were no visible controls. I doubt that I'd be able to figure out the operation of it myse... He smiled as he remembered the guard. Hmm... there's an idea...

The guard was waiting for Jasper to come back when he heard a noise inside the transport. Putting the rock in one of his pockets, the man went into the transport, his weapon at hand. Moving carefully, he started to move towards the driver's compartment. "Hello?" he yelled. "Jasper?" Reaching the driver's compartment, he found that there was no one there. Confused, he turned around to leave...

And passed out as a booted foot whacked him in the face.

Jayce looked down at the unconscious guard. "There," he said, pulling some rope out of his satchel and tying the man up. The cat placed the guard in one of the two seats and waited for him to wake up.

(If this isn't okay, I'll change it.)

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 05, 2012, 08:19:37 AM
Grant failed to realize exactly what had occurred in the last minute until he was suddenly pulled into the floor by some sort of panda. This panda took him, Jojo, and the other pack carriers with her deep into the crust of the Earth. Beneath the surface, an entire hideout was revealed. All of them were standing in a domed room with halls that led to doors, which could have stretched on into more hallways almost endlessly. In his surprise, Grant forgot his thoughts and stood in awe at the dim, but magnificent structure.


"C'mon, the others will be here shortly."

Obviously the panda was the leader of their operation so it would serve them well to follow her.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 06, 2012, 05:20:09 AM
As the Earth moved like sand around their forms, the stunned fox had the urge to close his eyes and hold his breath as if going underwater. Luckily, he didn't have to as the group lands softly on the solid ground of a domed room, quick movement happening around them as random packs were taken. His remained safely attached to him though...


"Whoa...uh...Okay then." He followed after the panda, watching her curiously as he walked behind here. He whispered to Grant, "That was friggin cool."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 10, 2012, 01:42:55 AM
-Cifero-


The Guard didn't know what hit him. He collapsed to the floor like a rag-doll, the metal pins on his uniform striking against the vehicle.


He woke up a few minutes later, his vision hazy and a throbbing headache. He looked around the cart, obviously confused, until he saw the Jayce. He growled and struggled at his bindings. He lifted a few fingers, and the vehicle lifted a little bit, accompanied with a loud humming sound. His concentration slipped, however, and the vehicle fell the few inches back to the ground, jarring them. He spat at Jayce, his growl only getting louder.


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


Clarissa looked past Suzumi at the dead Guard behind her, then quickly looked away. "Here, come with us... It looks like everyone else is headed to the village. One of the people should be back up soon, and able to take us down."
Spurney walked past the trees, his fur sticking out at odd ends and his movements a bit shaky. He didn't say anything, but merely nodded to them as he put his paw on Clarissa's shoulder and led them towards where the others were headed. "Let's go, away from this damned place..."


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The panda motioned for Jojo to remove his pack as another couple of people emerged through the ceiling. Chris, Henry, Jasmine, Jenny, and Cail landed nimbly on the hard floor and immediately headed for the main door. Chris broke from the group and went over to the panda. "Everyone's clean, except for the lizard and the two raccoons. We haven't checked them."
The panda nodded, and seemed to relax a bit as she relieved Jojo of the pack. "I guess you two are a bit new to the elemental villages, huh?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 10, 2012, 02:37:19 AM
"Oh, I see," Jayce said. "It's run by powers? Can all do it, or just some?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 11, 2012, 12:08:41 AM
"That was friggin cool."

Grant could only nod his head, which was still fuzzy with awe from what had just occurred. As he looked around he noticed more and more people entering and taking packs. Where were they exactly? As if on cue, the panda explained where they were.

"I guess you two are a bit new to the elemental villages, huh?"

Speechless he continued nodding his head. An elemental village? He had never heard of these. It was easy to guess this was an earth elemental village. Curious, he wondered how long a place like this could exist undetected and what other elemental villages could exist. What was his elemental village like?
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 11, 2012, 11:45:38 AM
Suzumi saw Clarissa look past her at the guard but she couldn't turn around herself, she followed Spurney and Clarissa away waiting for somebody from the village to come up to them. "Spurney are you ok? Your not hurt are you?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 12, 2012, 01:54:01 AM
JoJo handed over the pack and smiled up at the panda before looking around, his eyes adjusting quickly to the light. He was a nocturnal creature, after all.


"I've known about their existence but this is the first time I've ever actually seen one, let alone be allowed inside. Makes me wonder what the others look like...what -mine- looks like..."


The fox's tail flicked curiously as visions were created in his head of what his elemental village could look like. It'd always intrigued him, but he never fathomed the opportunity to see one could come around.


