Hiro listened silently to Sumiko's slow response. He tilted his head slightly and regarded the mess on the floor. "Yes...that does take some getting used to, doesn't it?" He didn't comment anymore than that. Truthfully, he wasn't used to any of these things either. The people, their actions, the mess, and most of all, all these emotions. It was as if the outside world was trying to drive him crazy.

Living underwater had its advantages and its disadvantages. An advantage was that most spaces were clean, impeccably clean. There was no chance for things to get sullied like the floor Nick had thrown up on. But the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages. There was no change in weather, there was no change in lighting, there was no change. Period. There was only technology and technology. Even emotions were kept on a stable level. While it was true Gagdofians were emotional people, many had turned to technology to help them to keep their emotions stable. That was why Hiro had never had as many issues with his empathy as he did at that moment.

Akane was speaking with someone, Hiro noted. The woman from earlier. The Cor la'Ronk. He turned his body so he was facing her somewhat. "Harm or no harm...it seems you might need our help more than we should be afraid of you." he murmured. He did not mean to be rude or anything, he was merely speculating off of the emotions he could read flowing off of her.

"Hmmm, sweetheart that sounds a bit too close to being a threat to me." She noted that the strange woman spoke to one of her hounds as the sound of more grew steadily louder. Tilting her head slightly to the right she wondered what she had meant about not having much time.
Hiro had stepped up and also decided to speak, turning to the male Akane glanced at the others before suggesting, "Maybe we should get going." She noted that the last two elementalists had arrived at last. One of them a female attacking her male companion.

She was about to make her way over to the pair when she saw that Jacob intervened and helped pull the pair apart. The two almost looked as if they were siblings being pulled apart by their mother. The thought was indeed absurd but it was an amusing one, to her at least. Looking to the others to see what state everyone was in, she turned her attention back onto the hound woman and Hiro.

Would they simply have to run for it?

Sumiko held her breath through it all, she only really felt uncomfortable for now but then she radiated an odd emotion, she seemed calm again. She fluctuated between calm and concerned. There was so much to take in, not to mention how much was merely just occurring outside the group. The La'Ronk she had been trying to ignore in hopes she would presume they were not the heroes, fire had started talking with her giving up their identity.

Meanwhile, in another corner Jacob was breaking up a fight between the last two heroes. With a slight sigh sumiko adjusted her posture moving over to Akane she smiled slightly. "Is it really wise to hand out our identity? I think i will trust your judgment this time, do you mind telling me why you trust her though?" She felt much more at peace around fire, like their elements were balancing each other slightly. "well everyone is here...should we not leave before we get attacked as i do believe we are rather ill-trained right now."

---------

The angel sighed softly, now they were all there he couldn't help but walk over. Each step deliberate as he headed towards the gathering his eyes falling on the ninth member, the La'ronk. His eyes conveyed more then he ever would voice, they told her to leave. He let his large elemental wings spread open knowiing the La'Ronk couldn't see them he pointed to the closest Hero, fire. "Before we start talking,i am NOT here to protect, guide or serve you. I have every right to do as i wish, just so you don't try bossing me about. Did i mention i am not your servant of any kind." he nodded as if to finalize this and glancing at Sumiko and Hiro he shrugged slightly. He glanced back at the La'Ronk. Was she still here, it wasn't his issue though.

He momentarily looked towards the Dark and Light Heros who were sharing a romantic moment. He clapped his hands together. "Great, the fate of the world and all balance lays in the hands of you..." He massaged his forehead with his thumb and forefinger then through up his hands in defeat. "just...great..." with this he turned his back to them.

Amory coughed as he was dragged upwards and glared at Liza, then became expressionless once again. Liza sent back her own daggers, and moved to Jacob's other side, then changed her mind and went to Hiro's side, away from Amory. "Hiro-bear!" she yelled, making Amory snicker. What was up with her and giving all the guys really stupid nicknames? At least he didn't have one. Yet.

"Thanks, Jake," Amory said, then scratching the top of his head where the girly tiara sat. "I hate this thing sometimes. Other than making me look more feminine, it's just a pain," he muttered to himself, and then looked around at everyone else's Items. A freaking hairpin, earrings, a ring, a necklace, eyebrow piercing - why'd I get stuck with a tiara? I should've never put it on in the first place, he thought sourly to himself. Thanks, Mom.

((hey hey, don't complain Amory! Hiro's got jewels all over the left side of his face and some around his right eye, plus some in his hair too.))

Hiro closed his eyes as Liza appeared next to him, already knowing what to expect when she shouted his name. Her earlier emotions and show with Amory could've given as much away. What she shouted though was...unexpected.

Hiro-bear.

Where had that even come from? Lea used to make fun of the pronunciation of his name, often calling him her 'hero' but Hiro-bear was just...Hiro really didn't know how to respond to that. So, unlike Amory's snickering, Hiro remained impassive. He let his gaze slide from the Cor la'Ronk over to Liza and he tilted his head slightly, in a questioning manner.

"Did you need something Liza?"

