Finding my way...

[»Míríel«]

.: Athena :.

Athena, who had been quivering with anger now took a sigh when the man called Giotto told his name. Giotto. She thought for a moment, what an interesting name. The flames playing on her fingertips faded and her eyes returned to normal. Surely this offer of peace from Giotto would be accepted by Connor.

Smiling shyly Athena nodded her head and looked at Giotto, "Nice to meet you." Thenthe news about the watchmen came out, and then Connor followed suit with adding that he was a watchmen as well. A little laugh came from Athena, "Well, imagine this, a meeting of three watchmen." She looked from the two of them, her eyes shining, "For I am one also." Her eyes lowered and she clasped her hands infront of her as her cheeks turned rosey. "As unbelieveable as that may be." Athena was embarressed, she almost wished she hadn't told them. Here she was a girl, the shortest of this group, clumsy, and self-concious. What type of watchman did she make? If only they could see me in my other form.

Connor's voice rang to her ears and she lifted her face to look at him. A small smile was upon her lips,"I know you don't. Forgive me if I overstated anything, I was a bit...frightened." That was true. Fear, lead to anger. She had been afraid of a fight, afraid of how to fight in the state she was in. Then came the anger, anger of the puny form and at the impolite manner of Giotto. She had to admit she was probably feeding off of Connor's anger, it sparked her own.

Her slender form turned to the body that was behind her. Leaning over she peered at it, he had a gruff face, to be sure, but was he truely all bad? What had caused him to go against the guardians? Was it ignorance of the choas that would ensue if the remaining two were killed? Was it hope to replace them? There was so much that went through plotters minds, Athena hated not knowing the whole story. It looked like she never would in this case. Dead men don't talk. "I wonder what he was like..." Her voice was quiet as she looked at the fallen form with wide eyes. She turned to Giotto, "How long did you persue him?"

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Giotto[/glow]

Giotto actually blushed a tiny bit. This man was a watchman as well. Equals in the world's hierarchy from his understanding. "Amico, I am sorry for my behavior. It is just how I am when I'm out to... Do a job." He said. He smiled a bit when Athena mentioned she was a Watchman as well. He found it very cute when she blushed. Even though, women blushing had always been one of his soft spots.

Giotto looked at her again. He had looked away for a moment. When she asked how long he had pursued him, he thought. They had started in a village. Giotto was on a roof, looking down on the man. He jumped down and killed the man's guards That's when the man took off. Faster than Giotto thought he would be. The exact reason he had to chase him such a distance. The man had quite the endurance, for they had been on the move for at least ten minutes. And not at a slow pace either. It was only thanks to his training that Giotto had gotten the man.

He shook his head. His thoughts were always like that. Distracting. "I was chasing him for about ten minutes when we got here. And we weren't going slow. I'd say about a mile, at least." He answered her, as if he did that every day.

[Miss Fifi]

.AXEL.

Do you know what's worth fighting for, when it's not worth dying for?

[/color][/center]

A roll of thunder boomed off in the distance as a darkening group of clouds swirled together over the small gathering of Watchmen in the Lush Forest. A cold and wispy wind whispered through the trees and made the leaves rustle uneasily. Everything living within the forest sagged; the trees kneeled as if exhausted, the flowers drooped ever so slightly, and even the grass fell flat for just a moment. All color whisked away from the corpse within a minute; the blood surrounding it evaporated like hot water. Suddenly the thunder grew louder and more menacing until it was just over the heads of the observers. An oppressive and strange heat hung in the air as the clouds above began to glow with a spastic, blood-red light. Out of nowhere a huge bolt of lightning the same deep shade of the clouds shot down and disappeared within an instant. In its place stood a towering, dark, stiff figure with grand and ominous wings spurting from his back and an ancient scythe in his grip. A furious scowl was planted on the half of his face that was visible. This Guardian was not happy.

As the clouds dissipated and some light shone through, Axel squinted against the sudden brightness as he took in the scenario with a cold glare. His furious eyes swiped over each Watchman before he stomped over to the dead man, his heavy steps echoing in the silence. Kneeling down his chains rustled, making him mutter a quiet curse through clenched teeth. He placed two fingers against the corpse's neck, feeling for any source of life. As expected, this dead guy was really dead. He squeezed his eyes shut and sighed, trying to keep his anger in check.