"So, what did we get ourselves into, if you don't mind me asking? I'm looking for my mother, though I doubt she's here."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 12, 2012, 03:24:51 AM
-Cifero-


The Guard continued growling. "It takes a full team of people to run one of these things, you stupid cat!" He spat again and struggled again in his bindings, obviously irritated. The vehicle hummed again and started to rise a little higher as the man's face contorted into a grimace.


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


Spurney merely shook his head and led them back into the woods. The last of the stragglers from the other group were waiting around the trees. A large bear, a lithe cubi fox, a young fox with purple eyes, a very young mouse, and a smiling, black wolf. The cubi didn't seem quite so happy as she stood with her back to a tree, fiddling with a knife. Finally, a figure, more specifically a male black lab. He nodded to all of them and spoke, "If you'll let me, I'd like to take you down to the entrance of the village now."
Most nodded, including Spurney and Clarissa. The fox and the cubi seemed a little perplexed.
"Can't we just walk there ourselves?" The cubi put her knife away and glared at the canine.
He chuckled and answered, "Because, the village is beneath us. Otherwise, it would be too hard to find."
The cubi stood there for a moment before harrumphing and leaning back against the tree.
"Now, if you could all stand as close together as possible, we can head down quick and easy."
The others circled around the lab, and Spurney and Clarissa led Suzumi over to the group. She could feel the ground beneath her feet loosening and becoming thinner, finer, almost to the composition of sand. They all sunk into the sand quickly, though they seemed encased in a bubble as the earth reformed over their heads. It took only a few seconds of their rapid descent to finally slow down and hit solid ground. The fine earth around them lifted back up, revealing themselves to be in a large, dome-like room, with plenty of other people in it. Some were recognizable, and others were not. The five skilled fighters were heading through a hall-way on their own as the panda woman from before was talking with the orange fox and the german shepherd. She noticed them drop in and nodded to the pair, then handed her pack off to a colleague before approaching them.
"Let's see..." She pointed to Suzumi and her two raccoon companions. "You three need to stay with me for a moment, but the rest of you are free to go. If you wish, you could take a tour of the village, or just go find some rest at the inn. It's free of charge, anyway."
The other group left as the panda pulled out a small, electronic pad from her pack. "Just to make sure you aren't spies or anything..."
She held the device to each of their faces for a brief moment, then stepped back and waited. She looked up at them. "You. You aren't in the system yet." She stared right at Suzumi.


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The panda chuckled. "You've managed to find one of the few safe havens for elementalists on this continent. There are others, all as well-hidden as this one." She looked past them at the new arrivals coming through the ceiling. She nodded to the labrador that was with them, then to Jojo and Grant. She walked past them and began speaking to the group. The labrador came up to them and nodded, smiling. "Would you two like to see it?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 12, 2012, 04:54:32 AM
"Would you two like to see it?"

Grant quickly replied, "Of course!" before sheepishly withdrawing and murmuring a whispered apology. His awe had turned to excitement, which had gotten the better of him. He felt like a small child. Regardless, the elemental village was far too interesting to pass up seeing. So it was one of the safest places for elementalists on the continent? Grant didn't doubt that, however, it seemed awfully dangerous to let their enemies get so close to the city. Even if it was well hidden, there was always a chance of discovery.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 12, 2012, 03:31:18 PM
Suzumi followed Spurney and Classisa and joined with the group, not saying a word as she glanced at all the different species, she nodded at the black lab's voice, feeling the ground shifting with magic as it turned to sand allowing them to sink into it, she couldn't resist and placed her hand against the side of the "bubble" feeling the sand flow against her finger tips. Arriving in the domed structure she looked all around her as the village was abuzz with activity, it reminded her of the city.
 
 
You three need to stay with me for a moment, but the rest of you are free to go. If you wish, you could take a tour of the village, or just go find some rest at the inn. It's free of charge, anyway

"Hey why cant....." but the panda answered her question before she could even finish. Seeing the panda pull out a small electronic pad Suzumi looked at what she was doing.The pad being held in front of her face for a few seconds.

You. You aren't in the system yet.

Suzumi stepped back and firmly replied. " What system? What are you talking about?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 12, 2012, 05:44:41 PM
The fox regarded the lack of reply to his inquiry about his mother as confirmation that his journey for her wouldn't end here. He didn't have much time to reflect on this before Grant practically barked his anxious reply to the panda.


Jo smirked and his spirits were lifted again as he batted his tail at the G-Shep's, chuckling, "What he said." After the vicious and swift fight they had just encountered, he figured they were all ready for a more pleasant surprise.