He'd let Amory's mocking of him slide for now. There was already enough drama as it were, he didn't need to add to it. And to think, the eight of them had barely known each other for even half a day. And then there were the other problems to think about.

The Cor la'Ronk.

The fast approaching guards.

And that strange angel-esque person that had approached and suddenly started talking as if he belonged with them. Something about not being their plaything or their servant and only doing what he pleased. Were they supposed to let someone like that travel with them?

Hiro didn't get annoyed with people easily. In fact, he had never gotten annoyed at anyone. Not truly. But something about the way this new character carried himself and the way he'd introduced himself, no mention of a name yet and already giving orders, it just struck all the wrong chords within Hiro. Especially his tone of voice when he spoke about Nick and the others. Hiro knew that the eight heros weren't exactly all on the best of terms...but he didn't need some stranger acting like a spoiled brat to tell him such.

And anyway, this stranger's extra load of emotions almost tipped over Hiro's balance. It was his own fault for making Hiro dislike him so much already. Though, as per usual, none of this dislike was visible, it was all carefully and deliberately hidden beneath years of perfecting emotionless masks.

((no offense to you MewMint20, Hiro just doesn't like Christopher much right now.))

[[ I think Amory would rather have jewels than a tiara. Tiaras are way more girlier. Especially when they have little flowers or designs. :X ]]

Liza then grabbed Hiro's arm, leaning against him. "Amory's just being mean. We've walked too far together," she explained, sighing in that little pixie manner of hers. "And he called me a dwarf. Just because I'm the shortest doesn't make me a dwarf," she complained, babbling on and on about her time with Amory, who was currently trying to push his hair out of the way of his right eye. Liza stopped in the middle of her sentence and looked up at Hiro, returning the questioning look. "Do I talk too much?"

Jake smiled when Amory thanked here. "No, problem." She looked around at semed that everyone was here. She could sense all the elements together. Though she didn't feel so comfortable with la'ronk. Even if she said she meant no harm. Her just being around made Jacob shoot sparks. In Jacob's mind only she could think was if you dear hurt them, I will eletricute you so hard you body will explode.

Jacob kept that thought to herself. If anyone saw her true darkness and the nightmare that lived inside of her it might make Nick seem like a shining bright night light. Then again, she hadn't seen Nick's utter complete dark side. Sure, he got a bit scary but that didn't even worry her when he used it against her. Maybe, he wasn't so dark as he seemed. Certainly by his attitude he wasn't dark he just disgusted himself. Then again, everyone did that to themselves.

Akane's stare was still on Kyna as Sumiko approached and spoke to her. Shifting her gaze onto the smaller woman who was her element's opposite she seemed to warm instantly to her. "Sumi dear, I think it has become a tad bit too obvious who we are." She glanced at the other two small groups that were still quite involved with what was going on between themselves. Shaking her head slowly from side to side she let out a faint sigh, "Given the way how things have first started off, I believe that we've attracted quite a bit of attention to ourselves at this point. Besides, this woman has not yet attacked us, though I am not inviting it... I think she may have a different role to play here concerning us."

Looking behind Kyna she saw that there were indeed a small group of four armored la'Ronk soliders headed their way. Quickly looking back at Sumiko she nodded in agreement to the last of what the woman had said. "I agree with you completely. I think we had better skidaddle before things turn even more uglier. More la'Ronk will no doubt be sent this way."

She was about to turn and maybe by some chance address the group in hopes of getting some sort of organization when the strange male had pointed a finger at her and began speaking. She could not help but raising one of those perfect brows on her forehead and again crossing her arms to look at this male. Glancing at Sumiko she softly spoke the words to her counterpart, "Is this guy serious?"

She stepped closer to him and dared to poke a finger into his chest while balancing onto her toes as she matched his brown gaze with her own. Though she was quite tall for a female, this male still managed to tower over her as well as the others. "I don't know who you are slick, but your attitude sucks for one. I hear and understand that you have your own free will, but why would you suddenly decide to address us in such a manner and what is your purpose suppose to be with us? For all we know you're just another la'Ronk or something worse... If possible." She settled back onto her feet and crossed her arms back over her chest, this was becoming her usual and most favored pose as she shifted her weight onto her right leg causing her hip to jut out slightly.

As far as she was concerned this whole situation was becoming a lot more messier than she had anticipated when she thought it had not been possible. Her slightly narrowed eyes seemed to smolder as she waited patiently for the male's answer. She was usually quite good with keeping her attitude in check, though her eyes always seemed to belie her calm facade.

((Uh oh, Chris is feisty too? It'll keep Akane busy then if he ends up picking on her. At least she has Sumikins to calm her down! :heart: ))

A smile played the slender girl's lips at the obvious admittance that they were in fact the heroes that her people had been talking about. Clasping her hands in front of her, she was about to say something when another figure appeared in her view. This one seemed much brighter than the others and caused her to winced slightly, though her attention was diverted at a sharp bark from Rory.

