for a MUSE of fire [OPEN]

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

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Cold, it was the only thing that Nate could register at the moment. It was not unusual for a Californian such as himself to be unused to the New England weather. But there was a difference between him and the average person. Unlike other people, Nate had developed a slight problem on a trip to Chinatown. A constant breeze surrounded him and no matter what Nate did, it refused to go away. He was just thankful that his professor had decided to have class outdoors today. It was by some brilliant stroke of luck that his photography instructor decided that a freezing night like this would be perfect conditions for going outside to try light painting. At any rate, Nate was just happy that class was over and that he would be able to go back to his dorm room and turn the heat on high. At least that way the wind blew warm air instead of the frigid air in his current environment. Pulling his winter jacket closer around him, Nate began to let his mind wander as he walked down the familiar streets of New York University. The incident in Chinatown was quite traumatizing, to say the least. Having to survive in a building full of objects that could possibly burn you is something that he never wanted to experience again. He had left the fortune telling shop in one piece, thankfully. As for the other three people that were in there with him, he did not know what happened to them nor did he care to know. He had no association with them afterwards and so long as he was not caught by the police, he could care less about the others. And as for the strange rune that was now tattooed on his chest, he had no idea what to think of it. His mother would no doubt tsk to show her disapproval. What was he going to say if he returned to California and he wanted to go swimming? That he suddenly got a new kind of special tattoo that glows? That he was rebelling against his parents again? That would go well, he thought wryly. As for what the tattoo did to him, never had he expected that something like magic could be real. And yet, it was. He remembered things from his past life; he could recall the five kingdoms that each wielded a different power as well as who he was. But, perhaps he was going insane. But the memories that invaded his mind, while unclear, seemed so familiar. It reminded him of his sixth birthday: the first birthday to be celebrated with the Brandts, his adoptive family. Now granted, memories of being a powerful general that killed people were different than memories of celebrating a birthday. However, both gave off the feeling of being real. And if that was not enough to convince him, the gales that surrounded him did the trick. Forget it Nate told himself mentally. It’s over and done with. There’s no use dwelling on the past. Just get on with your life. Refusing to be so depressed anymore, Nate focused his thoughts on the route home. He smiled as he passed a few well known landmarks that he saw everyday because the meant that in just a few more steps and the photographer would be off campus and that much closer to where his dorm was located. Then he would be warm again! Also, the thought of heat and fire gave him an idea for his next photography project. He turned a corner while smiling happily to himself because of the muse that is warmth and all the great ideas that it brought. Nothing could possibly bring him down now. ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: Nate can join new threads no longer O.O credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

[atrb=border,0,bTable][atrb=style,background: url(http://i56.tinypic.com/14cb0pf.jpg);width: 460px; border: 2px solid #555555;,bTable][atrb=cellPadding,0,bTable][atrb=cellSpacing,0,bTable][atrb=colSpan,2]
[atrb=colspan,2][atrb=style,border-right: 3px solid #555555; padding-top: 15px;][STYLE=padding: 10px; background: url(http://i56.tinypic.com/acyiky.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; margin-left: 312px;][/style][STYLE=font-family: helvetica; font-size: 40px; color: #cccccc; letter-spacing: -3px; line-height: 20px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #000000; margin-left: 25px; border-left: 3px solid #555555; margin-top: -107px; padding-top: 25px; padding-left: 10px; padding-bottom: 20px;]Mademoiselle Hortense[/style][STYLE=font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; color: #010101; letter-spacing: 0px; margin-top: -5px; margin-left: 55px; padding-bottom: 20px; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: 200!important;]qu'elle est dans le bras gauche[/style]
[atrb=colspan,2][STYLE=margin-left: 25px; border-left: 3px solid #555555; margin-top: -30px; padding: 40 2 40 12; text-align: justify; font-size: 12px; font-family: helvetica; line-height: 14px; color: #a09891; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #111111;]"Haaa~" Willis released a quiet sigh as he made his way home. His eyes momentarily closed as he took another step down the street just outside the NYU. Normally, he would have had a driver to chauffeur him home. But lately, Willis had insisted on walking. Despite the the just-slightly-visible puffs that formed when he breathed, the cold did not bother the youth. In fact, the night air was, in a way, refreshing; just what he needed to help him clear his mind of that horrific incident in Chinatown. Thoughts still glued to his Chinatown adventure, the teen hadn't even noticed that he was walking straight into a crowd of young people. Arthur the kitten trotted just a few feet behind him. The curiously mute feline hadn't left Willis' side since he'd chanced upon it just before leaving the store. For fear of his family finding out about it, Arthur was also his companion in school; the latter spending most of its time curled up in the youth's backpack. The kitten and the magnifying glass in his pocket; these were the two 'souvenirs' that the boy had earned during that event. Although it bothered him to remember, he supposed he was glad to have something to remind him of it, rather, something to remind him that he had neither imagined the whole ordeal, nor had he gone crazy. Following the incident, Chris had 'covered up' their involvement in the shop. There were no rumors, no news, and the four young people had gone their separate ways. Despite it's similarities to murder, no word at all had been uttered regarding the case. (Yes, he'd been checking.) He felt bad for the old woman... sort of... but then, such was the influence of the Aegis family. Willis felt a spike of irritation directed at himself. There were much higher goals than simply attaining his father's level of status, or even in besting his brother James. The incident in Chinatown had made him aware of that. It could be said that the part of the boy's frustration these past days had resulted from the foolishness he felt for himself. Pathetic... A tugging on his pant leg turned his head. Arthur the kitten tugged at the bit of cloth in its mouth. Its feline pupils, fully expanded in the dimness of night stared at Willis' own. Arthur's head turned, and without really knowing why, Willis' had followed suit. "Nate~" The word left his mouth without his realization. Carelessly uttered, it was said... perhaps a little louder than Willis would have liked. "What are you doing out here at such an hour?" Willis shuddered inwardly. Apparently, whatever affects Nate had gained during their time in Chinatown had yet to subside. credit :: konya☆[/style]	[atrb=width,25px]

