Getting Adjusted

[Kegan]

I have no idea why I am even here. This thought echoed in Kegan's mind as he walked toward the large building, so far from his home. He had thought about turning around several times, wishing he never received the invitation. How did they even know where to find me? Kegan reached the building, pulling his hood further down over his face.

He followed the instructing on the paper, making his way to the office. It wreaks of humanoids. I don't like it here at all already. He had his bag over his shoulder, and he had to shift it just a bit as he opened the door.

He spoke, his tone serious not an ounce of cheer in any word. "My name Is Kegan Dwyre. I am here for my room assignment."

"Ah yes... you will be rooming with Roy Atenwood. The room number is on this paper, along with a map of our facility. Welcome Kegan. We are happy to have you here."

Yeah... sure you are. He took the slip of paper along with the map and made his way to his new room. I'd be much happier if I could be in my forest right now. Why couldn't I have just stayed where I was? Why did I even bother to show up?


He remembered what the letter had said, and even more so, the mysterious way in which it had come to him. He had set up camp, and a squirrel has dropped the letter in his lap. He had opened it up, and read it:

Dear Kegan Dwyre,

It has come to our attention that you
are a very talented youth. We would be
honored if you would attend our school,
as a student of your caliber would be a
most welcome edition. Please come to
our facility and see for yourself. A map
is included.

He had done as the letter instructed, and now he was here, standing in front of a door to his new living space for the next... well... however long he decided he would be staying. He opened up the door, one thought entering his mind. Maybe my "room mate" wont be here, and I can be alone.

[Roy Atenwood]

"You must be Kegan......I'm Roy." Roy let out with a small sigh. He was in quite a bit of pain. Instead of his usaul jeans and t-shirt, he wore the traditional Inoan Warrior garb that he had carried with him to the Academy.

He held his side as he walked, drained of most of his mana energy, toward the white haried young man.

I must look like a freak.....heh. I'm bleeding from a wound in my side.....my hands are smoking, and I'm dressed like an Anime reject. Fun stuff.

The blood from his side had covered his left hand, and his right hand would probably burn this guy, since it was so damn hot still, that he merely said, "Welome to Arcane Academy. I hope you don't mind my elementals, they're back at the dorm right now, but they can be annoying. I'd shake your hand, but I don't want to burn you." Roy held his hand up, to show that it was still smoking lightly.

"So, where are you from?"

[Kegan]

Kegan looked at Roy, but a smile didn't form. He was not the trusting type, and he wasn't exactly thrilled to be sharing a room with anyone. But, then again, this boy didn't know about his curse, and had no real reason to judge Kegan. The half-elf seemed friendly and cheery, which was a huge contrast to Kegan's outer shell. He Was glad the boy couldn't shake his hand... Kegan wasn't about to take it even if it had not been burning.

It turns out he had been expected. He nodded to him as he made his way into the room. Kegan wasn't here to make friends. He still didn't even know what he would be doing now that he was here. He took his bag off his shoulder, and let it hit the floor. All he had was a spare cloak, and a bundle of extra clothes. He was a simple person, not needing lavish things. The basics was all he had needed for his whole life, and he never sought to gain any more than that.

The half elf was apparently curious, but Kegan wasn't the chatty type. Still, he wasn't rude, and so he answered the boy. "I live in the forest several miles from this school." That was all he said. Short, and to the point. This would keep him from having to hold any kind of conversation with the boy.

[Roy Atenwood]

Well, as Roy went to open the door, misfortune struck. Someone had called out his name in Inoa......his name was a curse upon her lips as her body shifted to that of a demon's.

Roy held his head in both hands and screamed, as a bolt of pain shot through him.

"NO!!! DAMNIT!", Roy screamed at the top of his lungs, and went down to his knees.

Another person had been changed into a minoin of Melzas. This time, it was Nadia, a girl Roy had thought of as a sister.

Damnit.....you were supposed to wear Nava's Amulet.....damnit...

Roy tried hard to catch his breath, hoping he haddn't accidentaly projected his thoughts again. He wanted to hide this from the new guy, Kegan.

He slammed his fist against the wall, and screamed again. This time it was an inarticulate sound, comprised of pain, anger, and hatred.