Upon hearing a commotion behind him, JoJo's gaze followed his ears as he looked over his shoulder, finding relief as the last part of their group seemed to arrive safely beneath solid ground. His attention returned to the female as he followed...
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 12, 2012, 06:32:42 PM
Jayce grinned. "Seems like your annoyance is running it just fine..." Calling upon his emotions, he directed them into the vehicle...

and was glad he had put a seatbelt on first.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 13, 2012, 02:54:52 AM
-Cifero-


The vehicle continued to hum, but dropped back to the ground. The Guard laughed at Jayce. "Ha! You think you can run this hunk o' metal? Good luck with that one, cat!" He spat again at the seated cat.
Even with Jayce's energy, the vehicle remained in place. It was just too heavy for the inexperienced elementalist to even budge.


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


The panda began tapping variously on the screen, which now had Suzumi's face on it.
"The Guard's system. Everyone of importance is listed. All of the Guard, all of the exiles, and all of the upper class. You, however, seem to be none of those, yet here you are, outside the cities." She looked up at Clarissa and Spurney. "You two, however, are free to continue into the village. I hope you enjoy your stay."
Clarissa put her paw on Suzumi's shoulder. "You'll be okay, hun. This is as much for your benefit as it is theirs. We're heading to the inn. We'll try to get a room with an extra bed for you, alright?"
The panda ignored them and looked down at Suzumi. "What is your name and element?"


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The labrador nodded and smiled. "My name's Alex. This way you two..." His voiced trailed as he turned around and walked quickly through the door into the hall. The earthen tunnel was only large enough for two to stand beside each other, and dimly lit with torches. I sloped downwards for a bit, and finally led to another door.  He winked and opened the door in front of him.
The had gone farther down than they could have imagined. They were underground, with a ceiling a few hundred feet tall. The large, underground dome was filled with buildings made of various types of stone and rock. It stretched farther forward than they could see. The buildings only seemed to get larger as the neared the center of the massive dome. And finally, in the center, they could see what looked like a huge, earthen cathedral rising up and up, finally connecting with the ceiling. There was a surprising amount of light to light up the place. All of the buildings were brightly lit on the inside, and seemed to be busy. People lined the stone streets. Elements were being used in public. A little kit spinning a rock around his paw, a young cub molding the ground into a sandcastle large enough to fit himself in, and countless others using primarily the earthen element. There were others, however. A woman was drawing water out of the earth and pooling it into a pot, and another fiddling with a large light fixture, visible sparks popping around his paws. There were countless people just from their viewpoint. Chris and his group were headed up straight up the main road, towards the cathedral. The village seemed more like a smaller city. It didn't even smell like dirt. If it weren't for the fact that they were surrounded by the earth casing, this place could easily be mistaken for a normal city like Fnorgan or Grex.
The lab waited a moment for them to take it all in before turning to them. "It's something, ain't it? And you haven't seen the temple yet... First let's get you a room at one of the inns, though." He began walking down the walkway to the bustling main road.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 13, 2012, 08:16:34 AM
JoJo looked on with awe as they walked through the doors, padding slowly into a foreign world he could never have dreamed of before. His mouth hung open slightly as his eyes traveled from wonder to wonder, the mini-city having a calm and naturalness about it that the vulpine could appreciate more than the sprawling cities above the surface.

What made the sight more unbelievable though was the widespread use of elements, more prominently the earthen ones. Never before had suspected such feats were possible by so many. When he had imagined the villages in his head, they were much smaller and tribe-like, definitely nothing like the heaven he was witnessing now.

"W-wow..." He stumbled over his words, even tripping a bit over someone else's foot as he was distracted by a nearby young fox todd playing with dirt, molding it into shapes like a clay spinner would, but without having to touch it with his paws. "Heh, sorry.."

He followed behind the friendly Lab, not minding that he was happily observing their emotions. How could he not? This was something anyone would be awestruck upon seeing. "Yeah a bed would be nice...sleeping next to a horse can be less than pleasant sometimes. You understand."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 13, 2012, 11:45:14 AM
Suzumi nodded at Clarissa as they started to make their way to the inn, leaving her with the panda.

What is your name and element?

Suzumi went quiet for a moment then replied "Suzumi  Shimizu I am an earth elemental user,but i havent had much practice in it." Her gaze fixed at the panda who was tapping information into the screen, Suzumi's face showing a little worry.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 13, 2012, 07:40:16 PM
"Hmm..." He looked around at the controls... or lack thereof.. and then suddenly realized something. "So it takes many people to run this thing?" he said, looking at the guard.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 15, 2012, 12:07:24 AM
(Sorry about making you guys wait so long!)


