The Shadows- *Started, but spots still open!*

Han Fang-Liu:

I stared at the girl-Helen, that was her name.

"We wait," I said in reply to her question and sat down under the tree, leaning against the trunk.

Helen gave me a frantic look and I shrugged, staring up between the leaves at the stars. What was Anna doing? Who had screamed? I found myself wanting her back soon.

"So, um," Helen said and sat down where she was. "Why are you out in the forest?"

I sighed and looked towards her. "You really want to know?"

She stared at me, curious. I swore under my breath and stood up, starting to pace.

"Fine," I muttered. "I'll tell you, if you must know."

Helen watched me pace. I sighed and leaned against the tree.

"Anna and I... Well, more Anna then me really," I said and ran a hand through my hair. "She tried to kill my brother, the prince. We were seen and had to run."

"Wait, wait!" she said and held up a hand. "You're the prince's brother? As in, the Empress's son?"

"No! No," I said quickly and pushed away from the tree, shaking my head. "I'm only the prince's half-brother. And the Empress isn't my mother. The Emperor is my father though."

"Oh," Helen said faintly.

I was about to say something else when Anna came back, two kids in tow. A girl and a boy with only one arm. It was about time she got back.

Helen

Helen had been a little shocked when the boy had said that he was the prince’s half-brother. But then, when he told her that he was one of the Emperor’s children… no wonder they’re on the run, she thought sympathetically. His social status must be at least as low as mine. Helen glanced down at the dark skin of her hands just as Anna trotted under the Willow.

“What happened?” Helen asked, looking up curiously at the boy. He was covered in nasty, oozing welts. “Ah. Poison… ivy, right?” said Helen, hazarding a guess.

“Oak,” said the other girl as Anna set the boy down at the base of the tree.

“Did you rinse him off with water yet?” Helen asked Anna, who shot her a look.

“How?” She said, “I couldn’t find a stream.” Helen blinked.

“You have water bottles, right?” Helen smiled lopsidedly. “And spare clothes too, I’d imagine. Make some compresses.” She shrugged.

ANNAROSE

I rolled my eyes at Helen and let the boy slide off my back. I quickly removed my cloak and through it at Helen's feet. I didn't know why I hated her so much, but we were obviously off to a rocky start.

The boy glanced around, eyes wide. I watched as both eyed Han, then Helen, then Han. "Yes we have water bottles. None of our clothes could possibly fit the boy," I shot back. Stop it, she hasn't done anything to you! I demanded myself. I just couldn't seem to shake my coldness. "I was actually hoping that one of you knew how to get rid of Poison Oak. Han helped me once...but..." I wavered, unsure of what to say.

Han was smiling at me. Smiling? What was wrong with him? I felt uneasy. Was he laughing at me? He was! I glared at him.

"Look, can we please just help my brother?" The girl behind me begged, panting.

"I don't know how to get rid of it. Poison Oak's tricky," I muttered. I couldn't believe how long it had taken to get back. The girl did practicly nothing but fall. Stop it! She doesn't have your gifts. What's wrong with me?

I sighed and stared at the boy. His bottom lip was jutted out in a pout and I couldn't help but smiling. If he had both arms, they would definately be crossed right now. I could hear Han laughing at me, but I ignored him. "Does anybody here know how to get rid of Poison Oak or not?" I demanded, wiping the grin off of my face. Han's laughing stopped. I winked at Han, smirking to myself. I felt powerful again.

*Sorry it's a block, but I really don't know how the others would react. :/

Helen

“Yup,” said Helen, reaching for one of the water bottles. “What you do is rinse the… whatcha call it? Rinse the itchy stuff of his skin, without scrubbing, and then get him into some new clothes. Mainly ‘cause those are probably covered in the, um, itchy stuff. And then you just wait for it to go away. You just have to be careful not to get any on yourself, or else you’ll start scratching.” She shrugged in response to the stares. “What? I have three younger brothers. You learn this kind of stuff really early on, when you have younger brothers.”

Yay! It took me forever to figure out how to enter her in. You should be happy for me.

Zanea

Zanea ran, feeling her heart pounding through her chest like a hammer was hitting it over and over. The only thought in her mind was to run, run...
For the first time in her life, the silence and secrecy that Father had taught her to run with wasn't happening. Instead, her run was a way to get the pain out- and get away from the Emperess. And what the Emperess had done- to her family, to her life... Suddenly she heard voices. She froze immediately, but it was too late. The voices had stopped abruptly. Why had she been so reckless?! And just a few days after the Emperess had killed her whole family, at that! She would still be looking! Suddenly, a figure came out of the trees.
Immediately Zanea's mind exploded with memories. They had tried to kill- someone. The details there were fogged up. But they hadn't succeeded, had they? Confusion filled her mind. Usually she could read people's memories easily- but this girl was harder. More complex than most. But Zanea could feel a burning passion deep inside of this girl, and so she was respectful when she turned and asked, "Who are you?"