[Kegan]

Kegan's eyes grew wide as he watched the half elf drop to the ground. Something was wrong. He could almost feel the pain as it was that evident. Kegan was a sympathetic soul. Although he still had no intention of making friends, his hear was telling him to help someone in need.

The boy's screams of agony were almost too much for Kegan's sensitive ears. He dropped down beside the boy, a more sympathetic look on his face than the one he used to greet Roy with. "What is wrong? Why are you suddenly in pain?" If he could help, he would. Roy appeared to be weaker than Kegan, and he always helped the weak, even if they were humanoid. If he could help to protect someone, he would do it. He would not let someone go through what he had. No one deserved that.

If Roy was in trouble, and it was something he coudln't handle, Kegan would help. Had he not been here and seen the pain with his own eyes, he might not have been so willing to help. But, the pain was to much for him to let the half-elf bear alone.

[Roy Atenwood]

Nadia...can you hear me? I'm reaching out.....LISTEN TO ME!

Roy...big brother? This.....it's your fault. The demon says the amulet let him do this to me.....I hate you.

The pain increased, and Roy screamed again, unaware of Kegan's concern. He heard the young woman's voice, as if she were speaking in his ear, and for a time, her pain was his.

Then, it stopped. The voice was silent.

Roy tried to stand up, and fell to his knees again. Silent tears slid slowly down his face. The girl he had called little sister for a year and a half was gone.

He slammed his fist against the wall, and screamed once more.

[Kegan]

Kegan could see that Roy's pain had sharply increased. It was the worst kind to. Kegan had dealt with physical pain, and was no stranger to the emotional pain of loss. What this boy was going through seemed to tear him apart from the inside, and Kegan somewhat regretted the way he had treated the boy. He had reasons for the way he viewed things, and he still didn't trust Roy. But, he hated to watch someone in that much pain. He knew that humans and the like were creatures, just as were the animals he bonded with at home in the forest. Right now, Roy needed help, and Kegan was the only one around.

"Roy, what is the matter? What happened?" is tone was softer that before, but still had a bit of an edge to it. He was having an internal struggle, though nothing compared to the skinny half-elf. He was torn between his sympathetic nature, and his lack of trust to all things human. In the end, his heart told him to help. If nothing else, help him right now, as he needs it.

He was still kneeling beside the boy. "We need to get you to the room. You need to rest." He helped the boy to his feet, and began to walk with him toward their room. I still don't trust him, but he is being tormented by someone, or something. I can't watch him remain in pain. Something needs to be done.

[Roy Atenwood]

"I'm fine......it's somebody else who got hurt...she....she's dead."

Roy stood, his side still bleeding, but his plams had finaly stopped smoking. Only a small consolation in the grand scheme of his life, really. This was something he had never felt before, however. He had seen people he considered family die before, but the pain he had felt was a bond between telepaths, and as it broke, she had contacted him.

She had come to hate him in her final moments.

"I'm fine. Sorry about that."

[Kegan]

Somebody just died? How could he have known? There are powers that even I am unaware of. Kegan had seen much, but never someone who could sense when another had perished. He made a mental note of it, perhaps he would ask Roy later. Right now, he wanted to get to the bottom of this. He stood with Roy, but refused to let him off with a simple "I'm fine. Someone was just killed, and only Roy knew what had caused this to happen.

"Roy, I am far from blind or deaf. Don't tell me you are fine. You may be now, but something was tearing you apart a moment ago. I will help you, as whatever this is seems to be too much for you." Though it came out gruff, it was not meant as an insult. It was true... Kegan was stronger than the boy. He knew that Roy would attempt to face this thing by himself, possibly getting himself killed in the process. There was no way Kegan would allow him to do something so foolish.

"You can't face whatever this thing is alone. Even you must know you are not strong enough. But, I can tell you would be willing to sacrifice yourself for others." Kegan looked away, but continued to speak. "I am going to go with you. This does not mean I am your friend." He looked over his shoulder at Roy. "Get some rest. We'll go as soon as you are ready."

[Roy Atenwood]

"There is no We here. This is my problem, and nobody else is going to bear my burden!" Roy nearly yelled at Kegan. He diddn't want him getting hurt. Melzas would enjoy killing this tortured soul, and he would relish Roy's pain. He could almost hear the demon laughing at Nadia's death, and the pain it brought Roy.

