The path to be a hero

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he sits up straight on his couch as he places his legs up on the coffee table and he sits back as he smiles to himself) you know miri you didn't have to clean up Though now that I think about it I'm sorry for the mess and everything ( he seems embarrassed but he didn't care he was willing to feel embarrassed around this girl he just felt like he can truely be himself with this girl) if you need help cleaning I can try to help by I'm kinda messy...sorry

----

Aaron: your really willing to go alone to pursue your brand of justice?

[SakuraAlkaid]

Mariah heard him, but pretended as if she couldn't to give herself a little more time alone to think. When she had calmed down a few moments later, she returned to the living room and took a seat next to him on the couch. "Are you feeling any better now?" she asked softly.

Her hands began fiddling with loose strands on her now cut off shorts idly as she awaited an answer, and it was only then that she realized that she had survived a bomb going off with less damage than she had gained in one fight. Was it because of the shield that the King had formed? Or was it because of how Luca had grabbed her last moment? Luca... "I can't keep him out of my thoughts now... I can't see him today, no matter what he wants. It will have to be tomorrow. If I have to talk to him about everything today, I'll get myself killed..."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: (he notices her playing with her shortsas he places his arm around her)...you okay?...sorry I don't want to pry you don't have to answer if you really dot want too..( he clenches his fist at her question) I'm alittle better Miri I just don't understand those people were innocent they trusted me they trusted us and we couldn't protect them sorry I know I'm a broken record it's just I lost everything once I didn't want to see that happen again ( he relaxes his hand as he looks away)...anyway I'm doing a lot better though thanks to you ( he smiles at her)

[SakuraAlkaid]

At first, Mariah contemplated telling him everything. Just telling him the whole story about Luca and her deal. Everything. But as he continued talking, mentioning how much she was helping him after such a tragedy, she decided against it. She just couldn't throw salt on such a literal fresh wound. Maybe once he was feeling better about things... Or maybe she could just keep it to herself forever, and continue working for Luca on the side. If no one else knew what was going on, no one could get hurt. Right?

Once Alex explained, Mariah nodded to show that she understood and replied, "I know what you mean... It's hard seeing it happen, but you just have to pick up whatever pieces you can afterword and go on with life. Trust me, I would know all about that..." His story seemed so familiar, and she couldn't help but have a flashback of that memory he had let her see accidentally in the park. That naturally led to her own flashback, making her shiver in response.

"Loosing everything sucks, but if you can fix yourself afterword, you're a better person for it."

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he couldn't help but feel like she was hiding something from him but he wouldn't push it he'd let her tell him on her own time as she continued speaking he listened) your right I can't let this get me down I'm gonna become the king like hell I'm gonna let the current king keep his title when he half asses it! ( he almost seems pumped up) but I'm gonna wait till my wounds heal shouldn't take me too long after all ( he looks as he notices somethig across the room a little girl sitting on the chair but he chooses to ignore it when he realizes mariah doesnt see it) so I guess we both have lost those important to us we owe to them to become stronger so we don't let the shadows of our pasts corrupt us..Miri soon I I want to tell you everything if you'll let me..I'm not saying right now of course but I feel like I can trust you of course I'll leave some of the air of mystery don't want to lose that it's like my only charm ( he laughs lightly)

[SakuraAlkaid]

" 'I feel like I can trust you.' " Those seven words echoed through her head and caused her more pain than anything the want to be 'Psyren' had earlier. It took her a minute to answer, but she finally smiled and replied, "I'm glad you feel that way, Alex. I really am."

"If you were wondering how I know about loss," she continued after taking a deep breath, "I lost everything, like most people, on Lost Christmas. My home, my family, and... Well, even my memories. In fact, I'm not even sure I really lost much of anything. All I know about my life prior to Lost Christmas is all hearsay from who I was told was my sister. But if what she told me was true, and I feel as if it is based on the amount of emotions it brought out in me after I met her, I literally lost everything that day. I don't quite have as many shadows in my past as I do shadows of my past, but it's basically the same thing."

