The Clouds Gather Arc [Completed]

[Undying]

Lebanon. Once, just another regular Arabian country. But no more. The few remaining humans prowl the streets in fear, hiding in the shadows and trying to avoid eye contact with even their closest.

The Akuma are in the streets.

Even though no word is said, even though more people act normally (except the few who develop a zombie-like behavior while murdering their neighbors (the ones that are still human), people know.

They know, and they fear.

The darkness grows every day.

The skies are clouded.
_____________________________________________

The telephone rang annoyingly loud, and Komui (asleep, he hadn't had any coffee in three hours), didn't want to wake up. But the phone wouldn't shut up, and thanks to the powerful ringer (Reever's fault, he installed a ringer five times the power of any regular phone) the handle flew right off and landed straight on Komui's head.

That jerked him awake, and he picked it up.

"Yeaaaawn?" He asked, the word turning into a massive yawn right in the middle.

"Komui, this is the Finder Gilbert of the Lebanon recon team! We have encountered heavy Akuma resistance and we are as of yet unable to locate the General! Please-!"

He was cut off by a gurgling sound as something attacked him. Komui, fully awake, immediately shouted into the speaker, but it was too late. No answer came.

"Drat..." he mumbled, putting the phone back and standing up (and dropping around ten different stacks of paper standing on his table in the process). "The Lebanon reconnaissance team... this is bad..."

He proceeded to issue a call to the rest of the Exorcists, summoning them to the main room from the various wings of the HQ. When they all arrived, he stood before them and very seriously began explaining.

"We're in deep trouble. Apparently the team that was sent to look for a missing General was slaughtered and had not yet located the General. We are therefore sending you to find and retrieve this General."

"Wait..." said Jacques, clearly voicing everyone's suspicions (except maybe Angie's and Anna's, but they were optimists), "if there is something there capable of kidnapping a General... isn't this suicide?"

"True," replied Komui, "but I have absolute trust in you. Your skills so far have proved that you are excellent warriors and should have no problems getting in and out."

"Where is it, anyway?" Asked Hei, standing further down the line of Exorcists.

"Lebanon, in the middle east. Just of the coast really," Komui replied after a slight hesitation.

"Lebanon?" This time, Jean intervened. "I've heard the place was overrun by Akuma! It's virtually the Earl's stronghold! Almost as bad as Japan, by all accounts!"

Komui nodded. "That's why we're sending you in."

"Us?" Rave, who remained completely silent, deep in thought until now, stood forward. "What the hell? Komui, even if we are, as you said, 'excellent warriors', we wouldn't last five minutes in there! I wouldn't be surprised if the Noah just descended on us and started kicking our asses right off the bat!"

Komui waved him to silence. "You're not in to fight there! You're to gather information and if possible rescue the General. Otherwise, you are to keep your presence secret, and to maintain a close watch on the situation. Engaging the enemy is unadvised."

The Exorcists shuffled and muttered among themselves, clearly having plenty of misgivings over this sort of mission. Regardless, they could do nothing against orders.

Rave shook his head as they left the place.

"The clouds gather."
------------------------------

Rules:
- This is an actual arc.

- Noah strategic superiority: Noah have unlimited numbers of Akuma of all levels to call upon should they require it. Also, unless the Exorcists are hidden from sight (inside a building with no one in it, beneath the ground), Noah and Akuma have full view of their situation (Akuma scouts).

- Exorcists who fight with Akuma stronger than level 1 (and most of the fights will be against such creatures as this place is swarming with them) will have their HP reduced by 5 points per three fights (assuming they are fighting and not just running away). This is to represent tiredness.

- Your final destination is the Rachid Karmal Fair location. The dome is surrounded by a makeshift wall and Exorcists must scale it before they enter. No team is allowed to start in that location due to it's role.

Map:

You will use this map to orient yourself around the city. As you land in different locations, you must RP which location you have landed in, and who are your teammates. Make sure that you are correct at your placing, since you will be completely separate from other groups.

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3708/tripolimapmm2.jpg
Area 1
Nicholas
Dies
Hei
Annabelle
Kaze
Takai
Rexus
Angelique
Crescent
Christopher
Dinnin
Jarlaxle
Area 2
Leiko
Jean
Jacques
Takeshi
Hiro
Area 3
Xavier
Constantine
Rave
Dimitri
Flathalas
Dante
Luke
Sicarii
Scyfrost
Leraje
Violet
Leraje
Area 4
Area 5
Area 6
Area 7
Zero
Area 8


Map rules:

Green numbers dictate defensive value of an area. The higher the defensive value, the greater the chance that the attacking force (whether it's Akuma/Noah or Exorcists) being ambushed, while a low defensive number indicates that there is a chance that the defending force is ambushed.


- The longer a force has been in place (3 posts minimum, but not just short ones, there has to be a sense of time in there), the higher the defensive value gets - 1 point per 3 posts.


- You can not pass through enemy occupied Territory.

- You can not rush to aid from the other side of the city. If a battle starts, only those within the same space will be of any aid. People will need to be very nearby to be of any help in a conflict. This will benefit group planning and positioning. Losers are ejected to where they came from, where they must all come to/regroup.

- You can't Blitzkrieg your opponents as you will have to stop and reassess your control over your minions.


Note: Undying and Blitz are going to duke it out this arc, so keep away b*tches!

[Tyekanik]

Traveling via ship which the exorcists have for themselves, they have gathered on the deck to figure out a basic setup for when the ship reaches the port of Tripoli.

Well, all the exorcists seemed to be milling about rather than figuring out who was going to go where once they landed.

Geh, I hate not knowing where I'll be.

"Question!" Hei interjects into the crowd, gathering the attention "Are we separating into groups when we get there, and if so how are deciding them, and if we don't have a system to decide who wants to be in a group with me? After that I'd like to figure out which area to head too." Giving his best public smile, Hei states his question.

Ah, this'll get everyone moving a little. Too bad I don't know many of them still, I'd be able to find a group faster.

((I'm rping my questions :p))

[Yamamoto]

"Well assuming the enemy is expecting us, which I'm sure is the case." Jean replied, "it would be suicide to go full frontal. Even though the thought of being in one big group may sound ideal for safety, it also means once they spot us, we all would be forced into battle."

Jean eyed most of the exorcists and continued, "Also, some of our fighting abilities and styles may clash with one another. I suggest we split up into groups with people who can compliment each other's skills and enter from different points in the base."

"And who will be in each group?" Hei interrupted.

"Shall we ask Rave? I think he knows most of us the most," suggested Jean turned to Rave.

[Anarchy]

Dante was in his room below deck with Luke. Dante wanted to know what would be the plan when they got there so he left luke and went to the main deck where some of the other exorcists were gathered.

"So my friends what's the plan when we get there?"

_________________________________________________________________

Occult was in their world listening to the conversation when a dark chill came over him.

"Occult, O~ccu~lt, It's been a while. Do you remember me. I can't wait until I come out. That Constantine is a lovely chap for freeing me. Oh don't worry you'll remember when I'm free again. Well The body will remember how I used it. I'll be nice and tell you that my name is Ezekiel Godsend. I'm not sure if Dante can hear this but if he can I wonder what he is thinking. Oh well I must go now, I'm not strong enough to seize control quite yet."

"What the hall was that. DANTE DID YOU HERE THAT!?"

_________________________________________________________________

Yes, I did. This gonna cause us some trouble. I can't remember who he is but I'm sure he's come out before because the body was burning up. Like it wanted him to be out. I'm gonna leave him to you. Be careful I don't him getting out and hurting Luke.


Alright I'll do my best Dante. He seems like he will be tough. Until then.

Dante tuned back in just in time to catch Jean asking if they should ask Rave about something.

[Kabane]

"Lebanon? Good."

There were few countries that Nicholas liked. Lebanon happen to be one of them because of it's proximity to Italy, he only need to take a short boat ride, and it's proximity to a large body of water. It's connected to the Mediterranean.

The boat ride was as enjoyable as Nicholas could imagine. The sun was shining brightly, the ocean waves were calm save several "slaps" to the bow of the ship that Nicholas himself created, and the entire boat was relatively empty. Nicholas had a hand in doing that. Apparently rumor had spread that this specific ship was infected with a polio infestation. The crew urged the public it was not true, but the passengers did not want to take the chance. They had heard of several Polio epidemics in the Americas, from which this ship originates, so they were already somewhat worried. The rumor only made it easier for Nicholas to clear out any other stragglers.

Unlike fresh water, salt water was a little harder to tame. With the heavy deposits of salt in it, it was harder to freeze, making Nicholas lament NEEDING to freeze salt water. When in the vicinity of salt water, Nicholas generally fights using the liquid state of H2O only. In addition to this, salt content varied depending on the location, places like the Dead Sea would differ from say the waters of the Gulf of Mexico so he would usually use his time on the boats as a training session with the water to which he would get used to. This also explains his lament of regular humans on boat rides. Aquamancers aren't your every day people. Regular humans tend to run and scream.

Nicholas looked over the side of the boat, which was still mostly silver, unlike other boats he saw that have rusted into near oblivion. He saw several fish jumping out of the water as if wanting to catch food falling from the sky. Nicholas' eyes wandered to a port hole window where a little girl was throwing bread over the side.

Naturally.

"Hey mister! Whatcha looking at?" A young voice said from behind.

Nicholas turned around to see a young Italian boy dressed in fairly lower class clothes. He looked like he had worn the clothes for days, there were several dirt spots on his white shirt as well as a tear in his pants. The vest he wore over his shirt seemed to have a sauce stain of some sort, but it was masked somewhat due to the vest's brown color.

Nicholas avoided eye contact. Blind people cannot act as if they know where you are. Out of the corner of his eye he could tell that the boy had a face of pity on. He must have immediately made the association that white eyes = blind. Good for him.

Sometimes Nicholas grew tired of this blind charade he had to play. Uncle E was the one who actually suggested Nicholas to play a blind fool. It would make others easier to play into his hands. Who could resist an orphaned blind boy?

"Oh... sorry." The little boy said.

"It's fine. I was listening to the ocean. The waves make beautiful noises as they hit up against the ship. It's relaxing." Nicholas replied.

"Really?" He says in an intrigued voice. "Let me try."

"Micheal! Oh Micheal!" A woman cried out, her hands at the side of her mouth to amplify her calls.

"I'm over here Mom!" The little boy shouted back.

"Let's go. We're going to get to port soon and we need to hurry to the fair!" She screamed.

"Why don't they just move closer. They're quite loud. The wrong people might hear them. Like me for instance. I could use this to my advantage." Nicholas thought to himself.

"Just a minute, Mom! I want to listen to something." He yelled. He crept over the edge, climbing on the first of three horizontal bars that make up the guard rail. He straddled over the edge, the top bar across his waist, and closed his eyes.

Bingo.

Nicholas moved his hand slightly, a large wave slapping the opposite side of the ship. Micheal lost his balance and began to fall forward.

"Micheal!!!" His mother screamed, beginning to dash toward the edge.

Micheal began to fall, yelping. His body was flipped upside down, feet above his head as he swung over the edge. Before Micheal could begin the descent to the cold and unforgiving ocean, Nicholas grabbed his feet at the last minute, Micheal dangling at the mercy of Nicholas' seemingly weak hands. The mother quickly arrived after, assisting Nicholas in dragging Micheal onto the deck. She let out a sigh of relief as she hugged and kissed Micheal repeatedly, as he attempted to swat her away at the notion of having affection shown in public.

