It's time to let go... [private]

[MAI MIKUMO]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#493F39; width: 400px; border-top: 25px solid #2C8B74; padding: 0px;][style=padding:10px; color: #F8EBBE; font-family: tahoma;] "Free me from this shame. . ." Splish splash goes the sound of a woman's bare foot clashing against puddle after puddle of puddle on the dirty road that was being soften to mud by the cold rains showering down. The town bell was sounding off, alerting those in the streets of the travesty that had befallen one of the royal guard's own. In a high tower laid a man hefted over a bed, limp and lifeless. Sir Gamlen, chief commander in the disciplinary division; death my asphyxiation. Abrasions of chain links shown across his neck and the culprit no where to be found but a search was put out immediately. And so, began the pursuit. The strung out female on the move breezed the populous recklessly toppling over fruit barrels that left her stumbling to the ground. Exhausted and emotionally unstable drove the brunette to stray on instinct searching for a place barren to hide and to keep sheltered without drawing too much attention to herself. The chains that bounded her wrists together by shackles clung against each other as she swayed with sharp turns around buildings and alley ways. Attempting to keep this game of hide and seek would turn futile minute by minute if she didn't find refuge soon. While her identity was still a mystery, her shackles and highly visible imprint that was forcefully engraved into her upper back would be a dead giveaway. Backing herself into a dark alleyway, she'd slick over by a dumpster, slump to her knees, and lean against it just in hopes of catching her breath. The distraught woman found it difficult to breath and keep together, breaking down from the anxiety, grief, and fear for what she'd done and what she was to do. Burring her face into her knees, she'd destabilize into a silence sob wondering why her life turned out in such a dread. One Hour Earlier. . . At the very same tower up near the guardsmen barracks stood a kind woman by the name of Mai Mikumo. Before her presence was the highly respected Sir Gamlen who'd requested her presence into his private quarters. It was a regular thing for the two to meet together. A secret romance established by the two, a love nearly sealed with a ring. That ring prematurely placed around her pretty little finger, giving her hopes of a future out of the lowly present she currently dwell in. Up to now her past had constantly haunted her, punished her for her existence and landed her in the slaves position she was in. Labeled as property of knights of Lyneel Kingdom, she was specifically assigned to Sir Gamlen as his personal servant in which her rarely made use of her. She was quite fond of the man for quite some time. He was charming, gentle, never laid a finger on her but treated her as a lady. Though being the man he was, he had a reputation to protect and so as such, the content of what went on in their time together was kept strictly private. After being the rag doll of the lowly barbaric guardsmen and wading hand and foot of their needs, she'd be escorted to the top floor and enter into Gamlen's room like a prisoner; shackles and all. However, those chains were removed the moment she stepped into the fresh environment. She'd be allowed to bath in privacy and feast over delicious cuisine and fine wine. However, unlike the routine, this night would be one riddled with deception. With a smile as always, she'd extend her arms for him to do the honors of removing her restricting bounds on her wrist. "You mind releasing me from these dreadful chains my love?." Her lips engaged in a sweet smile though with the tone and stern look on the face of the man she adored, her happiness would nervously turn sour. [white]"On your knees."[/white] Confusion set in. It was unlike her to be so...forceful. Puzzled by his request, she'd question his statement instead of comply to his demand. She wouldn't expect anything completely hostile from him instead a clarification on to what was wrong. "Pardon? Is there...something the matter dear? You sound different." With hostility in the air aroused, Gamlen would approach her, arms positioned behind his back in a gentle styled stroll. Without warning, he'd backhand her across the face, staggering her a bit to her bottom. Distraught, her hand was caressed the side of her face feeling the stinging sensation. Her eyes glossed over without her mouth parted open in near speechlessness. "Have I...Have I done something wrong to you? I don't understand what I've done for you to do such a thin-" [white]"Enough! I've been anticipating this moment for quite some time and I must say hahaha...I didn't think the time I put into this would be pay off. Oh forgive my manners wretch, you haven't the slightest clue of what's happening now do you? Don't speak. Allow me to explain."[/white] Removing his tunic, he set it down against a cask and reaching for a long, vine like whip, he press on with his speech as Mai herself did well to keep silent; growing weary of what may be the outcome of this night. [white]"Unlike the simpletons that are the majority of the guardsmen I command, I myself have taste in what I choose to place my hands on. It's how I am with work, how I am with my attire, my meals and especially my women. So I congratulate you for being so fortunate to be apart of what I myself surround myself in, divinity. Look around. What do you see? Not an ounce of dust or lackluster within my grace outside of that clothing. See when I laid eyes on you for the first time, I saw you natural beauty soiled asunder by the impoverish life style as what you go by day to day. I had to have you, but not as you were. You know the feeling. Tiredness, dull and hopelessly obedient without spirit. No, I needed to see the high spirit, happy and confident woman strutting around these parts and you had it buried beneath you and with that wring pathetically laced around that finger of yours, it allowed me to play you the sweetest of songs like a violin up to the point where now my peach. Now I can take joy in cutting your strings. Now please feel free to make this worth my while as the true as the denial that's in your eyes will be the joy that I will have in crushing your spirit once again. Cry, plead for this please. It makes this all more worth the while."[/white] Without giving her time to respond, he'd grasp her arm and yank her up to her feet to follow through with around her against the wall with a thud on impact. Face smashing against it wall, she yelp out in pain from the lash against her back originating from that whip cracking within the air. After six intermittent swipes painfully whipping across her back, she'd slump to her knees. Her face resting against the same wall while she whimpered. Words couldn't express how she felt but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a 'how could you'. For if it's one thing that backfired on him, it was giving her a small sense of worth and pride even when they were dwindling down. Although, as a consequence she'd have to contend with his the rage of a sadist who wasn't getting off on her crushed spirit that wasn't being shown. Hearing that deep breath of the man in anger of his failed con. Throwing a fit he'd turn around just for a moment, no doubt to think. The night was young and he needed to lay the hatred on thick. What better tactic then to consummate the marriage that never was. It brought a mischievous chuckle out of his mouth. A turned back was quite the error on his part. Knowing full well of his intentions, she'd refuse to let herself be brought down to such degradation past what she'd just endured. Staying around to live with the humiliation afterword wasn't an option as she'd rather die. Easing to her feet, she'd launch herself forward, hinging onto his back and sending them tumbling back to the floor. The chain between her shackles served as a potent weapon for strangling as she constricted it around his neck. Tears surfaced from her eyes, dripping down her cheeks while Gamlen struggled to get out of his inevitable demise. It didn't take long at all. The panicking flails of the man's arms grew less and less frequent but still resistant to her struggles to end his life. Unable to watch as the man she once loved was gasping for air, she'd subdue him with a abrupt snapping of his neck. Feeling the life leave him, she'd scoot back from under his motionless body. Knowing the gravity of what she's done sent trembles up and down her body but she couldn't linger too long. Grief would need to wait as survival was key. But where would she run? Leaving where she came was not an option. Which left one other exit; the balcony. Easing to her feet, she'd head for the balcony to judge the distance she was from the ground. Glancing back at the bedroom, she'd gather that combining those exotic bed linen into a rope like tool could easily allow her to propel safely down the side of the tower without harm. Follow through with her escape route she'd manage to reach the flooring without much injury. The Present. . . Sounds of metal grieves parading through the streets caught the frantic woman gathered her bearings. It wouldn't belong for she'd be spotted. There was an lit window to her right with a door built in beside it. Not seeing it as intrusion of property from the back door, but more of as a place to escape captivity, she lunged at it, opening it and running in slamming the door behind her and locking it. That was enough for her to mellow out, dropping to her knees and crawling over to rest up against a wall. She was in some sort of office room separated from the main area of the building. Drenched and cold, she pressed her knees together up to her chest to accumulate warmth. Her eyes were fixated on her hand specifically that ring untarnished by the previous events. It's meaning, it's value would weigh heavily on her heart forever.

