All that Glitters

It was just like magic. The cut on his head healed, the stinging and sharp pain that had caused his entire forehead to throb with pain, gone. The stink of a sewer system vacant, the area smelled like charred wood. Blood and had an acid taint to the air.

Colby shivered, grasped tighter to the ax like it might just provide the perfect escape for him. Might make it that much easier to get away. Instead, his back hit the nearest wall hard. His lungs sucked in oxygen like he had been under-water for far too long.

“God help me, I down-right can't stand magic..”

Light brown tendrils of hair fell into that emerald studded gaze as he watched their little party start to break up. From Arik taking the blond Arcanist to a spare room, to The Conjurer Wrede started off on her own. The idea of getting out of there seemed, for the moment like the greatest idea ever. And Colby was ready to hop on that train, and get far away.

A Brief conversation started with Bailey, assisting her with water and tea and some microwaved food.

Afterward he was moving to his room, he set the ax down atop the dresser assigned to him by his captor, and moved to get himself clean. When he was thoroughly pleased that he wasn't going to smell like a sewer, Colby was grasping his hoodie, and that ax and starting for the door. It wasn't right that he was here. It wasn't right that he was being forced to fight these monsters. Wasn't right that The Shaper was sure he wasn't safe less he had a weapon on him.

Hell, who knew why those monsters were even monsters, for all he knew, they were the same as him, just got the wrong side of the coin. Or maybe even the same as all of them... with illusionary magic to make the other seem like Kreelocks. Gods only knew, no scratch that thought. Ancients only knew. Ancients only knew what it was that had started this war, That had gotten each and everyone of them to risk their mortal lives for nothing more than they had been told to.

Slinging the ax over his shoulder, allowing his wrist to keep the lighter weighted shaft of it from falling over Colby had started back through the kitchen, back toward the way out of this hell-hole. If he was going to be forced to be a warrior. Be forced to enjoy fighting, to desire the blood of his enemies, and live in this god-forsaken part of the world... then he had several affairs that needed to be taken care of. Needed to be lined up, so that if he did by an off-chance, get to be the point where he could be free.. he wasn't some bum on the streets, ranting and raving about magical powers.

Eve staggered out of what remained of the old warehouse after battling, more like fleeing, from giant blood thirsty creatures that wanted her dead. She was battered, bruised and broken. Eve bumped her head during her fall leaving a pounding headache and a trickle of blood. Her whole neck was swollen and bruised from when the Kreelock was trying to choke her. Eve’s arm was now swollen and each movement sent pain shooting through her arm making her think it was broken. Eve needed a hospital to treat her many injuries. Getting out of the warehouse alive was one challenge now she had to figure out where the nearest hospital was at in LA. Trying her best to move her possibly broken arm as little as possible, Eve made her way through the streets of LA making random turns and finally finding a blue sign with the white H pointing towards the nearest medical center. She felt a sigh of relief wash over her but it was quickly replaced with a strange feeling that she was being watched. She ignored the feeling and continued on down the street as thoughts filled her head.

Over the past few days so many things had happened to her. Eve was a college student taking a much needed break only to run into trouble. Yesterday she had heard the news of her mother passing and today Eve went to some Penthouse only to be blinded and than magically appear in a warehouse trying to outrun some hideous monsters who wanted to kill her. Now she was stumbling around LA trying to find a hospital. I’m never coming to LA again Eve thought miserably to herself. All she wanted was to sleep for the next few days and escape the pounding headache she had trying to figure everything out.

Eve had received a note and she had somehow preformed magic but yet she didn’t know why or how. She had powers but didn’t know how to use them, she could use them after all Eve had placed up some kind of shield to keep back the Kreelock. How was she suppose to perform magic willingly though? Also, why did she receive a letter saying to go to some Penthouse? It couldn’t have been some cruel joke set up by one of her friends. They were all in Pennsylvania still and none of them would have been able to cook up a plan like this one. Also none of it could have been fake. The horrendous beats were real enough and the injuries she received, well she could feel them alright. Perhaps the hit to her head had something to do with her confusion or Eve really didn’t understand what was happening.