"Mom stop it you're crushing me." He squealed. Her hug was extremely tight, as if she were never to let go under any circumstances. The plea he said made her release, after which she immediately moved on to praise Nicholas.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!" She began to shower Nicholas with the same "affection" she showed her son, kissing him on his cheek.

"Really ma'am" Nicholas said, trying to keep the mother's face off him "It's no problem at all."

"There MUST be a way to repay you." She said, still trying to kiss Nicholas on the cheek.

"No please miss... if anything, just stop kissing me." Nicholas replied. Now then... let us start...

After Micheal and his Mother calmed down, they formally introduced themselves to Nicholas.

"Yes, well then... I am Julianne and this is my son, Micheal" She said, holding him close to her hip.

"Nice to meet you" Nicholas replied, "I'm Nicholas."

"Hello Nicholas, what brings you to Lebanon anyways?" She asks

"The Fair"

"Of course! That's what we're going there for. My husband has a booth there right now, we have a shipment of goods to bring him."

"Goods?" Nicholas asks.

"Just antiques."

"Ah, I see."

"Are you going straight there?" Julianne asked. That's when Nicholas grinned on the inside.

Bingo

"Yes."

"As are we. Do you need a ride? My husband has a paid taxi ready."

"No, I don't want to intrude. I'll get my own taxi."

"Nonsense, You're coming with us, it's the least we can do."

"If you really don't mind." Nicholas replied. His internal grin from ear to ear.

[Ryuzaki]

"Tch, so this is where that old fat uncle of ours sends us, eh? Is this even right Dies!?" My foot landed in a nearby swampy creak, frogs were croaking every second and filled the small valley with loud echoes. "Because... we're in a damn swamp in the middle of a forest!?"

Stepping out of the mud, we shook off the dirt from our shoes and headed up the hill. Still wiping away the cream pie from before, I could hear the giggles of Dies echoing as well. "I'm going to blame all of this, on you... Dies.."

"Now, now. I'm sure uncle E. sent us to the right place, let's just look around a bit that's all." Dies said to me as we were walking up the steep hill to see what just lied over there.

"If the Earl made a mistake of sending us here, he's going to get it.... o yes he's going to get it..." Finally making it to the top, we both peered over the hill at the same time, to see where we were exactly. "Well, looks like we're good after all..." The wall of the Rachid Karami could be seen a couple miles away ahead of us. It looked very big, even from this distance.

"So, shall we be on our way Dies? And let's stick with our light form the whole time until we see any of those Exorcists, is that alright?" Dies nodded in agreement, "Okay then, it shouldn't take too long to reach that place, I wonder how many Akuma are in there anyways?"

Just as we started walking, to my surprise, Chris, the Akuma, ran over here along with a couple unknown Akumas. "Why are you guys here..?" I asked them with a smile on my face.

"Lord, Millennium... sent.. us.. here...to escort you." He was sucking in air trying to catch his breath from a long sprint here probably.

"O did he?? Well, let's hurry, I want to clean my shoes right away, I can smell the stench of the old dried up mud already..."

[Lethe]

Shinju quietly yawned as she sat on the railing, listening in on what the other Exorcists were saying.

Although this was the ideal mission for her—and as the first mission since coming back, she couldn’t really complain—not having Serenade around bothered her.
Even if it was just a little.

Shinju sighed to herself.

Let’s see… she thought, looking at this group, I’d say that I only know around 3 of the Exorcists at most. The rest I haven’t really talked to since we’ve been gone for so long, so this might get a little troublesome… What if—

Just then the ship began some minor rocking back and forth, completely throwing Shinju off balance and nearly into the ocean. Luckily she was able to catch the second railing on time.

She pulled herself up and sighed once again.
This is going to be one heck of a day.

[Wacer]

Dimitri sat in the corner of the deck as the other exorcist thought out a plan of attack on Lebanon. They would have to make sure they knew just what the hell they where trying to accomplish there because without some sort of idea they where going to get thrown out of the city in no time flat. Lebanon was a virtual fortress and was not a place to be trifled with.

Dimitri stood from his corner of the deck to go and join group but winced as pain shot though his still charred legs. With that he though it better to stay where he was less one of the others see that he was still not 100% and think he was week.

Dimitri saw Dante appear from somewhere below deck and perked up a little bit thinking that he would get to see Luke but old sour face was by himself this time. That would just too bad as teasing Dante was just too much fun. Seeing that Luke was not coming out his mood soured once more, he would have to go see him later.

Dimitri turn his focus to the group once more just in case they need his option on something.

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

((Interesting Arc :D Good one!))

Kaze was standing on the deck of the ship with the other exorcists, while Takai was standing near the edge of the railing, enjoying the cool sea breeze. Takai made sure he was not standing too far away, and he was still within earshot.

"Alright, I suppose we will get Rave to pick the teams," Kaze was saying.

The older brother, Takai, only smiled and took out a pair of sunglasses (shades) and put them on.

"sometimes," he decided. "Its nice to have the younger ones to do the talking."

[Ejarel]

(Flathalas)

Up and down. Up and down.

I think I'm gona be sick.

Mummified in bandages and then carred up to the decks "for a bit of sun and wind", the medical crew of the ship had promptly left Flathalas to himself for a break. He didnt recall when was the last time he had felt this silly.

The waves did not help. As the ship bobbed up and down with the waves, Flathalas had noticed that his stomach churned together with the rocking rhythm of the sea-faring vessel. At first, he had thought it was the terrible meal he eaten earlier.

Darned waves.

Feeling for his dagger, he began hacking away at the strips of cloth around him.

Ha. Much better. I wonder if I see anyone familiar here.

[Jacxis]

Scyfrost looked around the deck at the Exorcists, trying to find a familiar face and not succeeding. The woes of being a newcomer.

Oh well, at least this beats doing paperwork for Komui, he thought.

Presently, he saw an Exorcist hacking away at his bandages. Walking towards him, Scrfrost extended a friendly hand.

"Hi, I'm Scyfrost," he beamed.

[Ejarel]

(Hi Kaze! You here too! Maybe I should get Leraje here heehee)

"Hi, I'm Scyfrost," he beamed.

Looking up from his work, Flathalas looked up and smiled back.

"Flathalas," he said, shaking Scyfrost's hand. "And, erm, welcome to the Black Order I guess. Well, I heard that this mission is going to take place over quite an area, so in case we're not in the same team later, good luck."

Flathalas scanned the deck. So many Exorcists have been gathered here, eh? We'll surely stick out like a sore thumb to the Akumas.

[Seff vi Britannia]

"You know Constantine, given our abilities, the two of us could get there very easily."

Dies turned to him with a lopsided frown upon his face, and Kujaku siezed the oppurtunity to leap onto his head.

"You could turn yourself to light and i could walk through another dimension. Well, nevermind..."

In truth, that would be boring. At least this way Dies might see some action.

"Besides, the Earl never said... which objective he requires us to complete. The killing of a target, or the finding of the general. I guess the greedy bastard wants both, heh."

"Weeeeeeeee"

Dies had whispered to himself, but the ball of fluff on his head had seen it fit to reply. Such an inappropriate moment... yet the Noah wouldn't have et any other akuma get away with behaviour like that... it just seemed that he felt responsible for Kujaku somehow.

Dies turned his attention to the akuma that had showed up.

"Thanks, but it won't require all of you. A small team is often better for missions like this, and your presence could be better used waylaying any exorcist forces. One of you should come, and the rest will remain."

I expect Constantine's akuma will accompany him, making two-man teams when we get split up. But i'll leave the decision up to him.

"Our destination is several miles west. If we proceed through the inner city, it will be much faster than taking a sideways route, but also much easier for Exorcists to ambush us. Which is why i have another proposal for you, Constantine."

Kujaku bounced off Dies' head and walked up to the other Noah.

"My Akuma, Kujaku, has a rather special ability. He can instantly locate and translocate both himself and anyone he is touching to another being, provided the person has given them permission. If you were to feed him a single drop of your blood, it would allow me to regroup with you instantly should we get split up after an ambush. In addition, Kujaku can transport all of us back to the Earl's place should our lives be in grave danger. You don't have to, but i think it might be a good idea. I don't know about you, but i'm not wasting time going round the sides. Through the city, and let's get stuck in."

Leaving Kujaku hovering by Constantine's feet, Dies began to walk straight into the twisted mass of houses and streets, people and filthy vermin, that called itself Lebannon.

He had someone to kill.

((current location: Area 2 moving into area 4.))

[Undying]

((I sleep and I get left behind O.o))

Rave ran a hand through his hair, looking around at the Exorcists gathered. They wanted him to pick the teams. What the hell. He wasn't a leader! He was just a lazy bum who wanted nothing more than to sleep his ass off all day long.

But since they insisted...

"All right..." he took a map of Lebanon from his pocket and studied it for a few moments. "According to Komui's information, the General is located somewhere near the Rachid Fair. I suspect that we'll see some sort of a defensible structure there to indicate the location of said General. Now..." he looked at the map, studying the areas carefully. "If the accounts of the situation there are even half true, then the place is swarming with Akuma, and probably Noah."

He studied the map for a few more minutes, then asked for a pen from one of the Finders and designated several areas on the map.

"Area 8 is our destination. However, if we aim to reach it from one direction only, then we will most likely fail. So..." he pointed to the different areas. "We will split into teams just like you suggested and come at it from different directions, thereby increasing the chance that at least one team makes it there."

He looked around again, judging.

"I know some of you, so I'll assign whoever I know. The rest will just have to pick a team and hope their abilities match."

"Hei and Jean will be team leaders for areas 1 and 6. Split your command there and use your tactical knowledge to gain as much knowledge of the area you can. Then regroup in area 4 before you attack."

He looked around again, pondering how to best construct the teams so that they have highest tactical advantage. He trusted in Hei and Jean to be excellent leaders, but he also realized that he must give them proper aid.

"Kaze, Angie, and Anna will go with Hei . Hiro, Dmitri and Jacques will go with Jean."

"Uh, Rave?" Hei piped in, "what about the others?"

"Dante will be team leader for Area 5. He should be able to pick his own teammates, I am certain."

"But what about you?"

"I will go to area 3, alone. I have a small score to settle with a certain someone and I know he will be there."

His tone indicated that he will not answer further questions on that matter, so the rest started asking other questions.

I know you are out there, Xavier... and I know that you and I are going to meet.

((Refer to the map for areas and defensive values, teams are Kaze/Angie/Anna/Hei and Jean/Hiro/Jacques, and Dante and whoever he chooses. The rest can stick to whatever team they want, except Rave, who will go alone :p.

@Zee: Come on tough guy, let's make that one fight they won't forget))

[Toukestu Zero]

Zero sat on the railings of the deck and stared out to the clear blue sea.He took in a deep breath. "Ah, fresh air,"and looked down on his copy of the map. "Looks I'm going to area 5?"

He began chewing on his ninth bubble gum and blew up a big pink bubble simply. He have been practicing for years.

Getting bored, he started pelleting passing seagulls with chewed,sticky gum.