With a whispered word, Axel's amulet glowed a brilliant scarlet as a shadow of a man slipped up into the skies above. It was engulfed in the clouds within an instant, and a breath of relief escaped Axel's lips. Standing back up, he stretched out his back and held his scythe in both hands, looking back over the group.

"Here's the deal,"

[/color] Axel stated, his voice gruff and scratchy from a combination of irritation and a lack of sleep. "I will give you ten seconds to tell me which one of you clart for brains did this before I start slashing limbs off to get some answers."[/color]

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

* __) *

[x isabella.]

connor

The man didn't take his eyes of Giotto. A small, no quite large, part of his mind was quite wary of him. He felt as though there was something off about Giotto. Perhaps that was because of what had just happen. He wasn't going to lie, Connor was actually a bit...scared, you might say, of the assassin. Who knows, perhaps Giotto would go rogue and begin killing other people, maybe even Connor. He knew he was thinking a bit strangely, for this wasn't likely. Giotto was a watchman as well, and that meant there were supposed to be friends. Supposed to be, that didn't mean they had to be. Connor definitely didn't want to be friends with him.

He watched Giotto's every move, fully knowing that he would probably notice it and maybe call him out for it. Should Giotto do that, Connor wouldn't care--he wouldn't even look away. The man slowly rolled his eyes. "A spectacular meeting of watchmen, yes." He muttered lowly.

Connor took his eyes off Giotto temporarily to smile wholeheartedly at Athena. "I'm sure you're a fine watchman, Athena." He told her. While he didn't know if she was human--most likely she wasn't--he was sure her true form was what made her a watchman. "I'm very sorry about frightening you..." Connor told her quietly.

"A mile? He lasted that long?" Connor had to chuckle at this. He didn't believe that the man could actually run that much, even though he'd sprinted between him and Athena. It just didn't seem...likely.

His chuckled ended when he heard a loud boom of thunder. He jumped slightly then, and his eyes widened. The thunder sounded wrong, and it startled the large man. Connor knew something was about to happen; his eyes were darting around to find it. A bolt of lightning hit the ground, causing Connor to step backwards. In its place was a familiar man. Then it hit him. Axel. Connor's eyes widened as he glanced at the body then to Giotto, and lastly back to Axel.

Connor stood there, trying not to show his little amount of fear. After all, he did work for the Guardian. Just a small about of fear could set someone off, to do anything. He watched at Axel worked his "magic", causing the blood to clear up and the man to disappear. Connor realized his mouth hung open ever so slightly; he closed it quickly and narrowed his eyes at Axel's threat.

He didn't want to answer--after all, that would be ratting him out. Connor didn't really have a choice, though. The man could answer Axel's question, or risk getting himself or Athena injured. He didn't really care about Giotto's health, since it was his fault. Connor really only feared for his life, and Athena's, fully knowing how horrible that sounded.

"Um," Connor began, glancing around, then resting his eyes back on Axel. "It was him--Giotto." He motioned towards Giotto, then narrowed his eyes and looked down. "You don't need to call us names." He muttered darkly.

[»Míríel«]

.: Athena :.

Athena gave Connor another smile before waving his apology off. It wasn't needed, after all even with Connor frightening her slightly, she still felt safe around him. With Connor taken care of she looked at Giotto in disbelief as he talked of the man. This chubby, balding man, who was now sprawled on the ground, had run that far? Her golden gaze drifted back to the dead man. It seemed like he could barely walk a few meters without having to catch him breath, let alone run a mile. Humans, what strange creatures. They always seemed to have some trick up their dirty little sleeves.

At the sound of Connor's laughter Athena's lips lifted to the curve of a smile. I was nice to know that he seemed somewhat back to what he had been. Her gaze drifted towards him for a moment and then back to Giotto. Just as she was about to open her mouth thunder cracked and rumbled, then a lightning bolt crashed to the ground. From the dark bolt the form of a man, tall, with wings wrapped in chains slowly developed to Athena. Her eyes, wide with terror, and lip quivering slightly she let out a little noise. It wasn't a scream, not a yelp, but something that sounded stifled and cut off, like her vocal cords stopped working before the bulk of the sound could blossom to full bloom.