If Grant thought he was impressed before, he was sorely mistaken. After being led down a narrow hallway, Grant could feel anticipation fueling his excitement for what lay behind the door ahead of them. With a knowing wink, Alex the labrador slowly opened the door, revealing a giant chamber filled with buildings and people. It was an entire underground city! Grant couldn't believe his eyes and quietly mouthed his surprise.


Alex led his group down a road that seemed to branch out into dozens of smaller streets stretching throughout the city like the roots of a tree. Life surrounded Grant as people walked by, talked, made business, and played. He couldn't have imagined a place like this would ever exist. Magic was commonplace and not punished. He was not abnormal.


"W-wow..."

Jojo seemed to be just as amazed as he was. It was tough to contain the awe the city struck within a newcomer.


"It's something, ain't it? And you haven't seen the temple yet... First let's get you a room at one of the inns, though."

"Yeah a bed would be nice...sleeping next to a horse can be less than pleasant sometimes. You understand."

Grant chuckled and was about to comment when he remembered the scream behind him when they were all trying to runaway from the guards after Jojo let his horse free. Almost immediately he felt guilty and decided to keep his mouth shut. Keeping his sights on the other buildings, Grant followed Alex and Jojo to the inn.

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 15, 2012, 10:19:44 AM
-Cifero-


The Guard laughed at him. "Are you dense? That's what I said! Now, if you don't-"
He was interrupted by the back door opening. The unmistakably familiar voice of Jasper called, and he sounded a bit tired. "Benton! Get this thing running! Those blasted escapees and Black squad killed most of our men!"
Benton smiled up at the cat. "Bout time..." he mumbled before turning to the back of the bus-like vehicle and shouting, "In here, now!"


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


The panda grinned softly and finished tapping in Suzumi's information, then set the scanner back in the pack. Her paw stayed on the scanner a moment, a troubled look flashing on her face for but a moment, then disappeared. She turned back to Suzumi and grinned. "Hehe it's alright, hun. If you'll follow me, I'll be taking you to the inn." She turned around and walked off to the exit, through the door, and down the hallway.


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


He led the pair down the surprisingly well-lit street to the first building on the right. It was bustling, with people walking in and out left and right. This was the outskirts of the city, and it looked even better furnished than the inner circle of Fnorgan and Triss. He led them inside and walked up the the counter, where an older mouse was speaking with a much younger female mink.
The mink seemed a bit irritated as they approached. "Allan, I've told you a thousand times, don't talk to the customers! You scare them!"
The mouse simply nodded and smiled, then turned to the approaching group and said, "Hullo thar! Would you be intrishted in renting a roon in dis fabulous playsh?" His smile seemed sincere, though he didn't appear to be looking at anyone in particular.
The mink shook her head and shooed him through another door behind the desk and returned to them. "I'm terribly sorry about that... Now then. Would you like to rent a room? We've been a bit busy as of late, but there are still a few rooms left. If you wish, I could take you upstairs to see them."


--- --- ---
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 15, 2012, 11:09:22 AM
Quote from: Leiton on June 15, 2012, 10:19:44 AM
-Cifero-


The Guard laughed at him. "Are you dense? That's what I said! Now, if you don't-"
He was interrupted by the back door opening. The unmistakably familiar voice of Jasper called, and he sounded a bit tired. "Benton! Get this thing running! Those blasted escapees and Black squad killed most of our men!"
Benton smiled up at the cat. "Bout time..." he mumbled before turning to the back of the bus-like vehicle and shouting, "In here, now!"


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


The panda grinned softly and finished tapping in Suzumi's information, then set the scanner back in the pack. Her paw stayed on the scanner a moment, a troubled look flashing on her face for but a moment, then disappeared. She turned back to Suzumi and grinned. "Hehe it's alright, hun. If you'll follow me, I'll be taking you to the inn." She turned around and walked off to the exit, through the door, and down the hallway.


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


He led the pair down the surprisingly well-lit street to the first building on the right. It was bustling, with people walking in and out left and right. This was the outskirts of the city, and it looked even better furnished than the inner circle of Fnorgan and Triss. He led them inside and walked up the the counter, where an older mouse was speaking with a much younger female mink.
The mink seemed a bit irritated as they approached. "Allan, I've told you a thousand times, don't talk to the customers! You scare them!"
The mouse simply nodded and smiled, then turned to the approaching group and said, "Hullo thar! Would you be intrishted in renting a roon in dis fabulous playsh?" His smile seemed sincere, though he didn't appear to be looking at anyone in particular.
The mink shook her head and shooed him through another door behind the desk and returned to them. "I'm terribly sorry about that... Now then. Would you like to rent a room? We've been a bit busy as of late, but there are still a few rooms left. If you wish, I could take you upstairs to see them."


