End of Small Sanctuary [Knightmare]

[Addie]

End of Small Sanctuary

The first few days of moving in were always the most difficult. Moving everything to the tenth floor, unpacking, saying good by to Yuuto. It would always seem that a meeting with her father was short lived, as if he were keeping up appearances so not to look bad. Perhaps that was just the darker part of her mind, wishing to find a reason to hate him. After all, he did replace her and his ex wife. Even though it had taken him many years to do so, Addie couldn't agree with his choice. Some whiny princess, a marriage to a Japanese woman with connections in his company. Both were carrying their own baggage, children, but her son was so very annoying. Leaving the pampered life just wasn't for them, so they complain. Or at least that was what was written in the letters from Obaasan and Ojiisan. Whatever had been going on, didn't seem like very much fun. She pitied the old couple. Having to deal with their son and his new family. The only thing that Addie really cared about, was they still loved her.

No matter how much trouble she had caused.

She had been in all day, unpacking and organizing. Writing letters to her family and smiling at their house warming gifts. It was so strange that out of the blue they suddenly started to care. Perhaps it was because of what she was doing, or because she had reformed from who she once was. Regardless, there was a warm feeling about being apart of a family again. Even if they were all in Japan, at least they called her and wrote letters. It was really nice. Really wonderful actually.

Looking at the living room for a moment more, the toppled over boxes, the crumbled news paper and the popped bubble wrap. She couldn't help but smile, her life was coming together. It had been all over the play for so long, it was nice to feel a sense of belonging somewhere. So very nice. Torrin was asleep, tuckered out from a day of work, moving furniture and what not. Turning, the brunette would head out and lock the door behind her. Time to explore the area.

Her hair was loosely pulled into braids, only because she had been lazy that day. Bangs pinned to the side, it was a little weird. Surely, very much unlike her. But it was a lazy day, she could be lazy. Even though it was early spring, the weather was warm. She hated that about California. So very bland and always the same..weather wise. Sighing, she'd continue down the stairs. Why take the elevator!? It was too nice to pass up the chance for more walking. Anything to make up for the days she had lost doing nothing. Evening though they were able to give her a new safer home. She hated the idea of sitting around, no matter how long.

Pushing open the doors, the brunette was met with the fresh night air, a dark sky and the streets illuminated by street lamps. It was a Friday, so there were people on the streets. Walking, heading to whatever their location. Oh so much fun. Couples and groups, people with smiles and frowns. Addie could only hope that it would be an interesting area of live in. But safe, for Torrin's sake. She needed to keep her from falling victim to her unfinished work and her abandoned promises. With such serious things on her mind, she'd continue to walk forward with a smile on her face.

It felt so very weird, looking so friendly. Perhaps it was the choice hairstyle, or the clothing she ended up wearing; she just didn't feel like herself. There was no freedom and there was a sense of security. She felt the eyes of others, where as she didn't back home. Maybe it was clothes that make her confident, at least to walk down the street. Perhaps with time, going to school, and leaving everything she ever knew.. Time after time, maybe it was toning down her unquestionable confidence. Or maybe the day she left Japan, it was slowly draining anyways. "I am thinking WAY too much! ha ha ha" The brunette couldn't help but laugh at herself, feeling such dread for no reason. She was herself and there was no part of that she didn't like, after all.. How many women could say they were so F-I-N-E FINE! Well, certainly not her. It was funny to think in such a overconfident manner. The smile just grew on her face, leaving people to question the strange young girl.

Amusing none the less. The first thing to catch her attention was a beautifully decorated store window. She spent a good little while staring, like a child in a candy factory.

[knightmare13]

A cop car pulled into the alley; standard two man unit, two uniformed officers got out and I smiled at watching what happened next. There were two people on the ground bound by chains I had found. The two were only eighteen but held more than enough drugs to get at least a dime or more in the slammer, along with two firearms that were illegally bought. These guys were always fun.

