Star Lin

"I'll try to be back early," John said, placing the last potion in his pack. "I know that the celebration is suppose to start the day after tomorrow." Sam grin from where he was standing at the inn room door. "Yes and I would have allow you to stay in Ul'dah tonight but the first of the fighting heats starts tomorrow between Grand Company units. You're are back up healer in case Bandit is injury worst then what a healer can handle." He wave at his 'brother'. "Also paper from Ul'dah came today." He step out of the room and made his way to the main area. John sigh, moving to the desk to see about what was happening at home. "I should wrote Howl before now but with combat practice then what happen with Noah..." He wasn't even going to speak about what he had seen with the guys that was poisoning the rats but he now knew where that bloodflowers came from. "Be far more careful...when I speak with Lady M'lissa again." He pick up the paper, "I hope she will help me turn Viper awa..." his voice trail off as he took in the headline. "No. No...nonononono," he said, dropping to the floor. The Viper was dead. Did his dark road finally claim him. "Fo...found with stab wounds over his body... but they didn't meantion any signs of a struggle." His eyes ran over the article trying to piece together what was being said. He wonder how Sir Paul must be feeling about this. "Hm, points to being able to manipulate the scene... this confirms that it was someone in law, or work closely with the law." He frown at the description of the Viper. "Blond hair... blue eyes...midlander hyur..." Why did that feel familiar? "Blond hair, blue eyes, and midlander...who...who is it..." He really needed to talk to Lady M'lissa and Pau...and his eyes widen as the piece fell into place. "No...No, it couldn't be. Paul...he was working the case but it makes a weird sort of sense." Still, if it was Paul then why did the article say that he was unknown? Why would they cover it up? "Ugh, I can't do anything to find out once the celebration starts." He pick up his pack, ears low as he looks over the article again. "Thaliak, please let me be wrong and that Paul either had nothing to do with the Viper or that he set this up to try and find his way back to the light."

John came out of the teleport, blinded by the pain in his arm, and wanting to scream even though his lungs had close up on him. He drop to his knees, blood soaking into his jacket, and dripping onto the stone under him. 'John...John...' Kit's voice, working it way through the roar of pain. He felt her aether, leeching the poison from his system, and easing the pain somewhat. He look up and pass Kit, finding himself infront of the Dusk. He reach up, placing his hand over the new wound on his left arm, the strike that Lady M'lissa gave with her poison dagger having struck the point that Fabrellet had struck with that void taint dagger. 'Hate her...hurt you.' Kit was crying into his chest, even as he heal the new wound on his arm. After removing his hand from the heal stab wound, he ran a finger down her back. "I...push too hard..." he said, the pain in his lung not making it easier to get air into them. "She...was trying to...protect..." He look over to the door, before forcing himself to his feet. He had to get inside before the others woke up. Hopefully it would rain soon before the anyone would notice the blood on the ground. He stumble across the grass, almost slamming against the door. "Do...don't say...anything, Kit." He push the door open and close it. No one was up and made his way to the doors that lead to their rooms. Pain tremors were starting up, his body catching up to the amount of pain the poison had started up before Kit was able to leech the poison from his system. He made it to his room, locking the door behind him, sliding down the door, and curling into a ball. He just hope that she could forgive him for making her feel the need to attack him.

John sigh, sitting back and rubbing his aching head. Pick was right, the headaches were getting worst. He would need to speak with Khyran soon before Warren and Howl realize that he was having trouble controlling the memories floating free in his own. "I'm missing something," he mutter. Ehvar's death was more brutal, with the use of Bloodflower. He still haven't found anything on it but he hadn't look into it too deeply in case either the Blades or whoever shot Ehvar was keeping a look out. It had to be revenge...you wrong me, I'll give it 10 times worst. "I think there was something about survivor...where did I put those..." John stood up, the blue/purple hair miqo'te stepping over to his desk. It was probably a good thing he hadn't toss these out yet. "Ok," he said, flipping through those articles. He bit down on his lip, rereading the details of how the females were brutalities. "Lady Synerva Devereux survive...fought herself free." He was flipping over to the last page when the second to last caught his eyes. "There was a second?" He skim over the article, freezing as he saw the name of the last victim. M'lissa Keht! He rush over, forgetting about the headache to find the article again. He quickly check it. "In connection with Ludovic Descatoux's murder..." He look back at the Ribbon Maker articles. "So Viper must have had something that clear Lady M'lissa of the murder but...Ehvar was being charge with the murder..." There was two possible paths then. Either someone that knew Lady Synerva had went after Ehvar after he was set free or "Someone that knew Lady M'lissa." He needed to see if he could find out either ladies family or friends...see if there was a connection between them...someone that knew both and would seek revenge for both. He close the books, glancing over to his bed, where his Flame uniform was. It would have to wait to speak with either. Dagger Unit was being sent to Ishgard for a festival that was going to take place. He needed to let Warren and the others know that he would being leaving for it in a few weeks. "Maybe a break will give me time to connect the dots with all the pieces I have here."