Eve pulled her arm closer to her torso hoping it would help ease the pain but without success. As she made her way down the sidewalk, Eve’s feeling of being watched grew but no matter how many times she looked back there was nothing behind her paying her too much attention. She grew a little uneasy but continued on her way.

Streets of L.A

The Streets of L.A. were instantly taken a disliking to. Colby couldn't recall ever seeing such squaller. People milled about in numbers akin to London, but...where was that old world charm? Where was that knowledge that centuries ago, people were milling about this place? No...there was just the ghettos, and the smog... and the high rising palm trees planted here and there to try and take away a touch of that hideous appearance of this seedy and shady world.

Or perhaps it was just that those green studded oculars of his couldn't help but see what he thought of the world now? Perhaps the world had shown itself for what it was. A land where the shadows held dangers and evils...or supposed evils the likes of which could drag a man into the depths.

Red and white shoes hit the pavement at an easy stride, what few people that lingered in the streets gave him a wide berth due to the battle ax slung over his shoulder. Yes, this was the kind of world where a man who not six months ago, wouldn't have dreamed of carrying a weapon about, didn't feel safe without that cold metal against his hoodie covered shoulder.

Lean frame, drew in the air slow and steady, trying to balance an already weary mind. Things were bad. Things were ugly, but they could have been worse. Colby wasn't quite sure how, but he was sure that they could be. The shaper had to take solace in this, had to try and keep himself steady, and look at things on the brightest possible side.

Yes, perhaps he was a slave to the Ancients, perhaps he was being forced to fight creatures that may not have been evil, just merely provoked by those all powerful beings that didn't fight their chosen enemy themselves. But those same beings were picking off humans left and right. He could atleast be assured that he was helping to do his Papa's work. Helping to get back at creatures that would undoubtedly kill and maim anyone or anything that got in their way.

It was lost in these thoughts the the Transmuter found himself down a back-alley. The shadows creeping over his head... brown locks spilling into his eyes as his neck craned upward to spy the spry form crawling over a building...claws digging through stone, as it leaped toward the next building. What it was, Colby couldn't be sure, but it had him swallowing hard... Had the Shaper's pace picking up, to carry him toward the edge of the alleyway, where he could spot the shambling form of a young woman.

The beast was stalking her. And as it let out a violent screech, Colby was rushing forward...”hey! You! Move move it! Somethings after you!” English accent lilted out darkly...

Just what, well bloody hell, Colby wished he had paid more attention to Arik's lessons right about now.. the ax was slowing that lean and tall form down, and his digits were reaching out to push the woman out of the way, just as a large piece of rock came crashing down onto the ground they would have been on.

Whatever motivated the beast above them, was unknown at this time, but clearly it didn't mind the prospect of toying with what it hunted. Miller scrambled back to his feet, ax tossed aside so that he could help Eve back to her feet if she had fallen...”Soddin' 'ell.... lets get a move on it...” Clearly, more concerned with finding away from escaping the hunter, before it decided to get serious.

Eve kept looking back only to see a dark empty ally way but the feeling of being followed never left her. She started to become a little worried, almost to the point of panicking. Every time she looked back Eve thought that she saw something lurking in shadows only to find out it was nothing. She forced herself to stop looking back and keep going forward. Even when Eve thought she heard something from above she forced herself not to look back and keep moving forward.

Suddenly a shriek filled the air sending shivers down the girl’s back. Now she knew who the culprit was. Something must have followed Eve from the abandoned warehouse, perhaps another Kreelock. It must have been hiding in the shadows out of sight waiting for the right moment. Unlike the first time she met the beasts Eve was alone and defenseless with nowhere to hide behind. Not only that, but Eve also had many injuries. Her luck had just run out, or so she thought.

