Fourth time is a Charm (Open)

[David Blaze]

It was cold, for California.

David stood before the school, gazing across the street to peer upon unopened windows and empty grounds. This was the fourth school in less than three years that he had attended. He supposed nothing was ever easy for anyone in life, but for having what some would say was the "american dream", David wasn't one who truly saw his life as happy. He never lived as he should have. Not freely, at least. His past few memories were of hate, and anger, and pride. Of turning himself into one honed weapon- thats how it was, before the sickness. All he remembered was a violent headache, and then laying down. Then he awoke in the hospital, still lingering among the never ending dreams that haunted his conciousness.

He looked down, flexing his fingers. He felt weak, drained. Three weeks had gone by since his eyes had opened, and he still felt feeble, pitiful. His power and force was gone, he knew...but his will and drive were ever stronger. He still had the mission of combat, but he felt more relaxed, almost as though his slumber reminded him of the finer qualities he had lost. For the second time in a very long time, David smiled genuinely.

He stepped down off the curb, walking across the street to the building that would soon become like a second home to him. through the front gates, into the courtyard. A sharp intake of air at the new possibilities stimulated his mind, bringing him to the front doors and into the lobby. Looking around, the place seemed peaceful- but he could tell by the repainted walls and dirty floors that the place had a violence problem. What school didn't? He turned and headed down the hallway, looking for the main office so he could get his schedule and locker number.

[Ceraphine Davis]

As she pulled into the parking lot of the school, all Kevala could think was about how much she honestly did not want to be here right now. She was just so drained as of late that the prospect of having to deal with some of the morons that roamed these halls was just too much for her.

With a light groan, she would looked up to the rearview mirror, icy hues falling upon herself and a little grumble erupting in her throat. She was growing increasingly more disgusted with the way she looked and the person she was turning into. But there was nothing she could do about that, not now at least.

Reaching up, she pulled the shades from atop her head and slid them over her eyes. The sun already starting to affect her eyes. She honestly didnt know what she was going to do about that little problem. It seemed that her eyes only continued to grow lighter and as they did so, the light only grew more and more painful upon them.

~What are you doing? Get your ass out of the car and get in there.~

~You will be fine. You are doing a great job here. Just trust in yourself.~

She rolled her eyes. The contradictions in her mind always seeming to bring about that reaction from herself. However, she did as they wished, her small hand reaching out and pushing the door open to allow her to step out into the cool morning air.

She was dressed in a pair of flare legged, black jeans and a white tank top, that chain wrapped around her exposed stomach dangling off to the side and catching the light that surrounded her in a pretty little shimmer that only succeeded in drawing some of the attention of some of the guys around her.

Not that she cared. Kev had given up on the whole concept of relationships and actually being with somebody. She was just focused on herself, well as much as she could be.

A soft breeze caught her hair and blew it gently about her face, a chill spreading through her slowly as she drew in a deep breath and pushed the door to her car closed. The first step of many leading her into the school taken.

Through the courtyard and to the front door, she would keep her eyes ever observant, but mostly to herself. Not really interested in what was going on and more so in the prospect of getting to her locker. Yet, as she neared the area that the main office rested in, those eyes could not help but fall upon a familiar figure, one which had her stopping and pushing her suglasses up onto the top of her head.

No.

It couldnt be him.....

David?

Sure, she had not known him very well, but she had trained with him several times, and she of course knew him through all the work she had done for Gabriel..all the research and planning...Everything had involved this guy for one reason or another...How could she be expected to forget that face.

Brushing her tongue across her lips she would slowly make her way toward his general direction, a little, very light grin curling upon her lips as she ran her eyes over him.

"Well hello there David. Have to admit I did not expect to see you here. "

She stopped, just a few feet to the left of where he was and leaned against the wall, keeping her eyes trained on him she thought about the few times they had actually trained together. He was an amazing fighter, she would never deny him that, but she had always wondered if that was all he was. Guess this was her chance to find out.

