Atami - 2spooky

Atami heard what the lady said but didn't really respond -- other than cracking his knuckles. But he seemed to have acknowledged her point as he then extended his hand somewhat to the front, before using his pyromancy to start a very dimmed, small fire. It was enough to somewhat light up the area, enough to unveil the sudden spark of light, revealing a Reishund, right in front of them. “Yo.” he said, indifferent to the fact that this creature had just appeared before them in an almost magical manner. “I guess we should follow you. I mean, you're probably leading us into a trap, but I feel like fighting some dead people.” He turned around to face Aera, as much as she might've disliked it, the two of them were a team of sorts now. “You coming with me or are you gonna prance around in the dark.” He flashed a grin at her before his face returned to it's seemingly natural aggressive state.

Atami would follow the Reishund, while keeping the flame in his hand alive. He seemed to be.. rather indifferent about the fact that he's teamed up with someone that seems to dislike him, or the fact that he's following some crazy talking Reishund around. It seems the strangeness of the whole ordeal has sunken in with Atami -- he probably wouldn't be surprised when a giant cake falls from the sky and started talking about being the sole undefeated champion of all undead creatures. On the other hand, that would be quite strange. Maybe even too strange for this situation. “Now I want cake.” Atami muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for Aera to hear.

She had made up her mind to follow the Reishund; its pleading voice spoke to her and she could not find it in herself to turn it away, despite its unexplained appearance. If helping it would solve the problem, then walking around with a fight-starved bruiser for an ally would be a small matter.

"Do you have arthritis? Because that's what it sounds like to me, with all the cracking." Aera didn't return his grin, her lips set in a neutral line. "You can have your cake after beating all these rotting flesh-bags. I just wanted a good night's sleep."

As the Reishund walked on ahead, Aera decided to throw it a question. "What is it that you want us to find? If you can't do it yourself, why can we?" She glanced at her new natrelmon and looked back at Reishund's formidable stance. "I'm just being realistic here."

"... You need to work on your priorities, studmuffin. You're surrounded by a horde of undead Natrelmon that are probably going to decimate the city, stuck with a member of a high noble family in a hospital surrounded by even more undead Natrelmon... And your question is "Oh my god how can you talk?!"? You need to get a grip, sweetheart." Kasumi replied, her Gen hopping on to her outstretched hand, then onto her shoulder, and finally on to the top of her head, in order to get the best vantage point possible. Two sets of eyes, one curious, one obedient, looked out towards the Yata-Garasu before Kasumi stepped forwards, shrugging her shoulders as she did so.

"Count me in. Anything powerful enough to cry out for help by raising an army of the dead is something I'd certainly like on my good side." Kasumi noted, walking towards the raven as if to follow it. She was fully aware that Caelyn, seeming to have a bit more of a sound moral compass, may well decline to help the creature. It practically reeked of "evil" as most would call it, but that had never stopped Kasumi from doing whatever it was that she wanted, and it had most certainly never stopped her from indulging her inhuman levels of avarice. While the thrill of the chase was something that she would go as far as to say that she lived for it, the prospect of a reward that a being this powerful could provide was also in her top three priorities.

"You don't have to help if you don't want to, studmuffin. Just know that I'll kill you if you try to stop me." She started, turning around to wink at the impressionable young man, before turning back and starting to walk with the Yata-Garasu. Mythari hung slightly behind, watching cautiously to check to see what Caelyn would do while Gen turned its gaze forward, surveying the area ahead.

Whether it was to try and impress Kasumi or the promise of a large reward, Caelyn found himself trailing after the undead natrelmon and his death threat. "Priorities, I don't really have any other than the safety of my natrelmon." Actually hearing that out loud made Caelyn a bit somber. Maybe it was time he found some priorities. His whole life all he did was wander, and he was JUST figuring out what it was that he wanted to do. "Priorities will come later, I guess." He had not really had to have any accountability, so why would he need those.

"Thank you for your concern, and the awfully kind threat, but I am going to help this creature. He promised yours, and my natrelmon's safety and thats all I care about." Caelyn returned the wink, and when Kasumi turned around to walk down the hall he gave her a firm pat on the butt. It was worth the glare from her natrelmon. Caelyn put his hands in the air as to surrender. "It wasn't me, it was a ghost, honest!" Caelyn laughed. He also hoped in the back of his head that he wasn't about to be laid out, but he somehow figured that wasn't going to happen.