Red eyes began darting back and forth between the few heroes that had gathered before her. "I meant no threat, just curiosity really," she said, her voice dipping, her words quickening as she could hear the guards beginning to say things, though they were still too far to be heard. Her eyes then fell to the more delicate looking male, the one with jewels adorning his face, if she had the time she would have wanted to be able to 'see' each of them clearly, but now clearly wasn't it. "Me need help?" She asked with a slightly chuckle. "This happens at every meeting, but allow me to offer you this. Kyna's bright, yet useless orbs, began looking among the glowing shapes, though they were beginning to blend together.

"I can lead the guards away from you. Given they don't know who you are, they will follow me since I am who they were originally after. But, in return, I would like to travel with you. Your stories, or the ones you will be creating are far too interesting and tempting to turn down." Her eyes then rested upon the female who had first taken notice to her once actions started picking up again. It was as if she were expecting the reply to come from her seeing as she seemed the most 'leader-like' out of the group.

"Take Rory with you and I will do all that is in my power you aid you in any way that I can." There was a seriousness to Kyna's expression; she wasn't joking, this was something she had been dreaming would happen. She knew that this disgruntled groups' success would bring so much joy to her people, a joy that had slowly been taken away from them.

Chris bit his lip at the pair realizing he had come off rude. He sighed and looked up apologetically, "I haven't slept in a week waiting for you guys, sorry for my attitude. I am the angel of equilibrium, it is my job to restore and keep balance in the world." he looked aside the fire hero had certainly caught him off guard. He glanced at the air one nearby and nodded in acknowledgment somehow he seemed to overlook Sumi in all this. He rubbed the back of his head seeming like just any other guy suffering sleep deprivation. He gave an apologetic smile to the two heroes who had made themselves known, either with how they looked at him or their voice.

He thought back, "I am also agitated because after all this time you guys couldn't meet calmly and sneak off out of mind and out of sight, well...you guys co..." he paused as his finger moved from hiro to Akane and hesitated in-between at Sumi who he now noticed. He looked sheepishly and glanced at the last two who had joined. "MY name is Christopher Lucas Goulding, it is a pleasure to meet you." he said trying to regain the respect and 'face' he had just lost. He let his eyes fix on amory's tiara without any aversion of them.

---

Being called 'sumi-dear', even if it was by a female, made Sumi's cheeks flush slightly. It made her happy that Akane was being so nice. She felt a little bolder next to her. She smiled at Liza until she jumped on Hiro then lent against him. She felt a pang of pain but kept her face neutral forcing a smile to spread across it. "nice to meet you two." she said to amory and Liza. Then the angel was looking at each in turn and over looked her. She saw his eyes fly back to her and felt ashamed for some reason. She glanced at Hiro but turned to leave before Chris was even done with introductions. She glances at Kyna then the dog. "rory..." she said softly to the hound holding out her hand the bracelet shimmering softly as she beckoned the dog. Once it was following her she headed off hiding her hurt over everything. "Come on Akane, quickly..." she said back to her new friend. She wondered if the dog would help her find them later.

Sumiko glanced towards the pair talking. "we need to leave, sorry for intruding." she bowed apologetically then began to walk off alone, she was use to being alone but kind of hoped Akane would run up and link arms, or hug, or even just walk at her side. Sumi felt like she needed a friend right now, everything was so alarming and she didn't know what else to need or want.

Akane nodded in acknowledgment to Chri's introduction and even managed to crack a smile at him as he explained why he had been on edge. The smoldering in her eyes dimmed down as she spoke, "I couldn't agree with you more on your idea of meeting up quietly and getting out of here asap." Sighing she shook her head, "That would be too easy though. As you see we have an assortment of tempers here." Her smile widened briefly before she stepped back from the towering male. She had noted how his eyes swept over the group and landed on Sumiko and had kept going back to her. Something instantly flared in Akane. She moved in front of her as if establishing non-verbal bounds that he would need to go through her to get to Water.

As Kyna spoke to Akane and offered to help throw the soliders off of their trail, she took a moment to fully consider this woman's offer. She noticed a flutter of movement in the corner of her eye as Sumiko offered her hand to the hound named 'Rory'. Looking back to Kyna, Akane stared deep into those vibrant red orbs and found herself believing her for some strange reason.

"You're not lying." She spoke softly to Kyna. "If you are true to your word then I have no problem with your plan. Mark my words that if you betray us though, I will personally handle your execution." Again though, Akane felt that this woman spoke the truth and truly wanted to help the group of heroes.

As Sumiko turned to leave, the hound following close to her side; Akane took only a brief moment to glance at the small group then to Kyna, "Take great care la'Ronk. I hope that we do meet again and soon. Sumi and I will take care of Rory." With that said she nodded in Chris's direction before heading after Sumiko. Having longer legs than Sumiko was an advantage when it came to catching up with her, and in no time she was right by her side.

