Paid In Blood (open)

[Mathew Amtrum]

It was an odd sight for anyone that knew Mathew. He walked down the halls, his head bent slightly, watching the ground as he walked. A comfortable pair of jeans and his combat boots were normal. But something was missing, his Earth Dragon Coat was nowhere in sight. The symbol of his power was gone, instead Mathew had on a light green button down shirt, one that he thought brought out his eyes. It was silk, and quite nice. Not the best plan to bring it to school, but most of his clothing was nice. Like Adrain, he had a taste for the finer things in life.

As he walked through the halls he kept thinking about last night and the day before. She really thought he could change. Hell it was possible, maybe he could change. Maybe he could become the person he wanted to be so long ago, before he was content with being a monster. That's when his eyes spotted something not so uncommon in this school. A fight was going on, one kid kicking the shit out of another kid that was on the ground in the fetal position.

"Alright the fight is over. Break it up." Mathew said confident that the kid would do just that. Instead he kicked the kid once more for good measure before turning to face Mathew, spitting on the ground and flipping him off.

"Fuck you!" The kid said before he sent his knee in to Mathew's stomach, as usual with these fights, getting right to the action. Mathew grunted in pain, not used to taking a blow without his coat. But he was able to do it. Mathew's hands reached up and grabbed the kid's head, he was about to smash his skull in to the punk's face, but the face changed. It changed in to the kid from so long ago. In shock Mathew let go of the kid's head and stumbled backwards. He was met by a leg slamming in to his side. The kid was not going to let up.

Mathew's body fell to the side from the blow, the kid was able to pack a punch. Still Mathew wasn't worried. He had fought much stronger people. He rolled to the side, avoiding a stomp attack. He grabbed the kid's leg, looking up at him with a grin as he prepared himself to flip the kid. But the face shifted again, images of Connor flashed in his mind. The smell of smoke as he set fire around the blind kid, hanging from the cross helplessly.

The kid's other foot slammed down in to Mathew's face. Blood pouring from a nose that was now likely broken. If Mathew wasn't able to pull himself together, he was going to lose this fight, and lose it bad, but no matter what he tried to do, he couldn't seem to stop his brain from going back to everything he had done. The floodgates were open now, and he didn't know how to close them.


OOC: Feel free to jump in and help the kid kick Mathew's ass. If he has ever wronged you, now is your chance for payback.

[Gabriel Seran]

(ooc: feel like going a different route if you don't mind?)

A fight was breaking out amongst the hallways, chaos erupting again. Gabriel had suffered a painful loss just recently to the hands of the pillars; they were rounding up whatever forces they could. Gabriel was no exception; the difference was he’d asked for it.

He laughed at himself as his wounds were still recovering. Marching slowly out of the dimly lit classroom he came upon the fight scene, a grand smile on his face when he realized it was the Student body President, apparently his outreach had not gone unheard. A darker sense in him felt victorious and intense. Though the better side of him called for justice, there was none to be had here, lest of course he make his own order.

The kid didn’t look all too strong though somehow he’d gotten to the Earth Dragon no problem, there was a difference, no coat? Was that the source of his strength? Gabriel was sure there was more to the man than that, in fact now he looked worthless and pathetic, taking the beating. Almost like the image of him…

Gabriel Seran took in to account his honor and crossed the distance grasping the man pummeling Amtrum just as he was about to deliver a final strike. By pure surprise he shocked the boy with an intense uppercut.

*CRACK*

What a surprise indeed, perhaps a strange change of heart?

[Bastille]

Bastille had come across the scene. Like any other she went to observe out of curiosity but when she saw the face on the ground. Her anger rose. She walked up to Gabriel in the center with murderous intent and then with a huge draw back of her fist slammed it into the boy who was beating up Mathew.

“NO ONE…and I repeat no one…gets to kick this guys ass unless its me.” She turned back to Amtrum and bent down before smacking her palm hard across his face.

“get up…whatever’s gotten into you I don’t give a damn get on your feet….” Her crimson hues glared at him. How pathetic indeed. But she knew at the moment she had seen his eyes, something was different. He was seeing all the wrong he had done…like a soldier returning from war, like an assassin with post traumatic stress, like her. Or how she used to be…this was sick and wrong. For once she was above him on this scale…no she refused to let it happen. She rammed a kick into his side and lifted her sword in a swift swipe to any who approached her.

“don’t move another inch…” she said. Oh the time she wished she had a gun in her back pocket. She would once again nudge him with her foot.

“get up Mathew….” She would say her voice mauled by a shocking display of understanding despite how peeved it sounded.

[Gwendolyn James]

"What?? That's it?!"

Gwyn had been watching the scene from the sidelines, and frankly, she had been amused. She had been watching the one kid pummel the other until some boy stepped in, but then the kid just turned around and started wailing on him. It was priceless! But then another kid stepped in and stopped them, ruining her entertainment.