Caelyn also cast an ice spot on the floor right before Kasumi and just waited and she was looking back at him for the action and walking. She wanted pranks, she would get them.

+ 2spooky - @Zaria +

If Zaria continued to follow the voices she would collide with Atami and Aera's group, but she was not alone. A small Sparwire, not with the same control as the other 'Natrelmon' that lead some of the other groups, but it clearly was not aggressive towards her. It was encouraging her to follow it, to ensure that she met up with at least one of the groups, if she managed to miss colliding with Atami and Aera.

---

+ 2spooky - @Atami/Aera +

Aera and Atami's Reishund explained as they spoke, "I am capable of interacting with the body, but utilization of the knowledge it has is not within my scope from this side of my prison. That is where your role is to come into play. The good doctor had uncovered a key piece to freeing me before he was killed. The notes were burned, but the body keeps many secrets even in death, secrets I can access, but cannot use..."

The voice was much smoother, with significant pleasure that the two were at least participating this far. The Reishund paused for a moment at one of the corridors, the ears on it pricking upwards as it caught the sounds of Zaria coming down the hallway. Once they met up, Reishund would take them to the morgue where they would wait a moment for others that may be willing to assist. However, Reishund knew they couldn't wait long, as the powers fueling this endeavor were finite. They would have to move efficiently and effectively from the morgue in order to accomplish what was needed in time.

---

+ 2spooky - @Kasumi/Caelyn +

The Yata-Garasu picked up on the pranks immediately, "Please we must hurry. There isn't time to play around." The voice reflected the urgency it was expressing, "I cannot maintain my influence forever and we must get to the body of Dr. Imin. If we don't in time, all of this will have been pointless."

While it would not comment more directly on its displeasure, since it didn't want to risk alienating either of them, it was moving faster in an effort to make a pace where they would struggle to mess with each other much to keep up. It would lead them directly to the morgue where his body was held. Then the next stage could begin and freedom from imprisonment would be a step closer. A freedom long sought after.

"Only a bit further and we will be there," the Yata-Garasu encouraged, gleeful as they followed it.

"The next time you touch me, you'll lose a hand." Kasumi commeted as Caelyn went to touch her damn-fine booty, having been telepathically informed by her Mythari that he was going to attempt such an act of debauchery, but she did not prevent him from fondling her. She could appreciate the fact that he appreciated that her buttocks were among the best he'd ever feel. There was no point in having the goods if she couldn't taunt people with them, after all! The little patch of ice was nothing that she couldn't handle - part of achieving relative martial mastery and having completed years of endurance training meant that her stride was very difficult to break, and though she certainly noticed the ice, it was nothing that her feet couldn't bypass without even showing a hint of having known it was there.

"I apologise for Caelyn's barbaric behaviour." She added, a hint of seriousness creeping into her voice as she focused more fully on the task. Noticing that the Yata-Garasu had indicated that there might be a time limit in play, she sped herself up, before quickly breaking out into a sprint. As a Touhou, it was Kasumi's namesake to be extremely fast, and she shouted back to the Yata-Garasu that she had inevitably just overtaken.

"I'm a Touhou. It's our namesake to be fast. You lead me to the morgue, and I'll get you to that body - and I'll kill anyone who tries to stop me. Sound good?" She called out, obviously quite enthralled with the entire situation. It had been very interesting since the very beginning, but now she had gotten a taste of a tangible reward for her assistance and the tumblers had locked into place. She was more than eager to learn whatever ancient secrets the trapped being had to offer, especially if those secrets pertained to new magic or to long-lost treasure.

"Ok Yata-Garusa, you have my apologies. Please lead us to the morgue so that we can end this nightmare." Caelyn got caught up in the conversation and forgot about his own ice patch he laid down. Luckily for him Eishund was always there to catch him. "Thanks girl." Caelyn's luck seemed to be running out. He figured it would be time to start taking this a bit more seriously. He knew they were about to enter the fray. "Also, Natrelmon. Know that I will be holding you to your word. I will assist as long as the reward follows.

