Another day, more awesome,

Donnie Darko: Eyeing Sparky carefully, Dom slid his hands around both his swords, edging them out about an inch. "Look. We've done more than our fair share of fighting today and to be honest I am not in the mood for any more." Another inch or two, slowly. The few steps back were all he needed. "Kanara, you know that spell you were gonna teach me? It's time to use it.." His eyes glinted with amusement, and it seemed when that happened nowadays, people died. It used to mean he was going to be drunk soon. Sliding out his left sword he swang it full stretch, forcing Sparky to back off. "Rhia! Either make him blow up or RUN!" Now his right sword swung full length coming dangerously close to the second man who darted forward. Sliding his heel to the left, he darted for the door. Once they were in the street, maybe a fair fight could take place.

The Author: Even if she'd had the energy, she certain wasn't going to blow anyone up, so she took the latter choice, and broke for the door. She stumbled out into the street, turning to run backwards a few steps as she waited for Dom. When he came out, she called to him, edging her way towards the street that would lead to the club Alex had disappeared into. "Let's just get back to Alex! Please!" She couldn't stand to see anyone else die, not for something so stupid... "It's a choice, Dominic! A choice! Just run!"

Xan Torez: As Alex was on his way towards Ekeil, the young Dark Mage turned and wandered into the crowd. Alex was getting angered now as he detoured to intercept Ekeil in the center of the pit. When he got there, however, Ekeil thrust something to Alex. A staff. A thin, undesigned stick. A training staff. They were mobile yet strong for training battles. What exactly did Ekeil have in mind? It was obvious as he turned his back to Alex, and then the crowd split, forming a circle around the pair. Alex turned to look at everyone, surprised. It was as if they knew what to do. From a higher point, the balcony over the dance floor, stood two recognisable figures. Sadly, not the two he had hoped for. Eilross and Erica both stood, their own staves in hand. Slowly, he looked back to Ekeil to ask what the hell was going on, but found himself immediately parrying an attack. Ekeil grinned and the music stopped as the crowd cheered at the first swing, "Not a good fighter for a so called Imperial Guard, are you? Never let yer guard down, y'know?" Alex clenched his teeth together before pushing Ekeil out of the Stave hold and swinging quickly. As he did, the band started up again; a different style of music to normal. It was a little more steady paced, and the singer was talking about being 'born too slow'. Alex was quite the opposite it seemed however, as he swung blow after blow at Ekeil's staff. Surprisingly, Ekeil never lost his grin. The crowd's cheers didn't die out either as their circle followed Alex's and Ekeil's fight across the stage. Finally, Alex placed one tough blow into Ekeil's staff and held it there, grinning at him, "That enough for you?" Ekeil shook his head and smiled, "Too slow!" And then, all hell broke loose. Ekeil was fast AND powerful, hardly giving Alex time to think about where he should place his staff for a successful parry. he blocked five or six successful swings, before finally, one broke through under him and he sweeped off his feet. The crowd cheered in excitement as Alex was tripped backwards and landed on his ass. He looked up in shock a little as Ekeil stood over him, tauntingly flexing his shoulders, "Want to try again?" Alex didn't need asking. he jumped to his feet, picking up his own pace, swinging a mad flurry at Ekeil. But the Dark mage blocked every single one, and then pushed back. This time however, Alex's adrenaline managed to block every attack though it was pushing him further across the room, and in a desperate struggle to stop Ekeil's force, he stuck out his hand and attempted to cast the 'push' spell he had managed earlier. There was nothing. A second attempt ended the same way. A quick glance to the balcony made him realise why this was. Erica had her hands up infront of her, and around them was a faint purple glow, where she was dispelling everything around the boys. At least, Alex assumed that was the case, until Ekeil grinned and repeated Alex's motions, sending Alex launching across the room and into a pillar. The crowd went wild as Ekeil crouched next to an injured Alex and smiled, "In a town run by Necros and Dark Magi, using the Light Stream for a Telesis spell isn't great, y'know?" "I was.. using.. the.." "Hell NO you weren't! You wouldn't know the Dark stream if it hit you in the face!" The band was finishing their song now and went on to a new one as the crowd concluded the fight was over. Ekeil helped Alex to his feet and the two left, walking into thXan Torez: *the street. The young Necro Lord was hurt, in both pride and physically, but he listened as the Dark Mage spoke, "You're used to only the Light Stream, so seeing and Using the Dark stream will hurt at first. To access the Dark Stream, you have to go at it a completely different way to the Light. You'll need training, and this," he lifted his hand up, and above appeared the outline of a book. the outline dropped to the palm of his hand, and as it did, it took mass. It was old, and had symbols inscribed in its leather, but it didn't take a genius to work out what the word 'Nékro-Mhance' meant. Gently, Alex took the book, studied, then asked one last time, "Who do I need to see here? How do I meet him?" Ekeil sighed and lowered his head in desbelief, "You're f'ckin' lookin at 'im, mate! ..I'll help you with your training, get you going, but I'm just a Mage at the end of the day. Only you can teach yerself the Lord bits. And they're all in there." "And the fight, what was that about?" Ekeil stretched, "To hide the path of Necromancy, the trainers are also 'activators'. If someone wants to be a Necromancer, they have to train with somebody, and then pass a test before they pass on to the next. It's a chain that leads all the way to the final rituals in the temple. The Rites of the Nether." It sounded deep, but Ekeil grinned, "Besides, it was fun. To pass on to the next, you have to defeat me in a simple duel. Only dark energy is allowed, and sticks, but they're just to get the crowd going." Alex watched as Ekeil made his way back to the door, making it obvious Alex wasn't to follow him, "Come see me tomorrow night. We'll begin your training. If you're like 'he' says, your training won't take long.." And with that he was inside, leaving Alex with the question 'he?' to fester upon. Had he meant the voice? Speaking of who, where was HE? He had been silent for so long. Even bigger, where the hell was he meant to find Dominic and Rhia. 'Voice? Any advice?' Silence..

