[IC] [Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

[SanaChan]

Hotaru's stomach churned with impatience as she waited for him to do as he said and give Larel back and she could feel a rumbling in the ground at had Mera nervous, figuring it was Mary's doing, her own emotions churning from learning the truth about Kaori. But when he took Larel's head her breath stopped, and she felt everything in her just slip away. She had never wanted anything so badly as she wanted to see him safe and to have that dashed, destroyed in an instant.
Her eyes turned orange as she relinquished her hold. She couldn't handle the immense sorrow that was gripping her enough to be angry, to have the momentum to rip that bastard apart as she wanted to do.
"Guess that means it's my turn and it's no holds barred," Sybil grinned and she shot forwards, faster than Mera could bring her attention back to the situation and catch her, but it seemed she was being pushed forwards. Mary was helping her. She wanted to see the person that was trying to take Karoi away from her memories to suffer. Mera was worried, though, as she could see the physical changes to Hotaru's body happening- the long claws for instance, and the longer fangs. It was what vampires could do, so she'd heard, but Hotaru wasn't wanting to actually be what she was so they hadn't bore witness to it yet.
Sybil closed her fingers together, the claws coming together at a point as she went to drive it straight in to Murio's heart. As she went at him, Mary tried to speak in to his mind, Don't take any of it from me. I don't care if you think you're doing some kind of service or if you think that it benefits you somehow, but don't take anything from me. I want to remember everything that happens, whether it's pleasant or not.

[Mizos]

Alari was forced back to reality seeing Hotaru move, immediately seeing the change. He stood up wanting to stop her, he needed answers, he needed to know why Kaori had done all of this, he wasn't about to let him die without answers to every single one of his questions. He reacted to late however and Murio made no attempt to move out of the way. His hand reached into his kimono and he pulled the flower out as he noticed Sybil get closer to him, but when Mary's voice echoed in his mind his eyes widened and perhaps for the first time since he had taken this form a small smile formed on Murio's face.
"Strong as always...no wonder I fell in love with you."
The claws pierced his chest and his body fell back as blood spurted out of his mouth, he shut his eyes as he felt the life slowly leave his body, waiting for death to full embrace him. However before he could sleep into endless dark slumber his body was pulled back by an unknown force and he hit the ground, in the next moment seven silver swords fell from the sky and stabbed into his torso causing his eyes to widen as immense pain filled his being.
"Sorry to finish off your kill."
A low feminine voice echoed through the field but no presence showed itself, Alari could sense someone nearby though and he knew that voice, it was one of the commanders, a nasty one at that.
"Murio died as a traitor just what he deserves. Guess this means you lose Alari Wisdom...leave the rest to us."
In the next moment the presence faded and the swords disappeared, Alari looked down at Murio's body and to his surprise saw a faint smile on his face, but he pushed that aside turning to check on Hotaru since Sybil took control.
This was extremely bad, Larel was dead and Sybil was out in Hotaru's body of all things, he didn't like where this was going.

"Kaori!"
Alari's eyes widened as a force slammed into the field, throwing up petals in the process until they surrounded the young man whose attention immediately moved to the body of Murio. His eyes let off a bright glow as he grit his teeth seeing the scene before him.
"...L-Larel!"
Larel stood in the field a purple glow surrounding his body, his head still somehow attached to his shoulders, Alari felt an immense amount of relief fill him but it was quickly replaced with confusion as Larel ran over to the body.
"Damn it," Larel said reaching his hand forward. "I got here too late."
"Larel...how are you still alive? Murio didn't kill you?"
"Kaori just tied me up and hid me nearby with some weird magic. Told me he was going to fake my death to save me...said he needed to do something to fix the mess he caused...that idiot told me his punishment would be his death at the hands of a friend. I told him he didn't need to go that far but he told me why he needed to do it, he said it was necessary to save me from his actions, guess that Kabuki theater really did pay off..."
Larel knelt down and picked Mary's flower up which by some miracle had survived being harmed by the amount of torment his body had endured, almost as if he had protected it.
"He told me to apologize to Mary and give her flower back too," Larel said before his gaze moved over to Hotaru taking note of Sybil's control, he flexed his free hand causing black darkness to circle around his hand. "You got some horrible timing, and I'm in no mood for you, go away Sybil."
Kaori's body burst into small bits of yellow energy filling the area with a small glow as all evidence of his existence faded from the world, but at Mary's request he didn't erase himself from the minds of his fellow companions, though his name among other things left the world leaving only a blank spot where his name once was.
Alari could feel it, Murio's body was gone, if it wasn't for the memories in his own head he wouldn't believe a body was ever here...what a sad existence, what a horrible power, these thoughts ran through his head as he stared where his body used to be.

[SanaChan]

Sybil scoffed hearing the woman's voice and seeing the swords, "Dramatic," she murmured. She turned as Larel appeared and rolled her eyes at the dramatics there as well. The claws and fangs retracted as Larel spoke about Kaori, and she glanced over as Mary walked up towards the group, crossing her arms as the young gypsy was wiping at her eyes, trying not to cry. She looked at Larel, raising a brow at the threat, "Excuse you, but you're welcome. That being said, I'm the only conscious mind in here right now, Hotaru's checked out at the moment. Seeing you get beheaded sort of did some serious emotional trauma," she said, putting her hands on her hips.
"But he's back," Mera said, not realizing Mary was right there.
"You seriously believe with all this happening that she's going to immediately believe that's the real him?" Sybil scoffed, "She's barely even paying attention, assuming he's a fake. Which honestly, I'm not entirely sold that he's the real deal either."
"I'm sure you're helping fantastically with her believing that," Mary grumbled and Mera turned to her, surprised she'd managed to sneak up on her. Mera walked over and pulled her close, though Mary started to pull back, not wanting to break down just yet, "L-let's helping Hotaru first," she murmured seeing the hurt look on Mera's face at the rebuff.
"I haven't said anything to her. She wouldn't listen even if I did and I see no point in just leaving her body just laying here if I can keep her moving," Sybil shrugged nonchalantly.
"Larel, there's a way we can prove that it's really you, because I doubt she's going to buy anything you do physically," Mary murmured, wiping at her eyes, "It might be a little uncomfortable, but it's similar to what Mera and Alari did when I was in my own head," her voice hitched as she said the names, because she remembered he'd helped too, he'd been there for that. She wasn't happy that she couldn't remember the name, but at least she still had something. Yes, it was painful, but she never wanted to lose those memories.

[Mizos]

Larel dismissed the darkness around his hand and crossed his arms before shutting his eyes, he didn't have the patience for Sybil right now, if she wasn't going to start attacking things then he was going to take a second to try and calm down. If Hotaru was unconscious then they just had to wake her up, he knew from experience yelling at Sybil wasn't going to bring anyone back, he blacked out a few times himself and always woke up without knowledge of what happened.
"He behead me...that was a bit much," Larel said sighing. "I could care less what you think Sybil, you want me to prove I'm real then get out of Hotaru, I'll happily show you."
"Larel calm down," Alari said pushing up his glasses. "Turning hurt to anger solves nothing."
Larel glared at Alari but turned his head from the man, he hated when he was right especially in situations like this. He knew Alari was hurting as well, much as he liked to keep that face on even he could see it in his eyes, that didn't stop him from acting like he usually did which only irritated him further.

Alari looked over hearing Mary's voice and his eyes widened seeing her, his hands clenched and he shut his eyes to regain his composure the last person he wanted to see this was Mary. His body seemed to relax slightly and he opened his eyes listening to her. He was glad she was here to help Hotaru, getting her back out was important and resolving this matter quickly. Letting Hotaru think Larel was dead wasn't good for anyone and looking over at Larel he seemed to agree as he nodded to Mary.
"Sure I'll do anything, just lead me as need be," Larel said.
Hearing Mary's voice Alari brought a hand to his mouth turning his head slightly, his eyelids lowered a little as it was hard to miss and he tried not to let the thoughts consume his own thoughts, he'd let it all out later right now they needed to help Hotaru.
Larel reached up and pat his kimono, where he had moved the flower, looking at Mary he felt now didn't seem the right time to deliver the message so he lowered his hand and took a step forward.
"Ready whenever you are."

[SanaChan]

Mary took a deep breath, trying to gather herself, "Alright, I'm just going to take you in there since you're the one she will want to see, which means this won't be nearly as hard," she said and Sybil walked over, putting her hands on her hips, figuring the closer proximity would make things easier, "Why are you being so helpful?" she asked, wiping at her eyes again as she started to think about how to start the process.
"Her being all cooped up and mopey is boring and this whole thing is meant to entertain me. After all, I've got a feeling you and your siblings have been poking around for a way to rid me of my fun for good, so I want to enjoy it while I can since I don't have any idea what you're up to," Sybil said simply, shrugging, "There's too many of you end links to try to assume if I follow one I know what the rest are doing."
"End links?" Mera raised a brow, crossing her arms.
"Yea. Unless you're the first to start the new breed," Mera turned blood red at that statement, "Gypsy's are the end of the Elven chain. Course I don't what that'd be," Sybil waved between Mera and Alari before looking at Mary, "Ready?"
Mary had a deadpanned expression on her face as she was listening to Sybil speak. She sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead, going over to Larel and making him sit down as she drug Sybil over to sit near so she could have a hand on them both. She closed her eyes and focused, trying to find where in her mind Hotaru had withdrawn. When she found it, she and Larel would appear in a dark space and Mary looked around, "Avoid speaking too loud, I don't know what all Sybil's presence here might have caused," she murmured to him as she started to walk, looking around. After a few moments, they would find Hotaru sitting, her back to them and her hugging her knees to her chest. Mary winced as the space all around Hotaru looked like it was covered in blood and as she walked to stand in front of her, Hotaru's eyes were wide, her pupil's shrank to pinpoints, a look of petrified horror on her face.
"Hotaru?" She waved her hand in front of her face but there was no response, "Hotaru, it's Mary and Larel," Hotaru blinked hearing that name and looked towards her, but her eyes were all that moved, the rest stayed the same, "He's alive.... it was a trick to get us to kill that guy.... he was probably hoping the death we'd give him was more merciful than what he'd get elsewhere....." she said and motioned for Larel to come over, "You know we're in your head and I'm not skilled enough to bring ghosts in your mind, so you should realize that seeing him here means he's alive," she said, hoping her words would mean something, but Hotaru wasn't budging.

[Mizos]

Larel shared a bit of Mary's skepticism seeing Sybil being so willing, he didn't like the reason she was cooperating but he wasn't going to look past the fact this would make it easier to help Hotaru. Larel stared at Sybil for a moment as she made a mention of some kind of link, he arched a brow before noticing her motion to Mera and Alari. He arched a brow not understanding what she was getting at, his eyes glanced to the right as Zenmaru spoke to him and his eyes slowly widened as she happily explained the meaning behind those words, Larel glared at Alari who had turned his head at the mention scratching the side of his cheek.
"I can sense your impure thoughts Wisdom," Larel said glaring at him.
"No such thoughts inhabit my mind Larel," Alari said pushing his glasses up. "Right now."
"Right now!"
"My attempt at humor Larel," Alari said looking over at him. "Go help Hotaru, Mary's ready."
"Oh fair enough then."
"...really that's it, no insult thrown in my direction, no threat to chop off something, just casual acceptance."
"...yeah your right what's wrong with me, I'll kill you if you touch Mera-sama you freak of nature."
"There we go," Alari said smiling at him. "Good luck."
Larel sat on the ground at and though his eyes twitched seeing her hand near him he made no attempt to move, closing his eyes and allowing Zenmaru to come forth as he lost consciousness.
"You needn't worry Mera, I would take no such action without due consent first," Alari said looking over at her. "Hmm humor isn't my strength...he always handled it."
Alari sighed and removed his glasses, with Larel unconscious he let his red eyes come forth, without the mirage of his glasses it was easier to see the mess of emotions behind them, though he kept himself maintained before placing them back on his face.
"That's unlike me...please excuse my attitude. One thing at time."

Within the darkened area Larel felt a chill run through him slightly, endless darkness all around them wasn't a comforting feeling. It made him feel like he was slipping into slumber in his own mind, but he was awake to witness the endless darkness. He wondered if this is what Zenmaru was surrounded by since she stayed awake when they changed, he shook his head knowing he couldn't focus on that especially when Hotaru came into sight. He sped up a little bit wanting to close the distance between them quickly but when Mary spoke to her he slowed down not wanting to spook her either, she did just watch him get beheaded after all.
"Hotaru...it's me..." Larel said walking over to her.
His eyes moved to the blood around them for a moment but he put it aside, he reached a hand forward hesitant for a moment since she seemed so fragile right now, and the look on her face worried him. He eventually lowered his hand placing it on her shoulder before speaking again, leaning forward a bit so she could see him more clearly.
"I'm still alive, it was a trick by that guy," Larel said nodding. "See neck is fine and everything."
He pulled down his shirt and everything to show he was fine.
"So come back out okay, I'd rather not have a conversation with Sybil."

[SanaChan]

When Zenmaru decidedly explained to Larel what Sybil was talking about, Mera put her hand on her face, trying to pretend the conversation that followed wasn't happening. She looked over at Alari, raising a brow at his comment on humor. She frowned as she saw those emotions and gently put her hand on his arm, "There's no need to apologize," she said lowly, "I'm... I'm sorry there wasn't a way to fix.... this," she murmured, really wishing that things had gone a different route. She looked over at her sister, her brows drawing down and looked between Hotaru and Larel. This whole thing was just a giant mess and it didn't leave anyone unscathed. She realized her hand was still lingering and slowly brought it back in case that was too much for him or if Zenmaru had something to say about it, to them or to Larel.
"Well this is entertaining," Sybil smirked seeing what all was happening, "I can't recall, is this the first time the two of us," she looked at Zenmaru, "Have had a cordial conversation?"

Hotaru shuddered as his hand touched her shoulder, and she actually turned her head to look at him as he spoke, looking at him neck.
"Careful," Mary said quietly, "This is her subconscious and while we need to get her to accept you're fine, we're also going to be getting some of her actual emotions that she's kept hidden too," she murmured.
"Larel...." she murmured, lightly reaching up and touching his face, verifying he was really there, her shaking hand moving down to touch his neck, to feel that it was whole, that none of this was a visual trick. Then her eyes started to well up and she put her hands to her face, "I thought... I thought I'd lost someone else... that mattered to me," she whispered, "That I held so dear."
"Like her parents," Mary murmured, seeing the glimpse of them as she mentioned it.
Hotaru turned and hugged on to Larel, "After you tracked me down.... said all that about us being friends... to see that happen to you, all I could think was wanting them to suffer, to see them be destroyed," she murmured, "I couldn't stand to lose you," she said and then she pulled back realizing she was spilling out a lot more than she needed to, "S-s-s-sorry, I-I didn't mean to. To hug you either, I know that was weird," she shook her head.
"You need to wake up now," Mary said, "Sybil's controlling your body."
"I, uh... how do I do that?"

[Mizos]

Mera's touch brought Alari more comfort then he could put into words, he gave a small nod to her words offering a smile to show he was a little better at least. His eyes moved to where Murio used to reside and his eyes narrowed a little, there were so many unanswered questions and it bothered him, but it seemed Larel had most of the answers. His eyes moved back to the sleeping Larel only to see Zenmaru stretch a bit a small yawn escaping from her, he sighed a bit crossing his arms under his chest as he watched her. He definitely couldn't show weakness in front of Zenmaru though her sideways glanced showed she had seen the comfort Mera had offered him, though for some reason she chose not to comment on the matter.
"What did you want from all this..." Alari mumbled before shaking his head.
Zenmaru meanwhile rested on the back of her hands, she glanced over at Sybil seeing the two of them were out and offered a small grin before respond to her.
"None that haven't been interrupted due to unfortunate circumstances," Zenmaru said. "I have to say I enjoy your work, made things a little more interesting around here. When Mary got kidnapped, that was fantastic the look on their faces hahaha, that was the greatest."
Zenmaru laughed a little before letting out a relieved sigh and staring up at the sky.
"No matter how many times I whisper for that boy to kill the ones he cares about he just won't listen, I'm just looking out for him."
"I might need to increase the power of the seal," Alari said bringing a hand to his face.
"By the way I always wanted to ask your opinion, do you find it more fun to kill them yourselves after they've suffered, or let them suffer and kill themselves, I love the latter personally, Anata never answers me when I ask."
Alari kept his hand over his face a long sigh escaping from him.

Larel glanced over at Mary hearing her comment on Hotaru's subconscious, he didn't wholly understand but he nodded to show he at the very least was listening. When Hotaru spoke he kept his attention on her remaining still as she reached up to touch him, his eyes lowered a little but not out of angry or worry, more concern then anything as she checked to make sure he was really here. Once it seemed she knew he was alive he smiled at her words. He was glad he was dear to Hotaru at the very least, she was dear to him as well but he didn't feel right speaking at the moment so he just remained quiet. His attention moved over to the small glimpse of her parents causing him to missed Hotaru's approach, when she hugged him his eyes widened a little and his arms went out slightly.
He glanced over at her not wholly sure what he should do right now, but as she spoke to him his expression softened a bit and he lowered his arms a bit.
"Hotaru..."
He went to return the hug but she pulled away before he could wrap his arms around her, hearing her stammered speech he chuckled a little, he wasn't used to seeing Hotaru so nervous.
"Don't worry about it, friends hug each other I didn't mind," he said resting his hands on his lap.
When Mary spoke Larel glanced over at her nodding in agreement, hearing Hotaru wasn't sure how to do so his shoulder drooped a bit.
"I hope you have an answer to that," Larel said ruffling his hair. "With Zenmaru I just wake up. Could we wake her up with a loud noise or something..."

[SanaChan]

Sybil listened, smirking a little at what she had to say, glancing at Alari when he spoke before looking at Zenmaru again as she asled"Hmmmm, if I had to choose I would actually pick the first," she said, "Especially when I've taken my time with them, let the pain linger..... I practiced on idiot humans who kept trespassing in Elven territory when I was alive, to figure out what would keep them away, and amazing how a headless carcass with the words "Stay Away" carved in it does just that," She mused.
"Right, cause the older generation gets their idea that they're supreme from the Elves," Mera muttered lightly.
Sybil scoffed, "Those end links wouldn't be supreme over the dogs if they knew better," Sybil said shortly, "It should say something that Elves became like me after they died," she sneered.
"Yea, it says a lot, but not much in the superiority field," Mera muttered, crossing her arms.

"We might have to do this in a slight unpleasant way, sort of like a branch snapping back when bent too far," Mary sighed, rubbing her head, trying to think of how to do it, "I apologize for the headaches," she said before clapping her hands, creating a flash of bright light, which would push them back to their proper places and Mary fell back as she came too, "woop.... a little faster than I expected..."
Sybil fell back as well, and when she opened her eyes, the orange was gone and Hotaru put her hand to her head, trying to figure out what exactly happened, "Ow...." she whispered and looked over as Mera was coming over to check on them.
"Welcome back," she murmured, going over and helping Mary sit up before looking to see how Larel was doing, hoping he would be at the forefront, not wanting to listen to Zenmaru for much longer.

[Mizos]

Zenmaru nodded in agreement bringing a hand to her chin at Sybil's technique, it was straightforward but it got the job done and the best part was those who didn't listen couldn't really complain later when they were forced to suffer for their transgressions. She looked over at Mera as she added in her opinion grinning at her, it was nice to come out and converse with a like mind. Zenmaru took in a deep breath taking in the fresh air before looking over at Alari who seemed to be writing in the small notebook he kept on his person, pushing up his glasses he sighed shutting it and moving it back into his sleeve.

Larel wasn't sure what Mary meant until the bright light followed, he shut his eyes only to open them finding he was back in his own body, he brought a hand to his head feeling it pounding but he glanced over at Hotaru. Seeing she was back out he let out a content sigh and stood up though he stumbled a little holding his arms out to steady himself. Seeing Mera look over at him he raised his hand to show he was okay before squeezing the bridge of his nose. Taking in a deep breath he seemed to regain himself and his attention moved over to Alari, when their eyes met Alari moved his hands into his sleeves expecting some kind of random insult.
"What's the inner circle Alari?"
Alari's eyes widened slightly finding Larel ask a question instead, one he was both surprised he knew and wasn't too keen on answering.
"You protect the inner circle, what is it?"
"...Murio tell you that?" Alari questioned his face returning to normal.
"He told me a lot of things, you know my sister as well...she's called Negal isn't she?"
Alari's eyes narrowed slightly but he closed his eyes not offering a response, Larel glared at him before shaking his head.
"...fine...you don't have to tell me now, I have a headache anyway but we will talk about it later."
Turning Larel made his way back over to Mera and Hotaru ready to continue north, Murio had shared a few things with him and for once he knew things Alari didn't, or at least he knew but didn't know Larel's knowledge on them at least. He was going to use this opportunity to get some real answers from the man.
"Mary."
Larel dug in his kimono and pulled out her flower, the one she gave Kaori before holding it out to her.
"...he told me to give this to you and say sorry," Larel said. "He seemed intent on protecting it."

[SanaChan]

Mera sighed a little in relief seeing that they were all alright before looking at Larel as he asked the question, noting the surprise on Alari's face, wondering why Murio felt it necessary to tell Larel these things. Hotaru got up off the ground, wobbling a little and dusting herself off, "Glad to see us all in one piece," she murmured, her conscious catching up with the information, but being much more restrained and withdrawn than her subconscious. She looked at Larel as he spoke to Mary and noted the sort of twinge Mary gave hearing what Larel said.
"Lot of good sorry does, huh?" Mary whispered, lightly taking the flower and looking at it as Mera put her hand on her shoulder, "I'm.... going to go rejoin the others.... we got a sort of clue as to what we need to do to deal with Hotaru's unwelcome guest," She said, turning and walking towards the woods again, not making eye contact with any of them.
Mera watched her, giving a sigh, rubbing the back of her head. It was really the first loss aside from family that she'd had to deal with and she knew there wasn't much to be said to make it any easier, "Well.... with this whole event over, I think some rest might be a good idea before we start back towards the north. We don't want to exhaust ourselves and this has been rather trying for a variety of reasons."
"Maybe we should try covering a little distance, get ourselves some cover of some sort if possible. Camping in the open or even in the woods again after shit like this isn't very appealing," Hotaru said, crossing her arms, glancing to see if either of their male companions had anything to input to the decision.

Mary quickly got in to the woods, closing her eyes and sending the flower somewhere she knew it'd be safe. She heaved a sigh, trying to keep herself emotionally composed. She didn't want to hide from those emotions, but now was not the time to let herself be overwhelmed by them. They had a mission to achieve and then she could let herself wallow for awhile. She hated to make an example out of her siblings, but she never wanted to shut herself off as Mera had. It was self defeating and didn't allow for any significant growth emotionally and all of her siblings could stand to grow up a little in that area. She shoved herself forwards, using the fire bead bracelets she had on her ankles to thrust herself forwards, though she was doing her best not to leave any flames behind, figuring burning the forest down wasn't a swell idea.

[Mizos]

Larel averted his gaze seeing Mary's response, a part of him regretted giving it to her but Murio made him promise to give it. He gave a small nod to her as she left as thanks for helping out before watching her leave. He was worried for both Mary and Hotaru and there was dozens of questions going through his mind, but with everything going on he didn't want to think about it about that moment, he had a headache and the idea of getting rest sounded great right now. Bringing a hand to his stomach he shut his eyes trying to settle a queasy feeling developing in it before he took a deep breath letting it out. Feeling a bit calmer he turned to Alari who spoke turning his attention towards the two.
"Rest seems like a good idea, with the seal gone the village people should be awake anyway. We could more than likely just take refuge there for bit," Alari said glancing back at the village. "I wouldn't mind a moment to gather my thoughts."
Larel brought a hand to his mouth closing his eyes for a moment, he was okay with moving but he was worried about Hotaru after what she just went through, though she mentioned they should keep moving so she seemed okay at least. Larel reached up and ruffled his hair before looking over at Mera and Hotaru.
"I'm okay with continuing, though I like the idea of having a roof over our heads tonight."

Larel glanced over at Alari his eyes narrowing at the man watching him stare at the ground, he arched a brow as Alari brought a hand to his chin the man's eyelids lowering slightly, he wasn't sure what he was thinking about but it was another thing on the long list of questions he had for him. Larel's conversation with Murio still bothered him, the things he spoke about, the 'secret's he revealed and what's more he informed him that Alari had a role in almost everything around him, but at the end of it even after telling him all this stuff he told him that he was trustworthy it didn't make any sense to him. He still knew next to nothing but he was aware of one simple fact, Alari had lied and he finally caught him in one.

[SanaChan]

Hotaru sighed, not really seeming to like the idea of staying so close to where all that had happened, the image- however false- was being played on repeat in her mind and she had no doubt Sybil was responsible for that. But she didn't want to seem emotionally weak or mentally so, so she just nodded, "Fine. Easiest solution," she murmured and started walking back towards the village. At least they'd be out of the field.
Mera watched her go before looking towards Alari and Larel, "You guys go on ahead and get the rooms and whatnot," she said, giving a wave of her hand, "I need a few minutes to myself, a little more natural r&r," she said before turning and starting towards the treeline. Sleep wasn't easy to come by lately, even staying in inns and having the reprieve of enemies most nights. Her own mind was filled to the brim, questions of her actions- was she getting played the fool again? Should she find a way back in to solitude before she had to witness something happen to these idiots she'd gotten attached to? Could she even do such a thing?- and questions of her emotions and whether she should trust them or not, especially with the weird things that she'd seen and definitely didn't understand about Alari. She wanted to understand them and he offered some answers, but she still felt so lost and only more so with every piece of the puzzle. It was turning out to much larger of a puzzle than she had anticipated. And now this whole bit with Murio and how Mary was so clearly heartbroken at the loss. She'd never seen such a look on her sisters face and she wished she could have prevented it.
Mera let out a sigh as she reached the trees, stepping to the inside of them so unless they had followed her, they would see her slump against it and slide to the ground, putting her hands to her face. This was a much bigger mess than she'd intended to get in to.

Hotaru was battling similar problems, though any clarity she could find would just get ruined by Sybil which was just irritating her further. She wondered, though, if Larel would share with her what all Murio had told him before playing his nasty little trick. Did he get clarification on what Mera and Hotaru had witnessed in the hotel- something Alari had clearly not wanted them to witness. But there was that whole if it was said then Zenmaru could use it, or what was the whole rule situation on that? She'd remember if Sybil wasn't questioning something about if the people in the village remembered what happened or if they all just passed out midstep... what troubled her was she found she had asked it outloud and she stopped in her tracks, frowning. Had that always happened or was it just because she was freaking out? She shook her head before looking back to see where everyone was going- having heard Mera saying she was going to the woods. SHe had seen Larel looking queasy, so she wanted to offer making some soup or something for dinner or buying him some, whichever his preference.
Of course it's his preference. You have a thing for him don't you?
"Do you mind?" Hotaru gave an angry sigh at that, rubbing her temples.

[Mizos]

Larel watched Hotaru leave his eyebrows lowering slightly for a moment, he started to ask if something was wrong when he caught Mera's words, turning to face her he started to say something but just gave a small nod before walking her walk away. Larel crossed his arms and looked at the ground not exactly happy everyone was going their own way, but something about the situation caused him to remain silent on the matter. His thoughts were everywhere, not only thanks to Murio but it was hard to wrap his head around what he had been told. He wanted to collect his thoughts but he also wanted to hear Hotaru's and Mera opinion on the matter as he wasn't sure what to think about it at the moment.
He lowered his arms to his side deciding to think about it as he went to catch up with Hotaru, his eyes glanced over at Alari who had watched Mera go in silence his attention focused on the direction she had gone.
"Alari you-"
"I'll take care of the rooms, go catch Hotaru," Alari said glancing over at him with a smile.
Larel narrowed his gaze at him but turned and walked in the direction Hotaru had gone, Alari seemed to understand Larel's desire for him to stay away from Mera right now.
"...not sure what action to take," Alari said crossing his arms under his chest. "Larel may know about Negal now...if that's the case this may end badly. If he was working for Ai then he could have told him about his memories..."
Alari turned in the direction Larel had gone his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I hope it wasn't that."

Larel took a moment to catch up to Hotaru moving past the people who were awake now, he noticed a few of them seem confused but seemed to be going about their day, ignoring the fact they all had been unconscious moments before. Larel knew this was because Murio had messed with their memories, the only reason Larel was able to remember anything was because Murio did the same to him. However he told him that Alari had stopped any deep access to his thoughts, partially due to Zenmaru and the other to keep any outside source from trying to dig into his head. Larel didn't like that Alari had a locked door in his head, Murio informed him that was more than likely why he couldn't remember much about his past, but Larel had already guessed that, Murio just proved it by unlocking one of the doors. He didn't say how he could do it but it had something to do with who he was working for apparently.
"Sybil talking to you again?" Larel said as he caught up to Hotaru. "I do the same thing when Zenmaru says something mean."
Larel walked alongside Hotaru a small sigh escaping from him as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Alari's taking care of the rooms, so I figured I'd come to see if you're okay. I know we pulled you from that place...but...I figured I'd make sure again. It wasn't exactly like that but I got pulled from the depths of my mind once, for me it took a bit to recover."

Alari paid for two rooms informing that one would be holding three and giving a description of Mera, Hotaru and Larel, before taking the key to his room. Heading inside and closing the door he set his medicine case down before sitting on the ground. He took a deep breath and created barrier around the room to drown out noise, once he was positive he couldn't be heard he let out a loud yell clutching his head before falling onto his back.
"...what am I doing?" Alari mumbled moving his hand over his eyes. "Nothing going according to plan and I've caused so much confusion."
Alari stared at the ceiling for a moment digging into his kimono he pulled out Murio's doll, his eyes narrowed slightly before he closed them, he had only bought time for them. Alari wasn't sure what Murio had told them but Ai and Negal would realize Larel wasn't dead eventually, when that happened he'd be in trouble, he had to plan for that. It was hard to do however with Mera on his mind, he wanted to check on her but he felt in his current state he wouldn't be much help to her. It was taking all of his effort not to lose it as he was.
Alari laid still for a moment before snapping his fingers dispelling the barrier, he stood up moving the doll back into his kimono.
He removed his glasses and brought a hand to his eyes for a moment, he leaned his head back breathing out causing a bit of red smoke to leave his mouth, waving the smoke away he sat down on his knees before he took a few deep breaths.
"First let me calm myself, I can't do much if I can't keep myself calm," Alari mumbled setting his glasses to the side.
Alari shut his eyes and rested his hands on his knees before going still going into a light meditation.

[SanaChan]

Hotaru looked at Larel as she heard him, "Yea, it's her," she muttered before he asked the question, "It certainly has those old scars flashing themselves at the forefront of my memory again," she sighed, "But it's not like they haven't been a rather consistent nightmare all along, so I think I'll be okay," she shook her head before looking at him again, "Different topic, would you like something to eat? There's a place nearby if you want to give him time to get the rooms set up.Or we can just grab some ingredients and I'll make something," she offered. She really didn't want to talk about what she saw in her head. It was certainly more than just her parents death or even lingering things Sybil had left wandering in her head. There was something darker back there that she didn't want to try and make sense of at the moment. He and Mary had come just in time and therefore it didn't matter, did it?

Mera sighed softly, "Not helping myself any here," she whispered before closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the tree, trying to clear her thoughts. But something else came to her mind. A scolding... how dare she think of putting her emotions away again when Mary was so willing to bear the burden of what she had experienced.
"Damn it," She sighed, hitting her head on the tree, "I can't do anything right when it comes to trying to protect that girl," she whispered, putting a hand to her face, "If Nero were here, he'd have a thousand answers for what to do..." she shook her head before looking at her hand as she held it away from her face before turning it and looking at the back of it, "I suppose it's a good a distraction as any," she murmured before removing her bag from her hip, digging out a needle and ink made special for her by Nero, "Where to start....How about a brush for our dearly departed?" she mused removing her cloak and holding out her marked arms. Most hid scars from both the demon possessed fathers abuse and from battles she'd fought when Ferran was around to help cover them.

[Mizos]

Too many questions ran through Larel's mind he tried to push them down but they kept resurfacing in his mind, he was happy to talk with Hotaru as it calmed him and helped keep his mind from drifting too far. Zenmaru wasn't helping either as all she did was laugh at the information, informing him she already knew about it and that if he wanted she could tell him anything he wanted now that it had been said. Something about how she said it though bothered him, images kept forcing themselves forward in his mind but he felt strange with each one he saw, detached from his own past for some reason. He decided it was because Alari kept his memories to himself that it didn't feel real, that was something else to deal with. At the mention of food Larel perked up a bit and gave a firm nod to getting something to eat, he held his stomach feeling it growl.
"I'd love some food, If it's not inconvenient I'd like something home cooked it always taste better for some reason," Larel said with a small smile. "I always feel better after eating home cooked food."
Larel blinked a few times and crossed his arms.
"...no idea why I said that but still I believe it's true."

"The room's are taken care of," Alari said.
He watched Larel jump since he hadn't announced his presence to the young man when he neared the two, he turned to Hotaru and informed her where and which rooms before giving a small nod and walking away from them. He had left the room after regaining his composure and taking another deep breath made his way to go see Mera, catching the two walking alone he figured he'd at least inform them everything was handled. He made sure however to put as much distance between them as possible, he didn't want to interrupt their time together. Once he was back in the field he adjusted his glasses with a small sigh.
"I'll have to act faster now if he knows the truth," Alari mumbled. "...I'll do what's necessary...even if I seem like a monster in his eyes...well more of one anyway."
Alari closed his eyes listening to the echo's as he tried to pick up Mera, with her in the forest it took a bit of effort to pinpoint it but after a few minutes he located her and made his way through the trees. Alari's mind went through thousands of possibilities on what to say to Mera but each one ended equally bad which didn't help his confidence as he got closer, but he didn't want to turn his back on everyone just because he was in pain, not when he wanted Mera to be brave.
Seeing Mera Alari started to approach her but stopped seeing her holding a needle, he leaned against a nearby tree and closed his eyes, knowing Mera he figured she'd be able to sense him and it didn't take much for him to realize what she was doing, whatever reason she was doing this for he didn't want to interrupt.

[SanaChan]

Hotaru smiled lightly hearing him say he liked home cooked better, looking over at Alari as he spoke, watching him walk away afterwards, "Well, alright then. Let's go get some stuff for me to cook with. Anything particular you want?" she asked as she walked towards the inn, sniffing the air for the direction where they could find food to cook with, "I can make plenty, it seems like they have a lot of ingredients nearby," she said, looking at Larel and smiling. She wanted to focus on the positive. Focus on moving forward and away from that dark place, from what Sybil had exposed in her. She didn't understand it, didn't want to. Instead, the simple enough decision was to get as far from that as possible and focus on making dinner for Larel, "I could do some chicken and some vegetables, simple enough right?" she smirked.

Mera looked his way, "Is there a reason you're hanging out like a creeper?" She smirked lightly, "I used to this blind, so don't worry about messing me up," she dipped the needle in the ink and started to work on a spot on the inside of her forearm, "Unless it's because you disapprove of my tattoos, is that it, Alari?" she mused, glancing over in his direction, "If that's the case, you're out of luck, love, they're all over, though you should be plenty aware of that by now, yes?" she said before going back to work on what she making, starting to making the shape of the brush. She was ever so slightly curious if Mary would get one to commemorate him as well, or if that doll was going to become something she protected with her life, "If only we could keep the young out of such things," she murmured aloud, tilting her head a little as she looked at her arm, "Technically not that young I guess, but still."

[Mizos]

Larel glanced back in the direction of Alari for a moment before bringing a hand to his head, ruffling his hair slightly he looked back at Hotaru as she brought up what he wanted to eat. He shut his eyes and thought for a moment, trying to get a feel for what he was in the mood for. He pushed down the normal craving for souls thanks to Zenmaru and opened his eyes realizing the portion didn't need to be small. That made it all the more difficult, they could have an abundance of a small thing, or a few of a good thing, both seemed absolutely tantalizing right now.
"Chicken and vegetables sounds great," Larel said with a nod. "Let's get some good tea while we're at it. Today's has been a long one, I'm looking forward to this meal each passing second."

Alari adjusted his glasses when Mera spoke to him and with a small smile he walked closer since his presence wouldn't interrupt.
He stopped a few feet away moving his hands into his sleeves as his eyes moved to needle, admittedly he was interested in how Mera was going to apply it, what she had told him about it had made him slightly curious. Hearing her speak again, creating an intense desire to request she say 'love' again, Alari chuckled a little and slowly shook his head.
"Nothing of the sort, I only know from what little we talked about it so I feared I was interfering," Alari said before lowering his hands to his side. "I don't mind them on you Mera, hearing you did some blind only makes them all the more impressive."
He went silent after that content with watching, his mind was still swimming slightly but he felt a bit more at peace near Mera. Catching her comment on the younger ones however his eyes lowered slightly and he gave a small nod in agreement.
"Yeah...I like idea of them growing from their experiences...but I don't like watching them experience any painful ones," Alari said running a hand through his hair.

[SanaChan]

Hotaru laughed softly at his response before nodding, "Alright, chicken and vegetables it is," she nodded, going towards the stands to get those things. She found a variety of vegetables and some good cuts of fresh chicken, "Alright, let's get the tea and get back so I can get this started," she said as she turned to him. As she started walking back towards the a tea stand, she held the chicken, cooking it lightly as she went figuring the sooner the food was ready the better, "It's always nice to get chicken once it's already been cut and cleaned. Makes life so much easier," she mused as she walked, "I'm sure you'll agree, right?" she looked at him over her shoulder, stopped as she sniffed out tea, "I think the tea is there," she pointed towards it, "My hands are officially full so you're going to have to get that, which works since I don't what flavor you'd even want," she mused, looking back at the chicken in her hands, trying to make sure not to burn it.

"I suppose it's...... character building to experience the world, but we've had more than our fair share of sad experiences..... It'll be appreciated when we can just.... relax and not have to look over our shoulders for the next demon or shadow to attack us," Mera said as she worked on the tattoo, "Luckily the needle and ink are special, made by Nero.... means when I run out I won't be able to do this anymore. But I will make the best use of it until I do," she looked at him "Humor me. If you could have a whole 24 hours to be free of all our miseries, what would you do?" she asked, watching him. Being in the woods, surrounded by the earth that suffered and recovered more times than she ever would, a reminder that regrowth and beauty were always possible, had her trying to put things in a different perspective. Yes, this was unfavorable and undesirable, but they could get past it. So perhaps it was best to face the desired goal, what they could achieve maybe if things ever worked out in their favor.

[Mizos]

Larel smiled and nodded happy to get a chance to eat, he brought a hand to his stomach as a loud growl escaped from it. He narrowed his eyes at his own stomach before sighing a bit, and raising his attention to the village. Moments before all these people had been fast asleep and now they were back to their normal lives without a second thought. He wasn't sure what to think about it, but after thinking about what they all went through just to return to their travels he couldn't comment on it. He looked back up at Hotaru hearing her talk about the chicken and he gave a small nod.
"It definitely saves time, I'd get hungry enough to consider eating it raw whenever I caught it," Larel said.
Looking in the direction Hotaru pointed and walked over to retrieve the tea, he stared at the stand for a moment before putting up a sweet tea and eyeing it.
"...I haven't had this in years," Larel mumbled.
He made his way back to Hotaru after paying for the tea and held it up to Hotaru.
"I drank this when I was in the capital, I haven't had it in a long time. Let's drink this."

Alari removed his glasses and cleaned them with a small cloth as he listened to Mera, his eyes letting of their regular red glow.
"...indeed the idea of a peaceful moment helps me through some of those sad times," Alari said.
There wasn't a time when he wasn't aware of the shadows that approached Larel daily and sometimes hourly, he took on that burden so Larel wouldn't have too, but even he worked towards a day, even if it was just one where that wouldn't be a worry. When she spoke of Nero he raised his gaze back to her, his eyes moving to the ink for a moment. His eyebrows arched a bit at the information but Nero was a very interesting man he could see him doing something like that. A part of him wanted to study the material, see if he could find out how Nero made it but he felt he'd just waste it doing so and kept himself silent.
Alri put his glasses back on and adjust them when Mera brought up a day free of worry, he shut his eyes for a moment considering a day like that. After a few moments he opened his eyes as he leaned against a tree.
"Probably worry about tomorrow," Alari said sighing. "Though if I really had a day like that I can only think of two things I'd like to do. Sitting down with everyone and telling happy stories would be one. Remember that village we met in, where I was digging the graves...there was a little girl there. She'd visit me all the time and would sometimes sit in my home and ask me for stories...I'd tell her one, then she'd tell one, then me and it'd go on until the sun went down. I had worries then...but they seemed so far away in that moment."
Alari touched his sleeve for a moment a small smile on his face before crossing his arms.
"Since I don't see Larel playing along with that idea while I'm in the room, I'd prefer the other one, going on a date with you."