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

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"Nate~" The young photographer stopped at the sound of his name being called. He had not recognized the voice, however it sounded oddly familiar. But he just could not seem to put his finger on it. Nate deduced that it was most likely one of his classmates; he did not know any of them well enough to be able to recognize their voices. And who else on campus would be calling after him? He was not close enough to anyone on campus to count them as good friends. Although, why they needed him at this time was beyond him. Nonetheless, he turned to face the source of the sound. The first thing that drew his eyes was a tiny ball of pink fluff that seemed neon under the moonlight. He blinked a few times, unsure of what exactly he was seeing. When his eyes focused enough to realize that it was a cat, a chill went through his body and it was not because of the cold this time. He had only seen a pink cat once in his life and he had wanted to banish that day from memory. It was then that he noticed the person standing next to the kitten. Oh no... Nate looked at the face of the person next to the pink ball of fluff. It was one of the people from the Chinatown incident. But what was his name...? Willis! he said aloud a little too enthusiatically. "What are you doing here at this hour?" "Me? I go to school here," Nate answered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. But then he remembered who he was talking to. "Wait, what are you doing here? And at this time no less." This person looked too young to be in college. He couldn't be here to turn him in could he? At any rate, this situation really was quite awkward. He was not sure exactly what to say. "So, do you need something from me, or...?" He looked at Willis in an attempt to try and figure out why he was here. Or at the very least figure out if the younger male was just as nervous as he was due to this impromptu meeting. As Nate waited for an answer, he realized how cold it was getting. His hands were numb even after stuffing them inside his pockets. The wind blowing the frigid air around was not helping either. He needed to do something before he got hypothermia. "It's too cold to be out here right now. I'm walking home at the moment. Do you want to walk with me or are you leaving?" It only occured to him a bit later that that might not have been the best thing to ask someone who was practically a stranger, but in his opinion it was a lot better than just standing there and dying of cold. ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: Character development, here we come x3 credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

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He goes to school here... but it's EIGHT IN THE EVENING! Momentarily, he wondered whether he would be subjected to such irregular school hours when he went to college. Then again though, he reminded himself, he'd just walked out of his school less than a half hour ago. A subtle glance at the crowd revealed that almost all who were present seemed to be about Nate's age. Not only that, nearly everyone in the crowd held a camera. "I...uh... no, Nate, I was just... on my way back from school. Er... training," he could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks. For some reason, Arthur biting on his pant leg looked twice as interesting as it did just a moment ago. "I...lost track of time," he added with a wry laugh, and finally... "...sorry," he mumbled, "it looks like I've walked into a class activity." In truth though, there was more to the apology. Seeing Nate like this... it reminded him vividly of the events back in Chinatown; or more specifically the way he had behaved, particularly towards the purple-haired youth. The thing was, had it not been for Nate, all four of them might not have made it out alive. The teenager visibly perked when he heard Nate's offer. "Yeah, sure. Where are you staying?" It wasn't really Willis' nature to go out of his way to... socialize when it wasn't absolutely necessary, but anything would beat having to travel all the way back to West Village on his own. Even for a little while, it was ideal to have a companion. As if reading his mind, a disgruntled Arthur bit irritably, not into cloth, but into soft ankle-flesh. "Ouch," Willis jumped at the sudden piercing of needles into his skin. Sighing softly, he bent down and picked the kitten up. "If you were tired, there are nicer ways of telling me," he said, holding the feline up so that they met each other at eye level. Swinging round his backpack, he popped the squirming kitten into the compartment he had specially emptied for the purpose. "Sorry," he told Nate again, "curious thing kept following me around so..." he let the sentence hang. "Anyway, shall we get going then?"