--- --- ---
Jayce smiled. "Knew you were lying," he said, leaping out of his chair. "Thanks for the information, Benton. Pleasure working with you." Grabbing hold of Benton, Jayce dashed out of the vehicle, tossing Benton straight at Jasper and flipping over them to run into the wilderness, where he followed the scent of the others straight to the village.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 15, 2012, 11:48:37 AM
Seeing the Panda's look of worry turn to a smile Suzumi breathed a soft sigh of relief not sure how people would react if they knew she was the daughter of a Guard.

Hehe it's alright, hun. If you'll follow me, I'll be taking you to the inn.


Quickly following the panda Suzumi couldn't help but look around at the buildings "This place is amazing, an entire city underground...."her voice trailed off as she looked up at the ceiling. "I thought places like this were only rumors"

Without thinking it though properly Suzumi blurted out "Is there anywhere I could learn to use my element better?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 15, 2012, 10:07:21 PM
The city's inner circle was very well furnished and its opulence was impressive. Grant was amazed, but suddenly he began to wonder how such wealth could be gathered for a village that is supposed to be hidden? Even some of the best districts in the cities could hardly compare to what he was seeing. Speaking of oddities, what exactly was in the packs that they had been given earlier? Grant decided he would ask Alex, but then the innkeepers began to introduce themselves.


"I'm terribly sorry about that... Now then. Would you like to rent a room? We've been a bit busy as of late, but there are still a few rooms left. If you wish, I could take you upstairs to see them."

Grant felt rather tired and sleeping in doors would certainly be nice.

"Of course," Grant replied stepping forward. He turned towards Alex and decided he would ask him about what was going on exactly after they had found their rooms.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 16, 2012, 05:18:30 PM
Life was beginning to resume it's fast pace around him as awe started to lose out to the bustle of the city. He kept up behind the leader, padding along in stride with Grant, his new-found acquaintance. It was less harrowing facing fights alone, and it was comforting getting to feel like he wasn't the only one figuring out all that was being thrown into his reality.

When the group walked into the inn, the vulpine's ears swiveled around, blinking a few times as they caught the two in a little quarrel. He also found it a little embarrassing, walking into little displays of emotion. This one seemed innocent enough those, even if JoJo did think the older mouse's greeting was just plain adorable.

"I'm terribly sorry about that... Now then. Would you like to rent a room? We've been a bit busy as of late, but there are still a few rooms left. If you wish, I could take you upstairs to see them."

Busy lately? It seemed like this was the type of city that never rested.

"Of course." Grant affirmed his sentiment.

"We'd love to see a room." Jojo added, smiling at the Mink.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Leiton on June 19, 2012, 02:23:48 PM
-Cifero-


As Jayce ran, he heard a whinny as he startled something. A horse curved through the trees, nearly running into him. Jayce recognized the horse as Jojo's horse, though the horse didn't not recognize Jayce, and continued running wildly through the trees, stamping on the body of a dead Guard. There was nobody there, and as the trees grew ever denser, it just looked like more woods. There was one compact area where any trail of the group seemed to stop.


--- --- ---


-Suzumi-


The panda smiled and called back. "Of course, hun. All training is done at the temple. But first let's get you back with your family." She led her into the first inn that came up. It was big and bustling, with people everywhere. The main lobby was spacious and well-decorated, and off to the left past the stairs was a small dining hall. The mink behind the reception desk was speaking with the auburn fox and the german shepherd that had been in the group fighting the Guard. She led them upstairs, leaving the reception desk empty. Clarissa and Spurney were nowhere to be seen, however.
The door behind the reception desk opened slightly, and the head of an older mouse peeked out and looked left and right. He closed the door, then opened it again and slid out of the doorway. He seemed unnaturally spry and limber for somebody his age. He looked around from behind the desk, his eyes passing over them. His eyes locked with Suzumi's for a moment, and his lips twitched with the hint of a smile. He beckoned them forward and looked around. The panda turned and started to walk out the door.
"When you're done here, you should go to the temple, and we can see about your training."
The woman left, but the mouse continued, whispering, "Psst! You! Pssssst!"