[/justify][/style][style=background:url(http://i.imgur.com/M1Snx.png); height:175px; width: 400px; padding-bottom: 0px;] [/style][style=background-color:#0B0000; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align:center; font-family: tahoma;]WORD COUNT 2027 NOTES The Beginning
CREDITS nachtmare of ote and btn[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Nathan Connors]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,415,bTable]

[atrb=style, background-color: #221D36;][STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px;][/style] [STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 70px; width: 70px; margin-left: 125px; margin-top: -108px;][/style] [style=margin-top: -12px; margin-left: 125px; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 8px; text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #564E77;]I think it's time to move on...[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 213px; font-size: 10px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 10px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: -120px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 10px; height: 52px; overflow: auto;]TAGS: Trace, Natsu NOTES: Black Rose Reborn[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 15px; font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 17px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: 27px; margin-bottom: 2px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 20px;] Nathan gave her plenty of time. Time to let it all out and get all of that off of her chest, before parting with her. That shift of her attitude was just what she needed. Once she slouched down to the floor, he knew the worst of it was over, and honestly speaking, he was glad. It was rough seeing a woman's heart wrenched like that... "Damn right I talk too much. Someone has to keep the conversation going am I right?" Giving her a wide grin, he followed her moving to the window, completely back to the shameless woman he had met all those weeks ago. Granted as much as he was enjoying the show, he picked the blanket up and tossed it on her, trying to at least give her SOME of her modesty back. "Much as I like seeing you half naked, I would rather it be under more leizurly circumstances." Standing up himself, he dusted off his pants, the floor not being all that clean, but clean enough he supposed. "I ain't giving you a ship because I feel sorry for you. I am giving it to you because I am leaving on it with you." It was a simple declaration, but one that he had resolved himself to since the bar. He was going to leave regardless, the only thing that changed was she was going to be the one who owned the ship. He made it, his blood, sweat and tears cut every plank, hammered every nail. But he was giving it to her. "In any case, I think we-" Words cut off by the sound of the door all but slamming open, and someone running into the foreman's office. Pulling his gun from his hip, he moved toward the front of the building, which was around the corner from the room he had taken Rebecca into. Once he made it to the hallway, the pale light that came through the windows was illuminating someone huddled beside the wall. "Who's there?" He called, pulling the hammer back on the flintlock and walking forward slowly. The closer he got, the louder his footfalls seemed to get. It only took a moment though before he lowered the weapon, seeing the form beside the wall was a woman who looked as rough as Rebecca did when she was in front of the bar. "Hey, you okay?" He asked, looking over the woman's still form. She didn't seem to be moving much, and though he was thrilled that another wandering lost soul came here, he was a little miffed at the idea she had been through some rough shit too. Before he let his mind wander, he knelt down. "Gonna catch your death sitting out in this cold ass hallway. You should come into the back with my friend and I. There is a fireplace going. You can warm up and dry off some." Looking her over for a moment, he made sure to keep his distance of course, but that didn't stop him from turning his head lightly to the side, keeping his eyes on the new arrival. "Hey Rebecca, come out here!" He called, not hinting any urgency at the moment, but he definitely might need her here to help. [/style][style=text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; opacity: 0.8;]made by kiwii at btn and ote![/style]