[STYLE=font-family: bradley hand itc; color: maroon; font-size: 11px; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #333]Coded by Soronus of CT, BTN & LS[/style]

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

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Nate was surprised to hear Willis ask him where he lived. He had not expected Willis to agree to his proposition so easily, but at the moment it was all the same to him as long as he got warm. The purple haired male turned and gestured down the street. ”I have a single dorm at Lafayette Hall not too far from here.” The photographer turned back around to face Willis. He raised an eyebrow at the pink ball of fur that the younger man was picking up from the ground. He wondered why he decided to keep such a creature, especially since he found it at the fortune shop. Right on cue, Willis explained, “Sorry, curious thing kept following me around, so… Anyway, shall we get going then?” Nate nodded for both understanding and agreeing. ”Sure, let’s go. He turned and began walking in the direction of the hall. The purple haired man fought the urge to speed walk. While it would warm him up, it would mean leaving Willis behind. Willis could always catch up later but inviting someone to walk with them and then leaving them could be viewed as rude. It did not matter anyways, for the youth with the glasses was walking next to him soon enough.(< --- sorry! needed Willis to be caught up to proceed.) As Nate walked, he could feel the tension growing again. The quiet awkwardness of the whole situation was really uncomfortable. And he was the one that invited the other person along so shouldn’t he be responsible for speaking first? Inwardly he groaned; they had absolutely nothing in common and nothing to talk about other than the Chinatown incident, and he would hate to bring that up. Then the obvious hit him: ask how Willis is doing. It is polite in this society to do that, is it not? ”So how have you been since that incident in Chinatown...?” Nate stopped walking and face palmed himself, not caring that Willis was next to him. After all that effort in thinking of a way to start the conversation, he ends up saying the C-word anyways. ”Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I tend to say things without thinking, you know?”The college student was beginning to speak a bit quickly again. He felt nervous, he had not met any of them since the incident and he was unsure of how to act when with his fellow survivors. Before he could say anything and embarrass himself any further, a rustling in the bushes made him jump and. Then again, many things made him jump these days, even his imagination. But then it rustled again. What the hell? Should we run? That proved to be unnecessary. A small mewling could be heard and a second later a kitten popped its head out from underneath the bushes. Nate breathed a sigh of relief. ”Just a kitten. Strangely enough, the kitten was also an odd color, a color that reminded Nate of the reds from color theory class. Specifically cinnabar, or was it vermilion? But just by looking at the cat, he felt as if there was something strange about the way it looked. He picked up the tiny fur ball and held it next to the kitten that was with the younger male. ”I’m no expert in cats, but do you think that they look alike?” ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: Desperate times call for desperate measures credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