Ah, just wanted to add that there was a very special match after the Grindstone was over with. The match was between our honorable Judge and the young but fierce warrior, Ado. I was able to get some screenshots of the epic battle that took place. It even ranks up there with Judge and Warren fight. Preview below. The fight starts. John 'healing' the fighters before the next round which ended up being a tag team. The rest of the images can be seen here. Judge and Ado fight. Sir Ado receive a small pouch of gil for winning the fight but I think it was forgotten over the fact that Judge gave him his helmet. He may need to grow into it. *giggles as Ado truggles across the sand, unable to see anything as the helmet nearly covers his body like in this video here*

*falls over in laughter* OMG this is great. Don't know who did it but I think they did a good job on the video. And I really loved the song.

(ooc: A joint RP done between John Waterstrike and Paul Desmond.) John Waterstrike let out a breath, looking over the Silver Bazaar. What Paul see is a blue/purple hair miqo’te, maybe in his early 20s. He relaxes as the fairy settle on his shoulder, in his arms is a notebook that has several pieces of paper sticking out of it, and it seems a few of them look like newspaper articles. His upper left arm has a thin slash mark that though is heal, if looks old yet it looks as if it had just healed. His lower right arm has several thin scars lines, almost like the skin had been peal from the area and then heal back. John’s eyes land on the blond hyur in black. “Are you Inspector Desmond, Sir?” Paul Desmond was wrapping up his conversation and then says as step away, “Tell me as soon as you hear anything.” He then looks for the sound of the voice and locates it. “I am… who are you?” He turns around and takes several paces to John. John felt his face heat up, “I’m um, John Waterstrike, Sir.” He isn’t sure if Paul had received the letter he had sent the day before. His tail flickers as he says, “I was hoping to um, thank you for offering to help when I was kidnapped, Sir Desmond.” He shifted the notebook a little, giving an unsure glance to it. Paul then pieces it together. “Ah, John was it? It’s good to see that you survived. I know from experience most abductions the victim doesn’t sur-“ He stops. He thinks about what he is saying. His Lissa may not survive the first two days. “Ah, what can I do for you?” John straighten his shoulders before nodding. “I um, wasn’t sure myself, about surviving that is, but I was more afraid for Kit.” The fairy cuddles into John’s neck. “I, um, won’t keep you since you, um, seem to be working on a case right now but…” he trails off, looking down at the notebook. “But, um, I think there was a… Sir, Ehvar may not have been killed by The Viper… I’m sure there was another there…” and trails off again as his nerves gets the better of him. Paul wipes his hand over his mouth and then drops it to his side. “You think there was someone else there?” His interest peaks a bit. “What makes you say that?” He eyes John with a perceptive look, trying to ascertain if he is being truthful. “I’ve been following the case… in the paper at least,” John said, looking up at Paul before flipping the notebook open. “In all the articles, The Viper has killed with poison and daggers. Every single one. Yet…” he flips the page, looking over the article to gather his thoughts. "The bloodflowers are new and from… from what a friend told me a little goes a long way but the fact that there was a bullet wound…” His eyes narrow a bit before he looks at Paul. “Sir, it’s a long distance weapon that was used. Viper gets up close, he wants them to see death coming. The fact that Ehvar has a bullet hole in his chest goes against how Viper kills.” Paul nods slowly while listening. He thinks over the information for a moment then looks back up at John. “Would you happen to know anyone who might attack like this? Anyone who may use bloodflower in their poison?” John ducks his head and blush. “I don’t know, Sir. My friend… he said that he doesn’t know of a source but…” he said, flipping back through the book. Paul looks at him curiously. “But what…? What is it?” John looks over the article. “Um, she probably isn’t involved but she might have an idea on who could be making it. I think she was free by the Viper a while ago but… I could be wrong on it too. Her name is um… M’lissa Keht.” He frowns a bit. “I still feel like that didn’t involve the Viper either,” he mutters, rereading the article and tapping his finger again a part. Paul nods slowly. “Ah, yes. I remember her. And you just concluded this from the papers? Those stories lead you to this conclusion?” Kit looks over the article from her place on John’s shoulder. ‘Dealt the poison but why attack the guards?’ she asked. John worried on his lip. “Maybe… she wasn’t involve in that death…” Did the Viper have information that would have freed her? He blinks and blushes. “In… in all of them it has been poison and daggers. Every single article up to this last one…” He ducks his head, realizing that he must have look foolish with trying to solve the case just from reading the newspaper. “It just doesn’t fit his MO…” he said. “Hm…” Paul thinks fora moment. “You bring up some valid points. One thing is for sure, though. There are two to worry about: Viper… and this Fleur. Do be careful, John. They are highly dangerous even with what you suspect.” John jerks his head up, blinking at Paul. “I… I understand, Sir. Especially if my friend is right and Viper has… has lost himself to the Code.” He closes his notebook. “If this is something to try and set the Viper in a bad light… um, not that taking justice in your own hand is right…” He clears his throat. “He probably was thinking that it was, especially if I’m right about a leak in the Blades…” He blush this time. “Ah, I’m probably reading too much into the articles again. “Please be careful, Sir. If Pic…my friend is right and he has lost himself to the Code… then he might do something to see the next one that needs to be punish may go very wrong.” Paul put up his hands. “Woah, hold on. What was that about losing himself to the code? What code?” Paul pondered in his mind what this could be, but if John knew something about it, he would hear it. John blinks this time then smacks his forehead. Pick did say that Rogues weren’t really known outside La… was it right to tell Paul. “Um, that, um, what my friend said… that there’s a Code and…” “You’re ‘friend’, huh? Alright, I think I get the idea. I don’t think that the Viper operates with them or in their moral gray area. You mention something else: a leak in the Blades. The transferred officer?” John breath a sigh, though it did make him concern that Viper wasn’t part of the Rogues like Pick had been before he had to get away from the blood that stain his hands. “Um, yes… if the officer was killed that means he might have been leaking information to… to someone else. Either he was the leak to the Viper or… or the Viper found out that he was leaking information to someone else. Since he was the only one attack and poison then I… I think he might have been sending information.” “Valid concern,” Paul says with a nod again. “No doubt investigators are considering this. But I was taken off the case months ago, or rather, I’m focusing on other things. Again I urge you to be careful if you hear of him or his alleged accomplice.” “He also might not be the only leak. Someone has to be feeding information to Viper about the ones that do slip through the cracks. It could be an arresting officer on the cases…or one of the lawyers working with the city to put the criminals behind bars…” John trails off as remembering that one of the articles mention Sir Desmond wasn’t working the Viper case any longer. “I will be and I’ll try to get word to you if I hear anything, Sir.” He looks up at the sky, noticing the way the sun was hanging. “Ah, I’ve kept you long enough, Sir.” He places the book in his pack. “I should head out too. Warren will be expecting me to help out with healing at the Grindstone.” He bows to Paul. “Also, please be careful, Sir.” Paul makes a curious face. He was a perceptive one. He thought perhaps he’d keep an eye on him where possible. “And you, John. May the wind be on your back.” “May Thaliak’s wisdom guide your way.” John whistle for Safire, climbing onto the bird. Kit giggles. ‘If you ever need a healer, we’ll be glad to help,’ she said, waving her tiny hand at Paul. Paul looks at the fairy and makes a pain smile. He waves back, “Isn’t that nice…” he says softly. John is about to start off but notices the pain. “Sir… are you alright…” “I’ll be fine. Be careful, both of you.” “Kit’s right, Sir. If you need healing… I’ll be glad to help… um, you don’t have a reaction to aetherical healing do you?” Paul shakes his head. “That I do not.” John moves his chocobo over. He places his glove hand on Paul’s shoulder, feeling the vibration of his aether through his gloves. His aether gathers in his hand, letting it soak into Paul to ease not only the pain, but whatever wound he had. “It’s not much but this should help until you have someone check you over. It won’t do for you to go into a fight injury. I learnt that much from healing at the ‘Stone.” He gives a quick smile. “We’ll be fine. Take care.” Paul smiles and then gives John a two-finger salute. John pulls his hand back and makes Safire head for the gate of the Bazaar.