How rude!

"Pathetic."

She shook her head, ready to step in herself when a white haired girl stepped up, wailing on the downed boy and pulling out a...sword?! A malicious grin spread across her face. Now THAT was entertainment! She settled back into her seat, watching the festivities with great amusement. This was going to be interesting.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew's mind seemed to leave his body as the blows rained down on him. Memories of everyone he had tormented flooded his mind. Far to many faces to remember. Some he knew, others he didn't. Some hurt far more then others though. The kid he had killed, Les said it was self defense, he had nothing to feel bad about. He knew that was a lie, he could have restrained him, or something. Instead he was dead, his family would never get him back.

Another kid was one that had kicked a soccer ball at Mathew, his punishment had been Mathew stabbing him in the testicles with a knife. He doubted if the kid would ever be able to have kids.

Then there was Kate, someone who was loyal to him now. But years ago Mathew had beaten her to an inch of her life and left her to be raped. He carved ROB in to her back, scars she carried with her to this day.

Connor, a blind kid that tried to stand up to the kids Mathew was terrorizing. Acting as a Martyr, Mathew made him one. Crucifying the kid in Central Park, setting the area on fire. A message to those that would cross the Reign of Blood. There were many more, far more then Mathew could name.

He hardly noticed when the blows stopped, even the kick from Bastille didn't stir him. It wasn't until he heard her speak. Telling him to get up that he realized what was going on. She had come to help him? Not just her but that kid from the other day, the one that had challenged the Pillars. Not what he was expecting, but he would take it.

Slowly Mathew picked himself up, grunting in pain as he stood. He looked at both of them, unsure of what to say. Two people who should hate him, well Bastille said she loved him, but the boy. He didn't know what his deal was.

"Thanks...."

It was all he could say, he didn't know what else he could say. But he knew he had to keep his head in the game. He was a Pillar, it was his job to protect the weak, not get beaten up because he is day dreaming. He needed to deal with this shit before it got him killed, he couldn't count on anyone showing up.

He blinked when he heard someone in the crowd call him pathetic. Or the scene, he wasn't sure. He couldn't tell which one did it, but he frowned. He felt anger welling up inside him. The same hate and rage that normally fueled him. It took a visible effort, but he was able to stop himself from launching at the crowd.

Shit I need to pull myself together...

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel would have offered what help was needed, he looked pretty beat up, not only on a physical level but a mental one. He smiled a bit at that, good, pain was good, it was all that could be learned to become stronger and Gabriel needed to see his strength. However he was interrupted by the familiar figure of Bastille standing around before him like the man was her own property. She drew a blade on him and everyone in the vicinity.

“Don’t move another inch…” She warned him whilst attempting to either aid or beat him he was unsure of how that worked with her.

Gabriel pushed aside the blade and got closer to the fallen pillar, he was really fucked up.
"Thanks...." was all he said.

Either he was too far gone in pain, or pride still blinded him. Gabriel would take the first out of pity for his condition and certainly Bastille wasn’t lending very much support as she mocked him with violent intent.

“You’re welcome..” Gabriel replied as he shot a glare at Bastille
He moved in to burden his weight perhaps move him to a safer position out of the hallway away from prying eyes.

[Bastille]

Bastille slapped him hard across the cheek once again. She then would grab his chin and make him look at her. Whatever was his problem, his mess…she knew what was probably going through his mind. He would need to finally deal with the wrongs he had done and need to pull himself together. He was seen as one of the strongest people…a pillar and the student body president. He sought a word and he was determined to go after it. Though she didn’t much care for that world she didn’t want him giving up because a few bad bugs came back to bit him in the ass…it was the past. It was just that….the past.

She would look around the circle and then to Gabriel she would simple give him a longer look before turning her gaze back to Amtrum. She would lean up and pull him into her arms for a short but sudden hug.
“Everything is going to be alright…” she whispered…that was all, and make sense who may. She would let go and then with one more look to the boy who had done the damage she gave him a glare before ripping him from the grasp of those holding him and slamming him against the opposite wall.

“get in line bud” she said, since obviously she was making it once again very clear she was first in line to get back at Mathew and if she never did then no one behind her did. Though she didn’t love Mathew the way she thought she had anymore…she loved him like a brother. She realized long ago…the reasons he had protected the boy in the correctional facility and wanted to protect Mathew as well…they had the same eyes. Eyes that spoke to someone forever locked inside Bastille.

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew felt the kid who had challenged the Pillars move in to hold up some of Mathew's weight, in case he was going to fall. Mathew was still confident that he could walk, he had been about to say as much when he felt a ringing in his ears. Bastille had slapped him, he felt her slender fingers grab his chin and make him look down to her, their eyes meeting.