Donnie Darko: Dom followed the sounds of Rhia's voice in the pitch black, tripping on oddly shaped cobbles and dodging boxes and carts left out in the street. Behind him he heard the door of the little shop swing open, all three men laughing merrily. They weren't done yet, and soon they started their own run but something seemed different. It wasn't solid like boot on rock should be. They barely made a sound at all and when Dom shot a look round to see them he nearly wet himself. Like ghosts in the wind they hovered, their black cloaks adding to the effect. Dimitri (AKA Sparky) was still grinning and his hands were still alight, his fingers twitching like a bugs legs do. Shuddering a little, Dom darted round a corner and spotted Rhia just up ahead of him. "Find Alex!" The adrenaline was pumping now. She was right, he knew that. There was always a choice in killing a man or not. He'd killed two men today without much remorse, and at the precise wrong moment, he was hit with an epiphany. Containers couldnt kill because they themselves would thus die, and maybe that represented what Dom should be feeling. 'Theres a problem with that theory. You dont feel..' Snapping back into the real world was a little shocking but his senses picked up quickly. The swords in his hands felt almost weightless. Flicking his right sword upside down he held them in both an attacking and defensive stance. He stopped mid-run, jogging to a stop. Turning to face his spectral opponents, he smiled again. Right at them. They too stopped in kind. "If I fight you, you use no projectile magic. It's only fair." 'Please oh please oh please dont have run off Rhia..' She'd darted into a dark area and he hadn't seen where she had gone.

The Author: When she sensed him coming to a stop, she slid to her own stop. She dug the butt of her staff into the ground to help stop herself, then hurried back until she could see him again. "Dom..." She held still for a time to catch her breath, watching closely, her mind holding tightly to the Light Stream, just in case she could use it to protect Dom.. She had the power to heal, but...she wasn't so sure if she could heal wounds inflicted by the Dark Stream... "Please...don't do this..." She held tightly to her staff, trying to calm her nerves so she could better manipulate the Light Stream. She knew what she really needed to do... She squeezed her eyes shut, and, trusting Dom to handle himself for a few minutes, she projected some of her own reserve of Light Stream. Reaching out with her senses, she sought out Alex's aura, one she recognized quite easily. They weren't too far away from each other, so this wouldn't be too taxing.. It would be taxing, but she'd survive it... She shot that bit of her reserve out towards Alex. It would materialize before him as soon as it found him, taking on the shape and likeness of Rhia herself. It would look like a ghost, bits disappearing as the Dark Stream passed through it and muddied it. "We need your help!" Her voice would sound very far away, like an echo coming from a deep hole.