--- --- ---


-Jojo and Sigcutio-


The female mink nodded and smiled. "Then, if you'll just follow me upstairs, I can show you the rooms. The first night staying is free, and any night past that is just a few gold a night." She continued talking as she led them upstairs. "If you don't have the gold to stay, then there's always work to do around the village." She continued up to the third story of the building. A woman ran past them down the stairs, carrying a basket of linens. A few kids were running through the halls, playing some game. She led them past a few rooms and pulled out her keys. She unlocked one of the doors and opened it, displaying the inside. It was a spacious room, with a nice-sized bed, drawers, closet, washroom, couch, nightstand, and a fancy lamp. It was all neat and organized, and nicely decorated with deep red curtains and a painting over the bed, depicting a fantastic landscape overlooking mountains that Jojo could recognize as those around Grex.
"All of our rooms are similar, though they have different color schemes. Do you two want separate rooms, or only one room?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on June 19, 2012, 05:31:05 PM
"Hmm..." Jayce shrugged. "I'll just follow the horse." With those words, he ran in its direction.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on June 19, 2012, 07:54:20 PM
Suzumi tried hiding a frown as the Panda mentioned her family ignoring that statement she simply followed her to the inn, seeing the auburn fox and the german shepherd, she nodded in their direction not knowing if they even noticed her.

Surprised at the sudden appearance and agility of the mouse.

"When you're done here, you should go to the temple, and we can see about your training."

"Ill do that...." her voice trailed off as the panda left, her eyes moving to the mouse calling for her attention discretely. Walking close to him... "yes? Can i help you?"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 20, 2012, 07:39:57 PM
Grant followed the mink as she showed them up to their room. On the way, Grant could not help but admire the interior. Just as much thought had been placed on the design within the hotel as it had been outside. It was not long until the mink unlocked the door to a beautiful room that was clearly designed for the upper class. Grant had to do a double take. Was this the room they were staying in?


"All of our rooms are similar, though they have different color schemes. Do you two want separate rooms, or only one room?"

Did it matter? This room looked like it could easily house many people by itself. Grant shrugged and turned to Jojo silently asking for his opinion on the matter.

"I'm not sure...would a single room save us money?" he asked turning back to the mink.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on June 21, 2012, 05:54:22 PM
Jo had never seen such a bustling and impressive inn before. As they traveled toward their room, Jo peeked into other ones, noticing the varied colors and pictures on the wall. He was noticeably pleased when they arrived at the preview room. The picture on the wall had his tail swishing back and forth happily, the mountains in the picture ones he had traversed before.

"Well, I don't know about you Grant, but I like this room. You know, it'd be sorta cool getting to talk to you and know ya more. I don't bite, I promise."

The fox grinned toothily and winked at the German Shepard, looking back at the mink, "You said it was only a few gold a night after the first, right? I think we can manage that. If not, I'm always willing to lend a helping paw."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on June 21, 2012, 09:49:32 PM
Grant nodded and concurred with Jojo.


"Sounds like this room will be just fine then, thank you," Grant replied courteously tipping his head slightly to the mink, "I'd also be happy to help pay off any debt we incur."


It seemed they would be staying for several days in the Earth Village so working was probably inevitable. However, Grant could probably gain some valuable information about the circumstances surrounding this hidden village and what was currently occurring in the world. Glancing towards Jojo, Grant couldn't help wondering if he knew anything at all about what was going on. He smiled and hoped he had gained a valuable ally.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on July 02, 2012, 02:02:54 AM
Jayce shook his head. "It's a friend's," he said. "I'm trying to catch up  with my other friends and I was following the horse since he seemed to be heading towards them."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on July 02, 2012, 02:10:15 AM
Suzumi looked at the mouse then at the book... What do you mean?" but before she could even finish the question he had vaulted over the counter and had disappeared outside, looking around Suzumi couldn't see Spurny or Clarrisa. Picking up the key she placed it and the book into a canvas bag on her belt.

Walking out of the in she took the key out. ' It cant be from the inn, its way to old." Choosing to ignore the book Suzumi started walking towards the temple, all the while looking for a building that looked old enough to fit the key.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on July 03, 2012, 04:28:04 PM
Grant took the keys, nodded, and gave a quick "Thank you" before heading into the room. Like the rest of the hotel, it was well furnished with an antique, queen-sized bed beside a window looking out into the city streets below. As he stepped on the plush carpet, Grant noticed a small door leading into the bathroom right beside the entrance and a light switch just behind him. Flicking on the lights, the room lit up with an inviting glow. So this was home for now.


"It looks great," Grant spoke turning to Jojo, "looks like we'll either have to share a bed or have one of us sleep on the floor. What would you prefer?"

As Grant walked in he was drawn to the sight of the city from the window. It was massive and the streets wound through towering buildings like a labyrinth.


"How did they build this?" Grant muttered to himself.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on July 07, 2012, 06:21:46 AM
After thinking for a moment, the friendly fox stepped in behind the canine, "I don't mind sharing the bed. I'm not skiddish about that sort of thing, but will gladly switch night to night if you are."

Jojo was also impressed by the wowing room they were to be staying in for the foreseeable future. He went around, running his fingers over everything; the soft bed spread, the velvety curtains, the quaint lamp....he even bent down to pet the soft carpet.

