Youko

Ah, thanks for the help. =) At least now I'll know what to do when I'm actually allowed onto the Test Server.

Probably the first one, since I did change my password. How would I go about resetting up the test server?

Also, it's won't let me get past the log in if I'm not in the beta or it won't let me pick a server? I thought in the past it just wouldn't let me pick a server, but I may be wrong.

Tried to log into the Training Room today (I've done it a lot in the past, so I know I've set it up properly) but when I tried to log in, it said my account name or password were incorrect. However, when I went back to the regular game and tried to log in with the exact same info, I got in without a problem. Can anyone help me out here?

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Assassin strike at level 50 vs a target with no resists at all, at the damage cap:
Base: 250.24
Critical: 1501.47

Total: 1751.71 hp in one hit.

Level 50 Stalker has 1017.1 hp.

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thanks for the news, wow were gonna be one shotted by scrappers then, seems all these nerfs and no love in the health department. guess we'll all have to go kamikaze after level 50 cause those hp's are gonna make us dead real quick.

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Actually, this is good news to stalkers - he's saying that a Stalker can still do more damage in one hit than a Scrapper has HP. Of course that's assuming zero resists (regen), and w/ the one shot changes going in, it means that you can *only* reduce a regen scrapper to 1% health in one hit.

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I find it amusing that SR isn't even considered. =P

But back on topic, I think this just encourages stalkers even more to follow specific builds and learn how to use them the best they can and, you know, come up with a strategy or something.

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Accuracy: Base accuracy for Hero v. Hero in Warburg seems to be floating around 50%. Due to the nature of the equation, this is a serious defense against anyone who does not have +to-hit buffs, and a minimal defense against those who do have such buffs. This does not trouble me, as the resist based sets offer little-to-no mitigation in many cases now, so balance is not implicated. But is that 50% number an 'intended condition', that we can expect to see propigating throughout PvP? Or is it a bug?

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We've reduced base To Hit from 75% to 50% for PvP purposes. This change was made to give Defense sets more effectiveness. With the ED changes, coupled with the prevalence of +To Hit buffs it was necessary.


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Anyone know if this affects PvE as well?

After seeing a plot a strange character started, I got into a discussion with some others about it. I won't go into details (because that's not what this thread is about), but I found it to be inappropriate subject material for the game.

So, I'm wondering, what do you all consider to be appropriate subject material for RP? What do you consider inappropriate subject material? Where do you draw the line?

Note: I'm not trying to start a grass-roots campaign against these people, I'm just curious as to some others' opinions on the matter.

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unfortunetly for the guys using girl avatars this is a slight problem...

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Also a problem for most people, since it's pretty unlikely that their own voice even at least somewhat matches that of their character's. Until super advanced sci-fi voice changers become the norm or people start making characters just like themselves, I don't think something like this will ever take off. =( I'd like to see it too, but I think it's still a ways off.

Additionally, when you type something out, you have time to think about it and be sure that it is really something your character would say (or do, in the case of emotes).

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The time has clearly come for me to bow out of this game again.

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Can I have your stuff?

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It's times like this that I really wish I had a time machine. With a time machine I could go back in time to ask just before you did. XD

Youko - MA/SR Scrapper - Virtue

Youko - MA/SR Scrapper - Virtue - Close-up

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If someone wrote a comic about your Hero

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I would find them and beat the tar out of them. If anyone is going to be writing comics about my hero it's gonna be me, myself, and I. Yes, we're a three man team.

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Question 1: What's your favorite color (remember, I'm referring to your hero(es).

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Youko holds her arms out and looks at her white robe, grinning. "Hmm... That would probably be white."

Youko: Huh? Hey! I actually got through! :rops the phone and scrambles for it:: Right, I'm Youko and I've got a few questions for you guys.

Youko: The first one is for Dr. Vahzilok and the Clockwork King. How did you two meet? You seem to be good buddies.

Youko: Oh, and Dr. Vahzilok, that's really low hiding in the sewers. Those places are murder on us canine's noses, not to even mention your cadavers and abominations.

Youko: Second one is for Vanessa. Don't you have any scraps of dignity or modesty, dressing the way you do? Oh, and that mask is nice looking, too bad it's cursed. Don't you miss your old life?

Youko: Well, that's everyth-- Oh, wait! Vandal's there, isn't he?! ::Begins shouting:: Vandal you accursed 5th Column fascist N***! I'll make you pay! There's nowhere you can hide! That disgraceful excuse for a villain group, the Council, certainly won't be able to protect you!!!

Youko: ::Calms down:: Anyway... Um... Well, I hate to congratulate you guys, but you've really done good for yourselves so far, and that's to be commended. Except you, Vandal! Well, I'll see you guys around and introduce you to my foot, re-introduce in some cases!

Blast. The more I read the more I love it and wish I had gotten a character in. XD Oh well, doesn't stop it from being one of the best things I've read on the boards in a very long time. =) Even for someone like me who doesn't know any of these characters (names like Captain Neem and Steele Magnolia ring all sorts of bells though), I still find myself getting to like them, thanks to your excellent job of portraying them. =)

Keep up the great work, Blood_Wolffe. =)

((Thanks. I think I'll give that a try.))

Thanks, Voidchild. =)

I'm glad you hope this isn't the last we'll see of Keikan, Blood_Wolffe. =P

Well, if nothing else, I'm going to try and be more involved with her than I was with Youko. You know, grouping more, more attempts at RP'ing, the works. Guess I'll just have to see how that goes and do my best. =P I may write another fic for her, I just don't know what to write about. So, until then, I'll just wait until I come up with an idea that works. =)

((OOC: Hey all. I've been a longtime CoH player and started my main last April with the intent of RPing. So, I joined Virtue, wrote out a background and everything. Thing is, I have no idea where to start with RPing her (she's a level 37 MA/SR scrapper now). I did find an SG that RP'd a while ago that she could join, but after only a couple months with those people, the group broke up and I was back on the street. I suppose what I'm looking for is advice on how to get started RPing. If this comes off as a rather strange request, sorry, I don't have much experience with communities and have trouble dealing with new people. But, well, it doesn't really make sense to play an MMORPG if one is going to solo almost exclusively, right? I want to make an attempt to stop soloing and see some people for once.

Thanks in advance for any responses.))

Here's the final chapter. I hope everyone who has been reading so far enjoys it. =)

Chapter 6 – Caelestis Enisis

As the days turned into months, Kasumi became an even more skilled swordswoman and her reputation as a Hero began to get her some recognition. Unfortunately, attention isn’t always a good thing. Recently there had been rumors circulating about a “Hero-killer”. He was some sort of serial killer who targeted occult Heroes like good vampires and benevolent demons. Somehow, he had found a magical weapon that would disrupt the Hero-teleportation device, allowing him to kill Heroes. This man had been wandering around the city and he often left notes at the scene where the Hero was slain, explaining his motives for the killing, which were clearly those of a madman. Every note had strong religious undertones and each was signed by “Caelestis Enisis”, meaning, more or less, “Divine Sword” in Latin. Unfortunately, every attempt to hunt down Caelestis ended in failure, as the man seemed to be able to disappear without a trace. A few immensely powerful demonic and vampiric Heroes had fallen under his blade and never a drop of his own blood was ever found at any of the crime scenes, hinting at his immense strength and skill. Needless to say, this man had the occult Hero community very scared. So, one can see why Keikan getting attention right now wasn’t a good thing…

***

“Mmmm…” Kasumi patted her belly as she walked home from Ernest’s place. Ernest had been very worried about her, having heard about this Caelestis Enisis fellow on the news. Kasumi never thought a thing of it. But, perhaps she should have…

Kasumi opted to walk through Perez Park and put a stop to any trouble she found there. After all, if she could make this park safe and beautiful again, that would be a major victory for her… And besides, she liked walking through the forest under the moonlight. However, something was a little strange today. “Hmm… Where are all the bad guys?” Kasumi asked herself as she looked around. She had just gotten to the abandoned amphitheater in the park. There was something very wrong here…

Silently, like a shadow, a figure emerged from the darkness of the stage. “Ahh… There you are at last, you vile creature.” An older man’s voice said. Startled, Kasumi turned to face the man as he stepped out onto the moonlit stage. She hadn’t picked up his scent or heard him sneak up on her at all… The man was wearing a dark, ratty leather trench coat with many straps on it and a wide brimmed hat. His face was rough shaven and scarred, with his long gray streaked brown hair hanging down on the sides of his face. His eyes were cold and fierce. Around his neck he wore a silver cross. Belted at his waist was a magnificent European longsword that was so magical that even Kasumi could sense it. She knew at once who this man was. She had just stumbled across Caelestis Enisis, the “Hero-killer”… “I’ve been looking for you, Keikan.” the man said venomously.