"This again?" One of the officers asked as they both walked over to the two and saw them shaking.
"Hey, you alright?" The other asked, he then nudged one of them with his foot causing him to jump up,
"AAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!" He screamed; I can't help but smile at that, "Please, get us out of here man!" The dealer begged,
"Woah son," The cop said, "What happened here?" The dealer's accomplice stuttered,
"I-it was a...a demon man." He said,
"A demon?" The dealer nodded,
"He had no eyes, just white...said he'd see us in our nightmares man." He said, "Please get us out of here!" He pleaded
"Again?" The other cop asked looking to his partner. He simply shrugged.

They picked up the two and put them in the car. 'Jobs done here, time to go.' I thought to myself in Knightmare's voice and began to continue patrol.

Things had been getting interesting since I put on the...I don't even know what to call it now...But it has become very interesting so far. I'm still working street crime; don't have the presence for the white collar stuff...yet. Onto the next one.

[Addie]

The window was lovely, so bright and colourful. Such a lovely set up. It was a cute cafe, perhaps a place she'd need to apply to. Addie did have cafe experience after all, so what could it hurt? Memorizing the area, she'd leave a mental note to bring her resume down at better hours. Turning and looking forward with the same carefree smile, the brunette would continue to walk, her skirt swaying with the wiggle of her hips as she walked. Her hair hung down braided and her forehead felt the cool breeze as she walked, it was rather weird. But it mattered not, it was a good day after all.

Spirits bright and a smile that could charm. Addie was certainly a strange person. Mixture of Japanese and German, although.. Who could tell by her appearance? Looks weren't everything and she wasn't short after all. That was always good. Continuing her stroll, the brunette would take in the sights, the stores, the gardens. Wandering future from the bright area, slowly towards dimmer streets. Illuminated by only lamp posts and the lights from the bars and lounges. It was almost quiet, if not for the muffled thumping of the loud dance music.

How refreshing, although not very different from what she was used to. Although, it was still in the same state, what more could change between places. It was amusing, none the less. Walking on, the Japanese German girl continued on her stroll. Whistling a happy tune.

[knightmare13]

'C'mon Diego, show me what you got.' I thought as I listened to my small police scanner.

"All units please respond, PC 602.5 in progress, available units please respond." The address wasn't that far from where I am so it would be easier to get there in time. 'Time to move.' I told myself taking off.

He snuck out the back alley of the building he was stealing from. I love these types of thieves, they always move slowly when they believe they've gotten away. "Heh, I'm gonna eat well for a bit." He was well into his twenties; thank god, kids were starting to annoy me. He turned to walk down the alley with a back pack full of stuff which he was more than likely gonna pawn off.
"Nice haul." I said in Knightmare's voice. He turned quickly to see no one there.
"I need to lay off the coke." He said to himself,
"Yeah, the stuff will kill ya." I stated. He jumped again looking around.
"S-someone there?" He asked worriedly.
"Yes...and no." He's jumping now, I love that.

"I don't know what's going on." He said to himself walking off,
"Who said you can leave?" I asked. He's sweating, already?
"Okay, enough of this shit, where are you?!" I tapped his shoulder,
"You asked." He turned around and his face was met with a left hook. He hit the ground hard and I stood there.
"Wha-who the hell are you?" I shook my head. I pointed to his bag, "Oh, I see what this is." He said getting up, I kicked him so he hit the ground again,
"No one said you can move." I told him, He looked at me getting frustrated,
"You're asking for it punk." He said reaching into his back, seriously? I kick him in his head knocking him out. Why do they always think that I won't notice the weapons?

Sirens are blaring, cops are getting close, time to move. I get out of there and get ready for the next mark.

[Addie]

Down the streets, with a sense of freedom and rightness int he world. Addie could only smile as she wandered about the new place she called home. There was a secret hope in her mind, one which would name this place the last of her travelings. Part of her wished to seek happiness and a home in the city, one that would last long enough to finish college.

A place to call home.

A city with people that would know her and Torrin. That was all she really wanted. Friends, family, school, and a place to set roots in. To have happy memories, to be able to feel nostalgic after looking back a few years. The normal experience, no more roaming, getting into trouble. She had turned a new leaf and called herself by the last name of her father.

Things were just starting to smile in her favor, all because she let go of the hate in her heart. but she was free from it all, all because of looking out for others. Along side of a few ass kickings, which were never fun. The quest for strength had only caused her to dally down the road of hate longer.

