Traveling through (Cattail)

[»Míríel«]

The sparse sunlight filtered through the tree boughs onto the figure of a elvish maiden. Her golden hair streamed down her back like a river of gold. Her aquamarine blue eyes were focused on the side of a large black horse beside her. "Don't worry Calanon, well be through these swamps soon, then you can stretch your legs a bit more.." Her voice was musical and gentle and her horse nudged her gently on the shoulder.

Stepping back she scanned the forest around her. So silent and dark here. Though she had traveled through this area many times, it never made her comfortable with this place. She had grown up in the Firefly Ruins, where light and life abounded, but that was long ago and she hadn't returned there since her father's disappearance.

Miriel's hand rested on the hilt of her sword, its usual resting place when she wasn't on her horse, as she gave the scenery another glance. They were on the most solid ground in this swamp, and they had to be since Calanon was with her. But this was one place that she usually rested at, for the ground was solid in a large circle, giving you room to stretch out and build a fire of some sort.

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned to stroke Calanon again. "I would like to make it brighter here.." She whispered, "I don't need to attract any attention to my presence..especially here."

[Miss Fifi]

A flash of red lightning erupted throughout the swamp. Axel landed on his feet, not exactly gracefully, but on his feet. He stretched out slightly, yawning as he did. This was often the place he went to when memories of the past were haunting his thoughts. He could almost still feel the presence of the past Earth Guardian. When her life ended, she left it behind with her beloved nature. Axel pushed the hair back off his forehead and grunted. D*** memories.

He decided to walk around and take in some of the swampy air. Hopefully it would clear his thoughts of the past. His wings were being tugged by the wind, so he pulled them in tighter against his back. Something about this place always drew him back here. It felt like something was calling him, but yet he couldn't say what.

[»Míríel«]

A eerie red light illuminated the whole swamp with it's sudden appearance as the sound of something hitting the ground sounded through the silent air. Calanon reared back in surprise with the white of his eye showing. "Woah boy, woah!" Miriel backed up slightly in order to be clear of his large hooves. But the horse would not be calmed, he sesed a presence here, an unwelcome evil presence. To tell the truth, Miriel wasn't feeling comfortable either, for a shiver was sent runing down her spin. This was put off as just shock at the sudden noise, little did she know the real reason. The nature around her seemed to be cringing back in horror around her, and the air grew denser, but this all went past her senses. All that was on her mind was calming down Calanon before he fell into the swamp. "Blast you...I wish I didn't have to do this..." She muttered under her breath. If anything was out there it would most likely be drawn to what she was about to do, release light in a dark area.

Closing her eyes a tune came from her lips. It sounded like the wind in the trees, soothing and relaxed, quiet and calm. It was a lullaby that her father used to sing to her when she was afraid. Slowly the air around her grew less dense as it became brighter around her. Darkness fled and a nice warm glow radiated from her being. Her hair, that had just been golden before seemed to hold the power of the sun within it and her eyes seemed as blue as the sky. Slowly Calanon's thoughts were quieted and all four of his feet came to met the ground. His crys of terror subsided to a neigh of nervousness and then silence. Miriel stopped as soon as he was calm and studied his figure. The glossy black fur that covered him twitched nervously every now and then. "There...See there's nothing to be afraid of. Only a flash of light nothing more." She spoke softly and soothingly to the horse as she inched closer and stroked his neck. But was that really all it was? She wouldn't let the feeling of nervousness rise up within her. Something was out there, but what?

[Miss Fifi]

Axel started when a light aura filled this land of darkness. When the sound of melodious singing hit his ears, he began to search the area, trying to find the source. Something felt brighter, less dense. Someone was tampering with the atmosphere. He could not allow this to go on; if the balance was even tempered slightly, it could mess up the weather patterns of the entire Lush Forest. Lifting himself off the ground, he flew up into a thick canopy of leaves high off the ground. He looked below, scanning the area for any evidence of life other than himself. A flash of black caught his eye. A horse? What was a horse doing in a place like this? He moved a branch, trying to get a full view. Then the elf girl came into his sight. Axel grimaced. Annoying elves, always thinking they know best.

