Runaway Elements (full)

Lidz ¬

The flames were clogging the room, acrid smoke filling my nose and mouth. My head ached, and I coughed, spitting blood onto the floor.
"Ack. Guys- come on!," Arthur was whispering in Wolf's ear, but-
Storm was still asleep.
Shit.
"Storm," I rushed over to her, "Wake up!"
She groaned and pushed herself up.
"Wha-!"
"No time," I pulled Wolf towards me, and then thrust Arthur and Wolf under the hole in the ceiling. Storm stummbled towards them, as did the rest. I closed my eyes and manipulated the light, forming a stair case under the hole. I gritted my teeth, making the light stronger.
"Climb," We scrammbled up the staircase, Wolf, then Arthur, Storm, the rest, and then me.

Lup Eoliene- Wolf:

"My mom?" Wolf thought in disbelief. That revelation had thrown him for a loop. But he didn't have time for it to sink in. They scrambled out of the burning building to find themselves in a deserted field. The lights of the city twinkled on the horizon. But Wolf was more focused on the ring of soot covered humans surrounding them. Now that he saw them in the faint light of dawn, Wolf noticed the numerous amulets and charms they wore. Protection against various form of magic.

A young woman smiled coldly at them. Opening her mouth to shout an order she was interupted as Leo walked out of the inferno. The shadowy flames wreathing his body protectively faded as he walked into the field. "We're going to withdraw for now Aly. We've pushed as far as we can. We'll come back later."

"Damnit Leo! You don't give me orders. I'm the one in charge and I say we have them right where we want them." Aly snapped assertively.

Leo sighed and tilted his head back to gaze at the sky. "That's because you don't know my brother. Wolf is the one who has us cornered."

"Brother!?" She demanded in a high pitched voice. Her shock faded away into quiet fear as everyone followed Leo's eyes to stare up at the clouds. Thick dark grey, and filled with flickering lightning, the cloulds swirled ominously above their heads.

Laughing Leo gave Wolf a wry salute. "My twin's powers are more linked to his emotions then other elementals. He's had to become that way because of me. Like I said, we've pushed as far as we can, anymore and you won't like the consequences Aly. And we are in tornado country."

As the humans started to retreat Leo turned back and smiled at Wolf. "Don't worry big brother, this is just a ceasefire. Game's not over yet."

*Could we maybe jump forward say about an hour or so. I figured we could give both sides time to regroup and plan the next stage.*

*OOC: FYI, Arthur's ghostfire gets stronger when he's angry.*
Arthur Thomastien

I was holding a handful of sand and concentrated my ghostfire. The sand slowly crystalized as I played with the sand and turned it into a dark violet stone. Smiling warmly, I stored the stone in my pocket. I heard someone approach me. I glanced at my left and saw Wolf. I said, "I assume you have a question for me. I'm listening."
Wolf asked, "How long did you know about my mother?"
I answered, "It was after I wasted my power in a fit of rage and madness when Seshat visited me in my unconscious state. She clued that I already met her children and was putting up a fight with one of them. That's when I knew it was you and Leo that were Seshat's children. I don't have the heart to tell Uncle Jeremy about it. He might think Seshat's father was right to take you and Leo from her."
Wolf stared at me, curious.
I continued, "Like my uncle and aunt, Seshat called me Razi. Seems that every black person in my family call me Razi. It suits me anyway."

*Will post shortly. Not feeling to good.*

Lup Eoliene- Wolf/Leu de Ardere- Leo:

"It does suit you, doesn't it." Wolf pointed out. "We should probably get going before the others come back. So, do you have any idea where my mother is?"

Arthur was about to answer him when his brow furrowed in confusion. "You're taking this all a lot more calmly then I thought you would Wolf. I mean, you've been so on edge since you woke up. It doesn't really seem like you."

Sighing Wolf moved a few paces away from the group. He stretched laungidly as he spoke. "You know what Arthur? You're too smart for your own good." Smirking he dropped the act and turned to face the others in the group. The girls had stopped talking among themselves and were watching him as well. There was confusion on their faces, a lot of it. Then again, he knew exactly how disturbing this had to be for them. The face and body were Wolf's but the demeanor and attitude were one hundred percent Leo.

He laughed coldly. Apperantly having managed to shock them into silence for once. Leo couldn't help but boast a little as he grinned in front of them. "I really should thank you Arthur. Wolf is always so careful not to fulfill the conditions that allow me to posess him. It's been quite a few years since I've been able to 'walk a mile in his shoes'."

"What are talking about?" Arthur's denial was flat as he came to grips with the shock. "I didn't do anything."

Leo shook his head in exasperation as he explained. "When I was taking your blood, Wolf offered me his own to pull me off you. Something which he would never do under normal circumstances. He knows the blood-link strengthens our twin bond. He knew this could happen. Wolf was willing to put his own life on the line. To protect you." The last words cam out on a snarl.

