Flashbacks are hard(Open)

[rivaxorus]

☼Kiro♫

Kiro stepped into the cafe carefully, his sword strapped to his back. The young 15 year old boy did not want to scare people with his weapon, but he could not go anywhere without his sword. Quickly cracking his neck he took a seat on the outside part of the cafe and sat back into the chair. He sighed listening to the music that was playing.

"Excuse me sir, would you like me to get you anything?"

A young waiter asked him. Kiro smiled and counted to see how much money he had. He had enough to maybe get a coffee or hot chocolate but that was about it.

" Um sure could you get me some coffee"

He asked in a soft friendly tone, hoping his sword did not scare the girl. The waitress nodded and soon was off, Kiro smiled and sighed. Suddenly a flash back came to him. He was tied to a chair, with his father in front of him, punch after punch came. No one came to save him not even his own Dragon mother. Kiro winced and sat up straight sweat moved from his face.

[kayla]

Cleo Harper

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Cleo was tired. It was hot out, for her anyways, and she hadn't slept well the night before. "I told you... we need to run." her talisman, Wood, though, his tone concerned. Cleo knew he was right. She'd been too busy to make a jaunt through the forest and now she was paying for it. The dreams of Innocents and Hunters were back, just like she knew they'd be. She sighed and headed for the coffee shop, hoping some caffeine would boost her energy. She had to work soon.

"And then after work, we're going for a jog." Wood thought, insistent. She just nodded her head as she opened the cafe door, scanning the room. A feeling hit her, the strange feeling she got when there was another Talisman close by. She looked around, eying each person. "There." Wood thought, mentally nudging Cleo towards a boy, younger than her, sitting by himself. "But he has a sword..." she thought hesitantly. Conflict didn't go well with Cleo or Wood. But then the boy winced and sat up straighter, as if he'd had a bad memory or something.

"Join the club." she thought sourly. Her family's murder had been almost 4 years ago but she still missed them, still remembered the screams as she had to stand by and watch, hating herself for being so weak. She closed her eyes, banishing the memories before deciding on her course. Cleo put a smile on her face and sat at the table, across from the boy.

Her expression was welcoming as she said "Hey. I'm Cleo... are you new? I haven't seen you around before. I just thought I'd say hi, and order a cup of coffee." her voice was smooth and quiet as she talked. "Good job Cleo." Wood thought approvingly. He was all for being sweet and kind to strangers. Cleo decided to hold off on mentioning the Talisman part. Maybe this boy could sense hers just as she could his. It would make her life so much easier. She hated causing any sort of distress, though it seemed this boy wasn't exactly a happy camper. She eyed him with concern. If he was alone, he was awfully to young to be alone. "You shouldn't pry." Wood thought, always giving his opinions.

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[rivaxorus]

Kiro Nettlesun

Kiro blinked and looked up at the older lady that had spoken to him. 'I bet your looking for some trouble' Kido told him with a laugh. 'Oh shut up Kido, what harm could she do? All she wants is to sit and enjoy some coffee like the rest of us.' Kiro replied bitterly then looked back up at Cleo.

"Yeah I'm new, Sure you can have a seat in front of me, I just ordered my coffee."

'Oh, nice come back' Kido said and flew onto his shoulder white mist following him. Kiro knew he was the only one who could see him. Ever since he murdered his parents Kido had been a lot of help, but whenever a girl was nearby he was a tease. Kido sat back a bit again.

Kido shook his feathery head and jumped onto the table walking through the empty cup in front of him. 'She looks to old for you, you trying to tease me now?' he said flying back onto Kiro's shoulder. 'Go away' Kiro thought scornfully and his tialsman vanished into mist.

"Sorry if my sword scares you, I only use it for defense."

He said in a friendly tone wondering if his sword did scare her. Kiro looked around for the waiter and his coffee, but there was not sign of them yet.

[kayla]

Cleo Harper

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Cleo listened to the boys words quietly, a smile still on her face. He was quiet that was for sure, reserved almost. "And you should be to, if you knew what was good for you." Cleo sighed to herself. "Wood. You're overly cautious. Now hush." she thought impatiently before she answered the boy. "Did your family move here... with you?" she asked. "God Cleo! I told you not to pry!" Wood wined. He hardly ever snarled, only when something was threatening Cleo.