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Willis caught up with the older youth quickly enough. Years of free-running had made him somewhat more sensitive to motion and reflex than most, and it wasn't long before the two fell into a steady, if slightly slow, pace. While Nate seemed as uneasy around him as the first time they'd met (not that Willis could blame him, considering the circumstances at the time), Willis did his best to look passive. Yet in reality, his mind was struggling for suitable words with which he could properly apologize to the youth. It was... one of the things that had been bothering him so those past few days; how a little bit of trauma could make him lose his composure so easily. To most, it might have seemed like the most natural thing in the world, but for a boy who had grown up on endless etiquette lessons, it was... let's just say that there wouldn't be any pleasant nights until he managed to get that off his chest. But before Willis could begin to speak, Nate spoke up, asking how Willis had been managing since Chinatown. Right before he apologized for it. To be honest, the question had startled him somewhat. Following what had happened to Nate, it wasn't something he would have wanted to talk about had he been in the purple-haired youth's shoes. "Okay, I suppose and it's fine," he returned, his tone still held his nervousness. "I'm not entirely sure why, but Arthur makes me feel a little more at ease about it." A hint of color kissed his otherwise-pale cheeks. Saying the name aloud made him aware of just how silly it sounded. But the kitten had received its name (and a new home) on an impulse, and it stuck. Of course, there was the matter of him feeling uneasy enough to have asked for a break from work. Instead, Willis had spent most of what should have been leisure time on the track field (running always did help him to feel better). "I still can't help but find myself looking over my shoulder every so often though." the truth finally finding it's way to the surface. "You... don't think that that thing will come back for us, do you?" To be honest, he was a little ashamed of voicing out his true feelings. But then, there wasn't anyone else he could open up to regarding the matter; not if he didn't want to risk getting arrested for murder. "And...I'm sorry about the way I'd spoken to you back then. I... I owe you one." Faster reflexes, caused by the topic they were discussing caused Willis to mirror Nate's actions when a soft rustling was heard from a nearby shrub. He didn't breathe, and neither did he move, until Nate identified the source. As he expressed his relief, he was glad that Nate's attention had been focused on the new-comer, as his own visage had taken on a color much more similar to said new-comer's fur than Willis cared to admit. Arthur, meanwhile, had taken the initiative to investigate. Popping its head out of the breathing hole Willis had left in the zipper, the pink kitten wriggled it's way out and was soon standing nose to nose with the vermilion-colored feline. Indeed, the tiny duo looked exactly alike, with their exception of their coat color. Without so much as a mew, both kittens turned their heads simultaneously to look at the two humans. And as their feline eyes bore down on he and Nate, Willis could feel his hair stand on end. Taking a step back caused the kittens to break their gaze. As if oblivious to the ambiance, Arthur was once more nudging against the boy's pant leg-a signal Willis had learnt to recognize as the kitten's request to be carried. Arthur had been Willis' constant companion for a few days now, and it had begun to dawn upon the teen, that the kitten was, in fact, mute. "Eh...hehe... maybe we should keep walking, Nate." There was no doubt that there was something funny about the new feline.

[STYLE=font-family: bradley hand itc; color: maroon; font-size: 11px; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #333]Coded by Soronus of CT, BTN & LS[/style]

OOC: Sorry the post is a little dry, Ressa. My muse is still a little scarce. I wonder how Nate's going to react to the kitties XD

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

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"Maybe we should keep walking, Nate." Nate stopped staring at the cat and nodded towards Willis. He took a step forward only to feel something very warm brush up against his pant leg. Looking down, he could see the oddly colored kitten was rubbing against his leg and Nate had to admit that the little creature felt very warm. He bent down and scooped the feline in his hands and could instantly begin to regain feeling in his frozen fingers. "I think I'm going to bring this guy with me, he's really warm. Strange colors though, aren't they?" asked Nate. "I wonder why." With new source of heat in hand, Nate continued on the path to his dorm. Somehow, Nate felt as if the run in with the kitten had lessened the tension in the air it might be easier to speak to the younger man now. As he walked he thought back to what Willis had said and how he had apologized. No avoiding it now, might as well continue the conversation. "I feel the same way, about what happened after the Chinatown incident I mean. I tend to stay in public, non-enclosed places now. And I have not been back to Chinatown since that time. As for whatever that thing was, well, it seemed to be after that pendant that the old lady had. The girl has the pendant now doesn't she? I don't think that it will come after us, but the girl I can't say for sure." Nate paused in speaking. This was it. He was finally beginning to speak about his problems like his sister had taught him, not that he enjoyed it. It was not something he usually did unless forced to but this seemed like something too big for him to handle. And almost dying at the hands or claws of something supernatural was definitely too much for him to handle. "As for speaking to me caustically, don't dwell too much on it. I can see why you would since I accused that girl wrongfully of murder and all." Although it was logical thought Nate to himself. Nate considered whether to continue talking about what had happened that day. While it was an uncomfortable topic to talk about, the young photographer realized that Willis had opened up about his feelings first. Perhaps he could trust him with a little more information. "You know, I regret ever going to Chinatown that day. Ever since that day, my entire life has been changed. I can't be near other people anymore, not that I enjoyed being around them in the first place. But now I'm terrifed that someone is going to find out. In fact, my professor mentioned how odd I have been acting lately." Nate said with a wry smile. He did not mention the wind because he felt that it was pretty obvious. He was sure that Willis was intelligent enough to realize that no matter where they walked there was always a cold breeze surrounding them. At least now that he had a purring source of heat the cold did not seem as unbearable. "I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to live like this but if you have an idea, please do share." ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: Must regain muse >.> credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

