Stardustblade358

Ryder fixed Allan right up. "You'll need some rest, you definitely deserve it. Forget about filling reports or any of that sort, alright? You have to rest up and recover first and foremost." Ryder insisted. He paused for a moment. Whatever Allan had seen was worse than before. Worse than being tortured by that cult, or even being forced to fight for his life. He had seen the true, raw nature of what they all were now, and once long ago; monsters. "It's ok to be afraid, Allan." Ryder said, frowning at him. "I'm sorry that you've had to suffer all of this. You're one of the strongest humans I've ever met, you know?" Ryder said, gently rubbing Allan's head. "You should head back to your dorm and rest, if you feel comfortable enough to do so. If you want to remain here, you're more than welcome." Ryder said, stepping away as he finished bandaging Allan up. "Nothing too serious. You'll be healed up in no time." Ryder said with a soft smile. Meanwhile the Warden had closed off the scene, quickly having her teams to gather the evidence and information from the lab. They managed to tame Michael with a special cocktail of tranquilizers long enough to transfer him into the deepest part of the base, with the toughest security possible until they could replicate the antidote for all of the infected monsters. Soon, there was a knock on the door, the Warden stepping into the infirmary. "Is Allan still here? I wish to take him back to the office for some questioning about the events." The Warden said. Almost defensively, Ryder quickly got in between the Warden and the doorway that led to the back room where Allan sat. His front hoof tapped on the floor unhappily as he crossed his arms. "He is not well, Warden. He was just dragged from medical leave and thrown right back in like a rat to a snake." Ryder insisted, tapping his hoof even harder. "He should be left to recover at the very least 24 hours." He insisted. The Warden glared. "That is too long of a time, and you know that. This is our job, Ryder." "This is a job that is meant for monsters, not humans! You can't treat him like another one of your men and beat him like a dog, especially after what he has gone through. He should've had more time to recover." "He is the only human we have in this department, he had to do his work, and he did." "And you wonder why we don't have humans in this department when you treat them like mules!" "Step down before I make you, Ryder."

The Werehyena chased after Allan, blinded by rage and the thirst for revenge. He chased him all the way back inside, where the Vampire still lay in a pool of his own blood. He had Allan trapped like predator against prey. He growled loudly as he clawed at the bullets. Some of them he managed to deflect, as others pierced his skin, drawing blood. The Werehyena didn't mind his wounds, crawling closer to Allan. "You're going to pay...like the rest of them..." The Werehyena hissed, growling as he stepped closer. From behind him, there was slight movement from the Vampire, gently lifting his gaze. His eyes had no glint left in them. The Werehyena roared, jumping right onto Allan, going for the kill. Seconds before he could reach Allan, however, Michael had pounced. Even with blood escaping his chest, he tackled the Werehyena down, slamming him against the nearest wall. The Werehyena roared, clawing back against Michael's skin, blood covering the floor as simple wounds simply healed moments after. Michael picked up the Werehyena by the neck, slamming him against the wall and floor over and over again, before actually dragging him across as blood followed its wake. The sounds of bones spanning echoed, the Werehyena screaming in pain. Even in his state, the man could still speak, desperation in his voice. "It hurts...it hurts...!!!" The Werehyena screamed as Michael continued his torture, suddenly pulling at one of its arms, ripping it from the body with ease, muscle ripping apart as the Werehyena cried. "IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS!!! KILL ME KILL ME KILL ME!!" The Werehyena screamed, begging for mercy he would not receive. Finally, Michael had played enough with his prey, slamming the Werehyena down against the floor before digging his fangs right into his neck. All one could hear was the Werehyena struggling, its limbs shaking wildly as the life was sucked out of him. Next to Allan, quickly slapping a hand over his mouth to prevent him from making any noise, was Tabitha, quickly shushing him as she pointed at the exit. She helped Allan up, guiding him all the way back as silent as possible, Michael distracted with his meal in his wild state. Once they reached the door, Tabitha quickly pulled Allan through, M&M members quickly slamming the metal door back on as one of them used fire to seal it before Michael figured anything was going on. "Allan." The Warden spoke, staring down at him. "Are you alright?" She asked, quickly glancing at him in search of any wounds. "Michael didn't hurt you, did he?"