Athena suddenly found herself pressed up against the back of Connor, her hand grasping tightly to the back of his shirt, her eyes closed. How she got there so quickly, she wasn't sure. To the others in the party it would have looked like she just took off, and disappeared. Once she had calmed her hyperventilation, which lead to hiccups, she slid her head out from behind Connor's arm. Athena's head didn't even reach up to Connor's shoulder.

What Axel would have seen would be red hair blowing about wide, frightened amber eyes that seemed to dominate her face due to fear. Then with a blink some recognition came to her eyes. "Oh....Axel." Her hands did not loosen on the back of Connor's shirt. "I...didn't...recognize you, you are much taller than I remember." Her eyes drifted to the Scythe in his hand and she brought her head slightly back behind Connor's arm. "Yes Giotto did it." Her voice lowered, 'Though he has a good reason...Axel...sir."

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Giotto[/glow]

Giotto noticed the other man's stare. He didn't mind. Then the thunder clapped across the sky. He flinched, making his hidden blades come shooting out on reflex. When he saw that it was Axel, he retracted his blades again. No need to even give the impression of threatening him. Not that he was. He was still frightened out of his mind. He watched the man' spirit, or at least what he guessed was his spirit, ascend into the clouds. 'So that is where they go.' He thought. Then Axel asked who did this. Both of them pointed out that it was him. He sighed. He felt a bit of anger towards Connor. He didn't even say that Giotto had a reason to do it. At least Athena said he had a reason, so he was fine with her saying he did it.

"Yes, it was me. But this man was plotting to overthrow you. I was doing what I felt was necessary. He was the ringleader, so this should convince the other idioti not to even try it. I apologize if I woke you, signore." He said, bowing to Axel. He probably wasn't as scared as the other two. His training taught him to get rid of fear. After all, he could leap off buildings. Only into piles of hay or leaves or anything soft really. Still, he was scared.

[Miss Fifi]

.AXEL.

Do you know what's worth fighting for, when it's not worth dying for?

[/color][/center]

Axel sniffed with disdain and amusement at the big beefy one. So it was that easy to get him to talk, was it? "Hmph. Ratting out your fellow Watchman at the first threat of mutilation. Some unity, eh?" he said mockingly. He would think that any Watchman, especially one who looked like he could hold his own against a pack of savage wolves, wouldn't be so weak-kneed. Then again, he'd come to know that it didn't matter how much beef you had on your bones. You could still be a bloody coward. Well, in this case, he had escaped the bloody part.

Then his attention shifted over to the cowering redhead that looked like little more than a lit match in stature. "He'll scrape up just about anybody, won't he.."

[/color] Axel muttered to himself. Raphael's judgement of character sucked. He'd proved that many times, and it hadn't seemed to improve. Axel slapped his hand against his forehead and released a grunting sigh. She called him sir.

When the hooded bravado started rambling about some murderous plot Axel just stared at him with one eyebrow raised and his eyes narrow. Who did this guy think he was, the Avenger? As soon as he started apologizing and bowing, Axel held both hands up in exasperation. "All right, all right, enough groveling. Gods almighty."[/color] He looked between all of their puppy dog faces and rolled his eyes. "Look: you're getting off with a warning, but only because I have a splitting headache from the goddamn soul you released and need to get back to ship the bastard right into the Underworld. And I will only tell you this once."[/color] His hard and piercing glare focused directly on the assassin. "Your job as a Watchman does not include taking manners of Life and Death into your own hands. You follow orders from myself or Raphael. That's kind of why it's in my job title, not yours. Don't go all mercenary on us unless you want to get yourself Banished. As for the rest of you..."[/color] as he trailed off, a small blast of white lightning shot down in the distance. He rolled his eyes and muttered a rather potent curse. "Has to come flying down here at any small fire..[/color]
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

* __) *

[x isabella.]

connor

Connor narrowed his eyes at the Guardian. Ratting him out? He didn't see it that way, but what other way could you exactly see it? The man had simply told the truth, right? He didn't see a reason for giving an explanation, Giotto would give that.