[David Blaze]

He heard the approach, listened to the soft footfalls of the Captain. Yeah, he knew. He had a few tabs on the hierarchy, many of them students from his previous ventures, wanting to keep track of those who were in power. That it was Kevela, the girl he had trained, didn't surprise him. She was headstrong, fast. Destined for greatness. He, meanwhile, seemed to constantly have problems stemming from his physical form, keeping him on a downward spiral to the weak.

As she got close, he would jolt his body toward her, throwing out an elbow aimed straight for her face. His purpose? To see if she remembered any of the lessons he taught her. Always be on your gaurd. Defense and awareness was key to victory. He expected a block, a grab or knocking away of his arm, if she didn't just step out of the way. Whatever the case, if it landed, he would take a moment to stare in disappointment. If, as expected, he was blocked, he would grin, lowering his hood.

"Glad to see my lessons weren't for nothing."

He held a genuine smile, letting her know that despite the attack, he was a bit different than before.

"Sorry, i just like to know that my star pupil is keeping her reflexes up to par." He would put his hands in his pockets, leaning back against the wall and planting a boot for support. "Anyway...in reference to your statement, i didn't exactly expect to be here either. But, things fell into place, and here i am."

[Ceraphine Davis]

The instant he moved Kev's hand shot up, blocking the elbow with her forearm. In that same moment her other hand shot out, grabbing the front of his shirt as her body shifted, turning her body enough to slam him into the set of lockers that had been located behind her, pinning him there with her arm across the area just below his chest. Though as she did this, she refrained from using her full strength, just enough to show she wasn't so easily pushed around as before.

"I always told you there was a reason I wanted to train with the best. You honestly think I would let you throw me through a car and NOT take your teachings to heart?"

She looked up at him with those icy hues, those lips curled into a little grin as she tilted her head slightly.

"Star pupil huh? You sure you're not just saying that because you liked the way I moaned when you jerked my hair? Or maybe it was just the fact that I found you so damn irresistible?"

She laughed softly, the tip of her tongue softly brushing over her lips before she would take a step back, her hand lingering over him just long enough to straighten out his shirt she had ruffled up a bit with her grasp.

Everything about her showed she was acting ion nothing but fun, and honestly she was happy to see him. She had always liked David, even if he was a complete ass to her almost every single time they met with one another, and despite his little "tiff" with Gabriel.

"Well, it is good to see you here, just the same. Even if you are a bit of a stick in the mud most of the time."

She shot him a teasing little glance before once more laughing softly, her fingers brushing through her hair and pushing it out of her face.

"So, what is the master plan now that you are here? Survive until you get out of this place or something a little more in depth?"

She honestly was just curious. It was always something that had been a bit of a weakness of hers. She constantly had the desire to know about anything and everything that interested her, and the appearance of David Blaze at 774 was definitely something that caught her interest.

[David Blaze]

Davids eyebrows would raise as she moved to pin him against the lockers. She was fast, and strong- she was nearly at the abilities he once possessed before his coma. It was good to see and know that his efforts weren't in vain. Of course, he knew his own reputation, his own status as a fighter and an individual. He was once counted as the best, the man to beat. But not anymore. Things had changed with his sickness, and now he just wanted to do his best to bring about a new image. Of course, he would still train and fight, but he wouldn't be so big-headed about it. Strength to him, now, would mean more than simply terrorizing those who were weaker in order to bring them strength.

His back crashed into the lockers, a grunting grin coming to his lips as he stared over her knuckles which gripped his shirt. Teaching with the best...he shrugged from the position she had placed him in, closing his eyes as he sighed.

"Well, your the top dog now."

His eyes popped open, and before she could release him, he would act. It was all in good sport, and while normally he would hurt her (or try to) when something like this came about, now he just wanted to give her a little laugh, and perhaps some mock worry. His left hand would palm her chin, pushing her head up and back, so her vision of him was totally blocked. His right thumb who stick out, and he would jam it right into her left armpit, at a nerve center there. This would cause pain, but more of an uncomfortable sort, since he didn't want to hurt her. The main goal would be for the natural human reaction that would come with the thumb pushing there- jerking her arm back, releasing the grip. It would probably force her back a step or two as well.

