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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:24 pm
"Those bumbling fools still out and about, playing with you two like toys, I see?" A man with long flowing silver hair and an awkward wardrobe appeared out of nowhere. "I see your alive, Locke. Though, not quite whole. Seems I was right. You'll be a lot of fun to kill..."
Locke instinctively readied himself for an attack, and his Alchemy activated almost on it's own, freezing the air around the man in the alley. "Did I just... How did I do that?"
The ice around the man melted, and he wiped some of the frost of his shoulder. "That was refreshing, Locke. I see your Alchemy has greatly improved! This deserves a proper introduction. The name is Garin. And I've been hired to kill you." He held up his hand to halt the advances of the others. "Don't worry, now, my old friend... I have no wish to fight a man who is less than whole and completely battle ready. You'll see me again... Count on it. We've yet to reach the climax of our play..." With that, Garin faded away, and was gone.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:42 pm
She watched as another appeared and readied to move though would stop short. She was still ready but wasn't sure who this man was, but knew she wouldn't allow him to Kill Locke. Not while she still loved him. "I thought you said the silver hair is rare in this world? People like her seem to be popping up everywhere." She knew if Andrea wasn't a friend and the messes were caused by her she would have put a stop to it. But since the others cared for her she would let it be. When the other would finally leave she went to Locke placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right Locke?"
Drake watched and felt a need to get to Andrea with the other appearing. He stopped realizing there was no clear way to get to her with the other in the way. He looked to Locke seeing his magic and felt a want to silence the other. Once he left though he would let Demona go to Locke as he went to Andrea and knelt down beside her, shaking her shoulder to hopefully wake her. He smiled seeing her shift a little as if still asleep and slowly wake to hold her head. "Hey there kid. You all right, did they hurt you?"
Andrea woke feeling someone beside her and opened her eyes to see Drake. She rubbed her head feeling a headache and still tired. She shook her head softly to his question unsure of what had happened. "What happened to the portal? Last I remember is looking at those shadow things coming through it." She paused a moment looking ahead to see Locke and smiled. She stood and soon went to him hugging him briefly. "Locke you're okay!" She stepped back a moment smiling lightly to see him up and about but would look a moment curious about him. "Something's changed." She wasn't sure what but thought he seemed different, and not because of his arm missing. She wanted to show him what she had gotten but wanted to wait making sure it was good time to do so first. "Are you feeling okay. I mean aside from, well, you know."
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:56 pm
Locke was happy knowing Andrea was fine, and seemingly unhurt. But her hesitance reminded him about his alchemy just now."I'm fine, Andy. Just... Well, come on. Let's get back to the Inn, and I'll explain better. I'm glad you're alright." He was very happy to see Andrea well, but her loss of memory worried him. Not to mention he was partially conflicted because of what he and Demona had done. He didn't want to hurt either of them though. Locke realized he suddenly had feelings for both Andrea, and now Demona.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:15 pm
Demona would watch her. She didn't feel threatened by the girl. She was simply that, a little girl to her. She already had Locke and didn't feel a need to fight a battle she knew she could win. She noticed Locke's reaction though and would put a hand on his shoulder. "Come Locke, lets get the others and return. You need more rest." She said softly. She cared for him and that's all she needed. She did wonder though if he loved her like she had thought earlier. She would take his good hand and soon begin to lead him leaving Drake and the girl to follow along.
Drake looked between the three seeing a sign he wasn't sure of. He would question Locke later when the girls were away. For now he motioned for Andrea to follow along till they would eventually collect Jack and Sam. "Oh Andrea, this is Sam. She's going to replace Locke's arm for us." He said hoping she would remember the mechanic from the shop.
She nodded following along. Something felt different but couldn't place what it was. She would let it go seeing him seem sad and follow along. She figured once back at the inn she could give him the trinket and see if that helped to cheer him up. She stayed quiet till they reached Jack and Sam and nodded remembering her. "I remember. I remember everything really up till just after that stuff almost crushed me." She wondered if she had been hit but knew she hadn't. It bothered her having memory loss once more, she began wondering if it was the cause for some of her dreams that felt like they had happened but couldn't place herself not being asleep when the Order had her. She looked about then started towards the inn wondering if the others were going to come along. She felt a need to stay quiet once more. There were new people in the group and she had just started figuring out how to talk to the first three.