((What about Takai, Undying?))

[Yamamoto]

((Now you know what I felt like when I woke up this morning xD I've also taken in Touketsu Zero for my team.))

Jean's team landed just outside where the map was marked area 3 and began to find shelter in a nearby sea cave, under a tall cliff where no one would spot them from above.

He glanced at his teammates, Jacques, Hiro, Dimitri and a new exorcist named Zero, taken in after Jean found the guy looking bored and chewing on pieces of gum. Jean always had a soft spot for newbies.

"So, what's the plan?" asked Dimitri, as for the third time he looked in every direction, making sure no one spotted their landing.

"Well right now where just outside Area 3, where Rave said he would go alone," Jean pointed to the corresponding point in the map. "We enter right here," moving his finger south, "At area 6."

"Ain't that a bit far?" Hiro interrupted.

True it was a bit too far. What was Rave thinking sending us to this area?

"If we move quick, they wouldn't expect us to be that far inland just after we landed."

"Makes sense," Jacques concurred, and with this everyone nodded in agreement. "So how do you propose we get there undetected?"

"We'll have to improvise."

"I saw a small town at the end of that headland over there," Zero pointed to a headland in the east, where a lonely lighthouse towered over a quaint little town a few metres away. "Perhaps we can find some sort of transportation."

"But first we would have to risk our cover getting there through the wide open beach." said Jacques.

"Well we better hurry up now, while the coast is clear."

[HolyMoon]

"Uh, now, which group are we, Crescent?" asked Rexus while eying the other exorcist.

"Who knows," replied Crescent while reading a book.

"Hey, you've to get serious now," said Rexus "We are going in groups."

"Okay," said Crescent, sighing, while closing his book. He don't recognized any of them. Well, this the faith of the newbie like me, he thought. "Let's ask Hei's group, Rexus."

----------------------------

"Hi, there! Can we join?" smiled Rexus "I'm Rexus Hellford, and this is.."

"Crescent Vell. Nice to meet you," said Crescent while nodding his head to the senior exorcist.

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

((@eja: LOL hello. Well its up to you :p

@Hei: I think we should pick another additional exorcist or two, provided there's extra after Dante pick of coz, cause Anna rearely posts (which means we'll have to RP her character) and Angie has something at the moment, so we'll have to RP her character until she returns))

Takai was still leaning against the railings, staring into the open sea. Since no one told him which group to go, he suppose its up to him, unless of course Dante picked him. He saw Kaze grinning, and remembered Kaze had a group aready. He snatched a gum from Zero's hands and threw it at Kaze.

Kaze sidestepped, causing the gum to land on someone (anyone wants their character showered in gum? :D). He smirked at his older brother, and returned his attention to the group.

Walking over to Flathalas, Kaze smiled (a normal one this one), and said, "So we meet again!"

[Tyekanik]

((Yeah, just got up myself, for now I'll get Holymoon's guys, unless he wants to split them up then we can get one of his and one of whoevers. Anna doesn't post much? hmm. We can do something about this I assume. Hey wait thats the character you hit on isn't it? Hehe, I'll leave it to you then :p Egads, only Angie is within a decade of my characters age!!!:())

- "Hi, there! Can we join?" smiled Rexus "I'm Rexus Hellford, and this is.."

"Crescent Vell. Nice to meet you," said Crescent while nodding his head to the senior exorcist.

As Hei was surveying his team, only one two of which he had worked with briefly in Germany, he is approached by an additional two exorcists. Also neither of which he knew.

Placing a palm to his head he reaches a realization - "Drowning in a sea of bishounen on this ship. Really, exorcists would last longer if they wouldn't send out kids." Then turning to properly greet the newcomers, Hei welcomes them to the group.

"Pleasure to meet you, Hei Ashur. You two are welcome to join in my group as well if you would like. We'll be securing a harbor region so extra hands will only be a blessing." Smiling warmly, Hei extends his welcome.

Looking to the exorcists he has been placed in charge of -

Wait, since when did I become team leader material, a few weeks ago I was getting the 'make more friends' speech.

At this point Hei seems to be lost in thought.

((I'll be rp'ing more with you guys once I see how they act firsthand, plus before we actually do anything need definite word on the 2 additions))

[Ejarel]

"So we meet again!"

Flathalas smiled grimly at Kaze. "Heehee, so we do. You know, after the previous missions so far, I'm having a bad feeling with so many of the Black Order around here. This may very well be the turning point for us, depending on whether we make or break."

"Anyway, then, team leader, " Flathalas chuckled,, gesturing towards the general direction of Area 1 "Shall we?"

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

((Hahaa, i'll ask Anna again. :D lol, so your character is a seasoned veteran? If you dont mind, i can drag Takai along too? After all its easier to RP both of them (or 3 if im RPing Anna) if they're all in the same location. :D))

"hahaa yea," Kaze said. "Its like almost the survival of the human race depends on this. Although somehow it will work out."

Then he turned back to Hei.

"yea, nice to see you too," Kaze grinned. "hopefully i wont be a burden, or you can always leave me as bait for the akuma."

He paused for a dragmatic effect, and added. "No, im kidding."

Laughing at his extremely stupid joke, Kaze studied the map again. "Mmmm..." he muttered as he tried to memorise the entire map. "So Hei, where will be starting?"

[Jacxis]

Scyfrost:

Better follow along, eh?

As Flathalas and Kaze greeted each other, Scyfrost walked up towards the group of Exorcists bounded for Area 1.

"Hei, Kaze, Flathalas, is it?" Scyfrost asked. "I'm terrible with names, you see. Say, do you mind if I join your group?"


Violet (Akuma)

My my ...

Violet concluded that she didn't like being an Akuma. For one, she could not see past the reason for fighting, though Exorcists were a totally different matter altogether. That was survival. Still, the faster she got this done and over with, the more time she would have to relax.

Flying upon her broom, Violet laughed silently at the irony; an Akuma in human form dressed as a witch atop a real flying broom. The broom wasn't supposed to fly, but the Earl had made it so. "A parting gift to his little witch", he had said.

"If you say so." Violet muttered.

Since she was newly dead, Violet was not attached to any of the Noah, nor was she in command of the clusters of Level Ones in this vinicity. Good. The price of commanding was hard work. At least she had the foresight to evolve herself into a Level 2. More freedom. More power. More time to relax.

Damn. I'm good.

She flew above the stricken town, wondering what to do.

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

"Hello again," Kaze greeted Scyfrost. "I see a lot of new faces. Maybe we exorcists still have a fighting chance after all."

"anyway," he continued. "Which group do you want to join? Im with Hei, while Flathalas is.. well i dont know." He gave a apologitic wink to Flathalas.

[Tyekanik]

((Well, veteran in time just not in Exp. :p Also I'm not going to be able to accept everyone, Rexus and Crescent would be 6 - your other character 7, Scyfrost and Flathalas would end at 9 and with our active numbers - more than 7 I think is too many as it would be taking from other groups - I only say seven cause we'll have a few casual posters from what i hear :winking56 ))

Feeling a little swamped Hei does the mental calculating to figure out that the current set up will need a few changes. The ship was nearing its destination as well, things needed to get sorted out rather quickly.

"I'll need a minimum of two of you to go with another group, as you are all somewhat free to decide, I'll leave it up to you until we hit shore. At that point its my decision to split up whoever I wish." Looking at the growing shoreline, Hei closes his eyes and thinks about the last time he was in Lebanon.

They've always liked this area, but rarely do anything major. Usually it was enough for a few people like me to be stationed throughout a region, now I'd laugh at whatever fool tried to send me into Tripoli with only two other guys I'd never see during my stay.

"Several of you seem to get along, thats a bonus I suppose. Just remember that noise is going to be an enemy in this place, they've had more time than we, so Akuma are going to be everywhere from the start."

((I'll be good with landing and whatnot soon as we have good count in our team))

[Ejarel]

"I'll need a minimum of two of you to go with another group, as you are all somewhat free to decide, I'll leave it up to you until we hit shore. At that point its my decision to split up whoever I wish." Looking at the growing shoreline, Hei closes his eyes and thinks about the last time he was in Lebanon."

Flathalas shrugged and turned to Scyfrost. "Well, we'll just have to see when we reach shore, eh?"

Leraje:
(lol and here I am talking to your Akuma, Jacxis)

From Greece to London, and then to this godforsaken town, Leraje was truly sick of flying. Truly truly sick. So very very-

I see a pretty Akuma.

Leraje rubbed his eyes and blinked, but there was no mistaking the sight of a witch flying atop her broomstick. He shook his head again.

All right, this is it. No more fairy-tale books for me.

But the hallucination didn't seem like a hallucination, so Leraje decided to talk to her. If she responded, then she must be real, because imaginations don't talk back.

"Hellooooo," Leraje said, trying unsuccessfully to prevent the incoming wind from blowing into his mouth and thwarting his pronunciation. Unavoidably gulping in a huge mouthful of air, he coughed and gagged.

[Kabane]

(Current Location: Area 8)

Nicholas stepped off a horse-drawn carriage. The ride from the dock to the arena was enjoyable. Nicholas had to force small talk, but it was a small price to pay. Most of the ride he stared out the window, Julianne and Micheal must have thought it strange for a seemingly blind man to be looking at scenery.

The fair was busy. People were everywhere. Even though Lebanon was an extremely heavily akuma-infested territory, not that they knew so, people seemed to be drawn to this Fair. Here, Nicholas and the two others parted ways.

"Thank you for the ride." He told them

"No problem" Julianne smiled. "Just holler if you need any more help. You know where to find us."

"Will do." He replied back.

He continued waving until they were lost in the crowd.

Nicholas walked into an empty alleyway. "Styx." He said.

Styx appeared just as told. He had come to Lebanon earlier to do reconnaissance. With the fair, there was increased human security. Apparently that made them feel safe.

"Let's go." Nicholas commanded

They walked out of the alley and started towards the sea.

If they were to defend this area from Exorcist intervention then he needed a large supply of water.

[Undying]

((Um, guys, try to keep the groups balanced, you're going against an army of Akuma with those pesky Noah around, so you'll need to keep the groups balanced - and also remember to check if your powers can add to the other members of the group before you join, ok?))

((Rave))

Rave leaned back on his chair, looked quietly at Hei, who was talking to a few other Exorcists. He figured that Hei was wondering why he was put as team leader, which somewhat amused Rave.

He recognized the potential in him. That was it. Hei and him were very alike, in a strange way. Both were unsocial and had trouble making friends - well, Rave had trouble caring about his friends.

Not anymore though. He changed. He now felt responsible for his teammates, felt that he wanted to bring them all home.

When did it start? Why did he start to care?

Germany... back when Xavier defeated him, was it? Maybe. Maybe it was slightly after that, when they catapulted off the train on their way to Greece.

He couldn't put his finger on it, but somewhere along the way, his uncaring personality remained only as an outer shell, and on the inside, a warm-hearted, friendly guy who would defend his friends - his 'pride' - at any cost.

Hei was, unlike him, just not very social. His abilities made it difficult for him to operate alongside others - fire wasn't a friendly power. Nevertheless though, Rave felt that Hei would be the best as team leader. He was smart, creative, and responsible (even if he hadn't realized it yet).