Letting go of his face she walked around him, casting a glare at the surrounding people before shooting one at the kid that was holding him up. Mathew's head was still dizzy from being stomped on, then slapped. He could feel the spot she slapped him pulsing. She then leaned him and gave him a short but unexpected hug. The words she whispered ringing in his ears, very familiar to what Olesya had said to him the other day. A small smile formed on his lips as she pulled away, vanishing so quickly it was almost like it had never existed.

As Bastille started showing off her bravado to the kid that had beaten the shit out of Mathew. He just turned to Gabriel, holding most of his own weight so that the kid knew that Mathew could still walk. "I think it might be best to go get checked out. The nurse isn't far." He said motioning to the nurses office down the hall with his head. Normally he wouldn't bring it up but his face hurt bad, and he didn't know if his nose was broken or just hurting like a bitch.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel received a quick look from Bastille and one from Amtrum, he felt a bit cornered now. Was this just a trap? He gulped quickly and shifted his weight still carrying the President showing that he was still here standing even though the threat could be very real.
"I think it might be best to go get checked out. The nurse isn't far." Amtrum said to him looking down.

There wasn’t a sense of apology in his voice as there was for before, but Gabriel didn’t want an apology so it was good. There wasn’t a tone of order, which of course Gabriel wouldn’t answer this was good as well. Still there was no sign of defeat; he respected that much from him. Could this be genuine? Take things as they are. Gabriel nodded as his position under Amtrum’s arm shifted, he lifted the man enough so under his weight and began leading him there ignoring the lineup of people waiting, still watching for their chance to take him down.
What had happened? His plan was working perfectly though for some reason Gabriel couldn’t pull the trigger. In his own mind the prey was at every instance an opportunity to strike, he was weak and now if ever he would have his chance to finish him. Hesitation, was it fear? No it was honor, if he were to ever fight this man again it would be at their best, it would be for all the marbles.

“Ok, Bastille you mind covering?” he questioned her like the equal she was, no command or authority merely respect.

Reaching the nurses office he slid out from under his grasp and placed the man into a seat not too forcefully though the weight did through off Gabriel’s balance so that he’d sway before standing full height.

“We’ll get you patched up…” because when you’re better we’ll go toe to toe…

[Bastille]

Bastille wasn’t paying attention. Apparent worry and fluster crowded her face. Amtrum had been defeated by someone she could easily shove to the ground, who had set him like this. True she had tired upon many instances to make him see the stupidities of his game but she could not. She didn’t want to hurt the pride and yet like a younger brother she flustered over him inside and out. Though her outer appearance was nothing more then a stock and emotionless girl who eyes peculiarly stayed on Amtrum’s face as if the slightest change might throw everything out of balance again. She shot a glare towards the student she was beating up on again and then with one swift turn she slammed her pump heel into his gut and let him slouch over. People gasped knowing it was uncalled for. She didn’t give a damn. She just stomped off and after Gabriel and Amtrum entered the nurses office she would walk in and turn and slam the door before anyone would or could enter. She would turn back and immediately got to take amtrums hand and weight from Gabriel and set him sitting on the bed while she, herself grabbed a first aid kit and began to work on his face. Her fingers probed his nose lightly and she didn’t even cringe at the blood.

“you’re an idiot….you know that?” she was ignoring Gabriel completely. That’s what’s she had to do…she didn’t want to have to explain her attitude towards Amtrum right now, but she knew Amtrum would understand her sisterly like affection towards him and only he would probably hear her almost maternal warmth in her voice.

[Mathew Amtrum]

It was amusing, the game that Bastille played. Hating him one moment, wanting his help the next, and then coming to his aid later. Still he didn't quite approve of her ignoring the kid, even if he did find it hilarious. She was an odd one. When she took his weight from Gabriel Mathew shot him a look that would let him know he had no idea what was going through her head.

She pretty much forced him on to the bed, she seemed to have the idea that he was a helpless child. One that had to be lead, he was hurt it was true, but he was a tough guy. He could handle it.

"Oww fuck chhhhh" He said wincing in pain as she started to probe his nose. It hurt to the touch, and he still wasn't used to actually getting hurt. He didn't like that part of giving up the coat, or getting lost in his head. He really need to stay focused more, it was a rookie mistake, and he hated to see it happen.

"You don't actually think I am an idiot." He said with a laugh before wincing in pain again.

[Gabriel Seran]

Bastille took all the work from him and he felt rather awkward in this situation he was trying to get a matter past, though of course there had to be a snag. Instead of pressing it further he rolled over and sat back in the chair across from where Amtrum and Bastille were standing/sitting and crossed his arms studiously staring with anticipation for a chance to holler in or whatnot.

"You don't actually think I am an idiot."

