Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Takeo could feel the weight of his results card in his bag. It felt like a very heavy weight, ridiculous as that seemed. He kicked a rock out of his path as he walked to the bus stop and was moody all of the way home. It was a stupid bus anyway, filled with stupid, chattering people. He cringed as Bianca and Cait announced that they were both level three now. The boy sitting next to Taki elbowed him with a wide grin splitting his face.
"Hear that Taki? You're not the only level three on our bus route now!" He laughed. "Unless of course you've advanced?" He cocked a brow and Taki who shook his head.
"Not this year," Taki said, faking a confident grin. "Next year for sure!" He got off the bus with a scowl on his face and strode home quickly. That wasn't working for him though. He lived in a quiet flat since he'd been moved to the city and he didn't like it but didn't feel like throwing a party either. Dumping his bag, Takeo grabbed his wallet and stuffed it in his pocket. He decided a walk and some power cruising might make him feel better. And well. It wasn't like he wanted to break anything important, maybe he'd go dismantle a wall or something.
Taki walked toward the edge of town where it was less built up and he power-grabbed a few rocks along the way, forcing them to orbit his body. I am the world! Even the rocks orbit around me! Yeah... that sounded lame even in his head. Takeo let out a bit sigh and the fake planets dropped to the ground, rolling away. It wasn't like... fair. He was supposed to be more awesome than everyone, how dare someone catch up with him before he'd had a chance to complete the next level! They were younger than him as well. Both sixteen. The only solace he could find in that was remembering that he'd been fourteen when he made it to level three. But that was almost worse.
Four whole years and Taki still hadn't done it. That was why the test was a farce. Sure, it was supposed to take longer to reach the higher levels and some didn't ever get that far but- he'd sure been trying hard. And he only had two more years. Most people reached their full potential by the time they were twenty. If Taki didn't make level four soon, he'd be good for the rest of his life. Not super amazingly good. He wanted everyone to know his name! Not just the people on his bus route, the people living in his town.
Aha! An alley. What better place than that to practice moving stones and have a good sulk?
"ya know, I think I'm going to hang alone tonight, sorry." I looked up at Cait. "Oh, that's fine, what are you going to do?" I smiled. "Haven't been boarding in a while, maybe I'll do that. But first I need an Advil." I said, rubbing my temple. We both chuckled. "I think level three is learning to teleport while holding an object, the most I've ever taken with me is my clothes!" I gestured down at my body. "It would be embarrassing to show up with out them." I put my head in my hands. "Trust me it is, I don't think I'll ever go back to that gym again." I looked up at her, she was staring mouth agape. We both burst out laughing. When the bus got to my stop i waved quickly and teleported off. I was majorly happy that it didn't even faze me.
I looked up, my room was on the third floor. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and snapped my eyes open again. I looked around, in my room. Yes! I quickly dumped my bag and grabbed my board. A thought flashed through my mind. 'Teleportation with objects.' I looked down at the board. Here goes. I closed my eyes, and focused on the sidewalk outside. When i opened my eyes, my feet were about a foot from the ground, I screamed as i fell. My whole body was numb. Definitely need to work on that.
"Even in the end --even in death-- I can't hate you." - Neri Hereford's last words.
"The Gods demand blood, for they... do not bleed." Jaska.
(I was actually planning on this happening a little later, but considering his mood from not advancing to the next level it's probably going to be the best reason for him to go into an alley anyway.)
Takeo
Takeo tried to find a good spot to practice, where no one would see or hear him. As he turned a corner he stopped in his tracks. He saw a man laying face-down on the ground a couple yards away. He ran toward the man to help. As he got closer he noticed the man was wearing what looked like a priest's outfit, a white robe with a hood on the back with intricate patterns on it that made it look religious. His robe was singed around the edges, with some holes completely burned through the back. It looked like this man had just run through a flaming building.
Takeo kneeled down beside the priest and said, "Hey, are you okay?" The question seemed a little inadequate for the situation, but what else was he going to say?
