:Hunted:

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

OOC

Keep moving, stay out of sight, stick to the shadows. Keep moving, stay out of sight, stick to the shadows, Over and over again, Phoenix repeated this statement in her mind. The people of Baltimore were beginning to wake, and she has no way to hide herself from the world. There would be Agents on her faster then she could get into the air.

“Shit,” she mumbled when she heard the fifth car driving down the street. Grinding her teeth together, Phoenix folded her large red wings as close to her back as she could and kept her bright red eyes on the ground. She knew that she might as well been wearing a neon sign that said “CREATURE!”. Although, lucky for her, nearly all the humans in Baltimore were to busy on their rush to work, or still to tired to care what was going on outside their own little world.

Doing her best to only walk, Phoenix made her way two blocks along route 40. Once she reached North Bond Street she quickly sprinted down the road. After sprinting an easy half a mile Phoenix swung a right to one of the run down buildings. Most of the upper floors were scorched, and the entire building was unlivable. Quickly, Phoenix glanced around the road, her eyes shifting from brick building to brick building, doing a quick count of how many lights were on, how many cars were missing from usual. Once counted, Phoenix ran to the basement window by the front stoop and easily popped it open. Folding her wings in, Phoenix forced herself threw the tiny space and landed gracefully on the concrete floor.

Turning back to the small window, Phoenix pulled it shut and pulled a black ragged cloth over the window, plunging the room into complete darkness. Letting out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding Phoenix lifted her right hand and with no more then a though her hand caught fire, bringing light to the room. A light smile pulled at her lips as she took in her current living quarters.

The room is only seven feet tall, nine feet in length and about six and a half feet in width. It wasn’t huge, but for her, it was perfect. The floors are made of smooth concrete left to its natural color, and the walls are textured concrete but were painted in a royal blue color. In the very middle of the room was a large, square red and blue oriental rug. Half of the rug was charred from the fire, but it gave the room some color. The back wall, farthest from the window she entered is the skeleton of what was once a staircase to the upper levels.

The wall to the right had several mismatched, custom made shelves that held various different object ranging from blankets, batteries, food to changes of clothing, first aid, sewing, money and weapons. Just to the right of that was a large tan futon that was currently in a sofa position. On it was a very large green goose down blanket and three pillows with no covers. In front of that was a coffee table which held several empty glasses and the plastic of some snack foods.

On the last wall there was a counter which held a running sink, just over it two outlets. One outlet connected to a giada fluorescent 6" deep ceiling light, the other connected to a small fridge and a small stove top to cook food now and again.

Walking across the room Phoenix reached up and turned on the ceiling light and glanced around. She was alone currently. She shared the location of this place to a select few creatures to give them a sanctuary when they really needed it. “Home,” she whispered to herself. Walking to the sink, Phoenix looked at the mirror that was hung above it and grimaced at the blood covering her face. It was not her thankfully, but the asshole Agent’s who dared to take her on one on one. Poor fool never stood a chance.

[Squall Reyes]

The steam from the open cup of coffee warmed the cool night air around it. A pair came over the top of the cup taking in the warmth of the coffee inside. The little cafe's lights continued it steady pulse of seduction, it's neon glow attracting the late night workings trying to get to their jobs on time and those getting off of work and trying to make it home without falling asleep on their way home. The hands pulled away from the warmth and picked up the cup bringing it to the lips of its owner. Skyler's eyes continued tracking the citizens as they passed by his table and across the street, he was awake, alert and prepared to catch one of those things with its guard down and identity exposed. He placed his coffee back on the table and softly tilted his head to the right to the microphone in the collar of his shirt. "Hunter 1, sector 21, no action."

He closed his eyes and listened to the earwig which was placed snugly in his right ear. After a small crackle of noise the voiced of the others began to report in. "Hunter 4, sector 1, no freaks. Hunter 9, sector 17 quiet. Agent Lopez, sector 30, clear. Agent Shu, sector 6, no go. Agent Todd, sector 11, nada." Skyler snorted a bit as the agents gave their reports. He didn't like Agents, lower class operatives, with lower class training, and less experience. Skyler may had been an agent once, but he's now a Hunter. He believed you only belong in the field if you were a Hunter. But he understood why you put the kids out on the field. How do you get experience without it. Still....wait a minute.

Skyler waited a moment then spoke, "Agent Hampton what is your status?" After a few minutes crackle a voice came in almost at a whisper, "I...I think I see something." Skyler would like to believe the kid but agents had a bad habit of getting excited for nothing. Still...Skyler got up and began to walk away from the still warm cup of coffee he left on the table. He began moving to his car. He spoke again into the microphone, "Talk to us Agent Hampton, what's going on over there."

"I don't know sir I thought I saw something, I'm fallowing now." Skyler opened the Nissan's GT-R door and slipped in, once inside he pulled a second USP from the glove box and chambered a round. After slipping the gun into his second side shoulder holster a frantic voice came over his ear wig. "It's running! It's running Agent in pursuit!" Skyler looked ahead and his mindset became Hunter 1, and he just got word of pray. The car came to life with a growl of an animal, it shot from its parking space like a cobra striking from its pray.

"Hunter 4, come in from the north to Agent Hampton's position. Hunter 5 come from the south. I'm coming from the east. All other agent's back up Hampton." The GT ripped through the other cars on the road, and screamed through the alleyways. Suddenly he heard someone on the radio make a very bad choice. "This is Agent Hampton, the freaks gone into an ally. Moving into to intercept." Hunter 1 blood boiled, agents were not suppose to go for targets alone. "Negative Agent, negative. You will wait for backup." It was too late though, he received no answer.

Hunter 1 gave a frustrated growl and continued to push his luck cutting through the busy roads. He looked down to his car's GPS and found Agent Hampton's blinking position. With a loud screech of the tires, Hunter 1 opened the door and came out of the car and pulled one of the USP from its holster. As he moved closer to the alley the hunter was hit with a wall of odor which recognized as burning flesh. The Hunter pushed through the smell as he looked into the alley gun still drawn, he could see in the middle of the alley a burning crumpled mass. Hunter gave a deep sigh, "Agent Hampton down." His eyes continued to scan the area until he in spotted a large brownish red feather on the floor. He walked over and picked it up. "To all, look for large red and brown feathers while you converge on this position and report its position. I want this thing dead."

[Traziel]

The occasional rumble of the contents in the truck bed were the only sounds that accompanied the motor of the black pickup truck as it somewhat lurked through the city's streets. "Need to find'a place to lay low for awhile." Vincent mumbled to himself, azure eyes glancing about the area. He was unfamiliar with his surroundings but Vincent always had a sense of security. Fear was never a factor to him, but onlooking citizens were never as friendly. At first they take notice of a 6'4 man of robust stature, but as the sun slips away behind cumulus, his horns seem to resonate with the minds of anyone nearby. That's when the screaming, running, and yelling all begin at once. As a result the watchdogs come swarming from every which way, all with the intention of slaughtering someone about as innocent as a child. Well, a child who killed men as an act of self-preservation.

Red light. The brakes of the pickup made an almost mute squeak as the vehicle halted. Vincent looked up to take notice of his whereabouts. "North Bond Street, eh? Well, I'm from the south, but maybe there's good on a street named Bond." His logic was completely faulty, but Vincent hadn't been educated in your everyday public school. All his knowledge was derived from the few books his parents owned and the unnecessary information provided from the small television set. Though not the brightest when it came to books, Vincent's common sense was of stellar proportions. Always a true follower of his gut feeling, he pressed his foot as light as he could on the gas pedal.

The engine growled as the vehicle lurched down the street. Initially Vincent thought it to be his own fault for fear of sending his foot plowing through the floor, but his burdens were upped by one as he took notice of the gas needle. "... Of all the times." Vincent grumbled as he pressed the gas pedal all the way down. Unfortunately this only provide a quick jerk before the pickup turned off. Naturally momentum would at least get him into a parking space but his weight caused the truck to come to a halt after traveling only a few yards. Vincent let out a heavy sigh before placing a hand on the dashboard. "I guess you need the rest too." Leaving the vehicle in neutral, he stepped out and walked to the back side of it.

A thorough scan was of the most importance at this time, for what he was about to do would definitely endanger himself. A lone car swerved around him, apparently not noticing the horns that stuck out. The coast was clear for a moment, but he would have to do this quickly. Deep inhale, followed by heavy exhale would signify his readiness. Vincent gripped the back end of the truck firmly, creating small indents. A deafening growl accompanied the spectacle as he literally lifted the truck from the ground and began to walk to the sidewalk as fast as he could while carrying such a heavy load. Done with taking a risk, Vincent set the truck down in a position similar to as if he had parked it.

If anyone had seen him, then his truck would most likely be confiscated; because of this, Vincent grabbed what looked like a jacket, possibly big enough to be a sheet for a bed, and wrapped himself in it. Though restricting, the jacket had a hood on the back that was big enough to conceal his horns, despite making him look like an overly suspicious character. "Better safe than sorry." he said before pulling two large duffel bags off the bed of the truck and tossing them over his left shoulder. Assuming he had everything he would need, Vincent finally took the time to see where he had broken down. To his immediate right was a large brick building, seemingly abandoned. "Don't look like much, but as long as it's fireproof then I guess it'll hold up for me." he commented, taking notice of the scorched upper levels.

Vincent approached the front door to the building as if it were any other and knocked on the door. Heavy handed, the knock would certainly boom throughout the structure, letting anyone inside know that he wanted in. "One of two things. I'm either gonna get denied or I'ma have to unhinge this door and make ends meet." He preferred neither option, but if he had to he would more than likely take out a wall on the side of the building and enter anyway; of course this is only if no one was inside. The sun was beginning to lighten up the area, making the situation all the more dire. "Whatever the deal is, somebody better hurry up."

