Dottie and Polo

Kougu followed Ria placidly – simply walking in calm silence at his ‘safe distance’ behind her. He let his thoughts drift as the regular beat of his footsteps lulled his mind, and he had soon forgotten the girl in his complete obliviousness to all around him. His dark eyes drifted up to the sky and slid out of focus as he watched the clouds creep peacefully by. An old warehouse, huh…? What would it be like…? Not really too concerned with trying to calculate possible answers for his question, Kougu continued to watch the clouds, and before long his dark eyes were beginning to find shapes within them. Animals, flowers, plants… Mythical creatures – like dragons and unicorns! But no people. Never people. The world came to life in Kougu’s mind, and he peered from his mind’s eye as the cloud creatures frolicked merrily in a world of peace and content. There was no enmity, no violence, no suffering… It was simply perfect – the way he wished the world could be… The way he believed the world might have the opportunity to be, should he accomplish his goal.
The cloud creatures faded from Kougu’s mind as this blast of hard reality hit him, and he dropped his gaze from the clouds to the ground as the thoughts over the topic that his mind had just pulled up out of the blue. Yes, his goal… The reason he knew he could not die – because he had to achieve it… Because he might have been the only one he could. Yes, that was why he persevered with life, even when the agony became such that he was nearly robbed of his sanity… Even when the pain festered and grew to the point that it swiped his consciousness away from him. When the guilt piled up, and slowly, oh-so-slowly, crushed him into dust. He persevered. He pressed on – if just for that one solitary goal…

Kougu was suddenly jerked out of his thoughts as the footsteps ceased abruptly in front of him – the unexpected change in rhythm breaking the enchanted lullaby it had cast over his mind and awaking him from his thoughtful stupor. He gazed around the graveyard – his dark eyes roving slowly over the tombstones. Some were old and crumbling, some brand new. It was the older ones that touched him more… The way they were so neglected – the bones of whoever had lain there slowly crumbling to dust beneath the ground. The newer ones, well… They just showed death, and death was just a part of life. Kougu’s eyes travelled further – taking in the small tufts of grass growing up around the crumbling tombstones – feeding off the corpses. It made him think about life… The way everything was a circle, and the good balanced out the bad. Things had to die, do that nature could replenish itself. It was unnatural to hold things to life once it was there time to go.
But then again… He reminded himself, It isn’t natural to force them into the abyss before their time, either. His thoughts clenched at this thought, and Kougu rapidly shook his head to dismiss it. He would not remember that… He could not remember that now! In desperation, Kougu’s long fingers darted to his pocket – brushing reassuringly over the slight bulge that assured him his pills were there. Good… That would make it easier… Kougu quickly cast around for a distraction, for he was disturbed by his thoughts and longed for an escape. He soon found one, in the form of the girl who had escorted him here. Ria. He had nearly forgotten her…

Remaining determinedly outside the graveyard, Kougu watched Ria closely. She was digging… For a moment a sickened expression crossed his pale face as he thought of grave robbers, but he knew Ria would do no such thing – and besides – she was not digging anywhere near a grave.
Her hand came up then, clasping something shiny in it. Shiny! What was it? Why was it there? Shiny, shiny, shiny! He had to know. Yes, he would go and investigate… Just to make sure everything was all right… And watch the object shine!
So Kougu crept timidly through the ancient archway above him and tottered timidly toward where Ria sat. He was about to near her, when suddenly he froze – an unexpected presence freezing him in his tracks. They were not alone… Kougu glanced around nervously, but he could not find the source of the presence he sensed… Then a twig cracked, and the sound acted like a gunshot to Kougu. His head jerked up rapidly, and his eyes darted to the source of the sound, seeing a man emerging from the shadows beside Ria. Unnerved ad suspicious, yet still uncertain – Kougu watched the pair from a distance, trying to assess whether this man was friend or foe to Ria. It did not take him long to figure out that Ria was most certainly not comfortable in this man’s presence. In fact, she seemed almost to fear him. What was strange, though, was the familiarity. Yes, Ria certainly seemed to know this man, yet she seemed utterly terrified of him.
This thought raised Kougu’s suspicion to the brink, and he began moving gradually closer – catching snippets of the conversation now. The man’s cruel voice caused a burst of protective fury to ignite in Kougu’s mind, and he bit back an ill tempered growl, trying to keep a check on himself and reminding himself to keep calm… Because he knew what could happen if he didn’t – and he could not risk that…

With cool composure, Kougu raised his head and stepped slowly over to Ria – moving with a deliberation to his step that showed he was not simply there as a bystander. He had vowed to protect Ria – he had given his word – and he would do just that.
Kougu’s eyes narrowed as he observed the man, coming to a standstill beside Ria, yet still keeping his distance. Always keeping his distance… There was something strangely familiar about this man. Not the sort of familiarity one feels for a person they once knew, but the sort of subtle flicker of recognition which registers when you see somebody you vaguely remembered passing by at some stage – and for some reason committed to memory. Assuming his estimations were correct, this man worked for the government. More specifically – a shadowy organization which was so powerful that it could completely control everything, without anybody ever suspecting of its existence… He knew this organization all too well, and something about this man reminded him of it. He did not like being reminded…
Then again, perhaps he was wrong. He could easily be wrong… He had no clue who this guy was. Perhaps he was just a polite stranger, or some thug of the streets? Perhaps he was the doctor Ria had spoken of – or perhaps even Eshe’s father. Kougu had no clue, and he was not particularly interested in guessing right at that moment. All that mattered was wiping that terrible expression from Ria’s face, and ensuring her safety as he had promised to do.