Mariah finally paused, taking a deep breath afterword. "I'm sorry. I know that was a little off topic, but I just... I wanted to tell you that. Only two other people in the world know that about me, and after everything today, I just wanted you to know... Anyway, I suppose you know that I trust you as well now, hmm? Not only do you know my 'secret identity' completely, but now you also know about all that I know of my past." She laughed lightly to try to lift the mood a little bit, although she still couldn't quite meet his gaze.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( as he listened to her story he pulled her alittle closer in case she was feeling upset) thank you for telling me...( he wanted to tell her his own story But he was hesitant so he'd let the mood lift) I'm sorry..I don't know I can't possible know what pain you went through when you had no memories...but Miri you have no reason to apologize to me if you need to talk to me you can you don't have to apologize to me silly girl not about telling me your past (he laughs teasing her playfully as he places his hand in her interlocking their fingers he gazes down at her despite the fact she was avoiding his gaze as he looked Away cause he felt embarassed) anyway You don't have to keep it bottled up anymore I'll be by your side

[SakuraAlkaid]

Mariah smiled at his response, laying her head over on his shoulder with a content sigh. "And to think that all of this started because you decided to pass by me in a curious manner your first day in Sternbuild City," she added with a slightly mocking tone. "I do have to say that I'm glad that I was so curious, though."

"And that Luca was so insistent that I kept tabs on you..."

"This has been quite a day," she mumbled more to herself than to Alex, closing her eyes as she did.

[grave robbing adept rogue]

Night has fallen onto the city and Evan returns the tools they were given. The clean up stops and everyone goes home for the night. "Alone? No not alone, not all of the time at least. I'll be helping the real heroes." Evan turns around and begins walking away. "Of course they will arrive long after I do, it's only natural." He walks across the street and waves to Aaron then continues on his path to his house. This is the last night I live as Evan, can't say I had time to enjoy the normal life.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: yeah I guess your right I believe I chose the perfect time to make my debut huh? Im glad I somehow made you curious ( he laughs slightly and as soon as Miri closed her eyes he soon does the same it has been a long day and he really needed the rest though the little girl from earlier walks Over towards him and sits on the opposite side Of Alex and buries her head into his shoulder)...I must be losin it if your showing up now...( he manages to close his eyes as he gently leans his head on mAriahs trying not to wake her up as he whispers)....I'm glad you chose to stay Miri (it looks as he falls fast asleep along with Miri and they strange little girl that appeared before Alex
--------

Aaron: ( he continues to clean up after most start to leave as he wipes sweat from his head as he stabs the shovel into the ground) phew they really did a number....( he glances over and watches zalthorn walk off)...the path to be a hero is a long and dark road isn't it Alex? ( he looks up as if he's asking someone but silence falls around the area as bystanders continue to walk by)

-------
Alex: ( sleeping soundly for the first time in a long time)

-----
Name: Aaron last name "unknown"
Age: looks about 24
Race: human
Job: unknown hes a war veteran
App: http://media.photobucket.com/image/anim ... -1.jpg?o=6
Bio: Aaron is a mysterious young man his existence is a enigma which could make him a great assest or a poserful enemy what is known he loves to drink and is quite possibly a alcoholic and he has a set of dog tags similiar to Alex saying how he fought in the war that soon erupted afte the lost Christmas incident so far he's only been seen in the bar Evan frequently visits and he volunteered to help to clean up the area where the bomb set off he almost always wears a confident grin it appears he may know Alex somehow but that's not even certain

[SakuraAlkaid]

Mariah woke up a few hours later, unnaturally warm and aching. The warmth, she discovered, was from a body beside her. Alex, she realized. The soreness was from the explosion earlier. For just a moment she had thought it all no more than a dream, yet here she was, awake and living proof that it had been reality. She sighed softly at the reality of things and managed to scoot away from Alex's side without waking him up.

"Poor dear. He was utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically..." she thought as she made her way to the bathroom. Once she washed her face again she looked at the clock, where she realized that she had slept straight through the night and into the early morning hours of the following day. "I need to get home and shower. Everything hurts, and I need some sort of comfort before I walk into the lion's den later today."

Luckily, a napkin and a pen were easy to find in the living room. She scribbled a quick note explaining that she was heading home and that he could call her later if he needed to, leaving her number just in case. She placed it on the coffee table before him quietly and left against all better judgement.

Twenty minutes later, Mariah was home and in the shower. By the time she got out and changed, the sun was finally up and shinning brightly. It seemed almost wrong that it was such a beautiful day after such a horrible thing had occurred the day before, but perhaps it was what the city needed. The familiar ringtone of her cellphone pulled her from her thoughts with a faint jump. She wasn't quite sure who to expect, Luca or Alex, but she wasn't surprised in the slightest to see Damien's number show up. Luca it was.

"When does he want to see me?" she asked softly as she answered the phone. She held it slightly away from her ear because of her fight the day before, but she could still hear Damien's voice come through the receiver clearly.

"An hour," Damien replied with a tone that said he was wearing a proud smirk on his lips. That usually wasn't a good sign for anyone, Mariah included. She sighed and replied, "I'll see you then," before hanging up the phone and taking a seat on her bed.