“Why have you been killing all of these Heroes?! It's not right!" Kasumi snapped at the man.

“You heathenous dog! How dare you speak ill of my sacred quest! I am performing His will in destroying vile creatures such as you!” Caelestis Enisis shouted as he drew his sword, prompting Kasumi to draw her own.

“You’re deluded! Why would any good god have you destroy those who are removing true evil from this city?! This quest of yours is anything but sacred!” Keikan shouted as she lunged at Caelestis Enisis and slashed three times in quick succession, though each strike was parried easily.

“And just what do you think I’ve been doing, you foolish beast?! I have been removing true evil from this city! Those impure souls who claim to be protecting this city are the ones who are deluded! They are so pitiful that they cannot even realize how fundamentally flawed they are!” Caelestis Enisis slashed at Keikan with supernatural speed, his sword a flash of light. Keikan was just barely able to parry and dodge the strikes. “They try to claw their way up to the Light without even knowing that with their dirtied souls that will never be possible!!”

Fiercely, Keikan attacked Caelestis Enisis, but it quickly became apparent that she was outclassed by the masterful maniac. They fought back and forth, Keikan gradually getting worn down. She was good, but this man… he was in a league of his own… Everything that got in the way of their swords was promptly sliced to ribbons. If Keikan didn’t have the Kaze no Ha, she too would’ve been sliced to ribbons, as she wouldn’t have a sword powerful enough to match Caelestis Enisis’.

At last, Caelestis managed to disarm Keikan, and backed her up against the wall. “I had heard you were good, Keikan.” Caelestis said as he pointed his sword at Kasumi’s heart, “I am sorely disappointed. However, take solace in knowing that you are the most skilled werewolf swordswoman I have ever slain.” Caelestis told her. Just as Caelestis was about to run Kasumi through, a large, familiar hand suddenly grasped the blade of Caelestis’ sword. “What?!” Caelestis Enisis shouted as he tried to pull his sword free, but it was stuck fast. Stuck, in the hand of Super Amazing.

“Need a hand, Scruffy?” Super Amazing asked Kasumi nonchalantly.

“Ye-yeah. Thanks, mister.” Kasumi said as she moved to the side and summoned her sword back to her hand.

“Why are you helping her, you fool human?!” Caelestis shouted as he fought to pull his sword free.

“Scruffy here, Keikan, is my friend. She is no monster and she is no poor deluded soul. She is an honorable young woman who will be a magnificent, perhaps even amazing Hero one day.” Super Amazing said as he clenched the fist holding Caelestis Enisis’ sword. A second passed and the blade of the sword suddenly shattered like glass, each shard disappearing, leaving only the useless hilt in Caelestis Enisis’ hand.

“This is your last chance to get out the way, human!” Caelestis shouted as he jumped backwards, throwing the hilt of his sword away as he stepped into a fighting stance. “The axe will fall on this one’s neck!” he shouted.

“I think not, murderer.” Super Amazing said as he cracked his knuckles. “What do you say we teach this man a lesson, Scruffy?”

“Heh,” Kasumi slipped into a fighting stance herself, “Let’s do it, mister.”

Super Amazing lead the charge at Caelestis Enisis with Keikan right behind him. Caelestis tried to kick Super Amazing, but the attack was not only blocked, but knocked wide as well. Keikan leapt into the fray and began slashing at Caelestis, looking for even the slightest opening. However, the man somehow managed to deflect each of her attacks with his gauntleted forearms. If it was just him against Keikan, he would have the upper hand. Unfortunately for him, he had to contend with Super Amazing as well, who was not to be underestimated.

While Caelestis was busy with Keikan, Super Amazing threw in an amazing right hook, which caught Caelestis in the jaw and sent him spinning through the air. Somehow though, Caelestis managed to land on his feet and charged again, throwing a flurry of punches at both Keikan and Super Amazing. Keikan managed to parry and dodge all of the punches somehow while Super Amazing simply soaked up the blows, each punch seeming to hit his chest with the force of a bouncy ball hitting the side of a military bunker.

Just as Caelestis punched Super Amazing, Keikan slashed at him, severing his left arm cleanly at the shoulder and leaving a deep gash on the left side of his face and totally removing the use of his left eye. Everything ground to a halt as blood flowed everywhere, yet the man never let out the smallest cry of pain, despite his terrible wounds. He glared at Keikan with his icy blue eyes then said solemnly, “I will kill you, Keikan. This you can be assured.” he then turned around and ran off into the forest.

“Well, Scruffy, I guess I’ll just have to keep an eye on you. Wouldn’t want that man to catch you alone right now.” Super Amazing told Keikan as she shook the blood from her blade and sheathed it.

“Thank you very much for your help, mister.” Kasumi bowed to Super Amazing.

“You didn’t do too bad yourself. Still need some practice, but you should be a fine Hero one day, more than a match for that man.” Super Amazing dusted himself off and said, “At any rate, you should be safe for a while, since his sword is broken. But, don’t get lazy. We’ve made ourselves a dangerous enemy today. You would do well to give everything you have toward becoming stronger.” Super Amazing told her solemnly.

“Right. I’ll do that.” Kasumi nodded. “Thanks for everything.”

“Just don’t get yourself killed, Scruffy. I’ve taken a liking to you.” Super Amazing grinned.

“Of course, mister.” Kasumi bowed before running off.

“Yep. She’ll definitely be an amazing Hero one of these days. But…” Super Amazing looked down at Caelestis Enisis’ arm, which he had left behind. “This man concerns me… I haven’t seen a villain this depraved in a while…”

Super Amazing looked up to the moon, “I sense a great evil coming, and this man is just a small part of it… Soon, there’s going to be many people like him…”

Dark times were ahead and the city was not yet prepared to deal with them. He could only pray that his amazing strength would be enough until others achieved the level of power he had. The city would need it. The fate of the world would depend upon it…

Epilogue

Our dear little Kasumi went on back to Rachel’s home and told them what had happened. Rachel was impossibly jealous, since Kasumi had had the chance to fight alongside The Incredible Super Amazing. Also, they were all shocked that she had fought Caelestis Enisis and survived, maimed him and broken his sword nonetheless. The next day, Keikan and Super Amazing made the front page of the Paragon Times for having defeated Caelestis Enisis. Camera-shy Kasumi didn’t like that very much. In fact, she’s pretty sure that she’s still seeing stars from getting flashed by the cameras so many times by those reporters that always seemed to follow Super Amazing around…

A few weeks later things settled down substantially and the “Hero-killer” murders stopped. Eventually, Kasumi finally managed to master how to switch between her human and werewolf forms. Naturally, she went back to her aunt and uncle and told them everything that had happened. She didn’t, however, tell them that she had forgotten all about them in the excitement of the last month that led up to her encounter with Caelestis Enisis. Kasumi told them about how she was a werewolf and that she was the Hero Keikan. They asked her to prove it, just to see her transform, since they already believed her. Toshiro and Sakura both gave her a hard time and Toshiro also took to calling her Scruffy, which frustrated her because that was her special Super Amazing-given nickname, so only he could call her that. Toshiro soon stopped kidding around with her and gave up calling her Scruffy. Now that she pretty much had two homes, Kasumi had to decide where she was going to live. Since she liked both of her families, she was unable to choose and wound up staying at each house every other night.

Now that she was able to become human again, Kasumi returned to school. However, her teachers took advantage of her extended leave and gave her mountains of homework to do. She still doesn’t know quite how she managed to get through it all, but she did and passed all of her classes with flying colors.