“Do you seek assistance, sir?” Kougu asked politely – his dark gaze scanning the man over briefly, yet his eyes effortlessly hiding his every thought and emotion as they had been trained to do. Without waiting for an answer, Kougu turned to glance at Ria. “I’m sorry for interrupting.” He apologized earnestly, “It was terribly rude of me, but I do believe we ought to be moving along… Are you done here, or do you need more time?” Kougu spoke in a calm, soothing tone – hoping to calm her with his voice as he had once learned to do. He would prefer for this situation to resolve smoothly and peacefully, so he was quite content to remain apparently oblivious to the tension in the atmosphere until it did – yet all the time he remained secretly alert and vigilant, already in a hidden defense mode. That expression he had seen on Ria’s face still haunted him… He didn’t want her to have to feel such fear. He wouldn’t let anything harm her… Not while he had his say in it. He had made a promise – a promise that he would give life and soul to keep. It was simply the way he was…

((Sorry so short! As you know I am feeling somewhat dead today:P Anyways, Ria is too stressed to take in anything else going on around her, or her own actions... She doesn't have time to think too so you know.... The shortness is somewhat suiting ))

Ria's heart fell as she heard the man who had been so good to her speak "Do you seek assistance, sir?" her eyebrows rose in the inner corners as she looked up for help- help from who though? There was no god. Still, there were spirits, Ria wouldn't let go of that- it was all she had. She looked back over to the man she hated so develop mocking smile, Ria turned to catch the man who had been there turn his gaze to her and speak “I’m sorry for interrupting.” She wished he had not interrupted, but more for his own safety. She couldn't see another hurt. “It was terribly rude of me, but I do believe we ought to be moving along… Are you done here, or do you need more time?” Ria wanted to reply, she really did, but she couldn't, she wanted him to run for she knew his fate if he didn't. Even if he ran, he would be in the same danger. The other man spoke before she had the chance to persuade some words out though "Oh look Ria. Another person for us. You are too kind, tell me Ria, other than your father the one hwo drank his death away, have you known anyone who actually died of natural causes." Ria shot him a look of anger and forced the words of hate from her tongue to her lips "As far as I am concerned that man" she jerked her head to the grave "Is not my father. My father was the man who was there for me- the one you killed" She felt like crying at the memory. She couldn't believe she had forgotten. It was just earlier she was thinking him to have had a mental breakdown... It was, but not aliens, no, it was him- the man who stood before her, pushing his mind to the brink. That man laughed and spoke again "He wasn't your father. He was a guardian. A hired man to look after you as your mother left you in danger to do her ridiculous deeds. I see you have remembered his true cause of death though Ria... Looks like your mind is unraveling again. I can't have that. It ruins the story." His putrid smile lashed at Ria with a intense blow. Her mother loved her, she refused to believe otherwise, she loved her. Her father loved her too, not he drunk, the man who believed in aliens. Or did they? Her mother mother had left her often, at this though Ria's grip on the necklace loosened, she left her in the hands of a man who had suffered in look after her. She had left Ria to the dogs. No. Ria couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe it. This was all him he was toying with her mind... Again, Ria begna ot shake- he was her nightmare. HE could break into her when ever he wanted- she was a book to him. A simple book and once he got what he needed he would burn her up- page by page. No. That wasn't right. He already was, he used every bit of her history to torment her and it worked. She knew what he was doing but still it cut deeper than any sword could. She was the cruelest of experiments. Again, that wasn't right. Ria knew they did far worse thing to other people. How could she be so selfish? Ria began to feel drained, he was doing it now, puling all the right strings to get to her- to weaken her. And of course, it was working and she could only utter her response so quiet "He was a father to me..." His laugh cut through the air again and he spoke "Who else was. The hobo? Oh but we know what happened to him- suicide" he taunted her with yet another mocking smile. She felt a stab of pain as she remembered the man who had helped her when her mother died and she had been cast onto the streets after they intruded her mind for the first time. How dare he speak of him like that. They made him crumble. They pushed him to his death. Ria felt like weeping, she had never know anyone who had got away safely. Except of course Eshe's dad. She fell silent wondering why it was the good that suffered and the bad that benefited. The silence seemed to prompt the man to speak again "Oh poppet. I can read your actions so well, I am getting back in the knack of things. Oh your childs father will not be touched... Not yet at least. You were more of a common whore to him than anything else, he left you for a real lady."He cracked another taunting smile that dug deep at Ria "No. He his causing enough emotional disturbance as it is alive. we will mess with his mind later. Now then Ria. I am getting rather bored, would you like to come with me" He held out his hand. Ria started at it her face falling and her heart beating faster by the second. She was terrified of him, of what following him might lead to again. She knew no matter what he would take her, but damn it, she would rather put up a fight than go willingly. He cocked his head again and released a large deliberate sight "Oh fine then. Have it your way. Though I must admit. I don't feel like forcing you to come just yet. Something about you been here fills me with a certain glee." He took a step forward, and Ria instinctively took a step backwards, pressing her self against a grave stone. He smirked again and said in winning tone of voice "Seeing you here. Taking refuge at your true dead fathers grave. It is so touching to see. Forgiveness is bliss after all" Ria caught his wink just about as she was turning her head to see the grave stone- her fathers. She jumped forwards and as she did so the man clicked and more men came form the shadows almost as if they had been the shadows themselves and went to grab Ria. She felt the first one grip her arm just below her shoulder, his thumb digging ferociously into her arm pit. Ria screamed and thrashed around as more went to grab her. A sudden thought hit her as she realised she wasn't the only one not on their side, or so she hoped and she laced into her screams "run". She hoped he listened. What she really hoped was the men would all just disappear; she knew that would happen later as they toyed with her mind- that was just it though, they only disappeared in her mind.