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Helios whined loudly as Alastor kicked the tree, holding onto the branch as he almost fell from it. He glanced down, seeing the large dent in it. At the very least, it wasn't big enough for the tree to fall over, but what a mean move! "You did that on purpose!" Helios yelled after Alastor, only to allow himself to rest back against the branch once he was sure he wasn't going to fall off. Arthur's eyes widened at the sound of the crack, ever so familiar. Phase 2. Well, crap. He could barely register as Alastor dashed towards him, his speed catching him off guard for mere moments. Arthur prepared to block an attack, only to feel as Alastor instead used him to propel himself above him and try to attack from behind. "(Damn it!)" Arthur thought, quickly glancing behind. he could already see sparks flying off Alastor's body, beginning to get serious...as if he wasn't doing serious before. His instincts immediately went for his shield, which was current strapped behind his back. But he quickly changed his strategy. The shield wouldn't guarantee that it would block where Alastor would hit. Lightning would do nothing against him, as far as he had seen. He couldn't possibly jump high enough to avoid it. Instead, he followed the rules of physics and general understanding. What usually stopped the movement of an object? Another one. So... "(Trip him.)" Arthur thought. He quickly allowed himself to drop on the floor just as Alastor neared to hit him, going under the sword while crouching as low as he could before swinging his sword straight across Alastor's upcoming legs.

It took Michalagenlo 4 years to paint the Sistine Chapel and they want me to create 4 intriquate posters in a week pls give me a break

The man's hands shook as he glared at Allan, gripping the gun for dear life as he glared at Allan. How dare he? "Shut up shut up shut up! You're a traitor!" The man screamed. He glared at Allan, gritting his teeth. "It was these monsters who killed my sister! I saw them! I SAW THEM!" He yelled, for a moment memories flashing before his eyes. "It was a monster, I knew what I saw...yet no one believed me...I was traumatized they said! That it was all my imagination! I thought so too, and then I found them again...and I knew that it wasn't a false memory...it was all too real, and even now after everything I've done no one will believe me! You say that the truth will endanger lives, but how can you know?! How many unsolved murders have been caused by monsters?! How many disappearances have been related to monsters?! How many questions can be answered by them?!" He screamed. His eyes widened as tears fell down his cheeks once he was told he was deemed a monster. He scoffed at the irony, shaking his head. He had gotten so far, so close! "No...I won't allow it to end. Not like this! Not after everything I've worked for!" He said, glancing at the white liquid in his hand, holding it high. "You see this, detective?" He asked. "This," He shook the liquid's container. "Is the cure. The only known antidote to my sickness." He said, holding it high in the air. "The only vial I've created, and the only one that exists." He said, a smirk in his face as he saw Allan's eyes follow the liquid. "This isn't over yet, detective." The man said, suddenly throwing the glass vial into the air. Whether Allan tried to catch it or not, the distraction gave the man enough time to reach into his pocket, taking out a syringe with a red liquid inside. With a tad bit of hesitation, he proceeded to stab the syringe into his own arm, injecting the liquid within him. Within moments he began to gasp as he collapse onto his knees, dropping the syringe as he began to scream in pain, the sound of bones cracking as they expanded within his body. "I won't let you stop me! Even...if I have to become what I hate the most!" The man screamed, snapping his eyes open as they became inhuman. His body expanded, fur covering him as his clothes ripped themselves. A tail extruded from the seams as his entire skeleton changed its shape. Before Allan, the man had intentionally infected himself with the blood of a Werehyena...and turned into one himself. The man threw his head back, a mix of a roar and the famous hyena 'laughter' escaping his lips as it echoed across the forest. Now a beast, the man proceeded to turn to Allan, bearing his fangs. "AND YOU'LL BE MY FIRST VICTIM!!!" He screamed as he charged straight at Allan.

The scientist hurried back, closing doors along the way as he glanced back. Impossible. It was impossible! For one, one of the detectives was a damn human! Second, the vampire didn't kill him! It actually resisted the temptation of the drug! "(That's impossible! The drug enhances the levels beyond control! How can this thing just ignore its instinct like that?!)" The scientist thought, running up the stairs as he opened up the exit door, leading him to the outside. He crawled over, throwing his bag over as he glanced inside to see the multiple glasses of the drug still intact. "Well, I still have enough to cause enough havoc. Should be enough to drop it right into down town!" The man said, chuckling to himself as he caught his breath. He gasped as he heard Allan hurrying right after him. He quickly searched through his bag, taking a gun out as he backed away from the entrance, pointing the gun at Allan as he held a liquid in a bottle in his other hand, this one instead of purple, was white. "Stay back!" The man yelled, his hands shaking in anger. "I can't believe this, you're a human and you're working with them?! Are you insane?! Or have they just brainwashed you?!" The man asked, panting heavily. "Or...have you been forced to work with them?" The man didn't lower the gun, though his eyes seemed to soften. "If that's the case, you should come with me! We can get you somewhere safe! Once we prove their existence, they won't be able to harm you!"