She still sees Super Amazing quite often and sidekicks with him when he goes on some really tough missions. Super Amazing is impressed with how fast Kasumi advances in skill and strength, though he claims that it’s because some of his amazingness must have rubbed off on her…

Our dear little girl who started as little more than a violent social outcast has now become a Hero in one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Kasumi is finally getting situated in Paragon City, but is by no means settling down. After all, the life of a Hero in Paragon City is filled with danger, intrigue, mystery, suspense, horror, and of course, romance. Naturally, she is ready for anything fate throws her way and her amazing guardian angel is always there to back her up.

The End.

For now…

Well, that's it. =) Please feel free to post or PM me any comments, questions, criticism, or whatever else. I'm looking for some feedback here. =)

Here's chapter 5. It's not that long and the only good place to break it up was in the beginning, so I put it all in one post.

Chapter 5 – Keikan

I don’t really like that Super Amazing guy very much. He’s… a bit of a fool. I never would’ve thought that it was possible for Heroes to be so… tacky…

Well, some good did come of Kasumi meeting Super Amazing. Super Amazing was more than happy to help her with the paperwork for her Hero License and even put in a good word for her. Of course, she did have to put up with him for well over an hour, get her picture taken with him (which he promptly autographed), and get asked well over a hundred times if she was in any way associated with The Incredible Super Amazing. Naturally, Super Amazing wasn’t very helpful at all. In fact, he even encouraged the paparazzi and everyone else.

Somehow, in all the commotion, Kasumi managed to fill out all of the paperwork and get her license. Her new name was “Keikan” and she had been assigned the security level of 1, since she was “just starting” even though she was far more capable than that…

After she was finished, Kasumi literally fled the City Hall building as more people swarmed to see The Incredible Super Amazing.

When Kasumi finally made it home, she was met by Rachel, Nikolai, and Victor, all of whom were curious about what happened. Rachel wanted to know about Super Amazing, and was very jealous when she found out that she had an autographed picture from Super Amazing, though she was wondering who this “Keikan (Scruffy!)” was, that the autograph was signed to. Nikolai wanted to know what her Hero name was, which she told him was “Keikan” meaning “strong and fierce”, which seemed to be acceptable to everyone. And Victor wanted to know what had happened at the Ziggurat. Needless to say, he was shocked that Kasumi was still ok after everything that had happened, as was everyone else.

After Kasumi finally registered as a Hero, she went back to killing the bad guys and gradually got more used to her werewolf form and more comfortable being seen in it. She was still staying with Nikolai’s family, since they had grown fond of her and didn’t want her to leave. Fortunately the feeling was mutual. However, that immense hunger she had acquired after her transformation had never gone away, so Kasumi picked the pockets of her victims, looking for money to buy food with. Our little Hero’s monthly government stipend “Hero allowance” if you will, also went toward her food budget, as did any tips she received from grateful people that she saved. Strange as it was, even though Kasumi ate as much as she could, she never gained another pound, leaving her weighing only a modest 112 lbs. It was rare that she actually managed to satisfy her appetite, but she tried anyway, because if she didn’t she would get so hungry as to feel like she was dying. However, she was soon to have a bit of difficulty and do things she wouldn’t soon forget…

“Ughhnnn…” Kasumi groaned as she walked through Perez Park under the moonlight, her arms held across her stomach. “Stupid Circle of Thorns people don’ carry any money…” she muttered. “So hungry…” she groaned as her stomach growled, demanding food. It seemed that ever since she had started fighting the Circle of Thorns almost exclusively, her… ahem, confiscated funds had dried up, and there were few people that dared come into Perez Park anymore, so she didn’t get money for saving people, which left her with only her monthly stipend… Thankfully, she didn’t have to cover other expenses such as clothing or board.

“Grrr…” Kasumi growled, something that she had been doing disturbingly often as of late, “What I wouldn’t give for a stack of nice, juicy steaks right about now…” Kasumi rubbed her stomach and smiled, “Mmmm…” It was not fun being hungry all the time…

About an hour later, Kasumi was still wandering the Park on her routine route. However, her hunger had intensified greatly since earlier, nearly to the point where she couldn’t stand it.

Just as Kasumi decided that she should go home and raid Rachel’s pantry, a group of the Circle of Thorns jumped Kasumi, startling her for a second. Swiftly, Kasumi leapt backwards in a beautiful backflip, her sword flashing out of its sheath as she flew. Kasumi’s feet touched the ground and she immediately leapt forward to meet the charge of the Circle. Screams sounded the air as Kasumi’s sword flashed repeatedly, splattering blood everywhere. Ten seconds. Our messy little swordswoman was getting slow…

Kasumi flicked the blood off of her blade and sheathed it before turning around. When she saw the mess she had left, she suddenly became acutely aware of her pounding heart. Her mouth fell open as she felt herself slip away from consciousness, her eyes slowly closing.

Suddenly, her eyes opened wide, though they were blood red and the person standing there was by no means Kasumi. The werewolf looked down at the mess at her feet and promptly knelt down in it. She found part of a nearby corpse, still warm from life, and did the unthinkable.

About a half hour later there were several full skeletons lying amidst the mess that Kasumi had made. Slowly, the werewolf’s eyes regained their proper amber color and Kasumi was back. The first thing she noticed was that she felt full. Truly full, for the first time since her transformation. That was the first thing. What she noticed next shocked her to the very core of her being. She saw the skeletons lying there, picked clean, and she immediately knew what she had done. “N-no… I-I… I couldn’t have done something like that…” she breathed as she looked at her bloody, clawed hands, shaking her head in disbelief.

Our little cannibal’s ears perked up as she heard a rustling in the bushes off to her left. Instinctively, she stuck her nose up in the air and took a few good whiffs and things had gone from bad to worse. It was Nikolai, and he had more than likely seen her…

Quickly, Kasumi staggered to her feet and turned to face the bushes where Nikolai was just as he stepped out of them. Like Kasumi, he was currently in his werewolf form. Nikolai had a look of shocked disbelief on his face as he approached Kasumi. “N-no!!!” Kasumi cried out as she backed away, her eyes wide in horror, “S-stay away from me!!”

“Kasumi… What’s wrong? Why did you…” Nikolai asked as he approached her, genuinely concerned. After all, who wouldn’t be concerned if they had just seen one of their friends eat three people?

“N-no!! I don’t want to hurt you!!!” Kasumi sobbed as she turned around and leapt high into the air, bursting through the canopy of the forest. She then quickly leapt away, eventually hiding under the freeway in Skyway City.

For a while, Kasumi sat under the freeway, crying. There was no denying it now. She was, without a doubt, some sort of monster. She had tried throwing up, anything to get the human flesh out of her body, but she was unable to, which didn’t help at all. Her satisfied hunger now disgusted her, because she knew how she had gotten full. Who wouldn’t be disgusted?

“Ah,” a painfully familiar voice said from off to Kasumi’s left, “There you are, Scruffy. I’ve finally found you.” Super Amazing said with a friendly smile as he walked over to Kasumi and sat down across from her. Upon seeing her crying, he asked, “Would you care to tell me what’s bothering you?” Kasumi was shocked. Was this really the same Super Amazing that she had met before? He seemed… well… normal, helpful, like a real Hero… But then, he was famous, so he probably had to have some good qualities… But why the act then? Who in the heck was this guy?!

“I… I haven’t been myself recently, mister…” Kasumi said, her face buried in her arms. For some reason she actually felt like talking to this Super Amazing… “I… I’m sure you know what werewolves are, right?”

“Yes, I suppose I do. In fact, I was in… err… nevermind, continue.” Super Amazing told her.

“Well… See, I found out a month or so ago that I’m a werewolf. Not a pleasant thing to discover, let me tell you… Anyway, normally I’m in control, but every once in a while I just… I dunno, snap, and something else takes over and does terrible things… This something else is like the werewolves you see in your Hollywood movies, vicious and wicked, killing everything…” Kasumi looked up at Super Amazing, tears running down her cheeks, “I turned into the bad me earlier when I was really, really hungry and the monster made me eat the bodies of the Circle of Thorns members I had just killed…” Kasumi faltered for a moment then said, “And if that wasn’t bad enough, one of my friends saw me do it!!” Kasumi then burst into tears.