Kougu turned his mind away from the conversation – unwilling to listen to such cruelty. Beside that, it was of the utmost importance that he kept his head in this situation… And if he was to witness any more of this inhumane torture, he knew for sure that his anger levels would begin to rise – and anger lowered his mental defenses like nothing else could. That was exactly why he had learned to keep his soul on a leash… To control the protective fury so flawlessly that it could not endanger his sanity – unless he should be foolish enough to let control slip through his fingers… But he would not do that. He turned his attention elsewhere, his teeth sinking gradually deeper into his lower lip as the distant words of the conversation swam incoherently past his inattentive ears. The occasional snippet reached his mind, and at the cruelty of it all, Kougu bit down harder. His teeth pierced skin now, drawing blood from lips which had suffered the same treatment a thousand times or more. A thin film of crimson slowly crept over his savage teeth as beads of blood slowly oozed from the deep indentations in his lip. The salty taste flooded his mouth – bittersweet and metallic – and Kougu felt instantly repulsed by it. Blood… It gave life, no- It was life. Never should it meet human lips, caress human taste buds, slide sickeningly down a human throat… It was unnatural, and it was wrong.
Sickened by the taste, Kougu relinquished his teeth’s savage grip on his lame lip and clenched his jaw tightly shut – finding his release through his hands instead as they curled into shaking fists. His nails bit into his palms, pressing deeper and deeper… The pain was his friend. It was on his side… Not only was it evidence that he was still alive, still conscious, still sane… But it could distract him from all that endangered his unstable mind. He clenched his fists tighter, and the piercing fury behind his dull nails broke skin in his pale palms – releasing still more of the thick, repulsive liquid. It trickled in tiny rivulets around the tips of his long fingers, sliding along the edge of his hand to fall when it reached his wrist. Each tiny drip that fell his the ground with a satisfying little ‘splash’, soothing him with the gentle rhythm and calming his fretting soul – diminishing the festering fury which lingered there.

Thus, Kougu remained perfectly still and silent as the situation slowly unfolded around him. His expression was inscrutable, and his stance offered no indication of his intentions, nor the inner turmoil he constantly suffered from. Kougu finally emerged from his trance-like state as Ria’s desperate shout darted through his mind – reaching his ears as a single urgent syllable: ”Run!” Kougu blinked serenely at her – seeming distinctly unconcerned by everything going on around him, and the potential threat these men proved. No. His mind answered simply – speaking words for only him to hear, as they never reached his lips. No, I shan’t run. I promised to protect you, and I plan to do that – even if it costs me my life. Though he doubted he would be that lucky. He was simply not the sort of person who could manage to take down two birds with a single stone… Lady luck would not bless him so. A bitter smile twitched at Kougu’s lips at this thought, while he still stood as motionless as a statue of cold marble. Then, oh-so-slowly, an icy tinge crept into the atmosphere as Kougu raised his head and fixed his midnight blue eyes upon those of the nearest attacker. His gaze was hard and callous – and so icy cold it was a wonder his breath did not come out in steam. He felt the man quail under his gaze – his resolve flickering as he dropped his eyes to the ground and tried to hide amongst his companions. “Run?” Kougu questioned quietly – his voice remaining so perfectly calm and patient that it made him seem like a lecturer about to explain the importance of studying as opposed to- Whatever the hell he was, and whatever he proposed to do. “Don’t insult me.” He shook his head with a derisive snort, then slowly began stepping toward her. “I’m here to protect you, right? Don’t tell me to run from this scum.”
He spoke in a callous, toneless voice, and if he felt any emotions- anything at all- then he hid it well… Perhaps too well. It was unnatural…
His steps were flawlessly precise and accurate as Kougu wove his way swiftly and silently between the men slowly building a human spiderweb around Ria. He found himself beside her in an instant, and he did not waste so much as a single moment on hesitance. Kougu’s finger darted forward so quickly that it could barely be followed by his naked eye – yet his aim was precise, perfected by years upon years of cruel, intensive, yet undeniably effective training. To anybody watching, it would have been unclear what had happened – but as Kougu’s finger struck its target, the assaulted pressure point deadened the man’s arm instantly, making it go as limp as a deboned fish and slip sickeningly from Ria’s shoulder – flopping back to the man’s side, where he stared at it in utter horror, clutching it in his other hand and shaking it as though abusing the limb could bring back his control over it.
Kougu, by this stage, had seized Ria by the shoulder and quickly navigated his way through the confused huddle – stepping so quickly and skillfully that he slipped past those who dared try to stop him like a buttered balloon (Don’t ask. ).

He was not losing this easily. His word would not be broken – that fact was unquestionable. Therefore these people could not pose any sort of threat to him. It would be simply illogical. Kougu suddenly became aware of his firm, yet gentle grip upon Ria’s shoulder, and a sudden tension stiffened his every muscle. He shoved her gently behind him – now standing between her and her would-be captors. She’d had her turn… Now it was his. He drew his lightly bleeding hand quickly away from Ria, flicking it violently to rid himself of the unpleasant crawling sensation under his skin from where he had touched her. So wrong… Too close… Too risky... Too dangerous… A faint shudder ran through him, but Kougu quickly refocused his thoughts. She was in danger now anyway. In situations like this, risks sometimes had to be taken if one was to make it out alive.

Perfectly calm and composed, Kougu took a step forward – always keeping one eye on Ria behind him – the king in this chess game of his… The one who must be protected, and he the only piece left on the board. A faint smile twitched at his lips. Oh yes, the opposing team was at the disadvantage… The game was his – unquestionably. All that was left was for him to call the checkmate.
“My deepest apologies…” He murmured in a cold tone, but it would seem this girl does not want to go with you.” Kougu explained calmly – speaking directly to the man who was obviously the leader in this situation… The one who had tormented Ria so. Kougu’s expression darkened, but he made sure to keep a check on his temper. He had to dissociate himself from Ria. This was a strategy game… Nobody could know to what side his allegiances truly lay. “I strongly advise that you leave now…” He went on in the same calm, callous tone. “Because let me assure you… Morgoth-Sama will most certainly not be pleased if he finds you have interfered with my work.” He spoke smoothly, a certain darkness to his tone that matched the man’s own. “I am certain you understand the consequences of his displeasure…” Kougu’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he paused in his speech. That name alone… The name of the ruling power of the organisation… It alone ought to be enough to force the men into surrender if he was right in assuming they did indeed work for that man… ‘Morgoth-Sama’. The name felt like liquid nitrogen on his tongue, and it left his lips like a branch of thorns. That man did not deserve a name at all… Much less the title he had gained.
Kougu’s long fingers slipped into his pocket, then emerged again – withdrawing a shiny black handle.
The next moment, the gun emerged. Kougu raised it and pointed it directly at the man’s forehead – his hands completely still and steady – his expression unflinching. “Interfere with my work, and you stab a dagger into the back of, not only Morgoth-Sama, but the entire PP organisation. (*coughs* Let’s just leave my naming skills out of this… LMAO!)That is…” He paused a moment, “If you are lucky enough to survive declaring me your enemy.” He loaded the gun, his dark eyes narrowing cruelly. “What’s it to be? Do you plan to attack me? To go against Morgoth-Sama?” Kougu scoffed – clearly not hiding exactly what he thought of anybody foolish enough to do such a thing.
He would prefer to leave his identity out of this completely… If the man was wise, he would guess… Still, if all else failed, he could pull it out as a last resort.
Once again, Kougu felt himself feeling grateful for the skills his father had cruelly drilled into him. He had become satisfyingly apt at putting on this act… As though he was loyal to the organisation he served… His disguise was flawless – it left no loopholes.
Still- Kougu’s fist tightened slightly on the handle of the gun as an unpleasant thought ran through him – he would have to hope that Ria, by some miracle, would not believe his words… That she would trust in his loyalties to her. Ha! The idea was laughable… She would have to be a complete fool to trust him at all – never mind in this situation, and after all he had just said. Still… Maybe she would simply decide that he was less of a threat than the man standing before him. He would have to rely on her fear of that man for all this to work… And at the end of all this- No, he was not looking forward to that. She was sure to have questions, and he was certain they would not be the sort of questions he would willingly answer. Yet his heart had never quite been strong enough to deny those people around him the things they wanted…
His turn was over.
Time to wait…
Plan the next move…
See if the king could escape from check. If he would be brave enough, and foolish enough, to dare to try.