"Momma, I have a question." Michael sat in front of a vanity, candlelight shimmering against the mirror as his mother brushed his hair from behind. "What is it dear?" His mother asked, carefully brushing out the knots. "Well, I've been thinking about it for a while but..." Michael hummed, looking at his mother's reflection in the mirror. "Have you not noticed that the masters do not eat?" At the question his mother's hands froze, stopping mid movement as she stared down at Michael. "I mean, I've never seen them eat. We cook for the children, but not for them. I haven't seen them drink either. I mean there's that wine that they drink but they don't even share it with anyone-!" Michael hummed, pausing as he noticed his mother's silence. "...momma?" His mother shook her head as he continued to brush his hair. "We don't question that kind of thing, Michael." She said. "Why?" "Because it's not or business. We are servants, we do not question our masters." "But it's odd!" Michael turned to face his mother. "It's not natural! Everyone has to eat and drink! They don't eat and drink! They don't ever step out in the garden either. Are they sick? Are they afraid-?" Michael asked. His sentence was cut short, however, as his mother slapped him across the face, the sound echoing in the room. Michael blinked, feeling his cheek as it began to burn, the imprint of his mother's hand slowly becoming red. Before he could question it, his mother brought him into his arms, hugging him close. "Michael," She began, whispering into his ear. "We do not question such things in this household. The masters are kind and provide for us in exchange for our loyalty. We do not question them, regardless of what they do, do you understand, Michael?" She asked, shaking Michael's shoulders as she held him tightly. "Promise me you will not speak of this kind of thing to anyone ever again. Do you understand?" She hissed. Michael blinked, slowly nodding. "...yes momma." He said. He didn't search further into the topic, not wanting to anger her further. He didn't question it again. ... "No one knows how we began. Not even the oldest of our kind. We just came to be. We are said to have inspired Vlad the Impaler...or he inspired us. From the beginning we have always been taught the same; we must survive by feeding on those who we hide from." On the floor sat Michael, listening to his father's words as he read them off an old book. It had been a month since the...transformation, now living in an estate far from where he was born and raised. He was still getting used to it all. He was still learning of how to live a whole new life all over again, and his masters, his now parents, were more than happy to teach him all that he needed to know. "So I can't go out into the garden anymore?" Michael asked. "Not in the daytime, no. The sunlight will harm you and it is painful, as you experienced just recently." Vilhelm explained. Michael nodded, frowning as he scuttled closer to him. "I can't eat food either?" "It won't fill you." "No more garlic?" "Especially garlic." Michael huffed. "I never liked it anyway." Vilhelm frowned, gently rubbing Michael's head. "Michael, do you regret being alive in this state?" Vilhelm asked. "As one of us?" "I...don't know." Michael sighed. "I was in pain. So much pain before you bit me. I was hoping that death would grant me peace and you saved my life. There is nothing I can possibly do to repay you for that. I should be grateful but at the same time it's..." Michael spoke, burying his face against Vilhelm's leg. "I'm sorry." Vilhlem said, closing the book. "Allow us to teach you what we can, and if you decide that you do not wish to continue living...we will help you seek peace." Vilhlem said. Michael nodded, looking up at Vilhlem. "Sorry, ma-...father." "I'm sorry too." There was a pause, before Michael looked back up. "How were we...before we adjusted to society?" Michael asked. Vilhlem's eyes narrowed, glancing down at the weathered book. "...We were monsters." Michael had never felt this way before. It was a sick feeling that invaded his body, trying to take to control against his will. A lurching hunger piercing his stomach and body as his bones ached. Natural, savage instincts buried deep down from years of evolution were suddenly surging back. A fight or flight instinct forced into him, unable to push it away, and all of his instincts were screaming at him to fight. Michael screamed, his body arching back as he held his head. His senses overwhelmed beyond control as his eyes darted across the room, finding the only living thing in the room with him; Allan. He hissed, dashing straight at Allan. Before Allan could register, Michael was already in front of him. Michael leaped at Allan, his hands slamming on either side of Allan's head so hard that the concrete from each side crumbled beneath his palms. Michael growled, crawling over Allan like a beast crawling over its prey. Michael kept his face, and his fangs, close at Allan, his breath heated against his flesh. There was no way to escape, all exits blocked and a bloodthristy monster hovering just feet away from his neck. "A...Allan...!!!" Michael spoke, his voice raspy as he struggled to breathe evenly. He was drooling. "...Allan...!!!" Michael hissed, pushing Allan against the floor as he got even closer, his mouth right by Allan's neck. A single move and he could either drink him dry, or just as easily rip his throat apart, and that was if he wasn't kind enough to just snap his neck. If Allan was waiting for his death, it was coming at him slowly. Michael grabbed a hold of Allan's arms, pushing him against the floor beneath hard enough to bruise before he suddenly grabbed Allan's hand. "Allan...!!!" Michael gasped. Before Allan could do anything, Michael suddenly grabbed a hold of Allan's hands and pushed the stake right into his chest, piercing his skin as warm blood dripped into Allan's hands and chest. Michael gritted his teeth, holding Allan's hands until they turned white. "Allan...r...run...!!!" Michael whispered, suddenly pushing himself against the stake even further, the stake almost disappearing into his chest. By this point Allan's front part of the uniform was covered in Michael's blood. Michael gently allowed himself to press his forehead against Allan's, for a single moment the bloodlust in his eyes replaced with worry. "...stop him...Allan..."

