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

[SanaChan]

Ovorion was clearly not pleased at Larel's little trick since it put his lackey out of order. The other he had brought with him had gone after Sola. He hadn't expected this kind of resistance. He looked back to Hotaru, who was looking for the best way to turn without letting him get behind her as she tried to escape. He growled angrily, reaching in to his bag, pulling out something that looked very similar to the artifact that Mera used, though it was more like a glove rather than just a piece that covered one of her fingers. There were multiple jewels on it and Hotaru scowled as she remembered that Mera told her, which showing her the bracelet she had used before, that the jewels were the souls of gypsies that had been captured. Either because that soul wasn't prepared to go on, as it had been for Ferran, or because they were forced to stay specifically to be put in to pieces like those- one of the major reasons there wasn't supposed to be more than one of each element. But the piece on his hand made it clear he'd captured the souls or stolen the souls of gypsies specifically to create a weapon. The jewels were red, which meant he was trying to harness fire, something Hotaru didn't want to get too close to if it wasn't in her own hands at this point. His hand caught on fire as he secured the glove and he threw the fireball at her.
Might wanna move.
Hotaru shot back up on to the rooftops, taking off, "Definitely time to go!" she called to Larel as he threw another, "Let's hope he doesn't have another one of those he suddenly remembers does earth too," she grumbled as she kept running, trying to put some serious distance between them.
He's pretty fast for a guy his size.
Hotaru glanced back to see Ovorion had jumped up on to the rooftops, not nearly as graceful as they were, but he was barreling after them nonetheless. Hotaru was hoping his misses weren't just flukes as he continued after her.

[Mizos]

Larel eyes narrowed seeing the look on the man's face, it seemed he wasn't happy about his recent actions. When he noticed his gaze move to Hotaru and pull out a glove his eyes narrowed a little as he drew his sword, Zenmaru however interrupted his intention to move towards him and attack. She reminded him that Alari said not to engage the man and told him that the glove gave him a bit of an advantage, Larel wasn't sure what she meant by that until he noticed the fire, his eyes widened a little as he threw it at Hotaru, though she dodged it easily enough.
When she mentioned it time to go Larel nodded in agreement and followed behind her making sure not to get close to the fire he had just thrown, when Hotaru mentioned having to deal with earth too Larel was starting to realize why engaging him was a bad idea, he was large and could use magic for some reason.
"How many elements does he have," Larel mumbled running along side Hotaru.
When he noticed Hotaru look back he did the same only to see Ovorion following after them, he grit his teeth and turned his attention forward again.
"He can chase after us too," Larel said sighing a little. "Zenmaru help me out a little."
He glanced to his right before his eyes narrowed, it was clear she wasn't about to provide it more than likely out of laziness, after a brief conversation between them darkness surrounded Larel, he held up two fingers before three shadows came out of his own taking his form.
Two of the shadows rushed in the direction of Ovorion holding swords of their own before bringing both their swords back and slashing at his neck simultaneously, Larel turned and threw something at the third clone who reached back and caught it revealing it was a kunai with a paper attached to it.
The clone immediately hurled it at the roof Ovorion was heading towards before dissipating, the moment he did the paper lit up before a small explosion followed blowing off the section of the roof, Larel hoped that small distraction would cause him to misstep and fall.
"He seems pretty intent on catching you Hotaru, let's not let that happen," Larel said looking over at her.

[SanaChan]

"Yea, I wasn't planing on letting him get that close," Hotaru said as she kept moving forwards. Ovorion did indeed stumble and crash on the rooftops with Larel's barrage, but he shot out another fireball at that instant and it barreled after them and at the last second Hotaru ducked, staring in surprise as the ball crashed in to the building in front of them. She was mostly surprised because Sybil had screeched at her to duck, and now the demon was saying it was because she would be absolutely zero fun if she was a crispy critter. Plus she was still stuck inside her so she had zero intentions of dying.
"This is seriously getting old," Hotaru muttered before unleashing a clone of her own to face him if he kept coming before heading a few more houses forward, jumping down from the rooftops and rushing towards an old abandoned house, "This way," she called to Larel in case he hadn't followed. She went inside the house and once he was in, closed the door, "He'll assume we've kept running and keep going hopefully. He's not a natural user so he won't be able to sense us the way Mera would," She said as she sat down against the wall and sank to sit, breathing out a sigh, "We just can't get a moment, can we?"
Of course not, that just would be too easy.
"How many times do I have to say shut up before she'll do it, do you think?" She was talking to Larel, looking at him.
Mmmm, I don't think you'll ever actually be able to say it enough to convince me

"Are you sure it's this way?" Erin asked as they kept traveling.
"It's not going to be anywhere close by, else humans would have found it a long time ago," Raina pointed out.
"Maybe. But then again, humans don't go looking in places like this for anything because it's not exactly hospitable and there are things that would eat them faster than they could fight back," Mary pointed out as she took a breath, able to keep up easily enough with her older siblings. Though she looked young, she had a few centuries on her and was fit enough to run like this for a couple of days if need be.
But it wasn't needed. True to the directions they'd gotten from Mera, the ruins would be found within a few more minutes of their accelerated pace, having been pushing themselves harder forwards than they had since escaping their father the first time all those years ago. They found the dilapidated stone buildings with vines growing miles high on the walls and moss covering most of the ground, but the shelves were still full of their now rotting books. But those books were only half of the reasons they were there. The older siblings took their places on either end of the long room as Mary sat down in the middle.
None of them had the ability to decipher those books the way they needed to be to find the answers for getting rid of the demons. But Nero would find it within a matter of minutes after deducting which book would have his answers. Mary hoped in a place like this, where there ancestral roots would be strong and their ancestors spirits would be there to aid them, that she'd be able to find him and bring them to them through her to get the answers. She closed her eyes, sitting cross legged in the floors and she began to search.