((Okay - sorry, but I totally tied your twist into Kougu's past... Don't worry, it will probably be quite confusing. Hehe! You should easily be able to block it if you need to though - because Kougu is obviously just basing this off his assumptions...

PS - 'PP' stands for 'Purification Project'. *facepalm* I know, I suck. Haha! And 'Morgoth' is the leader of the organisation's name... 'Sama' is a sort of Japanese title for somebody high ranking. Like 'Sir' or 'Lord'. ))

Ria was deeply dismayed, yet highly relieved at the same time, when the man came forward to help her. As he did he said something, which she couldn’t make out past her own screams, but she could make out the tone- it was cool and emotionless, as was his face, this frightened Ria. Not a drop of emotion entered his face, it reminded her of one of her X-employees, her favourite boss- the one who died. He simply lost all emotion, it scared his wife so, she was worried he was possessed, Liberty was always bit off herself though, and she shot him- dead. She knew the route of his death, it was these people that had her captive now. And the look on the manes face, the one she had been assuming was on her side, echoed that memory all to well. She was tuck in a memory spiral- that’s what they wanted. For her never to escape the endless memories, narrowing them downuntil it hit the middle, the pinpoint memory- his final chapter. Her vision of hum was blocked by the swarming bodies for a brief amount of time, and she closed her eyes desperately clutching Eshe with her one free hand and violently shaking off the people who tried to grab that arm- trying her utmost to keep Eshe of all people safe. Ria suddenly felt the piercing grip that had been holding her shoulder captive fall away, her screams halted and she let her eyes open to see the man who had been holding it clutching and violently shaking his arm- [i}what had just happened?[/i] The next thing Ria knew was her shoulder been roughly grabbed, and been pushed away from the nest of bees, her feet taking mini steps in quick succession as to avoid tripping up and to find her footing. She looked up to see the man who helped her when the men from the hospital had been chasing her, the very same man was helping her again escaping the newest swarm. She felt a wave of guilt come over her and she drowned from the feeling of taking advantage of his kindness. Her thoughts were temporarily cut off when he shoved her behind him, forming a barrier between her and the swarm, causing Ria to feel so safe that her thoughts could continue in a somewhat placid manner; He had been kind, too kind, and she didn’t know quite how she could express her true gratitude for that. It wasn’t words that were needed, she needed to return the favour. Why was it always him that helped her? Why not the other way around. Sure he was a little bit off in the mind, but Ria had seen worse, plenty worse; it surrounded her- it was her. He was still a person like anyone else- a person that intrigued Ria deeply. Why didn’t he deserve her help? What could he possibly have done wrong not to deserve it? Suddenly Ria heard him speak in a sinister tone: “My deepest apologies, but it would seem this girl does not want to go with you.” Ria;s eyes darted to him then her enemy wondering how he could be so confident in front of such a cruel and malicious man, her interest on him deepened as she wonder why this was so. Ria was relived at his protection, it left her in a secure state of mind- well as secure as it could get. Then his impersonation of a safety net revealed itself in its true form with his next words, and she was about to hit a sheet of cracked glass on her way down. “Because let me assure you… Morgoth-Sama will most certainly not be pleased if he finds you have interfered with my work.” As soon as he mentioned that name Ria crumbled, the one behind it all, and he knew who that was. More than knew, he worked for him. He had been playing her like a fiddle all along, and here he was demonstrating the brutal and self preserving ways of the organisation- they would hurt their own blood to be the one to ‘get in good with the boss’. She was tuck between two evils, the man who had destroyed her bit by bit all her life, and him, the man who lied to sweetly and plainly to her face only to turn out to be a traitor. Or leave? If she knew this organization well, and he felt she did, they would be easily caught up in their own squabbles; still there was always one- the hawk eye of the swarm. Who saw everything, and almost certainly either side of the same side would get her soon enough. The real question was who was the best bet? On one hand if she went with the swarm she knew what was coming her way, and she knew she would live, but the secret her mother had so regretfully planted deep in her memory would be put in jeopardy, on the other hand if she went with him she would have no idea what would happen, whether she would dies, whether that secret would be stolen even quicker- she was clueless. The answer was obvious, the swarm, yet still something about this man still radiated a sense of trust- she should trust him, despite the obvious danger- she would have to be raving mad to trust him, but life had taught her, trust the unexpected. She listened turned her attention to the mans voice, she had lost track of what he had just been saying which frustrated her, she needed answers so she listened to his next words, earnestly seeking her answer in his voice; she should have been shocked when she saw the metallic black gun been pointed at the mighty wasp leaders head, but her emotions were feeling so dead that it barely surprised her into taking an irregular breath of shock in. She forcer her ears to tune in on the conversation, picking it up at just thr right time, “Interfere with my work, and you stab a dagger into the back of, not only Morgoth-Sama, but the entire PP organisation. That is…” His pause sent shivers down Ria’s spine, or perhaps it wasn’t the pause but at the way she was referred to as ‘work’ that is all she was to that entire oranisation. And she was simply waiting for them to finish the job and end her life and rid of any threat to themselves. She turned white at the thought of them been able to run loose on the entire world, sculpting their ideal citizens and messing with the mind of the rest- human rights forgotten. Her death would mean that she had to stay alive—all of a sudden a though struck her, or she could die by her own hand- suicide. We all die one day after all, and by dying now, by her own hand, by her own choice she could help protect the world. Why hadn’t she thought of this sooner? Was she really that selfish. Ria then felt the warm