“Hey now, come on. Surely it’s not as bad as you make it sound. If this person is truly a friend, then they should understand what’s happening to you, right?”

“B-but… what’s there to understand? Every time he looks at me now, all he’ll see is the monster that a-ate those people!”

“I think you underestimate the power of friendship. Give your friend more credit than that. Make him realize that it wasn’t really you that did that thing, but was really the monster.” Super Amazing told her.

“I…” Kasumi began but couldn’t think of anything to say. No words came at all. Frustrated, she fell against Super Amazing, “I… I don’t want to be a monster…”

“Don’t worry, Scruffy, you’re not a monster, nor will you be. Give yourself more credit than that.” Super Amazing smiled as he held Kasumi.

“Thank you, mister…” Kasumi said as she rested her forehead on Super Amazing’s chest.

“Now then, what do you say we get you home, Scruffy?” Super Amazing asked as he tousled Kasumi’s hair, “Your parents must be worried about you.” Super Amazing said as he stood up, holding the small Kasumi in his big arms.

“Umm… Right… home…” Kasumi said and Super Amazing flew off into the night.

When Super Amazing dropped Kasumi off at home, Nikolai, Rachel, and Victor were all very worried about her, and Kasumi had to explain what had happened to them. Naturally, Rachel was very jealous that Kasumi was good friends with Super Amazing and had even gotten his autograph and been given a nickname by him. Nikolai was curious as much as concerned about Kasumi’s… issues. Kasumi told everyone that she ever since she had transformed, she had had this terrible appetite that never seemed to go away. Rachel had never even noticed that Kasumi had been eating so much, and said that she would do what she could to ensure that Kasumi got enough to eat. Victor suggested that Kasumi go down to the local butcher and talk to Ernest, who was a good friend of the family. That evening, Kasumi went up into her room and dug out the old picture that Super Amazing had given her a while ago. She had stashed it away, thinking Super Amazing nothing more than a fool who always seemed to make things worse for her. But, the recent events had made her change her mind. Perhaps there was more to Super Amazing than met the eye. Kasumi had the picture framed and put it on her nightstand.

Kasumi visited Ernest the next day and was wondering if she had found the right place, since Ernest was a very big guy and did not look very nice. However, when Kasumi said that Victor had told her to come over, Ernest immediately warmed up and became very friendly. They talked for a while and after hearing Kasumi’s story, Ernest felt sorry for her and told her that she could come by whenever she was hungry and he’d find something she could have. Naturally, the two became fast friends.

***

But what about Super Amazing? Who would’ve thought that a man as egocentric as him had a soft, sensitive side? What a strange man he is. Still, even with him being… well, him, Kasumi is still fortunate to have met him. Even more so in coming days…

Just about done now... 2 chapters left. Large part this time, since I couldn't find any good places to break the chapter up. Enjoy. =)

Chapter 4 (Part 2 of 2)

*Groan.* I really wasn’t surprised when our poor little werewolf got sent off to the Ziggurat, and I’m sure that she wasn’t either. After all, when dealing with someone as… ahem… enthusiastic as Super Amazing, one should’ve expected as much. Now then, shall we peek in on our little inmate and see how she’s doing?

***

“Well, well, well… Look what we have here… A little She-Warwolf.” An Asian man wearing a green robe and a straw hat said as he looked at Kasumi, who was just now awakening from her amazing dirt nap as she appeared in the cell.

Drearily, Kasumi sat up and was shocked to find herself in a prison cell. She was even more shocked to find herself in there with several other criminals. There was a Tsoo Sorcerer, a Council soldier, two Hellions, and a Troll. “Ahh!” Kasumi exclaimed as she leapt to her feet. One of the Hellions approached her with a sick look on his face. Snickering, he reached out for her and Kasumi snapped as she summoned the Kaze no Ha and drew it, “Anything that touches me you’re gonna lose!” The Hellion immediately backed off.

“Now, now, you little [censored], no need to get excited. We’re just here to officially welcome you to the Zig.” The huge Council soldier said as he cracked his knuckles and approached Kasumi.

“I’m warning you…” Kasumi said as she held her sword up. Cheering from the other cells immediately sounded the air as the other inmates rooted for a fight and started taking bets.

The Council soldier wasn’t impressed and promptly charged at Kasumi, who leapt to the side and slashed him in the leg and then sliced his left hand off. One of the Hellions tried to jump her from behind but she swiftly spun and cut him down his torso, gutting him. Kasumi leapt away as blood fell all over where she had just been. She did not want to get scrubbed down by Rachel again…

Suddenly the Troll punched Kasumi hard in the stomach, knocking her against the wall. The blow stunned her and her sword fell from her hands. Seeing the sword, the remaining Hellion immediately ran for it, seeking to kill everyone in the cell and make a name for himself. However, just as he grasped the handle of the sword, his arm went up in blue flames and he fell back screaming as his arm was burnt right off, leaving only a charred stump. Not only was he not pure of heart, but he was male, both major no-no’s when it came to wielding the Kaze no Ha. Apparently Kanatsuki really felt like punishing that man…

Kasumi regained her senses just as the Troll was about to punch her again. She summoned her sword quickly and lunged at the Troll, running him through on the sword. Our vicious little werewolf then kicked him off her sword and decapitated the Hellion, who was still screaming in pain and clutching his arm. Just as she finished, the Council Soldier kicked Kasumi hard, sending her flying across the cell and into the stone wall. The soldier then ran at her and unleashed a flurry of punches on her with both hands, his left hand healed by the Sorcerer. When the soldier finally became exhausted, he backed off and Kasumi fell to her knees, gasping for breath. The soldier stepped up to her and kicked her in the jaw, knocking her back into the wall again.

Kasumi then snapped. Her eyes became blood red and she dropped her sword to the ground, her lips curled back in a snarl. The soldier and Sorcerer looked at her, shocked, before they both lunged at her, seeking to beat her to death. However, the monster that Kasumi had become wouldn’t have it, and she met both the soldier and the Sorcerer head on. With a vicious growl, she grabbed the Sorcerer’s head and smashed it into the cement floor with frightening strength. She then slashed at the soldier with her claws before biting him and ripping a big chunk of flesh away.

All of a sudden, the soldier threw back his head and let out a howl. His body underwent a grotesque transformation and after a moment there was a Warwolf standing there, facing the werewolf with a menacing grin on his monstrous face.

Not at all impressed in her rage, the werewolf leapt at the Warwolf and tore his chest to shreds with her claws. However, the Warwolf seemed unphased and lifted her up easily before throwing her into the wall. The werewolf let out a yelp of pain before she staggered to her feet and leapt at the Warwolf for another go. She grabbed his mutilated chest in her claws and ripped a big chunk of it out, causing the Warwolf to howl in pain before punching the werewolf, sending her flying into the wall, where she bounced off of it.

Lost in her desire to kill, the werewolf was oblivious to all of her pain and managed to get up. Once again, she leapt at the Warwolf. This time, however, she landed on his head and tore his face up with claws. She then grabbed his muzzle and crushed it in her hands, getting blood all over them. At last, the Warwolf collapsed, dead.

The werewolf fell to the ground and her eyes slowly shifted back to their normal shade of amber. There was much cheering and shouting from the other cells, but somehow Kasumi managed to ignore all of it as she slumped down against the wall. Once again, she had lost control and torn apart some men…

Eventually, about fifteen minutes later, a wave of silence spread throughout the prison as Super Amazing walked down the hall. He eventually stopped at Kasumi’s cell and looked in. “Ughh… I guess you didn’t much like these men, eh, girl?” Super Amazing asked.

“This the one, sir?” the guard asked Super Amazing.

“Yes, this is who I’ve come for.”

“Alright. You umm… you sure she’s on our side?” the guard asked nervously after looking into the messy cell. “Well, I suppose I know how some Heroes like to make a mess…” he shrugged as he unlocked the cell.