As the two walked she felt like there was a sort of pressure being built up within the smaller female that was in desperate need of release. "Sumi, what's going on in that head of yours? And what was the deal with Chris? Do you two know each other?" She looked over at her and decided to drape an arm around her slender shoulders. Squeezing her to her side as they walked, she added, "Hey, everything will be a-okay. I promise." Letting out a small laugh she thought it bizarre how she was openly acting with this strange female knowing nothing about her, where some of the others had the advantage of being familiar with one another. "I feel like I just found my long lost younger sister or something." Hopefully her warmer attitude would help Sumiko, if even just a little.

Sumi felt as though someone had wrapped her in a blanket of warmth. She looked up at Akane and smiled a genuine smile. She spoke softly and quietly so only Akane heard. "I just get uncomfortable around them and it upset me the way that girl clung to Hiro-sama." She rose her thumb to her lip and bit it, she felt like she didn't have to hide anything or pretend around Akane. She chewed on it for a while. "Hiro is beautiful don't you think," she smiled and nuzzled towards the other female. "I have always been an only child, i like the idea of you being my new sister." she kept walking her thumb becoming red from the biting she released it slightly.

She thought back to Chris, had she met him once, she wasn't sure then she felt his gaze pierce her again. She shuddered and moved closer to Akane again. "Why is he staring at me..." her low self-esteem still ruled and she could see no reason why anyone, female or male, would stare at her amongst all the beautiful men and woman were around her.

As the trio slowly continued to move away from the group, she listened to Sumiko open up and talk. She was glad that she found herself at ease to be able to let Akane know what was doing in that head of her's. She was about to say something about Sumiko's thumb biting when she decided to give the tender flesh a break finally. A slight smile appeared in her lips as she eyed the thumb to make sure that it was alright. "Well what do you know, I was an only child as well. And I should say as your sister, I think that gnawing on your digits or thumb would be a bad habit that you need to break. Especially if it is over a boy." She took into consideration how Sumiko was feeling at the moment, choosing her words carefully. "I agree that Hiro is beautiful, but definitely not my type. He's got your attention though hm? Well I think you could do better, but if that's who you want to get to know." She shrugged her shoulders slightly before scratching the nape of her head with her free hand.

"I think that you'll eventually get a little more comfortable with the group. I can't say too comfortable since they're a lively bunch after all. At least it'll make things interesting." She eyed the hound that was keeping at Sumiko's side. Rory seemed at ease as she walked with them, Akane had a to wonder if the beast had a mental connection to her mistress.

As Sumiko moved in closer to her, she again squeezed her arm reassuringly and whispered, "Maybe Chris has taken a liking to you, yeah? Don't be so hard on yourself, a good looking guy like him is going to notice a beauty like yourself anyway. In fact, I'm sure you'll be getting a lot more attention as we travel other places. I might have to fend them off of you Sumi! Maybe a few femmes as well." She nodded her head causing her dreadlocked hair to make small movements. "Anyway, don't worry I'll make sure to put a damper on Chris if he tries anything funny with you anyway." She thought about the rest that they were leaving behind now, hopefully they would all snap to it and get moving so that the red eyed woman had time to distract the soliders.

Curing under her breath she realized that she should have asked for the la'Ronk's name. Glancing to Rory she resolved with another small sigh, "I suppose we'll have to wait until she comes looking for her hound."

The smile that adorned Kyna's lips soon faded as she bowed to the group slightly. "You have my word. If I betray you, I willingly accept any punishment you deem necessary," she said as she rolled her bright orbs to look at the figures before her. Once she straightened herself she nodded towards Rory as one of the girls beckoned her over. "It is alright my dear, you know Faline is more than capable in helping me." The smaller hound glanced back every once in a while before finally following the girl.

Once the two girls and her own hound began walking away, a playful smile came to Kyna's lips. She was estatic about this opportunity; never had she thought she would be there to remember the stories that will be told for many years to come. "Let's start this story off shall we Faline?" She chuckled before the duo turned and began running back towards the alley way where the guards were nearing their exit.

Faline bounded around the corner; her black fur glistening in the light that was breaking through the buildings. Once she landed in front of the guards she began bounding in front of them, her tail lashing about in a wild, yet playful manner. This haulted the large, overly clad men in their tracks. They watched the hound just as Kyna rounded the corner. "You guys really aren't getting any better at this game," she called to them jokingly as the two round another corner and began leading the pack of guards away from the outskirts of town. Rory will let me know when the time is right and safe to return to her.

While this was going on, the smaller hound was more than aware of what was going on. She couldn't see it, but she knew. Following the two women she listened in on their conversation, trying to pick up more and more of who everyone was and what was going on. Such information would be useful for her human companion. They were talking about 'Hiro', one that they had deemed as beautiful; the black creature recalled Kyna thinking something similar, in the aspect that she wanted to 'see' him better. The others though, they were new to her. As for now, she was remembering names that way when her own group was reunited they would all be on the same page.

Biting his lip, Nick turned his head aside. "I can't promise anything, Angel. I'm not an honest man. I've done nothing ethical in my life. I don't foresee it changing any part. Don't you think I earned this power for a reason? Don't you think we were all given our powers for a reason? If that's the case, then I'm cursed with darkness. I... I even know why. Vengeance. Vengeance fills my life, ice is in my soul, and darkness lingers in my heart." His eyes drifted back over to Kyna and her Unai hounds.

