((Yeeee trying to hurry Sakyo along D:< Since she's on her own epic ADVENTURE!))

Fingers continued to mess with Scavery hair; to Jamilah, the touch was irresistible. "I forgive your impatience..." She run her fingers through his hair starting at the very bottom of his neck to his forehead. "I am impatient myself..." The grin was seemingly ever lasting on his face. "No preference? Well, I do believe I shall whip up one I feel is to your liking... if it is not, please, do not hesitate to ask for a change. I adore pleasing others."

"Yes, you do, when you desire them sexually." Came a sneer from the bat demon, who watched the entire scene from the same spot he disposed of Hui.

The comment was ignored. Jamilah extended her arm out, the one not petting his head, and almost instantly a cane appeared in her palm. She closed her fingers around it, holding out to him a black cane with a curved silver hand carved like a parrot's head. "Quite a hurry? What a pity... I could help you along, if it so please me to do so. Do not hesitate to request my company." Her index finger twirled about his hair, allowing the strands to swirl about it. "My duty for Skai is done at the moment, as all he wished for was clothes for you... though you looked wonderful without them." The Jinn teased.

Kyoko, however, rolled his eyes in disgust.



"I explained to her that to receive the answer to her question she must speak with Jack Shadow of Shadow's Layer, an inn located deep within the town, though I knew staying here any longer, especially for something so trivial, was not in her interest. I ran my fingers through my mangled hair-" which she then proceeded to do just that with both hands. "-before trying to return the subject to the one I knew she found me for. I was momentarily that she found me, until I noticed the wolf demon not too far away from her. Since I had yet to see him in this town, I could only assume he was part of her party. I set my arms back at my sides and let out a sigh-" again, she did it. "-then smiled."

"All... right... You are the one who grants wishes, right? I really don't have time to waste on stupid games." Sakyo crossed her arms over her chest and glared in the girl's general direction. Confusion was what struck her first, but she figured anger may get her to speak faster.

"A soft chuckle escaped my lips," it did. "I told her she was correct and that each who managed to find me was granted one wish and one wish alone; one that could not be reversed."

"I'm not worried about that... I won't be asking for a reversal of my wish."

"My head tilted to the side as I stared at her with a blank expression across my childlike face. I asked her if she was certain, for I could grant her any wish... even a genetic ailment."

Sakyo's heart sank deep inside her stomach causing it to churn. The glare instantly went away, her eyes as wide as they could possibly be.

"I watched as she became shocked by my statement. Yes, she hid her ailment rather well, and I doubted many knew of it, but I knew more than most may find out in their entire lifetime. I then explained that I could grant her a second wish, but only if something was done for me in return."

She was silent, her right hand covering her eyes as Sakyo tried to figure out what to do. Her hand then moved down, covering her lips. Eventually it slid right off of her face and went to her side. "Is the world beautiful?"

"Her question was interesting and I could tell she was thinking rather hard on her decision. I understood, it would change her life entirely. Sadly, I could not lie to her... Well, I could not give her the answer she wished for. So, instead I worded it the best I could and told the young maiden that the world is what she made of it, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that I would prefer to embrace all aspects of the world around me than to ignore it all. She nodded and I could tell she understood."

Sakyo did nod, she also rose a brow at her.

"Her perplex expression made me giggle and I then told her that to find out why I speak this way she had to speak to Jack Shadow of Shadow's Layer, for I was not allowed to tell."

"I wish my father's wish to be revoked."

"I nodded," she did. "and closed my eyes." When she opened her eyes again her once grey eyes were suddenly a deep, very dark shade of blue. "There isn't much time, Miss Kichiki. Go to your father and see your wish has come true. I promise you that it has and that I will grant your second wish if you help me return to my true self."

Sakyo was confused beyond belief, her jaw even dropped open with her brows furrowed. "What the...?"

"There's not much time before I have to leave. My father cursed me, horned one. Go to Jack and ask him what to do to fix me. Please, and I shall grant you your second wish. If you do not want to, please find someone who will. While your father lost all feeling and kept his body... My soul is trapped as I watch my body respond this way." The girl grabbed Sakyo's hands and pressed them together. "I am Loki. Free me." Her body jerked about and her eyes returned to the shade of grey from before. "I then returned to organizing the shelves, allowing the horned one to return to her father. Whether she would help me and get her second wish was unknown to me, but it was not uncommon for people to decline my request. Though... her other wish may have aided her in my quest, if that was what she chose to do..."

She took a few steps back, bonking into on of the shelves. Immediately Sakyo jumped, her head dashing about as if she could see what had touched her. Fingers trailed across the shelves and she let out a deep sigh of relief, glad that it was only a shelf. She followed Raphael's scent, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Lets... find that Kamrin guy. The woman who gave me the power of fire said he was my partner, maybe he can help us. Take me to him."