He would smile and shrug.

"But just because your top dog, doesn't mean i won't ever give you some friendly competition." He would hold out his hands, to stop her from an attack or reflexive assault. "Not now though. I'm still a little...unuse to how my body is. We can definitely train in the future though." He would fix his own shirt, if everything went according to plan, and would gesture with his hand to her. "So, your Captain. Who are your pillars?" He already knew, but figured he'd let her explain them for herself.

[Ceraphine Davis]

Ack! That second minor attack got her ass to jump back a step or two alright as she grinned and rubbed shook her head. Then as he started to speak again she would shrug softly, her tongue brushing against her lips as she sighed and leaned back against another set of lockers.

"My pillars? Pft. If you can even call them that. I am without a Varsity Captain, my Student Body President is having an identity crisis and my School Newsletter guy is missing in action. So, yeah, you could say I am pretty fucked in the pillar department at the moment."

She shrugged, her thumbs tucking into her pockets as she sighed and looked about the hall, making sure that none of the other students were being too damn nosy, seeing as that always led to trouble if you were not careful.

"It is nice to see you though David. I meant that. Even if you were an ass, I still respected you greatly."

She wasn't about to lie on the matter. Sure they had never spent too much time together but she had ears and a brain and paid attention to everything. She had learned early on to respect him and that had not changed to this day.

[David Blaze]

"Ah, well. Life is hard as a Captain." He knew that personally. Six times as the leader of 259 and 809- it was a lesson well learned. "Just remember that you alone are Captain, and your decisions are law for the student body. If your pillars aren't performing up to par, replace them." He shrugged. When he had decided on his pillars, they were friends, and all close. However, through time, he learned that some pillars had to be replaced, and even if it was taken personally it was always for the best of the school. You had to show the strength to lead, otherwise you would just be taken advantage of, and in the end that benefited nobody. Prove to the school your worth, and they would follow without question. He let out a breath after his statement, leaning back against the now-dented lockers across from her.

As she stated she was glad to see him, he smiled again, letting her know it was much appreciated. It was probably one of a handful of times someone had basically said they missed him. He wasn't exactly the sociable type, or didn't use to be. Combat was his area of expertise, always has been and probably always would be. But he was trying to adapt, to change, and let the world perhaps see him as more than just a target. "Thank you, Kev. Its good to see a familiar face. Brings comfort to these ancient bones." He gave a little chuckle at that, but in truth he was beginning to think it was plausible. He felt older than he was, like he had lived enough for most the school.

"You know, if you ever need help or advice, you CAN come to me." He placed a hand behind his head. "I know we havn't exactly been on a friendship scale, but i guess you could say i'm trying to turn over a new leaf, as it were. Besides-" He scoffed in a joking manner. "- Having the School Captain in your pocket could come in handy some day." Obviously sarcastic, David would place his hands in his pockets, nodding with his head to the hall, indicating they should keep walking. "So, No Varsity Captain, and no Newsletter pillar. So- what are you going to do about it?"

[Ceraphine Davis]

She shrugged as she cast him a sly little grin, her eyes staying focused upon his as she thought over his words. They meant a lot considering the fact that they had not really ever been friends, but she was always about giving second chances to most people, and seeing as how he had never done anything against her, she sorta saw that as no reason not to give him another go.

"I would be happy to take any advice you could offer. I may not have been around during your reign as Captain of 259 but I listened well. I know that you were good at what you did and I would be honored to have you to turn to."

She was straightforward, that was for sure, and though alot of people may have taken her words as something false, she was never one to lie unless she absolutely had to. She hated the fact that people so often lied about such simple matters, it only complicated things and made relationships that much more muddled and confused.

"I honestly dont know as of yet. I chose based on those that I thought at the time were best for the positions, yet they proved more interested in the power their titles held than the benefit of the students they were entrusted to protect. I will find others, though I am more selective this time around. I dont think it takes strength to make a pillar, I think it takes strong will and determination. Just lately, this school seems to be lacking in that."