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Arthur listened to Aura, nodding. "Understood." Arthur said as he glanced at Alastor, then back at Aura. "I'll slide from the back and and aim at his legs, and you aim at his top from the front?" Arthur asked, holding his sword tightly as he thought for a moment. "No, wait. Your speed is an advantage. You should sneak up from the back and try to get his legs while I distract him and try to aim for his chest again." Arthur suggested, smiling as he stood up, using his sword to help himself stand. He gave Aura thumbs up. "I'll distract him, and you surprise him from the back. Hopefully we could at least last a hit on him, even just one. That would be nice, actually." Arthur muttered, wiping some sweat off his brow as he glanced up at Alastor. He was beyond what Arthur had expected, but he was an excellent teacher no less, and ARunrthur was more than eager to learn. "Follow my lead, then. Going in." Arthur said, quickly spinning his sword before dashing straight at Alastor. He decided to go all out, this time rushing at Alastor before jumping right at Alastor, holding his sword as he raised it above his head and brought it down on Alastor. If he gave Alastor too much to worry about on him, he shouldn't have enough time to avoid Aura's surprise attack from the back...at least, that's what he hoped.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Arthur's eyes widened at Alastor's moves. Before he could even counter it, Alastor was already behind him, pushing him forward. Arthur fell forward, falling right into Aura as the two tumbled on the floor. Arthur groaned, blinking a few times before seeing that he had fallen on Aura. "AH!" Arthur screamed, quickly rolling off her as he sat up. "Sorry, Aura!" Arthur said, quickly apologizing as he glanced up at Alastor, then back at Aura. They had one more chance before moving on. Arthur hummed in thought, turning to Aura and quickly hurrying back to her. He leaned in, whispering to Aura. "How about we try to trick him? You're pretty fast. We can rush at Alastor and switch positions at the last second before landing hits?" Arthur asked. Helios watched, whistling at Alastor. "Now you're just showing off, sir Alastor. No need to do, though! Everyone here's already impressed!" Helios said, waving his hand as he rested his head back down. Now this is the type of thing Helios could get used to. Laying back, basking in the sun...he really wouldn't want it any other way. "You two can do it! I believe in you!" Helios said, yawning as he stretched on his branch. For moments like this he could forget that there was ever even a war. He gently felt the necklace around his neck. I wonder if it's beautiful where you are, too.