(ooc: Just a bit of a set up for John and Paul Desmond meeting tonight.) John enter his room in the Dusk. "Well, that went well," he said with a sigh, dropping the pack on his bed. He had been able to find the area but hadn't been able to get close to it with investigator still around the area. He wasn't even sure which one of them might have been Investigator Desmond. "I need to get this to Sir Paul." 'He could already know...' Kit said. Kit was probably right. He could have figure out there was another person there. 'But what if he doesn't realize.' It would not be the first time that he had told something and found out that it was already known. 'But how to get him to meet me.' "Mom said that the Adders had been offer his services to try and find me while I was being held by the Garleans," he mutter, reaching for some paper and his quill on his desk. "Maybe a letter of proper thanks will bring him by here." He wish that Pick had been here as he wrote, but the spirit was watching the site of the last death, to see if any amoung them might be acting out of character. Pick had been the one that had pointed out that some of the information seem to point to an insider, perhaps helping Viper when Justice did fail. To Investigator Desmond, My mother made mention the other night that you had offer to help find me while I was missing a month or so ago. I wish to convey my thanks for wishing to help. If there is a possibility for us to meet in person? John Waterstrike Son of House Waterstrike

A cool touch to his head and John open his eyes. "How long..." he ask, Kit fluttering infront of his face. 'About 10 minutes.' Kit said. "No, it was a quarter bell, little one." John look pass Kit to the figure sitting on the edge of his bed. Well, he would have been sitting if there was actually matter to him. He lifted the piece of wood, setting the knife...no, the dagger to it. "What was it this time?" "A chest of jewels," John whisper. He turn from his friend, picking up the paper. "You and the other Rogue didn't leave anyone alive, Pick." Pick sits the wood down and steeple his fingers in front of him. "We can't have you loosing yourself in my memories. They were ones that I was wanting to forget for a reason." He look over to John, frown as he saw John staring at the paper, the color having drain from her face. "John..." he said, the spirit slipping from the bed to come around to read. If he had still been alive, his own face would have probably pale as well. "Who the seven hells gave over bloodflowers?" "I've...I've been following the cases for...for a while," John said, eyes still going over the article. "Five dead...but there was the bloodflower..." John and Pick look at each other. "He's losing himself to the Code," the both said. Yet...yet something in the article was not right for John. Something about it...no, something with the MO. He sat straight up, forcing himself out of his bed. "John...John stop." "No, no, there more going on then the Viper getting revenge." John grab his stabb...his daggers, slipping them into his pack. "I have to get to Outer La Noscea. Sir Paul should be there to do the investigation..." "John, they probably already finish." "No, someone setting him up." At Pick's blank look. "The slash marks, even the poison fit his MO. They have always been part of his MO. Yet they said there was a bullet wound Ehvar's chest." Pick's eyes widen as he caught up to John. "Yes. A serial kill keeps the same MO...Viper has always kill with dagger and poison. He's never kill with a gun." "He could have... "No, he wants to face the person he's killing. Why...because he personal to him. A gun is long distance. It's so the person doesn't see it coming and it not personal. We have to let Sir Paul know that there was a someone else beside the Viper there."

John drop across the bed after the Grindstone, one of the last to arrive back at Dusk. His feet resting on the floor as he stares up at the ceiling. Kit yawn from where she was settle on the pillow at the head of the bed. 'Crazy...' she said. "Yeah...crazy," he agree. First Nazyl, with him almost killing a combatant. 'Why?' he ask himself. 'That goes against everything that Sir Nazyl stands for.' And it just seem to go down hill from there. He still felt that brush of Soaring's fist, knowing the kind of damage the hit would have done if he hadn't been on edge from what happen at the clinic. "I try so hard, Kit, to be respectful, to help where I can, and yet, so many time it's thrown back in my face." Add to the fact that some of Pick's personality had slip into his own right after the fight. He could handle it and he didn't want to put anymore concern on himself, not after showing up out of the blue when he left Zero Division. "It best they don't know. Howl would only have flash back to..." He sigh, sitting up in bed. "And Pick is still Pick so I know he won't hurt anyone." 'Something will have to be done about it.' Pick voice whisper, an old memory but it still felt like it could have been said in the room. Pushing aside thoughts of Pick and his memories floating around in his own. "I hope Lady Leih is about to talk her father into allowing her to get some training as an Arcanist." He could feel his cheek heat up. "Gods, the idiot she must think I am." He had blush and stutter around her. 'She cute.' He remove his robe and boots, slipping under the sheets, and letting his head sink into the pillow next to Kit. "Cute or not... it won't work out." Kit place a small hand on his cheek. "I love Howl. I want to be by his side...always." He holds up his glove hand to the ceiling. "I don't want him to be hurt like he's been with everyone else he's gave his heart to." He close his hand into a fist. Add on top of it his own ability... he would protect Howl, make sure that he finally finds happiness. Just as long as his best friend was happy, he would be happy too.

Brass Blades were call out to Lady Margret's Medical clinic after a drunk miner attack her son, who was tending to him and a midlander. Both had been brought in after they pair had started fighting with each other in one of the mining camp in Western Thanalan. It is unclear on what happen with young John, as he was still being seen too by Lady's Margret's student, Mimi. From what statement release by the Brass Blades, the son was knock out from a blow to his head, and as Lady Margret move to see to her son, the Highlander, Travis Firefist, still drunk, trip on a pack that had been drop when Master John was sent flying across the room. When Travis regain consciousness, he's alcohol soak brain must had still been adle as he told the arresting Blades on the way back to Ul'dah that a wild coeurl had attack him. Once he was sobbed his memories were of what happen had faded with the alcohol. He is being charge with assault and battery and drunk and disorderly conduct. Master John himself seem to have recover from the incident as he was last seen heading for Black Brush station later that evening.