[newclass=icon]background-color: #dd0606; width: 100px; height: 350px; margin-left: 50px; margin-top: -1px; margin-bottom: -1px;[/newclass]

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Although he himself had fallen under the same sort of spell not too long ago, Willis found himself chuckling at Nate's decision to keep the new-comer. As it turned out, the kittens were as irresistible as they were strange. Willis nodded at the older youth's comment. "More than just looks though, Arthur here happens to be mute as well. Or at least, that's what it looks like. I haven't heard a peep from him since picking him up at that shop." The teen's head hung slightly lower. He couldn't even bring himself to refer to the fortuneteller's shop in any other way. It was... pathetic. As Nate began to talk about his experiences following Chinatown, the teen's self-condemning thoughts somehow began to wane, replaced by the boy's intrigue at how another was handling the trauma of the incident. He was truly surprised that Nate, too had been out of sorts with himself as well. Perhaps, Willis might have been a little hard on himself. It was logical to assume that of the four who had escaped the ordeal, Nemi would be the one who'd be in the gravest danger. A wary hand moved subconsciously to pat the pocket where the other trinket found in the store was held. To be honest, Nemi wasn't the only person who had come away from Chinatown with a peculiar souvenir. Still, it felt reassuring to hear Nate reason that the it-whatever it was- would not be coming after him. "Yeah," he replied quietly when Nate went on to say that Willis need not worry about what he said to him back then, "and thanks." Willis had meant these words, but they had been said so very softly, it was a wonder if Nate had actually heard them. Willis threw a soft gaze on the older male when he spoke of the difficulties their misadventure had caused. Now that he mentioned it, it did feel much colder walking next to Nate than it did when he walked alone. "But Nate, I'm sure it isn't all bad... I mean..." It was a given that people would eventually notice the peculiar wind that seemed to follow Nate perpetually. "...it's odd, but if you could somehow control it, I'm sure it'd be a useful thing to have around." The teen's eyes shot to the floor. Color flushing his cheeks, he suddenly felt very foolish. It wasn't something that Willis had had to endure. It was presumptuous for him to think he could relate to what Nathaniel was experiencing. But then, Nate had asked for his opinion. And still, looking from an unbiased perspective, "perhaps the soundest way is to just go with the flow," he said, still feeling the heat circulating in his cheeks. That was...corny, to say the least. "I mean... if it isn't something you can get rid of, you may as well make the best of it. And even if you can't behave in the same way as you did before, likely, people will get used to the way you are now eventually." It had to be rough though, thought Willis. Like himself, Nate felt uncomfortable being by himself, yet unlike Willis, Nate's interaction with people, or even the simple act of being present among others, was compromised due to the new power he had received. "This whole business just seems so surreal," he admitted. A sudden movement caught the corner of Willis eyes, causing the teen to stop suddenly in his tracks. In his arms, he felt the kitten's body stiffen. Was his paranoia finally getting to him? Part of him certainly hoped so. By now, the chilly wind had sent most pedestrians headed for home and shelter, resulting in streets that were quieter than the norm. Tonight certainly wouldn't be a good night to be caught outside by the less-savoury inhabitants of the big apple. Another flicker in the shadows, and Willis felt himself breaking into the beginnings of cold sweat. He felt sure he recognized that movement, but considering the circumstances surrounding him, Willis hoped he was mistaken.

[STYLE=font-family: bradley hand itc; color: maroon; font-size: 11px; margin-top: -10px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #333]Coded by Soronus of CT, BTN & LS[/style]