She sighed, her eyes casting downward for a moment as she thought over the same issue she had been struggling with for weeks now. It was going to take her some time but she was sure she could pull it off, it was just a matter of following her instincts, and so far her instincts had not sniffed out anyone who would fit the bill.

She would be damned if she let some egotistical, self centered, short sighted pig into the spots again. It was not going to happen, so until then she would have to try and hold things down on her own, despite how much it was running her ragged.

"So, how about you and me go out to dinner? I would say grab lunch and such but I have some stuff that I need to take care off and I am sure you need to get settled in. I mean we can still chat if you want, but I think dinner and a movie sounds better than trying to have a decent conversation with a bunch of noisy, nosy kids lurking about."

She shot a glare toward a group that had been inching closer to them over the past few minutes. Was she actually asking David Blaze on a date? Well, that was left up for interpretation, because honestly she was not saying, she just wanted an answer.

[David Blaze]

David nodded. Ah, that feeling was something not unheard of for a first time Captain. Abandoned, alone, stressed. He felt much the same back at 809. But she was a little different- she was stronger, physically, than he was at the time, but he also had plenty of people to work with. Still, her statement made him wonder about the school- if there were so few individuals here who could actually show some form of integrity, he worried for the situation at hand. Was he going to have a re-living of phs #42, where the students basically cared for nothing but themselves? Or perhaps, even worse, another reign of Gallagher? Nah, she was totally different- a far better person than people probably gave her credit for.

"Just remember- you are in control. Don't let yourself get discouraged, since in the end you could go it solo. Pillars are there for your convienience, not out of necessity. Keep that in mind when your choosing your pillars." He glanced at her. "Your strong, just know that and be confident. If you werent, you wouldn't be Captain." He pushed her with his shoulder, lightly. "Of course, it won't matter much when i kick your ass." He smiled lightly, listening to her speak.

He turned to look at her for a moment as they walked, her words coming a little shockingly. Did she just ask him on a date? Perhaps... he faced forward again. It was a predicament he had never actually been in. A girl wanting to go out with him. It reminded him vividly of his ex girlfriend, Bastille. He missed her terribly. But he was beginning to let go, he knew, and so answered as best he could.

"Nah..." He let it hang for half a second to make her feel weird. "I'm not a huge fan of movies. Dinner sounds great though. And then, perhaps, we'll talk about an after party." He grinned broadly, trying his best to bring some humor to himself. It felt a little off...but he guessed that was to be expected. He had not been up and running for a long time, and he was use to being a bonafied asshat. Now..things were different.

He was changing, again. For the better.

[Ceraphine Davis]

She, as always, listened intently to his words, nodding slightly as she brought her arms up to cross over her chest. It had taken some getting used to but she was seeing that what he said was true.

"I have realized that I do not need them as much as they seem to think I do. Hence why the Varsity Captain spot has been left open for so long."

Then came that little nudge to her shoulder, making her look up to him once more and grin as she shrugged and let out a soft little laugh.

"Well, so long as you dont go throwing me through anymore cars I guess I can handle an ass kicking from you. Only if you promise to pull my hair again."

Oh yeah, she loved to tease and had her own strange sense of humor, but that was just one of the things that set her apart from most girls. At least she liked to think so. Then they were onto the topic of their "date" or whatever it was. You would think that since she had done the asking she would know, but yeah, she had no clue.

"Sounds like a plan to me. But I figure since I asked you out, you can at least pick me up."

She flashed him that teasing little smile as she stopped and stepped in front of him, facing him with her head tilted back enough to look up at him once more.

"Unless of course you have a problem with that?"

She honestly liked the newer side of him, even if she could feel the bit of awkwardness he seemed to feel in being such. It was always hard to try and be something new, especially when you had been a certain way for so long. She knew that all too well.

[David Blaze]

He laughed

"Well, i guess, for the sake of my victory, i can handle pulling your hair again. Can't promise it will be in battle though." He winked, letting the humor continue. Sexual inuendos were a first, for him- even with the previous girls in his life, he had always been so serious and hard on himself. He never let a little relaxation come into play. "And i would be happy to pick you up." He took a deep breath, glancing at a few students before looking back to Kevela.