The man groaned as he looked up at Taki. He reached into his robe and pulled out a light blue orb. The sphere bore the symbol of Aries, the zodiac sign, engraved onto the surface. He started to hand the orb to Taki with a shaky arm. "Don't... Don't let them... take it..." That was all he said before he fell unconscious.
The orb rolled out of his hand and touched Takeo's knee. Taki tentatively picked it up, and as soon as his fingers touched it the sphere began to glow with a soft light. But before he could figure out exactly what was going on, he heard footsteps from further down the alley.
A man dressed in a black robe that dragged along the ground, black slacks, and black boots, stepped out from the darkness. The man had long red hair that reached his shoulders and a bar code tattooed onto his cheek. He was smoking on a cigarette. His face had a soft, almost kind look to it, but at the same time there was something about that man that made Taki want to turn and run, something dangerous. The man eyed the orb in Takeo's hand. He frowned, but he didn't say anything. He simply raised his arm and whispered, "Innocentius."
Fire erupted from the ground behind him, causing the entire alley to shake. Amidst the flames stood a creature of some sort, with arms and legs of a human, but the face of a demon. As the flames burned from the creature's body Taki realized that they weren't coming from the creature, the creature was the fire.
It was clear that this man wanted the orb, and he wasn't planning on asking for it nicely... ______________________________
Ren
Ren thought for a moment. "When I go to the arcade I usually play some of the fighting games or shooting games. I also like that Gundam Tactics game they have there where you play the game with cards, the machine scans the cards you choose and puts them into the game. But that game is a bit of an investment, and I wouldn't recommend it for casual gamers. You need to buy your own starter pack before you can even play, and the game itself costs 500 yen just for one play."
"I see," Cait said, nodded. That Gundam game sounded interesting, but if it really was that expensive then she should follow his advice and stay away from it. With what little cash she manages to scrape together each week she couldn't afford to pay so much for something she was probably only going to play once or twice. "What other kinds of games does this arcade have?" she asked.
"They've got a bunch of stuff, I can't name all the games they have. I do know they have a DDR game somewhere in there."
Last edited by Dynamo on Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chicken <-- Egg <-- Rocket Powered Fist Take that, science!
Sense Bianca and me deiced to go to the city, we started walking down one of the many paths that led there. On the way into the city, we were talking about anything and everything. I had seen this girl around a couple times before, after all she did ride my bus. The thing was I had never talked to her, but now that I am, I have found out that she is a really nice girl.
While walking we finally made it to the city. Buildings were everywhere and you could see a bunch of people walking on the street. While walking we were trying to decide what to do. We were commenting on stores that we passed and weather or not we would want to go in them.
After going in a couple stores, when we came across the arcade. Bianca suggested that we go inside and play a couple games. Sighing, I tried to decline the idea of going in, but next thing I know she has hold of my wrist and is dragging me in.
We had been inside for a little bit, when she suddenly turned to me. She had a questioning look on her face when she asked me “Hey, isn’t that Ren?” and “Who is he with?” I shrugged. I had no idea who he was with. She thought about it for a minute, then started to walk over there. I followed her, waiting to see what would happen…
Cait smiled. She did know what DDR was; she'd seen some of her other friends play it at their house. It was perhaps the simplest game anyone could ever come up with - all you do is dance around while placing your feet in the right place at the right time.
She followed him into the arcade. There were the fighting and shooting games he had talked about. She'd never tried them, but there was always a first time.
"What about this one?" she asked, gesturing to a two-player boxing game. She could only tell it was two player by the separated screen and two pairs of gloves, one red and the other blue.
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." Timothy 4:14 KJV
(Just a heads up, Ayumi is going to be making a second character. It's going to be a guy so the gender ratio will be evened out a little. We have more than enough characters, so there won't be anymore new controllable characters other than that.)
Chicken <-- Egg <-- Rocket Powered Fist Take that, science!