[The Literate Angel]

Rosalie drifted a long the streets of Baltimore. Her long, white skirt moved with her body, flaring out around her feet. She was wearing a matching long sleeved white shirt. Her eyes were covered in a black mask that had no eye holes. She liked to keep her eyes covered since people became uncomfortable looking at her white eyes. It was early morning, the sun hadn't fully come up and only a few people were out, but they were looking at the ghost like girl as she moved gracefully about, never bumping anyone as if she could see perfectly.

Rosalie stopped suddenly and quickly moved herself to the wall of a building, leaning against it as if she was waiting for someone. People glanced at her, but moved on quickly. The aura around her was light, but there was something about her that normal people just couldn't understand. She stood fairly still, shifting her weight from time to time.

As it started to get lighter out she moved forward a little and then she stepped in front of a woman who was walking as if she had hurt her foot a little. She stopped and stared at Rosalie then turned around and started to run.

"WAIT!"

Rosalie shouted after her as she too started to run. Early that morning she had seen the woman, she had just awoken to her powers and she had hurt someone she cared about, though they would be fine, but now an agent was after her and if she continued on the path that she was on she would die. Rosalie wanted to help her so she decided to wait for her.

The woman rounded a corner as Rosalie had seen in her vision, and three gun shots could be heard at once. She stopped and felt her heart wrench as her vision came true. They would be moving over to the body now and putting the woman into their car as if they hadn't just killed a living person, as if they had just killed a prized animal.

Tears fell down her face through the black mask and she heard their car drive the other way and she moved to where they had shot her. Rosalie said a silent prayer for the woman's soul, wiped off her tears and then started moving again. She didn't feel like she had the energy to move forward, but from her visions she could tell she always would. She knew she would never stop moving forward, away from the past, always towards the inevitable future.

Rosalie looked into her future as she moved blindly forward and oddly saw a brick building. The path that she was on would lead her to a brick building on North Bond street. She was unfamiliar with that area of town, but she knew how to get there. She moved quietly through the growing throngs of people. As she moved closer to the street she wanted though the noise got quieter and people fewer until there was hardly anyone. It was almost unsettling, but she actually found comfort in it.

She could tell she was close now and just before she turned the final corner she heard the sound of creaking metal. She stopped and tilted her head in confusion, she hadn't heard something like that before. She could tell it was a car, but she couldn't tell what was happening and since it was happening she couldn't see what would happen. Instead she moved quietly forward, keeping her footsteps light.

As Rosalie got closer she heard a voice. It was a mans and he sounded a little impatient. She tried to listen for another voice, but she couldn't hear anyone. Whatever her vision had meant it wanted her to come to that building he was standing in front of. He had knocked on the door, she could hear the resounding noises and echoes from the inside.

She didn't really want to startle him, but she didn't really know how to approach him. She heard him mention something about unhinging a door and she wondered why he had to unhinge it to get in. She quickly looked forward, but it was still slightly blurred. All she knew was that someone was there.

"Excuse me, I don't believe you'll have to unhinge it."

She stood a little back, she didn't want him lunging at her or something of the sort. She wasn't sure if he to was a creature, but she didn't think she would go searching for an agent. Her face was lifted in his direction, but she couldn't see the massive form in front of her or the horns. If she had she probably would have been more wary.

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

Phoenix ran her fingertips of her blood stained face and let out a frustrated sigh, "blood is a bitch to get out of my hair," she mumbled and lifted a matted clump of her hair that had a fine crust over it. Dropping the hair back to where it was Phoenix walked over to the back left corner where the stairs once were. In this small area was a 3 foot square space about an inch lower then the rest of the floor and a drain in the middle.

Calmly stripping down as she walked over, Phoenix reached in and turned the two small valves on the wall. There was a small screech as the water was released, and orange water began to come pouring out of the faucet sticking out of the wall about 6 feet up. After about ten seconds, the water became a nice clear color. Holding her hand in the water briefly Phoenix stepped into the warm water and let the water rush over her body.

The water quickly turned a bright red as it made contact with her head and face. Phoenix looked up into the water and scrubbed at her face, feeling the crusty blood give way, leaving a metallic taste in her mouth as the water rushed over her lips. A small smile curved her lips as Phoenix began to release some of her power, water evaporating rapidly as it hit her body.

Running her fingers threw her dark and now smooth hair, Phoenix froze when a painful metallic groan reached her ears. Her bright red eyes went straight to the wall closest to the street. Turning off the water Phoenix narrowed her eyes and slightly turned her head to listen. There was someone outside, she could hear his heartbeat. Locking her jaw Phoenix went into survival mode when she heard whoever it was knock on the door just upstairs.

Folding her soaking wet wings close to her naked body, Phoenix grabbed a large black bath towel and wrapped it around her body. Backing up from the door that was just above her head and next to the shower head. Crouching down, Phoenix kicked off the ground, her body gracefully flying threw the air. Reaching out Phoenix grabbed the door handle and turned it, landing silently on the main level of the home.

This main floor was a wreck. Pain chipping and faded, the floors scorched, mostly wooden, and the areas that were carpeted were coated in ash and dust. Walking into the, what Phoenix suspected, living room, she slowly approached the main door. Her right hand was gripping her towel, her left clawed from tension. Reaching out she placed her hand on the door and froze when she heard a voice, but not form the figure standing just beyond the door. Locking her jaw she pulled the door open. Once she came into view there was a large friendly smile on her face, most of her body hidden in and attempted to keep her toweled form hidden. "Hello, may I help you?"

[Rendition]

Jake drove his Black Challenger east on highway 26, having come from his lake front home on Lake Liberty, just north west of Baltimore by roughly 18 miles or so. He had just been out fishing, having caught his limit on Crappie and a couple of Sand Bass. He hadn't been shooting much recently, finding that it brought a great amount of unwanted attention from civilians and game wardens alike. He didn't know how many times he had to have a discussion with a game warden as to why he wouldn't take his shades off, most people labeling him as an arrogant little bastard because of this.

His white shirt looked as if it had just been bleached, but in truth it was one of his few good shirts, a button up style which was made for fishermen, the back having been sown around a square piece of netting which showed the mans tanned back. His pants were black, made of a material similar to his shirt, both of which seemed like they'd be a little thin for the weather. He had been wearing a pair of leather flip flops earlier, but he had changed into a pair of black under armor shoes before he left... And as always, his amber lenses hid his eyes, held up by bronze frames. Under his white shirt, he wore a harness which held two Blued Colt Gold Cup's, a couple of fully loaded clips held in two leather sheaths on his left and right side of his abs. His shirt was tucked in, but was pulled out enough that it made it to the point no one could tell the fire arms were there. He also moved to smoothly that you'd practically have to read his mind to tell he was packing, though he wasn't determined to use them on innocent civilians, just people who decided to fuck with him a little...

Gunslinger, played by Avenged Sevenfold, played in the background as he drove, his voice slowly coming into play and almost directly mimicking Matt Sanders' voice perfectly. His left hand tapped his steering wheel as he sang, looking back and forth in the trees around him as they began to slowly dissipate and more concrete signaled his closing in on the great city of Baltimore. He normally didn't stick around in the area very much, always wanting to stay around the Oklahoma/Texas border with his gratuitous amount of land with the various kinds of ecosystems given to the land by the various distances from sources of water, namely the red river... But he had to stay up north for a while, feeling it would become somewhat suspicious if no one stayed in his Maryland home every now and then. He shook his head a little bit and his shades shifted downward a little, showing his hawk-like pupils. He screwed up his brows a little, "The one and single scourge to my non existent sex appeal..." He grinned a little and used his middle finger to push his aviators back up on the bridge of his nose.

The drive didn't take long, especially since he was going 60 and higher the entire trip, at least up until he his the city, having to drop down considerably. He was going to have to make a few stops around the residential areas, one stop being around his grandmothers house, then the grocery store, and maybe a sporting goods store to see what new "drugs" had come out for him to purchase. He ran his fingers through his hair with his right hand, stopping at his scalp and scratching it a couple of times before he let out a deep breath in the form of a whistle. His eyebrows rose as he passed a truck which seemed like its body was about ready to be repaired. He could tell the shocks were tilted slightly to the left side, showing that there was a pretty decent sized guy who drove the piece.

He pulled into a parking slot right in front of a decent sized building, a couple away from one which looked like it had nearly caught on fire, and a couple of people standing in front of it... "Well look at the size of that son of a..." He stopped before completing his sentence, only seeing guys which that much size on TV. He had to be some sort of competition lifter or something... He smirked a little as he thought, 'god help the guy who pisses him off...' He laughed to himself, turning his car off but listening to his radio play, it doing this up until he opened his doors. The sound shot out of his door as he opened the drivers side after checking traffic. He pulled his seat forward and pulled a bag from the back, then slid the seat back, and shut the door.

He watched the people on the porch not far from his grandmothers house through his peripherals, noting that he caught a very distinct, odd vibe coming from the female... Something was different about her and it kind of confused him... He knocked on the door, pulling a past feeling from a friendly animal to heighten his hearing 5 fold, listening to hear if there was someone in the house. This was one of the more difficult moves seeing as how there was so much audible disturbances around him, but the deer's abilities were outstanding when it came to its sense of hearing. He waited for a few seconds, not noting any kind of disturbances in the house... He sighed, mumbling that the old woman didn't wake up, he'd just have to go around back.

He set the bag on the front porch, and turned, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket, instinctively grabbing one with the correct engraving. His eyes came up, hearing a woman scream on the road through the wee hours of the morning, then feet slamming against the ground as a middle aged male darted down the street toward him. There were few people on the street and he was the only person in between the guy and his ticket to new credit cards and some cash... But oh was he in for a surprise. Jake made it seem like he wasn't even aware of the guy, and just as he was about a yard and a half away from him, he noticed his head cock to the side a little to see if anyone was chasing him, and Jake made his move, throwing his arm out, flexing his arm to its fullest and putting it just under the guys chin, around the top of his throat, a sharp, almost squeaky surge of air coming in through the mans trachea before his feet flew out from under neath him, and he let go of the purse, the thing flying a good 10 yards before it hit the ground and came to a halt. The guy did a full back flip in the air, thanks to Jake throwing in a little bit of a extra shove.