Look at me. I'm friggin' 19 and I'm already talking like an old man. Come to think of it, it's all Lenalee's fault. Yes, certainly.

His Innocence suddenly trembled, and sent - amazingly - a sensation of disapproving glare through him. Strange, that an Innocence of the Equipment type would react this way - parasitic types tended to share emotions.

Now that he thought on it, he had no idea of the Innocence's name. Even Kanda new his sword's name, Mugen, but Rave... Rave always thought of it as a tool. Maybe he was wrong after all. Maybe Innocence was more than just a tool.

Or maybe not.

He closed his eyes, waiting for the arrival.

It also occurred to him that he sent at least one team deep inland, deeper than might be expected. He knew that he couldn't disclose the reason to anyone. It was on purpose.

He wanted the Noah to separate as far as they could. He wanted a one-on-one match with Xavier.

He wanted to prove to himself that his ideals of pride and honor weren't wrong.

______________________

((Dinnin and Jarlaxle))

"Why won't you let me feast on them?" growled Dinnin, sitting cross-legged on a stone in the entrance to a natural cave overlooking the area. Jarlaxle didn't bother answering, intent on watching the shore. He felt the small device he put inside the Exorcist boy drawing near and almost grinned, but kept his poker face.

Dinnin, angry and hungry, stood up and began to pace around, kicking dirt.

Jarlaxle kept watching the shoreline.

They will be here.

And he intended to get rid of as many Noah as possible while searching for information about the mysterious plans the Earl hinted on earlier.

[Ryuzaki]

((You and your Akuma traitors Undy, lol. And this is directed towards Dies btw.))

"My own blood? So all I have to do is have this little guy eat some of my blood?" looking at the Akuma I put my arm out, "Here make it quick... I can't believe I'm asking for help from an Akuma.... ughh...." The Akuma quickly bit my arm and tasted some of my blood. "There, that's enough right?" I said while pulling away my arm immediately.

"Yeah, now let's get going... And Constantine... were you planning to split up and go with the Akuma or stay here with Kujaku and I?" he looked at me with a gloomy face for a first.

"Are you kidding? Who'd want to stay with them? Ofcourse I'm sticking with you two, now let's get a move on." I could see the happy expression of Dies after I said that. "And let's not use that teleportation technique, we may just have a little fun walking on our way there..." I looked at the both of them while we continued walking towards the walls of Rachid.

Half an hour later, we finally reached the gates, an Akuma graciously greeted us and let us into the forsaken city. It looked very different from any other human civilization, due to the fact that Akuma had been rebuilding and constructing it to their liking.

"This place looks disgusting... the main fort better be a lot more homier than this..."

(Seff,you can RP us getting the fort and checking up on things to see how everything is going. Then we can go Exorcist hunting. xD))

[Seff vi Britannia]

((entering area 8))

Dies slipped through the gates into the international fair, now turned into an Akuma stronghold. The defences, while enthusiastically built, were somewhat lacklustre. Dies did what little he could, producing negative lancers - embedding into the floor all over the entrances of the area. He signalled to the largest akuma he could see - presumably the one in charge, instructing him to summon any who have trap-making abilities to reinforce the defences. After a few minutes of work, Dies turned to Constantine.

"The large numbers should be able to fend off most exorcist assaults, but i'm concerned about what would happen if the exorcists were to attack from behind - coming from the Sea. Nicholas would be the ideal person to form a defense, really."

Dies gestured to a small, level one akuma, instructing him to find Nicholas (and, therefore, Xavier), and request his assistance at the international fair.

More to the point, Dies would rather shrug off the responsibility of defence and go exorcist hunting. One in particular. The akuma, however, had other ideas.

"Lord Nicholas is already in this area, Lord Dies. There is no need for me to fetch him."

Dies grinned. Even better, then himself and Constantine could move out of this area straight away.

"Fantastic. He needs no instructions from me. Constantine, i believe we can g- Kujaku! No!"

After Dies had turned away from the Akuma, Kujaku had latched onto him, (the akuma) and was attempting to drill holes in his head. Dies grabbed him by the tail, throwing him from the akuma, who was promptly dismissed with a gesture of the hand.

"Listen, we're being serious now. When we leave this area, we're going to encounter a lot of resistance, and i need you to help, not hinder me."

Kujaku straightened up, and a serious look entered his eyes. He no longer latched onto Dies for a free ride, but scampered along by his side.

Dies looked to Constantine.

"Ready to go? If so, i would propose we headed for area 1. It's a short walk north, and something is telling me that's where we will find the exorcists. I'll leave the decision to you."

[Undying]

((Don't worry Ryuzaki, I will only get so much in your way :p. Btw, Rave will arrive with the last Exorcists and move on to Area 3 to wait for Zee))

((Dinnin and Jarlaxle)

"They are here," Jarlaxle couldn't hold a slight eagerness in his voice.

"Will we start eating?" Dinnin was simple.

"No. We're moving. Now."

They both left as fast as they could towards the Exorcists.

On the way, a level 1 Akuma appeared from nowhere, staring as usual like a zombie.

"Yes?" Jarlaxle recognized his unwilling scout, a former member of the Wolves' Brigade.

"Constantine and Dies and Nicholas are here. They are here. They are-"

Jarlaxle stopped listening and considered the situation. Dies was notorious for being quite the murderous bastard.

But, if they went Exorcist hunting...

"Follow them," he commanded, and then added, "from a distance."

The Akuma nodded and vanished. Eager to obey.

Jarlaxle changed their course slightly, making sure they were to move near to the Exorcists.

Things were heating up already.

[Ryuzaki]

((Haha, you know that Noah > Exorcists > Akumas Undy. I'm at the top of the food chain. :p))

I looked and stopped to think about what Dies just proposed to me. "So you really think that there will be atleast one of the Exorcists I need to kill there, don't you? Well I trust your judgment, so let's get going to Area 1 then. I want to see the ocean again anyways, since I've grown up near the seas it will remind me of my home a little." We continued to walk towards the ocean.

"Hey look I can see the ocean from here! It's pretty far away though. But we can make it, right Kujaku!" Kujaku nodded at Dies in agreement.

"Well we have plenty of time before the sun sets, so we may just make it to that small base there in a few hours or more."

Walking over the border into Area 1, the sight of the ocean was even closer than before, I could almost taste the salt from ocean in the wind. Peering to our right, we saw a group of suspicious looking humans walking towards the direction of the Akuma base around this area.

"You don't think... they're Exorcists right?" I put my palm to face in disappointment.

"I thought you wanted to kill the people on your card though Constantine?"

"I do, don't get me wrong.. but those ants over their or not them... they aren't even worth my time..." looking over the Dies who seemed to agree with me. "But since your itching for a kill, why won't you have a little fun right now? I'll watch from the sidelines this time... how about it?"

((These Exorcists can be one of you guys if you want, so if you feel for a battle(and losing) then feel free to jump in. ^^))

[Seff vi Britannia]

((It's on, exorcist dogs!))

Dies eyed the group of humans. If they weren't exorcists then they were definately finders, though it was too far away to tell. Either way, Dies would kill them.

He approached the group from behind, stepping outside of time. He had a few little tricks to show off. Ripping a hole in space, he reappeared in front of the humans. Exorcists.

"Why hello there... my name is Dies of the Noah clan. Perchance, would any of you be the one i'm seeking to kill? What was the innocence name again... bloody blades?"

Dies smiled sadistically, adrenaline pumping through his blood.

((This is to the exorcists in area 1 (kaze, Anna, Taikai, Flathalas, etc. @ Ejarel, don't die yet - it's not time for our showdown. Dies probably won't attack you - YET. Should you wimp out of the battle, i'll fight a load of NPC exorcists. It's up to you. ^_^. But dont wimp out, or else.))

[Ryuzaki]

((Ejarel is offline, and I think the others are as well. So maybe you can kill some nameless Exorcist in the mean time Dies. =P))

"Boy, you're in quite a mood to kill some humans aren't you Dies!?" I yelled across the battlefield trying to make him even more pumped up about killing the weaklings.

"If you want me to put a barrier around us so they don't escape I'll gladly do so... I don't want your prey to run coward on you..."

Putting up my hands, I waited for his response from the other side of the battle field, whether he wanted to barrier up or not.

((You can RP Constantine putting up the barrier if you want it Seff. =P))

-------------------

((Christopher))

Reaching the main fort, Chris entered in the same building as where the General was being held.

"So any word on the battle field yet, fellow Akuma?"

"Actually, Christopher, ys there is. It seems that Lord Dies and Constantine have met up with a few Exorcists in Area 1 and are about to commence in battle. Besides that, there isn't much going on except other Level 1 Akumas being killed by unknown Exorcists.."

"I see! Well, I would go but maybe I should wait for reinforcements from another Level 2 Akuma. Then I'll go greet some Exorcists and try to kill them for our Noah Lords..."

[Undying]

((Yeah Ryuzaki, you keep telling yourself that. It will feel so much worse when you fall. As Count Dooku said, twice the pride, double the fall))

((Dinnin and Jarlaxle))

They were just swinging to the harbor, ready to go to the ship and follow whatever group of Exorcists was more likely to win the fight - Dinnin's speed allowed them to cover miles in a matter of minutes - and then the Akuma they sent after Dies and Constantine reported in.

"They attack the Exorcists, they attack-" He repeated again and again, but neither of the two Akuma heard him already. Notifying his location, they sped there at once.

Jarlaxle couldn't suppress a slight grin at the thought of all the surprises that Dies and Constantine were about to meet.

[Currently at area 4 moving to area 1, will be there in the next post... with presents]

[Seff vi Britannia]

"No need."

Dies counted quickly, and under his breath. There were two exorcists in front of him, and another had slipped out behind him. Three. None of them were the one he had fought in London.

It's all fair game then.

One of the Exorcists let out a brief cry- "Noah!" before Dies had leapt forwards, landing on the Exorcist's shoulders. He flicked his right hand and several shimmering blades appeared. Dies proceeded to plunge these into the exorcist's head. One entered his eye, instantly decimating the viewing organ. The others scraped across his skin, lacerating his face. Dies kicked him backwards, turning and raising his arm to block an attack from behind. The attacker was a tall, blonde exorcist who had summoned a large sword made from what seemed to be granite. Dies grabbed the blade with his arm and hurled it from the man's grip before stabbing him through the chest with his dimensional daggers.

Dies turned to face the last exorcist. It was a girl with windswept auburn hair and piercing blue eyes. She smiled gently, and Dies stepped back, chuckling softly.

"Aren't you going to activate your innocence?"

In return, she gave a prosthetic smile.
"I already have."

Her face seemed to morph, turning into a wooden texture. She gestured with her hands and vines shot up from the earth, coiling around Dies. He slashed these in two with his lancers, proceeding to throw back his arm, ready to hurl the deadly implements at the exorcist. His hand stopped in it's track, a coiling vine wrapped around it. The exorcist smiled.

"Gotcha, Noah."

Then the image of Dies faded, leaving just an empty, coiled vine.

"Sorry. Had i moved three seconds later, your attack would have connected."

The Noah plunged three lancers through the back of her neck, puncturing the voicebox and piercing through the windpipe. She died instantly.

Dies looked back to Constantine.

"Amusing for a while, but ultimately boring. Killing cannon fodder isn't going to be entertaining. Shall we continue?"

