CHOSEN HUMAN
Name: Matthew (Matt) Henderson
Age: 22
Gender: Male
Appearance: http://www.advancedanime.com/pictures/yodame.jpg
Personality: Matt has a somewhat withdrawn nature, he keeps himself to himself and doesn't like to converse with others unless it's absolutely necessary. He acts so withdrawn because he believes that to feel compansion for another person is a weakness because everyone he has ever cared about has left him in some way. Hime is a slight exception to this; he tries to keep a strcitly parental interest in her but he is slowly beginning to develop concern for her. Once Matt opens up he can reveal the full abundance of his character. He is actually a very strong-minded and sharp-witted individual and he will take charge if he feels he has to. This links in to his protective nature (albeit a hidden one) which is slowly coming through during the time he spends with Hime.
Hobbies/Activities: Matt has always had a deep interest in Japanese culture, especially samurai and has taken to studying some of their beliefs and ways. It was his way of 'escaping' his history and helped to define his personality.
Job/School Level: He works delivery for a local catering firm and delivers to many of the cafe's and restaurants in the area.
Sprite: Hime the dragon hatchling.
Powers:
1) Whirlwind Barrier - he can create a small barrier of wind which can repel objects, however, the length and size of the barrier is limited
2) Wind-Piercing Arrow - he can summon a bow and arrows that fire fast enough to split air
3) Rise - he can levitate objects of small mass for short distances.
Transformation 1: He bulks up, his shoulders and chest become more defined (similar to a footballer in uniform) and his hair gains streaks of red in them.
“ “ 2: His physique remains normal but he obtains a pair of emerald green wings and a tail that reaches three feet in length. He can't use his wings to fly but with practice he could probably learn.
Relations: None
Other: None
SPRITE
Name: Hime
Species: Dragon hatchling
Gender: Female
Appearance: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Baby_Saphira.jpg (is she not adorable?)
Personality: Despite her infant appearance Hime has a wisened mind which appeals to Matt's inner self. She always knows how to cut through his darkened exterior and touch his soul - though he hates to admit it. He has a soft spot for her and an almost parental concern for her which he shows on occassion but will not openly accept. She will try on occassion to play 'matchmaker' for him, believing that all he needs is to find the right person to bring out the good in him.
Time of Meeting: Three months
Other: None
Matt
~~~~
It was one of those nights when everything just sits silent and waits. One of those nights when something big is going to happen. I'd been driving home after a late shift, Hime curled up in the front seat. Normally I wouldn't bring her but it was dark and no one would notice a dragon curled up in the front seat of a van - whether they looked or not. We were passing near the schools when she reared up, stretching up on her hind legs for as long as she was able just to try and peer through the window as we drove past.
"Another one..." she growled lightly.
I pulled over and peered into the sky, watching the shadow that streaked across it. "They seem to have it covered." I pulled the van back into the road and Hime curled back up on the leather seat beside me. We knew there were others, two at least, who managed to take care of most 'incidents' near the school. I took care of the city - so far as I knew. It was my territory. School had never been for me.
I pulled the van up outside my apartment and put the clamp on the back tire as Hime crawled into my backpack. This was a dangerous neighbourhood but you don't get paid much without a decent education. I took what I could get and I dealt with it, that's how it worked round there. The building was a slum; faded print hung from the walls, hidden by the broken lightbulbs. A few remained, casting dim light onto the gloomy surroundings. Times like that I was thankful for whatever light the place would give me, trying to navigate the missing steps in the dark was dangerously perilous and not a feat I ever planned on attempting.
Two floors up and I was at my room - 3B. Though it was often mistaken for 3I as half the painted 'B' had worn away over the years. I didn't are ask the landlord to replace it, I didn't dare ask him anything; I made sure he got his rent and that was all, the less contact we had the better it would be - for me. Not much of an apartment to tell the truth, just a glorified match box. No tv or radio and a shower that only ran cold - if it ran at all. The carpet was a faded olive and still as sticky as the day I'd moved in and my bed had seen better days. The only working light was in the corner - I kept it going with a stack of lightbulbs - with my books stacked out beneath it. It came in handy as a reading light but there were no chairs to sit on so I often found myself perched on the floor - I rarely used the bed if I could help it. Someday I'd move out but for now it was the only thing I could afford. There was rent to pay, clothes to buy, food for myself and Hime, aside from that I rarely had any cash in my pocket. I'd save for months just to get a book or magazine to read, something to keep my interests peaked; they were my pride and joy - though not my most treasured.
There was one thing I owned that was more precious to me than anything in the world; my sword. I'd worked three jobs back-to-back just to get my hands on it, sleeping about 20 minutes during the day and 15 at night. But it had been worth it. The blade was a perfectly crafted piece of stainlessly steel artwork, curved ever-so-sightly to give it that traditional katana-like feel. Hime had found it the first day and had tocuhed her nose to it. All of a sudden there was this bright light and next thing I knew there were engravings all the way down the blade. I don;'t know how she did it - and I bet she doesn't either - but I'll say one thing, it sure as hell comes in handy when those 'things' show up.
* * *
Work the next day was a drag. Sometimes you get to meet interesting people and sometimes you don't. It was a "don't" day. I was thankful when my lunch break finally arrived and I decided to 'endulge' a little to cheer myself up. There was a restuarant opposite the High School that I delivered to on occasion. Nice service, good food, couldn't hurt to sit for a bit and fill the belly. Hime was at home with a small piece of meat i'd picked up earlier, she'd be fine.
I made my way inside, nodding at the waitress who knew me and taking my seat. Knowing people is also a great way of getting your orders quick and getting served pretty quick too. I took a sip of my coffee and scanned the various tables for no reason. I'd never expected to actually see someone I knew. Well...'knew' was a strong word, she was more of a vague aquaintance, hell I didn't even know her name. She worked, part-time, and had occasionally signed for a few orders but that was all. I had no intention of going over there, or even saying 'hi' - it wasn't my style. But there was something about that pet of hers...
"Hey there."
She looked up at me, the slightest flicker signaling that she recognised who I was. "Hi."
"Can I...?" I motioned to the empty seat with a portion of plate and chips. She nodded and I sat. "That's an interesting pet you have," I said, nodding towards the peculiar puppy-like creature tucking happily into a piece of steaming chicken.
"He certainly is," there was a hidden hint of something. I was curious as to what that something was but my attentions were distracted by a question of her own. "Do you have a pet?"
"I have a..." it took a moment to think of a honorable response, "lizard. She is most certainly interesting." The girl nodded nad we went to silent eating. I wanted to say something, without conversation there was no reason for me to share her table but her pet...I was eager to learn more. Perhaps this was also a 'unique' species. But I was rusty on the art of conversation...heaven knows it'd been a while since I'd had an honest one - with a human being that is. "Um...my names Matthew by the way...Matt to most people."
"I'm Kara."
"Kara...that's um...that's a really nice name...um..." God I was ballsing this up so bad. For God sakes it was just a conversation! "So Kara, aside from the obvious waitressing, what...uh...do you do, exactly?"