"But that's just the kind of self-sacrificing loyalty Wolf is capable of. Even when it comes to scum who don't deserve it. I've seen his memories. You attacked him for no more reason than the blood we brothers share. But come to think of it, if Seshat really is our mother then you're related to me as well."

Leo smirked, around him a faint breeze stirred as he called for his brother's element. Something he could do in Wolf's body. "So I guess that makes you a hypocrite too."

*It should be noted that while Leo can posess others he has a blood-link with it is much harder for him. And he can't pretend to be them. The ability to act like his brother comes from knowing Wolf so well. And even then he can't keep up the facade for long.
Leo mostly just uses this ability to mess with peoples heads. One time he killed someone while posessing a human and got the guy sent to jail for murder.*

Arthur Thomastien


I was speechless at this. Leo was right at the account that I was related to him and Wolf. That part I kept to myself for suspision purposes. Suddenly my blood boiled. Being called a hypocrite?! That just crosses the line. My ghostfire was asking me to let it loose. In a fit of rage, I let the ghostfire loose to give it what it desired. I growled, "Now you've crossed the line, Leo. I will not let you get the best of me."
Leo grinned and said, "Temper temper, cousin. We don't want to let our uncle down, do we?"
I raised my hands over my head and hissed, "Don't you dare try to pacify me, Lionboy. I got a score to settle with you." The ghostfire closed in on me and the others. Instead of burning me, the ghostfire's near-black flame kissed me like a lover. At this, I myself grinned madly. "Besides, I can't be harmed by my own flame. The ghostfire loves me because I was born with it. I've accepted my powers. Consider me gone." I snapped my fingers and time froze. After that, I ran as far as my legs can carry me. If I lead Leo to Seshat, then it's over for her and me. I managed to find a cave to hide in, so I hid there and let time run its course. I didn't bother making a fire. I didn't want the others to find me, not with Leo in the Circle of Elementals.

*OOC: The Circle of Elementals is Arthur's nickname for the group. It might take the others a while to find Arthur, but that might depend on if he wants to be found or not.*

Lidz ¬

I felt the uncomfortable feeling of time freezing- then Arthur was gone, my nose began to bleed.
"Where's Wolf?" I dmeanded, feeling the wind whip around me desperately. "What have you done to him?"
Leo laughed. "I haven't done anything to him. I... have him under control," He gave a predetory grin- one that looked so wrong on Wolf's face.
"You bastard! Where is he?" I cried. Then Leo did the weirdest thing.
He slapped me.
I reeled back, stung.
"What?" I raised a hand to my cheek.
He smiled. "I wouldn't want to ruin my brothers play things... would I?"
I frowned, doubt running through my system. "We. Are. Not. His. Playthings." I snarled.
"How do you know?" He asked, leering at us all. "How do you know my brother? How do you know I can't, for example, read his mind?" My face betrayed me.
It showed a tiny sliver of horror and doubt, before I snuffed it out. Wolf wouldn't do that. He couldn't.

*Leo's posession is short term. At best he can hold it for a day if he's lucky, maybe two at the most. Just so everyone knows.*

Lup Eoliene- Wolf/Leu de Ardere- Leo:

Cocking his head to the side Leo grinned at the fleeting expression on Lidz's face. "Well you're actually right about that. My brother is hellbent on atoning for my mistakes and his own. When we were children I watched him create gales, and squalls, and storms. I saw him form lightning from the sky and hold it in the palm of his hands. It was incredible. Even if he chose to use it to 'help' people.

"Now though." Leo laughed bitterly. "Now he only uses his powers to fly, or make a gust of wind here and there. As for his time element he won't touch it with a thirty foot pole. Nowadays Wolf's a shadow of himself. The truth is deep down, past all the barriers and bravado, Wolf is afraid of what he's capable of."

Eve and Rain moved behind him. They were probably hoping to restrain him until Wolf could take control again. Leo's voice trailed off into a soft whisper. Words the other elementals were never supposed to hear but did nevertheless. "I want my brother back. My brother, my twin, my other self."