John knew better then to lean over the highlander the moment the eyes flash open. One more lesson to file away, 'keep well away from unconscious fool who wake up still fighting' rules that he would need to restudy again or have Howl help him practice on. He head bloom with pain, stars dancing in his field of vision, his body was sailing through the air, and a white hot anger rush over him. 'No one touches Johny and gets away with it.' There is a flash of something in his eyes and he felt his body twist and darkness closed in on him. "John...gods John, son are you alright..." He could hear his Mom's voice as he blink at her, through the vibration of aether as he felt the healing spell she was using. He frown as he his body shift slightly upwards and then down, and then up, down. He look down, ears shooting up as he took in first the dagger in his hand, resting in his lap, and then under where he was sitting was the highlander, out cold from the blooming bruise that was coloring the side of the hyur's head. He look up, panic starting to show in his eyes. "He's alright, you just knock him out. I'm going to have Mimi take you into the next room while the Brass Blades see to these two." She point first to the one that was under him and then the midlander that was still out cold in the other bed. It didn't take long for him to scamper into one of the other rooms, Mimi right behind him. "That was great, Master Waterstrike," she said, finishing up the healing that his mom had first started on him. She notice he was shaking a little. "It's ok, I know you don't like fighting." "I don't want to do it again..." he whisper, though to her or himself, he isn't sure. Especially since he didn't know how he had done it as well. He look down at his shaking hands, remembering hearing Pick's voice before he black out. 'What have I done to myself when I touch Pick's memories?'

John dry off his hair, looking over to where Kit was fluttering over the paper. "What has you so interested in the paper, Kit?" 'Man in black.' Kit said, 'Some one hurt kids and he hurt them.' She flutter up on his shoulder as he let the damp towel hand around his neck. John pick up the paper, ears laying flat as he read over the article. He felt his hand shaking as he ready what had happen to the body then he saw the age of the little girl that was saved. She was only 5 years older the Joy. If he had somehow had gotten ahold of Joy, and he could already picture what would have happen when Aethertide had gotten done with him. John felt sick and he could feel the room closing in on him. 'He don' broke the code and he'd pay the price for it,' a familiar voice whisper behind him. He turn around but there was no one there. He swallow hard before looking back at the paper. "The Inspector must be glad that Eadwin isn't hurting anymore children but the brutality of the man's murder must be making him realize that the Viper is going down a dark road," John said. "Revenge is only going to lead to blood and death," he murmurred, sitting the paper down on the table again.

I'm ashamed that I was planning to sneak out from the house before any of them was aware that I had been there at the Dusk. I guess it was probably good that was more exhausted then I thought. Warren must have found my pack on the stairs when I came down. I'm not sure how long he had been there when he woke me. I guess, it was those moments when I could have lied but Warren probably would have saw through it so I told him the truth. The rumors among the guards, how I wasn't feeling as if I wasn't doing any good, and that I no longer felt like I was connecting with any of them. Even now, it still hurts, knowing that I fail in something I wanted to do, something that my sister has done for Eorzea. I stay there for the rest of that night into late afternoon before I finally slip back to Ul'dah with my tail between my legs. Sam was there when I walk into the home and I admit I wasn't sure why he was there, til I saw the transfer papers in his hand. Thaliak's grace, he tried not to look it but I could see the 'I told you so' in his eyes. I'm not sure how long I cried again how many more tears I will shed before the hurting stops. At least being in Ul'dah full time with allow me to check in on Joy more. I've been wanting to work with her math skill a little more. It was also good to be back in the clinic more now, though today was and 'odd' day. A couple of miners decided to brag over drinks and that lead to a fist fight, which lead to them being ship off to our clinic. I probably shouldn't have been standing over the highlander when he woke up because his fist ended up meeting my head. I remember a wave of anger, Pick's voice in my head, and then Mom was looking at me with concern as she was healing the knot on my head. I look down trying to figure out why the ground was moving under me and I was startle to find the highlander out cold and that I was sitting on top of him, one of my daggers in my hand. I panic and was hiding when the Brass Blade came to haul the highlander off. Mom gave a full statement, and omitted how I used the handle of the dagger to knock him out. I'm not sure what is happening to me but it seems to have started since I used Pick's memories to not be John when I attend Khyran's trial. Maybe it just stress still playing havoc with me, especially with how I got back to Ul'dah after I went to the meeting last night. I'm not going to mention what happen at the clinic to Warren and the others. They would worry over something that has been clear up already.

He arrived in Ul'dah, staring out of the opening of the plaza, eyes dull, and half lidded. John was physical, emotional, and mental drain, yet he could feel tears welling up into his eyes. It hurt, admitting defeat, when you try so hard to make it work, to try and find your place. He started for the stairs, only to freeze as he thought about their reaction to the sight of him. They would be upset and he was sure that they would call Sam. Sam, who would come to make sure he was ok, and give him 'I told you so' look. He couldn't face that, not when he could feel himself near the breaking point. 'Quiet...I...we need somewhere quiet...' he though dully. Howl had said to stop by but it was late and... he reach for the aetherite teleporting to the 4 ward. He didn't even remember making it to plot 17 but the small house look nice, looked inviting, and he was opening the door stepping inside. The room felt warm and alive and 'like home.' he thought, feeling his knees buckle under him. He curl in on himself, fighting back the sobs that were trying to break free, feeling bits of himself starting to shatter under the stress that had been building for far too long. He struggle to his feet, stumbling over to the stairs that lead to the basement, and lost his pack somewhere on one of the steps. John notice the female and male Auri, who look a little startle at him being there. "Please...don't tell them..." he says though his tears. "I...just need a place...I'll be gone by morning..." The male nods to the couches and John drops onto one. John curl around Kit's book, protecting her, even as he shatter. He drift asleep even as tears ran down his face.