(Hey, Darkangel. If it's okay with you, I'd like to give Ayaka a dream of the future when she goes to bed.)
"That's an old game, but still pretty fun," Ren said. "Want to try it out?"
Before she could answer, another girl's voice called out, "Ren!"
Ren and Cait both turned to see Bianca and Lena approaching them. "Hey," Ren said back, giving them a wave.
"Fancy meeting you here," Bianca said. "So, whose your friend?"
"This is Cait." Ren looked at Cait and gestured toward Bianca. "Cait, this is Bianca. We met on the bus today." Technically today was just the day they started talking to each other, since Ren had already known her name and everything. But, he wasn't going to bother arguing semantics.
Bianca looked from Cait to Ren and asked, "Did we interrupt anything? Are you two on a date?"
Cait took Ren's hand in both of hers before he could answer and said, "Why yes, we are. We've been going steady for a couple of months now." She smiled up at Ren and said, "Isn't that right, Sweetie?"
Ren shook his head and chuckled. "Don't mind Cait. We're just friends, and we were just hanging out together. Blowing off some steam after the tests, you know?" That reminded him. "By the way, how did your test go?"
Bianca instantly smiled. "I passed! I'm going to be a level three starting next year!"
"Really? That's great!" Ren said. But even though he was smiling he felt a pang of regret in the pit of his stomach. Everyone else was advancing to their next levels, while he was stuck at a road block with his. He pushed the thought away for now. "Hey, why don't you and your friend join us? There's plenty to do as a group here."
Last edited by Dynamo on Wed Jun 16, 2010 4:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chicken <-- Egg <-- Rocket Powered Fist Take that, science!
Dude in white robes: good. Dude in black robes: bad. Go figure! It was hard to be amused, or to complain about the stereotype, when it was probably going to kill him though. Taki started running. He clutched the strange orb tightly in his hand, not wanting to give it up and knowing that even if he did, he'd end up like that poor sod back there.
Takeo could feel the flames at his back as the creature rumbled after him and if his life hadn't been in such danger, he'd have probably thought it was pretty amazing. This guy had to be like a level five pyro to have that sort of fire power! Uh... not a time to be impressed.
Turning the corner, he scrambled up a wall, using his power to help boost him and then swept it into the creature's path as he dropped down into the new alley. He didn't think it would buy him much time.
Shit. What a day to decide that it would be a good idea to train in an alley! Takeo knew the streets well and was weaving his way back toward the main paths but it was going to take time and he could hear the creature behind him smashing through the wall. He turned to catch a glimpse and there it was, snorting flames as it bore down on him.
The man with the black robe tossed his cigarette aside and smiled. It was actually quite a friendly smile considering the situation. Taki gave him a nervous grin back. "Now... uh... we don't really have to do this. I have what you have and uh you have my life and I really think that we could- see you sucker!" Takeo grinned and then dropped down the hole. Man those drain-cover screws were in tight! But he'd done it. Oh yeah. He'd moved delicate items in lightening speed time!
As he landed with a splash in the sewer, Taki looked up at the circle of light that was suddenly blocked by the man's head. Well. At least the beast couldn't fit through, right? Takeo gulped, jumped to his feet and started running. He didn't even know if he was going the right way now! At least it was dark. He just had to get away and then the scary guy (with the really cool hair) would never find him again.
Appearance: tall and rugged looking; he has long dyed-black hair, the bangs usually swept down over one eye, which both are vivid green; he is seen most often in dark jeans, dark sleeveless vests and hoodies, or a leather jacket
History: - I'll come up with one later -
Personality: a little shady, suspicious; he's a true enigma
Ability: Shadow-mage; he controls shadows and can use spiritual energy - preferably that of ghosts and demons - to cast powerful spells
Power Level: upper three
***And now to post, lol***
Cait
She huffed a little. So much for some one-on-one time. Oh, well.