[Mizos]

Larel made a fist glad to see he fell but flinched as how close one of his fireballs got to Hotaru, thankfully she ended up dodging it.
He jumped off the roof with Hotaru and ran into the house with her before immediately falling to one knee and sheathing his sword, he didn't even want to risk the glint of his sword in the light giving away their position.
He wished he had made a few clones to keep running to make sure he did but Zenmaru wasn't going to help him twice like that and he might see through it if he summoned them through other means.
Larel was happy to hear that he couldn't sense them like Mera could, that meant he didn't have earth right? He was grateful for that at least, he's seen Mera's ability enough to understand his chances against it and with Zenmaru being difficult again for some reason they were low.
"A moment would be nice," Larel whispered smiling a little. "I can say hundreds of times isn't enough but that's about it."
He glanced to his right before squeezing the bridge of his nose, that comment was staying with him for the rest of time.
"Once we lose him we should put as much distance as possible between us and him, then you can tell me what's going on."
There were a few matters he had to speak with Alari about as well, but the giant magic wielding man outside was more pressing, he was a gypsy that much was already clear.

[SanaChan]

"I'm not entirely sure either, so I guess we'll see how well that goes," Hotaru muttered when he said she could tell him what was going on. She glanced out the window and listened for a moment, "It sounds like he's passed us, but he's still close enough that I can hear him, so it might be best to wait," she murmured, before muttering something about hoping his hands melted off.
When it seemed like ages had passed the ground opened up and Mera came out about halfway, "He's far enough way for you to go. Get to the woods, and I'll explain what I can when we get there," she said to Larel, putting a hand up before he started asking questions, "I'll meet you there, get going," she told them before ducking back down and the ground closed behind her.
"There's our marching orders," Hotaru muttered, seeming a little annoyed at actually being ordered, but then she got up and started out of the house. She looked around, making sure she didn't hear him before starting quickly towards the edge of the village, running quickly. It was one thing that any military tended to hate the gypsies, probably because of the ones like the monster stomping his feet throughout the village at the moment, but to have gypsies coming after gypsies hit another level of craziness. Then the demons in the mix too and any vampires that might have been Tsuta's allies could still come after her too and it was all just stacking up. Not to mention anyone who wasn't Larel's friends either, whatever was in the north that awaited them. She kind of just wished things could go back to how they were when her biggest problem was her mother telling her she wasn't dressed nice enough.

[Mizos]

Larel offered a nod to Hotaru before leaning against the wall crossing his arms, he'd wait all night if necessary dealing with that man definitely didn't seem like a good idea, much as he hated admitting it Alari wasn't wrong in this case.
He noted that Hotaru wasn't sure what was going on either, but she seemed to be handling it well enough, he started to wonder if she was used to things like this and as he thought about it there was a good chance of that. Mera and Hotaru had been travelling together for a long period of time that or Hotaru was good at adapting which he wouldn't doubt either.
He was pulled from his thoughts when Mera rose from the ground a wave of relief flooding through him seeing she was okay, when she gave her orders he opened his mouth to say something but when she put her hand up he quickly shut it just offering a nod as a response before she vanished again.
"It seems so," Larel said responding to Hotaru with a small shrug.
He followed behind Hotaru as she ran out glancing behind them every now and then still a little worried about being followed, he made sure to keep up with Hotaru since he wanted answers to what was going on too.
Something told him he'd probably run into Alari when he got there as well, he tended to know where to be at just the right time, it was one of the things that irritated him the most about him.
"Well at the very least Mera-sama is willing to provide an answer, we could have just been left in the dark about what's going on," Larel said smiling a little.
He started to say more but stopped as a sudden chill ran up his spine, he quickly looked to his right into the darkness of an alleyway freezing for a moment, he narrowed his eyes but continued following after Hotaru.
When he passed by a pair of yellow eyes opened before peering into the direction he went before closing again.

[SanaChan]

"She used to try and do that too," Hotaru said to Larel's comment about being left in the dark, "But I got to the point where I wouldn't do what she asked until she told me why she was doing it because I kind of got tired of if not knowing what was going on or why," she glanced back to make sure there was no sign of Ovorion deciding to turn around. When they reached the edge of the village, she looked to see how far away the woods were from there before looking at Larel, "We're about to be very open targets, soooo dawdling might be a bad idea," she glanced back the way they came before running forwards, out in to the open space between them and the woods. She was hoping Ovorion wouldn't realize then that he was no were near his quarry and that hopefully he'd pursue in a completely different direction away from the village. They didn't need this monster on their tails while they were on the move.
When Larel and Hotaru reached right inside the tree line, Mera came back up from under the ground, dusting herself, "Well, this day has been far too exciting for my tastes," she mumbled, shaking her head, "That bastard is my uncle. He's one of those old, traditionalist gypsies who believe we're mightier and more worthy of existence than everything else," she rolled her eyes, "He considers himself some sort of deliverer of justice, through whatever means necessary. He also thinks creatures like vampires and werewolves are trash that should be prevented from populating through means of making them extinct. Probably half the reason your parents decided to find a way to hide who and what they were," Mera looked at Hotaru, though it was clear that it didn't really change her opinion on anything, "But it's why I was warning you to get away because I knew the second he figured out what you were he was going to come after you," she said before looking back towards the village, "We can head back there in the morning if you'd like, or after we rest, we can keep moving, but he'll be gone for sure before too long. He doesn't like staying near human villages longer than he has to."
She didn't mention why he was there because she wasn't entirely sure at that moment either why. He'd never been fond of her, but she didn't think he was still coming after her for taking Mary. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