He glared at the Guardian, hate beginning to fill him. Although this was the Guardian of Death, and therefore ruling over his element--Earth--he was furious that the man could be the way he was.

Athena must have been pretty frightened of the Guardian, if he was hiding behind Connor. Sure, Connor looked pretty sturdy, and was definitely able to protect her. But if Axel really wanted to kill one of them, Connor probably wouldn't be able to protect her. He would try, of course he would. He felt slightly happy, though, knowing that Athena trusted him enough to cling to him as she was. At least, that's how it felt.

He glared at the Guardian. "Are you always this fucking hostile?" Connor spat angrily. His fear was now gone, in its place was anger. While it wasn't enough to wake up the beast inside him, it was enough to make him look scary to any normal person. Connor couldn't believe Axel--had he always been this way?

Connor almost smiled when Giotto didn't try to pass the blame onto anyone else. He would have done the same thing though, so that had to count for something. The man almost began to respect Giotto when he apologized as well--almost.

[»Míríel«]

.: Athena :.

Athena was still peering from behind Connor like a scared cat, "claws" dug into his shirt. She listened to all Axel said and she felt her eyes flash a it. "Excuse me, but are you sure that your headache is only from the soul?" This man looked rough, and he seemed rough in character, not to mention his manners. Who knew what he had been up to? Plus considering his mood... She had her suspicions.

Still that was about as much spirit as she could handle for the day. If only she could go back to her dragon form. Then, perhaps, she could handle this whole guardian thing a bit better and show them a bit more of of her metal. She had felt more like she was used to when she was getting angry, but anger, she didn't like it. Anger was a slippery thing, something that could take hold of you and run without you even knowing it. No she must find another way.

Athena noticed how tense Connor was and she released her a grip slightly. His voice sounded bitter, angry. He couldn't get angry, not with Axel, who knew what would happen. She winced when he spoke. Please don't get angry, please. She moved over by Connor's arm, now being about half way behind him. Just when she was about to add something another lightningbolt struck the round, causing her to jump and go behind Connor again. She poked her head out slightly. What was it now?

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Giotto[/glow]

Giotto sighed a bit. Apparently that had come off as groveling. He just thought of it as respect. After all, Axel was a Guardian, and he was a Watchman. He figured respect was due, and this was how he was taught. When the Guardian stared him down, he didn't flinch. He stood just as he had. He nodded when Axel told him not to go all mercenary. "Capisco." I understand, He said. It was just his training. It was to kill and ask questions later. 'I guess I shouldn't do that anymore' He thought. He sighed when Axel mentioned getting banished. He didn't want to do that. 'I'll just use my hidden blades to disable my targets i suppose.' He thought. He smiled a bit when Athena made her comment about Axel's headache.

He looked over to Connor when he said something to Axel. Giotto had wanted to say something to Axel, but he knew better than to rile up the man who managed the dead. Then the second lightning bolt hit the ground not too far off. "E adesso?" What now, he sighed.

[Miss Fifi]

*~Raphael~*

[/color]

Try to leave a light on when I'm gone

[/font][/size]

A brilliant and blinding flash of pure white light shot down from the heavens above, creating a small ditch in the soft earth where it had struck. In its place stood a tall, sleek, elven figure with a hunter's coat of deep emerald green. A sword hilt engraved with vines of brilliant gold and silver hung on his side by a thick, handwoven belt that slung around his hips. His clear, limpid blue eyes glinted in the sunlight as he took in the scenery, searching for the man of death. A quiet and grumbled sigh of frustration escaped his lips as he ran his fingers through his short, windblown blonde hair. He had to find him before the body count started to increase, which he knew it would soon enough.


AXEL

[/color] swiped out at Connor's shirt and yanked him forward, shoving his gritted teeth into his face. "Let me ask you something. Are you always this goddamn obstinate to your authority? If you are, it wouldn't be too difficult for me to knock it out of you."[/color] His head whipped around in a blur as his rage centered on Athena like an angry bull on a beaming-red matador. "And what exactly do you mean by that, little wench? Do you want to attack my position as well? Because you're free to join smart-ass over here between my hands. I hold no preference."[/color]

"But I do."[/b]

A ray of light shimmered through the canopy of swaying trees and cascaded down to the feet of the Guardian of Life where he stood, a strong hand planted on the hilt of his sword and a worried look on his stone-like face. The heavy material of his layers of clothing shivered and rustled in the sudden gust of wind uneasily as the whole forest gasped in a new breath of life.