" 'These violent delights have violent ends,' I suppose," she whispered with a lighthearted chuckle before laying back and closing her eyes.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he dreams of a violent dream one where he finds himself on lowly reliving his childhood trauma as he watches the city up in flames burn and Alex can't help but hear the screams of those caught in the destruction as little girl calls out his name he awakes drenched in sweat) *breathing heavily* ( he looks around and finds that he's alone in his apartment even the little girl from before is nowhere to be found as Alex takes his hand and he runs it through his hair and he looks at his wounds to find they healed almost completely due to his hundred power his healing process was accelerated 100x when he slept he let's himself clean up as he changes into a pair of faded jeans that are baggy with a silver chain his sneakers and a new shirt as he looks at her number and he smiles to himsel as he walks outside as he throws on a hoodie) I'll give her a call later I suppose besides I need a tailor

[SakuraAlkaid]

Forty minutes later, Mariah was hurriedly walking towards Damien's apartment, her stomach clenched together in a tight knot. She had dressed in jeans and a long sleeved shirt to hide some of the darker bruises from the following day, and to hide any that she may obtain today, along with running shoes in case things got really bad with Luca. It never hurt to go in prepared where he and Damien were concerned, after all.

"Hopefully he'll just want to talk about how I acted towards him in the building yesterday. Just because I acted strangely and threatened him doesn't mean I feel any certain way toward Alex, does it?... It completely does, and Luca's not stupid enough to honestly believe that the one and only time I acted out against him was for someone I was only faking feelings for... I'm in so much trouble. I just have to make sure to not think about Alex while I'm there in case Luca catches me off guard and tries reading my thoughts as punishment. It'll be fine. I'm a strong enough telepath to at least keep him out of those thoughts..."

She sighed to herself as she turned the corner off of the city's main street. She was now no more than six minutes away with fifteen minutes to spare.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he manages to walks out of the tailor) wow that could of been bad Ive never had more of an awkward conversation before

-----

Tailor: you want me to fix...a costume?

Alex:..y-yes.. It's for a costume party??....

Tailor: oh allright that makes sense drop it off I mean theres no way a kid like you would of been a hero

Alex: tch what?!...( he calms down) its fine it's fine I'll drop it off later

----

Alex: ( he walks through the city as he looks around at the different stores as he stops at the diner and he orders food it he decides to read as the little girl appears before him again sitting across from him)...

Girl: ( smiles playful at him)

Alex: ( he continues reading his book without looking up) how log you gonna follow me around...why are you even here

[SakuraAlkaid]

Damien answered the door after the first knock. He waved Mariah in, that predictable smirk taking over his expression, and locked the door behind her, leaning against it for extra emphasis. She was in deep.

Luca sat on the couch before her and waved her over, indicating that she should sit on the coffee table across from him. She did as she was instructed and flinched back seconds later, her right cheek growing a deep red. Luca lowered his hand and almost growled, "You will never speak to me as you did yesterday again. Do I make myself clear, Mariah?" She nodded, not trusting her voice to reply, and looked back to him. She didn't dare meet his gaze, or reach up to cradle her sore cheek. Both would most likely lead to another slap. Or worse.

"And you have no idea just how right you were yesterday when you said you owe me, either. If you thought you worked for me before, just wait and see what I have you do now. You won't have the time or the energy to be off with your little crush, Zetman," Luca continued, his voice like venom.

"May I explain, sir?" she finally dared to ask, her own voice feeble and timid. She waited for him to reply "sure" before she dared to say another word. "I understand how my actions could come across as a crush, sir, but I assure you that they are only feigned, just as they have been for others before him. I had a weak moment; he somewhat reminded me of my sister the last time we had met, and it made me weak. It will not happen again, I assure you." Luca sat in silence another minute before responding himself.

He pulled back and slapped her again, almost knocking her to the ground this time, before standing, spitting, "You dare to come in here and lie to my face, girl?! I can tell exactly what the truth is without even looking into your mind, and you think you can give me some pitiful excuse about him reminding you of your sister? You watched your sister die, doing nothing to help her, yet you run into the fire for him! I'm not stupid, Mariah!"

"I'm sorry..." she called, finally looking up to meet his gaze. Tears streaked her face, and her voice cracked in response, but she continued. "I'm so sorry, Master. I know I messed up, but I apologize and am willing to do whatever it takes to make it up to you, but I swear to you on everything that I am not lying about him. He means nothing to me! He's simply a pawn!" Mariah continued to cry silently with Luca watching, a light smile slowly replacing his angry scowl. He took his seat once more and brushed back a few strands of hair from her tear stained face, softly shushing her.

