iFain
MeruleRei notices the man flinch however it doesn't sink in until his hand falls and Alessandro begins speaking. Stepping back swiftly he wonders how he keeps managing to do things that upset the youth. 'I really should remember that he does not like being touched. . .' Tilting his head curiously Rei answers the mans response with a quote, “If a man has not the will to hear the truth, take from him his ears so that he may grow ones able to withstand the truth and carry it to his heart.” The feeling of fingers on his hair is an interesting one and he reminds himself that he must ask about the prince's apparent obsession with toughing his hair. With a nod he follows the prince towards their next destination. It will not be his first time riding outside a carriage, however it will be his first time ridding one when it's okay for him to be seen.
Following not a pace behind he tenses when a young comes running up. Recognizing him however he relaxes. Moments later, as the prince puts on what the manservant had handed him, another youth appears holding a smaller cloak and gloves. Rei stares at them for a long moment, wondering how to turn them down, however after some hard thought he realizes he could get fired for not adhering to the code of conduct for those accompanying the prince on official business. With a nod he takes the gloves and slides them on. They feel very unpleasant on his hands, but he decides he can deal with them.
When it comes to the cloak, emblazoned with the mark of the royal family and in their colors, he simply goes back to staring. Taking this as his cue the youth carefully helps him put it on, jumping each time he meets the assassin's eyes. However once it is on Rei decides it's not that hard and to remember for next time. The boy backs off once he looks presentable and Rei follows the prince out. Once he is sure the prince will be able to get in safely, searching the grounds with a critical eye, he climbs right up the back of the carriage and takes a seat atop the back edge. This earns him a few disapproving glares however as his hand comes to rest on the handle of his blade those around think better of their negative expressions.
The whispers fly, as they always do around him as of late, however with a ride through town to look forward to Rei lets all fall to the back of his mind like white noise. The buzz does not bother him as his eyes and ears tune in for more sinister sights and sounds than a castle grounds full of gossips. As they move off the grounds and on to the streets his head rotates back and forth, eyes watching, ears listening. A few of the voices from the day before jump out at him, however none seem to be all that serious yet. He does however sense once again those eyes much like his own watching him. 'There are assassins in town, of that I have no doubt. With what I was going to be paid for this job I am sure they had a redundancy system in place in case I failed. . .'
As they approach their destination and the coach slows Rei stands up, earning some gasps and drawing a lot of attention. 'I can feel them out there, and this is official business. . .Easy information to get a hold of. . .' When at last the coach pulls to a stop Rei nods and leaps down from the roof. 'None are ready to move yet. I do not feel the intent. If any are planning to take his life during this event, it will be near the end' The footman does his job and as soon as the prince is out of the carriage Rei moves in close. With so many people around the fae needs to speak softly, but still loud enough to be heard. This requires him to be close, and the closeness earns him a few looks.
He ignores them however, looking up at the prince as he speaks. “There are assassins in town. Though none are poised to strike at this moment, I must stay close to you for whatever this is, in case they decide to strike at the end.” His expression is completely serious, his hand resting firmly on his dagger hilt.
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Sorry. I feel like I just did a big take-over. . . .
However if you really don't mind or wanna add anything we can move on to characters. . .Normally I'd go right into character sheets, however I do want one more little thought to ask: Do you think all the gods should be the same general form in their natural form, and if so, any ideas? I has tons, always do, however I feel you should have the first say here :p
However if you really don't mind or wanna add anything we can move on to characters. . .Normally I'd go right into character sheets, however I do want one more little thought to ask: Do you think all the gods should be the same general form in their natural form, and if so, any ideas? I has tons, always do, however I feel you should have the first say here :p
Kuro listens silently to everything the angel has to say, looking over ah him with half lidded eyes as he waits for the boy to come to his senses. 'As long as he's “woe is me”ing, there's no way to get through to him. I need him out of his own mind if I'm not just going to take advantage of his saddened state. . .' And sad he is. The conflicting feelings running through the smaller male riles up mixed feelings in the demon as well. A mix of hunger, and sorrow. He wants to comfort Aoba, but also to consume him. As he flops over on his wing Kuro refrains from saying anything, wanting, no, needing to wait for the right opening.
When at last Aoba seems in the present rather than dwelling on his own inner turmoil Kuro finally moves. Slowly and carefully, both for his sake and the angels, he scoops the smaller male up and settles him in his lap. Making sure his wings are safe and clear he leans back against the wall of the stall and holds Aoba close like a human mother would her distraught child. With a long sigh, he begins addressing the issues in order, his mind rather numb from the pain, lack of energy, and his worn controls from having to restrain himself. In the back of his mind he notes that he should go feed soon.