It wasn't what she needed, but it opened her eyes to how weak she had been. Which was probably the only good thing that had come out of it.

There was an eerie feel to the area, she had felt it before too... Being watched. it was so odd.... A little scary.Yes at the same time, she almost half welcomed the unexpected. Lingering darkness in mind and heart.

[knightmare13]

"C'MON THERE'S ONLY ONE OF HIM!!!" A black guy dressed in G-Unit and a pair of Jordans yells as I take out several of his friends. There had been a drug deal going down that turned a little south and guns were turned on each other. I jumped in and the gun fire turned on me, 'This is fun.' I said to myself in my regular voice. These guys obviously have used guns before...and it's a wonder they haven't killed themselves yet.

Two will have to wear casts for a while, four will have concussions. There was only three left and they got a little bit smarter, they put there backs to each other pointing their guns in different directions. Only problem I'm right above them and drop in the middle of them striking them in their overly exposed backs.

All are down and Cops are bound to show up here soon. I'm done here.

[Addie]

The feeling of being watched, of being followed, it only seemed to grow with each passing moment. The pride and overconfidence that had been locked away in the back of her mind was slowly forcing its way out. Although, she wanted who ever it was to come out of hiding. FACE HER LIKE A MAN! No more cowering in the darkness, fight her. yes, there was the craving to see if she could still hold her own. Of course, she didn't really know much about the city, but she could only assume power houses had moved on and that she would be surrounded by..NORMAL people. No more qi, no more Mafia's, gangs, nothing obscure and strange. Just run of the mill people.

Walking, it kept her mind on other things. Like... Whens he stopped, only to smell the aroma of cakes and fresh breads. The alley beside her had the back of a bakery facing her. Open doors and the screen brought the smells of yum to her. Oh yes, so much of it smelt too good to be true. For that moment, only one thing ran through her mind.... What to bring home to Torrin? What would she like.

Passing the alley, the German Japanese girl ignored her instincts, they were telling her to be careful. Of course she didn't listen, it was for Torrin. To make her happy became key over so much in her life.

Happiness... Friends... good schooling. Addie wanted to give it all to her.

No matter what.

A hand flew from the darkness and grabbed a wrist, pulling her in and out of sight. The street was empty, on one would miss a face they had never seen before.

[knightmare13]

I had taken to the roof tops now, the scanner had become quiet for a bit. Gave me a better time to see how much the city has changed. I was now looking over a main street, nothing seems to be happening either. 'It's not even late...weird.' I thought to myself as I watched over the city.

"Hey stop!" I look down and see two uniforms running after a purse snatcher. 'Good enough.' I said to myself as I ran into an alley that I saw the snatcher run into. Why is it always a goddamn alley?!

The cops finally show up and see the kid knocked out on the ground. Funny how that happens.

[Addie]

The hand that had grabbed was strong, very powerful compared to herself. Perhaps in the time she had spent off, she had gotten weaker. or maybe they were just stronger, it was probably the case. She was shocked and scared, it was very different than putting her wellness and comfort on the line with training with Gabriel and Ryu, this was putting her life on the line. Oh perhaps it wasn't her night.

It was Addie, just because she wasn't dressed like herself, didn't make her any less Addie. Yes, it wasn't the clothes that made her, it was the heart and mind. There was nothing going to get her this evening. Pulling her wrist, she tried to free herself from the grasp of the attacker. "Hey! Let me go!" Addie snapped as she continued to struggle, attempting to free her wrist. Pulling her other hand back, balling it into a fist, she'd attempt to strike the man. Landing it on his face only seemed to make him angrier.

"you little bitch!"[/color] The man cussed angrily as he struck Addie.

Stumbling, she'd land on her knee and remain still for a moment. Her cheek was throbbing. Just a moment to regain her balance and sense of what was going on. Although, the man was leaning over her, a smirk upon her face.

"get up." He'd pull the girl to her feet and look at her with a sneer on his face. Of course, he wasn't expecting too much resistance from someone like her.

What he didn't know.

Whilst being held up and close, the girl would wait for him to lean on, only to smash her head off of his. Of course it would hurt, she had a hard head. The man would drop her, leaving her on the ground for a moment. Where some would run, Addie stood up and threw her arm back, only to be punched in the stomach. The man was faster than she was.