Then the boy spoke again, this time about his swords. It only made Cleo relax a bit. "Why would he need to defend himself?" she asked both herself and Wood. Wood just shrugged, nudging her to say something. Just then the waitress came back with the boys coffee. "Can I have a vanilla latte with caramel please?" she asked, smiling at the waitress. The waitress nodded and headed off, before glancing at the boys swords once again.

"So your talisman... mine's an Alaskan Malamute. His name is Wood. We've been together for years. But what about yours?" "CLEO!" Wood wined, shaking his head. "What? I just... had to." Cleo's thoughts weren't at all apologetic. Wood just sighed, though he payed attention the the boy, wanting to hear his answer as much as Cleo did. "You know... you don't even know his name yet."

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[rivaxorus]

Kiro Nettlesun

Kiro received his coffee and thanked the waitress before looking back up at Cleo. He almost did not want to hear what she said. As soon as he heard Family he wanted to cut off and run. He knew though, being sad was a sign of weakness so he just smiled. Kido appeared again and was by his face, 'You don't have to strain yourself to much, remember you must have been meeting her for a reason. Life does have a plan for you.' Kiro laughed a bit but stayed quiet for a bit longer sipping his coffee.

'I can tell by your feelings that you want to tell her, but at the same time you don't. Calm yourself Kiro, decide surely and quickly. Make it smooth.' Kido flapped his wings sending a calming feeling through Kiro's body. "My parents died when I was 10" He decided to say in a annoyed tone at that. 'Thanks Kido, but I'll take it from here.' he thought softly.

"Mine, Kido's a Golden Eagle" Kiro laughed, he was supposed to be a natural born leader. He in fact was, but he barely knew her so he was just not very open at the moment. He was being polite though, calm as well and if she needed help he would be happy to help. Kiro was relaxed at the moment, he had a house and made sure the bandits that his mother had were not after him. They were, but hopefully they never found him. After all he would not like dragging anyone else into a situation like that.

[kayla]

Cleo Harper

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Cleo sat, drawing random lines on the table with her finger. This boy took his time in answering her questions. "And he hasn't told you his name! I don't trust him!" Wood thought, watching the boy with suspicion. "I thought dogs like you were supposed to be all cuddly, even if it was a stranger." Cleo thought, smirking. "A dog that's been kicked knows to shy away from a foot," Cleo sighed at Woods words. Always making up his own saying. "I heard that, Cleo."

The boys sharp words brought Cleo out of her mental conversation. "I told you not to pry." Wood's tone had that told-you-so feel to it and Cleo grimaced. "I'm sorry. Mine died when I was 18. Murdered actually." She sighed at the thought, even though it had happened 4 long years ago. But she'd lost everything..."Cleo!" Wood hated it when she thought of her family. She would mope for days, sometimes not eating either.

His next words surprised her a bit. "He doesn't look much like an eagle type of person." Woods retort was joking. "And you look like a giant dog?" She laughed, a small, happy sound. Then her latte came and she took a sip. It was good, sweet and vanillaish, with just a hint of the actual coffee. Then her eyes flicked back to the boys. "So what are you and... Kido? doing here, seemingly all alone? Not the best place for a boy to be on his own. Not everyone around here's so welcoming." she shuddered, thinking of the guy with the gun she'd seen just that morning. He'd been drunk as a skunk to boot.

[rivaxorus]

'Murdered, Sounds like you two have something alike. Just talk to her, stop being such a grumpy puss. Act like your tailsman come on.' Kido thought to Kiro urgently. Kiro wanted to act Eagley, but he was just tired that's all. Once his coffee stepped in he would be fine. He shook his head ignoring Kido's words. This time, he was going to do it his way. Kiro remembered the words, murdered, I murdered not they murdered but I murdered. Like he was going to tell her that, if he did the best that could happen was him being a hunter, like his brother Riley.

"Oh, I'm sorry I haven't told you my name. That's so stupid of me. It's just I've not had enough sleep latley so I'm a bit grumpy. But, The coffee's kicked in now so I can think more clearly. My name's Kiro." Kiro said drinking a bit more of his coffee, he may look young and he was but he acted like a mature adult. That was the first thing he said before hesitating to answer her next questions.

"Actually, We're not exactly...Alone" Kiro started, he wanted to be truthful but it tugged at him. He would never drag a woman like this into his run, never it was risk both of them. The worse that could happen was that he ended up having to kill her because she was so injured beyond repair. "I have a brother I'm staying with." He lied quickly, even though he was not very good at it. But, he hoped it work because for now he was keeping Cleo out of it.