Michael looked down at the metal hatch in the ground. This wasn't in the report, nor in the maps of the area. Hell, he doubted the farmers even knew that this was here. But what was it? He looked up at Allan, before looking back down. "I'm fine. But this...is odd." Michael said as he looked down at the hatch. What exactly was this? A shelter? As Allan opened the latch, it squeaked, revealing a ladder leading down into the deep. "Let me go first." Michael said, quickly stepping down as he slid down the ladder. It was pretty deep, the bottom revealing a long, dark hallway. Michael took out his gun, holding it tightly as he switched on his flashlight. "Stay close." Michael hummed as the two made their way down the hall, turning to Allan. "Allan, send an update to the Warden through your phone, and send her the coordinates of this thing. We might need to call for backup depending on what we find." Michael asked, walking down the eerie hallway, only the light of the flashlight lighting the way. Even in such conditions, Michael could still see beyond the light a tad bit further than what the flashlight allowed. Eventually the hallway led to a large, empty room. He couldn't sense anyone in it, stepping in as he glanced around. He could see a door leading to another room. "What is this place?" Michael asked. Suddenly the opening behind them slammed shut, a mechanical door slamming down and locking into place. Blinding lights suddenly lit the room up as the sound of a radio crackled in the background. "Hello?! Is this working?!" A voice spoke from the speakers installed in the walls. Michael glanced around, looking for the source. "Who are you?!" Michael hissed. "The real question should be who the hell are you, waltzing into my building as if you'd owned the place!" The voice spoke. It was a man, and he sounded rather annoyed about it. Michael finally spotted a camera at the very corner of the room. He took out his badge, showing it. "We are detectives for the police department. We have been searching for strange activity in the area. Is this your doing?" Michael asked. The man huffed a bit. "Detectives, huh?" The voice asked. There was silence, before he laughed loudly. "Right, detectives! Sorry about that!" The man said, his voice lively before suddenly taking a sharp turn, emotion drained from his voice. "...don't you patronize me, monster." Michael growled. "So you're the one responsible for the incidents in the district?" "You can say that." "Why?! Have you any idea what you're doing?!" "I'm helping you become what you have always been!" The voice screamed, heavy breaths taken before it continued. "For years they ridiculed me. Called me out on my theories and stripped me of my titles. 'Monsters don't exist!'. But they did. You do! But now they'll know. With this, you'll finally reveal your true selves to humanity, you'll become the monsters I always knew you were! Everyone will see that I was right after all!" The voice spoke, chuckling to himself. "You're insane." Michael hissed, glaring as he turned to the door on the other side of the room. He didn't say another word, dashing towards the door as he began to punch it, the layers of steel slowly bending. Before Michael could get through, from the ceiling a purple smoke began to fill the room with a loud hissing sound. Michael glanced up, his eyes widening. "What-?!" As he inhaled the smoke, his body wrecked violently, Michael coughing as he fell onto his knees. He gasped for air as his eyes began to glow, his pupils turning into slits as his teeth sharpened like canines. He scratched the floor beneath, coughing and gasping as his body convulsed. The man laughed. "Do you feel it? Do you feel yourself returning to your roots? To what truly makes you what you are?" The voice spoke, the sound of shuffling in the background as he did. While it did nothing to Allan, to Michael it was as if another person was trying to invade his mind, desperately trying to control his own body. "I've always wanted to watch two monsters fight." The voice admitted softly as he pressed something. His voice was suddenly replaced with a soft song, playing pleasantly in the speakers as Michael screamed in pain, his scream no longer even human.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Helios' laughter dissolved into chuckles and giggles as he held onto the branch for support. He agreed with Aura. As dirty as the trick was, in a life and death situation, anything counted to stay alive, regardless how dirty it could be. Arthur groaned as he fell onto one knee, holding his stomach as he was punched by Alastor in the exact same spot again. This time, however, he was nice enough to actually pull back some. "Come on, was that necessary?" Arthur muttered under his breath. Though in his mind, he justified that yes, yes it was necessary. He had been punched and pushed around in the academy before, and by his father, this time shouldn't be any different. Consider it an upgrade, Arthur! Helios smiled as he watched Aura take the offer head on, quickly sitting up as he watched her. "Alright, Aura! Kick his butt!" Helios cheered, throwing his arms into the air. He was imminently impressed by her speed, his eyes widening in awe as she left a cloud of dust at her wake. Amazing! Arthur saw Aura run right after Alastor, and took it as a sign that he should go ahead and continue too. He ran up, picking up his sword as he did as he followed behind Aura. As Aura attacked Alastor from the front, Arthur slid behind Alastor's back and swung his sword. However, instead of aiming at his back, he took a chance to aim at a more dangerous spot; Alastor's neck.

This girl has been on 3 ships, who all were struck by something, two of which sunk (including the TITANTIC), survived all 3 incidents and continued to work on passenger ships despite it all. I want to be as brave as her.