He watched above seeing what Garin had managed to do, as well as Locke without meaning to. He sighed knowing they would need more protection now that Garin was melding in their mission. "So much for the childhood gang getting back together. Well other brother, looks like we may have to help you more then you wanted to be helped.
"Zhin, our masks are still holding. The other forces haven't found out about this town. But if rumors of the portals get around and the town surviving each, they will come to stop us and them for being watched by us."
"I am well aware of that. For now nothing has changed. We protect them. Even from Garin if necessary. We can't afford to lose Locke, not now, but we need Andrea alive. We can't mimic her gift, she's the only one like her." He looked to Markus nodding. He knew the orders as did their other companion. The portals had to be stopped, there was only one way they knew of.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 7:05 pm
Everyone was together, now. And it seemed that this group was finally reaching a somewhat decent number. Locke began thinking once more about the possibility of taking down the Order... But he put it aside for now to go see Jack. "Hey, Jack. You seem to be doing good. Got a real battle wound there, huh?"
"Yeah, yeah... Seems the past few days have been interesting for the both of us, huh?" He picked himself up, and escorted Sam out the shop. Let's all go to the Inn, huh? I'm in the mood for some stew... We should have some fresh meat still left if the Inn is still in shape..."
"Sam agreed. "Might as well. I doubt anyone would want to come by here anyways. Shop's too wrecked to be of use to anyone."
They all left, with little DK in the lead back to the Inn.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 7:17 pm
He looked about the group glad all were together. The thought of stew being a great idea. He figured he could get a horse for Sam in the morning as well as her own traveling bag. They would join in the room for Andrea Jack and himself. He noticed how close Demona seemed to be around Locke and wanted to question it knowing how he had felt previously of Andrea. He would eventually sigh as Jack fixed the meal and look to Andrea who was as usual sitting by the window and simply staring outside. He would let both be for now. Everyone seemed together and content enough for the moment.
She would let Locke have his space and sit on one of the beds as the returned to the inn and Jack began cooking. She wondered where this new person was to stay but didn't much care. She knew where herself and Locke were staying. The thought made her smile looking to him. She was glad to see the healing had given some semblance of strength for him. She wondered though how well he was really feeling. If he regretted what they had done, or if he wished to do so once more.
She sat by the window once they returned to the inn. She got the feeling she should let everyone be. She thought it better if she were seen so they wouldn't worry and quiet so she could be somewhat invisible. She wanted to think. She had mixed images trying to sort between dreams and reality of her memories. With the recent loss she swore she knew what had happened though couldn't quite grasp the memory in it's entirety. She smelled the food and turned seeing DK curled up on the table before her and pet it lightly before looking back out the window.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 7:56 pm
Jack prepared a good meal with Sam's help. He was still in a little bit of pain, so he was thankful for the help. "Okay, guys. Dinner is going to be a little while longer. So, I thought it would be good to go around and really give a good introduction so we all know where each person's coming from. So. Who wants to go first?"
Locke threw a towel at Jack. "Come on, Jack. We've all had a rough day. Let's just relax tonight, okay? I think we could all just use a stress relief, okay?" He got up for a little bit and went over to Andrea. "Hey. Are you okay?"
Sam continued to help Jack cook. "I take it he doesn't like to talk about his past much, huh?"
"No, he doesn't. But can't really blame him. He's had a hard life..."
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:02 pm
Drake listened and watched over the group. He sat near the door though and felt the presence of his shade once more. "Return" He whispered and winced only slightly as it returned to him quickly from under the door. He was glad seeing none had noticed. He gave a light smile to the corner of his mouth noticing the groups forming. He was thankful Jack had someone better then himself to speak with now, but worried for Locke. He had seen a sign he had wondered of before loosing his arm but wasn't sure what to make of it. He would ask him later though. He found no reason to start something in case it really was nothing.
She sat where she was closing her eyes and listening slightly to the room. She knew her healing would last only so long but did feel a pleasant shiver run up her spine at Locke's comment of stress relief. She would open her eyes smelling the stew and almost couldn't wait to try it. Food never smelled or tasted like Jack's creations, and she rather enjoyed it.
