Human, not human (actual rp)

[HilgenHoffer]

Gabriel was aghast as he listened to the story. By the time it was done, his wings were gone, and tears stained his eyes. His eyes, however, showed a different kind of concern. "But you do care, Alex. Even your silver tongue cannot hide that from me. There's something about this--beyond the sheer horror of it--that has you upset. Is it . . . empathy? Anger? Remorse, that you feel?" He added almost teasingly, "That's not like you, Alezarious." The humor in his words were offset by the compassion in his tone, though. And inside, somewhere amidst the raging sorrow, he found a small piece of happiness. He had always known that even the mighty and aloof Alexarious could feel empathy.

 

[HilgenHoffer]

Rasha actually chuckled at the young, white-haired boy's embarrassment. She did not know who the other speaker was, but she elected not to ask. Some things were best shared voluntarily.


"No, no, no, you stand there," she told him. Addressing them all, she said, "See, the track turns in a way that gives and advantage to those on the inside. To make up for this, the lines are offset. I start here," she gestured to the line at her feet, "but I don't finish until I cross *that* line, over there." She pointed towards another white line, a few yards ahead. "This way, we all cover the same amount of ground. Make sense? . . . Good!" She smiled again. Her smile was impressively wide, and warmingly genuine. "Then let's all take our places! We'll go easy for this round. One lap of warmup. Everybody ready?" She crouched, one long leg stretching behind her impossibly far as she prepared to spring, a wildcat ready for the chase.

 

[Twizinator]

"Hmph," Alex blew off Gabriel's comment. His mind went back to the first time he'd met Aamor. He was intrigued by her abilities, and knew that her pedigree as an oracle was unparalleled. What had really stood out about her, though, was her outgoing and bubbly personality. When they first met, she introduced herself to her 'upperclassman' assertively and with a smile. That Aamor seemed to have died with her family, and with Lucas.


Lucas and Alex hadn't particularly gotten along from the get go, but they had a mutual respect for each other's ability. For the most part, they'd stayed out of each other's way, yet frequently clashing as rivals in sports like track, basketball, soccer, tennis...any opportunity they'd got to face off they jumped on it. They had left off at Alex, 35; Lucas, 30; tie game, 14. Looks like they'd never have their 80th match, or any after.


Alex snarled a little. Those bastards had killed an innocent young man, among other people, and scarred Aamor physically, mentally, and emotionally. He would probably never see that smile again, the most honest and bright expression he'd ever seen. "I'm not fond of people damaging my property," he finally answered Gabriel. "Or did you not think me to be a king who cared about his subjects?" he asked. "I don't care if people agree with my methods; all they need to do is obey me. Do that, and I can promise them peace and happiness. Is that really so difficult?" He let out an exasperated sigh. "Hydra doesn't care about those they control; they're just in it for selfish gain. The group that pulls the strings are all that matters, and even then they will sacrifice each other to protect themselves and their interests. All in all a disgusting group of people," Alex growled.


He realized a moment too late that he was getting worked up. He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "I'd appreciate if you didn't go sharing what I've told you just now," he said to the angel beside him. "That stuff is technically classified information."


He paused before finally turning his head to actually look Gabriel in the eye for the first time in this conversation. "And don't tell Aamor, would ya?" he said, quieter than before. "I've got enough on my plate without her knowing I know more than she does about what happened."


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


Samuel swallowed hard as he took a minute to limber up. Then he looked over and mimicked Rasha, copying her pose as best he could.


"You're staring again," Ryrax said rather audibly.


"Stow it, you mangy moppet," Samuel calmly replied, fixing his eyes straight ahead, plotting his route around the track.

 

[Cyrionessa]

"You're not quite as cuddly as a teddy bear..." Aamor half-smiled. "But you have a teddy bear beat in warmth!" She could tell that he wasn't completely comfortable with this, though. "....you sure you're going to be okay doing this? You're....kinda tense.....and you've avoided actually looking at me this whole time."


----


Habibah's long limbs were simple to stretch out. She didn't need to copy anyone; she had a style on her own perfected after years of warming up with her uncle Anubis. All of her "uncles" had imparted some bit of knowledge on her during her time in the Field of Reeds. She missed that heavenly home terribly.