The air in the mans lungs flew away, and his back was surely hurting at this point, as was the small indent in Jake's arm, which the mans Adam's Apple had given him, though he didn't show it. The man was knocked out from hitting the back of his head on the ground, but he wasn't bleeding so it wasn't a real big deal. He didn't change his facial expression as a guy and the girl who had gotten robbed ran up, the woman being exasperated from what had just happened. The guy breathed out thanks just before Jake turned and headed behind the house, opening of a small gate and saying "No Problem." Before shutting it and getting to the back door.

He went through the back door and locked it behind him after he went through, turning to a flight of stairs, bounding up them two at a time with some odd grace. He walked to a room with a cracked open door, opening it slightly to look in and see a beautiful old woman still in bed, holding onto a pillow with her left arm. She would be 76 in a couple of days, but she looked like she was still in her 50's, this being something short of a miracle... After his grandfather had passed, she had went through some rough times, but she came two eventually and let the past stay the past.

He shut the door just before it made a click, and headed back down the stairs, going to the front door and opening it. He grabbed the bag at the front, and set it inside, walking out and leaning on the door jam with a please look on his face as the guy was now being helped up by police, having come partially two with a nasty lump on the back of his head. The girl and guy from before were speaking to the cops now, their backs turned to his grandmothers home. He heard a bulky animal walking up behind him, making him smile as the bulky Kurdish Kangal stuck his snout in between Jake's arm and torso. The black nose moved as the dog sniffed, the rest of its snout white. The dog could sniff Jake's arm pit if it had the urge to, it only being about half a foot from where his nose was currently, the dog being one of the biggest in the world. "You hungry Jasper...?" He asked, feeling the dogs body start shaking as his tail starting gradually wagging faster and faster, this making Jake chuckle a little. He removed his glasses, feeling there wasn't a person who'd be able to tell the change in pupil shape from this distance, turning his head to glance at where the people were at before, squinting his eyes slightly. He could see the door had opened and someone was addressing the two, but he hadn't a clue who it was. Turning back into the house, Jake closed the door and began to head back to the kitchen in order to grab something for his grandmothers beast to eat.

[Squall Reyes]

The ear wig crackled to life in the Hunter's ear. "I think we got something here! She's limping and running. Todd, Shu she's coming your way!" Hunter quickly grabbed his collar mic, "Do not fire, confirm first that is the target. I repeat DO NOT fire." His words were quickly fallowed up but the sound of 3 gunshots in the distance. Hunter lowered his head with a scowl on his face as he stayed kneeling by the burnt crumpled form of a former Agent. Damn over zealous rookies! he thought as he spoke again "Report Agents" The earwig stayed silent until the sound of hard breathing came through along with the sound of a thunk of a car trunk. "Agent Shu here, target is down and in the back of Hunter 4's car."

Hunter 1 finally got to his feet and began to inspect the alleyway. His eyes looking for clues that might confirm or disprove that they got the right freak, or that they had just killed an innocent civilian. "Confirm, was it a creature. More to the point was it a creature that used fire." After a few moments of silence, a confused sounding agent answered back. "No...why?" Hunter slapped his own head and grabbed the collar again his voice hardly hiding his anger, "Because the creature that kill Hampton was a fire user." After a few moments of silence he spoke into the mic again. "Hunter 4 bring the package here so we can confirm who it is." A cold sounding "Roger." Was the only reply.

Hunter 1 slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out latex gloves and put them on. He began to search in the crispy pockets of the former agent, pulling out his extra clips which were partly melted, half of the mobile phone, wallet with ID were still untouched which suggested that he was burned from the front. He struggled to remove the partly melt Beretta from the charred skin and bone from the hand. It was useless now. Lucky the clip ejection worked, as he pulled the clip from it's host. Slowly the Hunter began to push out the bullets. 8 rounds left in the clip, he either got two or one shot off. Would explain the girls target limping....but as Hunter was coming to that conclusion he looked out to the wall across from the body and a few yard down. A small hole. He missed a shot, and for all he knew the 10 round was lodge in the melted gun.

With a sigh the Hunter stood as a Lexus IS300 pulled into the alley way, it's well dressed driver being Hunter 4. As Hunter 1 moved to the car, Hunter for pressed button to popped the trunk. Hunter 1 moved behind the car and fully opened the lid, instead laid the body of a young girl. Hunter was always shocked that inside the body of these normal peoples were monsters. He brushed her hair to the side, 25-28 years old, white, skinny not much athletic build. That was not a good thing, creatures on the run a long time keep themselves in fine shape. They had to, they were chased by the best in the world. This girl was either completely human or recently turned. And the freak that got Hunter 1's agent was no one new to the fight.

He took out his blackberry and took a photo of the girls face and then after closing the trunk got into the passenger seat of Hunter 4's car. He connected the Blackberry to the GPS/computer, and spoke "Confirm Identity." After a few moments the screen came alive, "Roger that, name and clearance." He hated having to go through this every time. "Hunter 1, clearance Echo Niner Juliet 1 3 Foxtrot." The screen flicked and a picture pages began to appear before the two Hunters. "Confirmed Hunter 1. Name: Juila Keith. Confirmed Creature. Time on list: 2 weeks. Alias: None. Crimes: Being creature, attacking a human civilian. Lead Agent on case: Smith." Hunter 1 rubbed his chin as the information came through the speakers and on the screen. "This was not our target. Inform Agent Smith we've taken care of his creature."

Hunter 4 looked at the screen and then looked over to 1, "What now." Hunter 1 one reached into his pocket and pulled out the feather. Hunter 4 gave a knowing grin and nodded as Hunter 1 spoke again, "Hunter 1 requesting search of database with keywords: power fire control or manifestation, and brown-red wings." After a moment the speakers responded, "Confirmed Hunter 1: 2 low level targets, 1 major security risk." The Hunters turned to each other with an eye brow raised. "Name of the MSR."

"Name: Rachel E. Kerr. Confirmed Creature. Time on list: 5 years. Alias: Phoenix. Crimes: Being creature, murder of 4 agents, injured 5 agents including SoD Manson. Lead Agent on case: SoD Manson. Target is armed and extremely dangerous." Hunter 1 tapped the screen as a blurred picture came on screen. "Must be her. Fried Hampton before he could even get off more than one round out. It has to be her." Hunter 4 nodded as Hunter 1 got out of the car, "Tell the men to keep searching the area, mark all areas with the red and brown feathers found, make we can find some pattern." With a nod Hunter 4 backed the car up and back into the street. Hunter 1 got into his own are and tapped the screen. "Get me SoD Manson."

[Inerio]

A fun little tid bit of information about Dahlia was that contrary to the way the media made her seem, she was actually quite a playful young woman. She also didn't hate humans, she just liked them better dead. Which was probably why Dahlia was partial to hiding out in graveyards. No one thought to look for a murderer in a place filled to the brim with the dead. The cold early morning air whipped at Dahlia's face as she made a seat of of a headstone. The petite woman lifted a hand up to her cheek, a large bruise was beginning to form from her latest victim. It was at this early morning time, during these wee hours that Dahlia would begin to show remorse towards what she had done. There was something about the dawn that made Dahlia clearly recall the look of a person's face as she ripped them limb from limb, and the sounds of their last gasping breath.

At this point murder was no longer a necessity, but a compulsion, a sick need. She took pleasure in it, in watching the government's precious little sheep cry. Thinking about why she was doing it, however selfish her reasons were, was enough to bring a small back onto Dahlia's painted lips. If the government had the right to take away her identity and humanity, she surely had the right to take away civilians so long as she was alive. It was only fair. Still, she was living quite a lonely life. Girls like Dahlia weren't meant to be left alone. Girls like Dahlia needed attention, they needed someone to praise them and tell them that they were pretty. In that sense, Dahlia was no better than a child acting out for the acceptance of its peers.

She made a small 'hurm' sound as she inspected her fingers. As expected they were covered in a thick red liquid, blood. She rubbed the substance between her thumb and index finger, a bored expression on her pale face. Dahlia would probably need to get rid of the excess blood that she'd accumulated from just a few hours ago. It would probably look suspicious if she walked down the street covered in blood stains. Then again, she looked suspicious to begin with. Most people noticed someone walking down the street in stripped bloomers and crimson red hair. Dahlia also had a tendency of making a spectacle of herself.

The young woman leaped down from the stone shoulders of the angle she was sitting on. Murder was all fun and dandy, especially when its an agent. However, the company of corpses and headstones didn't exactly make for the best conversation. The last conversation she'd had was with a stripper back when she'd tried dancing for money. Dahlia, while not opposed to the job, had been on the run from the cops which made being a stripper a bit hard. It seemed that whenever something back had happened in the city that involved some sort of drug scandle the police always wound up at her job's doors. She didn't do any wrong in murdering them. They deserved it.

Dahlia had heard of places where Creatures would go for sanctuary and the company of those of their kind. She wondered if those places actually existed, or if it was simply an urban legend. She had heard of a specific location once, amongst the hushed whispers of two Creatures who had wandered off into her little section of the cemetery one day. This would be the part where Dahlia might have recounted how she went about killing. However, Dahlia didn't murder if she didn't feel the need. Especially when it came to other creatures. No, her wrath was reserved for those connected to agents. Wives and son, daughters and brothers, mothers and uncles, not one family member was safe once she discovered their identity.

The oddly dressed eccentric rounded the corner. She knew the general area, she just needed to find the building. She wondered if the house had food. Now that Dahlia thought about it, she hadn't had an actual meal in quite some time. Usually, the girl would just separate various nutrients from the blood stream of the people she killed. Some ignorant people would say this was similar to a vampire. They were wrong, it was more like a wild bear gnawing on someone's kidney. After some searching, Dahlia was sure she'd found the building she was looking for. It was a run down looking place, and she was sure the inside was probably as worse off as the outside. But, what really got her attention was the robust man standing at the door. Normally, this would be no hint to a Creature hideout. However, the man sported a pair of horns. That was a sure fire sign that she'd found the place. As Dahlia walked up, she was sure whoever had appeared at the door couldn't see her due to the fact that the large man was in her line of vision. She'd heard someone speaking, but couldn't quite make out the words till she got closer. The last sentence she heard was:

"May I help you?" This voice was female, but different from the one which she had previously heard.