Axel released his hold on Connor gruffly as his eyes narrowed and his mouth set into a scowl, facing the Guardian. "And when was the last time you recall me giving a second thought about that?"[/b] he growled back.

Raphael's brow furrowed, making the worry lines that creased his pale forehead more prominent as he stared at his counterpart with a look of exasperation. "Well, I would appreciate it if you would for once, instead of lunging out at anyone who says something you don't like."[/b]

Axel chuckled humorlessly. "If I did that, you'd be blue in the face by now."[/b]

Raphael just sighed and shook his head slightly. "Enough, Axel. Please. We have enough to worry about without me having to shoot down all the time to make sure you don't strangulate anyone."

Axel threw his hands up and laughed again darkly as he stomped a step forward towards Raphael, leaning into him. "Oh, I see. So I'm just some psychotic liability that you have to keep up after like an incompetent child!?"[/color]

"Axel I didn't mean--"[/b] Raphael stopped short, covering his face with his palm. "Can we please discuss this later? You have other agendas to complete, do you not?"

"How am I ever supposed to do anything with you flocking over my shoulder like a mother hen?! You're the one who chose ME! The one who wrapped these chains around my wings! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND!"[/b]

Raphael had had enough. He himself took a menacing step forward, the two of their feet touching toe to toe. He jabbed a finger in the direction of the abyss-black, foreboding wings spurting out from Axel's back. "Those. Were because of you. Because of YOUR denial and your cowardice. Because of your inability to swear loyalty to anything, even your own world."[/b]

Axel scoffed loudly and made a mocking gesture with his hands, taking another step into Raphael. Raphael was forced to crane his head back just to keep from touching foreheads with the Guardian of Death. "Loyalty? YOU want to talk to ME about loyalty!? It hasn't been that long that it's slipped your memory, has it old man? The day you hid her from me? Cringed in the bushes like a crippled rat? Broke your oath to me for some so-called love!?"

"You wouldn't understand! You've never felt anything but disdain and contempt for any soul unlucky enough to cross your path!"

"Perhaps. But what I do understand is while you were off trying to protect your dearest Lyelle, she was off frisking with the rest of the earth right under your nose!"

"LIAR!"

"Just face it, Raphael! You broke your oath for a dirt-coated, lying, masochistic WHORE!"

With a yell of rage, Raphael lunged at Axel and struck him across the face with a closed fist, making a trickle of blood flow from Axel's nose. Axel retaliated with a swift kick to the shin, making Raphael stumble. The two went at each other with full force, hands blazing with power. They struck out at each other with equally fatal power, toppling over some of the trees and blowing holes right into the ground by their feet. Raphael was bind with rage, Axel equally furious as they struck out over and over.
[/blockquote][/blockquote]

`*~*~*~*~*~*`

[x isabella.]

connor

Connor narrowed his eyes and set his mouth in a snarl as Axel pulled him forward. He didn't appear frightened and was able to keep his heartbeat in control, but inside he was almost scared to death. Anger began to grow inside him, but he kept it in control so he wouldn't attack Axel. He didn't want to make the Guardian any angrier than he already was.

The man held his breath when he insulted Athena. What man insulted women like that? Axel, obviously. Connor bitterly thought. His eyes widened when the Guardian of Life pretty much floated down from the trees. What an entrance, He had to think with a smirk. He took a large step back from Axel when he released his hold. Connor glanced over at Athena with wide eyes, wondering what would happen between the two Guardians.

Their verbal fight was nasty, Connor thought. He didn't say a word, though, in fear of upsetting either one. Normally, he wasn't one to take part in fights, but he felt as though if he didn't even...try anything, one--or both--Guardians would get seriously injured. With a silent sigh, Connor stepped forward. "Hey, come on, you don't need to fight." He said, with absolutely no emotion in his voice.