 

[Ixidor92]

"I'm . . ."


Ray let out a slow breath


"I'm just not used to this is all. Don't worry about it."


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


Sanz tapped his toes against the pavement behind him, noting as the others stretched. He did not know much about this "Rasha", but he was beginning to wonder if she did much besides run

 

[Cyrionessa]

"Worrying!" Aamor sat up slightly so that she could look down at him. "Is there a way that I can make you feel more comfortable?" The moon was starting to rise behind her head and its silvery light shone down on her black hair. Her blue eyes were hidden by shadow but they still seemed to sparkle a little bit. Aamor was being completely illuminated by the moon but she didn't realize the picture she was creating.

 

[Ixidor92]

Ray found heat rising in his cheeks when Aamor sat up. He took a deep breath


"I'll be fine as soon as we get to sleep."


The palms were pulled up further, offering what little protection they could against the wind


"You'll get chilled if you stay up like that."

 

[Cyrionessa]

In the moon beams, Aamor could see a slight red come onto Ray's cheeks. ".....why are you turning red?" In her mind, there was no reason for embarrassment here. "Answer me! Or...." She thought of her best threat possible. "I'll keep you awake all night bugging you till you tell me!" She extended her fingers towards his ribs. "....now, you have till I'm done counting down.....five....."

 

[Ixidor92]

Raziel made a *grumph* face and grabbed both of her hands by the wrists


"Stop. Look it's just . . . I've never been in this position with a woman before all right?"


Somehow, it sounded more embarrassing saying it out loud

 

[Cyrionessa]

"....I'm about as intimidating as a bunny rabbit...." Aamor shook her head. "....well, there was the White Rabbit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but that's a massive exception!" She tried to pull her hands out of Ray's hands but failed. Then she pushed her hands forward enough for both of her pointer fingers to lightly jab his side.

 

[Ixidor92]

"It's not--murf--intimidation that's the issue here . . ."


The *murf* came as Aamor poked into Raziel's sides. He was not comfortable with the current arrangement not at all


"If you keep pushing, I might just have to sleep elsewhere . . ."

 

[Cyrionessa]

"....I'm trying to get you to relax with some good old wholesome fun. Tickle wars are normally wholesome and I just wanted you to loosen up and get comfortable." Aamor sighed, looking away. "You're only over here because I'm cold; I was trying to think of a way to make you loosen up and this was the first thing that came to mind...."

 

[Ixidor92]

Raziel let out a slow breath and felt the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile


"You can't force someone to relax Aamor. It just has to happen. Sleep will come eventually, this certainly isn't helping."

 

[Cyrionessa]

"....okay, well, I guess I'll just...." Aamor settled back down in her original position. "....Just go to sleep then." It had gotten colder, so she cuddled up to him while shivering slightly. The cold, however, was not going to be enough to keep her awake. After the day that she had just had, she was extremely tired. A few minutes later, slow, steady breathing filled the air and she unconsciously hugged her heat source closer to her in her sleep.

 

[HilgenHoffer]

Gabriel smiled his warm, gentle smile. "Tell what? I know nothing." He turned on his heel now, walking a path perpendicular to the dragon, to somewhere else where, no doubt, someone else needed help. "You may just make a good king some day, Alezarious. Look at what you've seen, and be sure that you are as different from these men as you say. If you are . . . well, just be sure that you are."


With no more to say, he spread his glimmering wings and took once again to the sky.


-----


"Ready . . . set . . ." A smile crept its way across Rasha's face.


"Go."


And with that, she was already a yard ahead of the rest, feet pumping beneath her in a fury.

 

[Twizinator]

Samuel shot forward, desperate to get ahead of Rasha. He was by no means getting left in the dust (he was pretty fast) but couldn't get in front of her. Not for lack of trying


"Keepin' just behind her, eh? Despicable..." Ryrax taunted.


"Sh-shut up!" Samuel muttered and ordered himself to go faster. He would rather die than make it seem like Ryrax was right about him.