Arthur Thomastien
A cave far from the group

I stayed in the darkness, welcoming it as I always did for the last ten years. I was alone, as always for ten years. I never minded the solitude. Solitude became my friend, my quiet companion. I had just what I really needed- peace, quiet, and solitude. I just sat there in the darkness, hearing myself pant from the double-use of both my elements. I had just myself to be with, which is really nice since it was what I needed.
The voice said, Go back to them, Razi. You have a job to do.
I said aloud, "Screw the job. I won't do it. Leo will his own mother the second he sees her. He could've killed me the moment he got his chance. Why didn't he kill me? He had his chance, but he let me escape him. What's his deal?"
The voice replied softly, He lives up to the meaning of his namesake. He's waiting for the right moment to move in for the kill. To him, you're some kind of toy he wants to play with. Let him play with you, Razi. Give him a reason to play with you and lead him and his twin to their mother.
I snapped, "I won't do it. I'm not going to put my life on the line because of some life-threatening mission that someone said I was chosen for. I rather drown than let Leo kill Seshat."
The voice hissed, You owe Wolf your life for putting his own on the line to prevent you from ending up like what you witnessed. Haven't you forgotten that, or were you too weak to remember?
I blinked. The voice was right. Although I was still mad at him, I did owe Wolf my life for saving me. What could I possibly do to repay that debt if I can't kill Leo myself? I thought it over, then made my decision- my ultimate decision. I focused my ghostfire in an orb, watching it bathe the cave in violet light. I thought, If we're going to settle the score, I'm going to do the same thing Wolf did to save him and sacrifice myself in his place. You should've killed me while I was in plain view, Leo. I'm right here, waiting for you to come and drink from me.

*Just so everyone keeps in mind Leo can control both his own body and his brothers right now. But only his own body has fangs. Leo's own body is safely hidden with the PIA agents, heading back to the city. But given enough of a shock Wolf can reassert control of his body. Will post shortly but feel free to go ahead of me.*

Lidz ¬

Rain and Eve began to creep up behind Leo - Wolf - silentley.
"If you want him back ... why can't you just talk to him? You're his brother, for god's sake. He would listen to you, but you've dug a deep hole, Leo, doing what you've done hasn't drawn you together- but further apart,"
Leo glared at me, refusing to believe it.
"He wouldn't. I want him,"
"Why do you think he runs, Leo!? He wants to be free! Like a Wolf- you can't control his life. Leo. Give up."
The words hit a nerve, his eyes narrowed, and he growled softly.
Before I could stop, I blasted him with a streak of light, throwing him past Rain and Eve.
"Leo, think about this: What if it's not just you that wants him? What if I do? What if we do?" I paused time, leaving the group immune to it, and dragged them as far from Leo as I could, before I lay down, ears, mouth, nose bleeding, and fell asleep.
I dreamt of a Lion and a Wolf fighting.
They merged together, forming a figure of a man, with his back turned to me.
I called something, and he turned.
It was Wolf.
With red eyes, and an evil look.
Wolf had fangs.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't wake.
I gave up.

(OOC: make of the dream what you will, I don't mind, you can use it or discard it, have fun! xD)

Arthur Thomastien
Two yards from the cave

I left the cave to return to the city. With the ghostfire orb burning to mark that I was there, I left without even a note or sound. Knowing that the ghostfire orb would grab the Circle's attention, it took me very little concentration to hold it. I managed to find a small alley to hide in. I didn't hear the voice in my head, but I knew Leo might be suspecting I was running in different directions for no particular reason. I didn't want Leo to find Seshat. I made it clear to myself ten years ago that I have myself to count on. I fed myself and took care of myself.



*OOC: Sorry for it being short. All I could get from my head.*

*This one is gonna be long, but bear with me.*

Leu de Ardere- Leo: (in Wolf's body)

Now that wasn't fair. Leo thought as he gazed down at Lidz' unconscious form. Too bad for her, but he was in Wolf's body right now. His twin may be reticent to use his second element but Leo wasn't. He was having way to much fun for her to go to sleep just yet. But Leo had already taken her blood twice, just enough for him to reach out and force Lidz to wakefulness.

She stirred groggily and then memory came back in a rush and she scrambled away from him. She glanced around in disbelief. Eve and Rain remained where they were still frozen in a time-grip but not one Lidz had made. "Thanks for the opening." Leo murmured.

Lidz shook her head vehemently. "This is impossible. You're not a Time Elemental."

Crouching in front of her Leo growled. "I'm not, but Wolf is." He tugged on one of the white locks in his twins hair for emphasis. "You know Lidz. Wolf and I are more alike then you seem to think. As a matter of fact Wolf actually killed a person before I did."

"You're lying." Lidz snarled.

Leo grinned it had been years since he'd had this much fun messing with someone. Of course, he wouldn't lie to her. When it came to his brother Leo seemed compelled to be honest. "When we were ten years old Wolf watched a man get hit by a car. He used his command of the Time element to... turn back the clock. Save the man's life."

Now Lidz was confused. Leo grinned, really he was having the time of his life messing with her head. "Don't praise him just yet Lidz. The story's only half finished. Turns out the man Wolf saved wasn't exactly a saint. He was probably more like me. Because a week later he set a bomb off in a hospital, killed twenty people some of them kids. The fireworks were really something to see."