"Now can I ask some questions?" Kiro said with a laugh, puling his sword still in his case onto the floor. He did not like it but if it meant making others more comfortable he would do it. "What's your name, and why is it you seem a bit insecure around me." he asked and put his hands on the table his golden eyes glittering at her with a friendly tone.

[kayla]

"Happy now, his name's Kiro." Cleo asked Wood. He remained silent, still watching the kid. To his other words Cleo nodded. She knew what it was like when sleeping wasn't possible, for whatever reason. She couldn't sleep for months after her families demise. She had nightmare about that night and the night she'd gotten her revenge. She wasn't proud of that. She grimaced at the memories that came flooding in, Wood just sighed.

Then Kiro said he was living with his brother. "He's lying." Cleo decided. She couldn't lie very well herself but she was good at knowing when someone else was. "So. You can't force him to do anything Cleo." Wood thought back. She sighed, knowing he was right. But she'd have to keep an eye on this one... she would feel absolutely terrible if anything happened to him. It was just the way she was, a sweet and loving person with just as cute a talisman.

Cleo laughed at the boys questions. She decided the truth was needed at this point, not that she'd lied but she liked this kid. He was... different somehow, from everyone else. He'd obviously been through a lot, that much was certain. And so after taking another delicious sip from her coffee, Cleo answered the kid's questions. "I'm Cleo. And my talisman is Wood. I'm not insecure around you. I'm insecure about you. I really should mind my own business but... I'm wondering what a teenager like you is doing running around here, alone." Her tone of voice told him she knew he was lying.

"What now Cleo?" Wood asked gently. She took another sip of her coffee before continuing. "What I mean is that... when my family was murdered in a fire, it took everything. I had no home, no one to talk to, nowhere to go. I don't want that happening to anyone else. And it seems that you're in that same position, only you're younger than I was then. I'm offering my help, if you ever need it." her voice was calm, filled with kindness. She was sure he'd reject it but she'd had to put it on the table. It was in her nature. Wood was approving. She was so much like her talisman, though a bit stronger, because of what she'd gone through. He was proud.

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[rivaxorus]

Kiro opened his mouth to speak again but then she spoke. She was so sure of herself unlike he was. The only thing Kiro was worried about was drgging others into his problems. He was hidding, but if he told her that then it would just turn worse. Suddenly he was reminded of when he met Emily, he had dragged her into his life once. It only resulted in death and betrayal and even more lies. Never again would he do that, but Emily looked and wa like this girl here just younger. 'I know it's hard, but just be careful with your words.' Kido replied twisting his head around the table to watch out for any of the people after Kiro.

"I never drag people in my life, it's what's best. Being alone is a good thing when your me. It prevents hurt, and even death in my case." Kiro said sadly but then looked up at her, "If I told you the truth, you would only want to get involved more, but I already promised myself I would not drg anyone else into it. I'll be fine, as long as everyone stays out of my way." He finished and Kido flapped his wings landing on his shoulder. 'There you go, but don't think you'll get off so easily' he said wisely.

Kiro knew he was trouble, and he never wanted what his life had. Being a leader was the last thing he had done. Protecting Emily and her brother along with his friend Krystle, it was one thing he was good at. But then, the men after him killed Emily and then threatened to kill the other two. He obeyed all that they said, he was beaten and hurt badly until both of his remaining friend sacrificed themselves for his sake. Kiro would never forgive him for that day, not even if it meant peace.

[kayla]

"For a kid... he's pretty darn mature." Cleo though in response to his words. Wood nodded in agreement. "But what do I say?" she thought, a bit put off by his refection, though she knew it wasn't his fault. She'd been wrong. He'd been through more than her and she so desperately wanted to help him, her own safety not factoring into the equation. What kind of trouble could a boy like him get into? "He's probably just paranoid, worried." she thought to herself, refusing to take his words as the truth.

Instead of giving up she smiled at him, finishing off her coffee. "You don't think I can take care of myself, even if whatever or whoever's after you comes after me? I'll give you two reasons why you should at least accept the fact that I'll be here if you need anything. One, I'm quite a few years older than you and I can turn into a giant dog. Two..." Cleo paused, wondering if she should go through with what she was about to say. "If you think it's best..." Wood thought, nudging her forward. "Two... when those murderers burned down my home... I got my revenge. They won't be able to do anything like that ever again." A strange, hard glint crept into Cleo's eyes. Her smile became a bit harder around the edges, a bit more cruel.