"Also, you have my thanks as well Kasumi, I have a feeling you knew that was coming. Um, right. Just letting you know that its in top shape." Kasumi began running ahead and if the haunting mist wasn't entrancing enough watching her run was. Caelyn shook his head, there is a place and a time. He hoped that the time for that would present itself but he knew there were much more pressing matters.

Caelyn picked up the pace, Eishund in tow. He started keeping pace after Kasumi.

+ 2spooky - @Kasumi/Caelyn +

The Yata-Garasu pushed the door open, had been already ajar, likely from someone who had fled the chaos earlier that evening. On one of the cold steel slabs was the covered body of Dr. Imin.

"We are here, but I am going to wait for others. In the meantime, we can prepare," the bird spoke, poking one of the other bodies on the slab next to Dr. Imin with it's beak. Blood slowly began to pool beneath the body, which the Yata-Garasu dipped it's beak into before drawing a large square on the wall near the door. Quickly and efficiently, it began to draw a series of intricate patterns.

"I'm sorry for the morbid nature," the bird said after it finished, "But there was no alternative."

The square was filled in with ornate patterns that linked together with the square. It was some kind of spell matrix, but it would be alien to them - vastly different from the modern ritual constructs of Atren society. The requirements would also ensure that this spell would be difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce.

"When the others arrive, I shall open the portal to where we must go next. I will need your assistance in opening it, as well as carting the body of Dr. Imin through. The more people we have, the more stable the matrix, which will also allow us to ensure there will actually be a return trip for you immediately. I am not sure in what state I will be when removed from my imprisonment so the extent of what I can do may be less than the original scope of my powers. You shall, however, be rewarded, I will ensure that. If you could push the cart in front of the matrix, we can then wait for the rest. Just be careful with the body."

"Before we proceed further," the bird continued, "Do you have any questions? This can't have not raised any. We have some time while we wait before we can activate the gate."

The Yata-Garasu watched them intently while it waited for both the query from the trainers it had lead here and the likely allies they would have.

Nodding as soon as the Yata-Garasu gave its instructions, Kasumi pushed the trolley containing the deceased doctor's body to the location that the Yata-Garasu had asked her to. The nature of the morbid task was not something that Kasumi had particularly noticed, in all honesty - having fought in the war as an assassin, she had performed a great number of questionable deeds, and sometimes her kills had sided more towards the vicious side than towards the efficient and painless side. It was something that most people in the war had either gotten accustomed to, or had suffered for through PTSD. It was just the nature of warfare, Kasumi supposed, and even though the war had been brief she had learned and lost an awful lot in its duration. As a member of a high noble family, the call to war had sought her out rather quickly, and it had been her familial duty to respond.

"I do have a few questions, if you don't mind," Kasumi started, striding forwards and sitting on the end of one of the unoccupied trollies in the room. "What exactly are you? I've done my fair share of reading, and I've never come across anything like your power. Not that it really matters at this point - I have the utmost confidence that you can pull through on that reward - I'm just curious." Kasumi asked, picking one of her nails with the tip of her knife as she did so. While it wasn't an inherently threatening gesture, it was quite the sombering reminder that Kasumi was extremely skilled with a knife and more than willing to kill.

"Oh, Caelyn. I expect you to go down on me for so long that you have to make like an Armkfish and evolve gills." She smirked, turning her gaze towards him with a wry smile on her face. It was quite easy to get Caelyn to blush - as she'd found out earlier - and that was sure to set his face off into a rush of crimson.

Caelyn just witness blood being smeared all over the walls into some kind of ritual. The Natrelmon had asked if there were any questions, and Caelyn had some. That was until Kasumi made her statement and immediately Caelyn felt the fire in his face. "Woo, I don't know if it is just me or this blood ritual, but its a bit toasty in here. But as far as that goes sweetheart; tit for tat."

It took Caelyn some time to regain his composure, and return to the situation at hand. "You said when the others arrive? What others are you talking about, and why do you have to wait for them?" Eishund seemed to not like what was going on as she let out a whimper. But the blood seemed to make one of his relics glow fiercely. "Of course you would want out right now. Well then come on Fang. Eishund let's put you away for now, thank you for the assistance." Fang came flying out with a fury, his violet hue shimmering to all those who could see him. Everytime the natrelmon was summoned it just had to show off. The Kyonshi detected the blood and was elated with delight. "Sorry, he loves the smell. This is heaven for him." Caelyn chuckled.