[REBECCA D. HAWKINS]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=style,background-color: #cfcfcf;-webkit-border-top-left-radius: 25px; -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 25px; border-top-right-radius: 25px,btable][STYLE=width: 430px; height: 225px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/l6wpL.png) no-repeat;-webkit-border-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius: 25px; border-radius: 25px; margin-left: 9px; margin-top: 8px][/style][STYLE=background: #cfcfcf; font: normal 20px arial narrow; text-align: right; color: #a6a6a6; padding-right: 20px; margin-top: -35px]"Racing to wonderland, never stopping or looking back."[/style][STYLE=font: normal 12px helvetica; text-align: right; padding-right: 9px; color: # 6a6a6a; margin-top: -15px][/style][STYLE=padding: 10px] [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 12px calibri ; line-height: 90%; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 20px 20px 20px; position: relative; color: #6a6a6a] Clearly the worse was over for Rebecca now that she gotten all of that out of her system. Now with a clear head it was easier for her to focus on the current situation. She could leave the kingdom and try to survive out there in the world as a pirate now that she abandoned everything. But that could wait seeing that it was raining. Rebecca was a woman of many things but being foolish was not one of them. ”Well someone is being subtle right now. Are you sure you really don’t want to keep looking at this view.” With just a smack upon her rump, she finally stops teasing Nathan and instead went to grab the blanket. Not that it wasn’t fun playing with his head she didn’t like freezing to death with the heavy rain. After a few twists she makes the cover into a makeshift robe and turns her head back to the window. Obviously she was listening into his words while staring off at the distance with a small sigh. ”That’s not what I meant Nathan. But whatever, we should probably discuss what to do next. The ship has to be stocked with enough supplies if I’m going to leave this country to go elsewhere.” she walks back towards Nathan, glancing at the resolve in his eye with a small smile upon her soft lips. But at the same time she notices that some of the guards were constantly causing noises around the area. It was hard to point out but something must have happened to cause them to act like this. She doubted that they were looking for her but that doesn’t mean she was going to go out there to check. Especially considering that she only had a cover for showing modest. The tension quickly rises within Rebecca once the door opened up and slamming shit. Reaching for her swords, Rebecca looks back at Nathan before following him down the hallway. Unlike Nathan she was being quiet and sneaking around the hallway. She didn’t know who thought it was a good idea to break inside Nathan’s workshop. But whoever it was she was sure that the two of them could take care of the situation. A part of her still didn’t want Nathan to get involved if it was another one of the assassins. But she was willing to allow him to do whatever he feels like considering he was a man. Slowly with each step she took, Rebecca was that much closer from approaching the other person. Slightly she pushes her katanas underneath her cover cloak to ready herself for a quick slash draw. However, before she would take the initiative and strike with her swords. Rebecca quickly realizes that it was a woman with long brunette hair shivering against the wall. Clearly she was not their enemy given how terrified and shaken up she was. She simply places her swords back into the sheath and simply walks back to put them away. After that she would return to the room and take a deep look at the newly arrived woman. She was saving Nathan the trouble of calling her back after she left. As she takes a while longer to notice the woman, her eyes soon widen once it came together. Without wasting time she makes her way towards the brunette woman. Quickly she kneels downwards in order to look at her face to face. Letting just a few seconds for conformation take place to confirm her suspicions. Next she proceeds to forcibly strip Mai of her clothing rather if she wanted to or not. Leaving her in what was considered to be her underwear. ” She’s probably not okay considering what she went through. This girl is a slave; she was bought by Sir Gamlen as one of his personal slaves. We had a couple of meetings before so you could say we’re acquaintance. But I thought she was happy under his leverage. Or rather assumed she was. But something horrible must have happened if you ended up like this and having the guards look after you.” Rebecca quickly grasps the situation as best as she could. Considering that she wasn’t exactly close to the late Sir Gamlen she did at least acknowledge him as a companion. Without waiting any longer, she quickly wraps the cover around Mai as she proceeds to keep her warm with her own body heat. She was another woman so it wasn’t like there was to be any serious problem not that Rebecca really cared either way. ”Nathan do you have anything that can pick or break her chains? We need to get them off as quickly as possible. No one should be made into being a slave…especially as long as she has. Also bring anything warm you can find, like robes, coffee, or something else. Anything you think would be useful in this situation.” She called out to Nathan, moving her right hand to wrap around Mai’s head and presses her against her chest to warm her body and comfort the trembling girl. [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 10px helvetica; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase]made by bubbles of btn[/style]