“What's going on here is you're just being silly and caring more about what other people are telling you is right instead of listening to your own heart. Even Yahweh knows that your heart is your best guide, and that preacher man, Gerard, was just upset because of his own personal biases. . . Which I don't blame him for, I hate him too, but that's besides the point.” Kissing Aoba's temple he whispers, “What is right is what you think it is, and nothing else. I'm not saying this as an evil corrupting demon either. Remember, I have angel in me too. I can do good things, even if they make me ill.” He chuckles hugging Aoba gently.
~*~*~*~*~
Fenrir has no idea what he missed, but when he finally gets the chance to look at the mirror again and spots the demon sitting in the stall with Aoba he nearly flies off to earth without a second thought. However when the demon begins talking he stills, halfway out of his chair, to listen. He is so astounded by the demon's words however that he falls hard back into his chair. He never, in a million years, thought he'd hear a demon, talking like an angel. His only solace is that yes, he is part angel. . . .'That's right. That demon is the son of Satan, so. . .He's half angel. . .That. . .That could explain why Aoba was so drawn to him, and why the guards hated him so much. Each of them was acting on a different natural instinct. . .I was not around him long enough to be affected. . .'
~*~*~*~*~
“As for coming down here. . .” he continues, no longer whispering but still speaking softly. He thinks about it for a moment then shakes his head. “Nah. You are an amazingly kind, caring, and loyal kid. If you never were assigned to me, you never would have seen that side of heaven, and you never would have doubted.” He pokes the angel's nose playfully. “You are what every angel should hope to be, however being a perfect angel has one major downfall. It puts you on a razors edge which is easy to fall off of. You are the kind of kind that would make even Gabriel jealous.” He laughs lightly, wincing as it once more reminds him of his broken ribs.
“Also, you're not depressing, just honest. . .You don't have to hide your tears around me. . .Though I would keep them from Dani. They make you look tasty.” He chuckles, adding to his pain. Carefully he rubs gently between Aoba's wings to help him stay calm as he goes on to address his own injuries. “Speaking of Dani, I am so whupping his ass.” Before Aoba can ask Kuro goes on to explain. “See, I knew Pops would know I was captured, and be upset over it, but I checked with Dani so I would know just how upset he was, but Dani lied. . .Pops was a lot more upset than Dani said, and after tearing me a new one for worrying him, he added a few broken bones because I didn't come right home afterwords.”
Holding tight to Aoba so he doesn't immediately try and doctor him, wanting to finish the story. “See, Pops is a little extreme in his expressions of love since he was cast out. He would never hurt me so bad that I'm disabled or anything, but he will make sure that his kids know that they've done something he doesn't approve of. It's why I'm using the method I am with Dani for control. He grew up with it, he's use to it, and it works for us.” He gives Aoba a faint peck on the lips, praying he doesn't flip out. “Pops loves me, very very much, he just overreacts. We're different from humans and angels, so don't go thinking that “you don't hurt the ones you love”, okay? Every species is different. . .”
~*~*~*~*~
'You know, this explains why the interrogators never got anything out of him' Fenrir muses, a part of him satisfied to know that the demon is hurt. A part of him he doesn't quite acknowledge at the moment. 'If he's use to his own father, the king of hell, tearing him a new one out of love, nothing we could ever even conceive of doing to him would even phase him. . .'
When at last Aoba seems in the present rather than dwelling on his own inner turmoil Kuro finally moves. Slowly and carefully, both for his sake and the angels, he scoops the smaller male up and settles him in his lap. Making sure his wings are safe and clear he leans back against the wall of the stall and holds Aoba close like a human mother would her distraught child. With a long sigh, he begins addressing the issues in order, his mind rather numb from the pain, lack of energy, and his worn controls from having to restrain himself. In the back of his mind he notes that he should go feed soon.
“What's going on here is you're just being silly and caring more about what other people are telling you is right instead of listening to your own heart. Even Yahweh knows that your heart is your best guide, and that preacher man, Gerard, was just upset because of his own personal biases. . . Which I don't blame him for, I hate him too, but that's besides the point.” Kissing Aoba's temple he whispers, “What is right is what you think it is, and nothing else. I'm not saying this as an evil corrupting demon either. Remember, I have angel in me too. I can do good things, even if they make me ill.” He chuckles hugging Aoba gently.