“All right, come on, Scruffy. Let’s get you out of here…” Super Amazing said as he walked into the cell and picked up Kasumi in his arms before walking out.

“’Scruffy’?” Kasumi asked the man indignantly, “I don’t think I like that name very much, mister.” Kasumi told him.

“I think it suits—hey… You’re that girl I saved from some Hellions a while back, aren’t ya, Scruffy?!” Super Amazing asked ‘Scruffy’ as he flew out of the prison.

“Yes, I suppose I am…”

“Well now! Small world! Imagine bumping into you twice in such a short time! It must be my amazing luck at work!” Super Amazing laughed.

“I’m overflowing with joy…”

“And dripping with amazing sarcasm, it seems, Scruffy.” Super Amazing smiled, making ‘Scruffy’ shut her eyes lest she be blinded.

“Stop calling me that…”

“I imagine you’ll want my autograph, after having been saved by me twice. No worries, I shall be happy to give you my autograph!” Super Amazing told Kasumi.

“Excuse me, but it’s your fault that I got sent off to prison to begin with…”

“I understand.”

“You do? Wow… I guess you aren’t as thick as I—”

“Of course, you are a woman, so not only are you attracted to me because of my sheer manliness, but also because of my raw amazingness. Your judgment is most assuredly clouded by your raging emotions.” He then said tragically, “Even men have been drawn to my amazingness. Sometimes it’s hard being so amazing, but it is a burden that I will continue to carry with incredible and amazing pride!” the Hero said dramatically as he clenched a fist with determination.

“Please, for the love of god, put me down…” Kasumi begged. The fact that she was hundreds of feet above the ground didn’t matter at all.

Chapter 4 – Unwelcome Guest (Part 1 of 2)

Late one dreary afternoon, a man in Japanese-style sorcerer robes approached the house where Kasumi was staying. Stuck through his sash was a sheathed shirasaya-like sword that was covered with runes. He had long, wild blue-black hair, fierce golden eyes, pointed ears, and a menacing look on his face. The man was very reminiscent of Kasumi… Sternly, the man made his way up the steps to the house. Once at the door, her banged on it with the back of his fist.

After a few minutes, Rachel answered the door in her human form. Her clothes were a mess, as was her hair, however, she was wide-awake and full of energy. “Hello, sir. How may I help you?” Rachel asked as she looked up at the taller man.

“Kasumi is here. Bring her to me at once, you wretched creature before I decide to kill you.” the man said fiercely in English.

“Hey! What’s the big idea coming her and—” Rachel began but stopped when the man suddenly drew his sword and held the razor-edge of it up to her throat. “Alright, alright. I’ll go get her…” Rachel said and the man removed his sword. She then went upstairs and found Kasumi.

When they came back down, Kasumi had her sword stuck through her sash and looked seriously upset. She was still in her werewolf form and she had heard the man from upstairs. “Hello, father.” she said bitterly in her native language when she saw him. “I imagine you’re here to either kill me, take the Kaze no Ha back, or both.”

Sano reached back to strike Kasumi with the back of his fist but Kasumi blocked it with her forearm. “You… how dare you call yourself my daughter. You filthy [censored]. I always knew you would eventually find out, but your mother, she still had hope that you wouldn’t ever awaken to this wretched curse of ours.” Sano said venomously in his native language.

“Why does it not surprise me that you knew the truth all along?” Kasumi said sarcastically.

“Look, I’m willing to make a deal with you. You come back home and return the Kaze no Ha and we’ll seal the curse inside of you so you never have to deal with it again.” Sano said to her.

“I’m not going back.” Kasumi said shortly, “Even if I was cursed with every curse there is, I still wouldn’t go back to that hellish place to get rid of them. I have friends here and I can be somebody here.” Kasumi placed a hand on the handle of the Kaze no Ha. “As for returning the Kaze no Ha. That’s not happening. This sword belongs to me now.” Kasumi glared at her father coldly.

“I should’ve known you wouldn’t listen to reason. You’re a disgrace to my family. From this day forward, you are no longer my daughter.” Sano told her.

“Feh. I was never your daughter. To you, I was never anything other than a stray dog that mother had taken a liking to.” Kasumi said bitterly. “Now get out of here. I’m not going with you and you can’t have the Kaze no Ha.”

“You have no right to speak to me so, you monster!” Sano said as he reached for his sword.

“I wouldn’t recommend that.” Kasumi said, the Kaze no Ha suddenly out of its sheath and in her hand magically. “You know you can’t hold a candle to me when it comes to swordsmanship. And against the Kaze no Ha what feeble chance you had is even further diminished. Last chance, go back to Etsuika.” Kasumi said angrily.

“You haven’t seen the last of me!” Sano snapped at her as he rammed his sword into its sheath.

“You had better hope that I have. You have never given me anything but reasons to hate you. Do not kid yourself in thinking that I would hesitate to kill you if the need arose.” Kasumi said, her eyes blazing.

“You stupid [censored]. We never should have kept you around.” Sano said as he turned around and left angrily.

After Sano was gone, Kasumi sheathed her sword and Rachel asked, “What was that all about? Who was that man?”

“That man is my father. A sorcerer by the name of Sano.” Kasumi told her friend, “As you can see, we don’t get along too well.” Kasumi sighed heavily. “I’ve never much liked him, and my mother was never much help because she was, as sorry as I am to say it, totally under his control.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be. Because he was such a jerk, I was never at home, so my aunt and uncle raised me. They are much kinder than he is.” Kasumi told Rachel.

“So what did he want? It must have been important…”

“This.” Kasumi said as she held up the Kaze no Ha, “It’s called the Kaze no Ha. It is a sacred sword that one of the founders of my homeland wielded. It was in a shrine collecting dust, so I stole it before coming here to Paragon City.” Kasumi explained, “He was here to take it back to Etsuika, our homeland.”

“I see… He’s a werewolf too, isn’t he? Why does he hate his own kind so much? I don’t understand…” Rachel said.

“I don’t really know that. For most of my life I never knew about our being werewolves. I think for my father it was always our family’s dirty little secret…” Kasumi said sadly. “But really,” Kasumi looked at her clawed hands, “For some reason this feels normal to me… Thinking back on it, I’ve been treated like a werewolf my entire life… I’ve always been… well, feral… Whenever I fought, I was just barely in control… My peers knew this and treated me like a monster. I’ve been feared and hated in Etsuika since as long as I can remember. But, I came here and I was just nobody special.” Kasumi smiled at Rachel, “Here I’m just another Hero in a city of Heroes. Nobody knows me, so I can start fresh and give people the correct impression of me.”

Rachel smiled, “Well, I for one am glad to have had the chance to know you. You seem like a nice, respectable young woman who’ll be a fine Hero one day.”

Suddenly remembering something, Rachel asked, “Say, have you registered as a Hero yet? Since the ‘Might for Right’ law was passed, it’s become law that all people who want to fight for the city as Heroes need to have a license…”

“Oh… Umm…” Kasumi said, “Actually, I haven’t. I didn’t know that there was such a law here…”

“Well, you should probably get on over to the City Hall building and get registered. Wouldn’t want to get arrested for Heroing without a license, eh?” Rachel laughed. “Come on, let’s go over there right now.” Rachel said as she led Kasumi toward the front door.

“N-no!!! I don’t want to register as a werewolf!” Kasumi protested and Rachel laughed more.

About fifteen minutes later, they were halfway to City Hall and Kasumi had just given up. There was just no arguing with Rachel…

Suddenly, Kasumi heard a familiar, booming voice shout, “Stop right there, foul monster and unhand that citizen!” Super Amazing shouted as he flew down to stand right in front of Kasumi and Rachel.

“Umm…” Kasumi held up her left arm, which had Rachel’s hand clasping it with her death-grip, “I think he’s talking to you, Rachel…” she said sarcastically.

“Ohmygosh!” Rachel exclaimed as she let go of Kasumi and ran over to dote on Super Amazing, who promptly posed and soaked up all of the attention like some egotistical sponge. “It’s really The Incredible Super Amazing!!” she said excitedly then looked back to Kasumi, “This is THE Incredible Super Amazing, one of the—”

“—‘most amazing Heroes in the city!’ is what you were going to say, I believe, ma’am.” Super Amazing said as he flexed. “Now then,” He said as he held a fist out at Kasumi, who was very unimpressed, “Prepare to taste my Amazing Fist of Incredible Justice, fiend!” Super Amazing shouted as he lunged at Kasumi and knocked her flat with a good ol’ American John Wayne Haymaker.