[MAI MIKUMO]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#493F39; width: 400px; border-top: 25px solid #2C8B74; padding: 0px;][style=padding:10px; color: #F8EBBE; font-family: tahoma;] "The burden of the days to follow. . ." Her time alone from was lost as the sound of footsteps approaching forced her to stay alert. She gasped, holding her breath in the anxiety of being found out. A man peered around the corner barring a simple flintlock pointed directly at her. His intent to fire had vanished upon finding out that it was her, a fragile damsel in distress. He wasn't alone. As her eyes trailed off too side, Mai would notice a woman who was strangely familiar. Pinkish hair, peach like skin, and wielding blades her three defining traits racked her memory to recall a soldier within the royal guard that came to visit Sir Gamlen from time to time. Cornered into a place with no true way out, Mai was completely at the mercy of the two. As the woman would approach and reach for her, Mai would retaliate by grabbing her wrists hastily, but release her grip when noticing the expression within her eyes. The woman meant no harm. As she revealed the tattoo imprinted on her upper back, her identity would be made known as property of the Lyneel Kingdom's royal knights. In shame of what she was, she looked off not to see the faces of those finding out what her worth was to the world around her. Without word from herself, the woman seemed to of been quite informed of her since the moment she stood on this land from import. For someone of her status, her showing genuine compassion too a slave came as a surprise. Even to the point of extending the warmth of her own body heat under the blanket be shared by them both. "Thank you. You are...far to kind for someone of my status. Pardon my intrusion. I just..needed someplace to stow away safely. And.." Unable to get the rest of her comment off, a bang at the front door would sound throughout the rooms. Judging from the current situation, it was most likely the guards going from building to building cracking down on places where a runaway might hide. Of course they'd only barge in if they'd have reason to. Fear set in as she looked to her two new acquaintances for some kind of aid. "No..Please don't let them take me! I can't go back there. I'm sorry, I don't mean to impose and put this burden against you two but I just..." Her life wasn't just in jeopardy here. No, the punishment for what she had done warranted things that were too inhumane for her to say. Execution was for considered human. In the world of slaves, it was quite cruel from what the general populous know. Slaves were considered animals with enough intelligence to be useful. No more no less. As animals, their rights limited even the right to die. If captured, death would be more of a wish than an infliction as only after the satisfaction of public humiliation would she be put to the eternal sleep six feet under. Swallowing hard, Mai would consider her options and crossed out running from her list. Yanking her wrists apart, she'd test it's resistance as a possible defensive weapon. Dismissing the barbaric tenancy, she couldn't bare to take another's life. She wouldn't become a habitual killer for the sake of survival. This man and woman where all she could turn to for assistance. The pink haired guards-woman should know what would happen to Mai if things went south. Hopefully that would be enough for them to show just a bit more kindness to keep her from the claws of the kingdom's wrath.

[/justify][/style][style=background:url(http://i.imgur.com/M1Snx.png); height:175px; width: 400px; padding-bottom: 0px;] [/style][style=background-color:#0B0000; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align:center; font-family: tahoma;]WORD COUNT 2027 NOTES The Beginning
CREDITS nachtmare of ote and btn[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Nathan Connors]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,415,bTable]

[atrb=style, background-color: #221D36;][STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px;][/style] [STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 70px; width: 70px; margin-left: 125px; margin-top: -108px;][/style] [style=margin-top: -12px; margin-left: 125px; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 8px; text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #564E77;]I think it's time to move on...[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 213px; font-size: 10px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 10px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: -120px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 10px; height: 52px; overflow: auto;]TAGS: Trace, Natsu NOTES: Black Rose Reborn[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 15px; font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 17px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: 27px; margin-bottom: 2px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 20px;] Nathan looked at the scene, and sighed... the rap on the doors was more than enough to know they were not getting out of this without some trouble. Sadly, there were 2 options. Try and get the girls to hide, and him try and talk the guards off, which would probably not work considering they would likely be unconvinced and barge in and search anyhow, or he would distract them while they went into the shipyard and got the rose ready to sail. "What a pain in the ass." He muttered, before walking back up the hall and into the room where the fireplace was. Picking up his large steel broadsword as well as a set of keys from the nail hammered in beside the door. He chained up the rudder wheel and left it like that since the rose was actually in the dock afloat on the water currently. She was already seaworthy, but it would take some preparation before they could leave on her. Walking back out into the hall, his sword was slung over his shoulder like one would carry a shovel, or a heavy tool, the weapon easily a foot short of being Nathan's height. Tossing the keys up the hall, they would land right before Rebecca and the woman. "They ain't taking you anywhere." He said gently, before taking his sword off of his shoulder and stabbing it into the wood. There it sat, still and motionless while he took off his heavy red jacket. Tossing it over to Rebecca, he pointed to the back of the hall over his shoulder using his thumb. "Back there is the entrance to the shipyard where the Rose, the ship I was making for you is wet docked. It is a 2 person job to get her ready to go. Salvage what supplies from the storehouse next to her you can, and make sure she is ready to go while I keep the goons busy." A simple plan, then again he was a simple person. Mai was obviously in no condition to fight, and when he had found Rebecca she could barely move on her own. There was nothing for it. He was healthy, sober, strong enough, and pissed enough to see this particular job done while they handled the rest. Without his jacket on he was wearing nothing more than a black tank top, and his usual fingerless work gloves. Pulling his sword out of the floorboards, he tightened his grip on the handle before walking slowly toward the door. "I used to have pride in this country... The government is shit." He muttered, his boots falling heavily on the ground. "People owning other people as slaves." Another footfall, this one coming more rapidly than the first. "Hard working men and women being put out on the street..." He was running now, his face a grimace of anger, regret, and something quite a bit more complex than could be nailed down. The moment he got to the door, he leaned down and slammed into it, busting the flimsy wooden door clean off of its hinges, and taking the guard on the other side down with it. There were three in total, but before they could even really react, Nathan was about to make it two. His weapon was already raised, and he shot. The flintlock let out a thunderous crack, drowned out almost immediately by the thunder. He shot the soldier in the side of his knee, non lethal to be sure, but he would not be walking again for a long time. Letting out a howl, the man fell to the ground while clutching his knee, the mud and water below him turning red with fresh blood. The gunshot seemed to spring them back to life, the guards drawing their swords as Nathan readied his own, and the sounds of rain out in front of the foreman's office turned into a song of the storm, and clashing steel. [/style][style=text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; opacity: 0.8;]made by kiwii at btn and ote![/style]