"Yes, you may!" Dahlia chirped, and pushed her way into the front of the doorway from under the blond man's arm. Her actions may have been a tad bold, but Dahlia was never one to care about how bold her actions were. "I take it this is where the creatures come to hide?" She flashed the girl a grin, and stepped aside so that she was no longer directly in front of the man.

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

"Ow! God dammit would you be careful!" Manson roared at the doctor who was doing his best to clean Manson's raw burns. Manson way laying in his king sized bed with his comforters pulled down, relieving his ravaged body. In all honestly, Manson knew he looked like Harvey Dent from the Batman movies, which all in all, wouldn't bother him so long as he could hang the bitches wings on his wall once she was dead.

"I'm sorry Sir, but we must clean these otherwise they'll become infected and risk amputation or dead," the young doctor replied with a long sigh. Without looking at Manson, he continued gently patting the burns where they were still open and oozing puss.

"How much longer will you have to do this?" Manson hissed when the large burnt sore on his neck was tended to. He hissed out loud and balled his left hand into a fist since his right was completely wrapped in gauze. Manson locked his jaw when he heard a sharp knock at his bedroom door, glaring at it he barked, "come in."

A large Agent entered, a good Agent to boot, holding a cell phone, his usually pale face looked white for some reason, sweat beading at his brow. "Charles, what is it?"

"It's Phoenix Sir. They've found her. Skyler is on the line now. He's asking to speak with you."

Manson's entire body relaxed and his eyes slowly shut, expelling a long breath he looked up at Charles again and held his hand out for the phone. "Get me Andrew," he growled then held the phone to his ear, "Manson."

Where the fuck do these guys come from? Phoenix thought to herself as her eyes scanned the large man up and down, her bright red eyes coming to rest on the horns on his head. Before he could answer some small girl came and pushed herself forward.

Phoenix wanted to hit her just to slow down her god damned mouth and to shut her the hell up encase someone heard her. "Who are you?" she hissed, mostly at the red haired girl who didn't know how to be careful. Phoenix clutched her towel tight to her body, and her other hand squeezed the door to keep herself from lashing out at any of them.

Looking the two in front of her over, her eyes scanned to the girl on the street, blind from what she could tell by the mask, but seemed to be getting about just fine. Without waiting for an answer she pulled the door open more and motioned for them to get inside, "Let's go before one of you draw the fucking Agents. That's the last thing I need while I'm in a towel," she hissed, clearly frustrated.

How these guys lived for so long is beyond me. And I don't have the room for these guys. It'll be so cramped I may have to kill one myself, she thought. She wasn't a fan of others, let alone larger groups, but it wasn't in her to leave them out on the street. She didn't have a big problem killing them if it was needed though. Some Creatures were just nuts and had to be killed. Same with some humans too though.

[Traziel]

Impatience was brewing but his composure was entirely solemn as he stood there in wait with hope for a response. His attention had been focused more so on the door in front of him, but the sound of a woman speaking to him broke the air's silence. Out of habit, Vincent turned and stared directly at his eye level. Both his father and mother were oddly near the same height as he, thus Vincent never had to lower his visage. Unfortunately this was not the case. Deep blue eyes lulled downward to a woman clad in a white dress and shirt, black mask covering her eyes. Vincent stared with much curiosity at the girl and didn't instantly deem her a threat. "Excuse me, I don't believe you'll have to unhinge it." she said to him. "If nobody lives here then they probably won't mi--"

Before Vincent could finish his sentence, the door slowly creaked open, revealing the face of a girl with dark toned hair and fiery eyes. Once again he had to look down to acknowledge eye contact. "Hello, may I help you?" she questioned. Reading the possibly kind expression of a smile on her face, Vincent did not hesitate to intend to deliver an answer, but before he fully realized the situation this was becoming, another had entered the scene unnoticed. Momentarily unnoticed, as she made way underneath him and into the door of the building. "I take it this is where the creatures come to hide?" The words took a firm grasp on his attention, aside from the girl's clothing and the flare of her crimson hair. He didn't originally assume that the girl who answered the door was a creature, but the flaring red eyes should have been a dead giveaway.

"Let's go before one of you draw the fucking Agents. That's the last thing I need while I'm in a towel," While Agents were always a sign of bad news to creatures, Vincent's lack of fear towards them was unmatched. Bullets and stun guns were simply toys meant to be broken if aimed in his direction. He'd flip a rocket back at them if it didn't explode on contact. But while his fear of Agents was nonexistent, his fear of an enraged women was boldly present. The tone in Phoenix's voice was laced with annoyance and Vincent truly didn't want the wrath of a fellow creature over his head. "Please excuse the intruding." his voice bellowed, echoing amongst the inner structure of the building as he lowered his head slightly before entering between the doorway.

Vincent's footsteps were heavy. It was hard for him to effectively creep further in without the loud thumping of his boots against the wood. Hopefully the floor was sturdy enough to support his weight. After entering, Vincent turned back to face the others who were now present at the scene. A girl who wore a mask to cover her eyes, but Vincent had not encountered a blind person before, thus leaving him oblivious to the reason she wore it. Next was the apparently high spirited girl who had barged in before he could properly ask for entrance. Despite her slightly rude form of entry and uncommon dress, Vincent found her slightly attractive in a sense. Her breed of personality was very uncommon where he came from.

Finally, to finish of the cast was the one who he assumed owned the building. Vincent was strong, but something in him could almost feel the power that girl had. Either that, or Vincent was falling victim to slight embarrassment for taking the time to stare momentarily at her current attire, or lack thereof. Noticing this himself, he lowered his gaze down to the ash covered floor before speaking. "I see an introduction as necessary. The name's Vincent, but my boys back home simply refer to me as 'Tank'. As you've probably already noticed by the horns, I'm a Creature, but I don't intend to do any harm or alert any suspicion of Agents. I'm just looking for a place to lay low for awhile until I can get some gas for my truck." Vincent's words seem to dance along the walls and in between every crevice as the sound resonated throughout. He took notice of the length of his ramble, but deemed it as courtesy to at least let them know his situation.

[The Literate Angel]

Rosalie listened as the man turned his body towards her. She could tell by the way the air moved around him that he was a large man, probably extremely well built also. When he spoke his voice was loud, but it wasn't really threatening. He started to say that if no one was living there they wouldn't mind him breaking a door, but the door opened and a woman's voice drifted out.

Rosalie could smell blood and soap coming from the woman and also a small amount of...Something that smelt like ashes. It was faint because of the soap and blood, but she was fairly sure it was ash. The woman sounded almost to nice to Rosalies' sensitive ears, but she wasn't to focused on the woman's manner of speech, she was more focused on the vision that flashed through her mind.

A red-haired woman wearing odd clothes would be appearing soon and pushing to the front. She could see the others in the vision. The man really was a giant with blond hair and two horns sticking out of his head. The woman in the door way was about her height and wearing nothing but a towel. She could see everything else with clarity as well. The brick building, the peeling paint just inside the almost closed door, the scorches on the building as well as the surrounding buildings.

She was pulled from her vision when the woman did appear and loudly asked whether or not the building they were at hide creatures. Rosalie now understood why she was there. She didn't really need any help from hiding, but she could understand needing a place to stay. While the girls bold personality was something Rosalie could admire, she knew there was a time and place and since she had already encountered a few agents already she was a tad nervous.

She quickly scanned the future to see if anyone had over heard but she couldn't see anything to big in the near future. She moved up the steps to the door, coming near to the red-haired woman. She had a bad feeling about her, just something that Rosalie disliked greatly, but she kept her mouth shut. She didn't need to start something unnecessarily in someone else's home. As she thought this another flash appeared. The woman, who she could see had red wings, using some kind of fire to kill one of them. It was quick and disappeared just as fast, but apparently the woman wasn't one to like company.

Rosalie stepped in to the building, feeling and hearing the heavy steps of the large man. She moved almost silently and carefully positioned herself away from the two females. They were dangerous, she could tell by their presence, and she was a careful creature by nature. She didn't like confrontation nor did she like death. She listened as the large man introduced himself and felt that she should at least give them a name as well.

"I'm sorry to intrude, my name is Rosalie, you may call me Rose. I am also a creature."

She kept it short, feeling that giving away to much about herself may put her in danger later. She didn't trust them fully, she only knew one's name, and it had been awhile since she had really formally met another creature. Usually she was trying to save them from peril. Sometimes she was successful, but sometimes she wasn't, like today with that poor girl.

[Squall Reyes]

Hunter 1 sat in his car patiently, finally a voice on the other end came alive. "Agent Charles speaking." Hunter 1 gave a deep sigh, he wanted SoD not his answering machine. "Hunter 1 here, I need to speak to SoD right away." The voice that came back was one of obvious pride and contempt for the Hunter. Hunters and Agents have had a bit of a friendly competition the formation of both groups. Nothing to Hunter 1 was more annoying than a high ranking agent. And no one was more so than Charles. "SoD is seeing the doctor Hunter 1. He's not to be disturbed." Hunter 1 gave a low growl and ran his hand along his face in frustration. "Hunter 1 negative, I need to speak with him now. We have a possible lead on the location of Rachael E. Kerr alias Phoenix."

There was a bit of silence before the reply came, "Evidence?" It did not come across as a challenge. Charles was fallowing protocol like a good man and Hunter 1 knew it. Some of the tension of bleed away as Hunter 1 replied calmly. "Red and brown feather near scene of Agent Hampton's death. Death is attributed to lacerations to the body and burning to 75 percent of body. He only got one shot off as far as I can tell. It's got to be her." Nothing fallowed his reply, Hunter 1 sat back in his car and waited. He knew he had made his point.