Human Guard: Gentlemen! We are searching for the dangerous Dreadnaught! Have you seen him?! Fey Guard: We are also searching for a Cyph! Have you seen him either?! Typhon, staring at the guards with googly eyes still glued: Nope. What about you bud? Henry: *adjusts Beaglepuss* Nope.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Arthur landed on the ground, his sword stabbing the ground beneath. Arthur pulled his sword back, but before he could move any further, he felt Alastor's sword by his head. Helios chuckled as he watched. Alastor had gotten the best of Arthur, it seemed. He needed to find a way out, or risk his head getting chopped off if it was a real fight. "You're in deep, little knight!" Helios called from his place in the tree. Arthur kept still, hitching his breath as he analyzed his options. His trump card could might as well be his electricity, but would it even work against Alastor? Well...there was this one trick back in the academy...though he was heavily scolded because it was 'unethical'-NO! This was a super serious training session! He couldn't possibly resort to such childish techniques!...could he? "(Well...the training's meant to test my skills. Coming up with stuff is part of it...isn't it?)" Arthur thought, gulping to himself. He couldn't snap Alastor away with lightning, he's shown as much. So...what else could harm a man? "I'm so sorry, sir Alastor." Arthur said, frowning to himself. Before any of them could question the statement, Arthur made his move. Suddenly and unexpectedly, he threw his sword into the air. Just as he quick he followed that by pushing himself back, before lifting his leg backwards and landing a single kick...right in between Alastor's legs. If it actually hurt and did any damage to him, or even just surprised him at most, Arthur used the singular moment of distraction to pull back and just as quickly land an equally powerful kick right against Alastor's chest. He pulled himself back, quickly pushing himself onto his feet just in time to catch his sword by the hilt and turn to slam it against Alastor's sword, pressing blade against blade as he faced Alastor. He panted, giving a shaky smile as the confidence of the moment swayed momentarily now that he was looking at Alastor in the eye after that. "...um...does that count?" Arthur asked, trying to ignore Helios' laughter in the background. --- I did a little drawing to demonstrate.

Arthur: *burying the glue and googly eyes bag evidence in the backyard* oh no that's terrible

If he were around I'd wait for him to sleep and draw eyes on his face and wait and see if he figures it out.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Helios watched in amusement. He wasn't one for war, especially after the event events, but he couldn't deny the beauty of skill either. "(He's quick.)" Helios noted before looking over at Alastor. "(But he's stronger and more experienced by centuries...what caught your eye, Alastor?)" Helios thought with a sheepish smile. Arthur didn't expect it to be easy, and Alastor did not disappoint. As Arthur staggered forward, instead of trying to avoid falling, he instead allowed himself to fall. He fell forward, rolling onto his feet before turning to face Alastor. Just as quick as he regained his footing, he dashed towards Alastor again, his mind already racing with possible movements. Should he slide underneath and attempt to disable him by the legs? Maybe attack his Achilles's heel? Or should he dash straight forward and try to overpower him? Just before reaching Alastor, he did a last second decision, dashing to the side as he ran up against a nearby tree. He jumped against it's base, and pushed himself from it upwards, allowing him to bring his sword down just above Alastor by a few mere feet, using gravity to his advantage. He shifted his hold on his sword, aiming it downwards as he held it with one hand, the other pushing the sword by the hilt.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras - Helios nodded, resting back against the branch. "(I hope all goes good...Jynn.)" Helios thought, his attention quickly turning to Alastor. Arthur slightly jumped at the sight of Alastor summoning his swords from thin air and lightning. He can do that?! Arthur couldn't help but to be in utter awe at the summoning. "(Could I do that too one day?)" Arthur thought. Helios whistled at Alastor's display. It was magical, quite literally. "Show off." Helios hummed. Arthur's attention was brought back to reality as Alastor yelled at Arthur to begin. "Yes sir!" Arthur said, quickly drawing his sword. It was weathered, smudges dulling its shine and scratches showing off its age, yet just as sharp as the day of its creation. On the blade, runes that he couldn't read, and simply figured that it was a weird design choice by his weird father. Maybe they meant more. He wouldn't be using his shield for this one. "(Right.)" Arthur thought, straightening his back as he got into stance, pressing his free arm against his back as he did. If there was one thing Arthur was confident on, it was his swordsmanship skills. He dashed straight at Alastor, slamming his blade against his as hard as he could. He then proceeded to use the ricochet force of the swords clashing to twirl on his feet, spinning around Alastor's side, before pulling his sword back and using the power of the turn to swing his sword towards Alastor's back. Arthur might've not had the raw strength as other knights, but he always made it up with his agility and speed, making him capable of keeping up. Well, in human standards, that is. As for Alastor's standards, he'd yet to see.