Swooping down from the trees, the wind howled as it rushed by his wings. The chains shivered, making a thunder-like noise. He landed a few feet behind them, facing their backs. His ancient scythe appeared in his hand as he shouted, "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

[»Míríel«]

Miriel's face smiled gently as she looked into the warm brown depths of her horses eyes. But That only lasted for a moment. For soon those eyes grew fearful again. The wind howled and seemed to be screaming a warning. What ever was coming was coming fast. "drat.." She thought as her hand wavered toward her sword. "Hopefully I won't need you Aranor.." her thoughts whirled n her head.

A thud on the ground behind her announced that whatever that was coming had arrived. "What exactly do you think you're doing?" A voice, that was none to kind, screamed out at her.
Miriel refused to give into a shiver that was crawling up her back. Instead she stroked Calanon's neck to calm him and turned around slowly. She could not have prepared herself for what she saw. A dark figure, stood before her, a man whose dark wings were tied in chains of darkness. Every move he made caused them to clatter in delight of bondage.

"What exactly do you think you are doing?" She repeated the question back to him, amazed by the calmness of her voice. Every part of her wanted to leap onto Calanor and flee, but she refused herself to give into her fear. Her outer appearance was as serene as the calm surface of water, hiding the frantic thoughts that were like fish streaming around beneath the surface. Not waiting for him to answer she decided it would probably be best to answer him first. " I think that I am just traveling through this place. Getting from point A to point B. Have I done something wrong?" Her eyes narrowed slightly as her hand rested by her sword, ready to use it if needed. Her voice had some tension in it, but only a hint. Who did this guys think he was? The ruler of everything?

[raphael]

((I'M LAZY! NOT SWITCHING ACCOUNTS!!))

Axel sneered at her as she threw attitude in his face. "Done something wrong, you ask?" He stepped closer to her, getting in her face. "Well, if you'd like to know, you just threatened throwing off the atmosphere in this whole bloody ( < British curse ) forest!" He gestured violently up at the streams of light aura filtering throughout the canopy of leaves. His temper was flaring at her indignant attitude.

"Well if you're traveling, I suggest you get a move on." He turned his back to her, no longer wishing to engage with an elf girl and her stupid beast. He started to walk off, going closer to the edge of the swampy waters. He leaned down, running the warm water through his fingers. Standing up, he touched the bark of a willow tree, and the swamp darkened back to its normal state. Who cared about the stupid horse and its feelings? He had more important things to worry about.

[»Míríel«]

Miriel crossed her arms in front of her and glared at the back of the guy. Who did he think he was pushing her to go forward. They had been traveling for days and she was finally able to rest. Yet some aurora of power surrounded the intruder and she grunted in distaste. "Men" She thought to herself.

Calanon, who by now, could feel the tension in the air and severly disliked the dark being with wings that had intruded and he disliked the darkness he brought. With a snort he lashed out with his back legs to hit the figure flat on the back.

"Calanon!" Miriel called out but it was to late, the deed was done.

[raphael]

Axel felt a pounding pressure on his back, then suddenly he was leaning forward. "Wha-WHAAAAAAAA!" Splash. A few bubbles floated on the surface, then out popped Axel, wet and all. He had a piece of algae hanging on his head, which he shook off. Now there was no turning back. Slowly he trudged out of the swamp, sputtering and spitting as he did. He threw another chunk of algae off his shoulder, staring right at the horse.

"You.. Little BEAST!" He swiped out at the horse with his scythe. His eyes were glowing now; he was furious. He tried to grab at the horse, yanking at its mane and still attacking it with his scythe. He was blind with rage; nothing could calm him down at this point. When he was finished with the horse, he turned to the elf girl. "How dare you bring that stupid animal here! How dare you even come here!" He lunged out at her violently.

[denduren]

Blades clash, Death meets an old friend. Bael had stepped in between the girl and Axel. He had stopped the scythe inches from his face. "Blind with fury again Axel?" He taunted as he threw Axel back with an easy stroke. "Wow Axel, you look as if you've seen a ghost."