Her thoughts traveled back to that day. She'd been in her animal shape and was out hunting... for people. She'd found the people who'd started the fire and then she made sure they knew who she was, made sure they knew she was Cleo. Then she'd ripped out their throats, mercilessly. She wasn't proud of what she had done and she didn't know if she would do it again. But now she knew she was capable of such acts and she counted that as both a blessing and a curse. This boy may not have know it, not yet... but Cleo would fight for him, with him, whether he wanted her to or not. "And that is called devotion." Wood thought.

[/blockquote]

((OOC- I hope that made sense. My thoughts were a bit muddled as I wrote this.))

[rivaxorus]

Kiro thought about the day he had lost Emily, his mothers forces had found out he liked her very much. First they tied her up onto a branch, nailed into her hands. They tortured her so much she begged for death, she was brutally murdered. When he found her, rage filled up into his heart, and as Kido tried to calm him down then men ended up snatching him in his animal form. They told him that if he valued the rest of his friends lives he would obey them. In the end, he had lost all of them without even having a chance from the beginning.

Kiro opened his mouth to start to talk again but then shook his head again. He organized his thoughts for a moment, nothing compared to when that happened. 'She's being open with you, why not tell her, not the first part but the part about Emily' Kido suggested trying to comfort Kiro. Kiro laughed to himself, 'Emily, she was a lot like Cleo. She could take care of herself, but then look what happened to her. I don't ever want to see that again, not even to a person I don't know even one of those men. It's just not right.' Kiro thought running his fingers through his hair.

"It's not that I don't think you can take care of yourself, I promised myself not to let anyone be dragged within my problems. Ever since, Emily....was murdered by the people who are after me. She was a lot like you Cleo just younger, and then with two of my other friends. They gave their lives for mine, when it was not worth it. I tried everything, but in the end lost everything, what sort of leader lets their people die." Kiro started thinking about it, never again. 'it's painful?' Kido asked silently. 'It's the best way to explain though' Kiro thought back. He put his sword back on his back.

"It's what if you die, what if you end up hating me. I have secrets that are left unsaid to everyone not even Emily knows some things. I don't want to see you hurt, not like Emily was." Kiro said a bit frustrated. It did not help that his brother was after him as well, it was like he was a sitting duck. Kiro never wanted anything to happen to anyone, he did not result in killing unless someone else life was in danger. Ever since he killed his parents he would never, ever do it again not even to those people considered to deserve it.

'If this is your decision I would advise against it. Even though your emotions and experience's may say that she will die. But, what if your wrong? What if she's different?' Kido suggested wisely, but what if Kido was wrong. 'Yeah, so what. It risks having her killed anyway. And even if she didn't die, what if those men spill out my secret and she turns on me?' Kiro thought back and the Golden Eagle flew over in a flurry of mist onto Cleo's shoulders. 'Who does she remind you of?' Kido asked.

Kiro saw Emily for a second, she was caring but she knew what to do at the same time. Being an Orphan from the start, she was tough and took care of everyone. He never found out her tailsman or if she even had one. And she looked like Cleo as well. Kiro shook his head away from the thought and looked at Cleo then Kido.

'Emily, she reminds me of Emily.' He replied and the Golden eagle leaped over to Kiro again. 'Then this is why you are so afraid, loosing people only leaves an empty void waiting to be filled. Sure she may not be your girlfriend. But, taking a chance would do you some good. Sometimes, a leader has to try again even if it means repeating the same mistake. And if it does happen, it's on her own account.' Kido told Kiro. Kiro sighed with sadness, but what if it did happen. It was just, too risky.

'Yeah but what if...', 'What if your wrong, what if I'm wrong? It does not matter any more. The what if's only hold you back. For once, you find someone where you can start a team again. But yet, you hold to your vows. I ask you as a friend this time, push aside your vows. Try it again.' Kido interrupted Kiro through mid thought. 'Alright, I'll do it.' Kiro thought and his tailsman leaped onto his shoulder again.

Kiro twiddled his hand together and looked at Cleo, he had changed his mind now. "I talked to my tailsman, it's something crazy." Kiro started with a slight laugh running his fingers through his light brown hair again. Maybe Kido was right, taking a chance to start a team again would make him rebuild himself, and maybe rebuilding himself would be a good thing. "He wants me to, ask you... If you would help me." Kiro asked and looked up at cleo.