~*~*~*~*~
Fenrir has no idea what he missed, but when he finally gets the chance to look at the mirror again and spots the demon sitting in the stall with Aoba he nearly flies off to earth without a second thought. However when the demon begins talking he stills, halfway out of his chair, to listen. He is so astounded by the demon's words however that he falls hard back into his chair. He never, in a million years, thought he'd hear a demon, talking like an angel. His only solace is that yes, he is part angel. . . .'That's right. That demon is the son of Satan, so. . .He's half angel. . .That. . .That could explain why Aoba was so drawn to him, and why the guards hated him so much. Each of them was acting on a different natural instinct. . .I was not around him long enough to be affected. . .'
~*~*~*~*~
“As for coming down here. . .” he continues, no longer whispering but still speaking softly. He thinks about it for a moment then shakes his head. “Nah. You are an amazingly kind, caring, and loyal kid. If you never were assigned to me, you never would have seen that side of heaven, and you never would have doubted.” He pokes the angel's nose playfully. “You are what every angel should hope to be, however being a perfect angel has one major downfall. It puts you on a razors edge which is easy to fall off of. You are the kind of kind that would make even Gabriel jealous.” He laughs lightly, wincing as it once more reminds him of his broken ribs.
“Also, you're not depressing, just honest. . .You don't have to hide your tears around me. . .Though I would keep them from Dani. They make you look tasty.” He chuckles, adding to his pain. Carefully he rubs gently between Aoba's wings to help him stay calm as he goes on to address his own injuries. “Speaking of Dani, I am so whupping his ass.” Before Aoba can ask Kuro goes on to explain. “See, I knew Pops would know I was captured, and be upset over it, but I checked with Dani so I would know just how upset he was, but Dani lied. . .Pops was a lot more upset than Dani said, and after tearing me a new one for worrying him, he added a few broken bones because I didn't come right home afterwords.”
Holding tight to Aoba so he doesn't immediately try and doctor him, wanting to finish the story. “See, Pops is a little extreme in his expressions of love since he was cast out. He would never hurt me so bad that I'm disabled or anything, but he will make sure that his kids know that they've done something he doesn't approve of. It's why I'm using the method I am with Dani for control. He grew up with it, he's use to it, and it works for us.” He gives Aoba a faint peck on the lips, praying he doesn't flip out. “Pops loves me, very very much, he just overreacts. We're different from humans and angels, so don't go thinking that “you don't hurt the ones you love”, okay? Every species is different. . .”
~*~*~*~*~
'You know, this explains why the interrogators never got anything out of him' Fenrir muses, a part of him satisfied to know that the demon is hurt. A part of him he doesn't quite acknowledge at the moment. 'If he's use to his own father, the king of hell, tearing him a new one out of love, nothing we could ever even conceive of doing to him would even phase him. . .'
At last air finds his lungs as he sucks in a simple breath as if it were the most precious thing in the world. The breath is followed by many gasps as the young man tries desperately to get enough air. High above he can hear the cruel laughter of the ones responsible for his current state of being. In the morning gloom he can hardly see their bright faces above, however he doesn’t need to see them to know who they are. They are youth, a few older, most around the same age, who have for the past week found new and exciting ways to wake up their favorite punching bag. Not that they actually hit him often, that they left to the adults, however the pranks they pull on occasion are far worse than any blow he's suffered at the heavy hand of the local blacksmith or horse master.
Take today for example. Somehow they had managed to sneak up to the loft where he slept, even though he'd been prepared today, and with little effort, roll him all the way to the edge. He managed to wake up before they actually shoved him over the edge, which is likely what saved his life. The fifteen foot fall could have easily broke his neck, but in a sleeping haze he'd hooked the ledge just enough so that he landed on his back, not his neck. A very lucky aversion of a break.
As he feels his limb functions returning his instincts kick in. Despite the chores he knows he needs to get started on his first need it to get away. He has to get away from them before they decide to have a little more “fun”. He can hear their hands and feet on the wrings of the ladder that leads to his resting place and with a jolt he forces himself to his feet. He is running, fast as he can, out towards the edge of town. Despite how much they love to torment him, he knows he's always safe out there. Out among the trees, out where the monsters roam.
The cries of his pursuers ring in his ears and he stumbles slightly as a rock, no doubt flung by one of them, grazes the side of his leg leaving a split in the skin. He ignores the pain, the wound will heal, he just needs to get away. Racing through the last farm before the forest, he manages to get out of sight of the pursuing mob, however he does not stop fleeing. The small chicken and crookoo scatter as he races through a mob of them, and it isn't until he is surrounded on all sides buy the dark trunks of tress that he begins to slow. Looking back he can see them jeering, whipping stones blindly into the forest. Wanting a little more distance he continues into the wood, following a trail he's walked many times before.
As a young child the elder would often bring him out into the woods. Unlike the other children she told him not to fear the forest. She would show him places she herself enjoyed, and encouraged him to find his own. She was kind, in her own way, and he did thank her for what she'd done for him. 'She's gone now. . .Now I enter this wood alone. Now I am the only one who feels comfortable under it's boughs. . .' His dull eyes look this way and that, spotting the tracks and trails left by the forest beasts. The weak little ones who can travel this close to the village. There are animals too of course, here and there, but those are not as pronounced in this particular stretch of wood.
Moving slowly now, favoring his wounded leg, he comes to a clearing and relaxes a little. Looking around he sees no sign of anything having been around recently and with a soft sigh he climbs on to a large flat stone set in the middle of the clearing strewn with needles and leaf litter. The cool surface feels good against his skin and as he settle upon it to wait and check his wound he simply lets the feeling of it pass before going to work on his leg. 'Damn. Well, here goes another couple inches of my tunic' He's not a complete fool. He knows he needs to cover the open wound, however he can not help but curse his luck for a moment before doing so.
The sound or ripping fabric is swallowed by the trees as he carefully makes a bandage for his wound. He always tries to get tunics that are far to big for him for this very reason. However this particular one is rather old and doesn't have much in the way of length any more. As he takes off the last bit for the bandage he realizes that the tunic looks about the right size for him now. If it wasn't for the ragged bottom, he may even look almost presentable. 'Not that I even need to be. Everyone knows I'm an orphan living in a hayloft. No matter what I look like, it doesn't change who I am' As soon as the injury is tended to, the orphan boy Kir-Kon flops on to his back and stares at the cloudy sky above. His dark hair flares out around his head, unbound, and for a moment he considers tying it back. He dismisses the idea quickly though. No one to impress and no work to be done out here in the woods. . .
Take today for example. Somehow they had managed to sneak up to the loft where he slept, even though he'd been prepared today, and with little effort, roll him all the way to the edge. He managed to wake up before they actually shoved him over the edge, which is likely what saved his life. The fifteen foot fall could have easily broke his neck, but in a sleeping haze he'd hooked the ledge just enough so that he landed on his back, not his neck. A very lucky aversion of a break.
As he feels his limb functions returning his instincts kick in. Despite the chores he knows he needs to get started on his first need it to get away. He has to get away from them before they decide to have a little more “fun”. He can hear their hands and feet on the wrings of the ladder that leads to his resting place and with a jolt he forces himself to his feet. He is running, fast as he can, out towards the edge of town. Despite how much they love to torment him, he knows he's always safe out there. Out among the trees, out where the monsters roam.
The cries of his pursuers ring in his ears and he stumbles slightly as a rock, no doubt flung by one of them, grazes the side of his leg leaving a split in the skin. He ignores the pain, the wound will heal, he just needs to get away. Racing through the last farm before the forest, he manages to get out of sight of the pursuing mob, however he does not stop fleeing. The small chicken and crookoo scatter as he races through a mob of them, and it isn't until he is surrounded on all sides buy the dark trunks of tress that he begins to slow. Looking back he can see them jeering, whipping stones blindly into the forest. Wanting a little more distance he continues into the wood, following a trail he's walked many times before.
As a young child the elder would often bring him out into the woods. Unlike the other children she told him not to fear the forest. She would show him places she herself enjoyed, and encouraged him to find his own. She was kind, in her own way, and he did thank her for what she'd done for him. 'She's gone now. . .Now I enter this wood alone. Now I am the only one who feels comfortable under it's boughs. . .' His dull eyes look this way and that, spotting the tracks and trails left by the forest beasts. The weak little ones who can travel this close to the village. There are animals too of course, here and there, but those are not as pronounced in this particular stretch of wood.
Moving slowly now, favoring his wounded leg, he comes to a clearing and relaxes a little. Looking around he sees no sign of anything having been around recently and with a soft sigh he climbs on to a large flat stone set in the middle of the clearing strewn with needles and leaf litter. The cool surface feels good against his skin and as he settle upon it to wait and check his wound he simply lets the feeling of it pass before going to work on his leg. 'Damn. Well, here goes another couple inches of my tunic' He's not a complete fool. He knows he needs to cover the open wound, however he can not help but curse his luck for a moment before doing so.
The sound or ripping fabric is swallowed by the trees as he carefully makes a bandage for his wound. He always tries to get tunics that are far to big for him for this very reason. However this particular one is rather old and doesn't have much in the way of length any more. As he takes off the last bit for the bandage he realizes that the tunic looks about the right size for him now. If it wasn't for the ragged bottom, he may even look almost presentable. 'Not that I even need to be. Everyone knows I'm an orphan living in a hayloft. No matter what I look like, it doesn't change who I am' As soon as the injury is tended to, the orphan boy Kir-Kon flops on to his back and stares at the cloudy sky above. His dark hair flares out around his head, unbound, and for a moment he considers tying it back. He dismisses the idea quickly though. No one to impress and no work to be done out here in the woods. . .
I'm thinking more that there was some catastrophic event in their home world and they were forced to flee it and a handful of them came through the same rift and found this universe at the beginning of it's life and decided to settle here. Others escaped through other rifts to other places, but not many survived the event making our gods very rare, especially in such a large(Relatively speaking) group. The ones who would come through the rift are ones who went to other universes and want to, maybe, in a way, be with their own kind? Most don't stay, feeling out of place in this new society the gods have built, but it's not like out group rejects others, just kinda distant until they are forced to interact. Think of it like they were one of the first universes to develop, and the first to bring about their own downfall, which is why they need a new place to live, but 99% of all universes out there are still in their infancy like the one our group finds themselves in. . . Make more sense?
The angel's head goes up. 'It's coming' He keeps his energy down, in case he can shoo the demon out without disturbing the humans, however the sight that greets his eyes stops him cold. 'The children, they. . They know him!? They. . It's. . .' He can not believe his eyes. The little human children seems to be fond of the demon! The looks in their eyes, their adoration, it's all so foreign to him all he can do is watch the seen from behind hid goggles. His gaze remains locked on the demon, and it takes several minutes to realize what he's wearing. The sight of the familiar black and white configuration floors the angel and he can not even try to pretend his moth doesn't fall open at the realization.
Snapping it close quickly however he can almost feel his world turning upside down. His thoughts are so scattered that when a young girl bounces up to him it takes a couple tries before she can get his attention. “Sir, sir, are you okay? Did you fall asleep standing up? Sir?”
He snaps out of his thoughts as she waves a hand in front of his face. Looking over at her he catches her smiling in relief as he finally moves. “Pardon me, I was thinking. What did you say?” His voice is much quieter than usual. Then again, the only time he really uses it is in battle or when having to shout over all the other voice in his household.
Clasping her hands behind her back she bends over slightly, trying to hide the fact that she's happily exasperated to have to repeat herself again. “I was just asking, sir, if you are seeking shelter for the evening. The beds are free, however we do ask for a fee of labor to help us out around here.”
Laisander blinks slowly, wondering if he should accept. Looking back to the “Priest” carrying boxes around he can feel his temper flare and without another thought he nods. “Yeah, I wanna stay the night.” He looks back to the girl. “What do I need to do?” His hands slips out of his pockets in a show that he's ready to work. She looks a little startled at his sudden shift however with a slightly nervous laugh she motions to a doorway on the opposite side of the church.
“There's a lot of things that were delivered recently here, and we need to get all the boxes over to the pantry and storage rooms. If you'll just follow me. . .” He nods, following her into a room full of a very jumbled mess of boxes. One of the young men in the room take the angel off the girl's hands and begins directing Lai in what he's suppose to do. They try to take it easy on him, thinking his small stature may mean he's not very strong, but almost without thinking he proves them wrong by lifting up several heavy boxes full of cans.
“Where to?” He asks, not sounding strained at all by the weight. The youth looking at him points vaguely towards the room opposite them and with a nod Laisander makes his way towards the place where the false priest is working. He does not look at the man, letting some of the kids direct him, a few letting out noises of amazement, and settle the stack down with others of the same kind. As the children gather around to gape at the strong man Laisander's expression softens. Looking around at all the excited faces he almost lets himself forget what he came for.
However he quickly recalls and looks back towards the demon. When they had passed earlier there is no way he could have missed the holy energy emanating from the angel, and Lai wonders what the demon is going to do about it. However a tug on his sleeve catches his attention almost immediately. Looking down at the young man he smiles. “Yes?”