Bael turned to the girl, "Are you ok?" He said calmly, "Excuse my..... uhm.... friend.... He gets bend over in a hissy fit a lot." His grin becoming apparent now, "He's like a little kid, ya know? A little disipline goes a long way. He gets in his little temper tantrums. He's a really nice guy, once you get up close and personal with him." Bael was almost laughing now as he talking endlessly to this elf. He could feel Axel's rage growing. "Calm yourself Axel. I'm not the target here." Bael said in a sarcastic tone.

[»Míríel«]

Calanon had managed to escape the bright scythe , but only by a hair. He did not like this dark man, not one bit. A neight of terror escaped from him as he saw the blade heading for his companion.

Miriel was about to whip out her sword, though she feared it was going to be to late. But then another person came into the fight. The clashing sound of swords rang out, slicing through the silence. The figure turned to her and began talking non stop

"I'm fine, thanks to you." She replied when she could get words in. This guy was obviously a good acquaintance with the Dark Angel. The usual curiosity rose within her but she suppressed it. This was no time to ask questions. Her aqua eyes flicked to her attacker and her eyes narrowed. So he thought he could just leap and beat her down did he? Hmph.." She thought as she turned to look at Calanon.

The horse had been observing the new comer with satisfaction. He liked this person, yes he liked him a lot. Casting an angry glance at Axel he curled his lip at him before trotting over to Miriel.

[raphael]

Axel's eyes narrowed as he growled at Bael, "Well, you certainly are now." Axel picked up the child-like demon and flung him halfway across the forest, slamming him against a tree. He then swooped over at an extremely fast speed, grabbing Bael by the neck. "You may have escaped Death once, but I don't plan on letting it happen again," he snarled. He drew his scythe, pointing the edge up to his neck. "Have a nice flight down to hell." Just as he was about to strike, a bolt of white lightning struck. Axel froze, a snarl on his face. Without turning from Bael, Axel growled, "You tried to handle this once, now I'm ending it. This is none of your concern, Raphael."

Raphael watched Axel with sympathy. So much anger was bottled up in one man. "Axel, please-"

"No!" Axel shouted, turning to face Raphael. "I'm tired of you interfering! This is my own business, none of yours!"

Raphael sighed. "You make it my business Axel, with your rash actions. I can't have you running around killing people."

Axel paused, then laughed darkly. He released Bael from his hold, throwing him against the ground. "You always did like to think of yourself as a superior. I've always had the urge to knock you down off your high, high horse." He twirled the scythe in his hands.

[denduren]

Bael hesitated as he got up. His body was aching and his breathing was hard. He heard Raphael and Axel fighting. Two sides clashing. "If I could just intervene for one moment." Bael said as he cleared his throat. He was standing no and staring at two trees. "I bet Axel could win." He was holding his smile back, "Or maybe Raphael. You all should fight it out..." He paused to see if the took the bait. They kept arguing as if Bael had never spoken up. He started limping away and hid behind a tree. He ripped some bandage and fixed his leg and walked out again, now sort of staring at a general direction of them. "Are you all still yelling? Y'all are like brothers..." He was annoyed now, "Little brothers. Actually..." He paused for dramatic effect and direct toward Axel, "I think Raphael is like the older brother.... Always having to clean up your messes Axel." Bael turned to let out a laugh and calm his grin before Axel charged him once more.

[»Míríel«]

Miriel looked from Axel to Raphael. Something triggered in her mind. Distant memories. She had heard those names before, suddenly the two looked slightly familiar. Fuzzy memories came to her mind, she had been young when these two had visited her father. Those were the good days, before all this mess had happened.

Now that the names were familiar what did they have to do with each other? She remembered her father talking respectfully to them, so they must have been a guardian of some sort.

Suddenly something Raphael said set off another trigger in her mind. "You make it my business Axel, with your rash actions. I can't have you running around killing people." Killing people. Her mouth dropped slightly as it all fit together. Life and death, they were the top of the top guardians. It was obvious to see which one was which, but now it suddenly dawned on here. So this was Axel.. She had heard her father cursing him under his breath when he thought that she wasn't listening. That was, of course, just before he left to never return. Bitterness rose in her heart toward Axel, but she shook it off.