ANNAROSE

"Who are you?" The girl asked. She looked upset, but focused all at the same time. I stared at her for a moment. Dare I answer?

I grabbed her arm and dragged her inside. I could feel her trying to pull away, but I didn't let go. If she was working for the empress...

"Look, I can't let you back out now okay?" Her eyes were fearful and I felt almost sorry for her. "We're sort of on the run," I glanced at Han, looking for support. He just stared. Helpful today are we? Han was usually helpful, but I guessed that the day's events had taken it out of him.

"Who from?" The girl asked.

I sighed. Might as well tell her. If she turned out to be dangerous we'd have to hold her captive. "The empress. I sort of....got caught making an attempt on the prince's life."

The girl stared at me. Everybody stared at me. I felt uneasy. I prayed I hadn't just made a fatal mistake.

Zanea

She felt a vindictive pleasure at that- so she wasn't losing her skills after all. They really had been trying to kill the prince. And if the Emperess's son had flailed around like the arrogant snob he was, even better.
"So you're not working for her?" she asked, staring at the girl uncertainly.
"Of course not!" the way that the girl said that made Zanea sure they would get along. Obviously they hated the Emperess as much as Zanea did. One of the girls looked like a prisoner. Did she work for the emperess?! Suddenly Zanea felt hostile.
"So who are you, then?!" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

ANNAROSE

"So who are you then?!" I glanced at the girl. Was she asking me? I cleared my throat. "Well, I'm AnnaRose," I started. "That's Han, he helped me raid the palace." Han nodded, "That's Helen, I have no clue where she came from." Helen was already busy helping the little boy undress. It dawned on me that I didn't know who the boy or his sister were. "And who exactly are you two?" I asked.

The girl looked at me. "Atashi, that's Lex." The girl replied.

Han yawned. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to sleep." He layed down and closed his eyes.

I glanced around at my newly-formed group. "Helen, finish up with Lex and then get some rest. If anybody dares to try run tonight, I will hunt you down." I hated being like this, but what choice did I have? Everybody nodded at me and I crept over to a spot beside Han and layed down.

I stared at the canopy, listening to Helen talk to Lex soothingly. Why did I hate her again? you're jealous. I glared at the canopy of branches and leaves. Jealous of what?

"I'm Zenea by the way," the girl whispered, laying down beside me.

I yawned, "Good night Zenea," I muttered. She didn't seem half-bad. I grinned, remembering the way she had glared at Helen. Not bad at all. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Sleeping! The perfect time to use my powers... cackles evilly.

Zanea

Zanea layed on her side, watching the sleeping group. For now, they would be all the protection she needed. She couldn't get to sleep. She wouldn't cry, she wouldn't. Maybe someone else in her family was still alive. She couldn't assume anything.
She wanted to delve into memories, but she suddenly realized that would make it no better, that wouldn't be an escape- that would make it worse. She sighed and closed her eyes. Memories filled her...

"Run, Zanea!" Mother called, her face frightened. "Hurry!"
Zanea ran through the woods, her face white and set. She could hear screams and wanted desperately to go back- why couldn't she go back?! Suddenly, it was all silent except for the sound of the Emperess, shouting-

Zanea closed her eyes tight, tears dripping from them. No matter what it took, she would get back at the Emperess.

Name: Erika Zimmer

Gender: Female

Age (5-18): 16

Personality: She looks innocent from the outside, but once you get to know her, her mask is taken off. She is very rebellious willing to do anything. Her life isn't much of a big deal to her, and she doesn't pay much attention to it either, hence getting herself into a lot of near death situations. She doesn't know who her mother is, and is only aware of the fact that her father is the Emperor, but that doesn't matter because she hates him and he doesn't care a nickel about her. So she runs away and now roams the streets, unaware of what path life is going to take her on.

Powers (If you choose to have them): Nah.

Skills: Fast runner, can shoot a bow and arrow very well.

Likes/Dislikes: The color blue, shooting bows and arrows, swimming/ The empress and emperor, idiotic people, annoying people, and thunder.

Appearance:

Looking for love (yes/no): Sure.

Other: We'll see.

Name: Lilly Yu

Age: 14

Appearance:

Spoiler

Personality: Kind, gentle, trusting, lovable, thoughtful, selfless, easily discouraged, honest, loyal, and naive.

History: Lives with her grandmother, and weaves beautiful baskets and blankets to sell in the village which is what they live off of.

Skills: Weaving, sewing, hemming, pottery, poetry, and getting herself out of sticky situations.

Likes/ Dislikes: Likes- taking long naps in the sun with her cat Jinga, swimming in the pond behind their house, and pleasing her grandmother. Dislikes- troublemakers, people who are meaninglessly rude, snakes, the feeling of her toes squishing in the bottom of the pond, and when the fish nibble at her toes.