- Arthur & Helios - /w Aura & Alastor - Training - Outskirts of Mystras Arthur hitched his breath as Aura asked what kind of training they were thinking about. To Arthur's relief, Alastor gave a rather vague answer about it. He still didn't know how to deal with the situation himself. Alastor is the only one that knew...and possibly Alex. And maybe that was for the better. "(I'm human first and foremost.)" Arthur thought. "(But I definitely won't waste the chance given to me.)" Arthur nodded in confirmation to Alastor's words. "Yes. Like he said." Arthur said as he straightened his posture. "I'm ready to train whenever you are, sir." Arthur said, his hand resting against the hilt of his sword already. Helios nodded at Alastor, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you." He said, turning to look at Aura. "That was a nice nap. What do you say, Aura? Want to stay and watch them train, or want to head back?" Helios asked, lazily laying down the branch with his stomach facing down, one leg hanging onto the branch while the other swayed on the other side, his hands forming a small rest for his chin. At least the training wouldn't be as destructive as Helios expected, and he was more than happy with that.

- Arthur - The Lightning Knight - Mystras Campground - The young knight stepped away from the tree and the main camp. "(I should look for sir Alastor.)" Arthur thought. The quicker he trained, the quicker he could learn and master it...and the quicker he could go after Midnea himself if he had to. After asking around the camp, he was told that Alastor would meditate at the outskirts of Mystras, away from the noise. After asking for a general direction, Arthur hurried off in search of him. He traveled into the outskirts, finding comfort at the quiet of it all. "(This is rather nice.)" Arthur thought, smiling as he walked down the trail. Soon among the flora he saw Alastor, meditating. He hurried over, his feet crushing the twigs beneath, making for a less than noisy approach. "Um...sir Alastor?" Arthur asked, keeping a distance away from him. "I...hope I'm not interrupting. I...I was just wondering if there is any training that I could do currently, to prepare myself for tonight?" Arthur asked, resting his body against a nearby tree. To do nothing was usually a good thing for him, but do to the circumstances...it felt odd to not do something and use the time wisely. - Helios - The Shapeshifter - /w Aura - Napping nearby the Mystras Camp - Helios perked his head at the sound of movement and talking. He stirred in his sleep, stretching awake as he proceeded to roll around until he was laying on his stomach. "(Those aren't animals.)" Helios thought, perking his head up as he brushed some of the leaves from his hair. He listened as he pushed himself up, getting on all fours as he carefully made his way towards the noise, climbing up one of the trees for a better view of the source. Alastor and Arthur. Alastor seemed to be meditating, while Arthur asked some advice in training. To that word, he was quick to make his presence known. "If you're going to train destructively, do it in the open fields." Helios said, startling Arthur. "When did you get here?!" "I've been here." Helios said as he casually sat on the branch. "I repeat. If the training is destructive, I ask that you do it in the open fields...the animals are in mourning. They don't need someone knocking trees down and around...please." Helios asked. If they were going to make noise, then he would go ahead and move Aura to a more peaceful place further in.

Do it the bug way...and eat them

Michael followed Allan, taking note of their surroundings. Signs of struggle, claw marks covering the trees, broken branches on the floor. It was a mess. "Draven was definitely here." Michael hummed, looking around as he walked further. He perked his head up at Allan's suggestion, turning to him. "Allan, we just got here. We can't back down now." Michael insisted. "You're the only human in this department currently. You're needed to check this through." Michael asked, worried. He hadn't seen Allan like this, not in the many situations they had been involved before. This fear was new. "What's wrong?" Michael asked, his tone soft. Above them in the trees, a figure stood, holding a sniper rifle. The figure looked over at Michael and at Allan, quickly aiming at Allan's neck. The figure focused before shooting, the silencer on the rifle blocking the sound. Michael's eyes narrowed as he suddenly raised his hand up, catching the projectile just moments before it could hit Allan. Michael gently opened his hand, revealing a...dart? A purple liquid was inside, the syringe brand new. "A...dart?" Michael asked, his eyes snapping to the trees above. The figure's eyes widened, gasping as it grabbed the rifle and began to run off. Michael growled. He turned to Allan, handing him the dart. "If you don't feel safe, get this back to the car. I'm going after the suspect!" Michael said, turning away as he ran off after the suspect, deeper into the forest. Now Allan had a choice to make...each with different consequences.