“Never fear, ma’am! You’re safe now!” Super Amazing said as he put a transporter-beacon on Kasumi and she promptly disappeared.

“You… just beat up my friend…” Rachel said in disbelief, “Kasumi was my friend, not a villain! We were just on our way to get her registered as a Hero!”

“Oh, my goodness, ma’am. It seems my amazing judgment has failed me.” Super Amazing dropped down to one knee in front of Rachel and said, “Pray tell, how might I remedy this situation?”

“Well, going and getting her out of the Ziggurat would be a good start…” Rachel suggested.

“Never fear then, ma’am! Tell me her name and I shall go have our poor girl freed from the confines of that terrible place!” Super Amazing said dramatically.

“Her name is Kasumi Kusanagi. Please, go find her before something terrible happens to her in there!”

“Fear not, my good woman, I, Super Amazing, swear on my amazing honor that this mission shall not fail!!!” Super Amazing shouted before flying off.

“My god… I hope Kasumi can survive in there until Super Amazing arrives… I’ve heard terrible things about the Ziggurat…” Rachel said as she watched Super Amazing fly away.

Chapter 3 (Part 3 of 3)

Later that evening…

“Ouch!” Kasumi cried out as she tried to pull away from Rachel and the brush as it got caught on a tangle. Kasumi was now wearing a dark blue blouse and a black skirt that she had borrowed from Rachel, which looked a lot better on her than her bloody rags.

“Have you ever brushed your hair?” Rachel asked, “It’s pretty, but somehow I doubt that you’ve taken very good care of it…” Rachel said as she brushed Kasumi’s hair a little bit at a time so as not to get the brush caught on big tangles.

Absently, Kasumi rubbed her arms, which Rachel had almost scrubbed raw trying to get all the blood out of her fur…

A good while later, Rachel finally finished and said, “Now then, doesn’t that feel a lot better?”

“Um… yes, thank you…” Kasumi nodded.

“I imagine you’re pretty hungry. Would you like something to eat?” Rachel asked.

“Ye-yes…” Kasumi said, her head bowed. For some reason she was starving, even more than she should be after not having eaten since the day before. And then she had also been able to smell some delicious food cooking downstairs for the last half hour…

“Dinner should be rea—” Rachel began but was cut off.

“Rachel, Nikolai! Dinner’s ready.” A middle-aged man called out.

“Well speak of the devil.” Rachel smiled, “Come on, let’s go.” Rachel said as she led Kasumi downstairs to the dining room.

Kasumi somehow managed to make it into the dining room without falling over and took a seat at the table. After a minute or two, a handsome, middle-aged man stepped out into the dining room carrying a plate of food and a glass of milk. He had short brown hair like Rachel and Nikolai, pointed ears, and golden yellow eyes. The man wore a simple white dress-shirt and a pair of beige slacks. After sitting down, he noticed Kasumi sitting at the other end of the table, her head bowed and her shoulders slumped. “Hello there. You must be Nikolai’s friend. I’m his father, you can call me Victor or Vick or whatever.” Victor introduced himself.

Nervously, Kasumi said, “Hello, sir…” her cheeks were bright red and it was obvious that she was very uncomfortable.

A moment later, Nikolai sat down in the chair next to Kasumi and she flinched. “Hey there, Kasumi. I see you finally came out from under the bed.” He said with a smile, “By the way, you look a lot better all cleaned up and out of those rags you were wearing.”

“Th-thank you…” Kasumi stammered as she looked away.

“Here you are, Kasumi.” Rachel said as she set a plate of food and a glass of milk in front of Kasumi. On the plate was a large scoop of mashed potatoes, some sweet peas, and a sizzling, juicy, tender-looking steak that was the most wonderful thing Kasumi had ever smelt. The wonderful mix of herbs and spices, the fine sample of meat, all cooked to perfection. Whoever had cooked it was a master of his honorable craft…

“Thank you, Rachel…” Kasumi said as she picked up her fork and knife and dug into the steak.

Before she knew, Kasumi had eaten every last scrap of everything on her plate, yet she was still starving. In fact, it felt as though she hadn’t eaten at all. “U-umm… Rachel?” Kasumi asked, “May I get some more? I’m still hungry…”

“Yes, of course. Help yourself.” Rachel smiled.

“Thank you.” Kasumi said as she stood and went into the kitchen. The room smelt of wonderful herbs and spices, freshly cooked meat, and it was generally wonderful. “Mmmm…” Kasumi took a deep sniff of the food and looked around. There was still quite a bit leftover after everyone had eaten…

By the time everyone else had finished eating, so had Kasumi. Finished eating everything that had been cooked for dinner that night, that is… However, much to her dismay, Kasumi was still starving. She felt as though she had only had an appetizer…

After dinner, Rachel changed back into her human form and was cleaning up the kitchen. While toiling away at the dirty dishes, she asked, “Say, Kasumi, how would you like to stay with us for a few days? At least until you can get your strength back and maybe until you learn to control your transformations?”

“Well… umm…” Kasumi said nervously from her seat on the floor against some cabinets. She was currently busying herself with messing with the hairs on the very tip of her tail. Our young werewolf once again had her sword with her and it was propped against her shoulder. “I… I would really like to go back to my aunt and uncle’s house. They must be worried about me…” Kasumi said. “But… well…” she looked down at her hands sadly, “I don’t think I want to. Not looking like this…” she said as she shook her head and closed her eyes.

“Well then, we’ll focus on helping you learn to control your transformations and then you can go back. Sound like a plan?” Rachel suggested.

“Yes… Thank you, Rachel. For everything…” Kasumi told the kind woman.

“Great. Now then, why don’t you go get some rest? You look exhausted. You can have that room that you were in earlier. It’s our guest bedroom.”

“Thank you. I think I’ll do that…” Kasumi said as she stood up, “Good night.” she bowed to Rachel before returning to the room she had awoken in earlier. It had been a long evening, and Kasumi still felt terrible. But worst of all, she was still starving. Dinner had done just about nil for her appetite. She could only hope that she would feel better the next day…

***

Well, it seems as though Kasumi finally got a break. We all know she needed it, what with all that she’s been through. For a while, Kasumi lived with Rachel, Nikolai, and Victor and she was getting on pretty good. True, she did stay indoors most of the time, not daring to go out into public looking the way she did. Heck, she would probably be arrested by the overly zealous Heroes of this city. However, those days were a nice respite for Kasumi. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to last…

Finally got around to reading all of this. Great piece of work you have here, Blood_Wolffe. I just wish I could find out more about some of these characters without having to read what is essentially a novel. I like reading, in fact, I like it a lot, but the Whitmoore Apartments thread is a little much. Heck, that one thread is longer than quite a few of the entire forum sections here. XD

Anyway, keep up the great work. =) I'll be watching this thread closely.

Thanks, glad you like the picture. =) Long section this time, since there was really no good place to break it up. XD

Chapter 3 (Part 2 of 3)

Well, I for one wasn’t surprised when our dear little angel turned into a werewolf. After all, she was pretty much one anyway, she just didn’t transform. But I’ve already related those tales, so let’s see what happened to Kasumi next…

***

“Mrrr…” Kasumi purred as she pulled the warm blankets closer and got comfortable in the bed.
After a few minutes, Kasumi woke up a little more and rolled over onto her side, curled up, and opened her eyes. Her eyes half open, our little demon stared at the bedroom wall a few feet to the side of the bed. For a while, Kasumi simply stared blankly at the wall. Right now her body ached all over, her stomach felt terrible, and she generally felt sicker than a dog.

“Hey there. How’re you feeling?” A familiar voice asked her from the doorway of the room.