Up for love: Yes

Power: has premonitions

*Moved to DT*

ANNAROSE

The empress' head guard grabbed Han by the wrists as the empress coiled the ropes tighter around my throat. The world was growing dizzy and I watched as a flame grew around the room. The guard's eyes looked as though they were on fire themselves. I tried to turn to get a view of the empress' eyes, but the rope was tightening.
It kept tightening-I couldn't breathe. I flailed my arms, trying to free myself. Everything went black.

I shot up, panting. A cold sweat drizzled down my neck. A nightmare, it was only a nightmare. I glanced around, everybody was sleeping soundly. I needed to get out of here, I needed to think.

I rose quietly, trying not to make too much noise. I stepped over Zanea and Lex. Helen and Atashi were both sleeping soundly to my left.

I pulled apart the branches of the tree and stepped out. It was still dark out and tiny stars dotted the sky. I hesitated before taking a step forwards. I found myself walking through the forest, listening to an owl hooting.

It was so peaceful... I looked back behind me. The tree was still in view. I wandered a little further into the forest. Soon enough the tree was almost completely out of view.

I heard a groan and I jumped, grabbing my sword. "Who's there?!" I demanded. No reply. I stepped towards where I had presumed the sound was coming from.

I tripped for the first time in years. Over a log? Not unless logs groaned... I bent down. It was a person! I groaned. Just my luck. I couldn't leave him here...could I? Of course you can't leave him here! I scolded myself. I sighed and tried to lift him. I grunted, he was definately heavier than Lex!

I half carried-half dragged him back to the tree. He groaned once or twice, but other than that he seemed completely unconscious.

I dragged him through the branches and lay him down. He didn't stir, but I noticed blood dripping from a wound in his head. What had happened to him? Lex stirred and yawned and I glanced in his direction. He sat up and blinked at me, but he lay back down and fell asleep. I ripped a strip of cloth from my clothes and tied it around his head. Not the best bandage ever, but it would have to do for now. I dragged the man further into the trees, noticing a small pendant hanging around his neck. Parker was engraved into it. I set it down carefully and took my spot between Han and Zanea. He would be able to tell me his story in the morning.

My character profile is on the DT

Jacob

I opened my eyes as I realised that the sun was streaming through the trees. "Mummy?" I asked sitting up and yawning.

I looked around me, I was sat underneath a tree. I couldn't remeber getting here but I knew why I was here. I could remember Mummy telling me and Paul to run into the woods. I could remember running and hearing people running after us. I could remember Paul's words.

"Run Jacob! Get out of here! I'll hold them off!"

And I could remember trying to make him come with me.
"No! Paul I don't want to go! I want to stay with you!"

But he wouldn't let me. He pushed me into the woods and I hid behind a bush.
I watched him fight.
And I watched him fall.
I remember the men leaving, laughing. I remember wanting to go and talk to Paul, but knowing that he wouldn't talk to me.
I remember leaving him behind and I remember crying.
I remember wondering wround through the trees, but that part of my memory seemed fuzzed with pain and hurt.

I rocked backwards and forwards deep in memories.

"I want my Mummy, and I want Paul" I cried into the trees, tears streaking down my cheeks.
I wrapped my arms around my body and cried. I knew that Paul wouldn't ever talk to me, or hug me again. I didn't know where my Mummy was, and I didn't know whether she was ok. I just wanted to go home, back to familiar faces and familiar ways.

I jumped as a man came around the corner. "Oh!" He exclaimed. "Don't cry." He was carrying a scary looking weapon which reminded me of the little knife my Mummy had given me.

"I hope you don't have to use it, darling," she said as she kissed me on the head. "But if someone tries to hurt you, you hurt them ok. You hurt them, don't let them get you.

I backed away from him, shuffling on my bottom. I reached for my little knife. He saw what I was doing and he lowered his weapon.

"It's ok. I'm Han, I won't hurt you," he said reaching out to take my hand. He pulled me to my feet and scooped me up in his arms. "You're safe now," he said and I took no more persuading.

ANNAROSE

I yawned and sat up, rubbing my eyes. I blinked and glanced to my left, where Han had been last night. He had disapeared. Zenea was awake and staring at the man I had found last night. His eyes were open and he was laughing. I was relieved he was okay.

I scanned the tree for Helen, Atashi and Lex. I heard Atashi and Lex outside, but where was Helen? I tapped Zenea's shoulder. "Where's Helen?" I asked.

She turned around to face me. "Good morning!" She piped up. "Helen's just outside washing your cloak. Said something about a rough start." She turned her attention back to Parker. "Where'd he come from though?"

"Hmm? Oh- I sort of...stumbled across him last night. He was unconscious."

They both just stared at me absently. Since you were supposed to be out last night. Idiot. I scolded myself. Whatever. They could wonder all they wanted. "Where's Han?"

Zenea and Parker both looked at me. "He said he was going out to look for food. Strict orders not to wake you. He was sort of creeped by Parker though." Zenea giggled. Parker laughed.

I rolled my eyes and stood up, brushing off my clothes. I was starved and my stomache growled at me. Zenea and Parker laughed harder, I couldn't hold back a little giggle either. "I hope Han hurries back, I'm starved!"