[REBECCA D. HAWKINS]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=style,background-color: #cfcfcf;-webkit-border-top-left-radius: 25px; -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 25px; border-top-right-radius: 25px,btable][STYLE=width: 430px; height: 225px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/l6wpL.png) no-repeat;-webkit-border-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius: 25px; border-radius: 25px; margin-left: 9px; margin-top: 8px][/style][STYLE=background: #cfcfcf; font: normal 20px arial narrow; text-align: right; color: #a6a6a6; padding-right: 20px; margin-top: -35px]"Racing to wonderland, never stopping or looking back."[/style][STYLE=font: normal 12px helvetica; text-align: right; padding-right: 9px; color: # 6a6a6a; margin-top: -15px][/style][STYLE=padding: 10px] [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 12px calibri ; line-height: 90%; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 20px 20px 20px; position: relative; color: #6a6a6a] Rebecca could feel the tension from the moment she grabbed her hand. She was scared and terrified, not to the mention that her eyes shows regret and inner conflict. Clearly something really did happen to this burette woman if she was reduced to such feelings. Once she releases her grip she promptly places Mai’s head in between her breasts. Simply letting Mai cry and get it all out of her system much like she did with Nathan. ”everything is going to be alright. So let it all go until you can’t any more.” She replied to Mai, trying to comfort her and ease the situation. While she was doing this she saw the tattoo imprinted on her upper back. The cross of the royal knights forever imprinted on to her body in such a way. It was horrible to have what she stood for reduced to a slave tag. It made her completely six to her stomach. But she would have to put that feeling away the moment she hears the bang upon the door. Chances were it was the court guards just knocking upon the door trying to find poor Mai so she can receive judgment. She didn’t even need to guess what would happen to them if they open the door and found Mai. Nathan would probably be put in jail and she herself would probably be court marshaled and assassinated in secret. But Mai would probably get the worse of it as slaves were treated far worse than any criminal. Seeing Mai hesitate to using her cuffs as a weapon made Rebecca think deeply about their situation. Leaving her to die was not an option for Rebecca as foolish as that kindness may be. Her body was still holding Mai as she glances over trying to see how many of them they were. If it was less than a couple then they shouldn’t have too much problem. Still Rebecca wasn’t exactly fresh and given the mentality of Mai it would be unwise to have her fight. Yet neither of that mattered to her as she didn’t want to abandon Nathan. But rather than getting the chance to decide Nathan quickly tosses the keys towards her. Naturally she would catch them but what came next was a shocker to Rebecca. Hearing him wanting them to take whatever supplies they had and escaping on the Rose was unacceptable. It was suicide to have Nathan handle the guards by themselves while they got ready and left. However, as much as she wanted to argue she knew that Nathan wasn’t going to listen to reason. Instead she slowly sighs and quickly wraps her right arm on Mai’s hip and the left underneath her calf. Quickly rising her up from the ground and showing off her military strength. ”Fine but you better not die on me. Don’t you dare try and sacrifice your life to save us. Who am I kidding…its pointless demanding you to do such a thing? But I still want to do it. So I’ll bear the responsibility of getting her out of here.”and with that Rebecca quickly runs off with Mai still in her arms as she went back into the shop. Once she got there she set Mai down on the couch accordingly and begins her search. There had to be something that can break her cuffs. And bingo she would find what she was looking for underneath Nathan’s red coat. She slowly moves back to Mai and lightly adjusts the covers until she can find the chains on her arms and legs. ” I don’t expect you to believe what I’m doing is out of my heart. And I don’t even care if you try to betray me later on for revenge. All I care now is trying to survive and escape because a big idiot has to go and play the hero. And I need your help in order to do that but having you chained is not helping. So I’ll ask you now for you to put aside whatever dark feelings you have and help me achieve that goal. After we escape you’re free to do whatever you want even try and kill me. But I will fight and I won’t hesitate to kill. I can’t afford to die now so I’ll do whatever it takes to survive. Even become the devil himself.” she gave an intense glare after finishing her sentence. It was obvious that she was serious as drops of tears were falling from her eyes. Once she got her message across, Rebecca went to break the cuffs on Mai’s hands and legs. Finally giving her the freedom that she deserved and not worrying about what she would do next. With the cuffs gone, she proceeds to destroy them completely for symbolic reasons. After removing the covers and placing the red Jacket over Mai’s half naked body. Rebecca proceeds to gather her stuff and put her clothing back on. While quickly gathering all the supplies that they would need for the shop and putting them on the ship. She could continue walking back and forth from both location until finally there was nothing worth taking. Once that was over Rebecca quickly marches back to the rose and begin to get her ready. She couldn’t think about what was going on through all of this as worrying about Nathan was not an option. So tell that to her heart and convince it otherwise. However, hearing a gunshot made her hesitate for just a second. She quickly slaps her face to get her back in gear. Whatever happened she promised that she wouldn’t interfere and to get Mai out of the kingdom. So she bit her lip tightly to the point that blood was dripping down on the ship. She was angry beyond reason as she would rather fight than leave someone behind. It didn’t matter to her that she could understand the reason for doing it. It still wasn’t clicking with Rebecca…she was still too naïve and protective. Not willing to sacrifice anyone in order to survive despite her convincing speech and murderous eyes. All she could do was bottle up her feelings and continue getting the ship ready for departure. Even if there was the chance of Mai leaving them to save her skin it would be fine. Rebecca would find some way to get the ship moving regardless even if it kills her. [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 10px helvetica; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase]made by bubbles of btn[/style]