"Mmmaaaan...you know, I've never been in a nice room like this before. I don't mind staying here for as long as necessary."

The fox stopped at the window beside Grant, looking over the streets with awe as he put his paws on his hips, "Probably didn't even have to touch much of it. Just waved their arms around, heh!"
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on July 09, 2012, 06:48:04 PM
"Let's share then," Grant replied, "I haven't slept well in some time and this bed looks very inviting."

Watching Jojo clamber about the room almost made Grant chuckle. Although the room and the city were beautiful, Grant had different plans from Jojo. Questions burned through his mind. What was going on and why were they here? Then there was the city they were in. Had it really been as easy for them as Jojo had said?


As he turned to Jojo, Grant realized that the two had saved each other from a fatal situation and yet they hardly knew a thing about the other. "Hey, Jojo" Grant spoke in a tone softer than usual, "we've helped one another out a lot within the last few hours, but I hardly know you." Grant felt that he was being too sentimental, but he genuinely wanted to get to know this fox better. Seeing as they could be here a while, they could at least be comfortable together. "Who is Jojo the fox?"

Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on July 10, 2012, 06:27:46 AM
JoJo's ear perked up and swiveled toward Grant as he addressed him, his head catching up with his ears as he smiled back at the German Shepard beside him. As he talked, Jo realized that Grant and himself had really helped each other out in quite drastic ways. Fighting was something the fox wasn't used to, and he had reacted on pure adrenaline and instinct before. It was weird realizing that they had created such a connection in just a few seconds out there in the fray...


"Who is Jojo the fox?"


Jo smiled wide and swished his tail back and forth, jumping back and bowing with a flair before the hound before standing up before him again, lightening the mood a little from the slightly awkward situation for him, "Well! I am nothing really all that impressive, but I agree, I'd love to get to know you better."


Jojo plopped down on the bed, since at this point he really was tired of being on his aching feet, letting Grant take a seat wherever as he continued, "I was born there..." He reached back and pointed at the picture of the mountains of his home region, Grex. "I've lived there my whole life with my mom. My dad left the day before I was born, so I've never known him." Jo shrugged for a moment, but didn't dwell on the subject long. It had been something he moved on from a long time ago.


"I can't say that I've had an incredibly eventful life...though that is changing now, heh!" Jo grinned and stuck his tongue out at Grant, laying back on the bed, arms above his head as he sighed, relaxing, "Usually I spend my days out in the woods playing around with fire or nature with my friends or alone. I swear I've probably scaled every peak in a 5-mile radius of my place."

"What about you, Grant? What's your story?" Jo said with a smirk.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on July 16, 2012, 12:20:50 AM
Grant watched as Jojo bowed before him and he was impressed by the fox's panache. The awkwardness from before had vanished and Grant felt at ease talking with Jojo. As the fox collapsed on the bed, Grant took a seat beside him and listened to his tail.


As Jojo mentioned his home and his parents, Grant briefly remembered what his life had been like before he had left. He loved his parents, but he always felt distanced from them because of his magic secret. They did many things together and he wished he could just tell them, but he knew that could never be. He wondered if they would have acted differently had he just told them.


Grant was brought back to reality as he realized the fox was sticking his tongue out at him. The sudden act of silliness broke through Grant's composed facade and exposed his fun loving self. Guffawing, Grant tumbled off the bed and in his frantic grab for the covers, brought the blankets along with him.


"I-I'm sorry!" he spurted in between his bouts of laughter, "sorry about your dad, but it sounds like things are looking up."

"What about you, Grant? What's your story?"

"Oh me?" he replied regaining his composure. "I'm nothing too special. I used to be training as a guard, but that didn't work out..." As he brought up his life, his thoughts from before began to flood into his mind. Without fully realizing it, he opened up to Jojo.

"I'm from Besmir," he started, "my dad was a well-respected member of the guard and my mother was quite the socialite. I loved them, but ever since I discovered I was capable of magic..." He cut off for a moment as the memories of his parents burst into his mind. "I-I should have told them, but..." Grant gave a deep sigh and continued, "they found out when they caught me practicing. They were mad, I was mad, we were all mad and I made a bad decision..." Pausing, Grant laid back on the floor and just looked up at the ceiling. "So... here I am."