Once the guard had taken the Jacket the boy had handle soundly, he had slip away, before any could thank him, even though he had been one of the loud ones calling for blood. He made it far enough that aetherical travel could not be seen from Lisma court. He arrive at Blackbrush station, mixing quickly with the other adventurers and trades men/women. He grab a bucket, dipping to fill it from the water trough that the Chocobos drank from. He slip into the brushes, washing the dye out as quickly as he could, washing the tears to ran down his face, the stench as his stomach lost what little he had eaten. He could never wash away what he said about his friend, the blood he call for, even as he try to help and keep his family name out of the trial business. It took him a moment to wrap the daggers, hiding them back into the robe after he pull in back on. He had already free his tail from where he had bind it with ropes, hiding the hat he had used to hide his ears in the pack. He wish he had time to completely wash the black dye from his hair and to change robes. He could only hope that none would be the wiser and connect him to 'him'. John arrive late to the Stone, quickly hiding the daggers in his pack, and pulling out Kit's book, telling her in whispers not to speak about what had happen at the trial. He push away the memories of the trail, what he had said to the Jacket guarding the door so that he would be ignore. He pushed away the memories of the weight of the dagger as it easily slips from it's hiding place, to cut the bowstring when the Jacket had try to kill Fabebe when the verdict clear her and Khyran of the charges. He pushed away the turning in his stomach as he realize that if he hadn't turn the dagger to the handle, he could have easily kill the man. He wanted to be sick again as Khyran's exhausted voice came over the Pearl, reminding him that he had to keep playing the part or the concern but in the dark friend. That 'John' had been in Ul'dah and did not know that Khyran and Fabebe had almost died at Khy's own brother's hand. He hated himself for what he had to do in the name of family.

Robe was laid out, his daggers already hidden in the pocket. John glance at the mirror, frowning a the 'black' hair that sat on his head. He pick up the hat, pulling it low over his eyes, the puffiness able to hide his ears from view. He pick up the rope, using it to tie his tail to his left leg before slipping the pants on. Before reaching for the robe, his eyes glance to the paper, rereading the article about the Masked Vigilante. Maybe...maybe after this was over with and Khyran had been found not guilt/freed by those of Aethertide, he would speak with Sir Desmond. "Maybe my ability would give him a better idea on why the Viper has started helping criminals in escaping from the law." He wince a little, eyes flickering over to the dark robe he was about to pull on. Readying himself to 'help' free a friend that may be a wanted criminal as well.

The aetheric shadow pass by the last of the Yellow Jackets, slipping into the sun, and disappearing into the crowd. Once the shadow had found a shadow to hide in, the aether around it drop, revealing a green/yellow hair seawolf. She remain in the shadow, staring at the unbloody dagger in her hand, and thinking over what new information she had learned. Riven had been right, about finding him what Khyran wanted and yet, she had not been able to give him peace. The thin man had not known what he had wanted once he realize what she was truely ask him. "Looka like you got a bit on ye mind," Jacke said, lips flickering into a smile as she jump. "Ah, ya stabbers aren't bloody." "Ah, Uncle Jacke," Kest said. "He doesn't know what he wants." "Ifna he broke the code..." "Ah know, he needs ta pay." Kestlona hides her daggers. "He wants peace but he doesn't know how he wants it." "Ye said his name is Khyran Oisin?" He watch Kest nod. "Name sound familiar, though Ah don't know whata code he coulda have broken." Kestlona sigh. "Well, in a few bells, he either be pay the code or he be clear of it." She push away from the shadow. "Ah be needing to report this. Then, Ah think Ah be paying a visit to his group." She turn back to the shadow. "Sorry for pulling..." and the blond rouge was gone. She shakes her head. "Ye never change, Uncle Jacke." She arrive at Ul'dah, stopping long enough to leave a quick note to Riven about what had taken place in the cell and that she had not been able to give the man peace as he didn't know if he wanted it of not. Next was to ride up to the place that her old Captain's friend had been going to. Cutting through Central into riding east. She made her way up to the Golden Bazaarr, not as Lona, not as Kest, but by her Dagger Unit name...Slipstream.

Just a quick update. Circle of Healing is no longer active and has been disbanded.