"Since you're so sincere in your apology, my sweet, I'll forgive you this one and only time. Just remember not to disappoint me again, or I will make sure you regret it..." Mariah nodded in reply and looked to the ground as he pulled her into a tight embrace, brushing his fingers gently through her hair. "Once you clean yourself up, you may go. Just remember what you've learned here, my dear."

With that, Luca stood and left the room with Damien following not far behind him. He stopped beside her for a split second and whispered, "Rest assured that if I find out you're lying about this 'pawn,' Mariah, that I will inform him of your lies. I might even tell the little pawn. How fun would that be?" with a laugh before leaving her alone.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he starts eating) what your not hungry?

Girl: Nuh-uh!

Alex: then do me a favor...stop playing around with my book! ( the other patrons turn to look at him and notice noone sitting across from him) sorry I was on the Lyon sort everybody ( he conti he's eating)

Girl: why are you so mean Alex?..

Alex: I'm not I just I don't ( he rubs his face) I'm losing it that's it I'm losing my mind aren't I?

Girl: well that is quite possible after all

Alex:...( he finishes eating as he walks out of the diner with the girl walking beside him) what exactly are you here for?

Girl: you tell me Alex why are you suddenly seeing me? Maybe that event yesterday caused more damage then you think after all you were telling that girl maybe I'm the result of you not beig able to let go of your past?

Alex: whatever you say I allready know your not real so no permanent damage I guess I'm stuck with you ( he walks through the city with the girl though no one other than him can see her) your a little smart for a little girl aren't you? Hope your ready to walk cause I need the fresh air

Girl: sure thing what about that girl before you really like her don't you ?

Alex: yeah but I don't hve to see her every day beside I don't think it's help the relationship if she knew I'm talking to a imaginary little girl...besides I'll probablly call her later or something or maybe I'll wait on it

Girl: ahh don't want to be clingy I see

Alex:...yeah great

[SakuraAlkaid]

It didn't take long for Mariah to calm down enough to leave Damien's apartment. She wanted to put distance between them as quickly as possible. She had draped her hair over her right shoulder in an attempt to hide the red mark staining her cheek, but she still noticed the occasional person stare. Their expression told her that it looked exactly as bad as she feared it did. "I just want to go home and curl up in bed..."

As soon as she turned the corner back onto main street, she noticed Alex walking out of a diner. She didn't want him to see her as she was, and wasn't completely sure that she could handle seeing him right now anyway, bruise or no bruise, so she slowed her walk and tried to blend in to the crowd around her.

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he stops as he turns around as he notices Mariah watching him tryin to blend into the crowd he turns arou s though he gets distracted by the girl) shut up

Girl ( sticks her tongue out at him) come on what are standing around for your the one who wanted to walk around right

Alex: yeah I just had a weird feeling is all I though for sure someone was there fine let's go

Girl: come on!

Alex: Yeah yeah I'm coming ( he continues walking) Why do I feel like something's off ( he keeps up idle conversation with the girl as he walks through the city as he stops again but only cause the girl looks I a storefronts window)

[SakuraAlkaid]

Thankfully Mariah made it home without any more problems once she got around Alex, although part of her was curious as to if he had seen her when he turned around. He hadn't approached her, however, making her think that she was in the clear. She changed into a pair of pajama pants and curled up in bed exactly as she had planned, although she did add a small bag of ice for her face when she noticed just how bad it looked.

She hadn't dreamed the night before, but now that she was home alone she dreamed things almost too horrible for words. People screaming, blood splashing everyone and everything in the way. It was a wicked sight. And then the voice called. The voice that had haunted her nightmares for years.

"Wake up, silly. It will all be better if you just wake up. Come now, Miri, wake up."

And she did, as if on cue, as she had every other time. She now clutched a warm bag of water to her face, but the swelling did feel like it had gone down a good bit. With a sigh she closed her eyes again, laying her forearm across her eyes to block out the incoming sunlight.

"Who is that...?"

[kai the pkk]

Alex: ( he eventually stopped at home after wandering around aimlessly looking like a madman talking to himself as he places his keys down on the table as he takes out his phone and just looks at it for a few minutes)

Girl: oh for god sakes if you really want to then give her a call

Alex: yeah look don't pressure me I mean I want to call her but it's not that easy there are rules to follow I don't expect a kid to understand

Girl: just do it!

Alex: ahh fine!...wait no why should I listen to you your just my subconcious I don't need to call her anytime soon I have time ( he places it on his lap but he feels Abit conflicted)

Girl: come on you know she's the only one that makes you feel well normal and obviously of your talking toe you need to relax

Alex( he dials her number)