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

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As they continued their conversation, Nate began to feel much more comfortable around the younger male. The conversation that they were talking about was a painful topic to discuss but at least it gave them some sort of… closure. God, how he hated that word. He never did understand why people could not just drop the subject and pretend that it never happened. Well, I know why now. If I didn’t talk about this, I probably would have exploded by now. “The whole business just seems so surreal.” ”Yes, it does,” agreed Nate. They lived in a world dominated by technology. Now you throw magic into the mix and it makes a person wonder. Is this all real? Am I going insane? None of the seven billion people on earth could possibly believe that there was such a thing such as magic unless they actually experienced it. And even then the part that claims to be the rational side of a human will still question the reality of it. Up ahead, Nate could see the lights of his dorm room. They were almost there which meant that soon this walk would come to an end. Already the photographer knew that it was going to be an awkward goodbye. He enjoyed talking to Willis, honestly he did. But did he want to meet him again? If they were not finished with their talk, should they continue the conversation another time? Human relationships are so difficult. Nate heard a noise but ignored it this time. Probably just another cat, he thought. But then he stopped walking when he noticed that Willis had stopped and was looking fairly uncomfortable. ”Hey, Willis. Are you okay? Is something wrong?” Then Nate heard the noise again. Now he was getting worried. It was dark, it was night time and they were alone in the middle of the street. What could possibly be making that sound? The answer came in the form of three people that looked to be around their age. The three males jumped out from the shadows. As they came out of the darkness and gathered in front of the duo, the three strangers performed acrobatic tricks that reminded Nate of Cirque du Soleil. They dressed rather poorly. Not in the sense that they were unfashionable (because Nate cared not for fashion as long as it was comfortable) but because the clothing looked dirty and worn. The three strangers converged in front of them and blocked their path. Nate was suddenly very confused. What was going on? This seemed like a mugging, but they just gave away the element of surprise and they had no weapons from what he could see. But they clearly wanted something and since Nate did not know who they were, perhaps Willis might. Well, if you need to know something just ask. Nate turned to question Willis. ”Do you know these people?” ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: I know nothing about free running. Forgive me if my interpretation is off or wrong. credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/LoKpA.jpg][atrb=style, border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dashed #cbcbcb; padding: 10px; color: #a1a1a1;][style=background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png'); border-radius: 15px; border: 1px dotted #cbcbcb; padding: 10px; width: 100px; float:left; margin-right: -3px;][/style][style=font-size: 30px; color: #d3d3d3; font-family: Arial; margin: 45px 0px 0px -4px;]►[/style][style=float: right; text-align: center; font-size: 28px; font-family: arial narrow; letter-spacing: -2px; color: #656565; margin: -35px 10px 0px 5px;]this is the point of no return[/style][style=float: right; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #a5a5a5; margin: -10px 10px 0px 0px;]WE LOSE WITH HEARTBREAK OVERWHELMING[/style] [style=font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial; color: #656565; padding: 10px; text-align: justify; border-right: 4px solid #dcdcdc; text-transform: none;]The feeling of dread only served to intensify when the three figures stepped out of the darkness with an unnecessarily flashy display of moves, which Willis assumed were made to intimidate he and Nate. Typical... He thought disdainfully, his narrowed eyes and thinned lips plainly judging their lack of taste. The Raging Thorns were known for their tendency to show-off. "Do you know these people?" Nerves standing slightly on edge, the teen nodded slowly at Nate's question. "Unfortunately," he muttered quietly. "Aww~, words hurt, Talon," one of them, a red-haired male mocked, using Willis' free-running handle. "Is that any way to treat a fellow Traceur?" "What is it you want, Fang?" Willis retorted gruffly, abandoning all etiquette he'd schooled since boyhood. Although the teen was certain that whatever the answer he would receive, it wouldn't be a pleasant one. Like his own team, the Silent Hawks, the Thorns were among the more prominent groups of runners the NYC; almost unmatched in skill and in size. But unlike the Hawks, the Thorns were a real street gang-thugs- who were unreserved in doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted, even if it involved crimes punishable by law. And Fang was no exception. The Thorns were also the only team who sought to challenge others for territorial rights, very often succeeding due to the sheer number of experienced runners, some of which had been coerced into joining. In fact, the Hawks were due for a match that very weekend. And although Willis had planned to sit that particular run out, he had a very good idea why Fang had chosen to approach him. Granted, it had only been due to bad luck that they were able to catch Willis here tonight. The red-head made to consider. "I have a proposition." "And what if I refuse," Willis returned, barely having waited for the other male to finish. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You haven't even heard my proposal yet," The large male began. "But you know what happens to those who refuse an invitation from the Raging Thorns," he sneered. It wasn't an empty threat. But seeing the teen unmoved, he flicked his chin, causing the other two to step closer to the teen and his friend. "Perhaps your friend there could help serve as a reminder," Fang's tone darkened. "Leave him out of this," Willis warned. He backed himself closer to Nate. Lafayette Hall was already within sight of where they stood, but at this point, it was the last place that they should be headed now. Willis knew, if Fang and his friends found out where Nate stayed, it would only mean trouble for the older youth. He cursed inwardly. It was unlikely that Nate truly knew the extent of the danger that they were in. Having endangered Nate, it was his responsibility to get them out of the trouble he'd gotten them into. Through gritted teeth, Willis said, "I'll listen to your proposal." A cruel laughter rang. "I was going to offer you a spot in the Thorns; maybe even give you a group of your own," he glowered at them, like a predator regarding its prey. "Now, I think I'd rather break your legs. We're going to crush the Hawks either way." A short pause. "Such a waste." With a single gesture, the cronies were onto them like lions upon lambs. [/style][style=font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial; color: #656565; padding: 3px; text-align: right; border-right: 4px solid #dcdcdc; margin-bottom: 1px; text-transform: none; line-height: 10px;]TAGGED • Nate, open >.>     WORDS • here     MUSIC • here NOTES • I think the goal freerunning could be described as moving through objects with the greatest possible fluidity and efficiency. Art of movement, so to speak XD Hm, I wanted to have Arthur blind them with a flash, but glowing kitten would be a little over the top, wouldn't it =/ coded by lovesolfege of ote![/style]