Muffled away by the screams of the monster, Eve could make out an English accent telling her move and that she was being followed. She was about to run as instructed but out of the shadows above a giant monster appeared. Her legs were rooted to the spot as the beast drew nearer to her apparently not seeing Colby or just ignoring him at the moment. It was as she had suspected, another Kreelock. The very thing she had spent what felt like an eternity fleeing from, just trying to stay alive. Fear encompassed Eve as she was certain death was soon to come. Bloodlust filled his tusked gray face; a mighty blow from his fist would knock the life right out of her. She had to run but her legs failed to move even a muscle. As the beast drew closer it started to reach for something, perhaps a weapon.

Eve thought that they were all killed back in the warehouse but somehow this one managed to stay alive and had followed quietly behind her all this time. Why these Kreelocks wanted her dead so badly Eve didn’t know and didn’t have much time to think about it as someone came to her aid. Eve felt herself being pushed away as a massive rock came tumbling down landing right where she was standing seconds before. The rock threw debris towards her and her savior; Eve threw up her uninjured hand to protect her face from the flying dust and little pieces of rock.

Eve took Colby’s hand and as he helped her to her feet. She couldn’t help but to look up to see the Kreelock right above their heads. The beast jumped down landing with great agility for something as big and bulky as it was. The pavement under its feet cracked from the impact of the Kreelock that was now holding an ax. It was yards away ready to attack. Eve turned to face Colby and said “Thanks. Now let’s get going.”

She turned to face the opposite direction of Kreelock wanting to put as much distance between her and the thing that wanted to kill her. Eve’s muscles ached from her running and being thrown around before but she fought against her protesting muscles. Where Eve was running to she was unsure. She didn’t know where anything was in LA or the streets themselves, all Eve could do now was rely on Colby for help.

Streets of L.A

Colby's eyes glittered slightly beneath the light, as his the pounding in his ears picked up. One Kreelock. One lousy and stinking Kreelock. And yet...there was fear in him. There was a feeling of nausea that washed over his frame. These things would be after them...all humans, forever..

As the woman spoke of running, The Shaper was in tow. Green eyes falling on the axe he lost. On the Axe that the Kreelock was wielding. They were one in the same. Something registered there, as his steps became quicker, and he realized it was he who was tugging the woman along. Only problem was, that Colby Miller knew about as much of Los Angeles as the girl besides him.

Not bothering to look behind him, the Transmuter arcanist turned, cursing slightly as they entered only another alleyway. Where a stonewall, seemed to lead into a home. Releasing his grip on Eve's hand, Colby rubbed them together, felt digits cracking as a breath was drawn in.. Mana surged through his frame, filled him with mystical energy. Made him feel like he was drowning, and as the words, mere whispers left his lips, the mana would be released...

“Pass Wall.”

And just like that, the bricks seemed to melt away, leaving a hole in the surface. A flicker of his gaze could see the the Kreelock at the edge of the alleyway, and a quick grasping of Eve, to pull her along, would watch as the wall closed around them...

“We need to get back to the Keep...that thing will follow us otherwise...” Of course the English student instantly realized she must be confused...”That was a Kreelock...a race of possibly evil beings that want to possibly kill all of mankind. I'm a mage...or an Arcanist as we're called... Slaves to the Ancients set to battle that and other types of supposed evil....err and the Keep is where we Arcanist, well most of us, seeing as I've recently met some that were captured...err...ya know...it'd be easier to just say... Trust me... I'll not let that thing, or the other thing I saw harm you.”

The other thing of course, being far skinnier, far more swift as it flushed across the roofs. Brows knitted together as he realized how insane he must have sounded...but was quick to start leading her toward where he saw light filtering into the dark building. “You're awfully beat up...are you going to be alright?”

Eve dashed down the streets as the Kreelock followed close behind. She knew they wouldn’t be able to outrun the giant beast for long. Without Colby dragging her along Eve knew the monster would already have her. Fear outweighed exhaustion and somehow the two managed to stay ahead of the Kreelock.