Xan Torez: The ghost figure shocked him at first, but as it finally dissappeared, the words it spoke had sunken into his head and he bolted towards where he thought they were. Sure enough, his feelings didn't betray him, and he watched with surprise as Dominic stood, swords drawn, against what looked to be three specters. They floated eerily, and to make the situation worse, the voice spoke into his mind. Alex repeated the words it spoke quietly so they would not hear him or see him here, "Terae Solas.." Rhia would've been able to hear, as he was stood close to her. For a few seconds there was a deep pain in his head and the world in his mind shook violently. He closed his eyes and looked at the floor, hoping for the pain to go. What the hell was voice trying to do, kill him?! And then, the pain subsided and he looked up. The world was bright, not like the night time, but it was a deep purple and white. Streams moved around and through everything as peacefully as the light purple and pinks one did that he was used to. Terae Solas. View the dark streams. He watched as they focused around the three men, moving skillfully around them. One of the men however was much more focused than the others and the voice spoke, 'Interesting. A Necromancer. Now you will be able to see what they can do. Watch carefully..' Something else caught his attention though. There was no stream concentration in Dominic, they just flowed through him as if he wasn't there, which made sense, he wasn't using any, but even more interesting, was that the streams DODGED around Rhia, avoiding touching her. Every now and then, a thin one would pass close to her, but nothing would touch her. Also made sense, but his attention focused back to Dominic. How long before the three realised there was a third presence? Would they fight three on three? Made it a bit fairer. Mosre interestingly, would they fight one of their own?

Donnie Darko: Sparky nodded in agreement to Dom's terms and a strange echoey whisper eminated from his mouth. Gravity took it's power back over him and his feet connected properly with the floor. Dominc eyed him up quickly, trying to figure what he was underneath that cloak. Definately a little overweight, which meant Dom's agility would come in handy and he didn't seem as sure of himself on the ground as much as in the air. These small positives paled into comparison when the second man took a step forward, throwing off his cloak revealing a rather sturdy torso, tattooed across his arms and neck. Stranger still, they glowed the same way the mana stream did, but it was darker, flecked with white. The old uncle grinned in the background. "These two chaps here will be your test. They are both trained in the art of using the dark mana stream to strenghten ones own ability. And I would be worried if I were you, they aren't here to playfight." A sick smirk befell them all before the two men lunged forward, easily crossing twenty feet in a second or two. "Rhia.. I think I made the wrong ch--" Dimitri's sparking hand swung forward, narrowly missing Dom's face. He felt the force between his fingers brush across him and he felt like being sick. "Rhia?! HELP!?" He ducked the second swing, thrusting his sword forwards at the larger one.

The Author: She heard Alex beside her, glancing over to see him. Thank goodness.. She drew back in as much of that reserve as was left, but she was still exhausted. That is, until she heard Dom cry out for her. Adrenaline flowed through her as she whipped her gaze back around to him. She grit her teeth and charged forward, holding that staff in both hands. She moved silently, and from the angle she was coming at them, it wouldn't be until she was right on top of them that they'd even know she was there. She leapt into the air, crashing into the side of the not-so-sparky one, while she whipped around her staff so that it crashed into the head of the other one, meant to knock him over or knock him out..then again, with the momentum of her run, it might've done a little more damage than she'd intended...

Xan Torez: Alex watched, feeling slightly helpless. He raised his hand up to grab the sparky one, but lost concentration as Rhia started her run. He focused now on the non-sparky one, only to see Rhia plough her staff into him. Slowly he dropped his hand. They now each had just one target to focus on, leaving him with only one choice. The Necromancer. With his eyes still watching the dark streams, he lifted his hand infront and willed for Telesis to take the NEcro by the neck, but nothing happened, and Alex frowned at his own palm. From beside him, a voice made him jump. A man, wearing plain clothes, yet carrying quite an extravagent large sword, smiled and rested his chin against the butt of it, keeping the sharp end lodged in a cobble, "It's alright, Alexios. Just watch..."

Donnie Darko: Ducking and dodging the two freaks was begining to tire him out. Rhia, thankfully, had given him just enough time to find his ground again. Sparky hit the deck like a sack of potatoes, but he didn't stay down for long. As if nothing had happened he got to his feet, creacked his neck bone and glared at Dom. Now that Rhia had got the attention of the larger one, Dom was free to play, and this guy had made one fatal mistake. Going all out of the first few attacks gives your opponent time to find his entry point. Sparky smirked and lunged forward again, but Dom did not duck but rather slid to the side, flicking his wrist and slicing his right sword in an arc that flew past his head would hopefully land on Sparkys back. The sword hit nothing but air. Sparky swang a 180 and came back full force, only to once again find Dom on his right side, bringing a sword down onto his head. Again he swung round but this time Dom had followed him, pushing forwards off his foot. Sparky would turn to see nothing and in the second it took him to see Dominic he would have a sword butt come crashing down onto his cheek. As soon as it connected Dom smiled, whipping his body round and pushing straight into the sky, the other end of his sword caving in Sparky's chin. Lifting him over his head Dom slammed him into the ground, panting. Taking both swords he nailed Sparky to the floor, hands down. Then for good measure, kicked him in the head. "I!" Smack. "TOLD!" Smack. "YOU!" Smack. "I" Crunch. "WASNT IN THE MOOD!" Crunch.