She smiled at the two girls. "We're about to play this boxing game. Care to play championship rounds?" Who knows, maybe this group outing wouldn't be so bad. It'd give her more friends.
_____________________________
Jordan
He was walking the streets, toothpick in his mouth. He listened carefully to the streets; he could hear various voices calling him, beckoning to him. Typical ghosts and gouls... Why was he always the one they followed?
Oh yeah. That was his skill. His curse.
He frowned, stopping when he heard hurried footsteps. They were coming toward him, someone running as if for their life. He braced, listening to the echoes. Any second now, and the person would appear around the corner, running headfirst into him.
As if on cue, Taki bolted around the building, not seeing the black-clothed figure. Jordan caught him by the shoulders, staggering back a little from the force of the attack. "What the hell - oh no!" Taki tried to wrench away from him, but Jordan held him fast. He growled, looking past him; he could sense the evil energy coming.
"Hush," Jordan hissed. "Come with me." He used his skill, the pair of them vanishing into the shadows and slipping at a quick rate up the alley, onto the main street, out of harm's way.
Jordan let go of the boy, letting him drop to his own feet on the pavement. Jordan shrugged his shoulders, clearing his throat. "All right then. Stay out of the alleys if you can't handle them."
He began to walk away.
Last edited by AyumiGosu17 on Thu Jun 17, 2010 4:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." Timothy 4:14 KJV
(I'm going to be camping again this weekend. Just like last time, Ayumi will be in control of my character. I hope to see everyone post at least once by the time I get back. If anyone other than myself, Ayumi, and Kitty doesn't post by next Tuesday, then I'm sorry to say we'll have to move on without you. We can't keep the storybook on halt for weeks on end because some people can't think of anything to write. That's what makes good storybooks die off before they've even started. I've seen it happen many times before.)
Chicken <-- Egg <-- Rocket Powered Fist Take that, science!
It really was impossible to find his way in the sewers so Taki was forced to resurface and had no idea where his persuer was or which way to go so he just ran, forgetting everything else and only holding on to the orb by instinct. He was terrified and feared he'd find the beast behind every corner so when two hands grasped hold of his shoulders, he struggled against them and tried to pull away.
"What the hell - oh no!" Takeo struggled harder. The man growled, his breath hot on Taki's throat. Is he going to eat me?
"Hush. Come with me." And Takeo realised it was just an ordinary man. He used some sort of power, shadowing them in the dark and they fled quickly up the alley, onto the main street. Safe, safe. The man released him and Takeo relished the feel of the ground under his feet.
The man shrugged his shoulders, clearing his throat. "All right then. Stay out of the alleys if you can't handle them." He began to walk away.
"Wait-" Taki called. He wanted to say thank you but that wasn't what came out of his mouth. "You'd have run too if you saw that thing." He snorted. "They killed a priest in there." That meant a lot. By Taki's reckoning this guy was at least a level three but- the man in white. He'd looked so strong, like lightning arching through the sky. And only the best became priests. Only the best.
"They?" The man hesitated but didn't turn back. Takeo felt edgy. Home was still a few blocks away.
"Yeah. A pyro and... well he conjured it. This great big firey thing!" Taki held his arms up, trying to engulf the air around him. It didn't come close to summing up what he had seen. Then the flash of light blue - the orb. In his hand. The orb. Taki stuffed his hands in his pocket. It was still glowing softly. What was with that?
"What did he bother chasing you for?" the man scoffed. Takeo felt a flash of anger. He wasn't just some kid, he was... except it was justified. If it hadn't been for the orb...
Takeo shrugged. "Search me," he said. He didn't have to force the smile; it came easily. "Thanks," he said. "For uh... saving me. Better be off now huh?" He tried to sound casual and then he started walking away, throwing glances in every direction, half expecting to be jumped by men in black robes. The orb felt cool in his hand. He felt a strange attachment to it. He'd been through a lot for that orb and he wasn't letting go, not even while it rested in his pocket. It was his now and it had to be something very important. Taki felt special.
)