If this did work, it would be worth a lot to Kiro. 'Just wait for an answer now' Kido squawked with joy in his voice. Kiro was ready, if he started a team again then maybe it would be all better. Well, not completely but yes it would patch up some holes pierced through his soul and heart. It would open a new doorway, and maybe he could finally get over the fact he killed his parents.

[kayla]

Cleo was about to say something when she saw Kiro was about to. But he didn't, instead he shook his head, seemingly to clear his thoughts. She sat, waiting for him to speak. She was curios as to what he was going to say. This conversation had gotten very deep very quickly. But she was drawn to this boy, to keeping an eye on him. There was just something about him that made her worry about him. Maybe it was the constant looking around, as if he expected someone to come bursting through the door at any moment.

His words confirmed those observations. She listened to his story with a quiet, thoughtful expression. "So someone is after him?" she asked Wood. "He just said that, didn't he?" he replied, concentrating on the rest of the boys words. "So he'd let people in before. But... whoever wanted him dead... or to suffer got to them. This kid definitely needs help Cleo. I'm glad we found him, before anyone else did." He continued, thinking about things. Cleo agreed and nodded to herself. "What happens to me is... my problem. A kid like you shouldn't have to worry about what happens to others, OK? That's not fair to you. Besides, my bite is worse than my bark." She smiled crookedly, knowing that really didn't make any sense. "Oh well."

She noticed that Kiro had suddenly turned thoughtful, almost as if he was having a conversation with someone, his talisman. She decided to stay quiet until he was finished. Instead she flagged down a waitress. "Can I have another vanilla latte please?" She looked towards Kiro, wondering if he wanted another coffee. She decided he did and ordered him another one as well. Then she sat, drawing abstract lines onto the table with her finger as she waited for Kiro's words. When they came she was surprised.

"So his talisman wants our help? He wants our help? That was easy" Cleo expected the kid to be insistent and leave or something. This made her conscience so much lighter. Before she answered him she quickly made a promise to herself that Kiro and Kido wouldn't regret their decision. She wouldn't let them. Then she looked at them, smiling again. "Of course I'll help you. But first things first... do you actually have a place to stay?" This she was most concerned about. Teenagers should not be wandering around Canada alone. And besides... she had a big, empty apartment that was empty except for her. That was just no good.

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[rivaxorus]

'Your not going to regret this' Kido told him. 'Says you' Kiro replied with a bit of a sigh. He did have a house to stay at, but he hated it, it would be nice to visit someone Else's house for once. But, wouldn't it be kind of awkward if it was Cleo's house? Although, there was always the excuse of them being brother and sister. Being here for a very short time, he had already found himself a start at a new team. Just hopefully, his brother did not get involved.

"I actually do have a place to stay, but it's kind of creepy." Kiro replied grabbing another cup of a coffee that a waiter had refilled. He wondered, would they be leaving soon? He was starting to feel a bit uneasy. Kiro quickly finished his coffee and stood up stretching from sitting for so long. He can't believe this happened so quickly, yet not at the same time. Time had gone slow, but he had been here for about an hour maybe.

"I wouldn't mind seeing your place though" Kiro said with a smile across his face. He was being his old leader like self now. He listened to suggestions did not always follow them, and he was smart and quick thinking. With Kido at his side most of his time it would be perfect. He wondered who else they would meet, who else they would recruit. Although, maybe Kiro was getting a bit over excited.

[kayla]

Cleo noticed his little bit of indecision. Considering they'd just met she was surprised there wasn't more of it present. She nodded empathetically at his words. "Creepy houses aren't any fun. I live in a three bedroom apartment all by myself. I don't even know what to do with all the space inside." Then she remembered that her apartment was a mess, stuff all over the place. Cleaning was never one of Cleo's priorities. There was always something more important to do. It was fine until she had people over. "Oh well." she thought as she finished her latte.

As Kiro stood up so did Cleo. She placed $20 on the table, smiling at the waitress. To Kiro she said "Well then lets go. But I like walking so how about we go the long way, through the forest. Wood has been begging for a chance to stretch his legs." She grinned mischievously and was out the door.

It was raining slightly, just a drizzle really. It felt wonderful, though not as good as snow felt. That was just... invigoration. The cold ice falling on her bare skin, the cold sparking something deep within. She was always at her best when it was snowing. It must've been the dog in her, she barely ever had a jacket, even in the dead of winter. She knew it was stupid but... it felt so good. She laughed quietly, not wanting to seem weird.

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