John felt a small hand touch his shoulder and he stuggle to open his eyes. "mimi..." he murmur as he turn his head to his Mom's student. The Lalafell help him sit up, placing a pillow behind him. He could see a tray sitting on his nightstand, with a lite broth and water sitting on the tray. "you didn't...have to..." Mimi climb up on the bed, taking the bowl, and helping him eat. "Mistress Waterstrike is still furious about what happen." She place the bowl on the tray before allowing him to sip some water. "She also concern with the lost of memories over what cause it." "I'll...speak with... Khyran and...Sir Connor..." John closed his eyes for a moment then smile as the Lalafell handed the paper to him. "Thank... Lady Mimi..." "Please get some more rest, Master John." She pets his glove hand, not noticing the slight flinch from John. She took the tray and left the room. John eyes landed on the latest article about the Warner. His eyes narrow a bit. "Dad is going to wish... that he firebomb them." That was one thing he knew about his family, they would not sit by if they knew a child was in need for help. He closed his eyes offering a prayer to Thaliak for the little girl. "Onryo?" It was a name he hadn't heard of before. "Whoever this is...though he's doing good work...there is still a risk that... he will take more of...the law into his hand." He hope that Inspector Desmond was able to catch this person before something true tragic happen.

*giggles* Had a lot of fun and poor John can't get out of bed because he dance so much. Hope Sei didn't kill Warren too hard last night. Would come to this again. Will be posting up some of the screenshots I got soonish. **** In coming photo drop. I swear I took more then this but I guess the game (or me not hitting printscreen hard enough) didn't take them. *cries over the missing Howl/John dancing screenshot* *standing next to THE KING, watching Howl and Aya dance* *Better shot of THE KING, speaking with Chachan* *THE KING, Aya, and Howl dancing. My new background for my laptop* *Another shot of THE KING, Howl, and Aya* *Shot of John and Aya dancing*

I haven't written in this for a while, not for lack of trying. Has it really been two weeks now, since the Garleans kidnapped us? I try to bury the memories of what happen but they still well up in my dreams. It still hurts that they took Kit even though I have her back now. I hear her scream sometimes while she 'sleeps', dreams of her being trap in her book, and it makes me fear for her even more. Dad, he was not happy when I came too and he found out why I and the others were kidnapped. The room grew so cold from his anger, and he has been wanting me to leave the group and not risk myself again. I want to keep helping to continue my research into White Magic. There is so much I wish to do for Eozera but how much of myself am I willing to lose, especially with Titor's *the words are scratched out but the words addiction and Ceruleum could just be made out*. I'm not sure how to help him or if I have the strength to do so. The work with Khyran and Aethertide has help to distracted me from what has happen. I'm still preparing the rights for Sir Connor's father and Lady Amaya will be offering prayer to the spirits so I hope that his soul finds peace even after what he did because of his grief. I can only hope that this will bring peace to Sir Connor as well. I made sure to leave the paint supply and ink & quill set for the little one with Khyran. I plan on stopping by later this week to see how well she remembers her letters and numbers. Perhaps Ser Bride will have been able to express her feeling to Khyran as well, since she adores him so. Gindstone was last night but I was running late because of the branch meeting with Aethertide. I heal for Aoi at the Wash area and it went very well. But my greatest joy was finding Howl at the Stone. It has been so long since I have seen him but I understand that we both our have been busy of late. I'm just glad that he was there, even if. He asked me if the danger I had felt had come to pass. I knew I could lie to him, as I'm sure Warren had seen the paper about the kidnapping and would have told him. He was anger because I had promise to call for help and I did not. I told him that they didn't give me quarters to call before they were on me. I wasn't going to say anything more, mostly because I didn't want to remember but he ask and I can not say no. I buried my face into his neck in much the same way that Kit had buried her own into my neck. I spill everything about the fight and then, and then I had to tell him about them taking Kit from me. I wanted to cry, to scream, but I couldn't. Not there, not when it would attracted attention away from the combatants and on to me. I also didn't want Howl to become more angry then he was. I told him to I wanted to better at protecting myself so I wouldn't have to face something like that again. He said that I wasn't alone and that I didn't have to face it on my own. It was very much what Khyran told me after the fight with Sir Connor's father and the group he had gather. I will try to believe it from now on. (ooc: for those that wish to read the Kidnappings and Rescue RP. I'll post the links for the Kidnappings here and The Rescue here.)

So rewards came in. Haven't done the barding or the new minon yet but here is the Outfit. Think this might become John's 'I'm not having to deal with royalist at the moment so I can relax' outfit.