[Mizos]

Larel nodded understanding exactly where Hotaru was coming from when she spoke of Mera withholding information, if he could do the same to Alari he wouldn't hesitate, regretfully no matter what he did he always seemed to do exactly what Alari wanted him too.
He followed behind Hotaru deciding to put that matter aside, getting away from the village and avoiding any more possible attacks was the most important thing along with finding Mera.
Seeing them get closer to the forest he took in a deep breath and pushed down the emotions trying to overtake him, now wasn't the time to worry about what was inside it, and Hotaru was here so he wouldn't get lost so there was no reason to worry.
Larel was willing to admit he was thankful they didn't have to travel too far before Mera appeared and he was happy to see she was alright at least.
He kept his attention on Mera listening to her as he brought a hand to his chin as the man was identified, he was her uncle then he didn't want to assume they were family just off their hair but it seemed he was another gypsy.
He closed his eyes hearing his disdain for otherworldly creatures, that meant Hotaru was in trouble from the beginning, which Mera anticipated and warned her about.
He nodded at his masters wisdom opening his eyes as she mentioned returning to the village, he wasn't too keen on the idea and gave a shake of his head as she mentioned it. He wasn't sure how'd he respond to him either, especially since Larel had attacked him earlier.
He started to ask if she knew why he was there but Zenmaru warned him of an approaching figure, Larel drew his sword and slashed it down to his right, a hand reached up and caught the blade with it's forefinger and thumb before the figure walked out.
"Alari," Larel said gripping the hilt tighter.
Alari offered a small smile to the group before releasing Larel's sword, his medicine box was attached to his back and he casually ignored the glare coming from Larel moving his hands in his sleeves, his gaze wandered to the forest for a moment but returned to the three shortly after.
"Where have you been?" Larel asked pointing his sword at him.
"...occupied," Alari responded adjusting his glasses. "I am glad to see you escaped safely though."
"Speaking of the escape care to explain why that man was there now."
Alari gave a shake of his head at the mention of it as he wasn't wholly sure himself.
"I don't know, Mary informed me his name was Ovorion and a few other tidbits of information but his purpose here is questionable," Alari said. "Mera would know more about him then me."
Larel started to question him further but he froze as Alari reached his hand forward and poked his finger on the top of Larel's sword causing him to retract it, once he made sure a little blood was drawn he extended his hand and stuck his finger in Larel's mouth.
He pulled it out and Larel hacked bending his body forward and glared at him as Alari wiped his finger off with a handkerchief.
"W-what did you just-"
Larel cut himself off as the seal on his head glowed for a moment before fading again.
"We should get moving shouldn't we," Alari said putting his hands in his sleeves.
"Alari I want to know why-"
"Later Larel," Alari said shaking his head. "It would take too long to explain now."
Larel stared at Alari his eyes narrowing a little, he seemed...distracted for some reason.
He was there but it was clear his mind was somewhere else, his gaze would drift around every now and then before returning to them, he wasn't sure what it was about and he was positive Alari wouldn't say anything either.
To his surprise Zenmaru was surprisingly quiet right now, which actually gave him room to think a little.
"She's watching...I can feel her gaze on me...but she won't move while I'm around everyone...that'd be interfering," Alari closed his eyes as he got absorbed his in his thoughts for a moment.
Alari tried to push his thoughts down knowing there was very little he could do about it and looked at everyone waiting for them to either move or speak.
Larel put his sword away and squeezed the bridge of his nose, with a shrug he lowered his hands and looked over at Mera..
"Whatever reason Ovorion is here for it's not a good one right?" Larel asked. "That's good enough reason for me, least I understand his violent response a little."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru took a deep breath, putting her hands on her hips. Too much had happened to catch a breath and now they had to keep moving still. She looked at Mera who turned to start walking as well as she spoke, "Mary told me that he seems to be under the impression that I've murdered my father. Odd, since last I saw him he was laying in the streets, crippled," she mumbled, "Can't say I'm sorry the bastards gone and I blame that bastard out there for it. He took my father to one of those old ruins, and he was never the same afterwards," she muttered.
"So does he know about the demons and such," Hotaru looked at her, her brows drawn down.
"If he does, he denies that the gypsies have anything to do with it. Denies a part of that lore that he stands upon as his reasoning for us being better than everyone else. Our glorious heritage to the elves. The tales say as we became gypsies a band of us split of to regain or true immortality, to be free of our goddesses conditions, and they evolved in to some cruel beasts that we've monikered demons, though they're not really demons, not as far as we know," Mera said as he walked, "How embarrassing would it be to our great leaders to accept how truly far some groups fell in search for power..."
"They're not much better than humans from the sound of it," Hotaru pointed out, raising a brow.
Mera smirked, "True enough," she said, "But Mary is off to find answers to remove your unwelcome guest for good. We provided enough of a distraction that they won't be pursued by Ovorion or any of his remaining cohorts," she added, "Now just to put a good distance between us and them and we'll be fine and dandy," she murmured.