Kamrin was getting a little agitated after five minutes passed of standing and waiting for that lovely, odd lady and her.. friend to show up. Having finished his cigarette already, he pulled a flat metal case out of his pocket, popping it open he pulled another cigarette out of it. Putting away the case of cigarettes he pulled another match out of his other pocket and lit it. After a deep relaxing drag from the tobacco stick, Kamrin started to glare down those that walked passed.

Obviously the wolf demon and Sakyo had gotten lost... Or someone had pointed Kamrin in the wrong direction. In a huff he shoved open the door to the building and took two steps in, bellowing into the seemingly empty establishment. "Is this where th'woman that grants wishes resides?" A light turned on, revealing a front desk and a sheet behind the desk that must have been hiding a doorway, because a young man came out. "Sir, this is were you may find many woman that could grant your wish.. Should they so please you.." It took a moment for the scruffy-haired man to realize what the person in front of him was implying.

Coloring a shade of pink out of embarrassment, Kamrin walked back out, slamming the door behind him with enough force to rattle any pictures off of the wall if there had been any. "If I find tha' sly weasel agin, he's gonna regre' what 'e did.." Sparks of electricity danced around the door knob, singing the wood around it until Kamrin let go of it. Taking one of the deepest drags off of his cigarette he stalked off down the street, stuffing his free hand into a pocket.

Then Kamrin got to thinking, he wanted to stick with his partner, Sakyo. Perhaps.. he could listen to his other half, to help find her. However that would mean sorting through all of the scents and emotions of the city.. That would make him ill. Instead he sighed and stopped at an ally, looking at a poor mutt that was digging through the trash. Not caring if anyone was watching him, he stopped next to the dog and held out a hand for it to sniff. "Hello there... I need help finding a friend, if you help me I will feed you.." Happy with the promise of a full stomach, the dog took off. There had been a lot more communication between the two than simple words, but that was Kamrin's little secret. He followed the mutt to the door that Raphael and Sakyo had gone into. Which wasn't too far away, but Kamrin couldn't help but feel humiliated that he had gone to the wrong place.

~~~~~~~~~

Indeed Aponi did seem to have a way with words, the frail girl thought of more than Emilia did. The fidgeting girl would not have paid much mind to Nana-Haru's embarrassment over her own laughter.

Actually, both Nana-Haru and Aponi were very good with their words. Emilia admired them a bit for that, because she felt better after Haru shared her grandfather's words of wisdom. Sighing lightly she looked down at the fire that they were trying to prepare, then glanced at Aponi, who still held the tinder and flint. The cold night air was beginning to settle in, they would need the fire rather soon.

Then an odd thought strayed into Emily's mind and she looked around the group. They had picked up Kiel and Makael.. However Hui seemed to have not followed them. How strange... Suddenly feeling a strike of fear, she stood up and glanced around. Why hadn't Hui come with?

Instead of voicing her concern she watched the boys, sensing their competitive nature. "..W-we sh-should go t-to sleep soon.. I f-forgot h-how long the G-Goddess would st-stay at the mountain... We should also t-talk about our p-powers.. Shouldn't we?" Despite speaking quietly, almost to herself, she meant for everyone else to hear her.

~~~~~

Izaya swept through the trees in the night, he rather preferred to sleep at night.. But there was too much going on in this end of the forest to just ignore it. Finally finding the party that he was looking for, the hawk landed on a low branch and leaned forward to peer at Scavery, Jamilah and Kyoko. Izaya knew that Nobu and Scavery were one being, and cocked his head to the side to see Nobu in his human form.

(( D'= Why doth people not be posting, I do wonder. ))

((Rynn's internet won't let her D: ))

(( D= Dude, that uber sucks! I hope it gets fixed, even if only for her sanity. xDD <.<;; ))

((She keeps writing a post then the internet like wonks D: ))

(( Has she tried saving it in a word document first, then copy-paste? o.o; That's how I had to do it for a long time.. and so I do that out of habit now. ))

((I think? I should ask her when I see her on again D: ))

((Here's a lame post >_> ))

Aponi poked at the sticks quietly, trying to figure out why they wouldn't light, as she listened to the other girls. She felt sickly and small besides them, despite being one of the tallest and oldest of the group of females. She was sufficiently shocked to hear Emilia speak of her fear of trust.. only to say that she didn't have a particular issue with her. Well with her and Nana.. But with her! She was so startled that she dropped the flint into her pile of kindling.. In a dazed voice she spoke softly, reaching out for it. "Trust is not something that is taken, it is given. I am.. I am honored that you would even consider me a possibility of reception of that gift. I.. Thank you." But as her hand found the flint, so did it find the sheer wetness of the ground below her kindling. She pulled her hands back and dug them hard into her own forhead. "(*)Wonunicun!... Hetoya, dit'ood.." She banged her knuckles to her forhead a few times before moving the kindling off the wet spot.