Talking to himself, Nick wondered if the Unai would have any interest in meeting a Dae'Ninjackle. Nick, even though he forbid it, knew that his beloved Zero would be somewhere out of sight. Raising his fingers to his lips, he let out a high-pitched whistle that was out of a human's hearing range. But sure enough a large black and red wolf-like demon dog came panting out of nowhere.

"You really do like to disobey orders, don't you?"

His eyes jumped over to Kyna, but he realized it was too late. Kyna and Faline had already left. Perhaps, Nick thought, he was a little too caught up in the romance between he and Light. But with Zero already visible, he saw no point in sending the ride-able dog away.

Just as he was about to speak to the daemon-hound, Nick realized Zero had vanished. Without thinking, Nick's feet rose from his spot and his eyes went wide with wonder. Where would a slightly over-sized dog go?

"Oh Zero, you're just as bad as me,"he muttered when he saw his companion sniffing Rory's behind. "Okay... minus the ass kissing part." A light hearted laugh followed his little side comment.

Recalling that he and Kris were having a serious conversation, the male's attention drifted back to her. "Heh. I guess we should get going." Rather than waiting for her, Nick walked off nonchalantly on his own. Once he was in ear-shot of the other heroes, he opened his mouth.

"So we have to babysit Rory? It's a good thing she's cute... too bad I'm not an Unai." Winking at the Unai, Nick scooped down some to ruffle her fur. "You're a beautiful specimen. Your built is fantastic. Your bones are a bit on the slender side, but it gives you a very sleek and sheik look. You, my friend, must dazzle all the other dogs."

Yes, talking to a Unai was a bit odd, but at this point Nick figured the others were fed up with him. So instead of adding fuel to the fire, Nick opted for talking to Zero and Rory.

Suddenly, his knees bent up to his chest. Crouching close enough that only the hounds could hear, Nick whispered in Rory's ear. "Tell your master that I won't let anything happen to you. I might not be the most trustworthy, but I've always had a soft spot for hounds." Stroking her fur again, Nick tossed a small treat her way. When Zero barked out of jealously, Nick laughed. "Ladies first, mister! You know that." Flicking a piece of raw meat Zero's way, the red-eyed male could hear his noisy partner suck and chomp on the meat.

A small sigh followed when Nicholas rose back up to his normal height. "Hiro-kun," Nick hastened his steps so he could be level with the jeweled male. "I'm sorry for causing such a fuss before. I had no intention of starting shit. I... well, trouble and I just seem to fall into the hands of the... unlucky."

While talking to Hiro, Nick's keen eyes were analyzing the rest of the group. Kris had finally joined them, but she was bringing up the rear. This Liza girl seemed interesting, he thought.

"Hello," said Nick hiding behind a charming grin. "And who might you be, honey?"

Seriously, Nick just couldn't help himself. Flirting was an essential part of his hard-wiring. However, if one were wise, that is, one would assume that there was a real motive behind his flirtatious lifestyle. After all, he is Dark. Shouldn't he have a hidden agenda? Now what that agenda was and getting him to spill his lips would be an entirely different story. With an endless chain of lies at his command, Nick could very well be lying about everything - his powers, his name, and maybe even his sexual preference. Hell, for all they knew he was an undercover la'Ronk assassin. With that being said, it was possible that all the people before him were undercover or pseudo-heroes.

Eyes narrowing, Nick knew he would have to keep his guard up. Only the Truth Orbs would prove their true identity.

Thinking of the Truth Orbs, Nick Fusion had a question pop into his head. "So, not to rain on anyone's parade. But, what the hell are we doing? Where are we going? We really need to have a plan before we just walk off into the unknown. Let's pick a destination and get there. No plan is just another way of saying death. So let's not rush to our graves, okay?"

Kris chewed on her lip and her hand grasped the necklace hanging low on her chest. "I don't know about all this Jacob, should i even try with him?" All the things she like about Nick, made it hard to like him. She just wasn't the type of girl who could deal with everything he would. With as much as she liked him, could she put up with it enough to form a real relationship? She wasn't sure. When the group all got together, Kris slowly got to her feet, tucking her hair behind her ear. She approached, but stayed silent and kept herself a few feet away. She was never one for decision making. Had it not been for the necklace ordering to go to this city, she probably would have never came.

~*~

Ant leaned against the wall of a building as he watched the group of people that should have been anywhere but there. What were they waiting for? More la'Ronk would be there, and then there was his assassin. Where was that woman?

He frowned as he watched the dark one stalk around and hit on anything with a pair of breasts. He scowled. How did a womanizer like him attract the affection of so many? It didn't make sense to him. His eyes found the smaller woman at the back of the group. It was the pretty thing that had run into him earlier. He had tried to warn her.