"Look, let me go back to my temporary dorm and grab my stuff, when I get back, I'll tell you why I can't let anyone help me."

Roy walked off, thinking to himself, and trying hard not to project. He accidentaly projected several words, however.

Nadia.......how did Melzas kill you? Who's going to be next, Melzas!? I know you hear my thoughts, damnit! I CAN HEAR YOU LAUGHING!

Kegan would hear several words, tohuhg he wouldn't hear the entire thought. All he would hear were the words "Nadia.......Melzas....damnit!"

[Kegan]

The thoughts rang in his head, Roy's voice piercing his mind. He is a telepath... that is how he knew. Then, that means he could... I need to keep my mind guarded as well here.

Kegan chased after his roommate catching up to him relatively quickly, his speed betraying his human appearance. "Roy!" He grabbed the boy's shoulder and spun him around. "Listen to me. I have seen enough suffering in my life. I am no stranger to pain, fear or brutality." He opened his cloak, revealing himself for the first time.

The scar in the middle of his chest was one of his most prominent features. His body was thin, but well toned. His eyes shone with an unnatural light, though it might have appeared to be some external light source reflecting for but a moment there. "If you do this alone, you will die, and it will solve nothing. You are not going alone. This was not an offer... I wasn't asking to come along, I was telling you. If you leave without me, I will track you down." His eyes flashed yellow, then back to brown.

"If I have to do that, then in the end, you will have to deal with me. Get what you need, take your rest, then we move. nd of discussion." He walked back to his bag, turning before he entered their current dorm. "Don't make me hunt you down." With that, he opened the door, and entered the common area of the dorm. He found an empty room, and claimed it as his own. He is in over his head. Why do I even care? He is almost human... and humans can't be trusted. But... something about him... he needs help. He won't accept it, but he needs it. I got his scent. If I have to, I'll find him. But, I doubt he'll leave me behind. Not after what I just said to him.

He removed his cloak, dropping it on the barren bed. He looked in the mirror at himself, and ran his hand over his scar. That battle had been fierce, the hardest opponent he ever had to fight. He closed his eyes, letting the memory wash over him.

::Flashback::

The day had been cold, and Kegan was crouched by the fire he had made. He heard the scream to his right, and took off toward the source. There she was... a frail girl frightened out of her mind. In front of her was a large man, a lustful look to him. He advanced toward the girl, his intentions obvious.

"No... please!"

"I love it when they scream... gets me excited."

Kegan climbed the tree he was using as cover with blinding speed. He took to one of the branches, and jumped down, landing between the girl and her attacker. "You have disturbed me in my home. Leave here now."

The man only drew his sword. With a forceful swing, he had managed to cut Kegan. The man swung again, and landed the second swing. That was enough for him. His eyes flashed, and he transformed. The fur grew, and his teeth sharpened. His claws jutted from his fingers. He turned to the attacker, the man a bit shocked, but ready to fight.

Back and forth they exchanged blows. Neither one seemed to want to give as they performed a the dangerous dance of a death-match. However, Kegan was faster. As the man came in, he lunged, his clawed hand gripping the throat of his opponent. He tightened his grip, causing the man to have extreme difficulty breathing. He dropped his sword, and grabbed the lycanthrope's hands, trying to pry them from his neck. Kegan only smiled, his lip curling in a snarl on his snout. He puled the man close to his face, speaking in a voice that was more like a growl. The words were clear though.

"Now you die." With that, he separated his hands, ripping the man's throat to pieces. He transformed back, the fur receding, and the teeth and claws shrinking. He turned and approached the woman. "You are safe now."

"Get away from me! You... monster!" The woman fled, and Kegan dropped to his knees. "Even those I help look at me like I am a beast. Humans are all the same." He felt his chest, the wound already beginning to heal. However, the scar would remain. "Mother, father, if only I could have saved you."

::End of Flashback::

Kegan's thoughts drifted to his parents. It was the sadness of his loss that drove him to help those in need... even if they never appreciated his assistance. He had been too weak to them, and they had died right in front of him as he stood there doing nothing. He wouldn't be letting that happen again. Not now, not ever.

[Roy Atenwood]

"Goddamn asshole thinks I'm AFRAID of him? I'm not afraid of anybody...this isn't his fight. I don't need ANYONE'S HELP!"