[Mizos]

Larel listened to Mera his head tilting as she spoke not only of her father's death which he was surprised to hear about it remembering the man and the state he was left in, but also how he possibly ended up with the whole demon thing.
He rubbed the side of his head trying to take it all in and understand the information but the more he tried to make sense of it the more confusing it became and when Hotaru mentioned the gypsies were kind of similar to humans he ended up lost completely.
Alari seeing the look on his face gave him a small tap and offered to fill in what blanks he could, Larel started to deny his offer but since he didn't want to miss out on anything his master was trying to explain, he took Alari up on the offer with great hesitation.
After a few minutes of explanations Larel seemed to understand and deciding to pretend their talk didn't happen looked over at Hotaru and Mera hearing where Mary was.
"Well that's good to hear," Larel said. "At least a solution is being checked, wonder if I should ask if she can find a way to remove Zenmaru."
"I'd advise against that Larel," Alari said moving his hands in his sleeves. "Zenmaru is not in you willingly, she'd love nothing more than the opportunity to leave by any means. Besides that seal on your head will hurt anyone who try tampers with it without the proper catalyst."
"So I'm stuck then," Larel said.
"Well at least you're used to her company," Alari said shrugging.
"Fantastic," Larel said sighing. "Speaking of being stuck with someone, where's your other half?"
Alari tilted his head at his words and Larel pointed to the area behind him.
"Kaori where is he? Not that I mind his absence but he's normally right there."
Alari adjusted his glasses his eyebrows twitching slightly as he averted his gaze for a moment, closing his eyes he took a moment before opening them and looking back at Larel offering a shrug.
"I'm not sure but he tends to vanish like this sometimes," Alari said. "He normally leave a note though...but I'm only a little concerned. If there's one thing Kaori good at it it's running and hiding. Let's go with Mera's suggestion and put distance between us and them."
Larel decided to just drop the subject not wanting to converse with Alari anyway as he returned to his normal calm expression.
"Where are we heading next Mera-sama?" Larel asked.

[SanaChan]

"Well I imagine you want to spend as little time in the woods as possible yes? I'm afraid our only option to get there quickly is to go to that other town we were looking at before," Mera motioned north, "If there are no other objections to it that is," She said, but started walking regardless. The only other option if there were a particular reason to dodge the town would be to go about a day or so more in the woods and not even she was really sure where the next town would be after that and how soon they'd be in the realm more dominated by the samurai that they'd seen less and less of lately. She could only imagine they'd withdrawn to their main establishments to guard against the "monsters" that were coming to dismantle them. She smirked a little at that, shaking her head.
"What?"
Mera looked at Hotaru, not expecting her to be so observant, but then again they had just been on the run, "I was simply thinking about those foolish samurai."
"The one's you have the wanted poster from?" Hotaru raised a brow. Her original goal had been to avenge her parents death by hunting those same samurai down, but knowing everything her mother had been hiding from her and what she had planned to put her through made it a little hard to want to keep doing that... Maybe at least for her father. From what she could tell, he'd never been a part of the scheming.
"Indeed, the very same."
"What brings them to mind?"
"We're getting further north every day. We'll be in the territory they claim as theirs any day now."
"I suppose you're right... You know, speaking of, I can't help but wonder why they're fixated on you specifically."
"I wasn't aware they were. They were fixated on the gypsy's as a whole."
"Not really," Mera quirked a brow that insisted she explain, "Your face is on the posters for the gypsies. It's usually your description we heard when we passed the samurai," Hotaru pointed out, "Someone is fixated on you."
"Imagine that," Mera sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"You get the strangest admirers."

[Mizos]

Larel nodded in agreement with leaving the forest as soon as possible, he wanted nothing more than to be away from the eyes he could feel on him already.
He glanced back at Alari who let out a small sigh which caused the feeling of being watched to fade from him, he noticed Alari glance north as Mera mentioned the village but he just offered a smile showing he didn't mind if they went there.
"That sounds fine," Alari said before going quiet again.
The only thing there was the presence of Ai and he had erased it before he left so there was no need to be concerned about it now, her distance was far enough away where it wasn't an immediate problem.
Alari closed his eyes knowing that wouldn't be the situation for long, for now there were more pressing matters so he decided to take care of those first.
After a brief moment Alari opened his eyes as he felt a faint stir in his mind, the feeling reminded him of opening a door and standing in the doorway.
So any reason why you decided to speak with me?"
Zenmaru's voiced echoed in the mind of Alari as he folded his hands behind his back and followed behind Larel whose attention had moved to Mera and Hotaru as they spoke about 'foolish samurai' and the north.
It reminded him that Larel had another bounty alongside his previous one that he had gained attacking the samurai in the past, Alari made a mental note to address that later.
"You can feel her gaze as well can't you? Alari responded. "Larel can't hear us so speak freely."
"Fair enough and indeed I can but she's keeping her distance thanks to Mera and Hotaru. They're outside forces, having them see her would be unfortunate and against the rules. Well they're involved enough she can appear before them but she's definitely going to avoid it."
"Without Kaori around she's going to approach me the moment I separate from everyone, that bribe I gave you...don't let your presence show itself in exchange for my blood.
"She won't approach while Larel's in control, he's just the vessel after all. She's going right for you Anata.
"I'll distance myself later just don't come out or she may appear.
"Well you did take the time to contact me yourself so I suppose I can do that. Still I can't help but smile at this...won't you tell Mera this? I believe there are more than enough secrets here.
Alari's eyes moved to Mera at this, he wanted nothing more than to do so but he of all people knew that wasn't an option, not without forcing more problems on her.
"She has enough to deal with, I'll take care of this. She just wants to speak with you and me anyway.
"True because of our bond It's kind of romantic isn't it? Something only the two of us share."
"It's a curse not a bond and I'll seal you so you can't talk should you compare it to anything else again."
"It was a joke, a joke Anata. Anyway when are you going to speak with her?"
"Once we reach the next village and I'm positive everyone's okay. If I step out she'll come to me. Don't back out on your end Zenmaru."
"After you gave me such a delectable treat how could I? I'll be on my best behavior just give me more later."
Alari cut the link between them and put his hands in his sleeves, he came back to reality just to catch Hotaru mention the strangest admirers, his glasses immediately glared over at this and Larel felt a chill before looking back at Alari.
However Alari's glasses had returned to normal and he just offered a smile as he stared at him.
"Problem Larel?" Zenmaru asked as he turned back around.
"Could have sworn I sensed malice for a second there," Larel mumbled. "Extremely intense for an extremely brief moment."
"Must have been your imagination," Alari said looking at him. "I don't feel anything."
Alari reached up and adjusted his glasses as he spoke having caught up with their conversations.
"Whether or not that's the case it wouldn't hurt to practice caution just in case," Alari said. "It seems there may be an abundance of people north who may dislike us."
"Seems we have more enemies than allies," Larel said crossing his arms.
"We have allies up north, just...very...very few," Alari added. "Besides the number of allies isn't important, more the value."
"I'd prefer numbers," Larel said shaking his head.
"Well Mera and Hotaru are high valued allies right?" Alari questioned.
"That's...I-" Larel cut himself off and just hung his shoulders unable to respond to that.
He ended up giving a small nod in response and Alari returned a nod of his own before taking a step back entering the shadows, returning to his duty as an observer though he made sure to stay within earshot as always.