"Manson" came the voice of his mentor. But right now this was all business and he was in Hunter 1 mode. "Hunter 1 reporting sir. We are on watch in Baltimore today. 0600 Agent Hampton picked her up, and gave chase. 0610 Did not listen to order's to wait for backup. 0610 Hampton was killed and creature escaped. Arrived at scene at 0612. Evidence at the scene shows that lacerations to the body and burning the cause of death. Red-brown feather found on scene, far as I can tell he only got one shot off. At 0620 I have spread out other agents and hunters to find other feathers, hope to find some sort of pattern and pin point exact location. Awaiting orders sir." With that he gave nothing more, he wanted to give nothing but the facts and of course his marching orders.

[Inerio]

If there was one thing Andrew was good at, all talents regarding his job aside, it was annoying the hell out of Manson. Come rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine the young man would piss the older agent off without fail. In fact, regardless of the man's current health Andrew wouldn't change his attitude. Some argued that this was insensitive of Andrew. However, the agent believed that he helped keep Manson young. It was a moot point all in all.

Currently, the agent was walking down the white hallways of the hospital. He had just been called to see Manson. Andrew was never one for dilly dallying when it came to Manson's calls, especially with Manson in his current state. In that sense, he was a loyal agent. Hell, in the condition that Manson was in if he asked Andrew to sit his charred body on his lap and read him a bed time story he would. Granted, Manson would never hear the end of it afterward.

"You rang?" Andrew asked abruptly as he basically burst through the door of Manson's room. He grinned at his boss, the usual snarky grin that he had always bared. He didn't even pay his scars a scrutinizing gaze as he walked over to take a seat next to Manson. He noticed that his boss was on the phone, and thus repressed a comment on how he looked like Freddy Kruger for the time being. Instead he leaned back in the chair, and flipped open his cell phone to go about trivial pixelated games.

+++

Dahlia was well aware of the dislike that seemed to excrete out of the pores of both of the female creatures. The first one just appeared to be moody, and to be honest Dahlia didn't really care. Since when did she give a damn about the feelings of others? As far as she was concerned, there was no sun, only Dahlia. She was the center of the universe. And, the other girl. Well, she kept a safe distance away. Quiet girls were no fun, Dahlia had concluded mentally, and thus would probably keep from 'playing' with her.

Both the man and the woman had introduced themselves. Dahlia giggled when the man said that his friends called him Tank. She could only sarcastically wonder why. The other woman introduced herself in a soft spoken manner as Rosalie. Dahlia watched the girl with an inquisitive gaze as she spoke. She had a gentle kind of strength about her. Dahlia wasn't sure how she felt about it, people like that made her sad. The reminded her of an individual she'd worked hard to forget.

"And lastly, my name is Dahlia. You can call me Dolly, I respond to either." She said flippantly as she ran a hand down the wall that was near her. The house certainly wasn't in the best of shape. Between the creaky floorboards and charred walls it was obvious that the place was quite worse for ware.

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

"Track her. Keep your eyes open and if you find her do not engage without others with you. I'm going to send Andrew with a van of newly developed weapons that will assist you," Manson's voice was steady, a little rough but full of power and wisdom. "Usually she has other Creatures about her, so beware and be warned. Keep out eyes out for any clues. Contact me if you make contact again."

Without waiting for an answer Manson hung up the phone, knowing Hunter 1 would follow his words to the letter. Handing the phone back to Charles and waved his good hand dismissively. "Doc, if you could excuse us for a few minuets," Manson said to the doctor without ever really looking at him.

"Er, sure thing. Andrew, come and get me when you are finished," with that, the two left the small white room leaving Manson and Andrew alone. Manson looked up at the young Agent, relaxed, calm, sitting there playing some game again. It's a wonder Manson kept the asshole around for how annoying he could be. But when it comes right down to it, the boy was loyal.

"The company just completed several new weapons and a few prototypes. I want you to gather all you can carry and bring them to Baltimore. Meet up with Skylar and teach them how they work. While I'm down I want you to be my eyes, ears and voice. Don't let me down," he said, his eyes locked on the young man the entire time.

"Here is the list," Manson groaned when he leaned across his bed to a stack of papers he was sifting threw earlier. On the very top of the paper was an envelop. Grabbing it he pulled it out so that Andrew could read it:


IR Laser: Fires a concentrated beam of infrared energy. This weapon will do aggravated damage to any Kindred struck by it. The beam itself is invisible except in smoke or fog and is silent in operation.

Holdout Laser: This is a small, easily concealable IR laser.

Blaster: Fires a bolt of accelerated, charged protons and/or electrons.

Stun Ray: Fires a magnetic pulse that overloads the target’s nervous system.

Nerve Gun: Similar to the stun ray, but stimulates the nervous system of the target with excruciating pain.

Gauss Firearms: Use electromagnetic fields to accelerate 3 or 4mm high density slugs to hypervelocity speeds (in excess of 2,000 yards per second). Their sheer speed makes them more deadly than conventional firearms.

Gauss Razergun: Similar to the other Gauss weapons, its magazines contain a coil of superconductor-sheathed monowire. As it fires, it snips of short strands of wire, which become rigid in the gun’s magnetic fields and are accelerated to hypersonic velocities.

Tangler: Slightly longer than a submachine gun, this non-lethal weapon fires strands of very adhesive nylon. A victim cannot move any limbs. The victim may be cut free, but this will take a sharp knife and three hours’ work.
-Sticky nylon
-Fire Proof nylon
-Constricting nylon

Gravity Gun: This odd device is about three feet long, roughly cone-shaped, and weighs 35 lbs. The end of the barrel is solid metal, with no opening for a projectile. The weight of the device makes it unsuitable for hand held use by anyone weighting less then 200lbs.

Screamer: This weapon is shaped like a futuristic blunderbuss, with a bell shaped nozzle. It fires a beam of intense, concentrated sound that literally shakes the target apart.

Bazookoid: Fires small antigrav projectiles wrapped in a spherical energy cocoon. It has two fire modes. The first is a standard "point and shoot" mode, that functions like any other type of firearm. The second is a heat seeker mode. All one has to do is aim roughly in the target’s direction and the heat seekers will do the rest. If no suitable target is available, the projectile will search for one.

Neurolash: This baton-shaped weapon causes the same effect as the Nerve Gun.

Photon Grenade: This device contains a powerful, one-shot IR laser. Microlenses and mirrors are used to split the beam into many short range beams. When detonated, all targets in the blast radius suffer burns from dozens of silent, invisble beams.

Warbler: This is a non-lethal weapon, used primarily for riot dispersal. When it goes off, it "screams" at a deafening pitch and oscillates up and down on the audible scale and on nerve-wracking subsonic levels. The scream lasts 30 seconds.

Night/Heat Vision Goggles: Two settings of small sunglasses sized goggles. Easy to use, easy to break. Good for protecting eyes from UV rays.

Phoenix stood in the middle of the unused, dusty, ashy, filthy living room, in a black towel, her hair dripping wet, her wings cramped from being folded so close to her body, and her patience running thin. "I see an introduction as necessary. The name's Vincent, but my boys back home simply refer to me as 'Tank'." Tank is right. You're huge. He'll eat up a lot of space downstairs. "As you've probably already noticed by the horns, I'm a Creature, but I don't intend to do any harm or alert any suspicion of Agents." I'd hope so. You seem like a nice enough guy. I'd rather not have to kill you. "I'm just looking for a place to lay low for awhile until I can get some gas for my truck." Phoenix let out a long breath and nodded to him, but quickly turned her attention to the woman in all white and a mask.

She seemed to be very quiet. Gentle even, seemed like someone Phoenix would get herself into trouble for trying to protect. "I'm sorry to intrude, my name is Rosalie, you may call me Rose. I am also a creature." Name fits her. But sad to say, all that white is going to have to go. Maybe even that mask. It kinda screams, 'Look I have abilities!' Finally was the small red-head the Phoenix was already annoyed with. Very strong personality, very loud, very 'I'm the center of everything now bow down bitch'. Yeah, that's not gonna happen,

"And lastly, my name is Dahlia. You can call me Dolly, I respond to either." Why do I know her name? Phoenix thought to herself, but quickly pushed that thought and her annoyance aside.

"I'm Phoenix. Now, if you all will follow me," she said and turned on her heel and walked back to the basement door. She pulled it open and jumped down. "It's a bit of a drop, last one in close the door please," she said and walked across the concrete floor. Without dropping her towel she pulled on underwear and hip-slung jeans. Keeping her back to them, she dropped her towel, her wings opening and stretching some as she slid her bra into place, quickly followed by a black tank top. Due to years of practice, she easily slid her wings threw the slits in the back.

By the time she tuned to face them again, she used her power to dry her hair and wings, steam rising from her as she looked over the three now standing in her home. "Welcome to the "hideout" I suppose."

[The Literate Angel]

After Rosalie had finished her introduction, the woman introduced herself. Her name was Dahlia, though she seemed to prefer Dolly. The woman's name sounded familiar and she still felt a slight aversion towards her. She gave her an odd look as well, but the woman who would be housing them spoke up again before she could worry over it. The woman's name was Phoenix, though she assumed that was an alias. She instructed them to follow and Rosalie quickly obliged.

Rosalie moved to the opening and nibbley jumped down. Her knees bent from the impact, but she rose quickly and moved away from the opening. She couldn't exactly tell how big it was, but she didn't imagine it would be very large. She supposed there wouldn't be very much room for all of them and she knew she couldn't stay long. She wasn't really planning on it anyways. A dangerous vibe came from their host as well as from the other woman and she didn't exactly like to invite danger towards herself. Besides Tank would take up most of the room any ways.