She seemed anti social, not quite fitting in with the others. She would be an easy grab. Maybe the first one killed. But then again, Ant really had no idea how an assassin worked. Maybe she would just jump into the middle of the group and kill everyone but her. Another frown crossed his handsome face. He didn't like the idea of death. He hated being assigned to an assassin. That meant he would be seeing death far more than he liked.

But if that girl, the pale one, Light, stayed in the back of their mentally fucked up pack, maybe he could reach her. Warn her. Keep her and the others from getting themselves killed. Well, that all depended on if they listened to her, and if Ant didn't get caught. If that happened. Then there really was no hope.

She kept her eyes on Akane, she listened to every word and couldn't help but blush and almost exclaimed something but returned to her hushed whisper quickly. "Akane-chan! don't say silly things, i think i would be lucky to get a guy at all is all..." she smiled softly at the fire hero. She wasn't to worried about christ he was preoccupied watching the dark element who was suddenly crouched by her leg but he seemed oblivious of her as he spoke to the hound. Sumiko kept silent through out that whole ordeal. She waited for him to leave and flirt with Liz. This made her feel more resentment towards the other hero.

She crouched down like Nick had to the hound. "You really are beautiful..." she said softly petting it's ear before rising and thinking on those around her. "i think getting somewhere to talk safely is a first priority, we should..." she wondered why she even bothered as nick spoke over her, he had most likely not heard her, then chris chimed in, he was still staring at her. She returned her attention to akane. Sumiko stretched slightly, she was close to losing her temper but Akane was so soothing she knew she wouldn't. Not even when Christ whispered in her ear causing her to shudder.

It hadn't taken her long to notice they were being watched. She tugged softly on Akane's arm and pointed out the guy in the shadows watching the group. Well more precisely he was watching the back of the group, Liz maybe, again... "Akane-chan,i think we are being watched," She pointed at Ant, it was obvious to her that she was almost invinsible amongst this group so she was hoping this meant noone would pick up on the pointing. She turned to glance at hiro who was still being hung on by Liz. She refused to show any emotion as she spoke, her voice gentle as it had been before. "Hiro-kun, Liz-chan, Amory-kun" she refused to acknowledge the dark hero, he hadn't acknowledged her but then she realized that Amory and Liz hadn't either. "uh...nick-kun?" she said trying to remember his name, She nodded slightly. "Should we not try to find some place safe to talk as opposed to being in the open, not only can the La'Ronk see us but anyone who wished harm can too..." With this said she returned her gaze to the front, not before she hear Chris' response.

---------

He listened and followed the group as they walked off. He heard sumiko begin to speak but then nick said something so he couldn't help but chip in. "well now im atleast a little more comfortable knowing you ar enot a complete moron..." but no sooner had he spoken Nick had his eyes on another girl, chatting casually. He sighed and moved forward, he could hear sumiko speak again this time he moved forward bending down as he worked to whisper in her ear. "Su-mi-ko-chan... my dear... you will have to speak up to get this bunch to hear you." he stood straight again flashing a charming smile at Akane in case she turned when Sumi shuddered. He glanced at each of the girls in turn then at amory.

His gaze lingered on the tiara then switched to linger on hiro's jewels. "are you two not even slightly ashamed or bothered by those?" he gave a carefree gesture at the tiara first then hiro's face and hair. "i am ashamed to have these god damn wings and only you guys can see them like this, and i can put away my functional ones..."He was genuinely curious of this and his tone and face showed so. He wasn't being rude just child-like. He would even pick up one of the pieces of jeweled hair examining it closer but not stopping his walk as he did.

(( I am SO lost O_O;; and am brain dead care to help? XD))

"You're being so unfair with yourself and your looks Sumi." Akane shook her head smiling at her after she spoke, releasing her hold on her. She watched as Sumiko paid attention to Nick's shadow beast named 'Zero'. Glancing at Rory it seemed that she was fine with the presence of another, as she allowed the male to smell her hind scent glands. Shaking her head slowly she muttered, "Couldn't someone have put your scent glands in a better spot rather than in that area. Just seems so... Demeaning?" She scratched her chin and looked in time to spot Christopher whispering into Sumiko's ear at that moment, causing her to shudder. Instantly she stepped forward towards them as he took a step back, flashing her a toothy smile in the process.

Her attention being drawn back to Sumiko as she attempted to gain the rest of the group's attention she nodded her head in agreement. Especially when the water elementalist pointed a slender finger out to pinpoint the spot that they were being watched from. Turning back to the group she saw that Nick was at it again, engaging with another female. Her eyes smoldering again she was at the point of getting past her breaking point of frustration.

Stepping up to pull Nick back from Liza she said, "Alright, everyone needs to get their shit together right friggin' now. We can take up the cutesy pie bantering once we get somewhere a little more safe. That woman has risked her position to help give us a chance to escape out of here anyway." She hoped that this would hopefully light a flame under their butts and get them marching out of the city.

((Sorry if you guys take offense to Akane! She's just trying to get some organization.))

X---X

Standing as he usually did off to Azra's right, he remained quiet as he took up his post as her silent sentry. Clad in his usual military attire that he wore while in the great mansions of the Mon la'Ronk, he managed to look just as lethal as if he were clad in his great armor. He was armed as always was expected, just not as heavily as he always was with his favored gunblade at his side.