innocent mess wriggle around in her arms, and realised she had decided on this too late, she a had Eshe to look after now, that was her priority now. Or was the world more important? Ria frowned, this was a question she better decided upon soon. Suddenly he spoke again and Ria turned her attention to his words once again “If you are lucky enough to survive declaring me your enemy.” Ria heard him load the gun and swallowed at the possible bloodshed- it looked like her ealier decision was going to be made for her. Out of nowhere Ria felt a sharp and intense pain split through her mind-0 she couldn’t think clearly, nor see the pain was blinding. She couldn’t scream though, she had to appear as if nothing was happening or she would be too vulnerable, she latched on blindly to the words that echoes around her “What’s it to be? Do you plan to attack me? To go against Morgoth-Sama?” Ria looked to towards the swarm, but the pain was distracting and no picture focused, she tried digging her nail into her hip as so it seeped a small amount of blood- nothing, the pain ripping through her head was too strong… Far too strong, her fingers joints stiffened resembling her person suffering from leopracy, just without the swelling. She sucked in her cheeks and her teeth firmly clamped down on them to help redirect her pain and stop her from screaming out.
Ria listened and was extremely thankful when she heard the first gradual footsteps fade away followed by the rest of the swarm, she stood their silently for a while- frozen with fear and pain. She stood there like that looking a awkward uncomfortable mess for a few moments, before she could take no more and crumpled to the ground like discarded sheet and clutched her hand to her head screaming. The pain was murder. She knew it would come, but not this fast, she thought she could last a while longer without the regular mind intruding session before her mind began to crack and clench from the damage of its molester. She held on to the thought that she knew it would pass.. She just had to battle through he starting pain, then she would just have to bear with a constant screaming pain, less than the current murderous pain though, she was glad of that thought that it would lessen, and soon it would stop- her mother had always told her this. She should be thankful that she wasn’t condemned to the permanent effects that most people would get after their mind was messed with so. Ria felt pathetic as she cowered there clenching at her head furiously- she must seem so easy to break down to him. A easy piece of ‘work’ for him to finish. She couldn’t stand how hopeless she must of looked, besides anger was tirring in her once again and she wanted answers now- no she wanted revenge on the way he had played her like a fiddle so, though she knew she wouldn’t get that. She would have to rely on getting answers. She hoped he would give her answers before the unavoidable point in time where he would end her life so she clenched her teeth as to lessen the volume of her words through her screams and demanded answers “Tell me now why you stopped me at the hospital Now! Why did you help me, was it out of the goodness of your heart or for the approval of you--” she tried to sound out sarcasm as best as she could through her muffled voice “almighty leader.”She paused to raise her head and give him a deathly cold and fierce look “Morgoth-Sama” she slammed her eyes shut again, her eyes crinkling up as every muscle in her face went tense with pain. She suddenly managed to lull her voice to a shaky yet anger filled low decibel and spoke “Please… Tell me this before you suck my mind dry or—“she gulped “kill me… and please, I beg of you.. don’t kill her.. And don’t torment her innocent mind… Please.” A tear rolled down her face, she was surprised they weren;t soaking her clothes and Eshe already, but they were here now. She peered down at Eshe and planted a kiss on her head. “she doesn’t deserve it.. Just this one thing”. Ria had concluded, she was in no state to fight it anymore. If Eshe was denied her freedom, she would take her life and save the world. If she was given her freedom, the world would have to rely on hope of soemone else helping it. Ria, reached into the jumble of material that eshe was entangled ina nd pulle out the necklace. She remebered her mother tell her as a young child, Press the jewel and a small tiny dagger will appear. Use it to cut and piece a vein or stun an enemy Ria then remembered her mother teaching her what parts of the body were key points of attack, and what vital veins to slice to casue death. Ria could kill herself before she was brought to the lab where they would enter her head. She could save the word. Still, she half-hoped she wouldn’t have to do that as that would mean that Eshe was denied her freedom. And something about this child spun the very essence of life, all children did, but ehse radiated this feeling in particular, the way her eyes sparkled- this child would be great. She would affect life in ways others could only dream of dreaming. Ria sat there, a crumpled mess, weeping, waiting to find out the fate of herself, Eshe and the world.

Kougu’s eyes narrowed as he watched his opponent with hidden tension locking his every muscle. The suspense was terrible… Simply watching, and waiting to see what the man would decide… Then, without speaking a word, he raised a hand to signal his men to leave, and the crowd slowly melted away. Kougu’s muscles slumped in relaxation and he breathed a soft sigh of relief, chuckling slightly under his breath in brief euphoria. There would be no trouble this time… The success tasted sweet, and Kougu felt a smug little smirk twitching the corners of his mouth. Wow… It had been a long time since he had felt the satisfaction of an easy victory – or any victory for that matter… His entire life up until that point had just been an endless series of losing battles composing one great losing war.
But this time, that little taste of victory had been awarded to him, and he would enjoy it and cling to it for as long as it lasted… After all, he’d be flung back into the abyss of despair that had become his hopeless life at the end of it all. Well, perhaps that was a tad dramatic, but it was true – nobody could deny it. His life was like a dark, empty pit – completely devoid of hope, yet filled to the brim with guilt and suffering.
The euphoria melted away and Kougu sighed softly, dropping the gun to his side. His long fingers grasped the handle lightly – holding it as casually as one might hold an empty picnic basket. Kougu tensed again as he remembered the girl – Ria. Would she be upset…? Of course she would. More importantly, was she okay?