"Listen, could you do me a favor?" He would wait for a yes, which he assumed would be forthcoming. "Could you...not tell people about me? That i'm a Dragon, or about my reputation at 259? I'd kinda like to start fresh here, y'know?" He shrugged. "I don't really have much in the way of plans, but i know i want to help the school. I just can't do it with my past being well known." He looked her in the eye, smiling again.

"Follow me."

He went outside, out and around a greenhouse to a totally empty lot, unzipping his sweater.

"I know i said i didn't want to fight- but i think a friendly spar would actually be the quickest way to get me back into shape." He turned around, his sleeveless shirt hugging his form tightly, the natural lettering spelling "Blaze" in black flame. It was classic, for him. He would revive that name here, at 774, and to himself, by beating the Captain in a friendly bout.

"Loser buys the dinner."

[Ceraphine Davis]

She could not help but grin at the little hair pulling comment and then shrug softly, letting out a little wistful sigh as she bit her lip in a mock, nervous gesture.

"Well that's all fine and good David, but I have to warn you. I tend to get a little rough."

A little flash of her eyes toward him as she gave him that grin that was a mixture of both her teasing nature and that sultry little vixen that lurked within. It was just enough to say she was joking, but let the question open as to just how much of a joke it really was.

Then he asked for a favor, a nod given as she tucked her hair behind her ear and let her focus turn to that of a more serious nature.

"Of course."

He then went on to speak of keeping his "identity" a secret. Which was something she fully understood. People loved so much to judge people based on who they were instead of who they were now. She suffered that almost every day of her life in one way or another. So for him to ask such was actually quite silly, it had never crossed her mind to go speaking about him to people anyways.

"You really not even need ask David. I won't tell anyone, I promise. I know what its like, to be judged by who you were and not by who you are. Your secret is safe with me."

She even went so far as to make a little cross gesture over her heart as she smiled and then moved outside. It was then that the tables yet again turned. Never a dull moment with this one, which was something she liked and honestly always had.

So a spar, something she had not done in some time actually, was what would be the deciding factor in who paid for dinner. She could handle that. She had been able to tell he was not as strong as he once was, but she knew well the type of skill he possessed. Good thing she had a healthy bank account, just on the outside chance he handed her ass to her.

"Sounds like a good deal. So come on.....Lets play."

With that she slid her sunglasses down into place over her eyes and then settled her hands down to her sides, her left foot sliding back just a bit to gather a more sturdy stance. All the while she kept those eyes focused on him, judging his every movement and waiting. She was not gonna be the one to attack first unless she had to. That was just the way she had always been.

Yet just then the phone in her pocket went off, and she growled, holding up her hand to tell him to hold on just a minute. As she answered, she heard the panicked tone of the girl on the other end. Something was wrong with Zeke. Slamming the phone shut she would shake her head as she stuffed it back in her pocket.

"I am sorry David but I have to go. Trouble at home. I call you about dinner."

With that she would hurry over to him, hopping up and pressing a kiss to his lips, her tongue pressing past his lips to brush against his own briefly. Yeah, so what, she had always wanted to do that. Then just like that she was off.

(OOC: I forfeit the fight to David. He wins, hands down. Oh and btw Corey, the kiss was just to leave him something to think about if she ever comes back. Hehehehe )

[David Blaze]

He turned, watching Kevela as she walked away, slightly stunned that she had actually kissed him. He was looking forward to a battle, but instead she had came and gone like the wind. His lips tingled slightly, and as she vanished from view he would reach up, touching his fingers to where her lips had met his.

His hands went back to his pockets, as he turned to gaze up at the sky, a hawk flying past in an afternoon hunt. Times with Bastille came rushing back, and though he was quite interested in what, exactly, Kevela planned on speaking with him about after that, he pulled up his hood and walked the opposite direction, shrouding himself in his memories.

OOC(( ... ))