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


Alex smirked. He knew he could trust Gabriel. That was one guy that could never be controlled by him, yet could always be counted on. Turning his strides to the dorms, he decided he might as well glance at his father's snail mail.

 

[Cyrionessa]

Habibah took off also, her feet pounding beneath her. The wind whistled through her hair, against her skin, rustling her clothing. She could get lost in that sensation, couldn't she? Her uncle had taught her how to not only manipulate the wind, but to feel the wind as no one else could. Her eyes shut for a moment, a blissful smile crossing her face.


----


Isolde bid Cassius adieu after finishing that match. She wanted to go see what Habibah was doing with her group. Her room mate had become so secretive about them as of late, though she had gotten oddly concerned about her welfare as well. "You can come along if you so wish, Renault." She smiled in a friendly way and started walking out of the building.

 

[Ixidor92]

Sanz took off only a second after Rasha had said 'go' . . . but by the all-father that woman was fast. Catching up to her without running full-tilt was impossible. Hell, even that might not had been enough if he had attempted it. He internally decided to avoid damaging the track, and went at a decent pace instead. He was still going fast for a human, but an observant pair of eyes would likely notice the lack of determination in his own.


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


Raziel lay there, looking up at the darkening sky as Aamor's breath slowed into that of slumber. Without any fire or electronic lights, only the rising moon gave any form of illumination. The young leviathan thought over everything he had seen and learned that day . . . and what he would do about it in the coming days? Sleep did not come for many hours, but eventually the exhaustion of the day caught up with him and his arm subconsciously wrapped around the source of warmth beside him

 

[Twizinator]

Samuel pushed himself to his limits. He was by no means winded, but he couldn't seem to drag any more speed out of his legs. He must have hit is top speed, which was fast, but not enough to beat Rasha.


Faster... he urged himself. Faster, faster, faster, faster...


You can't just tell yourself to do better, you know, Ryrax taunted. Results don't come just because you want them.


Faster faster faster FASTER FASTER FASTEEEEEEEER!


A jet-black spark arced out from under the eyepatch, rapidly travelled down his head, neck, torso, and circled his waist and legs. Now he was slowly gaining on Rasha...


-----------


As he strolled back across the grounds, Alex saw Isolde exit the main building. She was probably heading off to find Habibah, and seemed very focused on that task...focused enough to not immediately notice Alex cross her path.


"Well well!" he said, falling in line with her stride. "Fancy meeting you out here, Izzy. Lookin' for someone? Me, perhaps?" he laughed. "You know, I think we might have gotten off on the wrong foot. You've probably got the wrong impression of me, think I'm some reprehensible man with no morals or regard for others. That's most definitely not true, you know. I am a caring and generous king, all I ask is for my subjects to obey my requests. Is that so wrong?"

 

[Cyrionessa]

Unconsciously, though Habibah had been at the back of the pack, she began gaining on the others. The wind itself seemed to propel her forwards as she ran. She didn't even notice when she caught up with Sanz or when she passed him. She was one with the wind and now she was beginning to catch up with Samuel.


----


"....d-don't act like you c-can rule me." Izzy tried to put up a strong front. She really felt uncomfortable around this guy. "...I will never l-let another being rule me. Y-you cannot tell me what to d-do." Her strides became faster as she began scanning the crowd for Habibah. "N-now just leave me alone."

 

[MControl]

An aura of terror began to surround Renault. He had decided to follow his new friend Isolde, but had to sign a couple things to register with the computer club. While he planned to construct his own computer, he rather enjoyed being around other people, even if he was only watching a match of this summoning game. Running to catch up, he rushed out the door to see Alex, of all things, pestering Isolde. Walking swiftly, he quickly caught up with them, his already unusual gait warped even more by his distaste for Alex.


Catching up with them, his body restores itself to its, mostly, normal state, accompanied by a small chorus of popping bones, and stretching muscles. Stiffly, but politely, nodding at Alex, he turns to Isolde, "Isolde, you left without me. I had to run to catch up," he says, trying to assume an air of familiarity. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he leans in slightly to her to quietly ask, "Are you ok? Need any help with this creep?"