Pulling herself together she looked away from them for a moment and started listening to what was happening again. The small form of Bael was taunting them, leading them onward into a fight. A slight smirk came to her face. This could get interesting.

[raphael]

Axel stood there, fuming, while listening to Bael rant and rave, thoroughly enjoying himself. He snapped his head around and got in Bael's face, yelling while holding his 12 year old face tightly in his hand, "Listen, you ungrateful little demon-"

"He's not the main concern now, but you can strangle him afterwards, alright? I'll be sure to help..." Raphael was thoroughly annoyed by the little twerp. He was beginning to see why Axel would want him dead. He had quite the high opinion of himself, so confident and cocky. He paced for a few moments, trying to make sense of the situation. He sighed, giving up trying to understand Axel. He had so much behind him that his motives were anything but normal.

Axel rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "That would be helpful, as long as you don't turn on me at the last possible moment.."

Raphael turned around and glared at Axel. "And what is that supposed to mean!?"

Axel chuffawed, giving Raphael a look that said, 'are you kidding me?' "You know exactly what it means! You put your feelings before anything else! You swear that you will stand by me, and the next thing I know, you're attempting to throw a knife in my back!" He got closer to Raphael, having a look of superiority by towering over him by at least 4 inches.

Raphael threw the look right back in his face. "Do you still hold old grudges? Have you ever let anything go? The past is the past, Axel! There's nothing I can do to change it!" He tried to heighten himself a bit, but it didn't do much.

Axel grimaced at Raphael. "I don't forgive easily, especially when it comes to the defence of my enemies. You knew her mission, you just chose to ignore it because you loved her." He spat out the word love, as if he had a vile taste in his mouth.

Raphael riled back his hand, and slammed a fist right into Axel's face. Axel fell back a few steps, stumbling. He brought himself back up, however, and dropkicked Raphael. Raphael doubled over, gasping on the ground. Axel stood over him, looking at him with disgust. Raphael swung his leg out and tripped Axel, sending him plummeting and landing on his wings. The whole ground shook as the chains settled. Suddenly they were both up on their feet, Axel swinging his scythe wildly and Raphael striking out with bursts of lightning. First one hit the other, then the other recoiled doubly hard. A fistfight became a full-fledged battle, each other swinging out with equally fatal attacks.

[»Míríel«]

Miriel watched the whole thing before her go from a strained calm to chaos. Oh well, she had always thought that calm was just a sign of an upcoming storm. The fight was amusing at first, just a battle or words.

"I don't forgive easily, especially when it comes to the defense of my enemies. You knew her mission, you just chose to ignore it because you loved her." Miriel reeled at these words that were thrown out at Rapael, He loved an enemy? Her eyes were full of curiosity, but the reaction from the Guardian showed his grief and unforgotten bitterness. "So Raphael knows what it is like to loose someone whom he loved." She pondered the thought for a moment and shook her head, perhaps he had, but that was a different type of love then that of a father. You could always have a new wife, but could to have a new father?

The sound of fist against flesh jerked her from her reminiscence with a jolt. This had gone to far. Before she could do anything blows had already erupted from the two like a volcano exploding. "This has gone to far." She muttered under her breath. Anger swelled in her heart and soon it was uncontainable.

A bright burst of light blasted from her hands, piercing the darkness with the purest, blinding light. " That is enough!" Thunder rolled from the sky to empower her words. Hopefully that had blinded the two. " Look at you two! Fighting like children! You are supposed to be guardians, not just guardians but the top guardians. How do you expect to solve problems when you can't even solve your own!" The sight in their eyes should start to return if they had been blinded. "How do you expect the new guardians, whoever they be, to keep peace when all they have as an example are you two!" Her whole body quaked with rage as her eyes flashed with fury. "You should be ashamed of yourselves!" With that her mouth clamped shut, preventing herself from saying anything more, she had addressed the two rather brashly, and disrespectfully. "But they needed it" She comforted herself with that thought. If they did attack her, at least she would die knowing she told them the truth. Her grip tightened on her sword as she waited for a reaction.