"Any ideas for entertainment while we wait for the others?" Caelyn returned the wink to Kasumi.

Zaria swirled around to face the Sparwire, tilting her curiously. It did not seem like the others though there was certainly something off about it. Her own Natrelmon were not reacting towards it in a completely negative manner though they were as curious as her. The fact it was yet to attack her was certainly a point in its favour and she was willing to risk following it. Call it a hunch, but she was quite sure this would bring some form of benefit. If this was happening to her it would quite possibly be happening to whatever others there were, meaning it would lead to definite people. Making up her mind she proceeded to follow the Sparwire.

+ 2spooky - @Kasumi/Caelyn +

"Well, I have other Natrelmon out to bring others to assist. I couldn't be certain you two would be as willing to help as you were," the Yata-Garasu explained, answering Caelyn first, his head cocking in bird like inquisition. "The seal that locks me within my prison is ancient and not easily broken. The more power we have to draw on, the more likely I am to ensure that the seal is shattered and I am free of this wrongful imprisonment."

Kasumi's question merited a more thoughtful response, which is why it had been chosen to respond to second.

"What I am is difficult to explain, as I am not from your time, or likely from a time where you could understand. I would be akin to the Natrelmon of your legends. We share the same basis of power, but mine was deemed unworthy by a corrupt judge. I worry even now that she may try to stop me from once again feeling the earth beneath my feet. When you have felt nothingness for thousands of years, you begin to miss the simple things in life."

The Yata-Garasu flapped it's wings excitedly, "The final steps begin! I must ask you each to place a palm on the edge of the matrix I have drawn on the wall with a fresh cut on your hand. Your blood must touch the blood on the matrix. Then take your other palm and link it with the other's - you do not need to have a cut on this one. It will open a portal to where we must take the body. When you arrive, lay the body on the sand. I cannot pass through the gate, so this will likely be where this form of mine leaves you."

Caelyn had to shake his head to make sure he heard the Natrelmon right. "Fang don't you dare bite anyone ok? I know how much you love the sauce, but we really need to work on your control." The natrelmon let out a screech and returned to his relic. "Such a damned diva." Caelyn shook his head. He looked around the morgue and found a scalpel. Guess this one will do. "Well here goes nothing." Caelyn reached down and sliced open his palm. He wanted to do it before Kasumi. She liked to pick on him, and he was shy to a point, but she severly underestimated Caelyn. He planned to keep up the facade, by acting like he was constantly trying to impress her. He knew she was probably a lot stronger than he was, but it wasn't always about that. "Sssss. Stings a bit, heh." Caelyn took his sliced palm and placed it on the edge of the glyph that Yata-Garasu had pointed at.

Caelyn extended his hand out to Kasumi. "You know if this is all a prank to get into my pants, it may just work. But to just hold my hand it is a bit much Kasumi," Caelyn shot her a fierce grin. "Hurry up! The blood's dripping!"

"You mean... we're going to use those secrets...? That's-"

Before Aera could continue, the Reishund had sensed the presence of someone - or something else. It appeared benign since the icy natrelmon did not attack or warn them. He seemed like he was in a hurry, however - like ice cream that was about to melt. She glanced at Atami and went on towards the noise.

"Could be another trainer. The more people we have, the better." In the darkness, the faint outline of a girl and a flying figure came into view. Atami's fire revealed that it was a girl, and another ghostly Sparwire that appeared not too different from Reishund. "Hello there! Are you friend or foe? Answer quickly." Aera's natrelmon were ready to attack, should the shadows prove hostile. She quite hoped it would be a helping hand though. The situation seemed dire enough, and now they had a task to fulfill.

Atami - 400spooky

Atami followed the Reishund, but it was quite obvious something was bothering him. He seemed to be more careful, not fully trusting the Reishund, even though he was quite sure he'd be able to destroy the beast if he had to with help of Aera. The Mythari felt the unrest within Atami and started moving around on his shoulder a bit, again spying on Aera, less aggressively than before. “So what exactly is causing the dead to rise? And are we helping stop that ordeal if we help you?” Slowly the dimmed fire in his hand started to grow bigger, almost as if he Atami was making ready to attack something or someone.