As they turned Eve took a glance at the still chasing Kreelock and was relieved to see that there was still a good bit of distance between them. Eve also thought she saw something scaling the roof tops. Looking more closely she spotted something skinny but lost sight of it as they ran down the alleyway only to run into a brick wall. Eve knew this was the end. There was no possible way they were going to be able to take on a giant muscular monster on their own and also that other unknown skinny creature. She watched as the Kreelock tumbled around the corner heading towards them with a triumphant look thinking its prey was trapped.

”Pass Wall.” Eve heard Colby say.

Turning around Eve looked at what used to be a solid brick wall was now a brick wall with a hole in it. At the moment Eve couldn’t make sense of where the opening came from. Did this man put it there by simply saying ‘Pass Wall’? How did he know he could get through there? Questions raced through her head as Colby grabbed her left arm and dragged her through the opening. Taking a glance back she saw the Kreelock growl as the opening closed and its prey got away.

Once out of danger Eve looked at Colby with clear confusion. She didn’t know what was happening. She wanted answers of what was chasing her and why it was chasing her. Even with him explaining as little as he did Eve still couldn’t make sense of it all. A Kreelock was what was chasing her and he was a mage. That would explain where the hole in the brick wall came from and also everything that happened at the warehouse. The others there must have been mages or Arcanists as well. But who were these Ancients he was speaking of and where was this Keep? Everything sounded so crazy to her but it must be real. The Kreelock was real. Eve nodded agreeing that they should head to the Keep and get out of danger.

“I think I’ll just need to get my right arm looked at but I should be fine otherwise.” Eve answered his question showing Colby her broken arm. “I was trying to find the hospital but I don’t know L.A.” Eve followed close to Colby afraid that another Kreelock might pop out of the shadows and attack. “I’m Eve Cassidy by the way.”

Streets of LA

Well now, this Eve Cassidy had taken all that he had told her in stride. Perfect stride. Colby couldn't help but recall the night that kreelocks had come and taken his grandfather. Remembered how it felt to see the flashing of a shot-gun, and then nothing. Remembered the cold of winter as he ran through the streets of London from something he couldn't explain.

No, he hadn't taken it far worse than this woman. Which either meant she knew of it. Or knew enough of it that she wasn't perturbed. Green eyes fell on the wall they had passed from, as they continued toward the entrance. That was only going to slow down the fiend for so long. And the other one? Well, who knew exactly how long it would be kept at bay.

“Colby Miller...” Londer's accent thick, as he bowed his head trying to get his bearings. “I'm not from L.A. either...and I don't know if crowds of people are going to deter these enemies...” In fact, he couldn't quite well say that, anything short of death wouldn't be enough to get rid of the fiends.

The transmuters grip of her hand was released, and in the low-light his eyes peered at the injured limb. Well, he had already noted she wasn't looking like she was in the best of shape. Perhaps if they could get to the Keep, it wouldn't matter.

It was on that decision that the Shaper stopped himself. No. He wasn't going to be running for the rest of his life. If he did manage to free himself from the Ancients, what was he going to do then? Not stand up to these things? He didn't think so. In fact, he refused to think like that.

Was it false bravado? Or an understanding this was a war he had been forced into, being a non-combatant wasn't going to be acceptable. “I think I can take that kreelock...” But who knew about that wiry thing that had been on the roof-tops. That was probably right about them now. The glass doors to the place were approached, and digits carefully unlocked it, well pushing his way through.

It was a gamble of course. He didn't have a weapon other than his magic. And that meant his body would have to be his weapon. “We get you to a soddin' hospital, and on the way...figure out a way to put these beasties ten feet under...” Six Feet seemed a touch shallow for something that awful. Atleast in Colby's mind.

Light brown locks curled and fell into that pale visage, emerald studded gaze drifted down the streets as the looming buildings around them cast darker shadows in the rain-cast landscape. It was cold, it was gray. It was frightening. Another glance back to Eve, and he offered a lopsided smile that on anyone elses face may have looked odd. For Colby, it must have seemed natural.