Kasumi sat up immediately and looked to the speaker. It was a handsome young man about her age. He had short brown hair, pointed ears that stuck up through his hair, and golden eyes. The young man wore a loose-fitting white t-shirt and baggy carpenters. She was shocked when she recognized him as one of her friends from school. “Ni-Nikolai… Why’m I here? Where am I?” she then fell back down onto her side holding her stomach, “Ughh… and why do I feel so terrible?” she groaned as she squeezed her eyes shut as if it would block out the pain. Needless to say, she felt just as bad as ever.

“Well, for one, you’re in my home.” Nikolai told her as he walked over to her bedside, “As for why you’re here, I found you passed out in Perez Park. Naturally, I brought you here so that the Vahzilok wouldn’t find you and decide to use your body for zombie parts.” Nikolai explained then looked away, “And… umm… I don’t really know about the last part…”

“Oh… well, thank you…” Kasumi said as she tried to get comfortable but was unable to.

“Kasumi…” Nikolai asked hesitantly.

Kasumi groaned. All she wanted to do was get some sleep… “Yes?”

“Well…” Nikolai went on to say something, but Kasumi had no idea what was said.

As Nikolai spoke, Kasumi began sweating profusely, getting her clothes all wet. Her breathing then quickened, though she had trouble actually getting any air to her lungs. The young woman’s heart rate sped up dramatically as well, feeling like a drum pounding in her chest. “Oh god!! It’s happening again!” Kasumi cried out as she wrapped her arms around her chest and pulled her knees up, her head bowed.

“Kasumi? Kasumi! What’s happening again?!” Nikolai asked fearfully as he pulled the blankets off of her so he could see. He was shocked by what he saw, which was all too familiar to him…

A moment later the pain came, washing over Kasumi like a wave. She grit her teeth against the pain and her breathing became erratic. “Wha-what’s happening to me?!” Kasumi exclaimed, her eyes wide in pain.

Nikolai backed up, shaking his head, “No… Not you too, Kasumi… No…”

Slowly, Kasumi’s hands became claw-like, as they had been the night before, though the pain was far less intense. Kasumi saw Nikolai and suddenly remembered he was there. Weakly, she held out a clawed hand to him and gasped, “Help… me…”

Kasumi’s feet shifted smoothly into the strange things they had been the night before, however, Kasumi didn’t notice. After that, her body became covered in blue-black fur and a long, bushy wolf-tail grew from her backside. Her nose changed into the wolf-human mix that it had been last night and Kasumi was suddenly bombarded with smells. Our little wolf-girl’s teeth then grew slightly longer and sharper, becoming like those of a wolf. Her hair grew over a foot longer and her ears became those of a wolf, sticking up out of her hair on the sides of her head. Lastly, her eyes took on a faint glow and the pain slowly subsided.

Breathing heavily, her eyes wide, Kasumi looked at her hands and was horrified. “Wha-what am I?!” she gasped, trembling. When she heard her voice, she couldn’t help but cringe. It was still distinctly feminine, yet it had a very feral sound to it…

Kasumi then remembered that her friend was in the room… “Ahh!” Kasumi cried out as she scrambled off the bed, trying to get away. She had managed to make the first move, but Nikolai was quicker than she was on her strange new feet and he managed to cut off her escape. Kasumi fell backwards onto her rear and looked up at Nikolai, her eyes wide in horror, “No… Please, let me go…” she sobbed.

“Kasumi, look, I…” Nikolai told her, “I know what’s… going on.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “You… you’re a werewolf…” he said, his head bowed.

“No… I’m not…” Kasumi shook her head as she backed away.

“Umm… I think you’d better talk to my mom about this… I umm…” Nikolai scratched the back of his head, “Err… she’ll be better able to comfort you…” Nikolai told her then opened the door.

Immediately, Kasumi dove at the door and slammed it shut. “No!! Don’t tell anyone about this!” she begged Nikolai as she looked up at him.

Nikolai struggled to pull the door open and shouted, “Mom! I need you to come here! Like, right now! Very important!!”

Kasumi fell backwards and looked up at Nikolai, tears in her eyes. “Why? Why…” She then heard footsteps coming up the stairs and quickly dove under the bed, pulled the blankets off of the bed and used them to cover herself up under the bed.

The door opened and a pretty, middle-aged woman stepped into the room. She had long, wavy auburn hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. Her ears were pointed like Kasumi’s and she had gentle golden eyes with a slightly feral look to them. The woman, Nikolai’s mother, wore a dark blue knee-length skirt and a white blouse. “What’s wrong, Nikolai?” she asked him, her voice kind and soft.

“Umm…” Nikolai said as he turned to face his mother, “Well, you know how I brought my friend, Kasumi, here last night after I found her passed out in Perez?”

“Yes, I remember you telling me that.” Nikolai’s mother nodded, “How is she doing? She looked pretty hurt…”

“Well, you see… Kasumi is umm… you know, like us… a werewolf.” Nikolai told her. “I feel pretty stupid for not noticing it earlier…”

“Oh really?” Nikolai’s mother’s eyebrows raised, “Is that so? Well, I guess you’ll finally have a friend who’s like you.”

“Except, she just awoke to it and… well, I was hoping you could talk to her…” Nikolai said, unsure of himself.

“Oh? Well I’d be happy to talk to her then.” Nikolai’s mother said. She then sniffed the air a few times then said, “Ok, you leave us alone now.”

“Sure thing.” Nikolai said to his mother then turned toward the bed and said to Kasumi, “Don’t give my mom too much trouble, Kasumi…” he then opened the door and left.

“Now then… Kasumi, is it?” Nikolai’s mother asked as she sat down on the floor across from the bed.

Kasumi didn’t respond.

Nikolai’s mother sighed heavily and said warmly, “Well, Kasumi, I’m Rachel.” Rachel introduced herself, “I understand how you feel. I felt much the same when I found out about this side of who I am.”

Kasumi was still silent.

Rachel sighed and said, “It’s frightening, isn’t it? It just doesn’t feel right…” Rachel shook her head, “But most of all, it’s not something that most of us want to deal with, is it?” She closed her eyes and smiled, leaning against the wall behind her, “There’s comfort, safety in ordinary things…”

Kasumi was listening, but was still too afraid and ashamed to show herself.

Rachel looked out the window of the room at the night sky then continued, “Then, moreover, many of us are afraid of change. One would think that there’s not much in this world that really qualifies as a bigger change than this.” Rachel said, “But it’s really not as terrible as one would think. There are far worse things that can happen to someone. People, ordinary human people, have lost their minds, their memories, their sense of self, some are sane yet can’t control what they do…” Rachel looked out the window again, “But we, we don’t really lose anything… We simply wound up going a different direction at a fork in the road.” she smiled, “We still have our mind, our body, and our soul. We just have this… power… that others have given a bad name and reputation.” Rachel explained.

Kasumi buried her wet face in the blankets. She couldn’t find an argument for anything Rachel had said…

“Mmm…” Rachel stretched, “Would you like to come out and talk, Kasumi?”

No answer.

“There’s nothing to be shy about. If it’ll make you more comfortable, I’ll change as well.” Rachel said as she took the tie out of her hair and shook it then ran her fingers through it.

Still no answer.

“You can stay under there all night if you want, but I can only help so much without a little help on your part.”

Kasumi took the blankets off her head and looked over at Rachel, though she stayed under the bed. She was startled to see Rachel transformed as she was and covered in brown fur. Kasumi also noted a particularly strong and unique smell that she immediately associated with Rachel.

Rachel saw Kasumi under the bed and waved to her. “Are you going to come out now?” she asked.

Shyly, Kasumi nodded then crawled out from under the bed and sat down beside it, across from Rachel and facing her.

“My, you look remarkably good as a werewolf.” Rachel complimented her, “But goodness, you’re covered in blood and,” she held a hand over her nose, “You should really go take a bath.” She stood up and held a hand out to Kasumi, “Come on, I’ll help you get all that blood out of your fur. I’ll also find some clean clothes for you.”
Nervously, Kasumi stood up clumsily. Wobbly, Kasumi fell over, unable to balance right on her transformed feet, but Rachel caught her. “My feet feel weird…” she said softly as she clung to Rachel for balance.