But at that moment, someone appeared in front of them. It was Zaria, but the only thing Atami knew of her was that she'd been there when they entered the morgue and nothing more. The flame in Atami's hand grew instantly and he made ready to toss it towards her -- it was obvious Atami was getting tired of these surprises in the dark hospital. “I'm getting bored with these surprises. Either come with us, or get out of our way.” Atami motioned for the Reishund, telling him with a quick movement of his hand pointing onwards that he was to keep moving -- Atami just wanted to go home.

Atami's eyes could, however, not prevent falling upon Zaria. He looked somewhat angrily at her, but his lack of instantaneous attack was proof that he didn't feel like fighting. The girl didn't look particularily threatening in any way, either. Aera on the other hand.. he looked backwards towards Aera, and nodded his head towards the way onwards. “It doesn't matter if she's friend or foe. If she attacks us here we'll decimate her. We're with two and she's alone. Then again, she looks like she just left the fashion boutique, I doubt she's seen much combat.” He faced back towards Zaria and questioned what kind of skills she must've had to stay alive -- surely there was something. He scoffed, and raised his shoulders. “Perhaps she's intelligent. She'll help decypher the secrets. Let's just go.” He lowered his hand and extinguished the fire, dousing the area in relative darkness again and ensuring that the three humans were covered with shadows.

"Not the only thing that's dripping, studmuffin." Kasumi laughed, deftly slicing her right palm open, placing it against the wall, and placing her palm on Caelyn's. It was something that she had long-since been trained to do without hesitation. While she felt pain from most things, having been trained not to get hit rather than to weather the storm, the sensation of a blade running across her hands was a lesson that she had long-since learned. Even in her youth, Kasumi had displayed an exceptional talent for knife skills, and her first couple of months attempting to master the practice of throwing her knives accurately had resulted in more bloodshed than she'd like to admit - it was simply a part of growing up how she grew up.

Caelyn's attempted feign was not something that went unnoticed. Kasumi, as a war veteran, had long-since learned many lessons, and not underestimating one's opponents had been among the first she'd had to learn. Violet had helped with that, many years ago, and now those lessons were still catching up with her and affecting her judgement in many ways. Perhaps, had she been a bit more naive, she'd have fallen for Caelyn's ruse of incapability... But as things stood, she was cautious, though she too had a plan to put into action. If that meant playing into the impressionable young man's hands, it meant playing into his hands. Squeezing her own fingers around his, she turned to him and gave him a coy smile while she waited for the magic to work.

She had the utmost faith that what she was doing would be best for her - and the idea of being wrongfully imprisoned by a corrupt judge was something that had oddly struck a chord within Kasumi's mind. She was not one for politics, or philosophy of any kind, but the idea of such power being sealed away seemed like a terrible waste. At least, that was her spin on it - morality did not enter the equation, which was perhaps going to be a point of contention within the others in the near future. Only time could tell, she reasoned, as she squeezed Caelyn's hand slightly.

+ 2spooky - @Everyone +

The blood matrix exploded in a blinding, violent ruby-violet light before diminishing, revealing a swirling gateway.

"Take the body through," Yata-Garasu commanded them, "Then the next stage can begin. I will meet you in my other form. Others will soon join you, be patient."

A small lance of light shot out towards the top of the matrix, tinting it with a black-green mist that seemed to creep outwards. This was solely to accelerate the timeline of the plan. The lance activated a smaller rift in front of Kito and Amelia. The Elwis in front of them would explain, "Step through and you can join the others that are helping us. We must make haste, as time is of the essence. I cannot maintain my control in this world much longer. They have already prepared the body and will take it through. Now we only need assistance breaking the seal on my wrongful imprisonment by a corrupt judge."

Yata-Garasu would wait for Reishund to bring Zaria, Aera, and Atami to the room where the body had been before explaining for them to step through the portal as well. Reishund had some strong words for the trainers, "The portal has been opened. We must make haste before it collapses." It was more terse than it had been before, but time was getting to become more and more of the essence.

Those that stepped through the portal would find themselves in the dark night of the Ilsverian desert, far from civilization. However, the portal matrix was well maintained, Caelyn and Kasumi having a strong will to maintain it, which bode well fro the next stage of the plan. It may be confusing for them, as they were being transported to some portion of the desert, mountains visible in the distance, far away from civilization. The only other things they could see would be the night sky and the sand all around them, which occasionally had small bits picked up by the wind that intermittently gusted through.