Addie was so screwed.

Falling forward right into the man's arms. There was laughter as she tried to find her feet again. Struggling, the girl found her feet. This was nothing, not compared to Ryu and Gabriel, now those were difficult. She'd find her feet soon enough, looking up at the man. His smirk was so annoying, she wanted to make him cry. Kneeing him, she'd go for the buddies. Taking a few steps away from him, the man would pull a knife from him back pocket. Swearing as he ran at her, laughing as he pushed her to the wall and struck. The knife cut flesh, making its way down from her shoulder to her waist.

It hurt, unbearably. Legs giving out, sending her to the ground the man laughed. Looking down at the girl with a feeling of victory.

He won. She was down, bleeding, just the time for fun. Reaching down, he'd grab her braids and pull her up.

"where's that fire girl?"

More laughter and pain, the feel of code metal and her already open wounds. Why.

Maybe I shouldn't have left the house.. What am i going to do.. What am I going to do? Someone help me...

Pulled to her knee's the girl looked up at the man, bringing a hand up to her shoulder,t he girl would hold her shoulder tightly in pain. The warm red liquid covering the palm of her hand. There was a certain fear that lingered in her mind. Not being able to go home, and Torrin waking up in a house alone. She wouldn't be able to live with herself... That is if she were to live through it.

[knightmare13]

I started looking around the back alleys; it was still too early to call it a night, so this was the next best choice. Aside from some homeless people everything seemed fine from where- -

'Was that what I think it was?' I asked after hearing what I knew too well as an attack. I moved as quickly as I could to an alley where I saw a man standing over a woman with a knife and the woman was already badly hurt. "You bastard!" I yelled running in, he turned and saw me; a little too late though. I tackle him to the ground and punch him time and time again.

He'll need several wires put in his jaw, and for an added measure I broke his hands, if he does move them he'll feel an unbareable amount of pain. I get up and move over to the girl, "Are you okay?" I asked, I can't risk my voice being seen so I used my Knightmare voice.

[Addie]

There was pain and she was dropped to the ground, whilst the man had his hands full with an attacker of his own. Had someone actually come to save her? Did people still care about strangers, or had he made someone angry? Whatever the reason, Addie felt weak and pathetic. The person had taken the man down with no effort, whilst she had trouble.

She was no stronger than she had been when she left Japan. Even with training and fights, she was still the same. Still weak and useless. Always weak and useless. always. Always so pathetic, like those who fight with no face. never revealing who they are, doing things for the thrill. Wearing the mask to keep the same from their weird hobby.

No people didn't care, it was all for the thrill.

Her hand was covered in blood, the portion of the cut from her shoulder to her chest was substantially deeper. Throbbing head and a chill, Addie wasn't feeling her best. There was no fire in her words, no quick movements. She was having a hard time just gathering herself, everything had come as quite the shock to the girl.

After all, she was always able to defend herself to some degree before.

She'd never get over it, ever.

Nodding, the girl lied, if only to be able to go back home. Addie would push herself off the ground with her free and and fall back down. her legs didn't want to agree with her. Why. Why.
why...why why why why why why why why why why.....

[knightmare13]

I stood up and watched her as she tried to leave. I can't help but feel sorry for her, "You need to go to the hospital." I told her. I walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

I understand what happened, this happened frequently while I was traveling and everytime it was worse and worse than the first time.

[Addie]

Why was always a question far too stupid to ask, yet it always seemed to be on a persons mind. Why is this happening to me? Why did I leave the house? Why did I have to go this way? Why and oh so many questions. Yet, for the most part, they are rarely answered. Who gives answers to stupid questions?

Why waste one's time? Really.

She was trembling, there was just pain and a feeling of insignificance, all purpose she had was taken from her; leaving nothing behind. Such an empty feeling to be robbed of the thing she sought to keep, something she a had prided herself on. Why was the world being so cruel to her? What had she done to deserve things like that? She had taken to get strong and narrow path. Doing only good. Something to keep herself from causing pain to others. Regretting all the pain she had placed upon those girls from Japan.