His eyes widened at Axel's last insult, and his mouth opened slightly at Raphael's sudden physical contact. He'd never expected it to go that far, and Raphael definitely didn't seem as though he'd ever attack anyone, especially someone who was his equal. Well, that's what Connor thought anyways. "Hey! Calm down!" He shouted loudly, hoping to get their attention.

Connor bit his lip when he realized that wouldn't work. The two were much too into their fight to probably even hear Connor. He squeezed his eyes shut then opened them, glancing over at Athena then Giotto. Connor had an idea, but it wasn't a good one. There wasn't really time for him to check with his fellow watchmen about what they should do. Giotto was no where near Connor, and Athena seemed to kind to suggest what Connor was going to do.

Quickly, he shifted into his half-human, half-wolf form and threw himself at the Guardians with a low growl, in a way that would knock both to the side. Separate sides, with Connor in between. He stood there, stepping backwards so he could see both Guardians without having to turn his head. Connor could only hope what he'd done would anger either Guardians, well at least not Raphael. Axel was surely to get mad, Connor though.

[»Míríel«]

.: Athena :.

Athena pulled back as her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. 'Nothing...I meant nothing..." Her eyes dropped down. Guardians could be such a pain to work with, especially one like Axel, just the slightest thing could make him go on rampage. Athena was miserable, she should have known to keep her tongue in check. Her arms linked behind her as she stared at the ground. How could this get any worse?

When Raphael appeared Athena sighed with relief. Everything would be ok, Raphael would get things under control. Yes, it would soon be over. Then she could leave. Loud voices broke through her thoughts of leaving as Axel and Raphael started fighting. Athena's blushing face drained itself of color, the hands shook slightly as the fear rose within her. How was one supposed to stop two guardians from fighting. Interfering could mean death. As soon as this thought came to her mind Connor shifted forms and plunged into the brawl. "CONNOR! " Athena screamed and reached out for him, but it was to late, he was between them now.

The world seemed to go in slow motion for Athena. A ringing came to her ears as the sensation of lightheartedness slid into her conscious. This was to much, it was to much for her little system to take. Breathe Athena, just breathe. Those words rang through her mind as she stood there, hands now limp by her side, head bowed, and eyes looking glazed slightly. Breathe.' Right now Athena needed nothing more than something strong, a foundation to keep her from sinking into the depths of fear. Connor Her eyes lifted to see him between the two Guardians, watching them. Even in his half wolf form she felt like he would bring her the foundation she needed at this moment, but he was in danger. Grave danger, who knew what these guardians would do to him for interrupting their brawl. Especially Axel.

Without thinking she threw herself at him. It didn't take long before she nearly tackled him and wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could. "Don't hurt him! Please!" Tears were streaming down her pale face. "He was trying to help." She felt her legs start to give way from the strain of this move on her part, and the terror in her heart. It was to heavy for her to bear. Sliding down to the ground she clung onto his leg, putting herself between him and Axel. 'Please..." She rested her head against Connor's wolf-like feet. Her eyes rested on Axel, "No more killing.' Darkness was starting to close in now.

[{Kaiji}]

[glow=red,2,300]Giotto[/glow]

Giotto watched in slight horror as Axel and Raphael began arguing. The two men who were basically his masters, fighting. His mind went blank. He had no idea what to do at all. His mouth hung open and his eyes were wide in a look of complete shock. Then he saw Connor change into some strange man wolf hybrid. It was actually pretty badass, at least to him. But his moment of being impressed didn't last. Connor threw himself between the two Guardians. And then he threw them apart. His jaw would've fallen to the ground had it not been attatched very well. This was just.... almost too much for him to handle. He pulled his hood up over his head once again. In this case, he was ready to run like an antelope from a lion or cheetah. And, he feared, if he had to fight, he was ready.

"Si idiota!" You dumbass!, Giotto yelled, finally remembering how to speak, but in his first language. He clenched his fists and his teeth. Normally, this would probably mean he should attack Connor, but he was a Watchman as well. Then Athena screamed and began to talk to the Guardians. Begging them to spare Connor. Raphael more than likely would let him off with a strong warning. But Axel, he would probably try to kil him. Giotto groaned. 'What have I gotten myself into.' He thought, mentally slapping himself in the face.