Gabriel rolled his eyes and raised a hand from his corner as he made an almost innocent face. He didn’t care much for their sob story or whatever was going on between the pair in fact he just didn’t want to have to deal with any of it at the moment. Perhaps a little chaos would get the ball moving once more…

[Bastille]

Bastille shot a sneer over her shoulder.

“you can leave Robespierre, you can have king Louis head today. I don’t have time to deal with you…” Her snide remark only made sense to her and somewhere inside she knew it better then anything else. She huffed before turning back to Mathew.

“you are if you got frenchie over there to pity you enough to help you instead of exact his revenge which im sure he wanted since there isn’t exactly anyone you don’t know, and enough for me to step in and kick your defeaters ass…besides you knew how much I wanted that kids position, he had no right and you just gave it to him for free…I have legality to call you an idiot for the rest of your life.” She continued to probe his face then neck, shoulders, arms and sides, finding all the damage as her eyes concentrated on the muscles moving around the area…brilliant the cartilage was broken around his nose and the muscle was a tad snagged, but this kid wasn’t a serious fighter like any of the ones in the room. He had not done enough damage to permanently disfigure his nose. Bastille would then turn over her shoulder to look at Gabriel to make sure he wasn’t in stabbing range before she quickly cracked Mathews nose back to normal. She smiled and took out a bandage.

“but I guess ill just deal with a few slaps and setting your nose as a token of revenge…there you go frenchie…king Louis is all yours”

She would say getting up to wash her hands. She turned to Gabriel. “would you please get some bandages around the guys left arm and rib cage, the ribs might need a week or two, oh and err…get a few bandages for his thigh and wrists too, better yet just mummify him and keep him there….”


What was there to explain? She had no intentions of telling her somewhat rival by blood why she was acting this way towards Mathew nor did she feel she had too. If he asked, she would tell, but as it where he hadn’t and thus no answered questions. But she knew Mathew might mistake her behavior for that love thing again, and she would only have to roll her eyes again. She didn’t care as long as she could make sure he was alright. In truth she wanted Gabriel to leave…so she could ask him what happened…but alas the French never left at the opportune times did they? And in a way could she blame him. When she looked at them she saw similarities…between the two…or the three. She herself wasn’t a far cry from either of them either. Maybe that’s why she still felt the need to protect Mathew…not only did his eyes and personality remind her of a younger brother…(which in turn gave her every maternal right to pummel his face every time he acted like this) but because like everyone in the school he had his own sob story, but unlike most…it didn’t get to him till now. Bastille remembered a talk they had had once….about him saying he only had nightmares, and she found herself worrying…nightmares where what drew soldiers to suicide. No matter how much she hated what he stood for, or what he did…suicide was the all time stupidest thing…and could you really blame a girl to think that after a display like today’s?

[Mathew Amtrum]

Mathew's eyes just kind of glazed over during the first exchange between Bastille and the other kid. He had no idea what the fuck she was talking about, and honestly right now he didn't want to know. He didn't care. It wasn't until her attention was turned back to Mathew, probing his face and bitching about how she had the right to take him down first. She didn't seem to understand that there was a long line ahead of her of people that wanted him dead or taken out. So if they were going in a first come first serve basis, she still had a long time to wait for her turn.

When she cracked his knows he let out a small cry of pain. It fucking hurt! Then she started giving the kid orders about bandages and shit. What was Bastille a fucking nurse? Better question, where was the fucking nurse?

Mathew wanted to bitch slap her and ask what the hell crawled up her ass, but he restrained himself to a glare as she talked to the other kid over his head. He was NOT used to being treated like this, and yet he couldn't make himself say the words that were on his tongue.

[Gabriel Seran]

“You can leave Robespierre; you can have King Louis head today. I don’t have time to deal with you…”

Gabriel shook his head a bit irritated, he was getting used to the French jokes now though they were still a hassle, and he didn’t recall all the English being this uptight and so pig-headedly absurd. He listened to her rant a bit more, she seemed to be a mad hatter now, not quite like the Bastille he’d fought with before. Strike that she was always talking.
She turned to Gabriel. “would you please get some bandages around the guys left arm and rib cage, the ribs might need a week or two, oh and err…get a few bandages for his thigh and wrists too, better yet just mummify him and keep him there….”

He cocked a brow and pointed towards a cabinet where the gauzes and bandages were stored, he’d been in here only a week before to stitch up his damages from the fight with Amtrum, what irony.

Gabriel slouched back in the chair a bit more relaxed not letting himself become a victim of her doctoral rule. Though it would seem as if she wasn’t done with either yet despite how much she was rushing him off away to do work.

“Gabriel Seran…it seems as though you may want to know your friendly neighborhood fire starter is.” He said with a smile extending an arm out.