Andrea looked to Locke hearing him speak to see him across the small table from herself. She shrugged a bit unsure what to say. "Just tired I think." She said quickly so he wouldn't worry. He had enough things to worry about. She thought about giving him what she had gotten but didn't feel like it was the best time. "I'm glad you're okay. You had us worried, more when Drake and Demona made me and Jack leave the room." She bit her lip a bit unsure she wanted to ask more question then decided not to.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:46 pm
Locke placed his hand on his stump. "Don't worry, Andrea. I'll be fine. Besides. Thanks to our new friend Sam over there, I may have a new arm soon." He smiled, trying to get her to smile as well. She didn't. He was worried. "Andrea? Did something happen?"
Jack continued cooking his stew. "Dinner time, guys! Hope you enjoy this!" Sam handed him each bowl as he scooped some out for each of them.
"Here you go, Demona. You look like you're famished." Sam handed the bowl to her new traveling companion. "Drake? Here ya go." And that was Drake's bowl.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:55 pm
She shook her head to his question. "It's all right, just the usual. I'll get over it." She looked to him then towards Sam as she handed out the stew and thanked her before turning her attention back to Locke. "You shouldn't worry about me so much. You need to take care of yourself too." She said softly. She worried since the evening before. She knew they weren't just after her, and the three watching them made her wonder. "I'm okay, really." She faked a smile, though tried to make it look genuine. She really didn't want him to worry about her when he had his own condition to worry about.
Drake thanked Sam and Jack for the food gobbling it down happily. He had to admit Jack's cooking got better each time. "Note to self, keep Jack stockpiled." He said jokingly then pulled his attentions to the room and noticed the sun had set outside. "I say after dinner, we take one of the beds from the other room in here for Miss Sam to have. Demona, you're nurse still if you don't mind. Locke I'm sure you still need some rest and time to heal before Miss Sam here gets to work on you so rest up well."
She nodded towards the new girl's comment of being hungry and thanked her for the food. It was as good as it smelled. As Drake mentioned her nursing Locke she would nod trying to hide her little enthusiasm over the thought of such. "He's in good hands Drake, rest assured on that." She commented quietly, then continued eating.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 6:41 pm
Locke decided it best to let Andrea be. She did look like she was okay. "Okay. Well, Why don't we eat, and get some rest tonight, okay? We can decide our next course of action then. Maybe we can find a town that isn't overrun by demons?"
Jack laughed. "Yeah... that would be nice, huh? I think the next town we should all take in a show and relax. Demons be damned." He laughed again, as he readjusted the spot where he was injured.
"Well, I just don't want you guys to lose anymore of your limbs! As much as I enjoy my work, I don't like having to see so many people who actually need my expertise." She helped Jack as he moved, making sure he didn't reopen his wound.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:03 pm
Andrea nodded as he spoke and continued eating. She didn't realize how hungry she had actually been. Once everyone was finished she helped get the bed from Locke and Demona's room into theirs then turned in for the night.
Drake moved about but eventually like the others would retire to bed. He looked the three over a moment smiling at how big their group was getting now. He then laid down and let his mind drift to sleep.
Demona watched all the things going on before it would simply be her and Locke alone once more. She made sure he was well before holding him softly. "Try not to exert yourself so much. My healing can only take one so far." She smiled kissing him and holding him close. "Shall we rest my dear?"
Andrea walked into the room that seemed so familiar to her. She smiled till she realized her mother's friend was crying at the edge of her son's bed. "Miss Lyssia why are you crying?" She asked. She watched the woman smile lightly and wipe her tears.
"Because Andrea, He has to leave tonight."
"But why? Don't you love him anymore? I know he fights with my cousin, but he's nice. Don't make him leave please?" She said once more moving closer to see the one sleeping.
"I am Sorry Andrea, but he must. And I do love him as if he were my own, And he gets along with you and my other son. But sadly that is not the problem."