[MAI MIKUMO]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#493F39; width: 400px; border-top: 25px solid #2C8B74; padding: 0px;][style=padding:10px; color: #F8EBBE; font-family: tahoma;] "Escape into the open blue. . ." Compassion. Genuine compassion. It was a feeling that seemed so distant, so alien to Mai's mind and for it to be shown to her from people that were piratically strangers changed her perspective of things. Good Samaritans were a luxury that she'd never imagine she'd get to have. Given their nobility, she herself couldn't take it for granted. Swept off her feet by the woman who dared to take the lead, she'd ride through the showers of the dark stormy night unto a fine ship labeled "The Blooming Rose" in a fine calligraphy styled writing across it's side. She was hefted down upon arrival and simply watched as Rebecca would state her resolve to her, firm and true and Mai would do well to make sure that she'd know she had no intention of backstabbing anyone in any way. Being freed from her iron bonds came as a relief to her realizing that if she played her cards right, they'd never have to be donned ever again. "The amount of gratitude I could convey to you would never be enough to describe how grateful I am for what you and that man we left behind are doing. You have my word as a woman that I will never forsake our gathering together. I may not be fully capable of doing much right now, but I will assist in whatever way I can." Without another word, she'd walk off in search for a scope so she could get vision on the man who decided to do battle on his own. Extending the scope's links out to it's full length, she'd search out through the buildings and eventually spot the snow haired man contending with the city's guardsmen just barely keeping up with the numbers as they started to pile up. She wasn't able to get a full spec of his condition due to the mass rain clouding most of her vision but given the situation she knew even someone of his youthful and athletic ability couldn't put up with conflict too long. Mai was in a bind, her fear of returning to the depths of slavery contradicting what she knew was the right thing to do. After all, the man was buying the girls time to prepare the ship for sail but what of when he'd need to bail out? At the going rate of guards swooping in to tag their partners out, the window of escape would narrow further and further. Closing her eyes to take a moment to breath, courage would instill itself into her spirit. Noticing Rebecca busy with the preparations, she'd be in no position to stop Mai from what she was about to do. "No regrets..." Her eyes would open wide in a moment of clarity. Farm from being in a good condition, her lifted spirits driven by the courage shown on others prompted her to volt off the Rose down to the paved streets of the night. Her landing was farm from graceful but firm enough for her to stay strong in her resolve. Throwing caution of her well being into the roaring winds, she'd veer off from the ship back into the heat of conflict. Her intent wasn't to really stay in fight but given how near ready the were to venture off, she wanted to make sure the hero of their story wouldn't keel over in death. Approaching the scene, she'd notice she was coming in without any form of offense. Frisking her mind for a quick fix, she'd notice a guard sprawled over the floor blade collapsed beside him. Instinct would call for a person to grab the sword but on her case she reached for something in line with her expertise. stripping the unconscious man of his gauntlets, she'd done them on with a rough fit. It would have to do. In the heat of the moment, she'd notice a swing of a sword aimed for Nathan's back and acted accordingly. She'd lunge forward with precision, striking against the attacker's jugular to thwart off the attack. Her heart pounded from the rush as she'd close the distance between her new found friend ensuring that nothing would get between them. Seeing his condition up close, she knew he wasn't doing so hot considering the circumstances. "It's time we should be off. Sooner rather than later." Ducking in cover in an incoming swipe, she'd counter with a round house to the stomach kicking off the next enemy into a few others.

[/justify][/style][style=background:url(http://i.imgur.com/M1Snx.png); height:175px; width: 400px; padding-bottom: 0px;] [/style][style=background-color:#0B0000; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align:center; font-family: tahoma;]WORD COUNT 2027 NOTES The Beginning
CREDITS nachtmare of ote and btn[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Nathan Connors]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,415,bTable]