((Undies, whatever you're planning is going to fail. :\))

[Undying]

((You know Seff, your level of underestimating my ability to put you Noah through misery never ceases to amaze me...))

Dinnin and Jarlaxle arrived just in time to see Dies murdering some Exorcists. Jarlaxle shrugged and went to a run-down shack. From within, a single member of the Wolves' Brigade appeared, carrying several small detonators and a single grenade. It was basically a slightly altered cannon ball.

"Everything is ready, Commander," he said with a clear Russian accent. Just as he finished speaking, the sound of a docking boat turned their heads. Three more boats arrived in that moment, all carrying five or six men armed with large gun-like contraptions.

Or so they seemed.

With information gathered from many Exorcists and several Innocence he was sent to retrieve, Jarlaxle created something that even the scientists of the Black Order had never even dreamed off - a substance that replicated the effects of Innocence.

Highly explosive and dangerous even to users, they would still greatly damage Noah.

"Good. Spread out and assume positions, and be ready for the signal. We'll use the... presents, later."

The tough mercenaries grinned. They didn't understand their leader, but after they saw the Noah and Akuma murder people, they figured that "Brian" was right saying he wanted to fight the "evil".

It was ironic that he was on the "evil side".

They spread out.

[Location - area 1]

((Exorcists, you're lucky, today Dinnin is going to help you...))

[Shiku]

Hiro leaned agains the railing and looked out into the sea and let out a deep sigh, the sea was calm and the wind was soft, the sun shone brightly onto the ship.
The salty air made Hiro's cuts from the previous mission sting and he thought about the where abouts of his brother.

I hardly get a break now...I should go visit Alex soon...if i can get a break...

Hiro stretched and continued looking out into sea.

[Tyekanik]

As the ship docked at the port of Tripoli, he made ready to set foot on the docks with His team.

"Ok, Kaze you and your brother or whatever, Annabell, Angelique, Crescent and Rexus. If there are any issues with this we will be mixing and matching later to suit the needs of the field anyway. Lets move out." Slightly terse, Hei commands his team off the boat and onto their section of Tripoli, the harbor.

Unlike most bustling circa 1900's docks, this one was almost....dead. There was no activity save for the bare minimum, as akuma attacks in this city were already overwhelming, forcing most to stay indoors to live like animals in holes - only coming out when they needed to meet a requirement of survival.

Surveying the buildings, Hei chose a shipping companies headquarters as a place to start and set up a temporary base.

"We'll be going over there, to that building with the ah, stripes on it." Not able to speak Arabic, Hei points.

"Looks sturdy enough, maybe a little posh too." An exorcist from behind him says.

"In any event, lets go make sure that if anyone is in there, they aren't in by nightfall. Not that I like to push the citizens around, but we aren't here to play nice. If someone doesn't want to listen to you, use force and be prepared for them to be an akuma."

Oh my GOD I feel stupid. What can I say but the most generic advice! Dammit that Rave! This is where I swear to do a good job or something. Some form of internal motivation to succeed just to spite him, but I'm too lazy for that shit. I'll be happy with nobody dying. If everyone lives I'll praise his decision, just quietly so I don't look conceited. I'll also blame Cloud later, that always makes me feel better.

Now at the entrance to the shipping companies headquarters, Hei takes a moment to listen for noises coming from inside. There appeared to be several people inside, though not enough for an active shipping company. Could be squatters, akuma or company remnants holding out in one of the sturdier buildings around.

"Kaze you and Anna....Kaze...Kaze stop harassing Anna. You two go around to the side and be ready to enter through a window or knock hole in the wall if you feel like it. I'll go in the front with Takai, Angelique Cresent and Rexus you guys go up to the roof. It'll be nice if this is for nothing but I'm not lining us all up nice and pretty if they enemy already inhabits this place."

((and will our brave heroes have to fight for their base? Hell if I know!))

[Undying]

((Hehehe Tye, Hei now hates me XD))

((Rave))

Rave got off the ship, walking purposefully towards the designated area on the map. He moved as fast as he could without running. He wanted to arrive there, but not tired.

Grasping his Innocence tightly in his left hand, he set out to move to wards Area 3. The sensation that he was in over his head troubled him, but he couldn't stop himself.

He needed to fight Xavier.

He needed to prove that he was right.

[Wacer]

((Shirou just what are you doing, you know we are in a sea cave, just out side the city with Jean's team XD, not on the ship))

"So we are going to be moving outside the city" Dimitri questioned

"Yes it will be too dangerous to move within the city and we will be spotted by akuma to easily" Jean said

"Well i know they will not be expecting us so far in but was it really wise for rave to send us so deep in the city" I said still unsure

"Well if we all where to land at the same place the noah would have to easily a chance to have us surrounded" Jean added

Looking over at Jacques, Hiro and Zero they seemed to be satisfied with that, and giving Jean his nod of approval Dimitri too was ok with it.

"Alright if no one has any other questions we need to move so we can make good time, Dimitri you will take the front seeing you are the fastest here and be out head scout, hiro and i will make up the middle and Jacques and Zero will make up the rear" Jean said laying out there formation

With that the rag tag group made there way from the sea cave and made there way across the open beach to out skirts of the city. lucky they where far enough from the city not to attract action. The group made quick work of navigating around the outside of the city and in no time at all where standing outside the entrance to area 6.

Dimitri made quick work of scouting out the area for any dangers as the rest of the group caught up

"Well I guess we should get this party stared" Dimitri joked turning to show his big grin to the rest of his teammates

((I Sorry if i RP you too much kensei_viz it was just hard to do this without you talking so much XD))

[Askand]

Angie decided to explore the ship while the trip was taking place. At times she just giggled like a baby when the ship moved violently. She was happy cause the trip was getting funnier by the minute. When she managed to found the kitchen she soon befriend the chef and managed to bake several trays of home cookies. Being a bit home sick she thought by cooking she will regain her good spirits and also bring some joy and coziness to the rest of the people inside the ship.
The smell of the cookies brought some crew members to the kitchen asking for some. Angie was suddenly bursting with joy and happiness and with the cook’s help she was delivering cookies to anyone. Soon she found her group. Apparently Ravi-chan had already giving the instructions and she once again was lost. Not wanting to bother Ravi-chan, Angie approached Anna and Kaze who were near the rail talking with other new members of the order.

“Hi Kaze-kun did I miss another meeting?”, she asked with a bit of embarrasement.

Kaze smiled at her and nods. He kindly filled her in about the mission and the fact she was teaming with him and Anna again. Angie offered him some cookies then she went to give Ravi-chan another surprised hug which this time annoyed the hell out of him.

“FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IT’S RAVE NOT RAVI-CHAN!!!!!” was the shout heard on the whole deck of the ship.

Kaze chuckles and whispered softly “Angie 1 Rave 0. Man this is going to be fun” and with that he went back to the group.

(( After this I will be integrating with the group. I’m only to be able to post on the afternoon’s since the mornings I’m working. I will be up as much as I can. Thanks Kay and Undying for helping on this *hugs*))


(( Ok this is after Tyekanik;’s post. God help me LOL ))

After giving some hugs to Ravi-chan, Angie followed her group and noticed how Hei acted.

“Wow he could use a hug or two.” She thought for herself but instead of following her instincts she decided to obey his order and went to roof.
“It’s time to get serious; a lot of lives depend on my work here.” She thought.

Ignoring the others stares she took out her dress and boots staying on her suit and she then started climbing the buildings till she got to the top. Once there she stared at the dessert city and took a deep breath.

“How sad is the picture, but then again it will turn colorful and beautiful once we get the akumas out of here,” said Angie on a low voice. With a smile she keep looking around while thinking on a pleasant thoughts.

(( Well I will let the rest of you post. Have fun))

[Anarchy]

((so since I don't want to feel to lonely I'm dragging two random Exorcists from our boat with me. . . XD))

Psh, Like I'm doing this alone with Luke.

Dante went up to a young boy roughly around thirteen years old he had black messy hair and black eyes. According to what Dante had heard around this boy would be useful.

What was his name again? Oh yeah Toukestu Zero.

Dante grabbed Zero and lifted up by his shirt.

"Hey you're coming with me to Area 5. This is a direct order from your superior. Rave told me to find some team mate. So with your power. I should do better than the last times we encountered Luke's rival."

"Alright I'll come you just put me down."

"Follow me there is another we need."

Dante wandered around the ship until he found the person he was looking for. A man a little younger than him. He had white hair, gray eyes, and stood about 180cm tall. Dante grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.

"Yeah your coming with me too Flat. I'm gonna need your help too. No use in refusing I already made up my mind. Now then I'm gonna sleep a bit more. Please introduce your selves to Luke if you see him."

Dante went back below deck to his room where he bumped into Luke leaving to grab some food.

_________________________________________________________________

Luke entered the mysterious cargo haul and grabbed some food. It wouldn't be long until they reached Lebanon. All the training he and Dante did should have paid off but he won't know until he uses it. As he finished an apple he sensed a lurking akuma but when it quickly disappeared.

Must have been my imagination.

Luke left a few crumbs on the floor for the mice and a few mice for the cat that had snuck aboard because of it.

Eat up get strong a darkness is approaching. All of gods creatures need to better there skills for the Noah are near.

"Yeah Dante would say that."

Luke laughed a little as he went back to the room to sleep a bit more.

[HolyMoon]

((uh oh, here we go... now I REALLY hope I won't mess up or become a burden for you all! >< God, bless me! ))

-----------------------

Crescent and Rexus go for the roof, together with Angelique.

'Bad wind.... ,' thought Crescent 'Hope this won't turned bad.'

"How is it, Crescent?" whispered Rexus "Can you use your 'Sixth-sense ability to see through this building?"

"Yeah," replied Crescent in a whisper while starring to the roof below him "There are 14 people or more. Or akuma..."

"OK. Do you hear that, Sir Hei and the other?" said Rexus in low voice to his golem "There are 14 people or more."

He received a "yes" from each his fellow exorcists.

"Then, we just wait for your signal to enter the building, Sir Hei," smiled Rexus.

'The party begin....,' he thought.

------------------------

(( we will make this into a fight, Tyekanik-san??? then I would be glad XD , this is my first fight, if so. I'm wondering if I could make a good fight. Yey! First experience, here we go! I'm writing it now, and it had take 2 M.Word pages long! OMG! XD ))

[Kenken]

((I'm tagging with Dante (Kaden) while I look for Kensei's character, hope that's okey))

His first mission already... He was expecting to be given one soon, but not this soon. "Oh well, the sooner the better i guess"

Takeshi got out of his quarters in the boat and walked towards Dante's, an exorcist he would be teaming with while Takeshi looked for Jean Montreal's team. His mission consisted in helping Jean find and rescue the General who went missing in Lebanon, a city full of Akumas. Sure he has confronted akumas in groups before, but an army of them? "It doesn't matter, I'm not going to die just yet. Not until..."

Takeshi stood in front of Dante's room and knocked. "Who is it?", asked the voice inside, possibly Dante's.

"It's me, Himura Takeshi, I'm going with you into Lebanon to help the exocists already there find the missing General. I was wondering what our plan was once we get there."

[Anarchy]

Dante opened the door and showed Takeshi in. Dante sat him down in a chair while he took the end of his bed.