(Part of a monthly challenge on Aethertide's site. This month is "Please Don't Go!" and this is what I wrote for it. Set about a few days before and after the Battle of Carteneau.) "Please don't Go..." she heard just before a not so little blue and purple hair Miqo'te grab onto her. "Please... don't go to war, Tanya." The miqo'te held on tighter, burying his face to hide his tears from the rest of her 'crew' as Pick like to call themselves. 'Though crew wasn't right,' she thought, looking to the empty spot that would have had Micky on his chocobo. 'A month now since we lost him and all of us still feel that aching lost... especially John.' "Oh, little brother...John, I wish I didn't have to go either..." she said, looking up at her parents, as she wrap her arms around the miqo'te. She could feel the others acting like they weren't listening in but she knew they were. "But we have to try and stop what is about to happen..." Though looking up at the red moon, hanging so, so very close, she wonder if this was the last battle for any of them. "Then take me with you..." "I can't do that, John," she said, burying her face into his hair. "You don't have the training." Yet her own thoughts were more on how she couldn't bare the future if something happen to him. 'You have so much ahead of you,' she thought. 'It's why I have to go...so you can see that bright, bright future that's ahead of you.' "Johny," Pick voice, calm and soft, their brains of the group. He was the only one that had pick a nickname for her brother. "We'll make sure to come back...all of us." "You promise." "Of course." Bless Pick, even if they thought it was a lie. She then reach out, 'touching' that part of herself that John held, a part of her aether that she had used to bring him back from the edge when that damnable hearer made her sick brother think that the world didn't need him and his curse/blessing. She felt him finally let go and their dad finally drew him away, allowing her to mounted Ruth. She took in the sight, all of Ul'dah come to say goodbye to those soldiers that were going off to Carteneau. She only hope that Pick's words have a ring of truth to it. ***** "PLEASE DON'T GO!" John scream, clutching onto the bloody form of his sister's body. The pain in his chest, where his sister's aether had been only became more painful. One glove hand closed on the crack sunstone chocker, even as he let his head bury itself into the bloody robes. "You promise...Pick promise. PLEASE COME BACK!" All he was meet with was a good body and his parents and the others in grief. She couldn't be dead...she promise to come back. He could bring her back. She would come back if she felt his aether. It was slow at first, pouring his aether into his sister's body...no into his sister. John's world narrow down to just the vibration of his own aether flowing outward and into her body. His arms shook and his heart falter as he pour more of his aether. "please...come bac..." He wobble before falling over onto his side. Everything was so far away, so distant, and there was a darkness creeping up along the edge of his vision. "John...Oh gods... he's going to..." Different voices and then distant feel of hands try to pull him away. He tried to fight, he was so close...so very close... and the clasp of the chocker gave way and he was finally pull from his sister. Warm arms wrap around his cold body, his mom voice whispering far away. His dad was knelling over him but he couldn't make out the words. He could see the others ring around him as if they were keeping the darkness that was roaring up into his vision from taking him. He saw her, standing outside the circle, looking sad. Her red hair blowing in an unseen breeze. 'Tanya...' 'You can't go with me, little brother.' 'Stay...' 'I can't stay either. Live, John, live for me.' She began to turn even as he felt aether flowing back into him. 'Don't go...please...' But she was gone, disappearing into the light as the darkness won it's battle and wrap around him. 'don't g...sist...' He slip from the waking world, his Dad's sleep spell allowing him to slip into a healing sleep.

John Waterstrike step into the Quicksand, small box in his hand. Beside the blue and purple hair miqo'te was a taller dark hair hyur. "Really, John, you seem to investing a lot of yourself into this Joy," he said, removing his Captain jacket and draping it over his arm. His eyes roam over the bar area, taking in the area, and noticing that there might have been some trouble. "Sam," John said, giving the hyur a side glance, "Joy has no one but Sir Khyran and his group. Though I wish mom hadn't taken an interest in her. Why would a 6 year old need a Rainbow dress? It's not practical for where she's staying at." He gave Warren a smile, setting the box down. "Lady Momodi, can I please have a glass of water?" He watch Sam take a seat, asking for a beer. "Lady Momodi, were you able to get those learning quill for me." "Of course, John," she said, reaching under the bar and bring out two boxes. She pass them over, as well as the glass of water and beer. He gave a smile before packing them into the other box which contain smaller pots of what look like paint.

(Wish I could have caught you Paul to do some rp, hopefully we can do something now that John is back.) Waterstrike Heir Has Been Found! It was much joy and tears that young John was brought back to his home by his father. Lord Waterstrike step off the airship with the large force of guards, carrying the battered and blood form of his son in his arms. It was with much relief that Lord Waterstrike comfirm that he was alive though not whole. When asked what had happen, Lord Thomas admitted that it was not he and his guards that had retrieve him. "A small unit of Flame personal receive information on John's whereabouts. The brave unit slip into the Castrum that he and several others were being held in. Several of the personal was injured in the raid." When asked who the unit was, Lord Thomas would only say that they were just brave men and women that only wish to help where they could. The guards then usher him and his injured son out of the airship landing. When inquires were made to the Flames about who was part of the raid on the castrum, the officers in charge only look confused and said they would inquire with all the units to find out. This just seems to leave more question then answers. If the Flames did not know about the unit that raided the castrum to then who was these Flames that took the matter into their own hands? Why was the young lord taken by the Garleans in the first place if it was not to use as a ransom to Lord Thomas? Who was the others that were also taken and why were they not reported missing as well? And until the young lord has recover from his injuries, they may remain unanswer.