Regretting every moment of what had happened those days of old. never letting go of the past, of the threads that connected her to those who had walked into her life. They were the people she wished to protect, even if they were far apart... It didn't matter. Her hand was covered, the front of her dress was cut open and she was bleeding a great deal. Light headed, the girl would fall forward and find the ground. She just couldn't keep pushing herself, it wouldn't get her far. She gave up.

[knightmare13]

She fell forward, "Damnit." I said under my breath as I rushed over to her. I pull my mask off as I got there and put it in my back for safe keeping. I turn her over, "Hey, c'mon lady." I said to her, "You'll be fine, let's get you some help." I said putting her arm behind my head and put my arms under her bringing her off the ground.

Thankfully my costume looks simple enough that at first glance people think it's just a hoodie, since some passersby looked at me and kept going, 'Where were you when this was going on?' I thought,

"C'mon, stay with me lady." I say out loud as I look around for a way to get help.

[Torrin Ackers-Burr]

It had been days, no, weeks since the move.
Addie had asked Torrin to move with her across California even though Torrin was still new. She didn't understand nor bother to question. She followed happily as her and Addie were quite deliciously close.. and Torrin liked the feeling of having a true friend, one she could even relate to.

"Mmn.." Torrin was sitting on the couch, flipping through magazines quite bored as her feet were up on the coffee table; a habit Addie hated her doing.
"Nothings.." Torri muttered, throwing the magazine aside.
Since her move in with Addie, she was taught much English. She could speak so much more now, although still obviously foreign; but she didn't mind. She was quite proud of her German heritage, and accent.

"I's bored.." She whined, not liking to be alone as of late.

The girl slept off times compared to her roommate, which made 'bonding' time hard. It's not like she meant it, Torri just loved to sleep in the relaxing weather.. which was a bad habit even as a child.
'But I should get up and move.. I don't want to get fat and lazy..er.' Torrin argued, having to take a few minutes to motivate her body to thrust herself up and into a stand before going to change.

Yes, a nice evening walk would do her some good. She hadn't left the house since getting into the apartment where she began to hibernate in the warmth. She was lazy, very lazy, but she had to get out of that.
Torri threw on some baggy shorts, a male tank top and some arm warmers, some boots and tied her caramel hair back in a cap as she got ready for a walk.
It was near midnight, but the weather was.. delightful.

Torri was still as she normally was. She took alley's to travel as she hated the main streets, especially since her feet dragged her to a rather.. popular section.
The bars.
Torri was both underage for this area and not in the mood to deal with drunk and horny Americans, especially not when she was still temperamental with men.

"Mmn.. it wreaks.." She groaned, kicking some garbage as she could smell the stench of alcohol all the way from the alley she tunneled.
"Ish like, dis is funs for dem.." She growled while slurring, tipping her head and racing a little quickly to pass by the stink. She was racing a little quickly, her eyes on the ground as her arm soon bumped into that of another, making her tilt to the side and her eyes shoot for the being to stand in her way.

"...!" Torri grit her teeth. She still had that.. fighting urge inside her, and gosh could she use a good match. Her fist balled and she stopped to spin around and look at the hooded male's back facing her, ready to swing a punch for him, until she caught sight of..something.
He was holding someone.

"E-Eey!" Torri shouted, her accent echoing down the thin alley as she growled a tad. "W-Whas are you doins..wif her?" It was none of Torri's business, but the adrenaline her heart was pumping made her want to make him put the girl down, turn, and fight her.
"Mens dat hurt girls a-are disgusht..."
The person the man was holding was suddenly.. more visible. Especially with the swaying brown braid and the wide and black combination..
was Torrin just seeing things, or was this guy.. holding.. ADDIE!?

"Hey! A-Addeh?!" Torrin didn't even wait for his approval to fight as she lunged for him, stopping in front of him to stare at the girl in his arms, the same girl whom was Torrin's mentor and roommate. The same sweet woman, now beaten up and bleeding. Torrin's heart sank.

"Lets.. her.. gos!" Torrin shouted, her eyes glaring at the man as she ready a fist. No. She didn't ready it, she gripped her knuckles tight and thrust her fist for the man without questions.
"Let mah Addeh goes!"