"Well the only plan I have is to go to my area (area 5) search there until I'm positive our General isn't there and then move to the meeting spot, Area 4. I'm sure that this particular Noah that is after me and Luke will be there as well so be careful. Anything else?"

[Artemis]

((OOC: First mission, first real RPing post. So, uh, feel free to shoot me down if I've done something wrong... <.<))

Hitching rides with various Arab merchants wasn't exactly fun. Idealistically, Sicarii would have left with other Exorcists and arrive in Lebanon via a more classy form of transport.

This turned out quite the opposite.
Luckily, Sicarii had hooked up with an extremely friendly merchant who was on a return trip back to his home town, in which the target city was on the way.

Now it was all about the waiting.

[Kenken]

Takeshi listened to Dante explain the plan wiht his full attention.

"I'll probably do the same then, search one area and then move on to the next one." Takeshi said, and stayed silent for a while. "Especially since you might face a Noah, and our priority is to find the Gerneral, I'll help you fight it, unless it is some sort of personal matter'' Takeshi finally said.

Not long after both exorcists heard something outside. Takeshi in mediatly went out of the quarters to the deck, and looked. "Dante, i believe we're going to arrive soon. We should get ready."

[Ai]

((Current Location: Area 1 Just Near The Boundary of Area 2))

Gabriel calmly stepped out of the other side of the Earls portal, Ahead of him he could see the port dock stretching out into the sea, Behind him was a marshy swamp a bit of a distance away, From it he could sense the presence of Dies and Constantine.

Trust the Earl to send me somewhere else

Whilst Gabriel was musing this a Horse Drawn Taxi rolled past with a familiar feel to it..Jerking his eyes up Gabriel cursed as he recognised the White eyes staring out of the box...Nicholas...The carriage was on the road headed for the Fairground, Which made sense..The overwhellming presence of Akuma coming from the Fair was both a blessing and a curse..Once inside that mass Gabriel would be hard pressed to sense what was going on outside it..However he had planed for just such an eventuality luckily..

Whistling on a level higher then human ears could hear so it seemed all he was doing was blowing the dust off his fingertips Gabriel summouned his Akuma back to him.

A small time later the gaseous Akuma came drifting down from above Gabriel and settled in front of him.

"Show me what I need to Know" He ordered of the akuma and watched as it spread it'self flat like a tv screen and showed an exorsist along with a small group of Russian men standing beside boats..They were discussing the contraption laid out in front of them...

An Innocence creating device...How odd..I wonder...

((Clickzor (http://forums.bleachportal.net/showpost.php?p=2349362&postcount=36)))

"Slave, Disperse and show this to all the other Noah in the city...Once this is done return to your original task"

Given it's orders The Akuma spread it'self again and split into many parts which all heading off in a multitude of directions towards his cousins...

Leaning against a nearby building side Gabriel thought for a second then as another Taxi headed towards the Fair with passengers he grabbed onto it's back calmly as it went by and hung on for the ride to the fair..

I've warned the family of the device..It's up to them to decide what they want to do about it


((To All Noah...Watch out for the Mercenary's...Also retrival of an Innocence creating device would be highly adventageous to us..:p))

[Anarchy]

Dante felt the ship come a stop and made a motion for Takeshi to follow him. The three went to the deck and waited for the other Exorcists to gather into their groups.

"So Takeshi, this should be fun. Don't die on me I'd hate to bury any more friends."

"Yes, Dante I understand."

"Luke that goes double for you."

"I'm more worried about you. It's still not stable yet. . ."

"Stop worrying would you please. Your giving our duo a bad name."

"Well it's a trio if you count my new brother Dimtri or Occult."

"Wait Occult?"

"If you read my file you would have seen that I have a split personality. Don't mind that now the other two should be here by now."

The three of them wait patiently for the other two members that Dante so aptly chose.

[Artemis]

"Young man, we are here."

"Hmm? Much appreciated, sir."

"Are you sure Lebanon is such a good place to stay? I have heard rumors from my travels..."

"Rumors should remain rumors. Do not worry about me. But I greatly am thankful for the ride."

"It is okay. Peace be with you."

"And you too, merchant."

The merchant's cart along with the horse pulling it slowly road away, until the arid head and vapor distorted Sicarii's sight of him.

Sicarii had reached Lebanon, thanks to the hurried old man. Although, he was unaware of his exact location and his skill at reading maps was much to be desired.

He walked past the gates, entering a city of emptiness. He weaved from building to building, hoping to find a Finder or Exorcist to help him out. He doubt he'd be able to hold his own ground if multiple Akuma attacked.

He hoped to find company.

((Yeah... Finding me would be good. *nudge* <.<'))

[Jacxis]

(lol Ejarel I guess let's stick together for now ... )

Scyfrost:
Scyfrost watched as the ship neared the Lebanon. All too soon hell would break loose here. He closed his eyes and concerntrated.

Innocence. Activate.

The air around his gloves condensed into solid ice, shattering upon the deck. Good. The humidity of the air was just enough for him to create ice with minimal effort. Beside him, Flathalas watched the horizon with an unreadable expression on his face.

(Anyone looking for two more Exorcists to join their teams? If not we'll have to solo)

Violet (Akuma):
"Helloooooo."

Violet turned towards the source of intrusion. Another Akuma. A kid, too. She sighed inwardly.

"Yes, child?" she replied.

"You're real!" the Akuma gasped. "And I'm Leraje."

"Violet," Violet said, a thought forming in her mind. "What say we team up and fight? The sooner we get this done and over with the sooner I can leave this place."

And relax.

Of course, she kept the last comment to herself.

[Ryuzaki]

“Hmph, looks like they’re giving you some trouble there Dies… are you sure you don’t need my help. I could step in for you, it’s a generous offer don’t you think? Ahaha!” I said at Dies while fixing my top hat, which was about to be blown away by a gust of wind.

“No way… I can take them on no problem.”

“Alright… I’ll be right back then….” taking my leave I headed down the small hill, “If you’re not done with them by the time I get back, then I’ll have to finish your little fun, haha.” I threw my toothpick on the ground as I said that to him.

A few minutes into my walk, a strange looking Akuma came to greet me, she looked like she had some urgent news to tell me. “Noah-sama, Noah-sama! I have urgent news!” I didn’t say anything since I wanted her to continue with what she had to say. “It seems as if there is a “person” around here. Yes, he is near this exact area and I need you to, Noah-sama, to help retrieve this “person”.

“What are you talking about Akuma…. so you want me to search for this “person” now??”

She looked at in fear for a second, “Well, you see… we have the location of the “person” but the location is underground and only the power of the Noah Clan can do it.”

“Pssh… what a pain… I refuse to dig though, so if you want him or her so badly, then dig yourself. SO I make myself clear Akuma….”

“Y-y-yes L-Lord… but we will do the digging, all you need to do is u-un-unlock it….” She seemed very desperate to get this person out so I decided to play along.

“Lead me to the site then…. I’ll follow.”

After a mile of walking we arrived at the scene to where the digging was to commence. Three smaller Akuma appeared and immediately started to dig at the spot where it was supposedly located. A few minutes into the digging, they were about one-hundred feet below the surface and they heard a loud noise after striking something very hard. Brushing away some of the debris, they noticed a huge golden tomb, about twenty feet across.

“Damn… so this is what you guys wanted… a dead body full of gold. Not bad, I may just take some of it for myself.” I started to laugh at myself for wanting to steal something from the dead. “It looks pretty interesting, I wonder who it belongs too….”Jumping down into the huge hole, I slowly examined the tomb to see if there was anything in particular. As I was searching I noticed a interesting seal on the top as I brushed more of the dirt away. “What can this be I wonder? Is it the key or something?” I glared at the Akuma, “You better have the key Akuma…”

“O of course I have the key!” She whistled extremely loud right after she said that. All of a sudden, a familiar voice came along and started to scream in agony.

“Why must you bring Lero here out of everyone! Lero~” I starred dumbfounded at Lero, wondering why he was here in the first place.

“You’re the key I suppose….. I should have known….” I took Lero and shoved him into the key spot and he let lose red glowing energy to the whole tomb. The old ancient symbols started to glow red also, and slowly began to turn until it was unlocked. “Am I going to see some dead mummified person in here Lero?” I got no response from him as he was trying to catch his breath from the exhaustion. Opening up the seal, I lifted the tomb open…

[Kenken]

Takeshi looked around, while Dante and Luke looked into the distance.

"Dante," Takeshi called, " It seems there are more exorcist in the boat, I'll go and talked to them, I won't take long"

"Alright Takeshi, be alert however, this place is as dangerous as Japan" Dante told Takeshi, "We could be be attacked anytime, any minute"

"I will be" replied Takeshi "see you later guys.." And he went off where Jacques and Hai were talking.

[Fect]

((I got RPed to everywhere. I just got time to sit down and read it all. Thanks guys. And I'm not being Sarcastic.))

Rave sent us far inside... I wonder... Well, we're sure to be noticed, so the faster we move out, the better. I don't want the Noah finding us.

He checked his jacket: 4 metal rune-written crosses, and 3 Flashes.

The energy was flowing out of the buildings nearby, and a dark motionless air enveloping the streets, just passing for the exorcists. They moved in their hoods through the streets, unnoticed. Their new position gave them a good sight of the area. At least we can see out here, and it's great for making pot shots.

[Midare]

(Location: Area 2)

Walking out the portal, Leiko looked around. "Kuso... I hate this type of weather... " she complained.

".... I just hope I can find that exorcist so I can get over with this as soon as possible". Leiko was in her light from and really, her wearing a black costume in this place was quiet illogical, but she didn't mind at all.

She could feel it. The presence of the other Noah and some Akuma. "As soon as they doesn't get on my way, I don't care about them"

Just when Leiko was about to jump to to sky, she saw one of those disgusting gaseous servant akuma of Gabriel coming to her.
She looked at the amorphous akuma and simply asked: "So? what are you doing here?".

The akuma simply showed to her the information its master ordered him to communicate. Leiko frowned at this.

"What? an innocence creating device?... does such thing even exist??".

After showing this information to her, the akuma vanished in the air.

"Well, I think that I'll search for that too and if I find that exorcist in my way I'll kill him and then keep looking to that device"

((I know... short post, but I'm really tired and that's a problem for my inspiration. Besides, I don't know if I'll be able to post here often since I'll have busy days at work -__-'))

[Seff vi Britannia]

Wiping the blood from his blades, Dies stared into the spot Constantine had been standing. The battle had taken no more than ten seconds, and in that time Constatine had taken it upon himself to go gallavanting.

"Kujaku. Show me Constantine's location."

The akuma bounced onto Dies' head, telepathically showing him Constatine's whereabouts.

"What the hell is he doing at a dig sit? God-damnit we're supposed to be performing the slaying of exorcists, not treasure hunting! Kujaku -"

Dies was cut off in his rant as a small Akuma appeared in front of him. One of Gabriels.

"Lord Dies! Lord Gabriel sends word."

"Show me."

((For the record Ai, it's a group of Akuma. xD. That's Undies' Akuma character.))

The Akuma flattened itself as though if had been steamrolled, and it's surface began to ripple as it displayed the picture. Dies snapped his fingers and the Akuma stopped playing.

