[center][h2][img]http://static.tumblr.com/63091e3c3cd7b7b0ac395241b024de2a/crdbhpl/ltlnttru2/tumblr_static_an530yv09wwsow88oc844k40s.gif[/img][color=f6989d]Rikka + Oliver - Joseph + Gris[/color][img]http://static.tumblr.com/63091e3c3cd7b7b0ac395241b024de2a/crdbhpl/ltlnttru2/tumblr_static_an530yv09wwsow88oc844k40s.gif[/img][/h2][/center]

Gris rolled over from the position Geko had deposited him in, head ringing from the impact.  He gingerly felt his neck, checking for any damage but it appeared he had been lucky.  The landing hadn’t snapped his neck like a twig.  Hands sliding up to his skull, pushing in through the thick hair, he tested his skull for the same.  Nothing felt loose.  The big man’s attention was suddenly drawn by the motion of Geko falling over from another person’s assault.  With his hands already in the waistband of his shorts Gris looked to Joseph for guidance.

Joseph laughed as Geko was so easily dispatched by the new arrivals, yet at the same time wondered how he’d taken Gris’s full impact only moment earlier without the same effect. Catching the eyes of his partner he shook his head.  The duel was over, no reason for Gris to honour the deal now.  Turning his attention back to the new arrivals he watched as the estate was opened up and its luxurious interior revealed.

[color=ADFF2F]“Come Gris.”[/color] he called out, before turning his head towards Rikka and Oliver in a move that lacked any subtlety, [color=ADFF2F]“Let us leave the chaff behind and join those of our standing.  We should be the first to enter after all.”[/color]  He took off towards the open doors at a quick pace.  As Gris followed him past Geko’s fallen body the man paused to look down, contemplating revenge.  A sharp call from Jo, who had paused just ahead, stopped any of that.

[color=BC8F8F]“The chaff?”[/color] Rikka glanced back at her partner, [color=BC8F8F]“Antoine, be a doll and tell me where you see the trash?”[/color] She glared back at Joseph and snapped her fingers at Oliver. Rikka crossed her arms and shifted her weight onto one leg. Whenever she was given a chance to insult someone or show off, she would never back down. The “princess” twirled strands of her hair and looked back at Oliver, silently urging him to do something.

Feeling like he was needed, Oliver glanced up as he knew what she was up to. Feeling a bit amused, he decided to humor her. He tugged his mask down, exposing his face, [color=82ca9d]“It seems to be walking away from us.”[/color] Oliver used Rikka’s shoulder to rest his elbow on, [color=82ca9d]“Shall we leave, princess?”[/color] Rikka was relieved that he played along, but didn’t enjoy the direct contact without her approval. Instead of lashing out directly in front of everyone, Rikka gently pushed his elbow off and wrapped an arm around his arm.

[color=BC8F8F]“I really don’t enjoy the view here.”[/color] Rikka subconsciously pulled her gold ring off her hand and attempted to slip it onto Oliver’s hand. His hand was too big for the bracelet, she tugged on his hair and hooked the gold bracelet onto his antlers made of branches. As the duo passed Joseph and Gris, Rikka tilted her head and scrunched up her facial features at them, [color=BC8F8F]“Have you taken a bath yet? You two...hmph.”[/color]

The pair’s turning of his insult was a clever move, but even internally Jo refused to acknowledge that.  Their little touchiness afterwards betrayed a gap between them though nothing leapt to mind that he could use.  [color=ADFF2F]“Perhaps Gris,”[/color] he began, [color=ADFF2F]“We should allow the princess of rags and the boy who plays in the dirt to lead us in.  It will only make our entrance all the more noticeable by the difference in class.”[/color]

As they passed by Gris gestured slightly, using a slight touch of his power.  A few strands of Oliver’s hair lifted up and pulled the ring off his antler before tossing it behind him. Gris’s arm snapped out and scooped up the bracelet, depositing it in his pocket.  Joseph couldn’t help but crack a small smile at the robbery.

As they entered the estate Joseph’s eyes were immediately drawn to the pools that flanked the walkway on either side.  Who needed a bath indeed?