[NATHANIEL BRANDT]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 475px; height: 707px; background: transparent,btable][atrb=style, background: url(http://i54.tinypic.com/2przh9u.jpg) top no-repeat ; width: 125px;]

"Unfortunately." Ah, so he did know them, thought Nate. But he could not for the life of him fathom how or why Willis would ever know these people. Nate did not know much about Willis. However, judging by the way he dressed and especially the way he spoke, he did not seem to be the type of person to hang around with those kinds of people. In fact, the young man with glasses would not be out of place in high class society. All he could tell from Willis's answer was that he was not to pleased with meeting the three here. The photographer silently began to wonder whether or not he should be worried. "Aww~, words hurt, Talon. Is that anyway to treat a fellow Traceur?" "What is it you want Fang?" Talon? Traceur? Fang? What the hell was going on? Why were they calling each other by strange nicknames? What was a traceur? And why was Willis so upset? He had never heard Willis become that hostile towards anyone in the short time that he had known him. The situation was getting worse by the second. The tension in the air could easily be felt by Nate and he was beginning to feel a little unnerved by the entire confrontation. As the two continued talking, Nate tried to figure out what they were talking about based on the context of their words. But so far, all he could tell was that the red-headed male wanted Willis to join something called the Raging Thorns. Something that the younger male seemed to have a serious aversion to. The open hostility being displayed between them was really beginning to worry Nate. At least he was able to take solace in the fact that they were not supernatural creatures. "Perhaps your friend there could help serve as a reminder." Nate's blood ran cold. He took back everything he thought about how humans were less dangerous than supernatural creatures. Unless they were referring to someone else, then they were talking about him. Either way, these guys were dangerous and clearly had no qualms about hurting people. Nate's fear of being seriously hurt was starting to mess with his abilities. The wind was beginning to grow. "Leave him out of this. I'll listen to your proposal." Willis surprised Nate when he backed up in front of him in a defensive gesture. While Nate was glad that Willis was willing to defend him should anything happen, he was also a little embarrassed to have to be protected by a man younger than himself. But now was not the time to be feeling like this. So long as we don't get hurt, everything will be fine. Nate hoped to god that nothing will happen. "I was going to offer you a spot in the Thorns; maybe even give you a group of your own. Now, I think I'd rather break your legs. We're going to crush the hawks either way. Such a waste." The ringleader of the group waved his hand and suddenly his henchmen were advancing towards them. Nate was afraid for his life. There was no telling what these people could do to them. With each step towards them, Nate knew the wind was going to grow. Suddenly Nate had an idea. Quickly, he shoved the tiny kitten in his hand into an empty compartment of his camera bag and used his free hand to grab onto Willis and hoped that he would not reject his touch, as uncomfortable as it may have been. Then like releasing a breathe, he released the wind that he had not realized he was controlling. The large gust blew over the three enemies who were clearly surprised by the gale. With the three thugs disoriented, it was their only chance to escape. He tugged on Willis's sleeve as if encouraging him to run. Run! Then Nate ran. He ran until he returned the street where he had met Willis. There he stopped to catch his breath and regroup with Willis. Then if necessary, he would run to the closest police box on campus and report the three chasing them for trespassing on university property. ________________________ DATE ○ Tuesday, September 14 TIME ○ It is around 8:00 in the evening. WEATHER ○ It is cold as the temperature decreases somewhat compared to morning. However, the sky is clear and the full moon can be seen by anyone that walks outside. ________________________ tagged: Willis Hailden, others notes: I am so sorry for the late post. Life and nano got in the way. Also a glowing Arthur would have been cool but Willis and Nate would have been blinded as well, no? credit: bubbles of SA