[atrb=style, background-color: #221D36;][STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 100px; width: 100px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px;][/style] [STYLE=border: 4px solid #564E77; height: 70px; width: 70px; margin-left: 125px; margin-top: -108px;][/style] [style=margin-top: -12px; margin-left: 125px; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 8px; text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px #564E77;]I think it's time to move on...[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 213px; font-size: 10px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 10px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: -120px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 11px; height: 52px; overflow: auto;]TAGS: Trace, Natsu NOTES: Black Rose Reborn[/style] [STYLE=margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 15px; font-size: 11px; font-family: arial; text-align: justify; background-color: #DAD6E8; padding: 17px; color: #0A090F; margin-top: 27px; margin-bottom: 2px; opacity: 0.8; border-radius: 20px;] On any normal day, Nathan would be having the time of his life, sadly, this was not that day. Another sword swept passed his head, aiming to take if off through narrow vision. The rain was making it increasingly hard to see, especially with his hair matting to his forehead and consequently, down over his eyes every so often. He was cut in a few places, sadly. His skin showing lines of red but no blood clung to his form thanks to the rain. As much as he tried not to kill the guards, so far 2 had ended up dead, several others pulling the wounded away as more poured in. Thankfully, he had the shipyard bottle necking them in, and the swordplay was keeping too many from attacking at once in the awkward spacing. Two more strikes of steel on steel, and he was getting to the point where he was starting to feel his limits. The cold rain was making his body numb in places, his hands especially. "Not good." Just as he was about to start making his way back, he noticed something inconceivable... The woman they had just gotten out of this mess was back in it, and she was fighting. Damnit it all to the bowels of bloody hell... His problem just magnified. It was easier to look after his own ass than it was to look after someone elses. "I TOLD YOU PREPPING THE SHIP WAS A TWO PERSON JOB YOU NITWIT!" He roared above the rain, cutting down another guard, this time the tip of his sword sinking into his thigh, enough to bring him to the floor. It would take twice as long for Rebecca to get the ship ready now, they would be lucky if they could set sail before they started getting boarded at this rate! It was going to be a short trip indeed if these girls couldn't listen to their shipwright. Making his way over to the woman, who he was honestly amazed had any strength at all after hours of what she had been through presumably, the guards were really piling it in, and several loud cracks in the air aside from thunder warned him of some really bad bullshit making it their way... guns. Most of the time, the guards never carried them in Lyneel, since they needed them seldom, but with the shipyard being so enclosed, a firearm would be useful here. Already the building beside him was splintering with a shot or two, with many more most likely coming. Smacking someone hard in the side of the head as he closed in on Mai, he pointed back to the ship. "Go! NOW!" He was heading with her too, this was too hot, and it was getting worse by the moment, especially in the open. As the path cleared some, the hairs on his neck began to stand on end... something was about to happen. call it intuition, or maybe it was just a sense of utter dread welling in the pit of his stomach. Turning around, he went from standing beside Mai, to standing behind her, looking back at the mass of guards to see one in particular with a musket rifle, taking careful aim despite the rain. "Marksman..." He barely had time to finish the word before that shot rang out. He did not feel the pain, not right away. His body was in front of the marksman, and the one he was aiming at. He had not been aiming for Nathan of course, he was going to shoot the woman in the back. Even over the rain, he could tell that rifle was of ornate design, noting military or something the guards would use... That left one possible solution. Turning back, he stumbled a little and his blade ground the cobblestone walkway, using it to correct his balance even as he choked out something intelligible. His lower left side... there was a burning pain there now, and it hurt like hell. "Get on the ship..." He half groaned and half yelled, cutting a rope that was holding up several barrels of nails and other assorted parts, creating an effective barrier to give them some time. [/style][style=text-align: center; color: #DAD6E8; font-size: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; opacity: 0.8;]made by kiwii at btn and ote![/style]

[REBECCA D. HAWKINS]

[atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=style,background-color: #cfcfcf;-webkit-border-top-left-radius: 25px; -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 25px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 25px; border-top-right-radius: 25px,btable][STYLE=width: 430px; height: 225px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/l6wpL.png) no-repeat;-webkit-border-radius: 25px; -moz-border-radius: 25px; border-radius: 25px; margin-left: 9px; margin-top: 8px][/style][STYLE=background: #cfcfcf; font: normal 20px arial narrow; text-align: right; color: #a6a6a6; padding-right: 20px; margin-top: -35px]"Racing to wonderland, never stopping or looking back."[/style][STYLE=font: normal 12px helvetica; text-align: right; padding-right: 9px; color: # 6a6a6a; margin-top: -15px][/style][STYLE=padding: 10px] [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 12px calibri ; line-height: 90%; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 20px 20px 20px; position: relative; color: #6a6a6a] Rebecca didn’t have much time to waste. Given the situation they were currently in it was best for her to focus on the ship and not get distracted. So she couldn’t exactly keep her eye on Mai. Therefore, she could only believe in her as she worked. But the moment she would only have to take care of the anchor next her belief would not be betrayed. Hearing Mai pledge herself as a woman to help them out only gave her peace of mind and newfound confidence and trust with the former slave. With nothing holding her back now she begins to yank the anchor from the water by the chain. It was quiet heavy and not exactly made for a single person to do. But Rebecca was a strong woman and wouldn’t back down from such a task. With one tug after another the anchor slowly rises from the depths and towards the surface. Rebecca continues to pacing her breathing with each pull she did. It would only take a few more struggling pulls before finally the anchor was at the surface. Needing just a few more pulls to lock it in place above the ship and out of harm’s way. With the anchor no longer holding the ship in place, she would only have to take care of the sails and the ship was ready to go.” Alright we just need to take care of the sail and we would be out of here. Come on no-“ Before she could finish her sentence, she would soon watch Mai leaving her by herself to go to Nathan’s direction. She wanted to go after him but her sudden left quickly cause one of the ropes to get out of place and requiring her attention. Without a moment to lose she grasps that same rope and held it tight. In her current condition she was incapable of leaving the ship as the first sail begins to loosen and she needed to be there to do it properly. One by one the ropes start to come off as well as the straps on the first sail. Even without Mai there to back her up she would give her all in order to do the job of two people. But even with the sign of physical and mental fatigue Rebecca presses forward towards doing her job. Yet no matter how fast she worked it would still take a while to get the first sail done. Not to mention she could manage to see the fight taken place by the time Mai got there to help Nathan. Seeing both Mai and Nathan fight frustrated the hell out of Rebecca. She didn’t want to see them get hurt while she took care of the ship. At any other day she would have joined them and stood their ground against the wave of guards. However, her legs were at a standstill. She couldn’t leave the ship even if she wanted too and believe me she did. Nathan risked his life for the chance at escaping with the blooming rose. To leave now would be breaking her promise with him and insult his pride as a man. And she couldn’t forgive herself if she did that. So instead she had to bear with the pain and resume adjusting the sail. Her grip tightens against the rope as she was almost done with the first sail. If she could just get these two sail together the ship would be ready for sail. However, like Nathan said the task Rebecca was given to do was not so simple that it could be done by just one person. With just one more strength pull she manages to free the first sail and just had one more to do. Slowly she kneels downward in deep pant from the first sail. It was crazy thinking that she could do such a thing by herself. There was just no time and she was expected to get the ship together. As she grits her teeth in disappointment, Rebecca suddenly hears another gunshot. Her eyes widen as her heart got cold at the sound of someone screaming. With an intense glare she bites upon her lip till it started to bleed. Move...Move…Move!!! You have to move right now. Don’t just stand there; you got a ship to prepare. SO START MOVING NOW!!!!She shouted at the back at her mind. Clinching her hand tightly she slowly but surely got herself back up on her feet. With her resolve reawakened, Rebecca went back to preparing the second sail. Her hands were getting sore from all of the quick rope pulling and strap removal. But that pain was nothing to her compared to going back from her promise as she was close to being done at her insane pace. Eventually with one final pull she manages to struggle with all of her might until finally the last of the straps came off and the second sail opened up. With nothing holding the ship back anymore it started to sail slowly against the current. It was only giving just a few minutes for her crewmates just enough time to get on before it would be impossible to catch up on foot. ”Get on this god damn ship right now!!!” she screams loud enough for both Mai and Nathan to hear. She was now hoping that her voice motivate them enough to make it in time. [/style]