The Author: Rhia scrambled away from that rather large man, drawing in some quick, deep breaths to try and steady herself. She was just too exhausted for this. Finally, she got herself to her feet, and before the man could even attempt to misjudge her, she whipped that staff around again, knocking it into his shoulder. Not..that..that did anything. She gulped as he just sort of grinned at her. Why couldn't she just have gotten a nap before all of this crap? One little nap, that's all she'd asked for.. Just as she was trying to figure out how the hell she could save herself, she saw Dom, rather over-doing it. Her teeth clenched and she did something she probably shouldn't. She whipped that staff around again, but instead of hitting someone, she extended that bit of reserve she had once again, creating a shockwave that would slam into Dom, knocking him back away from Dimitri. "Enough!" With that, she sank down to one knee, slowly glancing up at the man that was now towering over her. Her grip was weak on her staff, and she seemed to be fading pretty quickly.

Xan Torez: As Rhia's push knocked Dominic out of the way, Alex moved forwards a little, frowning in shock. What the hell? She was in trouble, and she mustered energy to stop Dom from hurting a dead body. Finally, he decided to end this and walked forwards, staring straight at the Necromancer, "STOP THIS" His hand was up and poised, he just hoped the man behind with the sword wasn't still blocking all of Alex's energy. The man with the sword just stood and watched, looking somewhat surprised himself. Quietly he spoke, seemingly to nobody, "Quite an interesting group, I have to admit." In his head, a voice spoke, 'Yes, but can you not feel the blood in him?' "You are correct, as always. He is the fifth. I'm quite interested in his choice of friends though. Unorthodox, for a Necro Lord." 'Yes, but do you not remember the friends travelled with?' The man laughed and nod, sighing contemptly as he watched the predicament unfold.

Xan Torez: *youDonnie Darko: Dom's body flew through the air and landed heavily on the hard cobbles. His ass would hurt for a month. The adrenalin was still pumping through his system but his arms and legs were weak, so he chose not to stand. And to be honest, he was thankful she'd thrown him off because had he carried on, he would have been kicking the floor. Ragged breathing and slowly drooping eyes made the Necro uncle laugh. "For a man who knows not of the death stream, you fight with a rage even I do not know." His tone had a hint of respect, and Dom forced himself not to smile. "Do I pass your damn test?" A small nod and Dom lay his head back. Turning to his fallen guard, the uncle brought his hands together and whispered. "Riisé." The body shook wildly for a moment and then lay still. A groan came from the hood of the cloaked mass and it tried to stand, remembering that in fact it was pinned down. Then it started to laugh heartily, but it was not a human laugh. It rattled and wheezed, like a dying mans last breath. "Master, I have been beaten by this man. He must be worthy.."

The Author: Rhia looked over at that body as it started to move, her face contorting in disgust as she quickly turned away. Unfortunately, she had something in her stomach this time, and her self control was basically zilch. After a minute or so, she managed to get control of herself, dragging herself away from the man standing near her. She wouldn't get more than a few feet before she just couldn't move any farther, sinking down until her cheek rested against the cobblestone, slowly gasping for breath. Even with eyes closed, she watched Alex. She really...really...hoped she wouldn't have to do anything else..for a long time..

Xan Torez: With as much force as he could muster he thrust his hand forward, trying to place a telesis choke hold around the Necromancer, but nothing happened at first, and then his hand moved backward toward the man with the sword. He was stood, smiling, his hand outstretched. he had pulled Alex out of the battle, "They are fighting over you, Alexios, can you not just be quiet and watch?" but Alex was pent up with anger now as he forced his hand out of the hold and turned his telesis on the swordman. This move surprised him and he raised his eyebrows, "Do you really want to challenge me, Alexios? Don't make me ask these nice men to tell you who I am.." he smiled, as he motioned at the three Dark Stream users. Alex turned back then shouted, "STOP!"