[WILLIS HAILDEN]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i.imgur.com/LoKpA.jpg][atrb=style, border-radius: 25px; border: 1px dashed #cbcbcb; padding: 10px; color: #a1a1a1;][style=background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/qvttS.png'); border-radius: 15px; border: 1px dotted #cbcbcb; padding: 10px; width: 100px; float:left; margin-right: -3px;][/style][style=font-size: 30px; color: #d3d3d3; font-family: Arial; margin: 45px 0px 0px -4px;]►[/style][style=float: right; text-align: center; font-size: 28px; font-family: arial narrow; letter-spacing: -2px; color: #656565; margin: -35px 10px 0px 5px;]this is the point of no return[/style][style=float: right; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; font-family: arial; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #a5a5a5; margin: -10px 10px 0px 0px;]WE LOSE WITH HEARTBREAK OVERWHELMING[/style] [style=font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial; color: #656565; padding: 10px; text-align: justify; border-right: 4px solid #dcdcdc; text-transform: none;]Willis' breath was ragged, more from the giddy fear that was pumping adrenaline into his blood stream rather than the actual run itself. They'd escaped the Thorns for a while, largely because of Nate's quick action. But the teen knew, that although they had arrived in a more... inhabited area, they were not truly safe just yet. He turned to the older male, his expression sincerely apologetic while still etched with tale tell signs of fear. He knew, he owed his friend an explanation. At the very least, Nate would have to know just how very real a threat the Thorns were. "Nate," he began, "I-" Even before he could begin to spin a proper sentence, he'd caught sight of their pursuers rounding the corner. This time, it was Willis' turn to grab Nate. "I'm sorry." He told him hastily, before pulling him towards the nearest building, while keeping as low a profile as he possibly could among the students still filing out of campus. He brought them both into the nearest building. Against some of the best free-runners in NYC, the safest place to hide was probably indoors. Pulling them further inwards, away from the entry, Willis leaned himself against a wall and sighed. Of all places... and of all times.. Opening his eyes, he turned his attention once more on the photographer. "Free-runners," he said, reading Nate's expression. "And the only ones who behave far from civil." Even more obvious than the slight pain his his chest caused by a heart pumping in overdrive, was the heat that had bubbled in his gut. Despite the anger directed at himself for endangering Nate, his tone had reverted to the well-mannered eloquence of a young courtier, if lined with a slightly darker undertone. "I'm... sorry I got you involved." Pushing himself off his support, Willis took a step forward, and tried to get his bearings. Almost instinctively, his eyes scanned for possible nooks, pathways, and most importantly, a way out. "It looks like I am once more in your debt. It was a good thing we didn't make a break for your dorm. The last thing we would have wanted was for them to find our where you live." He shook his head. Sure, he'd spotted a few possible routes should Fang and his cronies be mad enough to continue their chase onto the University campus, but seeing as this was Willis' first time in NYU, he had absolutely no idea where he was. Nor could he know what sort of 'terrain' he would encounter. Going back out now would be suicidal. Had it been just Willis, he would likely have tried to out-run them. Had it been just him, he would risk the chances of getting caught. For now, the teen focused his attention on the older male. If Nate needed answers, now would probably be the best time to ask; now that they had a bit of time. By now, he had already come to the conclusion of what might be the smartest course of action... even if it were his least favorite course. His life as a free-runner was something he'd kept private since his initiation into the Hawks; in short, 'Talon' was something that he would have like to keep separate his identity as 'Willis Hailden'. Now, Nate would be the first to know of his alternate world. Worse, if Fang or his family ever found out about his double life... let's just say it wasn't something the boy wanted to fathom. [/style][style=font-size: 10px; font-family: Arial; color: #656565; padding: 3px; text-align: right; border-right: 4px solid #dcdcdc; margin-bottom: 1px; text-transform: none; line-height: 10px;]TAGGED • Nate, open >.>     WORDS • more than I expected...     MUSIC • here NOTES • 's okay, Ressa. Take your time with the thread. -whips out pompoms and starts cheering ressa on for nano-coded by lovesolfege of ote![/style]