[STYLE=font: normal 10px helvetica; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase]made by bubbles of btn[/style]

[MAI MIKUMO]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#493F39; width: 400px; border-top: 25px solid #2C8B74; padding: 0px;][style=padding:10px; color: #F8EBBE; font-family: tahoma;] "The winds in our sails carry us away. . ." Her reasons for abandoning the ship were unknown to anyone but her. Mai knew for a fact that she wouldn't of left for the aid of Nathan if Rebecca couldn't help what was left on the ship. While handling the ship's sails were a difficult job alone, how else was the man of the hour going to know his time being spent swooping through guards would need to be cut short. Regardless, the two were on the run from captivity. Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the rain, slightly drowned out by the storm's roaring thunder. It was noticeable enough to catch her attention though. Appearing unharmed, she glanced at the man she attempted to aid out of the calamity that seemed to catch up to him. Noticing the grim facial expression plastered over his face, she'd know doubt figure out he had bit the bullet. "No!" Hearing the woman aboard the ship scream for them to hurry onto the ship forced her to overlook the sudden tragedy of the moment and focus on getting him and herself up safely aboard the Rose. As the barrels tumbled down from the rope that held their force back, each one would fiercely role down the sullied streets of the town they once knew as home. Giving enough time to them to escape. Though in the man's current condition, he'd need some assist in her eyes. Kneeling downward, she'd heave his body over and onto her back piggy back style and continue the run. It didn't hinder her much, she was a strong woman despite her feminine appearance after all. Rolling up the ramp onto the ship's deck, she'd carefully set him down against the wooden flooring. "You've done enough white knight. I'm sorry." She look to the woman who had finished the last of the preparations on her own no doubt tired from the works of it all. Giving her the confirmation that it was simple nod of the head. "Carry us away....Captain." A fitting title for the woman who was use to those words being spoken to her in the kingdom they once knew. Never mind the fact that the ship wasn't fully manned and ready. Two sails were winded and the ship' anchor hoisted. Just enough for the ship to begin it's move. Leaving Nathan's side, Mai would scurry off to kick away the boarding ramp from off the ship's side as the Blooming Rose start it's course away from the dreaded lands. Her attention was set on a medical kit. No doubt this ship had some form of first aid even without the presence of an actual doctor. Running off searching through the storage, she'd find some disinfectant, a few bandages, and tweezers. While she was at it, she snagged a bottle of rum. It may of been cheap liquor but for what she needed to do, it wasn't too bad. Running back to kneel down at Nathan's side, she unplug the top of the bottle and hand it to him. "Here. Drink this and brace yourself. This might sting a little." Although she wasn't a doctor, she had enough common knowledge with passed experiences from gunshot wounds with the guardsmen of the kingdom. Just barely enough knowledge to perform some sort of quick fix over the bleeding wound. Lifting up his tank top to get a closer look at the damage, she'd find a bullet wound on the left side of his lower abdomen. Reaching for the tweezers, her eye would wonder for a moment over his stomach. He was quite built but from his combat ability, she'd expect nothing less. Focusing on the task at hand, she'd maneuver the tweezers inside bleeding hole to retrieve the musket lodged inside of him. She kept her eyes veered away from her face to keep from seeing the pain in his eyes. No doubt his groans would do enough to make her feel bad. Not spending to much time dabble in his pain, she'd quickly grab the metal prongs of the tweezers around the rounded bullet, pulling it out effortlessly and setting it off to the side. Next up was the disinfectant as she'd drip the liquid over the wounded, pouring it in small intervals before patching him up with what bandages she had with her. It was a simple job but didn't pull him out of the clear just yet. "That should prolong the treatment until we find you a real doctor. Hopefully we'll find one wherever we go." Her eyes fixated on that patched wound, an example of what she had brought up on these people. Her intention was to never bring anyone else harm. Now wasn't the time to drown in her sorrows, but she couldn't help noticing that all of this would of been avoidable if she would of just let herself silently suffer instead of lashing out the way she did way back up in that tower.

[/justify][/style][style=background:url(http://i.imgur.com/M1Snx.png); height:175px; width: 400px; padding-bottom: 0px;] [/style][style=background-color:#0B0000; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; text-align:center; font-family: tahoma;]WORD COUNT 2027 NOTES The Beginning
CREDITS nachtmare of ote and btn[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]