Donnie Darko: "Yes.. please.." Dom was having trouble staying awake now. He'd exherted himself far too much today and all powered by two sandwiches. Before he drifted off into total unconsciousness he muttered to the Necromancer uncle, since he was the only one who could hear him. "If I dont wake up in the comfiest bed you can possibly conjure, I'm going to kil you. And everyone you know." A useless threat really, but he felt better for saying it. He dropped off, his body only showing signs of life by his rising chest. Chuckling to himself, the uncle raised his hand and the large man stopped attacking. Walking over to his writing comrade, he yanked the swords out the ground and placed them back into Dominics scabbards for him. "Johnathan, she has nor the strength nor the will to kill you. But she has proven she has the power. That is all I require." While Johnny-boy got his cloak back on, Uncle Necro turned to the figure beside Alex. "He isn't ready, my lord. Eikeil will guide him to you. I will make sure of it." Waving his hand towards Dom, Johnny-boy picked up his sleeping body and stood silent. "Alexios! Youre friends need rest.. and I hear you have a lot of reading to do." Another sick little knowing smile.

Xan Torez: "And you have some explaining to do as well." Alex looked pissed as he motioned to both Rhia and Dom, but the one the Necromancer had referred to as 'My Lord' stepped forwards, "It's a common ritual really. necromancers believe that a Necromancer Lord must be in the company of worthy friends, so when they get the chance, they will test the Lord's friends." Alex narrowed his eyes at the Necromancer, his anger welling inside of him, "You have no right to do such a thing." The Necromancer Lord stepped beside Alex. as he did, his clothes changed the same way Erica's had into something far more domineering. He was wearing battle armour, but it was spikey to an all new extreme, and most of it was modeled on bones, with a skull necklace hanging over his chest. His sword looked powerful beside him now, and not out of place, "They had every right to do it, Alexios. If your friends cannot be trusted to take care of you on your training, then they are not worthy of travelling with you." He looked at the Necromancer Uncle, looking as if he was expecting something. Alex didn't know what, and hardly cared as he walked to Rhia on the floor and lifted her, watching where they were to take Dom, so Rhia could get rest too. Quietly, he whispered to her, "I'm still sorry for dragging you into this.."

Donnie Darko: The old Necromancer bowed his head in respect and turned, flanked by his two henchmen, one of whom was making sure he didn't kill Dom by hitting his head on something. They led Alex and Rhia to a large house which looked nothing like that of what Dom and Rhia had seen. It was an old design based on structure aswell as aesthetics. The windows curved inward and were lined in squares, while the door handle bore a very eerie resemblance to a mans skull. "This is where you will stay. It is as comfortable and safe as you will find in our town. I trust you know exaclty where to find me and Eikeil." He smiled again and left his two guards with the group. Sparky pushed open the door silently and Jonnhy-boy lay Dom on the bed in the first bedroom before returning to view. Staring at Rhia with an expression that could only be described as admiration, he left, closing the door behind him. A new day would soon be upon them, and if Dom could help it, no more killing. He'd filled his monthly quota.

The Author: Rhia was curled up weakly in Alex's arms, somehow still clinging to that staff. She wasn't yet unconscious, so caught that look of admiration from the big man as he left, grunting weakly to herself. "Looks like I impressed someone..." When she was laid down, she wrapped her arm around the staff, and promptly passed out. It wouldn't be until the middle of the next day that she finally woke up, not exactly recharged, but with considerable more energy than she'd had in a long time. With the Dark Streams so thick here, it was very difficult for her to build up her reserve again. Slowly, she sat up, groaning faintly as she lifted a hand to her head. "What a night..."

Xan Torez: Alex hadn't slept at all. Every image that had flickered though his head whilst he had tried to sleep for years had all found a voice and a look in one night, and he didn't like the picture it painted; a world, ripped apart. Every hill was a jagged edge, sticking up iinto a purple and green sky. There were no trees, no plants, no birds. Just sharp rocks. In the distance, light purple and dark purple streams of energy slithered between mountain ranges, and across the land, the cries and footsteps of large creatures could be heard. he had no idea what he had seen, and neither did he care, so when Rhia finally awoke, Alex was over the moon. he didn't show it though as he rubbed his eyes a little and smiled at her from where he had been sat in the corner all night, "Good afternoon, Miss."