"Akuma? The creation of innocence? That's interesting. And i'm pretty sure that was on a boat - we're near boats."

Dies stared out to sea, as the glistening silvery waves bounced off the side of the boats that littered the port of Tripoli. Then Kujaku piped up.

"Feeling rather slow today, Dies?"

Dies grinned at both Akumas, gesturing to Gabriel's servant first.

"Thank you, akuma. Give my thanks to Lord Gabriel."

The akuma nodded and bounced off. Dies looked now to Kujaku.

"It looks like our first port of call is Triploi then, haha."

Kujaku snickered.

"That was quite good for you."

Well, we should wait for Constatine, but it'll be sooo boring. I can use Kujaku's ability to catch up with him later, kukuku~"

Dies shoved his hands in his pockets and began to walk towards the boats, Kujaku in tow. He had some blood to spill.

[Artemis]

This is absolutely sh*t. Where the **** am I?

No contact was being made. He assumed it was because both Exorcists and Akuma had better things to do than target him. Despite this, Sicarii calmed down after a small, quiet fit of cursing and managed to locate himself somewhere in Area 3.

The 'somewhere' though had much to be defined.

Sicarii started to wonder whether this was the correct city at all.

f**k.

[Z_Blitz]

((Area 3 eh? Sounds fair))

Xavier:

As it always the case, I got left behind by Nicholas. He didn't care about the pairing that fatso set up, and frankly neither did I.

"Still though... Where the hell am I? The street names are all in French which is an advantage to me. Heh, just goes to prove how tyrannical this country of mine is. All heil Napoleon? Heh..."

Unfortunately, Cassandra wasn't around to see me shine in my moment of humorous glory; then again, being the comedian has never been part of my persona, it was always more of a Dies trait.

I wonder how is that gluttonous jester doing with Constantine? Never mind... It seems I have company.

A couple of dozen akuma appeared in the foggy texture in front of me. Their round sturdy appearances and distinctive canons only meant one thing; level 1.

"So much for loyal servants... And I suppose you are supposed to be the ones leading me out of this mess?"

An akuma heading the pack hovered closer to me, his canons directed at me and ready to fire.

"Oh... Conformed? Did that wretched Cross beat us here? Or is it the workings of one of his disciples?"

The akuma fired, and I easily dodged, only to look eye to eye on a myriad of akuma bullets showering the area. I shrug off the piled dust and rocks on my coat before going berserk on their behinds. It took me no more than a couple of minutes to wipe the area clean, leaving only on Akuma at the mercy of my feet.

"Who sent you?"

"G-uh... Such is expected from the person who is destined to kill master's disciple."

"A bug from Cross eh? Is he here?"

"Hehehe... Master has long left for Japan. There is no way you'd be able to catch up with him from now."

I irked at the comment and reached for a tobacco roll from my cigarette packet.

"Tch! Tyki got all the fun again. Lucky bastard."

I walked away sparing the akuma's life which he did not hesitate to throw away by attacking my back.

"What battle etiquette do you even KNOW? You should know better, never attack a man whose back is turned towards you..." An eruption of air formed under the akuma, taking the form of a pillar extending from earth to the heavens skewering the akuma. "He's a man full of surprises."

With that I walked westwards while once more looking at the Knave of Diamonds I held in my hand. The picture redrew itself into the name:

"Rave Pendragon"

((I'll leave the meeting to you Undies))

------------------------

Cassandra: Entering Area 1

Helpless without her guardian, Cassandra roamed the streets of Lebanon just like she was instructed by her master. She was not to jump the gun and aid her master unless she was told to. To the unknown, Cassandra looked like she was diligently carrying out her duty, but to the Noah and the Earl who knew better, they'd see that she was crying and wailing frantically waiting for her master's call. As the sparkles of the black tear dropped down her cheek, Cassandra said her first word in the past 7 years.

"Xavier..."

---------------------------

Raphael:

Being late and taking the longest route to any journey. These are two of the most prominent characteristics that Raphael was infamous about in the black order. He rode a ship that took off 3 hours after the one that his other allies took and headed to Tripoli while skirmishing the European shores. The ship belonged to a merchant who agreed to take Raphael up to the coasts of Tripoli without docking. It seems that rumors of the akuma taking control of the country spread around the country, making it a nigh impossible feat for even merchants to dock.

"I'll swim."

[Artemis]

Sicarii La-Ahad was not one to yell in frustration or anger.
Though the recent stress of being lost in a somewhat ghost city and being apparently surrounded in Akuma was taking the toll on his habitual silence.

He continued to lay low and move as fast as he could, possibly trying to make it for the ports, where he assumed at least one other Exorcist would be lingering there.

The map was fairly detailed, although without Sicarii knowing how far he had traveled into Area 3, it was extremely hard to realise if he was entering a new area or just walking in circles.

Sicarii could feel it was going to be a long time before he could do something that benefited him than running forward.

Being useless was apparently the only talent that Sicarii could show at the moment.

((I'm entering Area 2. Since I have a vague idea on travel times and what's going on, if I do something that isn't right, feel free to yell/scream/shout at me. :)))

[HolyMoon]

“Please wait here, Angie-san. Me and Rexus will enter the room to check whether they are akuma or not,” said Crescent.

Both Crescent and Rexus quickly jump inside the room. The sudden movement made by the two startled the people inside the building. Some of them quickly jump from their position.

“No need to be afraid,” said Rexus to the people, then he saw there were kids there and gave his best smile “We won’t harm you. We will take you to the safe place.”

He gave a signal to Crescent to move to the side, to prepare if those people were akuma. Crescent caught the signal and did as he was asked. They wouldn’t know when the akuma would change.

“Oh, it’s Sir Exorcist!” The people cheered, many of them standing now “We are safe now!”

“Yeah! Thank you for coming, Sir, because…. YOU SAFE OUR TROUBLE FOR SEARCHING FOOD!!!!!”

Half of the people there suddenly tear apart and become akuma level 1. There were 1 akuma level 2 among them.

“Innocence, activate!!” shouted both Rexus and Crescent. Crescent’s marks glowed silvery light and there appeared his twin-guns, Unicorns. While Rexus bite the tip of his finger and let a drop of his blood changed into his gun, Explosion.

‘ Damn it, the akuma are mixed among the real human! ’ thought Crescent while running to where the level 2 standing ‘There are 6.. no 7 akuma level 1. They are the easy ones, the problem is that level 2.’

“Huhuhu… pitiful humans. I had spared your life all this time, I won’t hold back now,” said the level 2 akuma, licking his lips while watching the remaining humans that backed away to one side of the building “I’ll play with you young exorcists, after I had….”

“Blood Cage!!” roared Crescent. He shoot several bullets in a line in front of the people and immediately, a high red-transparent wall appeared from the line of bullets. He shoot another bullets to the level 2, which were useless.

“Oh…? You don’t like waiting, do you, boy?” said the level 2, amused. He easily smashed the bullets into dust. “ Then let’s start!”

Suddenly, 1 of the remaining humans changed to akuma level 2, while the level 1 started shooting. Both Rexus and Crescent dodge as fast as they can while shooting back the akuma. 3 of the 7 level 1 akuma were shoot and turned into dust.

[I’ll handle the one in my cage, Rexus.. You handle the outside one.. ], said Crescent through his telepathic ability. Shooting and dodging, he tries to bring down as many level 1 as he can while he runs to where the level 2 in his cage stands. Another 2 akuma level 1 were shoots.

“Roger,” replied Rexus, while shooting the remaining akuma level 1.

“Huh? Roger? What are you talking about?” asked the akuma level 2 at the outside, amused (it’s seems that this level 2 likes to laugh….) “Are you agreeing in letting those humans in that red cage die? Harharhar…. Hey, buddy, they want those humans die!!! Kill them!!”

“Don’t decide on your own,” muttered Crescent “Blood-cage!”

He shoots another pile of bullets to the side of his one side barrier until it formed a rectangular barrier. The level 2 inside it started to scream. The barrier was a safe place for humans, but it would be hell for the akuma.

“Hurry, go to the outside!” shouted Crescent to the remaining of the humans. They hurriedly run to the outside, to the safe place where the other exorcist waiting. ‘ Yeah, hurry, this cage won’t last long against a level 2,’ he thought.

-------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Rexus had started fighting against the other level 2.

Jumping high, he started shooting his bullets. “Fireworks!” “Lost-soul!” Both of his abilities hit the level 2 directly. The first ability, Fireworks, was means to distract the enemy. Each of the bullets he shoots would explode and pierce his opponent with drops of blood. While Lost-Soul was his actual attack, Lost Soul made the bullets invisible and when the bullets hit the target, they attack power was greater.

‘Did I miss him?’ wondered Rexus while landing to the ground. There was a lot of smoke and he couldn’t see a thing from it. ‘What is this smoke?’

Suddenly, a blade was pointed to his head through the smoke. He dodged in time, but still got a big cut on his cheek.

“You’re not very good in agility, I see..,” said the akuma while licking his blade that was formed from the smoke, chuckled “I managed to scratched the pretty boy’s face.”

“Yeah, and I managed to make a hole in your stomach too,” said Rexus while weeping the blood from his face. ‘ God, is this a level 2? My strongest attack just pierced him a little,’ he thought.

He started to circle the akuma while firing a lot of Lost Soul. Some of the invisible bullets hit the akuma, made him annoyed.

‘If I keep running like this, he would try to catch me. Then at that time, I could shoot my Fireworks in his head. But I would definitely suffer some wounds,’ thought Rexus.

As was predicted, the akuma dashed forward to Rexus. ‘Heh heh, if I catch the shooter. This annoying bullets won’t be a problem anymore.’, smirked the akuma.

Rexus stopped his running in a halt and prepare his strongest Fireworks. The akuma snatched his neck and immediately, he stuck his gun to the akuma’s head and pull the trigger. The bullets made a big explosion, that cause Rexus sent flying and hit the wall across the building.

----------------------

Crescent place….

“You damn exorcist!!!!!!!!!” shouted the akuma that was trapped in Crescent’s Blood Cage and in no time, he broke free of it. “You’ll pay for the pain.”

The akuma started to glow green light and a powerful wind was formed in his sides.

‘So, this akuma’s ability is controlling the wind,’ thought Crescent. Then something startled him. The akuma’s body in front of him had swayed a little. “What?!”

“Yes. This surprised you, isn’t it? I could become a wind,” said the akuma “Prepare yourself!” Suddenly, he vanished from Crescent’s sight and then it’s silence. Crescent tried to stay calm and closed his eyes.

‘Yeah, if I can feel his presence, I could predict his attack,’ thought Crescent ‘He comes… right side...’

Crescent move to his left and feel a harsh wind past through where he was a second ago. The wind hit the wall behind him and left a big scratch on there.

‘It would be bad if I get hit by that… ,’ thought Crescent. The wind comes again and he dodged every of them.

‘ This….. this guy is like a combination of cat and monkey!!!’ thought the akuma, annoyed. ‘Fine then. I’ll attack him by several of my wind blades. ’

The akuma make a huge ball of wind and throw it to Crescent.

“Oh, crap!” said Crescent “Blood Cage!!”

The ball hit his barrier and split into a lot of wind blades. He was caught surprised and got several cut. Leaping back, he tried to shoot and dodge the blades, but suddenly, a loud explosion from behind him caught his attention.