This question was answered for him momentarily as the silence was shattered by deafening screams of agony from behind him. Kougu whipped around as though jerked by a string, and was at her side in a heartbeat – only to jump back again the moment he reached her – unable to breach his ‘boundaries’ as always. His breath caught in his throat as he watched her scream her lungs out on the dirty ground, clutching her head and screaming, and screaming, and screaming… The sound seemed to slide through his heart like a sword with no end – for he knew that pain all too well, and the empathy burned like Hellfire itself. He stood a little distance off, trembling helplessly and wishing for all he was worth that he could do something, anything to help. His dark blue eyes sparkled with concern – the cold, hard expression having left them completely – yet his emotions remained hidden, for the most part. He would never be caught off guard… Not as long as he could help it!

Suddenly, the screams dwindled into nothingness, and were replaced by muffled words. Kougu stood dead still and stared in open horror at the girl as he accepted her consequences for his admission of guilt. “Tell me now why you stopped me at the hospital! Now! Why did you help me, was it out of the goodness of your heart or for the approval of your… Almighty leader… Morgoth-Sama?” Kougu cringed away from the anger in her tone, shrinking timidly away from her and the unbearable anger. The timidity held such contrast from his words and actions a moment before, that Kougu suddenly seemed like a different person altogether. Yes, he had become rather apt at pulling out the ‘tough guy act’ that his father had taught him… That man… Kougu felt his jaw clench in uncharacteristic fury as the name repeated in his head over and over again – taunting him as though squawked by a mocking bird. Morgoth-Sama, Morgoth-Sama, Morgoth-Sama! Kougu shook his head violently, desperately trying to dispel the thoughts before they drove him over the edge. Shut up! He hissed silently at the voices in his head – using his full mental strength to will them into silence. Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!
He was about to snap a waspish retort to Ria’s sarcastic accusation – but he was cut off from his intentions when she began speaking again, this time pleading… Sounding weak and pitiful compared to her anger from before. Kougu’s expression softened instantly as sympathy and guilt flooded through him, but he forced himself to listen to her words without interruption before he tried to comfort her. “Please… Tell me this before you suck my mind dry or— kill me… and please, I beg of you.. don’t kill her.. And don’t torment her innocent mind… Please. She doesn’t deserve it… Just this one thing…”

Kougu shook his head rapidly, his expression showing some strange combination of guilt, sympathy, concern and apology. “No…” He whispered, shaking his head again as though the very thought was too much for him. “I’d never want to hurt you… Or-“ Kougu’s eyes darted toward the child, and widened slightly in the shock of seeing something that he had convinced himself did not exist. “Or her…” He finished, acknowledging the child’s existence for the first time, and with unexpected calmness. He trailed off into silence for a while then, his gaze fixed unseeingly on the child as his thoughts shot into overdrive. “She looks… Just like-“ He broke off, turning his head away and forcing his eyes shut – his face creasing horribly with the pain of his memories. “Nee-chan…” He whispered softly to himself – his voice shaky and unstable, even in the whisper.
He stood still a moment, his head bowed and his eyes squeezed shut. Then he shook his head slightly, and raised it again – looking up at Ria with the exact same expression as before, as though he had never interrupted himself in the first place. “I don’t intend to harm you.” He repeated – stating the truth directly and bluntly. His voice was calm, and his expression showed complete sincerity. He was honest to the point that it was almost unnatural, yet at times like this such attributes could be useful… If she believed in them. He doubted she would… But either way, she was safe now. He didn’t need her forgiveness… Yet somehow, and he knew not why, the thought of her walking away from him now made his blood run cold. He didn’t understand it, and the confusion frightened him. Why, this uncertainty?! He knew he had no option but to avoid others at all costs. This was simply a brief mission to assist this ‘Ria’, nothing more. Once she was safely at this ‘warehouse’ of hers, he would leave and they would never see each other again. He would force himself to forget her name – her and the child, not that it existed. That was simply how it was… All because-
“And that man…” Kougu went on suddenly, an icy tone instantly entering his voice, which suddenly shook from fury. “Do not speak to me of that man.” He clenched his jaw, and felt his fingernails squeezing more rubies of blood from his palms at the same time. The sudden anger and hatred emanating from him was almost palpable in the atmosphere as thoughts of that man dashed through his mind. There was nothing else in the world that could truly make him feel true hatred… True anger… Nothing could compare to him.
“I helped you because I couldn’t not help!” Kougu snapped suddenly – flinging the topic back to her original question to distract himself from the burning hatred that was now nearing boiling point, and would soon have him whistling like a kettle until the moment he exploded completely and spewed boiling fury over everybody. “My conscience would not allow me to see you facing danger and not do anything about it.” He explained, his voice gradually calming. He fell silent then, swaying slightly from side to side for a moment before he dropped to the ground, kneeling in the damp soil and sitting back on his heels. “I promised to protect you, right…?” He murmured quietly, raising the gun in his hand and letting his dark eyes examine it closely. “I don’t break my word.”
He raised the gun then, and pointed it at Ria’s forehead. “I’m not like them.” He fired.

His expression did not change. He did not speak, did not blink, did not flinch. If he thought at all, he gave no indication of it at all. His actions seemed, in all honestly, like those of a cold-blooded murderer. The sort who can kill mindlessly, and feel not the slightest inkling of guilt.
His long, pale finger clutched the trigger tightly and, as though in slow motion, the barrel of the gun exploded into life.
From it, there darted a weak jet of water. It squirted through the air to strike the girl right in the centre of her forehead.
Without a single word, Kougu slipped the gun into his pocket and got to his feet. He turned away from Ria and walked off a short distance, struggling to get a grip on himself as pain started niggling at the back of his head again. Hearing that man’s name always unsettled him… He felt shaken and fragile, and he hated it. It was like getting out of a helicopter after a long ride – feeling the ground sway beneath one’s feet just as his emotions were swaying at that moment. He just couldn’t get a grip on them, and he was repulsed by the way he was acting. He was useless! He ought to be comforting poor Ria, and instead he was acting like a sulky child who has been wrongly accused of stealing from a cookie jar that he had been caught stealing from many times before… She had every right to snap at him… Every right to mistrust him. In fact, he was glad of it! But then why was he acting so- So Indignant?! Kougu breathed a soft sigh of frustration, then turned back to the girl. His long fingers reached into his pocket and withdrew the small tube of pills that he had picked up at the house. He studied the tube for a moment, then tossed it to her. “Take one.” He encouraged reassuringly – gradually starting to seem more like himself now. “It’ll help with the pain.”