[SanaChan]

"I'm used to having just you lot. That's the most amount of Allies I've ever had around at once," Mera said as she put her hand to her chin thinking about it.
"My excuse is pretty explainable- younger by a lot," Hotaru earned an annoyed look at that point, "And really bad lineage. Why don't you have a lot of allies at this point?"
"I don't like a lot of people," Mera said simply, "Most of them just annoy me."
"Even if they'd be good allies? You'd turn them down if they annoyed you?"
"Because I've been around so long, as you love to remind me, I've learned that for every person that annoys me that's a good ally, there's plenty of others who won't," Mera shook her head.
"Then why do you have so few?"
"Because they all died. Done asking me questions now?" Hotaru pursed her lips, catching the somewhat angry edge to her tone that she was trying to keep even, and decided not to even respond to the question. Mera seemed to be content with her not saying anything else, hoping no one else had anything to say between there and the next village. There had been too much being said and done in a day's period for her liking. Though not having Kaori's comments were weird. They were out of danger, so why hadn't the little runt reappeared? As much as he did annoyed her, she had to admit it worried her. Not that she would actually admit that out loud.
(you can skip us to the next town if you want. I can also tone down on all my extra drama if you want XD I'm just trying to keep it interesting for ya lol)

[Mizos]

(Will do and just watching the two interact is more than enough though I always appreciate a little drama).

Alari admitted he was happy to hear he was among Mera's allies but he kept that to himself preferring to keep an eye on his watcher, he did listen to their conversation alongside Larel who smiled a little also glad he was considered as such.
Mera was his master after all that was a compliment he was glad to receive, though hearing her reasons for not having more made him tilt his head a little in confusion, as she spoke more on why there was so few he ended up averting his gaze since that seemed to be touching on something sensitive.
Alari closed his eyes at Mera's words glad he had hidden himself away, he rubbed his sleeve the picture coming back to his mind causing him to shake his head and focus ahead, he wasn't sure if he understood fully but he felt a part of him could at least comprehend a little of what Mera feeling.

Alari stepped out of the shadows once they had reached the fishing village, Larel looked around his eyes narrowing a little as he took in everything around them.
He didn't come to fishing villages too often so a few of the things that met his gaze were new to him, it seemed simple compared to the other places they had visited if only by a little. He wondered why Alari didn't want them coming this way, he didn't see anything wrong with this place and far as he could tell no one dangerous was around, granted he was happy just to get out of the woods at this point.
Alari looked around before raising his arm and pointing ahead past a few stands and fisherman getting their things together .
"There's an inn ahead, it's pretty hard to miss," Alari said. "The people inside are petty kind, they don't get guests too often so they'll appreciate the company."
Larel glanced at Alari at this but he ended the explanation there, narrowing his eyes at him for a moment Larel turned ahead again deciding not to question it since he wouldn't get an answer anyway.
"I'll stay with you till we get there," Alari said moving his hands in his sleeves. "Since we're here I'd like to run an errand before we get too far north."
He smiled a little at this and Larel could feel Zenmaru grin in his skull causing him to shake his head slightly.
"Can you handle not having my company for a moment Larel?"
"I'm not sure," Larel said crossing his arms. "I'm sure I'll get used to it if you stay away so feel free not to come back."
"I'll miss you too Larel," Alari said sighing a little. "Anyway don't push yourselves too much."

[SanaChan]

Mera glanced back at Alari when he was speaking, looking towards the inn he mentioned. She started walking that way once Alari finished speaking, "Come along, let's get a room already before it gets too bright for someone," she said, Hotaru pulling her cloak tight (I can't remember if Mera gave her the new one or not, but if she didn't do it in a post, then she gave it to her on the way lol), "Oh and Alari," she looked back at him, "It's a little delayed, but welcome back," she turned and continued walking towards the inn, getting out her coin purse so she could pay for the room, "I might need to start making some money soon," she mused as she walked.
"That purse is bulging," Hotaru muttered lowly as she followed.
"Yes well. Constantly staying in inns and covering his appetite," Mera thumbed at Larel, "Is going to make me broke sure enough. Speaking of, Larel, do we need to stop at a restaurant before hitting the inn?" she looked at him, raising a brow.