The woman was changing, she could tell by the rustling of fabric, and turned to them when she was finished. Rosalie could feel the room heat up slightly and assumed she had used her power to fully dry herself off. She turned to them and welcomed them to the hideout.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Rosalie said, bowing her head slightly. She didn't think she really had feeling behind those words, as if she wasn't to thrilled about them all being there. Rosalie folded her hands in front of her as she calmly waited for what was to come next. Behind her mask she closed her eyes. She knew they would probably want her to take her mask off, though for how long was questionable. Her white eyes were unsettling to most, especially if they weren't really focused on anything. While the mask was a sign, it wasn't a complete give away while her eyes were. White eyes weren't common eye colors, even for the blind.

[Traziel]

Rose, Dahlia, and Phoenix. An all female entourage naturally set him at odds, but an opportunity for such shelter had never been this easy to attain. Some creatures weren't as hospitable, and would rather not have new creatures in their homes for fear of Agent surveillance. Such paranoia and suspicion were never really a problem for Vincent. If an agent were to attack, then he would defend himself and anyone else threatened without hesitation. Such valor would make him a prime target in the future, but for the moment he has been very low under the radar. Unimaginable for someone of his size. All this aside, Vincent followed behind Phoenix, eyes focused on her as she walked. Soon they would arrive at a door that obviously led to the basement after being opened. Vincent stopped short of the entrance and only watched as each one of them fell down to the floor below with much grace. "Oh boy..."

Vincent was very aware of his size, if only because everyone who had com across him noted it outwardly. After everyone else had fallen into the basement, Vincent stood there momentarily trying to think of the most graceful way he could land without looking like a behemoth. Unfortunately he couldn't come up with a solution, so he simply followed the lead. After ducking to get his horns in, Vincent leaned forward and made a hop down. Reactions were expected and his embarrassment would definitely be veiled by a very solemn expression. At the instance his feet met concrete there was a heavy shaking. He stood as straight as he could without grazing his horns on the ceiling, and lumbered slowly over to an empty space on the wall. It was there that he took the two travel bags from his shoulder, placing them beside him as he took a seat, back facing the wall.

Give him the benefit of the doubt as a male, but despite the turning of his head, out of his peripheral he took notice of Phoenix as she quickly changed behind the veil of her towel. His attention further grasped by her words. "Welcome to the "hideout" I suppose." It was apparent in her voice that his stay wouldn't be prolonged. Rose's words of pardon for intrusion were exact thoughts. For the moment he simply rested. Idle conversation would probably ensue, but for the moment he simply enjoyed their company. It had been weeks since he had held conversation with another creature, but months had passed since he had made any friends.

Phoenix's display of her power sparked yet another moment of interest in her. Power over heat accompanied by fiery wings made her alias very suitable. Vincent was referred to as a Tank because of his strength and build, but he pondered the abilities of both Dahlia and Rose. It was obvious that Phoenix had given an alias, but the others simply went by their birth given names. Oddly enough, doing so added more mystery to them. Vincent was eager to know more.

[Klikxx]

It was still remarkable cold. The sun had been making an effort to peak out from behind the blanket of clouds. An overwhelming stench was carried by the gentle breeze from the litter strewn ally that morning. Not the normal smells of rotting garbage and stale beer but something sharp and distinct. This new odour brought with it a distinct image in black and white. He was at it again by all accounts in the air, though it was unlike him to appear during the day. Something was definitely amiss.

They had called him Dirty Harry in the facility. A designation of his foul odour despite the frequent bathing and perfumed treatments they subjected him to day after day. Nothing seemed to be able to quench the stench that emanated from his body. Harry had preferred it that way. It discouraged the scientists from their constant examinations. Poking and prodding in hopes that they had stumbled upon success. Little did they realize what they had created.

Harry sat hunched upon a crate littered with newspapers rubbing his wrists. The fluid burned when it escaped through his skin, a sensation which made him highly reluctant to use it frequently. After his escape he had learned to spray the fouls smelling liquid with a great deal of accuracy. But decided he would only use it in times of desperation. Today was one which required such measures.

The vagrant lay whimpering from the intensifying pain that was caused by the fluid that had been sprayed into his eyes. The putrid smell, a combination of rotten eggs, garlic and burnt rubber branched out from the invisible oils now attached to his body. The smell would remain for some time, a reminder the unsuspecting beggar that this was indeed Harry’s turf. The sophisticated ape was unwilling to abandon the neighbourhood just yet.

Calmly he reached up loosening the striped tie wrapped around. This unfortunate encounter had already put him behind schedule. Blaster was sure to have been there by now. Poor mute would have nothing to say to pass the time. Harry would have to hurry. Stripping off the remainder of his clothing he hastened his way to the small dingy shop.

His friend had turned as did the shop keeper when the shrill clang of the chime upon the door announced his arrival. What the owner didn’t expect was the newest patron was an ape. Harry was pleased to see that Blaster had made use of the late arrival already handling a promising piece from the display counter.

“Do you smell that? It smells like it rolled itself in a dead skunk!” The muscular man announced in distaste. The furred creature approached. Harry was good at his art and the voice actually seemed to be coming from his accomplice.

The two humans reached up and cupped their hands over their faces to try to filter the strong pungent odour that Harry began intensifying. The ape’s partner was the first to react dropping the weapon upon the counter and hurrying out the door. The shop keeper held out for several minutes before succumbing to the effectiveness of the smell. He too exited the small shop gasping at the cool fresh air he found in the streets.

With the shop keeper gone he scampered over and locked the door. Harry wasted little time ransacking the small shop. Snatching a small camouflaged knapsack from the wall he began filling the bag with several large calibre handguns. His eyes opened wipe as he spotted a few prized prices locked away safely in a secured box.

Reaching towards the till he opened it effortlessly and scooped the money into the awaiting sack. Stashed towards the back of the till he found what he was looking for. Harry nestled the storeowner’s key ring in his palm. His fingers separated the selections as he fumbled to get the right key and grant access.

Moments later he the lock turned and he remove the intimidating firearm from its display. Harry lifted the heavy piece and pointed it as if to shoot. He has comfortable with the way the shooter felt in the palm of his hand. He could definitely get use to wielding one of these. With the bag of bounty bursting to overflow he secured it against his chest as he made way to the back room.

Bursting out the back door he was sure to set off the alarm. Throwing caution to the wind he struck the push bar flinging the door back against the exterior wall. It was as he expected and the alarms soon rang out announcing his departure. With a few swift fluid motions he climbed the nearest fire escapes and made his way to the rooftops. Launching himself from building to building he was soon several blocks from the scene of the crime. He paused to catch his breath. He would be safe here for the time being.

[Inerio]

Dahlia didn't quite see the point in jumping down to the next floor. What was the point if everyone was just going to stand there with their thumbs up their asses? As far as she was concerned, she'd jump down into the dark suspicious looking room when everyone started to move and she was damn well good and ready. Till then, she sat with her stockinged legs dangling over the edge, swinging them back and forth as she watched the others with vague interest. Her eyelids seemed to lower slightly, as her interested clearly vanished and she slinked back into some fantasy involving disemboweling and the like.

I this is what life with other creatures is like.... She began mentally, her eyes switching from person to person. I'd have the mind to go back to being alone. I can only hope something gets mortally wounded, set on fire, or dead within the next eight hours. But, then again, the fault may have been her own. She'd made the mistake of seeking out creatures who wanted to hide away as opposed to having fun. However, it was hard to find a destructive creature who lived for more than six months.

Besides, sleeping in a room with four walls and a door would be a nice change. In the event that they were spotted she was sure that the Agents would get too caught up in catching the others to notice her. After all, the others were a tad noticeable. All Dahlia would need to do is put on some normal clothes and she was instantly incognito.

"So." Dahlia began from her perch at the door frame. "Is this floor always this dark or are you doing this for dramatic effect?"

+++

Andrew clasped his hands together and feigned a coy smile.

"Oh Manson!" He swooned, leaning back in his chair in a rather dramatic fashion. "Be your eyes and ears? Me? Oh! I thought you would never ask!" His voice had been raised a pitch or two in a girly tone. This, of course, was all an act to make Manson infuriated. Andrew believed a good quickening heart rate paved the way to a hastened recovery. The team needed Manson, and in his hospital bed he wasn't exactly able to do much.

It was a bit disappointing really. Andrew had looked up to the man. And, now, he was sitting practically helpless in a hospital bed. He reminded him of his own mortality, which was a fact of life that Andrew liked to avoid. Giving himself a bit of a mental shake in order to pull himself out of thoughts, Andrew took the folder with the weapons and leafed through it.

"So." He began, licking his finger and turning a page. "Is that all?" His eyes scanned over the names of a few weapons. Some where rather dull and boring, things that he knew of already. Others caught his eye and stirred up some excitement. He was certainly looking forward to using the neurolash.

[Squall Reyes]

Hunter 1 nodded his head as the phone call was cut. He thought that would be his orders, but it was best to give the boss a report on the events of the morning. He slowly got out of the car, he would wait there for the weapons. Besides he had to get Hampton in a body bag and get a van to take his body home. There would be a family somewhere out there that would like a body to bury as they remember the boy who died trying to protect them from those freaks. Even if he did die disobeying orders. Hunter 1 got out of the car once again went to the trunk removing a black body bag from its depths.

After carefully putting the body into the bag, he grabbed the mic on his collar. "Get the black baggers here for pickup." He got up from the corpses side and started to look around the area once again. There would be no more evidence to be found in the area. Suddenly the earwig crackled as a voice came up. "Agent Cho here. Found one of those red-brown feathers you were looking for Hunter 1. It's way to big to be coming from any bird."

Hunter 1 quickly made he way into his car as the van came in the ally way to pick up Agent Hampton's body. He touched the screen once again and came up with the screen. "Give me location Agent."

"I am south of John Hopkins," came the the reply. "I am on the south west corner of Jefferson street."

Hunter 1 looked down and tapped the corner with his finger, setting up a little flag. Then tapped the screen again in the alley way between Exeter St. and Colvin St. "Continue with your search." He said into the his collar as the black van began to pull out of the alleyway again with Agent Hampton's body. Hunter 1 looked down at his watch. He was anxious for Agent Andrew to get there with the new weapons.

[Klikxx]

He could hear the sirens wail, passing rapidly in the streets below. He wondered how seriously they would take the store keeper’s story when he described the perpetrator as a monkey. The video taped surveillance would have backed his story if Harry hadn’t made off with it as well. They would believe his story soon enough when tales of a rampant chimpanzee begin surfacing throughout the city.

Harry sat with his legs curled around the bountiful sack. The digits of his feet gently stroking the course fabric bag as he peered inside. While the task had proved productive there was little mayhem created in the process. This venture lacked the adrenaline rush that he was looking for. What he longed to experience was to induce sheer uninhibited panic. He loved to hear humans shriek in fear as they scurried off in panic. For this he would need a plan.

Moving a few items delicately off to the side he found what he was looking for. Pulling the phone book sized box from the bag his smiled with great expectations. Now something like this would surely create the sort of chaotic panic he was looking for. Opening the stylish box he pulled out a gold-plated .44 Auto Mag. The weapon glistened in the early morning sun. This would serve well he thought waving it in the air.

Removing the ammunition clip from its position within the grip of the gun he began to count off the available rounds. One, two, three…….Eight. Hardly enough for any sustained action. He fumbled through the bag and stumbled across a similar clip buried deep within the contents. Well he had just doubled his payload but still it was excruciatingly lacking in his estimation. Still it was a start. "Now if only I could find an appropriate place to stage my next public appearance" He mused to himself.

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

Phoenix couldn't help but roll her eyes at the girl still sitting in the door way. There was a dark vibe coming off of her that said danger. Not necessarily towards herself, but in blowing their location. "Yes, I take extra time and effort to add dramatic affects. I was considering a fog machine and maybe a CD that could continuously play a thunderstorm in the background, but I haven't had time to go shopping for those yet," she said, her voice flat and face emotionless.

Letting out an annoyed breath Phoenix turned back to the other two who she was going to like more and more over the other girl. "So, sorry if I'm a crap hostess. I'm not used to so many others showing up at once expecting a place to hide. And I know I don't have enough food for us all so I'll have to head out again," she said and walked over to her futon and sat down, folding her legs and resting her elbows on her knees.

"So, if you plan on hanging here, I would like to ask for an over view of your abilities. Just so I know how to use you if Agents find us," she said, her tone never once changed. Remaining flat, emotionless, and all business. "They call me Phoenix due to my wings, eyes, fire and my enhanced body in general," she said and her eyes went to Tank. "I know I look little, and I'm sure your a good bit stronger then me, but I'm sure I have enough to hurt ya if you piss me off," she said. Phoenix let a small smirk pull at the corner of her lips just to make sure she wasn't a threat. Currently anyway.

"Oh, by the way," Phoenix said to the girl still at the door, "close that and get down here please. I don't use up there for a reason and I don't need you being seen or heard." That'll be the last thing I need. "Anyway, make yourselves at home I suppose. Just don't rewire anything and do your best not to break anything. It wasn't easy getting all this shit down here."

[Magix]

Xecto had been over at least half of America since he's been on the run. He's helped countless creatures like himself, and caused trouble for those agents who wanted them dead. A few months ago he was in New York City. It had a bunch of creatures there. Perhaps it was because of the diverstiy. People couldn't tell who was a creature and who wasn't. At least some of them. There was those who were painfully obvious wherever they went. Or perhaps New Yorkers just didn't care. Either way the creatures were abundant there. In Baltimore however there wasn't as many. There was many stronger ones though. Pheonix lived in Baltimore. He had met her on his first and only trip to Baltimore. He helped her help a few others like themselves. She could handle herself too. It wasn't any wonder as to how she made the top of the most wanted list. Xecto himself was near the top, but mostly because he was a constant pain in the ass to them. His powers weren't the most destructive but they made energy based weaponry useless. Of course the agents had many more toys then just the energy based ones. Baltimore was where he found himself now. He had been tailing an agent for days, staying hidden. Of course that was until he discovered him. The agent was turning a corner and Xecto was of course following him but this time he decked Xecto in the face. Xecto hit the ground and the agent pulled out a gun. The agent demanded to know why he was following him. Xecto just smiled and using energy he pushed the man up against the wall. The man fell to the ground dazed as Xecto created a sword in his hand. The agent saw his face, he couldn't live now. Xecto stabbed the man through his back piercing his heart. It was a quick end. Xecto looked around the body and found some kind of communication device. He turned it on and spoke into it. "Agent Lopez, Sector 30, Exterminated." He slashed an X into the man's face and left. He was now headed to Pheonix's home. He needed a place to hide for right now.

[Traziel]

Though it was apparently obvious to everyone else, the dark aura that seemed to emit from Dahlia had not been felt by Vincent. Whether it was his lack of fear, or the fact that he was mildly attracted to her, he just couldn't see anything dangerous about her. These thoughts had only been taken note of due to the sudden outburst of sarcasm from Phoenix. Though the scene did have a very moody tone, it wasn't really something to have concern of. Vincent simply glanced in the directions of both as Phoenix issued a lashing of the tongue. Surely the topic of conversation needed to be altered.

"So, if you plan on hanging here, I would like to ask for an over view of your abilities. Just so I know how to use you if Agents find us," Vincent took a moment to look down at the rest of his body. Vincent's strength was phenomenal, but he couldn't shoot lasers out of his eyes or anything of that sort. His powers were all physical, providing him with enhanced speed, strength, endurance, and stamina. If anything, his mental ability to lack fear would be his only uncommon ability.

"I know I look little, and I'm sure your a good bit stronger then me, but I'm sure I have enough to hurt ya if you piss me off, Such words followed by a smirk, a facial expression similar to her greeting smile, had quickly dismissed any sense of threat. Vincent smiled in response before raising a large hand outward and giving her a thumbs up. The gesture could have been taken as a mocking, but Vincent meant no harm. A lack of exposure to social events often caused Vincent to do or say things out of the ordinary. "I'm sure you won't have to worry about me angering you." Vincent responded. The echo of his voice was more noticeable within such a closed in space. He lowered the volume of his voice before continuing.

"Well, my friends call me Tank for a reason. If there's anything in the way then I can definitely move it out of the way. Physically, there isn't a man I've met that's stronger than me. Not to boast, but I'm sure no agent can toss a city bus down the block, or derail a train with a simple charge. " Even though he was asked to give such information, he felt as if he was rambling and decided to cut his words short. "But don't worry. I've never harmed another Creature, and I'll try my best to protect everyone close to me." Vincent's words seemed to trail off at the end of his sentence. The thought of his parents being slaughtered by Agents while he was out had taken control of his emotions momentarily. His fist would clench tightly, but soon release as his attention drifted to Rose. Something about her seemed to ease his anger.

[The Literate Angel]

Rosalie smiled softly as she felt the tension. These were fairly good people, at least Phoenix and Tank were. She couldn't find it in her to trust Dahlia, but she wasn't going to be as hostile towards her as Phoenix seemed to be at the moment. Of course she was right, though it wouldn't do them any good to have her up there.

She knew she wouldn't really need to eat that much, she was used to going for a few days without food and didn't really affect her as much anymore. She felt bad that the woman had to go out and get extra food. Perhaps she would offer to go get some.

When she asked about their powers she felt a small chill run through her frame, but knew they wouldn't react like her parents. She listened as Tank told of his own powers. She could hear the sincerity in his final words, that he would protect those close to him, and also the hint of pain in his voice. She couldn't see the past, but she could tell something happened to him.

She searched the future for a moment, to see how they would react to her own powers since Phoenix wanted to use her, but instead she saw a vision of a man with raven black hair and a pair of black gloves on his hands coming to the house. He was fairly handsome, she could see some blood on his clothes, but that was the only details that jumped out. She was back in the dark a second later and she smiled softly again as she looked in Phoenix's direction.

"My power isn't physical nor is it in anyway a power that can be used to fight. My power is nothing special, though I'm sure it will help you greatly for it has helped me, especially against agents. After I went blind my power made itself known. I can see the future. Flashes of it and I have control over it, though sometimes I see flashes at random."

Rosalie knew she was talking a lot, but she felt that it would be more beneficial for her to tell them about her powers in full. And she had to tell them about the man. She turned her face towards the hole that they had come through.

"Speaking of which I a tall man with jet black hair and black gloves will be coming to this house. He will be coming through the front door or..."

Her head turned towards the window Phoenix had slipped in to before they had arrived. She pointed towards it.

"...through that window. It was hard to tell."

She smiled softly, her back still against the wall, but she had a more relaxed posture. Her smile really was beautiful and there was a soft kindness behind it. She got that from her parents and hoped beyond hopes that they were happy and had forgotten about her. She hoped they had had another child, one they could be proud of and who didn't turn out like her.

[Inerio]

"Really?" Dahlia retorted to Phoenix's sarcasm with a broad and cheeky grin. She of course was faking excitement and surprise. "Well." She began, intertwining her fingers at chest height and cocking her head to the side ever so slightly. "I would think that would be quite interesting!" This may not have been the best manner in which to respond, seeing as sarcasm probably shouldn't be met with sarcasm. And, also concerning the fact that the female had already seemed to be more than annoyed with Dahlia. However, Dahlia found this manner of reply to be extremely appropriate in such situations.

For one reason or another, she was amused by the man. This was probably because he came off as a brute. And, well, there weren't many more things quite as entertaining to watch as a brute. Not to mention they were now within the confines of a rinky dink little apartment complex. She couldn't help but wonder just how long it would take the man to break something. She hoped it wasn't too long, for having him accidentally destroy something would surely bring Dahlia endless amusement.

The second was the girl. Dahlia had originally thought that she would perhaps be fun to play with. However, the more insecurity she oozed out the less Dahlia wanted to so much as listen to her let alone play with her. The red head had no interest in interacting with something that came across as a wounded baby bird. After all, what kind of person would she be if she caused trouble for an innocent baby bird? Hopefully that girl's so called useless power would cause more power for the team than Dahlia, so that she could move about and do as she wished while the others were distracted. As aloof to the conversation as Dahlia was, she couldn't help be hear the girl's last statement. It brought quite a large grin to Dahlia's face. A man bursting into the scene would certainly make for a good time.