“You should worry about yourself, kid!!” shouted the akuma while jumping high in the air, ready to kill Crescent.

“Move,” muttered Crescent with cold eyes. He shoots a lot of bullets to the akuma in the air to form a circle in an amazing speed. The bullets formed a circle barrier and once again, trap the akuma in it. Crescent quickly run to where his partner lying.

“Rexus, hey, Rexus!” shouted Crescent while slapping Rexus’s cheek “Wake up, damn it!”

“Maybe you should join him to sleep, pretty boy.” A sound came from the smoke and followed by the owner of the voice, the akuma which fought Rexus earlier. He has quite a big hole in his head, but still in a good condition. “Have a nice dream!”

“Blood Cage!!” But his barrier was easily shattered by the akuma’s blade. Crescent immediately put his guns in a cross form to halt the akuma’s attack.

‘So... strong……!!’ breathed Crescent. The gap in their power was too big.

[Damage taken by Crescent : -1]
[Damage taken by Rexus : -4]
----------------------------------

((hello, it finally done.... first, sorry for my bad English. English isn't my mother tongue. Sorry... And I want to sorry if you can't understand this story too. >< ))

((Then, can someone please help Crescent and Rexus... ? I think, normally, both of them can't win against a level 2. ;p they are just newbies and at level 1! So please help them.. thanks.. hahahaha...))

((Oh yeah, the akuma who fight Rexus can control the smoke.))

[Undying]

((BTW, there are only three Akuma in my group, the two characters and another level 1, the rest are just regular humans. And you won't be catching any Innocence creating devices today... they will explode and shower you with Innocence-like stuff to burn you like acid :p

@Zy: Sure thing man. Oh btw, do you want to disregard health/attack stats for this fight only and let the better RPer win? Because otherwise, limited by little HP as I am... it may not be so long and not as fun))

Rave walked slowly through the city, mostly ignoring his surroundings, deep in thought. He was so focused on himself that he barely noticed a large group of Akuma - twenty in number, surrounding him.

When he did, it would have been too late, had the Akuma not suddenly reverted to human form - a silvery-eyed, black-haired short Japanese woman, at around her twenties. She wore a Kimono adorned with a petal design.

"What the..."

"Hello there, Rave. Don't remember me? I'm Flora."

Rave blinked and looked closer at the woman. Yup, Flora it was. From his short time with Cross, the conformed Akuma that was always tagging around and annoying him out of his skin.

"What are you doing here?" Rave asked suspiciously, expecting to see Cross appear out of nowhere and start tormenting him.

"We were sent by Master to tell you that the Noah you seek is around here, he should be near that large empty area..."

Rave looked at Flora suspiciously. "Wait, where is Cross, anyway?"

"Japan. Anyway that doesn't matter, that Noah is around here and moving towards you, but what's more important, the special level 2 Akuma that works with Xavier is somewhere around here."

Rave gripped his sword tightly. That woman! He remembered when Xavier and that Akuma merged. That monstrosity could take so much punishment Rave wasn't certain he could bring it down.

Nevertheless his goal remained unchanged, and he began walking as quickly as possible to the location.

((Some time later))

Rave entered the large empty area, with only a few small rundown buildings which would probably crumble at a push.

He slowed his walk and looked around, noticing his surroundings. Mostly hard ground with no noteworthy landmarks except a large stone slab in the center, apparently a grave or a shrine of some sort. It seemed very out of place here.

On his right (when facing the ocean), there were three small and crumbling shacks, probably remainders of residence from an earlier time.

To the left was a large stone building, probably a large warehouse of some sort. Rave, however, first wanted to meet his opponent face to face.

He had questions to ask.

Walking to the stone slab, he leaned against it and waited for Xavier.

((Z, I'll leave the first talks to you, just remember that Rave won't immediately fight, and I image you'd like to talk some too :p. Plus we need to set the settings for our little, eh, duel ;). And the question I asked before on the stats))

[Yamamoto]

((don't worry holymoon, that is excellent ^^, and don't worry, english ain't my first language either. :)

Anyway this is about where Fect posted. Location: at the edge of Area 3's borderline))

The town was quiet.

Jean's eyes darted around, feeling uneasy as no soul could be seen in the little town by the lighthouse, but every building looked so new, as if things were still running normally.

"Look!" Hiro pointed to four abandoned horses in an empty stable. "We have our transport!"

"Great," Jean smiled, "Now let's get out of here before anything bad happens?"

"And the mystery of the empty town?" asked Dimitri.

"Not our mission. We have a bigger goal and it can't wait."

Jacques checked his jacket, his eyes fixed on 4 metal rune-written crosses, and 3 Flashes.

"Come on, let's move quickly" said Jean as he started to hurry the group, all hiding in their hoods.

"I think we're going to find the mystery after all," said Jacques as he turned around to see large numbers of Akuma.

"All Level One, but there sure are a lot of them. Looks like the whole town," shouted Jean as he took a deep breath and his smile grew wide. "Well it looks like I'll get to find out what all your abilities are sooner than I expected after all."

[~*StÓÑy RèL0ÂÐeD™]

((Kaze and Anna joins the fight :D))

“Maybe you should join him to sleep, pretty boy.” A sound came from the smoke and followed by the owner of the voice, the akuma which fought Rexus earlier. He has quite a big hole in his head, but still in a good condition. “Have a nice dream!”

“Blood Cage!!” But his barrier was easily shattered by the akuma’s blade. Crescent immediately put his guns in a cross form to halt the akuma’s attack.

‘So... strong……!!’ breathed Crescent.

However, just as the blade was about to land onto Crescent, another blade appeared out of nowhere, thwating the attack and knocking the akuma's blade aside.

At the same time, the wall crumbled, and kaze and Anna stepped in. Kaze had sprouted a pair of giant bat-like wings, with both of his wrists mutated into two long blades, and two more blades stuck out from the back of his elbow, forming two double-bladed swords-like arms. Also, Kaze had a blade which was darting by itself in mid-air, making quick cuts on the akuma, causing it to bleed with dozen of cuts, and blood flowing down like a river. However, the akuma was far from being fatally wounded.

Anna on the other hand, had only one sword in her hand, although that sword was more eye-catching than kaze's. She calmly directed her sword at the retreating akuma, and the split second later a roar of fire was heard and flames rushed out of the sword. The akuma only gave a yell of agony.

"Hey hey," Kaze tauntingly turned to face the akuma all the while floating in the air. "What were you saying about having a nice dream?"

Anna turned to Crescent and said, "Sorry for the late entrance, Kaze wanted it to be impressive." Turning back to Kaze, she prodded her sword against Kaze's leg (kaze is still hovering in the air).

"And you, stop showing off and finish it off."
------------------------------------------

Damage taken- None (surprise attack)

@Hei: Which area are we in anyway?

[Kenken]

((@kensei: I'll start going to your zone and try to find you, hopefully i'll do so soon))

As the exorcists stepped out of the boat, Takeshi noticed a group of finders waiting for them. "Probably one finder for each of us" Takeshi mentioned to Dante. "Do you think they got information about Jean Montreal's whereabouts?"

Dante took a look and Takeshi and replied "Possibly, but there's only one wait to find out, go ahead and ask them, the sooner you find out the sooner you can get to where Jean is and assist him."

Takeshi moved out faster than the others and reached the group of finders. One of the finders saw Takeshi and immediatly introduced himself to him. "My name is Daniel,and I'm here to assist in any way it is possible, Master Takeshi Himura"

"You actually say my name the other way around, but it doesn't reall matter, just call me Takeshi. And I hope you can help with something. I need to know the whereabouts of Exorcist Jean Montral right away." Takeshi said rapidly.

"The last we heard of Master Jean is that he was somewhere around Area 3 with his team. But we aren't sure if they are alive or not. They most probably are. But becareful! Area 3 is one of the most dangerous areas." One of the other finders explained to Takeshi. " if you decide to go there, Master Takeshi, do so with the utmost care, and if you can try not to stand out too much."

"Stand out? err sure I'll try not to do that", said Takeshi.

"Dante!! I'm moving out now! Good luck on your mission and don't get yourself killed when fighting that Noah! See you back at Headquarters!"

"Heh, don't worry about me kid, I'll be alright, See you back then, and may God be with you"

So Takeshi and Daniel started walking east, where the most dangerous area, Area 3, was.

Yeah ... I knew i had a bad feeling before. "Damn, I hate it when I'm right about these things", strange enough Takeshi said the last part out loud, so he wasn't surprised when Daniel asked him what was wrong.

''err...I'll tell you on the way. Come on, we don't have much time!"

((40 minutes after))

"We're nearing the border between Area 1 and Area 3. It'll be wise to be much more careful from now on, in the next area we'll find many akumas, and if you let me say it, Master Takeshi, it would be better if we try to avoid as many as we can" so Daniel told Takeshi.

"Yeah, I know, I'm not so eager to fight an army of those. Sure i have fight groups of them before, but an army? Never, neither a level 2 Akuma. Always avoided them. I am not too eager to die. Not yet" Takeshi explained to Daniel, as they entered Area 3 ...

[Z_Blitz]

((Yeah, I'm fine with ignoring our stats))

... The Ocean...

Perhaps being a French romantic makes me automatically love the ocean's scent. The salty water brought closer to shore crashing hard against the tide breakers, the little crabs and crustaceans that crawled up the large piles of stone surrounding the lighthouse, the picture was perfect. I stared into the nothingness thinking how this very location would be ideal to start a "normal" life in, once the dust settles. Perhaps Cassandra and I will be someday capable of raising a family, and growing old. I'd watch my kids grow up with the rest of the children in town while shouting out to me in their innocent voices. Ah, the pleasant feeling that filled me when I thought of this... Yes, I wanted it badly.

Thus why I'll work to its realization. Even if I cannot taste the decency that this dream would offer me, I'll suffice with seeing others as happy as I wanted to be. A complete utopia.

The rustling sound of pebbles from a distance returned me back to reality.

An enemy?

I walked in towards the sillohuette in the distance, making sure that my steps were well heard by the person standing there leaning against a slab of stone.

"My mind was full of pleasant thoughts you know, but you just had to break my concentration with your lack of subtleness while walking. Couldn't you pick a quieter path to tread on? Sheesh..."

Swinging my arm to clear the fog in the area, my eyes saw the image of a shorter, lean exorcist with brown hair and physique resembling the one I was bound to hunt, Rave.

"My my... This must be fate! Here I am, looking for you while you stand here in wait. Let's celebrate. I usually smoke cigarettes, but I keep a Cuban cigar for an occassion as big as this one. Lucky for you, I brought two! Here you go."

I reached into my coat's pocket and presented two fine Cuban cigars, both wrapped in their nylon packing. I handed my guest a cutter and a flint to light his cigar with when I was done lighting mine. Taking the opposite side of the slab he leaned on, I sat down and rested my head against it while exhaling out a puff of smoke. My nostrils widened, inhaling as much of the air I blew out back in again.

"Ah... I have to admit, they have every right in the world to ban this, but I still love it."

Rolling my eyes to my right, I talked again to the exorcist behind me while drawing a big smirk on my face.

"So... What is it that you want to know?"


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Raphael: