@Rune_Alchemist
@Letter Bee
@Hammerman

“G-great one? True form?”

Hinako seemed puzzled by the statement by her poison-dragon companion at this time. What exactly did that mean? Within the confines of understanding of society as a collective, similar stories tended to pop up about similar entities such as the case of Hinako recognizing dragons as something “slightly different” than what Lily was. But the term “Great One” was not something that Hinako recognized in the slightest.

Not only that, but Lily had used some strange comparison like a “Dragon to a mouse” to describe the Great One. Were they really that powerful? If so, how could one expect to control them? Even if she was some sort of monstrosity, it was the power of humanity that defeated the greatest of creatures from mythology.

The human will, even if Hinako was not a human herself, was a powerful force. She had known of a few youkai who met their fates to humans hardly a thousandth of their strength. Humans were beings that could reach the moon, but their process was that of folding a paper hundreds of times. From weakness their strength is derived.

Even if Hinako could not completely understand the scope of the claimed power that Lily had stated herself about the “beast” before her, at the very least Hinako did recognize there was some sort of illusion in the works regarding the individual’s appearance. Not due to any sort of evidence, but Hinako had also “tricked” others. After all, a Kitsune’s appearance was malleable to her desires. If she was able to fool others, who is to say that the girl, Bae, wasn’t fooling others?

But Hnako’s fooling of others was not malicious in intent. Some hunters hide amongst their prey to lure them in a false sense of security, but that was not the reason Hinako chose to take a form resembling a human. In fact, it could be said that Hinako loved humans, their culture and their base weakness, so to take a form closer to could be considered a sign of love itself. There was no proof that Hinako held the other before her was malicious either.

The “Great One as she was called came over to the Kitsune and the Dragon with a light twirl and asked them for their names.

“I-I’m Hinako. It is nice to meet you Bae, I think?”

The fox didn't truly understand how to feel about the information that the sides were feeding her. Could Hinako truly dislike something based off of preconceived notions? Perhaps it was in the nature of these “great ones” to harm others before them, but could individuals change their own perspectives on certain situations? Would it be discriminatory to disregard the cute girl Bae in the same way a human might to a beast that had raided their crops?

“Awawawa,” Hinako choked out as the field of the auditorium seemed to contort themselves into some sort of battlefield. She was reminded of a time of great instability within the confines of her home country. The cannon might be king to the human, but in the world of Demis such notions of power and appearance were meaningless. Hinako looked like a highschool student, aside from her tails and ears, and she had once been a god prayed to by a sect.

But that was when another strange individual had entered the mix. A boy who seemed mostly normal, aside from his rather short height that seemed even shorter than Lily, who Hinako already considered small and cute.

“I, uhh, don’t think that threatening someone’s life is the best way to find yourself many friends,” Hinako said to the strange boy who had intervened in a simple conflict. Perhaps humans were all the same. When there is a taste of something extraordinary, a war, they flock like a shark to the scent of blood.

It was not that Hinako despised violence; she had given the blessings to those soldiers who had chosen to fight for their holy army in the past. For those who followed the will of the Emperor. But she still had the impression that while war was a glory, pointless conflicts were easily avoided through skillful diplomacy. She was neither a pacifist nor a war monger. A moderate, like most of the unsung masses tend to be.

“I don’t really want to get into any spats. I cannot say that I believe peace is always the answer, but personally I care not for meaningless violence. There is pride in warfare, but not in trivialities. ”

Kyoko Sakura

With Odette still hovering in the air just a few feet up, Kyoko had to admit defeat because, yes she did indeed take a quick peek. Right now she was just trying her hardest not to either blush or actually nosebleed, which could always happen. It happened before already after all, even if not with Odette. After informing her about it, she suddenly vanished. Nowehere to be seen, it actually scared Kyoko a little. Did she go too far? She wasn´t sure what she had done but, did she anger the ghost? Kyoko definetly would not want to be haunted by a mad Odette, she wouldn´t stand a ghost of a chance!... Goddamnit, why couldn´t she focus on a topic without making any bad joke? There were bigger concerns right now, Odette was gone at least.

The witch scanned the area looking for signs of her until, suddenly, she reappeared right next to her. It scared the life out of Kyoko. She almost had a heart attack! "Iieeeeeeeeeeeeek!, she screamed and jumped back a bit looking like she just saw a ghost. Which she technically did, but this time it actually frightened her. Kyoko grabbed her chest and had to breathe heavily for a few moments, regaining her focus as she finally looked into Odette´s face, seeing the surprising change in her expression kind of satsified Kyoko. That only lasted little before she was accused of the unholy perverted act of peeking under her skirt! Kyoko´s eyes widened slightly, and a slight red color emerged on her cheeks.
"W...what...? N...no I would never...!

The flattered witch saw no way out of this, since it was sort of obvious the way she looked right now that she was indeed guilty, so Kyoko tried to change subjects. "S...so Odette... isn´t interesting what kind of people are here? So many different kind of faces! I do believe that we should maybe... check which room we have... to see where we´ll be living while we´re here."
With an odd laugh Kyoko pointed towards the exit of the auditorium.
"Or we can always meet new people if you like Odette... I´ll just follow you I guess?"
The rather small girl reached her hand out to pat Odette on the head, hoping to distract her with a sudden headpat! Her hand was only met with cold, blonde hair, but maybe it was still effective, she hoped.

@Rune_Alchemist

~Odette Billeaud~

@Melpaws

Oops, she had accidentally scared Kyoko. She hadn't meant too, but there were other concerns at the moment. Like the fact that Kyoko had most definitely saw up her skirt. She leaned in a bit closer, obviously not buying Kyoko's shaky excuse that she wasn't guilty of the crime. The ghost puffed out her cheeks slightly, holding her hands clenched lightly in front of her. She would bring unholy vengeance upon this pervert, and she would make her thoroughly apologize for it! She reached up a hand, and brought it lightly down upon Kyoko's head just as the witch's hand met Odette's own head.

Any sort of thoughts were brought to a grinding halt as a hand was brought to her head. How did one...respond to being pat on the head? In all of her 300 something years of unlife, no one had ever done that before. The ghost's typical neutral expression returned, staring at Kyoko with a seemingly slight glare.

Well, it certainly didn't exactly...feel bad? Maybe this was a normal thing for people to do to others? She didn't know, she hadn't met that many people before. She also realized she hadn't removed her own hand from Kyoko's head for about five seconds and was just sitting there staring at her again. She quickly removed her hand, still pouting a bit as she turned from Kyoko and started walking away, but for the most part the ghost wasn't too upset.

She really should see where she'd be staying, shouldn't she? Meeting a few others would be good too. Just...small problem. She wasn't particularly confident in her ability to do that by herself. Before she took even five steps she turned back around and walked back over to Kyoko, and stood there for a few minutes with a slightly expectant look.

...oh right. She should probably say something.

"Not...good...speaking..."

As usual, what she said came out as somewhat jumbled and was spoken in a quiet, somewhat timid voice. Hopefully that would get her message across though.



@Hammerman@ADamnFiddle@Letter Bee

She tilted her head, a small smile displayed on her lips as she was accused of trying to turn people into her playthings. Oho, whoever this was, they were quite amusing. She of course, had no intention of turning anyone into her playthings. Well, at least unwilling people, hehe. Maybe a servant or two would be nice? Two little birdies to bring the fledgling some sustenance? That would be fun indeed. Before she could reply though, something...unexpected happened. Something that made her shiver in slight fear.

She turned to face her assailant as he approached, taking a hesitant step back. She had no intention of running - that would only make her look guilty of something, even if an overwhelming desire to preserve her own life before whoever this was possibly ended it. After all, she was merely a child. A child with no way of actually defending herself against beings like him. Still, she didn't want to appear afraid, that would be silly for one such as herself. Instead, she gave him a small, inquisitive seeming smile as the other girl she introduced herself too decided to speak up. She got her name wrong, buuuut, she wouldn't mind being Hinako's 'Bae', hehe. Still, she should probably say something herself.

"Oh?" Bea replied quizzically, head rolling to the other side. "What is this? You're not a cute little hummingbird. No, you're more of a violent predator. Hawk? Little bees don't like birdies like you, always causing trouble and trying to eat us..." Her voice carried a slight hint of curiosity mixed with apprehension. She couldn't help but taking another back step towards Hinako. The girl felt...well, safer than the other two at least. "This little bee was simply wanting some food when the lizard decided to stare too hard at something she shouldn't~" She giggled a bit at that, finally deciding to straighten her head, as if she finally decided on something. "This little birdie has no desire to cause trouble for funny little ants. Only observe."

That was about as much of a straight answer he was probably going to get. She of course, wasn't here to destroy his world or something, and was definitely sent here by mother to learn, but where would the fun be in simply telling him that? She had to at least make a small game out of it.

Lily looked at her friend, Hinako, to check whether or not she was alright. No doubt she was also overwhelmed by the monster's presence. Couldn't blame her really. It was a Great One after a-- what the-- she... she's greeting her! And so calmly at that!

Lily now felt really, really stupid for being so scared of her. She released her grip on the kitsune and placed her arms under her chest, huffing in the process. Adding to her embarrassment, she could feel her face reddening. And she couldn't exactly stop it so she just stood there looking at Bea with an overly hostile look, just to counter her shame. She didn't know that it only made her look like she was pouting cutely.

She then witnessed Hinako lightly chastising the boy for being so headstrong, whom only now she recognized. He was the boy that she dismissed back then in the auditorium. So he was apparently an angel. Hmph, how unfitting for him.

She then heard Hinako's views on violence and conflict. She could agree with that. It was foolish to expect a world without conflict. But conflict for the sake of conflict would just beget chaos and destruction. There would always be the strong and the weak. And the strong must live with honor and pride, as they protected the weak.

She then heard Bea's explanation. She said she only wished to observe, and that it was her fault for looking at her too hard. And somehow she knew that she was a dragon, even though she looked fully human right now.

"I would not stare at you if you had properly suppressed your aura," Lily replied. "My dragon instinct picks up on your wrongness right away. I would not care for a Great One if they blend in with everybody else."

@Rune_Alchemist@ADamnFiddle@Letter Bee

@Rune_Alchemist @Hammerman @ADamnFiddle @Letter Bee

Kyoko Sakura

The actions performed by the ghostly lady left some impressions in Kyoko. Her usual neutral stare, now looked rather angry or disturbed for some reason. She seemed like she was summon a curse, or something similar like that. Kyoko was really scared of that for a moment, until she realized, that as a witch she could probably remove most curses anyway. She played human so full-heartedly, she actually forgot she was a witch for a moment.
Now Kyoko did still perform her headpatting, which she excelled at by the way. There were no better headpats than Kyoko headpats! The proof: Odette. The ghost seemed confused and irritated, and it had exactly the effect Kyoko hoped it would have. It threw her off!

So now both girls were just looking at each other awkwardly, both having the hand on the other´s head. For outsiders this might actually look like some sort of weird cryptic ritual. An amusing thought for Kyoko...
Anyway, with Odette suddenly turning around and walking away, the witch was just about to say something as she turned around again, looking at Kyoko before returning. Still not saying anything.

Determined to let the ghost-girl speak first, Kyoko waited and waited. A few minutes actually passed, before she finally did say something, even if rather broken. Though it gave enough information for Kyoko to react to it
"Well... That explains a lot! Is it because of any physical reason? Or maybe are you just..."
Kyoko gave her a mischievious smirk. "Is the cute little ghost shy?~
The witch was doing this on purpose. A little bit of picking on her could help making them friends and also fight the social awkwardness surrounding Odette. With a slight giggle, Kyoko shook her head.
"Don´t worry! You can just follow me around, or I´ll follow you. Just nod or shake your head if you don´t like talking. Would you rather visit our dorms and see where we sleep or go talk to random people?"
The evil witch Kyoko did it again >:D! She did not give her a "Yes or no" question, but a question which can only be replied to by talking. How mean! She really was an evil genius, Kyoko thought.

@Rune_Alchemist

Zac finished his drink, looking around and simply observing the people around him. Far more interesting then the crowd he was used to. He picked up his bag and guitar case again, before leaving the auditorium, on his way upstairs to find his room. His sensetive ears picked up bits and pieces of conversation as he walked, watching the students with a soft smile on his face. Noticiing just how different all the students were, he knew he was going to have a fun time here.

Upstairs, he found his way to his dorm, setting his things down. No one else had moved in yet, but he was eager to find out if he was going to end up with a room mate. Hopefully they wouldn't mind his taste in music too. He sat on his bed for a moment, pulling out his smartphone, checking for any notifications. Nope, nothing. He looked around his room as he stood again, sighing at how bare it looked. A friend of his was arriving in a few days with his van, though, which had the rest of his stuff. That would definitely make him feel more at home.

He took a deep breath as he left his new room and headed back down to the welcoming party, now unburdened by luggage. Very quickly, commotion caught his attention. He watched intently as he saw a boy, with wings, leap to a group of three girls. Luckily, with his hearing he could hear the whole conversation from the other side of the room. The girl who the winged boy approached had a very odd way of speaking, and that intrigued Zac. But the others seemed very wary of her. Something about insanity and cultists. Well then, this certainly was interesting.

~Odette Billeaud~

@Melpaws

"...ute?" The ghost seemed to latch onto that word in particular. Was...Kyoko teasing her? She saw her undergarments, and now she was being called cute? If Odette had been capable of blushing she would have. So Odette simply stared before giving the shorter girl another small smack on the head, she was asked what she wanted to do. She really would like to visit other people. It'd be good to get to know others, wouldn't it?

"She called me cute."

It wasn't really that she was shy - she just...well, after spending at least three hundred years not talking, suddenly having to talk was a bit difficult. That was the reason she was going to give if she ever got a chance to reply, at least.

"Am I cute?"

Compose yourself Odette, it was just a word and Kyoko was probably teasing you. Still, the ghost couldn't help but to feel oddly happy about being called such a thing. She had never been called cute by anyone before, or even complimented in such a manner. The dead weren't exactly the best...conversationalists. She would have been thoroughly embarrassed by thinking such things if she was any better at visibly emoting, but she was thankful she wasn't, if only for the moment.

Honestly though, Odette would feel much more comfortable following Kyoko around. She wasn't exactly the most well versed with people, and she didn't want to appear incompetent or like she was blundering about like a fool. Despite the perverted human being a pervert, she was, well, so far nice. As long as she didn't mess anything up, she'd be fine. She could have Kyoko help with any misunderstandings as well, couldn't she? She had already gotten off on a bad foot with most of the students considering her, erm, rather terrible introductions in the last few minutes but if she had Kyoko she could clear things up easily!

"...follow you."



@Hammerman@ADamnFiddle@Letter Bee

"Aha, cute little lizard, this little bee is far from great. More of a little jellyfish, adrift upon the vast ocean trying to swim against the current." She said, but before she could continue the line of thought though, something with a much greater disconcerting presence made itself known. She turned her head quickly to the other newcomer. Very briefly, her voice caught in her throat as she realized that whoever this was, was exactly who her mother told her to be careful of. If he so wished it, not only could he likely banish her back to the outer realms, he could also kill her. A somewhat...foreign concept to her to be sure, but...and judging from his demeanor he was not looking to make friends.

He wanted a simple answer, and she could not give one. She found herself standing quite close to Hinako now as she took another step away from the two.

She tilted her head to the side, trying to come up with a suitable answer. Speaking plainly in human language was difficult. Speaking in human language in general was difficult. So many things they didn't understand that she had to attempt to describe using insufficient terms, where there might not even be terms to describe what she was trying too. He wanted a 'yes' or a 'no'. The meaning of those words, were odd to her at best, nonsensical to her at best.

A few quiet seconds passed, but eventually a small smile graced her face as she replied. She couldn't quite give him the answers he sought, but she hoped they would be sufficient.

"This one will has lived here for a few short years, and has learned not to cause any problems. This little bee does not wish to start a cult, only learn. Siblings are far away, with mother. Human mother sent this young little bee here to learn, not harm." She took a breath before continuing, smile fading to a more neutral expression. "This...little bee does not wish to die, but if my existence is...too abhorrent the little bee will submit to the birdie. Mother would be sad if I caused trouble, even in defense..." There was a definite small hint of both fear and apprehension in her voice as she spoke. She was fully prepared for such a thing, even if she was objectively...'terrified' was the human word for it.

Kyoko Sakura

Yes it was true, Kyoko called her cute. But not to tease her or anything, she had other methods to do that. It was just what she thought about Odette, how couldn´t she! A ghost who was stunningly gorgeous being completely shy? That is stuff for "aww"-ing. But the focus on the word "cute" by Odette did make Kyoko wonder just how significant that word might be. Either Odette liked it, or she was angry. In any case, the next smack on her head just resulted in a rather quiet "Ow!" followed by Kyoko rubbing the area where Odette connected. It did not ruin her mood though, Kyoko just kept up a happy face and giggled at the ghosts usual neutral facial expression.

When looking around, Kyoko did notice some tension arise within the place. She couldn´t quite put her finger on what it was, but somewhere close there was tension going on and she had no interest in either watching or participating in any of that. She was happy staying out of any trouble that was not her own fault. In the end, with the different experiments she enjoyed doing, there was no way she´d never get into any trouble for that so for the future she´d like to keep her west clean.
"Then I´ve got an idea. Since you seem to want to meet new people, let´s bring our luggage to our rooms and then we can come back here if you like. I´d like to meet my roommate, I am sure you want that too."

Kyoko grabbed Odette´s wrist and pulled her after her as she walked towards the exit of the auditorium.
"Let´s go ghost! We shall seek new adventures!"
With big steps and an adventurous look on her face, she made her way through the door just pulling Odette with her, in case she did not decide to just dematerialize. After a while, Kyoko decided to turn around and face Odette.
"We´ll return here later, don´t worry. I do have a question though! Would you mind to share your age? You can know mine aswell. Though I am curious since you are... well a spirit and all...as you can tell, I don´t know that much about demi-humans. We never learned much about those where I went to school" it seemed like she was referring to a human school, since she did not tell anyone that she was a witch, but at witchschool they actually never learned things about other demi-humans. There simply was no need for that. So with a warm smile, Kyoko looked Odette straight into her eyes, awaiting her reply. This was Kyoko´s way to get her new friend to speak more, to challenge her ability to speak so that it would become easier for her!

@Rune_Alchemist

A little boy—about no older than five or six—walks the campus ground, catching the eyes of many students as he passes by them. Whose child is this? Are children allowed on this campus? The boy pays no mind to the onlookers and continues on with a beaming smile present on his round little face. Plopped atop his head are waves upon waves of blonde locks that appear soft to the touch. He hums a little tune as he walks about, seemingly with no destination in mind. "That sure was a great little speech! And she was so pretty!" The little boy speaks openly to himself. Suddenly, he is stopped in his tracks as a student approaches him.

Some boy that looks relatively human except they possess pointy ears and feathers. "Hey kid, what are you doing here? Are you lost?" The male student questions the child out of concern.

"Lost?" The child ponders for a brief moment. "Nope! I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be!" He finally responds.

"What do you mean?"

The child pulls a part of his hoodie to the side and reveals a familiar uniform, complete with a familiar badge: the badge of Pakora Academy of course. "I'm a student here!"

"Ehhhhh???" The male student was dumbfounded.

"Well, bye, Mister!" The child skips around the male student and proceeds on his merry way. Soon, he arrives at a map of the campus. He studies it intensely, hoping to find some directions as to where the dorms are located but his small, feeble mind can't handle this much information! Too many words, not enough bright colors or moving images! The child starts tearing up a bit. "I... I can't read this..."

Bea responded by saying that she was not "great", that she was just a little jellyfish swimming in the ocean. So was she saying that she was just a child Great One? She never heard of that one before. She only knew of the Great Ones as these powerful beings that came from another world, not that they had children. And if they did, they would just as be dangerous as their parents. But Bea here seemed to claim that she wasn't dangerous at all. Hmph, perhaps she shouldn't have made a terrible first impression like that then.

Before Lily could formulate her response, another person interrupted their conversation yet again. This time it was the boy with the leather coat she saw before in the auditorium. Excusing himself (well, at least he was polite), he rushed straight to Bea. He then pretty much straight out interrogated her, like he was some sort of police or something. On other occasions, Lily would have thought of him as being rude, but since they were dealing with a Great One, maybe it was a little justified.

She then heard her response. She claimed she wouldn't start anything, that she was just here to learn. And then, with a sad tone, she said that if her existence was too abhorrent to him, then she would leave, seeing her mother taught her not to cause any trouble. Lily thought that meant she had a human mother, since there was no way a Great One would ever say that. So she was a Great One born and raised by humans? Born out of a cultist mishap perhaps?

If she was raised by humans, then perhaps she had a human side to her. And her mother wished for her to cultivate that side by going here to this school.

Lily now started to sympathize with her. She wasn't like some weak humans who would just hate and fear someone, or something, powerful just because they were powerful. She would give her a chance. She would see if she stayed true to her words. And if she did, then perhaps, they could be friends.

"I say we let her go for now," Lily said towards the cloaked boy. "We shall keep an eye on her, to see if she really is true to her words. She seems to have some humanity in her and I wish to give that part of her a chance." Lily then turned towards Bea again before continuing her speech. "Listen, I am a dragon and dragons really, really despise liars and oathbreakers. If you try something funny, then I will personally hunt you down to the ends of the Earth. But, if you behave, and I would be willing to tolerate you. And perhaps, after same time, I might just be your friend. And dragons are the most loyal friends of all."

"I suggest you start by not terrifying people with your true form," Lily continued, a small blush forming on her face as she was reminded of her panicking earlier.

@Rune_Alchemist@TheHangedMan@ADamnFiddle

Ascot observed Edward in action, his admiration of the other boy growing all the more. Same for Lily, with the...Dragon actually keeping a cool head in this matter. So the boy would then say:

"If Edward allows it, I will add my words to the Dragon's. Her life, her safety, and potentially my friendship if she behaves herself." A smile at that as he looked at all three young women. "I would then apologize for my rash actions earlier."

"So," he said next, "what are your names? My name is Ascot Sky, and, yeah, I'm a Half-Angel." Then he turned towards Lily alone.

"Also, I apologize for flirting with you when we first met. That was...not cool or good." The young man drew back his wings, then stretched out his hand.

"If the...Eldtrich Lady is willing to make an oath, let's enforce it together, as allies."

@TheHangedMan@Rune_Alchemist@Hammerman@ADamnFiddle

Ash began traversing through the hallways eyeballing the school's achievements and wall art they hung up on the walls, she passed by some of the other creatures going to the school and blatantly asked them what they were and what they could do in an almost interview like fashion. She didn't waste any time asking some of the random students what they were, and when it came time for them to ask her the same question she answered just as fast as she asked them questions.

When the ant girl finished pestering random students she came across, or the ones that hit the exit door to her many questions to what they were Ash when back to what she was doing before she got busy asking so many questions. In what seemed like a matter of seconds, Ash came across two girls, Both of which looked like normal humans, surprising Ash, even more, she didn't expect to see too many humans here at this school, but Ash got a gut feeling that these two weren't humans, not every student was gonna be a human and even if they are, she might as well introduce herself to them anyways.

Ash wasted not time and pounced on the two of them quickly the ant quickly introduced herself to the two of them holding out her chitin covered hand." Hi, my name is Asherari, but everyone finds it hard to say my name, so you can just call me Ash." She told them waiting for of them to shake, her hand and before they could she looked at her hand before saying." Are handshakes something that you don't do?" She asked. " Wait are handshakes offensive in your culture? I'm sorry if they are." She attempted to apologize to them both.

@Melpaws@Rune_Alchemist

The half-angel boy then vouched his support to Lily's words, before apologizing for his rash actions. He then faced Lily and also apologized for flirting with her earlier, giving his hand for a handshake.

"W-well, as long as you understand..." Lily answered, taken aback. She didn't expect him to just apologize out of the blue, catching her off-guard. She then awkwardly shook the hand he offered.

The cloaked boy then apologized as well, clearly looking surprised at what he just heard. Lily did not saw that coming either. It seemed this was the first time he had encountered a situation like this. She didn't blame him to be honest. Meeting a Great One was already a rare thing. Meeting one who was also half-human (not necessarily in a biological sense, since she didn't know whether or not being birthed by a human mother really made her have human genes inside of her) would be even rarer. She had expected him to press the issue further, but it seemed he trusted Bea's words right away. He then introduced himself, before asking for the names of the girls in front of him.

"I'm Lily of the Flameheart family. Pleased to meet you, Edward Carter," she replied coolly, extending her hand towards the boy. "And as you already heard, I am a dragon. Of the poison kind to be exact. So what about you? What kind of beast are you?"

@TheHangedMan@Letter Bee

~Odette Billeaud~

@Melpaws@Spriggs27

Luggage? She didn't have any luggage. All she had were the clothes on her back and a small army of spirits that followed her around. She did not have a single possession in the entire world. Ghosts didn't exactly have things like that...did they? Should she have had something? She had spent most of her life in a mausoleum out in a country in the middle of...France, she thought it was called in this day and age. She was quite literally yanked out of that thought by Kyoko who grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards the exit. Fortunately, there wouldn't be any resistance from Odette. Unfortunately, that was because she weighed exactly nothing and made it look like the small girl was literally pulling her through the air.

"...Age?" Odette frowned slightly as she pondered the question. She had no exact answer, but she could at least give her the closest estimation she could. "...three...dred...fifty." Truthfully - it might be older. She had no real exact time frame. She was certain there was some...blank area before the time she died, and the time she became a ghost. Before Kyoko could answer though, they were approached by something the likes of which Odette had never seen before. It looked like an ant...a human ant. With arms.

Odette planted her feet firmly on the ground to stop Kyoko from moving her. She wanted to know more about...whatever this curious creature was. Asherari, was her name? The ghost stared, her typical stony faced expression returning as Odette observed Ash. Yes, she was most definitely some sort of ant person, but how exactly did...such things exist? Not that she had a lot of room to be talking since she was a ghost, but Ash intrigued her.

Of course, a few seconds passed between her greeting and the time Odette took to process that she should, in fact, take the hand and shake it but by then Kyoko had likely already done something.



@Hammerman@ADamnFiddle@Letter Bee@TheHangedMan

If one had been paying attention, they'd notice Bea letting out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. She had been prepared for the worst outcome. To not only be banished to the Outer Realms, but also have her existence ended before she could even really begin. That would cause a lot of trouble for everyone in the end, even if there was nothing she could do about it. Mother would be quite upset with the little humans had they done it, and it would be a terrible event indeed. She smiled, as Edward introduced himself and asked for her name. It was only fair she give him her full name as well, wasn't it?

"This little bee greets you, Edward Carter." She replied, a slender hand taking the hem of her dress as she gave them a small curtsy. "Mother warned me of you. Said you would wish to hurt this little busy bee, but I am glad we had a chance to commune. Mother gave me the name of Ustha-Kth. Mother has always called me a busy little bee, for the name is too difficult for most funny little ants, so you may call me Bea." She stood upright, quite happy this was going so well. Now then, she wanted to get back to what she was doing before. Food! She wanted food. Now that this entire stressful situation had been resolved, she was going to go back to the snack table.

Well, not before poking fun at the lizard. She turned her head to Lily, tilting her head slightly to the side in her usual manner when she was up to whatever impish shenanigans she usually did.

"Hehe, little lizard, you were the only terrified one I saw." She said to Lily with a giggle. "Perhaps you are more of a shy rabbit?" She turned away from Lily, eyes drifting back over to the refreshment table a small look of shock covering her face before briskly walking back over. "Ah...little kittens, no, you can not have all the food! Save some for little bee you meanies~"

She left the group quickly after that. Truthfully, she would have liked to stay a bit longer but Edward terrified her. Stress was not something she was good at handling, and she didn't like it. Especially that sort of it. It was also the reason she didn't mention that as long as she was here, it would also be a bit easier for some things to slip through, should they so desire. He might have deemed her dangerous, then, and have killed her.

She couldn't trust him.

Not as long as he could kill her so easily. For now though, she only thought about getting some delicious food in front of her.

“Oi! Watch where you’re walking pussy before we rip your head off!”

The voice very much came from Markus, though is lips did not move as they should. Actually, closer inspection would make anyone wonder who was using such vulgar tones. The answer may have been closer than Sam thought. The gun resting in Markus’ holster twitched just slightly before a wet sound heralded the sight of a large, crimson eye blinking from the side of the weapon.

“Are you an idiot? You sure do smell like an idiot. You complete idiot. Go be an idiot somewhere else pussy cat, badaboom!”

“What do you want?” Markus finally asked. It was obvious to see that these words were his own, one clawed gauntlet resting on his hip. In truth he was concealing his gun muffling the vulgarity further before anyone else got the wrong idea. Though if Markus was concerned about being judged or even getting embarrassed, he didn’t seem to be showing it.

As he looked down at the cat thing, Markus noticed something waving at him from the distance. Ripping his gaze away from Sam, he noticed that thing to be…a very big thing actually. A big, stout thing. With horns. A horny thing? Should he approach the horny thing? While he was pondering that and possibly ignoring anything Sam had to say to him, his hand moved away from his holster, letting loose the demonic tongue once more.

“Man, look at the tits on that one! Bet she could bring even the dead back to life, badabooom!”

---

@Rune_Alchemist
@Letter Bee
@Hammerman
@TheHangedMan

With a sigh of relief, Hinako was somewhat satisfied with the conclusion to the situation at hand. Considering her ignorance to any sort of youkai, or Demi, that existed outside of Japan, she would not really know much of an American author’s depictions of nihilism. So while these individuals around her seemed to have a greater understanding of the subjects in question, and while Hinako was someone to desire the knowledge of the world, she did not wish to comment on something that she clearly had no understanding of.

“Ummm, I don’t really know much about you, but for whatever reason people appear to take you as, but I do apologize for any ill intent you may have received from our peers, Bea. I’d wish you luck at the very least. I know not your intent nor your species, but to presume those things from only someone’s race is unbecoming of civility, and I don’t know perhaps we could be friends or something?”

There was a time where Hinako … no not Hinako … the Goddess whose name was lost to time itself, had hated humanity. Even if she currently had come to respect humans in their powerful powerlessness state, those without power tend to desire to harm those with power. She had remembered a book about those tales of class struggles long ago.

During the Meiji restoration, she had seen the ending of the culture she so loved and the destruction of the previously vibrant Youkai community. If people were going to use the same rhetoric to harm others the imperials had used, then Hinako wished to have nothing to do with them.

The thunder of guns. Even the most powerful of creatures end their existences at the hands of the unexpected …

“I had not assumed your role as individuals, Mr. Edward Carter and Mr. Ascot Sky, but I see you Kirisutans haven’t lost your spiteful side. If all you do is go and start fights, don’t be too confused when those around you no longer stand by your cause, even if it is justified.”

Lily’s fear of the unknowing was somewhat justified, as that was a common aspect of those with consciousness, but the constant threats from both the short angel and the individual she imagined to be human were pretty disgusting. Was fear the only thing theses creatures understood? Had humans really not evolved since last she was a god? She had forgiven humans for their actions, but these ideas were what had caused this discriminatory stance against the Demi to begin with in her home country; the destruction of the old ideals lost to the sands of time.

“It it not the purpose of life to live? If all you do is attack the unknown, what sort of society does that make? Regression to beastial roots does not a society I would like to be a part of make. Demi have been discriminated against, some with legitimacy and others without, since the dawn of their existences; I was certain you would understand that. I choose not to hold anger in my heart anymore, but I cannot say I approve of bullying someone who has yet to do something yet. This is a school for diversity, no?”

… Perhaps Hinako had taken this too much to heart.

“I-I am sorry. I don’t mean to sound brash. Uhh, I just don’t think it is right to judge someone based solely on aspects they cannot control. I’ve known Demi who were hunted solely based on their race, not their character.”

Kyoko Sakura

@Rune_Alchemist @Spriggs27

By now Odette started to talk more than before. That was perfect for Kyoko, since that was exactly her goal! By provoking her with questions she couldn´t just say "yes" or "no" to, she would get Odette to talk more. That was something that both Kyoko and Odette could benefit from. Kyoko, because she loved talking and listening to friends talk about their stuff and Odette because a little bit less socially awkward couldn´t do her bad at all. Anyway, with Odette going back on the floor, the witch also let go of her wrist so that she could face her.
About 330 years? It actually somewhat surprised Kyoko, but she was actually older than Odette. She was older than a ghost. Wow, she really wasn´t young anymore was she. But despite that, for a witch, she was technically still a teenager.

Kyoko was about to actually do reveal her real age to Odette, why would she further hide being a witch, but before Kyoko actually had a chance to answer, another student rushed in. This time a demi-human, an ant-female approached them and immediantly started talking to them.
Since the witch was sort of surprised by the newly met female, she had no time to react to her offered handshake properly. She was sort of... overwhelming. But Kyoko could be overwhelming too sometimes, so she knew about those kind of people.
Anyway, in witch culture handshakes aren´t necessarily something common, but since she had visited humans so often already she has grown used to shaking someone else´s hand upon seeing each other. It was sort of formal, but it worked.
With the girl already apologizing for herself, Kyoko did not want her to feel bad or anything so she reached out her arm to shake her hand too. The feeling of the unknown material, the chitin, was definetly something special. It was interesting to see an ant-human in real life, though she actually had read about them before.
"It is nice to meetcha Ash. My name is Kyoko and this is Odette"
She pointed at her haunting friend. "Please excuse her, she is not very talkative. Being dead and all sort of... I guess makes it difficult? I am not quite sure myself."
Kyoko decided to take the lead and talk in Odette´s place, she knew how hard it could be for Odette. Besides, its what she wanted to do anyway. So Kyoko smiled at the ant-female, trying to keep up a friendly face.

"Hmm... What should I do now?" The flaxen-haired child ponders aloud to himself. Curse this map... Curse it all to Hell. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so quick to wander off on his own after the speech. He had argued with himself that he would know how to read the map but clearly that didn't work out in his favor. Arguing with himself? Huh...? A voice emanates in his head: an older, masculine voice. "Hey," the voice starts. In a vast, empty space of blackness stands the child, illuminated by an unknown light source; the shadow behind him glows incandescent white. The child looks forward at two figures: both are older males with the same blonde hair and dressed similarly to the child. His brothers? No...

"Why don't you," the oldest of the three begins, "hand over control to me?"

"You know that's not possible." The second oldest—a pleasant smile is oddly present on his face—replies.

"Humph... Worth a shot..."

"I can do this on my own!" The child insists.

"You're lost."

"We're lost." That smile is still there.

"..."

"I'll just-"

The child is cut off from completing his sentence when the oldest of them sighs. "Go ask someone for help, you dope." Back in reality, the child nods his head once and walks off in a new direction. As he wanders, he scans his surroundings to see who he can ask for assistance. Most of the students seem to have gathered in groups. Would interfering with their conversation be rude? At least, that's what the oldest one always scolded him for. But the oldest one is a big, dumb poophead. Hey! The child soon finds himself near the start of the school. He heads over to the refreshment tables. You just wanted food didn't you...? N-No! Right, the goal is to ask for directions. He notices a female student who seems to be by her lonesome for now. He walks quietly behind her and, as he nears her, tugs gently on the cuff of her right sleeve. "Excuse me, Miss. Can you help me find the dorms?" The child's eyes widen for a brief second. What was that? Did he see... a tentacle?

@Rune_Alchemist