((Well if it isn't old Dottie finally here with the RP reply! Of course.. It is a terrible one at that.. But at least it is something :3 Hopefully my form, not that is was any good before hand, will return soon... I almost forgot my password! But I didn't delete my activation e-mail so was fine ))


Ria sat there in forlorn heap. She awaited her fate. she had gone past the point of caring, all she wanted now was for fate to look he square in the face and deal its cards. Selfishly she wished for her life to end, but pangs of guilt struck her heart like shattering glass falling upon water; every small pang rippled and sank deep, and left her guilty all around. She looked down at Eshe, her innocent eyes radiated hope which touched Ria to her very core. Soft sobs, barely audible to anyone but Ria sounded. Yet they came to a halt as the tear intruded image of that man caught in the corner of her eye. He was speaking, no, that wasn't right- He was uttering. Ria wanted to kick herself, but feared the state that would leave her- when the mid was weak everything was so much weaker. She had grown up believing i the healing power of the mind, and what can heal your body can harm your body too. Ria shook her shoulders forward in a violent motion. How could she be so inward? She still was been inward? Thinking of her and nothing else. This person had their own problems. And she has been so self absorbed, feeding on the empathy- if you could call it that. He confused her so- but he was hurting. We all hurt in this world, but some hurts run deeper than others and some people don't handle quite as well. Solemnly, Ria wiped her eyes of its tears with her battered hand. She studied her hand for a moment; it had gotten in a bad state, bruises where splashed across it like spilled paint, one bruise was much bigger, it lay along the base of her knuckles, she had forgotten how she had hit her hand during labor. At that thought her mind drifted to Eshe. Once again Eshe brought life back to Ria's mind. No she would not indulge in her despondent state. She would fight for life- for Eshe.

Ria whipped her head back up to find the man dropping to the ground and finally zoned him to here him say "I promised to protect you, right...?" and at that he raised the gun. Ria wanted to scream. She had got caught up in her own thoughts again. She had allowed him to speak and neaten up his final act. A shot from a gun. She stared wide eyes at him pleading, to weak to move, to defeated to speak or scream. She just stayed there like a deer caught in headlights, looking as dumbfounded as a pheasant. Her time was finally up. She wanted desperately to cry. she had no idea what would happen to Eshe, her darling child. She clung Eshe tight to her chest, as if somehow that would protect her- guarantee her safe passage through life. She lowered her eyes for just a moment to take in Eshe, how she looked and how she smelt. She felt Eshe's pudgy little body and let her fingers find her nose, where the little finger to run along from Eshes nose bridge to along her eyebrow. And just like that, like a charm, a soft lulling noise slipped from Ria's lips. Reminiscent of the lullaby her own mother sang to her as a child, the way her figer traced her own brown sending her to a relaxed state of comfort and to be followed by a deep, dream filled sleep- never with ay nightmare's. She kept on her lulling noise as she watched him pull the trigger , closing her eyes, slowly an loosely, opposed to the quick and tight manner she had expected, soothed by her own lulling tune. Ria could feel the trigger finally be pulled and at that point a sharp pang rang through her gut, as sh felt her death approaching so fast and treacherous- who wanted to die by gun? Then it hit her. The content of the gun met her forward with a cold slap. The water droplets sprinkled off to the surrounding, and Ria listen thankfully as each water droplet quietly landed with a small and dignified splatter. She slowly let her eyes a part, her eyelashes entwining and sticking together at the corner due to the water, and stared at the man open mouthed. What had just happened? How had he tricked them? Once again her mind littered with countless questions and all she could do was stare dumbfounded at him. Ria hated that about herself, she was either quick off the mark with a remark to silence anyone or she just went silent and incredibly stupid. She wished she had the wit of her mother. She wished that so bad. But no. She was her own being; constantly hiding behind a disguise, like a hermit crab switching its shell to suit its new self. Though that self was always true- she wasn't. No she was nothing more than a scared little girl who was forced to learn to quickly and independently. She could try all she wanted, but she was nothing like her mother. Ria wasn't brave- she was a fool. Ria swallowed the lump that had developed in her throat. The responsibility that had been thrusted upon her was too great. She was too small. Most people had some significance in the world,not her, he had none- except what was given to her. Suddenly a shot of pain running from the nape of her neck through to her left temple reminded her of the mental distress she had just been through. She closed her eyes shut as tightly as she could, half out of pain and half in her meagre attempt to fight the feeling of self defeat that always gripped her when she was in their, presence. She willed herself to look up at the man who had now stood and walked away from her, trying to fixate on the current situation when he turned, dipping deep into his pocket. His hand reappeared holding a cylinder shape of some form. Ria scrutinised the object, but she felt to weak and the object was too far- a small shiver of fear ran through her. Perhaps he likes his victims to feel false security? She heard of those in that place thats mind grew stronger through cruel methods of killing and mind play. All of a sudden every muscle in her body went tense as the cylinder he had been staring at intently came flying towards her, she let out a soft gasp of fear as it landed and rolled threatening near her. She looked at it with wide wild eyes, to discover that it was a small tube containing pills. Pills? Was he going to drug her and take her to them? No. why bother with all that extra fuss. He was going to poison her that must be it. she would die one of the most shameful deaths, according to her mother, right now ad right here. It was the most she deserved anyways. She didn't have to take them did she though? His words broke her thoughts and her thought pattern simultaneously as he gently instructed “Take one. It’ll help with the pain.” Ria eyed the contents suspiciously. How could assume she would trust him. After todays recent events what gave him such ideas? Still, he would be useful at keeping the others away. Ria's mind suddenly spun itself a plan. All she needed to do, was fake taking one of the little pills, that way she could avoid possible death- or worse. If he was been honest, that would be great, but her guards were up now she had let them fall for far too long. She could cope with the pain- feign that she was alright. She had suffered this many times before, at a much greater magnitude. Ria would still head for her warehouse. There were many just behind the docks some were in such a dreary condition that they would pass for been abandoned. She would mislead him. He would leave, or at least Ria hoped. Then she could escape and be safe- make Eshe safe. With that plan in mind Ria smiled with false gratitude and popped the tube open and went through the motions of retrieving a pill and slung nothing back into her mouth and swallowed the her sticky saliva- she hadn't realised how thirsty she had been. Ria then drew her self clumsily to her feet and turned to him threw the pills back and responded to his words with a small lie of "Thank you." and a meek smile. With that Ria spun on her heels showing him the same attitude he had shown her many times and carefully picked her way out of the graveyard.