Patiently he listened as Azra took charge and addressed her grand court, there were plans to be made as there were rumors of the Heroes milling about. If this was true then he was itching to engage with them in combat. The many stories and rumors that had been whispered about the grand halls he had grown to take a fascination and a slight obsession in. They sounded as if they were truly worthy opponents and if the legends were true, than he was in for a grand treat.

As Azra dismissed the court that she had assembled she left to address her favored assassin dubbed 'Princess'. He had always been a personal fan of the woman's handiwork when he had had the honor of carrying out orders with her. He was hoping that he may get to work with her once again since the Heroes had been spotted.

Raiden Xavier Osborne allowed his liege to converse with Princess in private, as he assumed she would want. It was his job to stand watch and simply wait until she returned from the secret room that almost served as a war room for him when he was strategizing with others ranking higher in the Kni la'Ronk.

His mind began to wander as he waited, eventually his thoughts went to her. Thankful that he was the only one in the large room his usual calm facade shifted into a slight grimace as the thoughts disturbed her. The last thing he needed right now was that distraction that could potentially cause him to slip up. Feelings of such were not something that he was generally accustomed to, nor needed.

Those dark eyes of his went back to the entrance way of the grand room. Deciding to move closer to where Azra would be he made his way to where she had undoubtedly had gone and stood guard outside her door. Eventually she would emerge, and with her would no doubt be a string of plans.

((Uh, I had no idea how to start out with Xavier.))

As Kyna ran through the streets, she knew she was safe, given that the short list of people that could actually catch her weren't out at the time. That list was short and few and they happened to be the people who's names were actually important to remember because they could deal serious damage and they worked their butts off to get to where they were. So far though, the coast was clear of any on that list.

Rory jumped slightly as she sensed another near her and quickly jumped to remove her rear from the snout of another canine. She pulled her head back in surprise as she stared at the odd color creature. Her ears were fallen back as she went to lean towards the male to sniff his face, but then the 'dark' male approached her. He was complimenting her and petting her; this caused her tail to flail wildly as she leaned into his touch.

The message, though it wasn't intentionally sent, the Unai knew that Kyna had recieved it and she knew that the response was one of trust, though she hadn't expected her 'owner' to think she would come to harms way anyway. The treat was gladly accepted, though she tasted it gingerly, not too sure what it was. Once the taste his her tongue though, it was down the hatch it went. She could get used to this, so far Rory really liked this boy. Even though this 'Hiro' was the one the longed haired woman had deemed as beautiful, she wanted her to get to know this man.

Finally, when Akane mentioned about them moving, Rory let out a chirp-like bark. It was sounds like those that through people off and reminded them that Unai really weren't dogs though that was what they looked like. Hoping around in a circle, she watched the group for a moment, hoping to gain their attention. She had an idea where to go; she may not know the area, but her nose was powerful even then. She could take them to where the sent of the city was faint, where humans were far and in between. It was just a matter of them actually following her or not.

[ ._. Sorry, but I can't post for Liza now without making her clingy. D; TBE. ]

[ Can you guys give a girl a chance to post? I mean... I just reread all of the posts because I was confused, and before Liza or Amory can react, everyone's doing something to someone else, which puts my charries in a dead spot. ._. ]

Liza looked up at Nick. "Hi?" She said, slowly releasing most of the pressure in her death grip on Hiro's arm. Just then, he was jerked away from her as another female pulled him back and shouted some words. Liza glanced back up at Hiro, then returned her gaze to the female. People were starting to move, so she guessed she should as well. Everything was so confusing...

Amory sighed and twirled his staff around his fingers, walking towards the rest of the group. "I'll be suprised if we make it to next week," he muttered, closing his eyes for a few seconds. He eyed Liza's hairpin and watched as it grew slowly as her emotions built up inside her, and nearly gasped. Sure, on their walk here after they'd found one another, they'd flaunted their abilities somewhat, but he wasn't paying attention to her hair. He glanced upward at the sky and blew his hair out of his face, grimacing. Why did everyone have a better Item than he did?

Brows furrowing and a slight hint of "well duh" moved from his eyes onto his face. "Ah, that's right. You're an Unai. Chirps and other bird-like noises are your means of communicating... as are the typical grunts, whimpers, and other animal sounds."

Eyes shifted down to Zero, Nick's eyes twitched back and forth. Nick wasn't an expert when it came to reading animal signs, but he would try his best with this Unai. However, when he was unable to come to a conclusion, he let his faithful companion help him out. This very thing would prove to be a painful process.

The sound of teeth sinking into flesh was followed by a cracked gasp of pain. His eyes flung open wider than usual as Zero tugged at his now bleeding hand. It wasn't a ton of blood, but being bitten by a dog was never fun.

Continuing to practically drag his master, Zero looked at Rory. A quick snort confirmed that he too knew of the location she spoke of. Knowing exactly how to get there (as Zero liked to run off and explore on his own), he began to lead his still-in-tact Nick along.