Her inner self was kicking at her, big time. What kind of idiot didn't check the ground before making a fire, she told herself. After causing a scene about care with fire, she'd gone and made one of the biggest mistakes. She reasoned that it could be a drain source for the river nearby, despite the distance. "I apologize profusely.. I.. I forgot to check the ground before I began. I am sorry." Like the spirits funneled themselves through her, the moment she finished moving the wood to dry ground, she had a roaring blaze that settled into a warm, comforting fire. She whispered her response to Emily's questions as she held her hands up to the fire. "I feel that the Goddess will wait for us, she wants our help. Leaving us in her own time of need seems.. counterproductive.. But we'll make good time tomorrow. After all, all the groups have settled, right?" Her voice cracked subtlely when powers were brought up. "I.. I am afraid to access my Gift."

Makael cringed internally at the uncomfortable gaze that seemed to bore into his brain from Kiel. He smoothed himself out though as he let Kiel go. "Up for choosing to bunk with.. Hmm.. Well to keep it fair, only those who are in the contest can be chosen from by the winning team. No fair to sign the girls up for something they aren't involved in. Plus, I'm pretty sure at least one of them is allergic to man cooties." He glared at Zephyr as he muscled his way in. Now it was tempting to pick Crim to bed with despite wanting Kiel, just to get the young wind elements knickers in a knot. Ah, very satisfying.. "Crim gets to be on the team with me just because it's not fair to leave a cityslicker to camp on his own. It'd basically be you versus me, with Crim giving me the supplies and learning how to do it on his own." He grinned and put an arm around young Crim. "Isn't that right, Crim?"

(*Words translate into: A mistake has been made. Clown, wetness. It's a mixture of Apache and Lakota. Why? Because Aponi is a non-existent KIND of Native American, so I like to have variety in the native tongue her tribe speaks.)

Guess its my turn now... *sigh*. I'll post either later or when I get back from Avatar.

Anyone would be able to understand why standing in the midst of such a conversation as these two were having, while also be the subject of it for that matter, was making Scavery a very dark shade of red right now. The heat was rising into his cheeks like an erupting volcano. Jamilah fingers ran up his neck, and through his hair with every touch leaving a shiver. Despite the color of his skin, he had managed to stay quite composed in appearance, which helped him keep his hand on her shoulder.

The cane appeared, and sheer delight plopped itself onto his face. "Marvelous craftsmanship!" He couldn't get away from his feathered identity, it was most amusing. "Thank you. I am most assuredly in your debts." Scavery received the cane. It was almost to much to put it down onto the ground. It was it's purpose, it needed to be used, and he was certainly going to use it. Well carefully being that it was a gift after all.

With the cane firmly planted on the ground he felt sturdier already. "And I do appreciate your offer, but I'm afraid I must decline. You've already done so much for me. I still don't know how I'm going to repay you for it all, or when."

Scavery used his free hand take one of hers, he kissed it softly leaving her with a smile. "It was lovely meeting you, Miss. Jamilah as well as you Kyoko." Even though they had met before. As he began to make his way off, he gave a quick glance to Izaya. He wondered if he could get him to come down. Surely it wouldn't be enough to get himself discovered. But either way he decided to forget it for now, at least until he was out of the sight of Kyoko.

Fly softly my feathered friend, though I doubt you will reap any harm here, he spoke only to Izaya. He could communicate with animals, mostly with birds, but not with humans.

================================================== ========

Nana got up, and stepped back from them. She took in her surroundings, then let out a sigh. Emelia was right they did need to start talking about their powers. And as for Aponi's fear of hers, that was her responsibility to take care of. She was her partner after all. "Aponi, can you stand over here with me for a moment?"

================================================== ========

Raphael's eyes shifted towards the door as Sakyo spoke. He could smell him from over a mile away it seemed. "Looks like he's already found us." He sighed. "Come on. If he's worth anything, we might as well use him. Doesn't mean I have to like him though." Raphael swung the door open, not bothering to check to see if someone was standing there.

((OKIES! I have requests to speed this along to the next day :D Which, I really do agree with... especially since Malice and Alex are both posting hella slow and I am not one to take kindly to slackers =\ which they BOTH KNOW THIS.

So, Imma ask Rynn which gay team is gonna win so I can just make an overall post that'll get everyone situated for the night as well as the next morning since I thiiiiiiink 25 pages is ENOUGH for one day XD Especially since ya'll started like... hella early morning when it was all dark and shit? I think xD Kinda hard to tell in a dark forest, really.))

Within a matters of minutes the game commenced. Makael had the upper hand even with a city boy like Crim on his team while the other two were roughly average, if that, with their work. Crim was obedient, hanging on the older man's every word and gathering whatever supplies he was told to retrieve. Kiel and Zephyr truly tried their hardest, but they weren't destined to prevail over the determined and experience Makael. Of course Zephyr was the most disappointed at the loss - What if Crim didn't choose him? Makael, unsure of whom to choose, allowed Crim the first choice of a bunkmate, which meant he was stuck with whomever the boy rejected unless he chose him. The boy rubbed his chin, lips pushed together like he had devoured a lemon, as he tried to think of the best bunk mate; he failed. In the end, the crimson punk decided to play an old game passed down from generation to generation in his town: Eeny Meeny Miny Moe. He proceeded with his game while the others waited in anticipation. Zephyr crossed his fingers behind his back, or something similar. Finally, after he stopped extending the game obnoxiously (since he knew the longer version), Zephyr was chosen to be his bunk mate. He dubbed him his "snuggle buddy" and FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY everyone could go to sleep.

Crim happily snuggled with Zephyr like a child with their mother.

Everyone in the "good guy" camp could finally go to sleep and wait for the next day to dawn.



Sakyo and Raphael bonked into Kamrin, who was outside having finally found them, then proceeded to the inn because Sakyo fuckin' said so. She insisted that they might as well speak to the owner of the inn that Loki requested them to speak to since if they DID decide to help it meant they would be done with this town and because she was tired. Jack, sadly, was not at the counter (which is rare) and his older brother Kris insisted he'd return in the morning and got them each a room. He offered a deal for a room with two beds, since he assumed Sakyo was dating one of them, but Sakyo growled and demanded her own room. Now they each have their own. The inn is three stories high. The regular rooms are on floor one while the special, more expensive, room are on th etop floor. Downstairs from there you find the desk with no tech to be seen since they are soooo high tech it's a hologram touch screen only the Shadow brothers can activate. To the left (if you are just coming down the stair case from the room) is a short hallway leading to a restaurant and the right is an enormous room which is the bar. Maybe I should draw it, I unno. I doubt they'll reside here long.



However the hell it happens I'm not sure, but I am sure Jamilah decided to be stubborn and follow Scavery wherever he went thanks to being pissed at Kyoko and because she adored Scavery hair. Something about him caused her to be deeply infatuated with him. She tagged along as he headed towards the mountains the good guys were heading to, providing him with whatever he needed as she played with his dark, luscious hair.

On the other hand, Kyoko spread his bat wings and flew off into the distance. He needed to learn more about the side against the goddess and standing in the center prevented him. Desperately he wanted answers. His theory of gaining more power by killing Hui was accurate, but what if he did away with the others as well? What if he massacred them all? At the same time... how does one know which side is the correct to be on? He needed answers, so it was time to find a new person to interview.

((OMG I LUV YOU TOO ARU, GEEZ (coff)Harassing(coff).. No I really am sorry guys. I've just been off this last month, I'll try and do better.

ALSO I THINK IT WOULD BE FUNNY IF CRIM GOT A CRUSH ON MAKAEL CUZ OF HIS MANRINESS.))

Aponi was terrified of Nana's offer, sensing her shift in demeanor.. But she was saved by the bell when the boys finished their contest. Or, so she thought. Makael has set up a larger tent for the girls, with sleeping mats that were obviously scaled to each girl's height. Due to room constraints, Nana was across the heads of Aponi and Emilia's mats... Which were right by each other. Aponi was shaking as she laid down beside Emily, but if asked she would've played it off as her muscles needing rest. Until the fires dimmed down, she helped Emily keep a light chatter going, including speaking about their powers.. And Aponi's real fear - That when she activates her powers, her body will simply burn itself to death with the energy and she'll be more useless then than she is now.

Unbeknown to her, Aponi snuggled tightly to Emily once she reached a dead slumber, holding on to her even if she turned cold and wet or burning hot, and whichever girl woke first would find themselves in a very compromising position.. Unless Nana beat them to the punch...

Makael almost regretted not stealing Crim's vote and choosing the flamboyant youngster just to ruin Zephyr's day, except for when he realized he had a free shot at sleeping besides Kiel. He was pervving out on the boy hard.. But when it came right down to it, there was a different something to his interaction with Kiel than with other boys. He found himself.. almost caring. A brush of Kiel's hand felt warm or a look into his eyes made him smile. He stuck his tongue out subconciously at the idea of puppy love, which could be misconstrued since he did it right before asking Kiel to be his bedmate.

If he didn't shoot any chance at talking to Kiel with the unfortunate tongue thing, he would spend a while trying to learn the young man.. and teach himself to him as well. He would only make a light sexual offer, and very VERY light at that ((think light kissing and touching)), then never again that night, no matter the answer. Never more than what he offered, either. He would go slow, even if it made the boy fear rejection. You are only burned by fire once, he thought.

He too would snuggle to Kiel's body tight, but possessively. He knew he would, and didn't warn Kiel anyways. By the time they woke or were woken up, Makael's arms would be wrapped tight around his chest and one leg across Kiel's in a binding pose, his lips just barely not touching Kiel's neck. Was he just a perv looking for a score, or was he less shallow than he appeared? Who knows.. And indeed, who DOES care?

Kamrin had no issue with his newly acquired group, he was going to insist on it anyway whether or not someone else had told them to. Oh, Kamrin almost offered to pay for their stay and food. Until Sakyo insisted on her own room. After that happened, Kamrin just scowled lightly at Raphael, a triumphant smirk hidden beneath it all. In the morning, Kamrin would be up earlier than the other two. As if he had never slept to begin with.

He would be found in the restaurant section, offering all sorts of bobbles that he claimed to be magic or of the new fashion. Unfortunately magic tricks didn't really appeal to the high-tech people of Lila, so pawning off his wares as the newest fashion that girlfriends would die for, he sold enough to pay for his breakfast and then some. Part of him felt guilty for playing on the greed and simple-minds of the big city, but he brushed it off to the side.

Every half an hour or so, he took some of his scraps in a napkin and walked outside of the inn, feeding the scraps to a very thin, stray dog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izaya, well behaved, and not entirely stupid, took Scavery's advice and flew quietly. The hawk kept an eye on Scavery, and often flew back to keep an eye on Emilia's group.

It didn't take much longer to light the fire after Aponi discovered that her spot was soaking wet, however Emilia found it the strangest thing ever.. She could have sworn that she checked the area and found the driest spot close to everyone else. Emily would have encouraged Aponi to go ahead and stand with Nana-Haru... So far Nana hadn't meant anyone any harm, surely it wasn't a bad thing for them to talk.

During their night chatter, Emilia insisted that Aponi didn't have to activate her powers if she didn't want to.. However hadn't the goddess said they only had 24 hours until the powers were gone forever? So Aponi probably had until a little after midday to make her final decision. Emilia also asserted that there were several people there to watch after her, it was doubtful that she could be consumed by her powers seeing as Aponi had such a strong heart. Or so Emilia thought. Before finally falling asleep, Emilia considered that she should probably talk with Makael.. He was her partner, wasn't he?

Waking up, Emilia panicked feeling something stronger and warmer than a blanket wrapped around her. In a fit she kicked up her blanket, ice spreading across the fabric, then scrambled away from Aponi. She finally ended up sitting on her butt, near the opening of the tent, taking in deep breaths of air. Emily hardly ever slept deeply for long, and the sky was just starting to grow lighter for the morning.

Unsure of what had startled her awake, Emilia took a deep breath, surveying Aponi in her sleep or perhaps her newly awakened state. The blanket was half frozen, and droplets of frost slipped down Emily's arms. Before anything could be said, Emilia bolted out of the tent. Changing out of her feathered night gown and into her slacks, t-shirt and leather jacket, Emily was ready for their journey to the mountains. However... Everyone could probably do with some food, the fire was almost dead, but the embers were still hot. So all it took was a little bit of coaxing to turn it into a cooking fire.

The girl hung her nightgown on a nearby branch. Somehow she had managed to freeze it in patches and now it was practically soaked.. So why not dry it next to the fire. Emilia sat for a few moments, watching the fire while trying to get her nerves under control. She was upset that she had frozen part of the blanket, what if she had frozen Aponi?

(( 7/9/10 - Edited: Added a little more detail to Emilia's post ))

( Fail post is fail.... Well I think i was too goobered myself to make sense to what i wanted Kiel to do.... its kinda just...... i dont know how to say it .... MEH)

Kiel was bummed when he lost but he knew it would happen since he was not used to using the new type of materials around him, they stuck differently like the types near his village, just goes to show he still has a lot to learn about the nature around him and how to prepare the proper camping ground. When Crim chose his winning bed mate out of the boys using eeny meeny miny moe Kiel had chuckled and clapped when Crim landed on Zephyr. "Congratulations little one, hopefully the cuddling comforts you in this dark night." He looked up at the canopy of the trees and the night sky beyond it then down to the ground and knelt down from exhaustion of his effort he put into making his camp. "guess its me and you Makael." He didnt know what to say, I mean sure, he would have enjoyed the company of him but now that its came to it , he was terrified. What may happen? He had thought to himself worried from all the previous close moments they had, it had made him so troubled in his mind if he should act on his feelings.

Once they were laying down in their camp he had stolen many glances at Makael laying next to him, he was not used to sleeping fully clothed so he took off his shirt and placed it near his feet then laid back down on his back and continued to steal glances at Makael. Kiel was to preoccupied with his own thoughts to really notice if Makael did make any offers or try anything sneaky. For a few hours he closed his eyes and hoped Makael would fall asleep just so he could think clearer and calmer, but with no help, he felt Makael's leg wrap around his own, and his arms around his chest. it made his mind spin even more so now then before, and then his mind went black, and he laid there silently worried, terrified of what was going on. He used this moment to try to find out what he could do with the element, see how it ticks. it was great for his imagination, and making his other senses work better, unable to see, with his eyes, he used his hands, slid them on Makael's arms to make himself see him, guiding his hand all over to experiment with how it worked he heard cackling and quickly retracted his hand from the soft skin on Makael's cheeks and rolled away from him, facing his back towards the warmth of the man beside him, slowly he shuffled closer and closer till he felt the flesh of his back press against the man behind him and grabbed his hand and wrapped it tightly around him, wrapping his leg back between Makael's to give himself comfort from the chuckling, he could see them, instead all he saw was him snuggling up to this man that kept him feeling secure from whatever the sound was, how he saw himself he had no clue, but he knew it must of been something to do with his ability. Until the day crept slowly all he saw was himself and Makael, then slowly his vision cam back to and big black circles surrounded his eyes and he turned back towards Makael. "I think its time for us to wake up and start the day Makael..." He brought his own lips close to Makael's ear and gently whispered something incoherent to him, some other langauge not even he understood exactly but he ignored that and then nibbled Makael's ear as his last idea to wake him.

(( Wanted to let you guys know that I'll be gone for a two days or so ))

((Tis fine! :D Yay people making replies XDDD har har))

Their contest was a difficult one, considering Zephyr's rather unsavory and boring past; he acquired little skills to be able to do such a thing, and ultimately, him and his partner lost the contest to the obviously more skilled Makael; it left a bitter taste in Zephyr's mouth, but he had to admit that he wasn't cut out for this kind of work. Wilderness wasn't really an environment he was comfortable in. But then again, where was? Zephyr was well aware that he had never truly fit in anywhere other than in his old senseless partying groups. But this place seemed to hold a strange calm over him, a different energy. Undoubtedly his new powers had something to do with that.

At Crim's little "game", Zephyr was almost sweating in stock-still anticipation, taking on a quality of someone in suspended animation, frozen in place and desperately crossing his fingers behind his back, his hidden hands nearly shaking. As he was chosen, finally, and only after urging from the people around him to hurry the little game up, Zephyr let out a heavy breath. His sweat finally broke as all eyes turned to him, Crim grinning heavily and hand outstretched, finger pointing very... well, pointedly, at Zephyr.

Zephyr quickly acquired the nickname "snuggle buddy", which only caused him to blush. As protective and emotionless as he tried to seem, he really was a very emotional person, and extremely sensitive to things such as Crim did. He found Crim to be quite the adorable little kid, as did most likely the rest of the camp. He had taken quite a liking to this "child" (although he couldn't be more than a few years younger than himself), and he wasn't particularly sure why. His personality seemed to just call out to some fatherly instinct within him, something he had never particularly felt before. He'd call it a crush, but he was pretty sure he wasn't interested in boys. He wasn't yet ready to admit that to himself.

As they went to sleep, he could barely keep his thoughts under control; Crim wasn't kidding when he dubbed Zephyr his "snuggle buddy". Zephyr blushed heavily, first tentative and keeping a bit away from Crim, but soon relaxed, allowing himself to cuddle closer to the small boy, enveloping him in his arms. It was extremely tempting to kiss his cheek, or nuzzle his neck, or do so much more... Crim was an extremely cuddleable person. But he refrained from doing so for fear of scaring him.

When he awoke, their bodies were entwined, hugging tightly, foreheads touching, and legs wrapped around one another. Zephyr was shocked that he hadn't moved or left the tent, as he was normally prone to do. He didn't want to move, instead just looking at the boys closed eyes, his cute nose, and his overall adorable features. It was more tempting than ever to kiss him... it was a strange urge. He had wanted to kiss people before, but had never been so conflicted. He had been a bit attracted to males in the past, but never like... this.

Zephyr moved his face closer to Crim's, gradually approaching, and leaned in, kissing his lips gently, and praying to whatever God there might be (it occurred to him in the same moment to pray to the Goddess) that Crim didn't wake up and see what Zephyr was doing.

(( Rawr! I'm popping on for a moment... <.< And I'm actually going to edit my post just a little bit. Nothing that should affect anyone's doings seeing as Aponi and Nana-Haru haven't been posted for yet. ))

Scavery

Despite him saying it was unnecessary for her to come with him Jamilah was more than happy to follow him. There was no further argument from him. His heart was climbing from his rib cage almost literally. Her obsession with his hair kept him on edge.

Scavery did notice Izaya flying back, and forth. He was glad that no one had given him any trouble.

When the night became fainter he grew used to Jamilah’s company. The blame was on her. All on her, and her memory. He could almost feel her there with him. Her soft, dark hair brushed against his cold skin as her body lay close to him to offer him warmth. Her voice sung their mother’s lullaby….

May there always be angels
To watch over you
To guard you each step of the way
To guard you and keep you
Safe from all harm
Loo-li,loo-li,lai-ley
Loo-li,loo-li,lai-ley

They had both been so sick. He had been more closer to death, weaker… older, it made since that he would have been the first. But her body became colder against his. It stiffened like a rose in winter. And her lips would never part.

Scavery began to hum the tune out loud. They would soon be there.

Nana

Nana lost her bravery when the boys announced that the tents were done. She was thankful. She wasn’t ready to show Aponi anything. Fear had become her. She knew where her mistake had been, but she was afraid she would make more, and loose control.

Nana sat back down and continued to listen to the conversations, until it was time for bed. As the moon stayed steady in the sky her mind raised. Her fingers walked the earth beside her, sensing every root, every seed that lived within. With time, she would learn to be stronger, to be wiser, and to be patient. Hopefully the time would come soon.

Sleep came to her close to morning, yet her body was fully alert as the sun came into being. Emilia was up, Aponi was still sleeping. She crept slowly out as to not wake the slumbering girl, then slipped on her boots. This would be the first morning she would wake without her grandfather’s greetings. The first morning without Nobu waiting for her. She had Miwa though, and she was thankful. Miwa neighed as she came by her. Nana patted her on her head.

She knew better than to expect Nobu’s return. He hadn’t given her any warning this time. She glanced over at the nightgown hanging from a branch near the fire. She didn’t dare ask about it, it seemed clear to her what had happened. “Morning,” Nana said crossing Emilia’s path. She was making sure all her things were gathered up in one spot. Something that took little time considering most of them were. “Out of curiosity, do you think we’ll be here much longer?”

Raphael

Skipping right to morning. Raphael was the next to wake up. Unlike usual he didn’t wear all his survival gear. He only wore his tribal garments. They would probably be here a while longer, so he figured he might as well go without it for awhile.

Raphael saw Kamrin going in and out, and getting a closer look, he found what he was doing. It was a it surprising. The guy cared for animals. He noticed that without Sakyo there, he felt nothing towards him. He rubbed his neck, and waited for him to come back in. “Where exactly did you end up going anyways,” he asked him.

[Failed in the end. and in case anyone is wondering about the song. Tis here.]

((Hallo world. I am not dead. 8D

Seriously though, I blame Aru. >.> She has my phone. She's supposed to remind me about these things xD I've been in a "I'll only get online when I need to" mode so I totes didn't even know xD;; ))

Makael had slept oddly - it was deep, it was restfull.. But it was like he'd been in a state of half sleep. He had been feeling Kiel's struggles without knowing the world around him and it had made his dreams disturbed, angry and violent. His response in the real world would be to cuddle Kiel like a parent cuddles a child having bad dreams, even cooing to him softly at times. Then slowly, he realized.. Not only was he rousing out of deep sleep, but he was being aroused as well. "Whoa.. mmhmm.. hey now.. It's not fair, waking a guy like that.." A small lusty moan escaped the groggy man's throat and he leaned his head back slightly to take in the pose he was waking up in.

Sure enough, he had ended up cuddling the lightly framed boy. Each point their skin was touching seemed to tingle with.. something Makael couldn't even describe. Magic seemed like a foolish word, causing him to give a single faint chuckle. As the nibbling on his ear caused a deep shiver, he closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again he was staring intently into Kiel's eyes.. and that's when he noticed the deep bags. He gently grabbed the younger man's face in concern. "Did I snore and keep you up or something? You look like shit, Kiel! Why didn't you hit me and wake me up or somethin'?" He was oblivious to the outside world of the others.

Aponi felt the pull on her simply leathers as Emilia separated herself from the cuddle embrace. Ice that had melted from natural sweat had fused the girls together at several points, including some skin. The stinging is what finally woke the Native American girl up. Then loneliness set in without her even realizing why. Then it hit her like a sack of lead bricks - the reason she had been fused so... oddly.. with Emily, the reason she felt cold on more than one level... She'd moved closer, perhaps even embraced, her fellow traveler. She cursed at herself in her native tongue once more as she watched Emily leave through sleep-heavy eyes. Beating her head with her palms a few times for good measure, she went to stand and nearly crushed Nana as she fell. Her legs hadn't caught up with the rest of her yet, apparently.

Using the excuse to sit in the tent a while longer, she surveyed herself. Her leathers were patched with thin ice pockets, mostly around the stomache, arms, and shins. Rolling up her sleeves she could see mild frostbite there, and feel it even better on her legs.. But the part that made her blush in embarassment (mostly, her subconcious added) was where she could feel the frostbite on her face. She had to have laid her cheek to the other girl at some point. She was ashamed with herself. With a heavy sigh she whistled for Gileth who came briskly to her side. He was always a morning's dew kind of guy, to her disgust. Aponi hated mornings. Pulling a warm, thick shawl from his saddlebags, she leaned on him again.

Gileth just happened to decide he would stand beside Emily to graze. Yeah, happened to. Aponi glared daggers at the stallion, who seemed to be laughing at her. She stared at the grasses before letting out a soft, almost non-existent cough. "Sorry.. if I .. bothered your rest." She took note of the girl's effort for food and to dry her clothing. While the cause may be Emily's lack of control over her powers, the reason for this particular case was solely hers. At least, that's how she felt. She wrapped the cloth around her shoulders tighter, eyes flickering to Nana. She only had a few hours left til she was useless to this group... The group of Chosen, the only people who had even briefly ever shown her any amount of kindness in her life.. Damn it all, there had to be a reason she was here! She gripped the shawl tightly and looked up from her personal struggle to stare boldly into Nana's eyes. "Nana.. Will you help me before we leave for the mountains?"

Izaya knew that Scavery would be at the camp soon, and decided that he didn't need to worry about his now-human friend. Instead he flew through the branches after Nana had greeted Emilia. Feeling his presence, Emily glanced up and smiled, significantly relieved to see her feathered friend.

Then she turned to Nana. "..I.. Was g-going to m-make food, then I th-thought we should leave after everyone is d-d-done eating.." She was having a hard time meeting Nana's eyes, and kept fiddling with the lapel of her leather jacket. Honestly, it was normal behavior, but she was also concerned that someone would disapprove of her idea and get upset and call her incapable.

Just as Emilia stood up to go and wake the extremely sleepy boys (for why else would they sleep in so late?), when Gileth appeared next to her, making the fidgety girl jump with a high pitched squeal. Looking around she colored slightly, ashamed that she should have been frightened of the horse. Gently she pet him on his flank, avoiding looking at Aponi until she finished her first sentence.

When Emilia finally looked up, her mouth dropped open in an expression of horror. There was frost-bite on Aponi's cheek, a pale waxy-looking spot. However relieved that Emilia was that the frostbite was mild, she was still completely distraught. "D-d-d-d...I..." She made a little squeaking noise, and tears came to her eyes.

Izaya came down, landing on her shoulder, and pecking her in the head. "Stop it Izaya, I did that!" Gesturing at Aponi's face, Emilia obviously wasn't concerned about Aponi having bothered her rest. Emilia's mare walked over to try and help console the distraught girl, but that obviously wasn't working. Taking the guitar off of Elan's back, Emilia walked off towards the forest. A group of swallows, pidgeons and starlings flew down from the trees behind her and flew near her as she walked off, also hiding her from view.

Emilia would find a spot in the forest where she could sit and play guitar for a moment, Izaya would fly back after a few minutes, and drop a rabbit next to the fire. Sitting on a branch and flapping his wings to get someone's attention. Apparently the rabbit was supposed to be food.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking back in, Kamrin was about to take out his money-purse and count the profits from selling jewels and bobbles, however Raphael questioned him. "Wassit to ya? I jus' can't sit still issall." Instead of bringing out his money, he brought out his case of cigarettes, and offered Raphael one.

"Should we go 'n ge' the princess, er you wanna wait fer the lady to come n' get us?" There he went, being vaguely rude again, he couldn't help it though. Not like he cared to either. "Honestly, if you two are really people tha' the Goddess chose... I don't like ta sit around this city too long, an' I want ta see wha' we're capable of."

((YEAH BLAME ME D:<

I'll post sometime after I get shit done on my summer list XDD I just made a GIANT reply to Rising's RP >.>

For now, go RP in Maxwell House 8D or maybe I should link ya'll to my newly made zombie RP! Found in the horror section. It's called Downpour 8D))

[[A certain someone who always nags me to post should post.

>.>

<.<]]