When Rias feet struck tarmac she brought her walk up a few paces and her frame became rigid and cold as she clutched Eshe to her chest. Her plan was all that was important now. She didn't know if he actually was following her, she expected so- he was no more than a loyal puppy to Morgoth-Sama. Even if his own was scum and kicked him around a couple of times he stayed pathetically loyal. If he wasn't, well. He showed no true concern. His actions were not truly selfless- he was doing it for himself, that would be the clear truth if he wasn't one of them and Ria expected nothing more or nothing less. Who cared about others these days? No one. That was who. Ria had felt the blunt rejection of life as it toyed with her many a time now and it hurt but it was the cold hard truth. So if he was following her and was the enemy he would let her be poisoned in the false sanctuary she now headed for and if he wasn't the enemy, well he wasn't the friend either, and he would head out as fast as his legs would carry him and forget all about her and Eshe. Both scenarios led to the opportunity to vacate that warehouse to run to the buildings directly by the dock and into her little corner of the big abandoned warehouse. She smiled at the thought of it. Many would see it as a dingy room for which they were put in as some form of punishment. For her is was a safe haven. A place no one knew and no one entered. It was her one true home. And it was the only place she could head to now. Nowhere else could except her. Unless she took on a new shell- another new her. Ria detested that thought. She would be here. It would be her and Eshe... Her mind wondered to Eshe. But what kind of life is that for one so pure as this? Perhaps after a few months she could find Eshe a new home- A new hope. Ria let out a sigh in frustration. Even when life got easier, it was still more complicated than you dreamed it would be as a child. Ria knew that she had to power on though, forget her own selfish ways and think of Eshe. She was a Mother now. She had to fully realise that before she made any life altering decisions. Ria loosened her neck a bit and dropped her head. Still she kept her rigid body frame to keep her guard up. It was all she could do.

Ria rounded the corner into the industrial estate near the docks. The familiar scent of rust, oil and salt entered her nose and bit at her dry lips. She bit her bottom lip a if she bite back the memories of a child that happened here. This street was when she first saw them. Her mother had hidden her behind a iron bench but it didn't stop them finding her. She was their target that day, at the time Ria didn't know why, she knew only to well now. It was the that they had broke into her mind- when it was young and vulnerable. Prepared for the future. For what they thought would happen- and what did happen. That first time Ria had cried so much, and her Mother had screamed and kicked for her child- for Ria. They didn't want her mother then. But every meeting for five years after that they had. Her mother had overcome them most of those years. Except for the final one- The time she died. Ria bit her lip again. She had been so young. Ria suddenly felt a sudden, and oddly familiar strangling feeling. She felt slowed and sucked in air as deep as she could. She didn't want to draw attention to herself. It had happened only once before after meeting them and him- only once. But it was happening again. She was sure of it, the familiar bitter taste in her mouth assured of of that. Last time though he was able to control it. Using one of their instruments of torture. This time nothing. The pain did not like been ignored. And here it was, fighting back. Ria wheezed with every breathe and came to an abrupt halt as the strangling feeling tightened; leaving her spluttering, coughing and gasping so audibly. Ria raised a hand to her throat as if it coul pull away the invisible hand, but or course nothing was there. She had to fight her own mind to win. Ria began to feel dizzy with lack of oxygen- she couldn't pass out here though. This road was constantly patrolled by them and they would snatch her up. She rasped a deep breath in and willed her feet on, nearly falling to her knees in the process. Ria looked up frantically and examined her buildings, sickly wet sand coloured bricks surrounded her, they appeared to be crumbling, she looked towards the sign, but her visions focus slipped in and out, leaving her dizzy. Ria wasn't sure where she was on the road, but she was sure there was an abandoned warehouse just around the corner, a few hundred meters at least, where the bricks turned red. She hoped she was right. Any more of a distance and she knew she would pass out. She had to get there. Ria tried to pick up her pace, and began to stumble that bit quicker to the destination she hoped she would end up at. Her chest rose up an towards her chin as she gasped and wheezed for breathe, her chest felt like it was been pulled to seperate ways ina tug of war and was been stretched and tightened in the process, allowing little room for air. Ria neared the corner when she spotted a glimpse of red. She stopped momentarily to rest against the building, her eyes dropped wearily, but she willed them to stay open and to look down at Eshe; Eshe smiled at her and stretched her little hands towards her face her chubby fingers wriggled around as she reached to touch Rias cheek the way Ria had done to Eshe so many time now. Ria complied and let her face lower towards Eshe's hand. At Eshe's touch a small salty tear tickled down Ria's face. That small tear held the future of the world in it, and when it dripped off of Ria's chin onto Eshe, Ria felt a final flourish of energy. She stumbled towards the warehouse, and opened the door. Yes this would do fine she thought as she saw the dusty abandoned false sanctuary. And with that some what comforting thought she wheezed in one last desperate breathe and crumpled to the ground.

(( I just had to sue the pirate emotion sorry! It tempted meeee! ))