Trying to be too baby-like, Nick did his best not to whine and complain, but with every step Zero pulled him forward, Nick could feel his hand get ripped. Thankfully, it was his left hand (Nick's right handed), but still, wielding his scythe required the use of two hands.

As Zero made a turn in the opposite direction of Hiro's command, Nick pipped up. "Heh, you guys can go that way. But it looks like Rory has a safer place in mind. And, seeing as I'm Zero's new chew toy, I don't really have much of a choice to follow." Eyes looking toward Liza and then Kris, he wondered just what the rest of the group would do. Would they follow Hiro, the Forgotten Hero, into the unknown? Or would they trust a trusty hound's nose to safety?

His mind raced at the thought of them actually having to follow him. Nick was always a bit rough around the edges, so he never really saw himself in a leader-like position. He always figured that he would end up being some cruel dictator, which was exactly the opposite of what the group needed.

I'm sorry if my flirtatious ways bother you Akane.... Would you protest if I called you Nene? Even if you do, I'm doing it anyway. I've never been good at following directions and listening to requests. Ha ha. Anyways, I see no point in walking in silence. I figure it is better the calm the nervous with harmless tease. At least it gets everyone's mind off... well, you know."

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[[Just a little comment. I agree with Abomination. If someone is talking to a character or being spoken to, try to avoid pulling them out of the situation. Give them a chance to respond. On a side note, make sure your read/skim everything. I feel like some people are just reading the speech and not the entire post. Additionally, if you're going to be offline, would you mind sharing? I would be more than happy to put a list of times when we're all not available. Thanks!]]

((Well, all I can really say is not to expect me on too much during the day seeing as I work and the schedule is different every week. Also, I have been playing WoW, but when people are on I try to check every so often ^^;; ))

Rory was thouroughly enjoying someone understanding her kind for once, not just seeing her as a dog or a threat. Whipping her head around, she looked to see the male that was indeed trying to go the other ways; it was the male that Kyna had thought of as 'beautiful'. Hoping around, she ran over to the man before rubbing up against him; clearly she was in a very good mood. Wrapping herself around him momentarily, she stopped in front of him, her bright yellow eyes looking up at him. She chirpped before nosing at his hand; she wasn't sure what was over there, but the scent didn't seem as clean. Yet, if he chose to go that way then it was that way that they would go; she wouldn't be one to pull the group into different directions when it was their adventure.

Kris still stood silent as she watched everyone. As Nick was drug away by his hound she just shook her head. Looking around to the others of the group a sigh escaped her. This was going to be one hell of a trip. She made her way around the group and began to follow Nick and Akane. She knew how it would look, her following Nick like a little lost dog, but she had her own reasons for going. She had grown up on a farm. She had learned to trust animals and their senses, so her reason for going wasn't because Nick was leading that way, but because his dog so desperately wanted him to go that way it was gnawing off his hand.

Overall, Kris felt rather bad for taking part in all the drama. She had never meant to get that involved. But of course she just had to pick the most obnoxious man in the group to get herself attached too. The thought didn't sit well with her. She still had no idea what her draw was to this man that was quite literally her complete opposite.

She looked over her shoulder at the group. They all probably thought the worst of her now after everything, but that wasn't really fair. They didn't even know her. Nick had been the only one to actually speak to her, she had gotten everyone's names and bits of their stories by just listening. A smile danced onto her face as she realized, they didn't even know her name. Maybe she should just keep it that way. These people weren't really her friends, granted she would do what ever she could to keep them all safe, but when this is all over, Kris knew she would probably never see any of them again.

~*~

From his little spot on the wall, Ant knew that he had been spotted. He saw the girl point and tell the others. Good. They needed to get moving. They needed to go now before Jenny-lynn decided to show up and break up their little drama fest.

Adjusting the bag of medical gear on his back, Ant looked around. What was taking Jenny so long? Med la'Ronk weren't considered special enough to be included in on the briefings. They are simply given orders and they must follow. His orders were to meet his assassin in this city but where was she?

He shrugged and continued to watched the group debate. Life was easy enough for him, he simply followed orders. He had never had to be the one in charge. This little group however, they would quickly fall apart if they didn't do something to try and sort out their differences. They needed someone to lead them, would they pick one person? two maybe? or would every decision be a heated debate between the majority?

Whatever the case, they needed to get their shit together and get on the road. Jenny wasn't there now, but she was on her way.

Smile widening into a devious grin, Princess leaned forward in her seat. "Do tell. I do love having two decisions. But I'm sure I'll do a little bit of both. You know me. I hate picking."

Her boots made a scuffing noise as she rose from her spot to pace back and forth some. Blonde bangs masked her blue eyes a few times, but she constantly shook her head to remove them from her face. For as much as she loved the emo-style hair cut, she was never really a fan of the blinding bangs. In her opinion, it just looked stupid.

"So, this decision. What are the risks, and what are the perks? I mean, what am I getting out of this? And no, I don't want money. I want something more... rewarding."

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