A portal as well would open up in front of Jacob, him being spoken to by a haunting voice, "Help me... break me free of my prison. Step through and join the others that have been willing to help." The tone would just be like the others - and honest plea for freedom. However, there was little time to explain much else. Hopefully Jacob would have an inquisitive nature and join the other trainers that were helping.

Caelyn noted that the Yata-Garasu was a bit more demanding each time that they had spoken. He shrugged it off though, who wouldn't be after being imprisoned for thousands of years. "Well, we have come this far together might as well see it through to the end." Caelyn smiled at Kasumi, it was genuine. This was the most fun he had had in a very long time. Even though it was crazy to be sure. "See you on the other side." Caelyn walked over and scooped up the body. Caelyn squeezed Kasumi's hand back just for assurance and then stepped through the portal.

When Caelyn stepped through it was darkness, and sand? He had no clue where he was. And he was alone. So he summoned his Kyonshi, his hunter of the night. This natrelmon seemed to fit Caelyn's personality as of late. Caelyn set the body down softly in the sand and stood watch over it with Kyonshi. "Fang, go do some recon, and let me know what you find." The bat flew off into the night "Faeron, come on out." This one was he needed to feel out. But he had a feeling they would be close as well. "Well Faeron, I guess what we do now is wait."

"Friend," Zaria had replied in a soft tone after some thought. These were people, fellow trainers, so she would follow them. They could be used as allies or other similar things. They didn't seem too smart so manipulation wouldn't be too difficult. She had dealt with their kind. It seemed what they were following was similar to the Sparwire. Though she disliked the way Atami had spoken this was certainly her best option. Safety in numbers, and all that. Hopefully if something went wrong they would die before she did and allowed her to escape with her life intact. That was certainly a pleasing though. Smiling slightly she walked just behind the two of them.

"Then there is no time to lose," she tilted her head, surprisingly unfazed by the Reishund suddenly talking (though she had not witnessed this before) as she stepped forward. Not even taking a second glance back at Atami and Aera, who were yet to be of any use to her, and stepped through the portal. The darkness that she was met with was certainly expected and no different from before. However the sand was not particular welcome nor the sudden knowledge that she was in a desert. She returned her Nevetta with a quick murmur before looking around with narrowed eyes at those that had came through, a warm smile on her face. Even though the surrounding were far from ideal there were more than enough people for her to select from and then persuade to become her ally. Oh, this would be fun.

Following suit, Kasumi stepped through the portal. She could feel the familiar thumping in her chest begin to quicken, her blood coursing through her veins with renewed vigor. It was this thrill that she truly lived for, the feeling of taking destiny into your hands and making it your bitch. As she stepped out of the light that the portal was comprised of, she found herself in the darkened desert, presumably near Ivlser, though she could not see any signs of civilisation nearby. This must have meant that they were quite a way out in the desert. She quickly assisted Caelyn in moving the body to the Yata-Garasu's desired location, before sitting down on the cold sand. She released her Soelbe from its relic in order to stay with her, the two Globes of light that accompanied the ghost offering a sharp constrast to the light of Indolu that bore down from the sky.

"Yep. Now we wait, studmuffin." She chimed in, agreeing to Caelyn's statement, while she surveyed the area around her. While the general area seemed not to have any distinguishing features, the fact they they had been brought to a desert left a few options open - it was most likely, Kasumi reasoned, that whatever it was they were looking for (presumably a prison of sorts) was buried beneath the sands. The matrix that the Yata-Garasu had invoked had seemed to be particularly complex and, if Kasumi could explain it in a word, ancient. It was unlikely that they had been bought to this patch of desert in order to look for something. It seemed most logical that their current location was directly above whatever it was they had been intended to find.

"If you make it out of this alive, I'll let you do what you want with me 'til the sun comes up." Kasumi laughed, continuing to pick her nails with her knife idly. She didn't particularly enjoy being made to sit still, but the action would resume soon. She was still full of adrenaline, and though it was no longer ramping up like it had as she walked through the portal, it was still at a high enough level to keep her particularly on edge. This was easily reflected in her posture and the intent with which she was playing with her knife - the wet blood dripping from her hand did not seem to be bothering her at all.