“That’s ok. You’ll get used to it eventually.” Rachel smiled as she led Kasumi into the bathroom. Getting all that blood out would be quite the task, but Rachel was sure that she would manage.

***

Even I have to draw the line somewhere, after all, I’m not about to go peeping on some girl taking a bath. Kasumi sure is lucky to have been found by Nikolai and have met Rachel. One can only imagine how Kasumi would’ve turned out without Rachel’s help.

I may be against peeping, but eavesdropping is ok. While in the bathroom, Rachel talked to Kasumi a lot about werewolves and what was fact and what was fiction. Rachel explained that the certain breed of werewolf that they were has not one thing to do with the full moon, unlike other werewolves. Their transformations are controlled by the werewolf’s mind and willpower, automatically transforming under intense stress, be it physical or mental, as well as times when the person is feeling exceptionally strong emotions. Also, they’re rather tame in comparison to others. Unfortunately, those were the only details Rachel was able to provide Kasumi with.

^ Ok, I guess I can see what you're saying, Blood_Wolffe. And you're right, she is a bit wild. Glad you like it. =)

Chapter 3 – Awakening in the City (Part 1 of 3)

Late at night about a month later in the heart of Perez Park, the Kaze no Ha in her hands, Kasumi stood in the center of a circle of robed men. Each of the robed men wielded a jagged red sword that looked like a hard weapon to learn to use effectively. They were all members of a cult of black magic users called the Circle of Thorns. Kasumi had first met them a few days ago and had developed a deep hatred for them in that time. They were always kidnapping people to use in their rituals and stealing artifacts.

All of the robed men suddenly lunged at Kasumi and there was the sound of steel on steel as their swords became blurs. There was a scream and a splash of blood as one of the Circle fell to the ground. Kasumi leapt out of the center of the fight and got all of the Circle in front of her. Swiftly, she leapt back toward them, but as she lunged forward, a crossbow bolt pierced her shoulder and knocked her backwards, stunning her just long enough for another Circle to drive his blade into her stomach and ripped it back out brutally, throwing blood everywhere.

Gasping, blood flowing from her mouth, Kasumi staggered backwards, her hand over her stomach to hold her insides inside. At least she had taken a few of them down… But… Was she really destined to go down like this? Alone and in a park, her guts spilling out… She had always imagined something a little more Heroic, or at least more dramatic… She fell against a tree and slumped down it into a pool of her own blood at the tree’s base. Her whole body felt as though it was burning, the pain was terrible, but no cry came from her mouth. Was this really the way her life would end?

Suddenly, Kasumi’s eyes went wide and her heart started pounding like a drum—as though it was threatening to explode—as she felt the strangest feeling wash over her… Kasumi began sweating profusely, soaking her clothing, though that was the least of her worries… Slowly, her vision became blurry and she struggled to keep her eyes open, but they just felt so heavy… She fought for breath frantically, but it felt like there was something stuck in her throat and she was choking to death.

And then the most terrifying scream erupted from her throat as the pain she felt suddenly intensified so greatly that she truly, with every fiber of her being, wished that she were dead; if only so that she would no longer feel such terrible pain. The Circle backed away from her, staring at her in horror. Blood flowed down from her eyelids, mixing with the blood that already soaked her body. Slowly, the whites of her eyes turned blood red and her irises turned a darker shade of red. “Wha-what’s happening?!” one of the Circle stammered.

Kasumi howled in agony with such terror and in such pain, that her scream caused the Circles’ ears to bleed, being that close to her. Our little monster’s body then underwent a terrible transformation. Her skin felt as though it was being burned as she grew a thick coat of bluish-black fur all over her body. Next, she felt as if she was going to explode as her already powerful muscles grew slightly larger, even more so on her legs though, and far stronger. She screamed as she felt a pain akin to wooden stakes being driven into her head as her ears became those of a wolf. Pain like that of a hammer striking her face caused her to cry out as her nose became like that of a wolf. Blood flowed down from her gums as her teeth became longer, sharper, and generally more canine. Her hair suddenly grew far longer and wilder than it already was. From her backside she grew a long, bushy wolf tail that matched her fur perfectly. Her feet then felt as though sledgehammers had been taken to them as they transformed, becoming wolf-like, somewhat like the feet of the Council’s Warwolves. Blood ran over her hands as the ends of her fingers changed into claws with a pain that felt like thick, rusty nails were being pushed out of the ends of her fingers. Lastly, her wounds healed up at an astonishing rate, not even leaving scars. It seemed that our dear, sweet little Kasumi wasn’t as normal as Super Amazing thought. It seemed that our little swordswoman was indeed a little werewolf …

“Is s-she a W-W-W-Warwolf?!” another of the men asked, horrified. His question incited panic among the Circle members and most of them turned to flee.

Covered in blood, the monster that Kasumi had become fell to her knees, breathing heavily.

“Come on you fools, think of the rewards we will reap for bringing our masters a genuine werewolf! Not one of those Council imitations!” One of the Circle members wearing a green robe said as he approached the werewolf, his sword ready.

With a vicious, feral snarl, the werewolf leapt up and slashed at the man with her claws, tearing several bloody gashes down his chest. The man screamed as the werewolf leapt at him again and grabbed him by his biceps and pulled him close, crushing his bones in her hands. The thing that Kasumi had become leaned over the man and bit down on the side of his neck, her sharp teeth sinking in deep. She then ripped away half of the man’s neck in her teeth, throwing blood everywhere and ending his screams abruptly. Like an old toy, the dead man was tossed aside, where he fell limply to the ground that had become soggy with all of the blood.

Screams and bestial growls sounded the air that night as the remaining Circle in that small group were literally torn apart.

After all of the men were dead, the werewolf’s eyes became a beautiful shade of amber and she fell to the ground. Her muscles were aching terribly and she was incredibly dizzy, not to mention that she felt sick to her stomach. And the stench! Egads! Kasumi had never noticed it before, but Perez Park reeked terribly! She couldn’t smell anything but blood and dying things and it sickened her. “Ughnnn…” Kasumi moaned as she lay on the ground in a separate part of the Park, a part that was seemingly deserted and totally blood-free except for Kasumi. “I feel terrible…” she groaned, her voice feeling and sounding decidedly different. It sounded bestial, like a low growl. However, before she was able to inquire about it, she slipped into unconsciousness…

First off, any of the 3-4 readers have any questions/comments/criticism/etc.? Anything at all? Feel like I'm talking to myself here...

Well, regardless, here's the next part of the story. It's a pretty short part though, just finishing up Chapter 2. Well, enjoy. =)

Chapter 2 (Part 4 of 4)

After meeting up with her aunt and uncle, they taught her enough English to get by (though her speech was terribly fragmented and took some getting used to). When Kasumi knew enough English to be able to communicate, she was promptly enrolled in the local gifted high school…

***

“Now then, would anyone like to explain what Sophocles meant with the line ‘words are not friends’?” the English Literature teacher, a strange old guy who was fun to be around, asked the class. Kasumi’s hand shot into the air. The teacher sighed heavily, “Anyone else?” No more hands went up. “All right, Kasumi. Go for it…”

“Sir, my understand this as, words only words. Real friend show that friend by doing.” Kasumi told the man in highly fragmented and barely understandable English. Well, what can you expect from someone when trying to teach them English in a month?

“Yes,” the teacher said approvingly, “Yet again…” he muttered under his breath. “Now, after Ismene said this…” the teacher went on and Kasumi went back to taking notes in her crude form of English.

And this was how all of her classes went. Naturally, all of her teachers were wondering about her, since she was a foreigner and barely spoke English at all, yet she was sharp as a tack…

***

Told you that the Etsuikai were smart people… Of course, until our little student could learn to speak properly, everyone who heard her speak thought her a simpleton…

Despite this, however, Kasumi was able to make friends rather easily. Why’s this? Well, since Kasumi was living with her aunt and uncle, who happen to be her two favorite people, she was much more cheerful. Of course, getting away from her cruel Etsuikai peers went a long ways in making her a happier person as well…

But, Kasumi was soon going to find out just what Kanatsuki meant by “I sense something terrible within your body”, and she would not like it. Not at all…