Finally, it was Dahlia's turn to display her powers. She crossed one leg over the other, and pensively placed a finger to her pale cheek. She even let out a small "Hmmm." to show the others that she was mulling over how she would go about displaying her powers. Dahlia reached into her cleavage, and pulled out an item. This item, if one couldn't tell from the shape, was a switch blade. Flippantly Dahlia flicked the blade open, and allowed some light to catch the steel before twirling it in her hand. By the end of the third twirl Dahlia made a point to jab herself hard in the chest. This certainly wasn't the first time she had done such.

From her wound an unnatural amount of blood sputtered out. This was more or less due to her powers, and her need to put on a bit of a show. The blood shot out, but before it could come into contact with anything it froze, and began a serpentine-esque dance in the air. The end of the snaking red trail split into the three, each end took on claw like appearance. The extra extremity then wrapped itself around Dahlia's neck twice before hanging lazily near her elbow.

"That." She raised her hand in the air, the dark crimson hand rising up too in an imitative gesture. "Is a demonstration of what I can do."

[Klikxx]

Harry paced back and forth, a sign of his nervous agitation. His knuckles gently grazed the ground as he lumbered through his travels. The sirens had long since died off and still Blaster had not made an appearance. This is what had him so nervous. It was not like Blaster to be late. Not unless something had gone horribly wrong. Grabbing the sack of weapons he made his way towards the edge of the rooftop.

Peering down into the alley he took notice of a large body bag being loaded into the black van positioned for pickup. He could not help but notice the whole scenario had agents scrolled all over it. “Blaster!” next thought that hit his mind as he realized it may well be his friend occupying the sack. Instinctively he began to scout the area. Where there was one there were sure to be more.

It wasn’t long before he found the other standing beside a parked car at the opposite end of the alley. He pulled the heavy ornate piece and pointed it at the agent as he fiddled with a hand held storage device. If he had bullets for the weapon he would end this now. Retaliation would have to wait he reminded himself witnessing the van pulling away with its payload. Without hesitation Harry slung the bag over his shoulder and began his pursuit across the vacant rooftops.

Harry moved with surprising speed keeping pace with the vehicle as it maneuvered through the back streets toward the main thoroughfare. Leaping effortlessly down the fire escape he landed with a heavy thud on the hood of the van. Surprised by the sudden impact the driver yanked the steering wheel in response. The van veered hard right in response. The driver took out a sign pole and a fire hydrant before undertaking a sudden stop as he slammed into the red brick wall in front of him.

Harry had managed to leap from the vehicle seconds before the impact against the barrier. Volumes of cold water now streamed high into the air no longer restrained by the metal cap of the hydrant. Cautiously he made his way along the side of the van towards the driver’s door. The horn blared in a constant angry protest to the events which had just occurred. Looking closely into the side mirror he noticed no movement from the driver.

Reaching the door Harry adjusted his grip upon the barrel of the gun as he prepared his assault. With a quick yank he pulled open the door and brought the makeshift club down upon the temple of the human slumped against the steering wheel. The first bludgeon hit its mark hard. The second and third strikes were hardly necessary but the adrenalin rushing through his body made it hard to stop.

Pulling the body back by a handful of hair eased the cry of the horn. From inside the suit jacket he removed the agent’s weapon from its holster. Harry then unbuckled the lifeless body and pulled it from the van into the water soaked street. He wouldn’t have much time before reinforcements showed. Quickly he searched the body removing the agent’s ear bud and data device.

[Magix]

Xecto didn't hear a ruckus yet. Had they gotten the message? He hoped so. If not they'd soon find him though and on his face they'd find the culprit. Of course they most likely wouldn't recognize it was him at first but they'd figure it out. It wouldn't be that hard to figure it out. Xecto always signed his work.

For now he was well on his way to Phoenix's safehouse. There didn't seem to be many agents around. That could only mean that there was a large commotion somewhere earlier, or they were getting ready to strike. Xecto hoped it was the latter of the two. He realized where he was. The question was though was if he was being followed. He quickly took a turn that was a block too early. He walked down an alleyway coming up to a manhole. Xecto began gathering energy in his hands. With a distracting explosion of light he disappeared. The manhole was slightly moved. That was to throw off any agents tailing him, if there were any. He meanwhile was on the roof of the nearest building and using energy he blasted himself to where the safehouse was.

Standing atop a building across from the safehouse he stared at it. He took it in for a moment but then jumped down. Looking around the outside he found an outlet. This was what he needed to recharge himself. Of course using electricity to charge hurt him a bit but if he was caught without any energy the agents would do far worse. After he was done he slowly walked over to the door. He created a weapon resembling an X in his hand. Normally these were used as throwing stars but this was different. One side of the X was extremely elongated and had a tip. It resembled an arrow, which was what he was going for. He jabbed it in the ground so the arrow pointed up. Then he knocked on the door three times and shot himself onto the wall near the roof. Holding onto the wall using the same sword he used to kill the agent he waited for Phoenix to answer the door. He hoped she still lived here. If not he was ready to run outta there.

[ShadowPhoenix0307]

Phoenix looked Tank over as he spoke. Stating that his obvious bulk meant strength. Aside from that, nothing else really. A human wrecking ball. Handy. Yet kinda obvious.

"But don't worry. I've never harmed another Creature, and I'll try my best to protect everyone close to me." Phoenix nodded at his works, her bright red eyes picking up on his sudden sullen mood.

"Thanks for sharing," Phoenix said then turned to the blind girl. Her soft voice almost soothing in the small room. She explained how her power was not physical, but something else.

"Speaking of which I a tall man with jet black hair and black gloves will be coming to this house. He will be coming through the front door or..."

Her head turned towards the window Phoenix had slipped in to before they had arrived. She pointed towards it.

"...through that window. It was hard to tell." Phoenix's eyes narrowed at her words. Not liking the idea of yet another person coming into her place. Let alone one with blood oh them. Either way, if she was right, she would have to deal with yet another person. Nonetheless, she could be pretty helpful to avoid trouble. But once in conflict, she wouldn't be of much use.

Finally, was Phoenix's oh so favorite of the group. Letting out a silent sigh Phoenix looked over to her and watched her lazily for her explanation. When she stabbed herself, Phoenix only narrowed her eyes on her in disgust. "That." She raised her hand in the air, the dark crimson hand rising up too in an imitative gesture. "Is a demonstration of what I can do."

"Ew," Phoenix groaned and looked over the hand. It was interesting, and made her think of a couple of questions as to her limits, but her thoughts were cut short by a knock on the door. Letting out a sigh, she looked over to the blind girl.

"Looks like you were right," she mumbled and got to her feet. "I'll be back," she mumbled and walked back to the door. Crouching lightly, Phoenix jumped up and out of the basement, leaving the door open. Walking across the ashy living room, she cocked her head to the side listening. She picked up the heart beat of someone... above the door.

Instantly, flames began licking at her right hand while she reached out with her left and cracked the door. "Yes?"

[Magix]

There Xecto held onto the wall. What seemed was like for minutes was in reality only about 30 seconds. It was a woman that answered the door. It was most likely Phoenix but he had to make sure. He closed his eyes relying on his other senses to provide him with the answers he needed.

It was scary quiet out. Not a sound could be heard except for breathing. That is until the door opened. He heard the squeak of the door and the voice speak with his eyes open. With his eyes closed he could hear a small crackling noise. Much like that of a small campfire. He could also smell the faint stench of something either burned or in the process of burning. Looking at the building above him there was no smoke coming from the chimney. This had to be Phoenix. No other person would be playing with fire in their own house.

Realizing it had been over a year since he had last seen any trace of her Xecto decided to use his mask. He's changed alot in a year. His mask though was his defining image. Placing the mask on his head and covering his face with it he jumps down covered by the darkness. She could most likely sense him and most definitely hear him but she couldn't see him yet. He stepped closer twoard her until the light caught the mask so it was clearly visible. "You know Phoenix, it's dangerous to just answer the door like that. I could have very well been an agent, though I'm sure you'd be able to take care of a few agents, now wouldn't you?"

[Klikxx]

Harry placed the ear bud in his ear to get a heads up on any chatter which may come through. Things were oddly quiet at the moment and it didn’t reassure him any. Swinging around to the back of the van he opened the back doors. He wasn’t sure if he was really ready for what he might discover as he eyed the black bag. Slowly he pulled the zipper tag bag exposing the contents inside.

Before he even saw the contents the smell of burnt hair and flesh reached his nostrils. The smell was soon changed to a more appealing banana aroma. As he parted the sides of the bag back he found what could best be described as a charred mess. It took him several moments to discern whether or not the body was in fact Blasters. Nothing particularly swayed him in one direction or another. . One thing was certain agents generally didn’t use fire as a means of bringing down a mutant.

The body itself was roughly the right size but there were no discernable features to confirm the identity. He had lost complete tract of time as the first cruiser rounded the corner into the alley way. This would have to wait hastily zipping the bag. Grabbing his sack of weapons under one arm he scurried across the wet pavement. Reaching the front of the van Harry made a controlled jump to the dumpster hugging the wall of the alley.

Turning back to the scene he could see several uniformed officers spilling out onto the streets from the two vehicles not blocking the alley. Quickly they secured the area and surveyed the scene. It wasn’t until he was noticed did Harry move. Another strong leap placed him back upon the fire escape and towards the rooftops. Things wouldn’t remain quiet for long as he could already hear the uniforms pursuing his trail.

Racing across the rooftops Harry bounded from one building to the next. It would be difficult for them to pick up his trail. Just throw off the scent Harry changed his aroma with each leap. He switched his odor to that of a cat, then a dog, a squirrel, and finally a pigeon. Even if they chose to use scent to track him it would now be impossible. Feeling he had now lost them and successfully covered his trail he once again found an opportunity to rest.

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