Rikka tucked her strawberry blonde hair behind her ear and dropped her arms. She was bored of the antlered boy. Oliver pulled the surgeon mask above his mouth and heaved a sigh. Oliver felt like she was being difficult and could not be reasoned with. He twitched a bit and felt something graze his head. Instinctively, he tried to grab the gold ring. Feeling it’s absence, Oliver nudged Rikka’s elbow. The young lady narrowed her eyes at her partner and glanced up at his silver hair. In a flurry of emotions, she realized that the gold ring was gone. In a condescending tone, she glared back at the two men, [color=BC8F8F]“Where did my gold ring go?”[/color]

As Jo and Gris continued their path into the party the former led them so they would pass close by to the other pair.  In an unfortunate turn of events Rikka turned her attention back towards them before he could complete his manoeuvre, an angry look on her face.  A revisal of plans was required.  Reaching into Gris’s pocket Jo removed the stolen bracelet and held it up.  [color=ADFF2F]“This one?  Oh it went …”[/color] and he tossed it over their heads to splash down in the pool beside them.  As it did Gris stepped forward and gave Rikka a gentle shove, enough to send her tumbling towards the pool.

Rikka felt her spine curve as Gris pushed her towards the pool. Her heels skidded on the pathway as she tried to spin backwards to land on her hands. Oliver reached out to grasp her fingers, desperately trying to grab her before she fell into the water. Rikka suddenly felt like she was being submerged into water. Her vision rippled as she sunk back and she quickly dropped to the floor. Oliver stood by her feet, watching Rikka’s confusion spread across her face. Her face reflected feeling lost and unable to do anything. Oliver was slightly less confused, he was able to figure out that the Asylum was able to transport the group to a different field.

The young man knelt down and held out a hand for Rikka to take and sit up. He stood up from the squat and pulled the girl up. Rikka dropped his hand and began to wrap her hair over her left shoulder. As the man began to introduce himself and the plane of space they were in, the girl began to braid her hair and comb through the strands. Angel explained that the void was the line between two consciousness. The scenery around them shifted and turned into bookshelves and candles. Suddenly, Rikka felt more relaxed, almost like she felt right at home.

Having been watching in great anticipation as RIkka began falling towards the water, the sudden change in scenery was a disappointment to Joseph.  The pools and party had disappeared, replaced by a much more boring environment.  Still standing near to the woman Joseph glanced over, and was further annoyed by how comfortable Rikka looked amongst the books.  At least her attention had been distracted from Gris’s shove.  Pushing the thoughts away he focussed on Angel and Rena, business called. Gris, caring little for what was being said, began pulling down books and flicking through them.

Without any warning, the Chrono beside him spoke up with news about the deaths of the Delacours. The man heaved a sigh and spoke on to confirm the casualties. Another Bloodline has been eliminated. Oddly enough, he began to complain about the amount of paperwork that was needed to be completed, [color=82ca9d]“So..we are preventing blood loss so you wouldn’t have to fill out paperwork?”[/color] Oliver shrugged it off, [color=82ca9d]“Fair enough.”[/color]

[color=ADFF2F]“A history written in blood.”[/color] Joseph snorted.  Cade wanted vengeance and Joseph wasn’t against the path he proposed.  He could do with the chance to release some tension.  Gris’s head spun around as a ripple passed through the void, including the book in his hands.  He casually placed one hand against the bookcase beside he and Jo, just in case the intensity of the shaking grew.  

As Cade continued speaking Joseph realised he may have misinterpreted the man’s earlier words.  It appeared blood was the last thing he wanted spilt.  How did he intend to stop the assassins then?  Perhaps a nice big hug from his filled up insides.  He’d have a new hollow in his heart if he tried that.  Rather than speaking up himself he let a smile come to his lips and watched the flow of emotions, studying how everyone reacted.  Was Angel being careless with these secrets he was spouting, or did he not care?

Anger, indifference, amusement.  Old wounds revealed, not even close to scabbing over.  A stark statement of rejection.  AMRO was no better than the squabbling Bloodlines in this moment.  His attention turned to Angel.  The man was doing little to inspire any loyalty among his soldiers, nor even trying to show a shred of sympathy.  And Samad, in this moment at least, was little different.  Trapped with a man he would prefer dead and making no secret of it.  What a family. 

Rikka glanced up at the ceiling and crossed her arms, leaning to one side of her body. She twisted her hand to face herself and pretend that she was interested in her nails, [color=BC8F8F]“Can’t even handle heights?”[/color] She scoffed as the doctor fell to his knees.