Thanks QuQ Choosing a favorite character is so hard, everyone is so amazing. I honestly love all of the characters, their developments and choices. Everyone has made choices and actions that has driven the story forward and given it the character it has. Everyone is amazing! For first place I'd have to say Henry. His stubbornness and evolution as a character from this mysterious ex-knight who is all bad@$$ and strong, seeing him slowly let his guard down and show his humanity. It's been so interesting to witness, and I really like him. Second definitely has to be Shiva. To see her as not just as this amazing Queen, but as a mother and see those moments where it shows that even she has flaws. She's amazing and her character had me waiting for her next interaction from beginning to end. Third has to be the twins. Seeing them evolve from characters who got involved into something big, to seeing them take responsibility and go as far to give their lives in a war that they could have easily said no to or run away from. I've loved seeing them evolve as characters, and showing us how tough humans can be. I love every single character, though. They're all amazing!

Michael wore a cotton mouth mask over his face, covering his mouth and nose. Until they could discover what kind of sickness they were dealing with, they had to take precautions. "I'm sorry that you had to come two days early, Allan." Michael said. He didn't expect the tight hug from Allan, but he shouldn't be surprised at his reaction. They were dealing with something never seen before; a sickness that affects monsters and monsters alone. They had to be wary. "Understood." Michael said as he picked up the file, giving it a quick glance as he entered his car. "The sickness has targeted a few civilians already. Draven had gone in order to search using his scent. He must've found something to have contracted it. We'll be heading to his last known location at a farm within the Silva District." Michael explained as he turned on the car and speed off, driving them towards their destination. The Silva District was mostly rural, with lots of forest and plains, popular for farming. The sickness started here, and they had to make sure it ended here. They reached the farm, Sunny Ranch, which was owned by the family of one of the first victims to the sickness. Michael and Allan quickly hurried to the household to greet the owners. "Hello, we're from M&M. We're here to investigate your property further." Michael explained. "Understood." The man said, frowning as he looked at the two of them. "Do you really think it could have come from our farm?" "We cannot be certain until we investigate further. We do ask that you keep your cattle within the restricted area until we can clear it." Michael explained. "Of course." The man said, nodding as he closed the door. Michael turned to Allan, walking further into the property with him, all the way to the very edge of it, the fence separating the forest. "According to the man, his wife chased after their pet after it had jumped over the fence. Their pet proceeded to bite her, and that was when the sickness transmitted to her. Other cases we suspect have actually gotten into the animal's food, though we can't be sure...whatever is happening, the answer is in this forest. Draven went in to investigate and...well." Michael shook his head. "Are you ready?"

Alexander stared at Allan, chuckling a bit at his attitude. He looked up at the doors. "I am simply here to warn the institution of...incoming deaths." Alexander said, gripping his hands tight. "Grim Reapers are not allowed to interact with the living, much less to intervene with the matters between life and death. However, I am not a common Grim Reaper, and thus, I came to warn that something big is coming, and that you must all be on watch. Death is predicted, but it can be avoided with enough warnings." Alexander explained. He turned to look at Allan, his gaze piercing. "One of you two will die today, Othello." Alexander warned. "It's already been written, and there is only one thing left to do; wait and see who lives, and who dies." Alexander warned, suddenly pulling out a piece of paper. It had Allan's picture on it, his name and personal information, including date of birth...and date of death. Right to the hour and minute. "I am here to warn you, Othello...if you want to see your family again, and save the day, you'll have to make a decision...I just hope you do the right one." Alexander warned, quickly taking the paper away as the doors opened. "Alexander." From beyond the elevator, on the floor another Grim Reaper appeared; Nikolas. "I've been waiting for you. Come on, we have to get moving." Nikolai warned. Alexander nodded, turning to Allan with a frown. "Think about my warning, Allan. You have been given the unique gift of knowing what awaits you. Don't waste it." Alexander said, his eyes softening as he turned and stepped off the elevator, joining his partner as they walked away. "What were you doing with that human? Are you trying to scare him?" "I want to see how he does. If it changes anything." "Do you really think it will?" "Who knows. We have already warned the Warden. Now, we have to warn the Hunters."