[Miss Fifi]

*~Raphael~*

[/color]

Try to leave a light on when I'm gone

[/font][/size]

Raphael's tightly clenched fist, glowing with a brilliant white globe of power, was just about to make contact with Axel's chest when suddenly he felt his body being thrown aside like a ragdoll. He collided in a rough landing with the ground, making a thunderous thud as he hit. Dazed from the impact he shook his head furiously for a few moments before finally collecting his senses enough to glance back at where Axel was standing a moment before, only to find a hulking werewolf in his place. Raphael felt a sudden pain in his back as he tried to stand and cursed quietly as he reached back and felt the bruise. Connor, you fool, he thought, worried not for himself but for the Watchman's sake. Raphael could have just as easily walked this off, but Axel would not go down without a brutal fight.

Axel flung back as he was caught off guard trying to defend against the Guardian of Life's attacks, sending him soaring a few yards away. He slammed into a boulder and heard the unmistakable crack of a bone in his wings, making him holler out in pain. Gritting his teeth he stumbled back to a stand, trying to rub where the force had hit on his feathers. Narrowing his eyes he managed to see the tall, freakish figure of an animalistic Connor still snarling in the middle of the clearing he and Raphael had made with their fists of power. With a low, menacing growl, Axel's eyes went ablaze with fury as he stalked forward, his fist tightly clenching his now glowing scythe. His teeth bared and his entire body shaking, Axel began to canter, then run, then lunge toward the canine beast with an inhuman, almost demonic-sounding cry of rage.

Just as his scythe was about to slash down on his wolfish head, Axel was suddenly yanked back by a pair of strong arms. It took the breath out of him, making him gag as he thrashed and wriggled, trying to escape the hold. "LET ME GO! I'LL KILL YOU, DAMN IT!"

[/color] he shrieked in that same hellish voice. Axel managed to kick out his legs right at Connor's face, hard enough to break his jaw. When he saw Athena cowering beneath him, pleading for the two of them to stop, Axel's eyes widened as he continued to try to knock Connor out. She would just have to deal with it. No one got away with crossing him like that.

"Axel! AXEL! Stop! We've gone too far! STOP!"[/color] Raphael pleaded breathlessly as he tried with all of his might to hold on to Axel's torso. When tears began to fall from Athena's eyes Raphael could only sigh and increase his hold. He was surprised when suddenly Axel stopped thrashing like a beached fish and ripped apart Raphael's interlocking arms. His body was still trembling incredibly fast and his breathing was coming in huge gasps as he glanced down at the ground, his fists still clenched and shaking at his sides.

Slowly the glowing of his eyes and scythe died down, but the anger was still clear and untainted on his sweaty face. He wiped his brow with one hand then looked back up at Connor, his teeth still grinding against each other. Raphael started to touch his shoulder, but Axel slapped his hand off and began walking forward slowly.

Standing mere milimeters from Connor's half-snout he grasped his shirt and jerked him upward and forward, his other hand snatching Connor's paw-like hand. "Connor Ulster, you will regret this." His voice was almost back to its normal, gruff self, but there was something in his tone in the last words he said that made it sound supernatural and somewhat evil. The hand that Axel grappled began to decay and shrivel up like that of a dying man, and as his grip grew tighter the more decrepit it became. He released it roughly, and instantly it returned to its normal self. Axel released Connor with a shove and stalked off, leaving Raphael bent over and panting with the Watchmen.

"Connor, Athena, Giotto, I'm..."[/color] he cut off, gasping one last time before standing back up. "I apologize."[/color] He walked over to Athena and Connor, kneeling down to get to Athena's level. With a thumb he wiped a tear from her cheek and half-smiled reassuringly. His icey blue gaze then traveled up to Connor and a stern look came over his features. "That was reckless and foolish, especially for a Watchman. You of all people should know the consequences of crossing Axel. But yet,"[/color] he smirked again. "It seems you were the only one that was still holding on to reason. And for that, I thank you."[/color]

Laughing slightly he made his way over to Giotto who seemed frozen after their confrontation. "I would think by now you understand just what the cost might be of acting without orders."[/color] As Raphael's energy returned to normal, the life around him rustled, as if taking a breath of relief themselves. [/blockquote][/blockquote]