Donnie Darko: Dominic was the last to wake up and it took him a good half an hour to get out of bed. It seemed he wouldnt have to kill anyone afterall. When he did finally get up he took a shower in his en suite bathroom and walked into the main room of the house where Alex and Rhia were already sat. Immediately the books he had taken from Rhia's house were burning a hole in his pocket, and he would definately try a spell or ten out today. Yawning a dozen or so times he found the settee and sat there, motionless and happy. He'd left his swords in the bedroom. "Hey, Alex, we didn't see you for a while last night before you showed up and let us get our asses almost kicked. What happened to you? Score with that Erika chick?" He grinned, letting the soft morning light warm him up.

The Author: Rhia rolled her eyes with a sigh at Dom's comment, slowly lifting her staff up. "Do you mind? That's just the tiniest bit inappropriate.." She turned herself to rest her feet on the floor, laying the staff across her lap. She ran her hand across it to make sure it hadn't fractured, but the extra hard wood seemed to be doing its job. She glanced over at Alex then, looking at him closely. "Have you gotten what you need? Please don't say we have to stay here much longer... I'm not sure I could take another day in this place..."

Xan Torez: "It depends," he began, staring at the desk, "I can't leave until I've learned some basics and defeated Ekeil. It's a test, a Rites of Passage. To progress to the next stage of training, I have to prove I can use Dark Energy properly. So, if I can get everything learned in a day, then we can probably leave tonight, but.." he produced the book he had obtained last night. It had been hidden so far, held on his belt, and now it lay on the desk in front of them. The leather was old and worn, the pages not much cleaner, but everything was readable, no matter how eccentric or ludicrous it looked, "I have to leanr THAT, before I take him on.."

Donnie Darko: Dom stood up to take a look at Alex's book and he laughed, patting him on the back. "Tough break. I don't think even Rhia could manage that in a day." Grabbing a mug he poured himself a few glasses of water, downing each one with a satisfied 'aaah'. "I am fighting no-one today. I mean it. Unless it's you.." He glared at Alex for a moment, his eyebrows furrowed. Laughing his way back to his seat he pulled out his own little black book and opened it to the first page, carefully re-reading what he'd found in RHia's home. Then he paused, looking back to Alex. "WHen you say 'defeat'?"

The Author: She sighed heavily when Alex basically trashed her hopes of getting out of there before night fall. She glanced towards a window, gazing out at the sky a bit sadly. "Maybe I can set up camp outside the city walls..." She was mostly muttering to herself, knowing that idea was completely out of the question given the searches going on for them. She sank down onto her side, resting her head on that pillow again. She felt stifled, and even in the day time, she could barely see anything besides the two in the room with her. It was very disturbing, as well as distressing.

Xan Torez: Alex sighed and opened the first page. The writing was old, but readable. It was an introduction to Necromancy. one word took his attention the most though, "Summonus. Apparently, it's possible to take creatures from another world and use them as weapons.. most interesting.." he continued reading, "..lot of energy involved though. Beginners should always try with two people." He grinned a little and looked up at Dom, "Sure we can have some fun with that at some point." He shunned off Rhia's camp comment and sighed a little, closing the book, "I'm sorry, but we can't leave."

Donnie Darko: Mirroring his grin Dom read his own passage out. "Apparas. According to this little spell, I can create a physical apparition and control it for roughly.. three minutes, depending on its size. All it takes is concentration and an image counjured from the mind of the caster." His eyes widened. "How cool is THAT?" Still grinning he looked up at Rhia. "Look, we're safer here than we were on the roads travelling, and besides, I haven't slept so well in my entire life. And remember what Eikeil said? The town is only run by the Necros at night. During the day your magi friends rule with swift and fiery justice." He shut the book for effect, then cursed cause he wanted to open it again. "if worst comes to worst, at least you'll get your rest. And by the way, you still haven't told me why you were so ill in the first place? Did Alex cook for you? Hm?" Smirking at Alex, he watched Rhia gaze out the window.

The Author: "No...that's not it... I exerted too much of myself protecting the city from those fires...and just as I got a little bit of that energy back, I had to expell it by running from the city." She closed her eyes, slowly sitting up. She then looked over at Dom with a dull gaze. "The farther I get from my Contracted, the harder it becomes for me to recover my energy, and the easier it is for me to tire out." She wrinkled her nose when she felt the presence of one of those undead nearby. "This city wreaks so much of Dark Mana that it's nearly impossible for me to get a good hold on the Light Stream..."