Grant lifted himself up for a moment to see what the fox's reaction would be. He felt foolish for revealing so much about himself, but he had felt as though a weight were lifted off his shoulders and he could breathe somewhat easier.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Cifero Windtail on July 16, 2012, 03:50:33 AM
Jayce had his eyes widened. "Uh..... I guess the town square? If that's ok... then I'd love to find my friends..."
What the hell is going on here? he thought to himself.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Suzumibachii on July 16, 2012, 11:53:55 AM

The closer Suzumi go to the temple to more at awe she was at its immense size, dwarfing the houses around it.
The doors opening on her own had shocked her a little but as she walked in she was greeted by a sheep

[size=78%]"If you could wait, he'll be with you shortly."[/size]

Before she could even reply the sheep had moved off into the temple, not even exactly sure who "he" was Suz started to levitate some of the dust and sand around her feet and tail gently swirling it around her ankles and tail, somehow it seemed easier to use magic here than what she was used to in her basement, or maybe she was finally starting to grasp it. "It felt different during that fight, nearly instinctive" She whispered to herself.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on July 17, 2012, 04:19:57 PM
The fox had been pulled onto the floor in the heap of blankets when Grant went off the deep-end of the bed, and he had sat up, sitting cross-legged in a swirl of comfyness as Grant began to tell him about his situation. The tale was quick and didn't have a good direction, one that he had heard many times before from his friends. It seemed like that was the trend these days; parents being very unaccepting of their children pursuing their powers. If only more were more open and encouraging like his mother...

JoJo watched Grant carefully as he opened up to him about this sensitive info, but was glad to know more about the canine friend he had made, and his past. When Grant finished, Jo took in a deep breath and nodded once, "Honestly, I have no idea how I would have reacted if my mom had been restrictive of my magic and not let me explore it. It would be like taking away a part of me that I couldn't live without. So, I'm saying I don't blame you for the path you took."

The orange and blue vulpine, feeling that the German Shepard was a little nervous after exposing his story, leaned forward and put a paw on his shoulder, smiling warmly and looking into his eyes.

"Maybe, in the end, it will turn out to be a good decision."
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on July 19, 2012, 06:34:01 PM
Grant was taken aback by Jojo's warmth and honesty. He didn't know how to respond as Jojo placed a friendly paw on his shoulder.


"Maybe, in the end, it will turn out to be a good decision."

As Grant looked into the fox's eyes, he could tell that he had truly meant what he said. When he left home, he wish he could have had a friend with him and felt so alone. When he met with Krystal and her family, he had felt better, but was unable to tell them everything. Now, with Jojo, he felt relieved and secure. His lip quivered a bit and Grant averted his gaze a moment as he sniffed.

"T-thank you," he replied, "I really needed that."

Grant realized he was losing control of his emotions and decided he needed a moment to compose himself.

"E-excuse me," he muttered keeping his gaze averted. He couldn't look back in Jojo's eyes for fear of losing his control. Without another glance, Grant quickly got to his feetpaws and sped off to the bathroom. Warm tears began to form in his eyes as he reached the door and rushed to the sink to splash water on his face.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: JoJoJoshua on July 25, 2012, 05:30:42 PM
(I hope you guys aren't waiting on Sig and I o_o)


The fox watched Grant leave swiftly, hoping those were tears he'd needed to release for some time. While the German Shepard was away, he got up and busied himself, sliding the sheet and comforter back over the bed, making it nice and tidy again for them as the evening was probably nearing. It was awkward, not having sunlight shining in through the room, and as he finished up the bed, he walked back over to the window, looking out it again and thinking...letting Grant return when he felt ready to.

Jo smiled to himself and breathed in and out deeply a few times, hoping he could provide some needed friendship and closeness to the worthy companion fighter. They could make quite the team for whatever journeys they were to face in the coming days. Idly, Jo lifted his paw and played with a ball of fire in his paw, rolling it around, giving the room a touch more light.
Title: Re: State of Mind
Post by: Sigcutio on July 30, 2012, 04:10:08 AM
As the water soaked through his fur and calmed him with its cool embrace, Grant felt himself beginning to regain his composure. He couldn't believe he had nearly lost it in front of Jojo like that. It was strange, but Jojo made him feel secure. Grant wanted to tell him more, maybe even everything, but he knew better than that. After splashing his face face several times, Grant was sure he would be okay, but as he opened his eyes he noticed a red tinge to the water pooling in the sink. Where was this coming from? Slowly it dawned on Grant what the red was and where it was from. He turned his head to look into the mirror and saw a sight that nearly stopped his heart. Within the mirror was a monster.

A beast with his face, but splattered with blood stared back at him. There was a frightened look in his eye that almost gave the impression of frightened desperation. Grant could not believe that the face he saw was his own. He let out a startled gasp and muttered, “No…no…” before falling away from the mirror. His own stomach began to heave and he struggled against the urge to wretch. Holding his paws to his temples, Grant fought to keep himself sane as the images of his encounter with the guard flashed through his mind. It terrified him as he realized each moment was burned into his psyche.