 

[Cyrionessa]

"...I don't know y-yet..." Isolde whispered back. She kept walking until she saw Victor, one of Habibah's posse. "V-Victor, where's Habibah?"


"I think she headed with Sanz and Samuel down to the track." Victor smiled at the welcome sight of the young succubus. "I could walk you down, if you like."


"Oh, I w-wouldn't want to cause you any tr-trouble..." Isolde answered.


"Oh please." Victor's eyes narrowed at the sight of Alex. "I insist." He offered his arm in a gentlemanly fashion, which Isolde hesitantly accepted. Together, they began to walk down towards the track.

 

[Twizinator]

Alex followed along easily, unfazed by the new arrivals. "Friends of yours, I presume?" he rhetorically asked Izzy. "Well, I'm glad you're making friends. Wouldn't want a pretty young thing like yourself feeling left out and alone. Though if companionship is what you want, I don't know why you scorn me so," he taunted.


As they walked, a tall man fell in line next to Alex. He was imposing, with shaggy dirty-blond hair. He had a strong jaw, green eyes with vertical irises like a serpent, and a pair of ram's horns on the sides of his head. "Master Alezarius," he greeted with a small bow of his head. "Things are advancing according to plan. We will all be prepared by t- UGH!" He was interrupted by Alex's elbow to his gut, ordering him to shut up. "My...apologies, sir. I did not notice present company."


He wheeled around in front of Isolde, stopping her in her tracks. He stared her down, his intense gaze analyzing her. "Hmm. She is very pretty, as you said. A fine woman for you, sir." He bowed deeply at Isolde. "A pleasure to meet you, miss Isolde. I am Vorgrom, loyal knight of our king, Alezarius Voracitas." He extended a hand, but Alex's hand shot to Vorgrom's wrist.


"I think not," Alex said calmly but with a stern gaze. "You will not lay a finger on her, not a single hair on her head will be touched. That goes for you and all of the others. Is that understood?"


"Yes sir," Vorgrom nodded, dropping his hand. "I will relay this to the others post-haste."


Alex sighed as Vorgrom departed. "A bit dramatic, isn't he? But I'll be damned if he isn't loyal and useful."


There were a couple reasons why Alex would not permit contact with Isolde. The first was his selfishness, urging him to prevent others from even touching his prized property. The second, though, was the fact that he was unsure of how a succubus' power worked, precisely; he couldn't risk her touch corrupting his men...and maybe a few women.


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


Samuel pressed onward, aware that he was steadily gaining on Rasha...but also that Habibah was gaining on him. Sanz was lagging behind, but Samuel got the distinct impression that he was holding back. Nothing wrong with that; it was just a friendly race, so no need to take this too seriously.


Even so, Samuel was determined not to give Rryax more material to taunt him with. Another few sparks shot out from under the patch, and some strands of hair had gone from white to black.


"...Samuel?" Ryrax was puzzled and worried. Somehow the boy was drawing on his demonic power through willpower alone. These trace amounts weren't much to worry about, but if he used much more...a demon's dark power and a human's soul were, by nature, inherently incompatible. If this continued he would have to stop it.

 

[Ixidor92]

Isolde, Alex, and company passed by the gym on the way to the track, where coincidentally a certain red-haired youth was exiting. There was a bit of moisture on his forehead, as if he had recently been doing exercise. He barely seemed to register Isolde walking by until she was only a foot from him


"Oh. You're that girl Sanz ran after."

 

[Cyrionessa]

"....yes." Isolde eyed Armin cautiously. He hadn't seemed like the most friendly individual when she had last spoken to him. "I'm looking for Habibah, Sanz, and Samuel at the m-moment." She cursed inwardly as she stuttered. Part of her was still shaken up from Vorgrom's words. It was as if these men believed that she was a creature to own.


----


Habibah closed her eyes for a moment longer as the wind kept flowing through her veins. She inched closer and closer to Samuel. Her eyes opened with a sudden realization of what she was doing and what her goal was. Now, she was harnessing the wind and gaining on him more. Finally, they were neck and neck.