"Lyssia, it's time. We must get the boy to the ferryman now or it will be too late to save him." Andrea turned hearing her father and ran to him. He would smile, though only just as he knelt to pat her head. "Daddy he can't leave, he's my friend!" She said after another moment. Her father hushed her softly before taking the sleeping boy from Lyssia's arms. She followed them out in the night to the docks of her town to see the ferryman. She watched as her father handed the small blonde boy to him. "Make sure he finds a good home." Her father said. "Daddy, why does Locke have to leave us?"
"Because, we can't let him share our fate little one. Tonight everything of our home changes. Aduis is young but his visions are strong. Don't worry little one, Adius says you'll see your friend once more, and his brother Zhin." She nodded as he wiped a tear from her eyes. She turned though seeing a bright light, then cringed as explosions sounded all around them.
She sat up in a sweat from her dream. Was it real? She took a breath looking about the dark room. She sighed in relief before realizing her dream. "I remember..." She said softly. She wondered a moment more before moving from the bed and sneaking from the room. She walked across the hallway to Locke and Demona's room pausing in her thoughts. She knew she should tell him, but was nervous to. She would eventually knock on the door lightly before opening it slightly. She was about to call to him but would stop realizing what she saw in the darkness. She quickly and quietly closed the door and sighed heavily. She knew something had been different. She wasn't sure how she felt about it, though felt sad all the same. She shook her head deciding when he was better decent she could talk to him. She crept back to her room making sure not to wake any as she went back to her bed. She wondered if she should try to sleep.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:04 pm
Morning had come, and Jack was already preparing some eggs and sausage for breakfast. "Thanks, Sam." She had handed him some more eggs. "Could you go ahead and get some tea started? I think we should go out today and see what we can salvage from your shop before we leave, huh?"
Sam got some water boiling. "That sounds good... Might as well, We'll have to get ourselves a cart to haul all the spare parts. Good idea for when I make the arm."
Locke and Demona came into the room from across the hall, a little tired still from last night. "Hey, everybody. So, what's the plan for today? Anything I could do to help?"
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:21 pm
Andrea woke hearing Jack cooking and looked about rubbing sleep from her eyes. She took note of Locke and Demona entering as everyone seemed to be together and awake. She simply sat there a moment more wondering what she would do for the day. She decided to sit there and think some not sure she wanted to talk to either Locke or Demona.
As the two cooked Drake had gone out to gather another horse and supplies for the group. He sighed knowing he was spending a good amount but knew they would need it in the end. He returned in time to see Locke and Demona awake and with the others as well and smiled. How it should be everyone of them together.
She smiled waking beside him. She would rub his shoulder softly to wake him as morning came. Soon she'd dress and help him joining the others. She did enjoy Jack's cooking though preferred a private meal at the moment.
Andrea sighed inwardly looking towards them all before getting up once more. "Hey Demona, Can I show you something?" She would wait for the response but once she nodded she advised they'd be right back and head to the hallway out of ear range. "Hey, um, I have something for you to give to Locke." She pulled the pendant she had found for him the day before and handed it to her. "I found it yesterday, but I think you should be the one to give it to him."
She looked to Andrea puzzled a moment then at the charm. "It is pretty. But why wouldn't you wish to give it to him?"
"I don't want to worry him or anything. He seems to like you, and thought it may be nice." She wouldn't say more seeing Demona nod and place the charm necklace in her pocket. She then turned and headed back to the room. She didn't want to explain anything so simply went back to the window looking out.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:02 pm
The entire gang had finished dinner, and now was ready to head out into the town and see if they could help anyone with simple repairs, or the removal of rubble. "Hey, guys. Come into the hall with me. I wanna see if I can try something." Everyone followed Locke out into the hallway, where the large hole in the ceiling was. The rubble from the ceiling lying nearby. "Since this latest incident with that Garin, guy, my Alchemy has been different. More powerful. So, I want to see if this would work. I'm going to try and transmute the ceiling back to it's original state. I don't know how much energy I'll use, but I'm hoping you will all help just in case..."
Jack nodded. "Go ahead, Locke! We'll be here to help!"
"Just don't crush us by accident, okay? I'd like to live to be married one day!" Sam waved a wrench around threateningly.
Locke nodded, and placed his hand on the pile of rubble. With his Alchemy, the rubble dissolved into the floor, and almost magically reattached itself back in place in the ceiling!
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