“Care for my hoodie? It looks a bit warmer than what you've got now...”He was already working his way out of the gray and black thing, offering it up to Eve well starting in a direction that he knew would lead them to the towering sky-scrappers. A hospital could be found in that direction to be sure. Even if it was further away from the Keep.

It all seemed like some kind of dream or perhaps a novel. Eve was walking beside a mage who saved her life. The warehouse must have been filled with mages as well since a spell must have been what lite up the place and killed the Kreelocks there, well all of the Kreelocks but one. Eve, herself, had to be a mage as well. How else did she manage to keep the one Kreelock at bay in the warehouse from swinging a pipe at her? She must have formed some kind of shield or barrier blocking the Kreelock from getting to her. Also she saw others perform some kind of magic while they were battling against the Kreelocks, there must be many more like her and Colby.

Eve was surprised how she managed to remain so calm about the whole situation. With anyone else, being chased by strange creatures would be enough to freak them out. Eve did remember how she reacted in the warehouse, running blindly throughout the warehouse like a chicken without its head. Maybe she was in shock from what happened in the warehouse and her escape from not only another Kreelock but also an unidentified creature. Maybe she was just too exhausted to realize fully what was happening but she felt safe with Colby, until he said about taking on the creature.

“What?!” Eve asked thinking he was crazy. She was certain Colby knew what he was doing but the thought of them taking on a Kreelock scared her. Of course Eve could let him try to take on the giant beast himself but she wouldn’t. Colby saved Eve and the least she could do was tag along and see if she could help. However there was very little help she could give to Colby, Eve didn’t know how to produce the shield she used in the warehouse again or even if she could perform other spells. Even if they formed some kind of plan Eve still couldn’t think how they would win. “You want to try to take on that thing? What about the other animal, or monster or whatever it is that we saw on the rooftops? Surely we’re no match for the two.” Eve said. She knew how hard it was to kill a Kreelock. If Colby wanted to go after the Kreelock she would help, Eve wouldn’t leave him by himself against two creatures. It was an unfair fight. She knew they were out to kill and would more than likely stop at nothing to make sure that happened.

Pulling her light coat closer around her, Eve looked up at Colby and noticed he was smiling. She couldn’t help but give him a small smile back. Colby was right, just trying to outrun the beasts wouldn’t stop them and they wouldn’t get anywhere. She learned that from her time running around in panic in the warehouse. Running away only made it more likely for someone to end up hurt or killed. If it wasn’t for her powers or even Alex’s help she would have been killed there.

“Okay, I guess you’re right. We need to come up with some kind of plan to get rid of these things otherwise they’ll just keep following us and attack.” Eve sighed shivering at the thought to meeting the Kreelock again. She just hoped that Colby knew what he was doing. Eve didn’t have a clue of what their weaknesses were or even how to defeat one. In the warehouse Alex had dealt with two Kreelock’s by making tendrils sprout out of the ground to attack them but Eve doubted she would be able to do something like that.

“Thanks” Eve said gratefully as she took Colby’s hoodie. She was shivering from the combination of the chilly air and also the thought of battling against a muscular Kreelock who was now carrying an ax around ready to use it on both her and Colby. Being careful not to move her broken arm much, Eve slipped the hoodie over her head and carefully placed her arms through the sleeves. Instantly she started to feel warmer and the shivering started to calm down.

As they headed towards the bigger buildings Eve couldn’t help but start asking Colby questions. She knew they should be using that time to create some kind of plan instead of playing twenty questions. All that she heard at the penthouse and in the warehouse Eve was able to slowly piece the puzzle together but still didn’t have all of the pieces to finish it. “Back there, how did you make that hole in the wall?” Eve asked Colby. “When I was in the warehouse I ran into a Russian, well I thought he was a Russian, who told me to use my powers but at the time I didn’t have any clue what he was talking about until I created some kind of shield by accident. The power he was talking about, was it like magic or something?”