Roy slammed his fist against the wall, in the room he had spent his first week at Arcane Academy in, as he gathered ihs things. He was able to put everything but his microwave in a small leather backpack, that had been enchanted to hold more than an average bag. The two elementals, Esiuhoieufe and Ayschoine, followed behind him silently, sensing his discomfort.

He walked down the hall, and finaly arrived at the new dorm.

"You'll want me to explain things first, if you're going to insist on coming along.First, though, I'll tell you that no matter what you say, I'll never fear you. Don't try to intimidate me."

[Kegan]

Kegan was still thinking of his parents when Roy came into the room. He was a bit more vulnerable now, and thus he was more open to talking to Roy. His voice was much less gruff, as the sorrow he felt over his loss was the most prominent thing on his mind.

"What I said wasn't meant to instill fear. I am sorry for earlier. Just understand, fighting your battles alone is difficult. I know, because I have been doing just that since I was a child. I can't stand to see the weak get hurt. I meant no insult to you. I know this is going to be a difficult fight, and I know you don't want my help. But, I am not going to stand by while you go off and get yourself killed." Maybe you should take your own advice.

He let out a sigh, his thoughts still with his parents. No more suffering... He turned to Roy, his cloak on his bed. He figured he should warn him about his... condition. "Roy, I will listen to your explanation, but please hear mine first. While I am like this, I can fight and use a magic known as bending. I can manipulate both fire and earth. However, I don't usually bend during battle." He let out a sigh. "I am a natural born lycanthrope. When I fight, I transform. I am only telling you this so you will be prepared come the battle." Yeah... then he can judge you too, just like all the others.

Even though he had guessed Roy's telepathy, he still couldn't shield his thoughts... not in his current state. His parents, the only two people in the world who understood him, were gone. Though it has been many years, he still can't escape the loneliness. I just can't open up. "For now, I will help you, Roy. But, I can't promise much else. It is difficult for me to rust anyone."

[Roy Atenwood]

Roy's face filled with awe, most of the conversation forgotten for the moment.

"A Lycanthrope!? Dude, that KICKS ASS!"

Then Roy's expression changed, childlike wonder vanishing, and in its place was a grim expression.

"I understand what you mean. Humans just can't be trusted most of the time. They tried to kill me on a daily basis back in Ireland, until I moved to Inoa. The only reason I'm alive now is because I'm fast."

Roy gave a weak laugh at that. He had ran away from anyone with round ears, other than his abusive father, for the first 14 or 15 years of his life.

"I'll give you the short version......in the village I call home, Inoa, there's a demon called Melzas haunting dreams. He uses these dreams to turn anyone under the age of fifteen into demonic monsters. He uses them to attack the village. This village doesn't deserve the hell it's going through, and I plan to end things."

Roy had been bandaging his side as he spoke.

"I know what pain comes from dealing with humans. They fear what they don't understand." Roy fully knew this pain. Even his own father had tried to kill him, sometimes as many as twelve times a week.

"I look foreward to seeing what you're capable of. I have an idea on how we can both find out the extent of our abillities, if you're interested. Just give me a minute to apply this salve...it'll heal my wound fully."

[Kegan]

Kegan had never known anyone to get excited or happy about his curse. He almost laughed out loud... almost. Instead, he let out a grunt, no expression on his face. He was getting over his vulnerable feeling. However, he was smiling on the inside. As Roy spoke, Kegan realized that Roy was not much unlike himself. He was only half human after all, and was shunned and isolated as he was. Roy didn't know it, and Kegan wasn't fully aware, but Roy had gotten to him in a good way. A friendship was forming, and it was only going to be a matter of time till Kegan realized it.

Roy explained what was going on, and Kegan only nodded. Something must be done. As he spoke of human fear, he added his piece. "Yes, they do. It is the way they are. I know that all too well." When he spoke of full extent of their powers, Kegan lifted an eyebrow. "Perhaps, but how much time do we have? With what you described, we should take this demon down as soon as we can." He stretched a bit, and waited on Roy to finish healing himself. "I am ready when you are. We'll take him down, and hard." Kegan was ready to fight. If someone was enjoying the suffering of others, than he would put an end to it.

It's time to go hunting.

OOC: Perhaps a new thread where we are going after the demon is in order in the Outside Places section.