"But Wolf, being Wolf, blamed himself. He figured that if had let that man die when he was meant to all those people would still be alive. My twin can be... vindictive, when crossed. Suffice it to say there wasn't much left of the guy when the police finally tracked him down. Our adoptive family suspected what he had done of course. They started calling him the "Angel of Vengeance" so I suppose..."

Leo choked off his vision suddenly going dark. He lost his grip on the time-freeze and sensed Eve and Rain moving around in surprise. Deep within him Wolf's soul began to stir. "Damnit Wolf. Don't interfere not now." His voice was half plea, half demand.

Lup Eoliene- Wolf: (some kind of Spirit Plane)

Wolf glared across at his brother. The ever present mirror that hung between the brothers was what held him in this place. The silvered glass was symbolic of their twinship. The two of them were like mirrors reflecting back and forth. But not angled quite right. Strange depths in each that didn't quite match the other. "You shouldn't have done this Leo. Leave them alone." He shouted.

"Why not Wolf? I don't give a damn what they think and neither should you."

Wolf pounded his fist against the glass and was startled as it gave a little. Always before he had been helpless when Leo pulled this stunt. But then again, Wolf didn't think he had ever been this angry. He lashed out with his fist and a thousand hairline fractures spread across the glass.

Too late Wolf tried to pull back his power but it was already going strong. Resigned Wolf met Leo's eyes and smiled sadly. "Well Leo, you said you wanted me to use all my power. You should be careful what you wish for. You might just get it." The mirror shattered into a million pieces.

A vortex of wind crashed through the field. Flinging everything up into the air before settling down. Wolf's knees buckled as he abruptly found himself back in his own body. But something had changed. When he had lashed out at Leo te block he had built around his magic had shattered. The dam had burst and Wolf knew just from sensing the seething mass of power. That it was never going back in the bottle.

Leu de Ardere- Leo: (back in his body)

Leo bled from hundreds of cuts. Blood soaked his clothes and dripped to pool on the street around him. The cuts had appeared when Wolf's power had blasted him out of his body. A burst of wind had litteraly torn it's way free from inside Leo. But the Fire Elemental was strangely content.

With a snort of disdain Aly drew his attention to where she stood. "Let me get this straight Leo. We've lost the targets. They're on their guard against us. You're brother basically just one upped you in the magic department. And you're happy about it."

Leo just smiled at her. "We never expected this to end in just one round. And I finally found Wolf's breaking point. What's not to be happy about?"

*Feel free to have Arthur eavesdropping on this cryptic discussion between Leo and Aly. Also Princess you can take that story about Wolf's past and run with it however you want. Even tell it to the others.*

Lidz ¬ *OOC: I have a horrible feeling I just really pissed Leo off, xD*

I gasped as Wolf's body spasmed, and he gasped too, gulping for air.
"Are you OK?" My voice was a whisper, cracked, my eyes wide with what Leo had told me. I closed my eyes shut, shaking my head, pushing the way the images of Wolf tearing apart a man. I was shaking, and when I looked at Wolf, I could only focus on his eyes. The wolf eyes. His eyes. Eyes that had seen a man die. I felt like screaming, but the weird thing was...
I didn't hate Wolf. No, I didn't hate him for what he'd done- but it scared me. The sharpness in his eyes now, and I had no doubt he would kill. But that didn't stop me still feeling the way I did.
"Are you OK?" I asked again, crouching in front of him. I wondered if he knew if I knew. I wondered if he knew how Leo had messed with me. I suddenly felt dirty all over. I shuddered, and stared into his eyes.
"Wolf- are you OK? Did ... did .. he mess with yo- ... did he hurt you?"

Arthur Thomastien
A city alley

I listened hard to the coversation through an open window. I had a feeling that Leo found Wolf's greatest weakness. Whatever it was, I gave me the impression that might concern me. The one called Aly didn't seem to know there was an extra ear somewhere, but I decided to play a little game with her and her comrades. I focused my ghostfire on the firealarms and listened for screams. Just my luck, here comes the screaming. I covered my mouth to muffle my chuckles. I thought, Man, I make a pretty good Anansi.
A voice above me said slyly, "Well well, look who decided to come out and play."
I stopped chuckling and looked up. Leo was looking at me in the eye, his scarred arms crossed against his chest and a sly smile on his face. I uncovered my mouth and murmured, "Oh, snap." I got on my feet and tried to make a run for my life. I got tripped and my wrists were handcuffed behind my back. I was pulled back on my feet and dragged inside the building.
Leo said, "I should've known you would be snooping around, Fireboy."
I kept my mouth shut. I was locked in a room without a window. I knew I was being watched, but I didn't try to use my Time element for an escape. Instead, I restrained myself from that temptation and sat against the wall in complete silence. If the Circle wanted me back, they would have to rescue me again.