Eryn took a deep breath as he looked at the entrance of the room that Mary had entered the night before. The energy had shifted during the night, blocking him and Raina from entering, "You think she found him?"
"I hope it's him she found. It's been pretty noisy in there," Raina mumbled, sitting near to the entrance, leaning against the old stone.
"Wait, you can hear in there?"
"Barely and you talking isn't helping."
"But how long have you been hearing things?"
"Since this barrier went up," Raina said, "It's definitely a males voice in the room, but I don't hear her."
"You won't," Sayoko landed near them, setting Alessea down.
"Mother!" Eryn rushed over to her seeing her state.
"I need to go in there with her," Alessea started towards the door.
"Are you sure that's wise, Mother?" Raina stood up, giving her a worried look, "You seem to barely be standing."
"I am barely standing, but I don't need to stand to give Mary some more strength," Alessea said simply, "If she's been attached to Nelothan as long as I've felt this pull, with how weak she already was, we might lose her. There is no question about it, I have to help her," Sayoko helped her to the door, and Alessea went through where the three of them couldn't.
"Damn, why is it only those two who can do this shit?" Raina growled as Sayoko leaned on the door frame.
"Because they're the ones who care so damn much about everyone else. They needed something a little stronger to be able to keep a hand on the people they care about," Sayoko shrugged a bit, "We get too angry, a little self-centered," she murmured.
"How come we," Raina motioned between her and Eryn, "Didn't get a damn thing?"
"Because you two are meant for something that doesn't require it," Sayoko looked at her, "How long have you been questioning what the Goddess has in store for us?"
"Ever since Father became a monster and we all started riding Nelothan and Amira's coattails to keep our asses covered," Raina spat, "Especially considering how far those two got beat down."
Sayoko shrugged again, "That made them stronger than us- as much as I hate to admit Mera's tougher or stronger than me, I didn't go through the same things. You narrowly escaped it and only because she had the gift. Yea it's not fair, you could have fended for yourself that day as well as her if you'd had it, but even with it, she could only save you," Sayoko reminded her and Raina clenched her fists, "She still was assaulted by that man even with having some ability to save one of you. It's always been her covering for us."
"Wait, you actually believe it?" Eryn looked at Sayoko, "I always thought you thought she was lying."
"I did for about a decade, until she ventured back out and a man approached her. Seeing how she reacted kind of sold it for me," She took a deep breath before looking in to the door, "But the monster's dead and we don't have to run from him anymore."
"What?!" Eryn and Raina jumped forward, causing Sayoko to jump from the intensity of their response

[Mizos]

(I'm pretty sure she gave her one, if not meh that works)

Larel nodded in agreement with Mera before following behind the two, he stretched and ended up meeting eyes with an old fisherman who smoked a kiseru pipe and looked at him his stern expression causing Larel to arch a brow, however the expression on his lightened and he offered a wave to Larel causing him to wave back.
When his eyes met Alari they narrowed recognizing him though he smiled at him, Alari offered a small wave but didn't stop to continue their conversation preferring not to bring it up again.
Alari's attention was pulled from the older man as he heard Mera, when she welcomed him back his eyes widened and he immediately had to push the surprise down before Larel looked back at him, which is when he adjusted his glasses clearing his throat a little.
"I'm back," Alari responded with a smile.
He didn't go into how happy he was to hear Mera say that, he felt a warmth in his chest as he replayed the words in his head but he remembered he couldn't afford to linger too long on them, he had matters to attend too.
Though that wouldn't stop him from doing so later.
Larel turned his attention away from Alari and looked back at Mera as food was brought up.
"Well I was earlier but after Alari did that...thing," Larel said mentioning the weird blood moment. "I suddenly stopped being hungry, I could eat though. I'll just have eight bowls instead of ten since I'm okay."

[SanaChan]

"Uh huh," Mera made a dull expression before turning and walking to the nearest restaurant. She hadn't expected anything less from him, but the way he had phrased the last statement was the reason she'd had to contain the expression that had wanted to come to her face.
Hotaru just smirked a little, "Well at least one thing will always be reliable," she teased lightly as they entered the establishment.
Mera got out a few gold coins and handed them to Larel outside the door, "There. That ought to be enough to cover your eight bowls. Make her drink while you two are here. I need to check something out while we have a moment to breath," she said before walking towards the center of the village, wondering if there was any kind of a job board there. She pulled her hair up in to her hood as she walked, pulling it up, glancing around. She knew the fisherman had seen her, but they tended to not allow the troubles of "land lovers" to bother them. Then again, for good enough coin... but they were older men, she highly doubted that they'd be bothered with even if samurai did bother with this town. She was checking first to see if they were near where wanted posters would catch people's attention and second to see if there were any small time jobs she could take care of, some potions to mix up. Maybe it would help her to relax a little more to do little mundane tasks such as that.
Hotaru turned to Larel and put her hands on her hips as she realized Mera had left, "Abandoned again. I think that whole schpeeel about having us around was to make us less likely to argue about her doing that but it's getting kind of annoying," she muttered, turning back around and finding them a place to sit, "I can't think of the last time I saw her actually get something to eat. I wonder if she absorbs it like plants do," she mused aloud, putting her hand to her chin as she tilted her head to the side.

[Mizos]

Larel took the gold coins and smiled to himself thanking Mera before noticing she had left, when Hotaru spoke of being left behind he gave a small nod before following after her to the seat making sure to get his order in.
Now that Hotaru had mentioned it Mera didn't always eat when they ate, he thought about it for a moment and ended up bringing a hand to his mouth at the thought of it, Mera eating like a plant actually seemed pretty funny.
"Well at least this time she said something," Larel said as his eight bowls arrived. "My duty is supposed to be protecting her, not that she seems to need it, that's hard to do when I wake up and she's vanished. She generally comes back injured or in trouble so I'm confused what I should do sometimes, I think to say something but...I know what can follow so I end up just keeping it to myself."
Larel raised the bowl to his mouth and quickly downed the ramen in one quick motion before setting the bowl down sucking in the last noodle before grabbing another bowl spinning the noodles within it with his chopsticks.
"If Mera-sama eat likes plants do I feel for her then, this is pretty delicious," Larel said bringing the noodles to his mouth.
Mera's words echoed in his mind and he drew the noodles in before wiping his mouth with his sleeve, his eyes lowered remembering Hotaru couldn't taste food.
"Ah sorry Hotaru, that was inconsiderate of me," he said clearing his throat. "We should make sure your nourished too. I mean..."
Larel trailed off for a moment and set the empty bowl down before crossing his arms trying to find the right words, he pulled another bowl closer and picked it up before speaking again.
"My master or well my adoptive mother anyway would always return from a mission with food for me. I never admitted it but I was always lonely when she left. Back then Zenmaru only tortured me...well more so than now and no one in the castle aside from my original master the daimyo liked me being there. She'd bring me food to cheer me up for being gone on a long mission, thinking about it now I miss those moments. I mean I don't feel lonely now because I have you and Mera-sama so I don't really need 'comfort' food. Uh...okay what I'm trying to say is...actually I forgot what I was saying. It was something about not being alone, sorry I got distracted by the scent of these noodles. Anyway yeah I'll always bring you comfort when you need it Hotaru."
Larel dug into his bowl having said his peace before setting it down and grabbing yet another one.

Alari watched Hotaru and Larel from a distance a small smile on his face, he turned and left their company when Hotaru spoke of Mera's supposed lack of food consumption deciding to give the two some alone time.
His intention was to get a few necessities before returning as Larel finished eating, with his echo still not working fully he wasn't able to pick up Mera's unique energy signature so he didn't notice her nearby as he eyed a vendor's stand.
He started to speak to the man but ended up leaning back as a darkness sped past him covering the small area in shadow, the shadow even ran past Mera who happened to be close enough before coming to a stop closing itself off at the end.
Alari noticed the vendor looking around quickly before scratching his head and shrugging, looking around the people were still going about their daily lives they just didn't see him...or Mera.
In fact some of them walked straight through Alari and it didn't take him long to realize where he was at.
"Not now," he said gritting his teeth. "She pulled me into the Center."
A flash of white appeared next to Alari and he turned causing his back to face Mera as the light manifested into the tan fully cloaked women still wearing the old man's mask, she hovered slightly off the ground and Alari's eyes narrowed as he stared at her.
The women's masked face slightly rose as she noticed Mera in the distance, but she lowered it seeming to not mind her presence.
"Fallen King," the women said her emotionless almost androgynous voice echoing in the small space. "You don't cease to be entertaining."
"Slorno Vasavitch," Alari said even his voice loud in the small area.
"You need not speak the old tongue with us Fallen King, you generally refer to us as Spectator's correct?"
"Why are you following me now? You don't meddle in the affairs of mortals remember. Pulling me into another reality in the middle of a town is a bit much."
"Do not ask questions you know the answer too. We are interested in the developments of the child. Fallen King you defied the laws of both morality and the underworld to observe this child. You've even created these-"
The Spectator reached forward and took Alari's glasses off causing his eyes to twitch a little.
"To hide your true eyes from the child. Amazing that they function merely by existing even removed your eyes remained hidden, though they tend to glare when your true self threatens to shows itself to him. If he peered into your true eyes and saw the sins you've committed, the eyes that have met his so many times before he would remember everything. You know this and yet you linger in his company, this action is clearly foolish yet you do so anyway. This is not like you Fallen King and that is why we are so intrigued."
Alari reached forward and snatched his glasses back putting them back on.
"I don't need to explain myself to Spectators."
"We already know Fallen King, loneliness clouded your judgement," the Spectator said. "Seeing those three so happy together caused jealousy to linger in your heart, such warmth you could see between them and you were trapped in the darkness, alone and cold. You swore to watch him from a distance, but you were drawn in by their bond."
"Do not bring Mera and Hotaru into this, those two have done so much for Larel. I can't begin to repay them for making that boy smile like that again, I can't even find the words to tell them how grateful I am. I will not have you mention them in your observations."
"You do not deny what we've seen then."
"No I won't deny it...I was lonely," Alari said crossing his arms. "You all have 'transcended' so perhaps the feeling is lost on you...but have you ever been in your company for a long time...you learn things about yourself, and you realize what true loneliness is. There were times I wish I never knew another's warmth, merely to better withstand the coldness of solitude. Is that what you want to hear Spectator?"
"We wish to hear only the truth Fallen King, you harbor too many secrets, though we understand why, the boy will understand in time, all will understand in time. Though you are aware some of this loneliness you have brought on yourself."
"I'm aware of that, I will not burden those two with my transgressions, they endure enough as it is."
"Attempted kindness can be as harmful as accidental maliciousness Fallen King. We are curious why your heart churns so, the Crimson Maiden has a powerful affect on you. Fallen King you were not supposed to interact with the boy. You knew the consequences of this, the pain, the hatred, the suffering you would endure. The Fallen Queen relishes in your suffering yet you persist."
"Zenmaru is not a problem and shouldn't you return to your watching."
"How humorous Fallen King, you seem tense is it because of the Crimson Maiden? Do you wish me not to speak of her, do you not trust her?"
Though the Spectator said these words her blank tone did not change.
"I trust Mera and Hotaru, now leave me be," Alari said his glasses glaring over, however the Spectator could see the look he was giving her.
"Very well Fallen King, I will speak to you once the Fallen Queen arises again. If I may say one more thing, you should hide your eyes from the Crimson Maiden, you reveal too much of yourself, due to your actions they are no longer outsiders, know your sins may harm them in turn."
With that the Spectator vanished and the darkness vanished as quickly as it came, Alari stood in the road and removed his glasses squeezing the bridge of his nose.
"Like hell I can do that," he said putting his glasses back on. "Telling me something I already know, I have to focus. Calm down and compose myself."
He took a deep breath and let it out his whole body seeming to relax before he rubbed the back of his head.
"Not sure how much time is passed, may as well head back."

[SanaChan]

Hotaru smirked a little at him downing the first bowl, shaking her head a little bit at him. When he apologized she shrugged, but she didn't seem slightly interested in "nourishment," as she just leaned on the table, putting her chin in her hand as she listened to him. She smirked again when he admitted to getting distracted, looking away at is comment about bringing her comfort, "Well, I appreciate the sentiment," she murmured, "And the interesting story. Hopefully I wouldn't ever put you in the awkward situation of trying to follow up on those words," she said lowly.
She looked around the restaurant, letting him finish his ramen. The people here were much more mellow than places they'd been before. Like those woods they'd passed through created a barrier between the drama that existed in one town, preventing it from destroying the peace in another. Or at least she hoped that could be the case. Trouble never seemed too terribly far behind them, and now it seemed like they were also running in to it. Maybe the two front could negate each other for awhile.
She sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose before getting out the gourd that Mary had given her. The last thing she wanted was to give Sybil the chance to fuck up a chance for some actual peace and quiet. So she took a drink, making a very displeased face all the while.

Mera stopped as the shadow went past and looked around, trying to figure out what just happened, not unaware of the fact the people didn't seem to be aware of her standing right next to them anymore. She turned towards the source of light, her brows furrowing as she saw it was near Alari. She moved a little closer when her presence seemed to be basically ignored to try and understand what was going on. She heard him be called a Fallen King and apparently Zenmaru was a Fallen Queen- the implications she did not miss- and apparently these transcended spectators had a name for her too. She stayed silent and at a distance, just absorbing what there was to hear. She didn't really know how to take it all in. Most of it was simple. It shouldn't have been a question really, why should she feel so conflicted and confused as the shadows vanished? She wanted to know more about him and now she did. She knew there had been some sort of a connection with him and Zenmaru, that was impossible to deny, but their titles showed just what kind, or was she reading too much in to that? But according to the spectator Zenmaru would arise again? What would that cost Larel if that meant what she thought it did? What was he hiding about his eyes- why was she asking herself all these questions?
She turned on her heel and started walking back towards the main part of town. She would let him broach that subject if he wanted to, but she wasn't touching it with a mile long stick. She was going to go about her business as she had planned and try to stop acting like some child. But her focus was gone. She couldn't think about stupid potions at the moment. But she was still walking. Staying back there certainly wasn't going to help her think. She pulled her cloak tighter around her, finally stopping when she reached the board with the postings for need of aid

[Mizos]

Larel finished his bowls and with a satisfied sigh set the last one down, however just as he did the server brought him another, an older woman who just winked at him and offered a kind smile before walking off.
Apparently this one was on the house which Larel wasn't going to turn down as he bowed his head once in thanks before digging in again, his eyes glanced over at Hotaru mid consumption and he stopped at the mention of awkward situation, but he only lowered the bowl and smiled fully finished with his meal.
He watched her drink from the gourd and gave her a pat on the shoulder offering a bit of silent support seeing the expression on her face.
Turning back to the restaurant he watched the people talk and laugh with one another and he couldn't help but smile seeing the happiness of all the people around him, it was a rare sight and he regretted not seeing it all that often.
"I came across places like this before when I worked for the shogun, not very often but at least once a season" Larel said crossing his arms. "I always thought lowly of the people then, in a time of war they were just living so carefree while we were out risking our lives. I didn't realize how childish that was until I was on the run, after that I wanted nothing but peace like this."
Larel eyes narrowed a little bit as another thought came to mind, he wasn't proud of the connection he made but he couldn't deny the logic or heart in it.
"I hate admitting it, but if this the kind of peace that annoying man is fighting for I see why he's so tenacious."
"I believe that was a compliment."
Larel quickly turned around to see Alari a few feet away, Larel's eyes widened and his mouth was agape slightly though the smile on Alari's face snapped him out of his shock pretty quickly.
"A part of me used to want a place like this, settle down, have some kids that whole thing," Alari said looking at the small restaurant. "My age shows a bit from that however, you'll understand it yourself when you're older Larel. Reality however prevents me from chasing that dream now, but it's not bad to think about every now and then."
"You sound like an old man," Larel said sighing. "I'm also pretty sure you'd be a bad father."
"Who knows but you'll sound like me one day, I'm sure even Hotaru will think about it one day, if she hasn't already. I'll head ahead to the inn and leave you two be."
With that Alari turned and walk away and Larel put his head in his hands shaking it slightly.
"I said something nice about him...it hurts."