“How are you so strong? Are you stronger than Father Xephos? Do you come from far away?” The string of questions catch him off guard and he answers with little thought.
“I eat well and work out, I don't know him but probably, and yeah, my home is pretty far away. . .” The boy's eyes go wide as he races out of the room to find Father Xephos and tell him the news of a man who claims to be stronger than him. Lai rolls his eyes and goes back to work.
Snapping it close quickly however he can almost feel his world turning upside down. His thoughts are so scattered that when a young girl bounces up to him it takes a couple tries before she can get his attention. “Sir, sir, are you okay? Did you fall asleep standing up? Sir?”
He snaps out of his thoughts as she waves a hand in front of his face. Looking over at her he catches her smiling in relief as he finally moves. “Pardon me, I was thinking. What did you say?” His voice is much quieter than usual. Then again, the only time he really uses it is in battle or when having to shout over all the other voice in his household.
Clasping her hands behind her back she bends over slightly, trying to hide the fact that she's happily exasperated to have to repeat herself again. “I was just asking, sir, if you are seeking shelter for the evening. The beds are free, however we do ask for a fee of labor to help us out around here.”
Laisander blinks slowly, wondering if he should accept. Looking back to the “Priest” carrying boxes around he can feel his temper flare and without another thought he nods. “Yeah, I wanna stay the night.” He looks back to the girl. “What do I need to do?” His hands slips out of his pockets in a show that he's ready to work. She looks a little startled at his sudden shift however with a slightly nervous laugh she motions to a doorway on the opposite side of the church.
“There's a lot of things that were delivered recently here, and we need to get all the boxes over to the pantry and storage rooms. If you'll just follow me. . .” He nods, following her into a room full of a very jumbled mess of boxes. One of the young men in the room take the angel off the girl's hands and begins directing Lai in what he's suppose to do. They try to take it easy on him, thinking his small stature may mean he's not very strong, but almost without thinking he proves them wrong by lifting up several heavy boxes full of cans.
“Where to?” He asks, not sounding strained at all by the weight. The youth looking at him points vaguely towards the room opposite them and with a nod Laisander makes his way towards the place where the false priest is working. He does not look at the man, letting some of the kids direct him, a few letting out noises of amazement, and settle the stack down with others of the same kind. As the children gather around to gape at the strong man Laisander's expression softens. Looking around at all the excited faces he almost lets himself forget what he came for.
However he quickly recalls and looks back towards the demon. When they had passed earlier there is no way he could have missed the holy energy emanating from the angel, and Lai wonders what the demon is going to do about it. However a tug on his sleeve catches his attention almost immediately. Looking down at the young man he smiles. “Yes?”
“How are you so strong? Are you stronger than Father Xephos? Do you come from far away?” The string of questions catch him off guard and he answers with little thought.
“I eat well and work out, I don't know him but probably, and yeah, my home is pretty far away. . .” The boy's eyes go wide as he races out of the room to find Father Xephos and tell him the news of a man who claims to be stronger than him. Lai rolls his eyes and goes back to work.
Akito does not react to the prince not returning the bow. He knows royals live by their own morals, so he knows also that you can't really fight their nature. Nodding at information about his freedom about the castle and it's grounds he remains at attention for the rest of what the man has to say, wondering if he was simply trying to be nice, or if he meant it. 'He claims to have no love or respect for those who fight and die for the safety of their loved ones and in the defense of their kingdom. How can he not think less of me if I have spent my entire life as far as I can recall doing exactly that?'
Brushing that thought aside he stays at attention until the man vanishes and only after he hears the footsteps fade does he relax and return to looking about the room. Hoko slithers out and settles around his shoulders, sniffing at everything that comes within reach. “What do you think Hoko, should we check out the outside one as well?” The little beast chatters at him, rubbing his face against Akito's cheek. With a chuckle he nods, heading for the door Hiro had indicated. He can feel himself relaxing further as the familiar dummies and stick figures come into view, the background of trees adding to the familiarity of the sight.
Hoko crawls down and begins exploring the area as Akito walks out on to the hard packed earth. 'I swear I can feel it. The energy in this place, it's almost like being back with my fellows. It's. . .It's almost like being home. . .' Striding over to one of the dummies he takes off his haori and puts it on the figure to keep it safe. With a couple tugs his kimono loosens and he lets it fall from his shoulders, exposing his upper body. The fabric settles around his waist letting the slowly warming morning air caress his skin. Letting out a faint shiver he exhales, pulling his sword.
As he begins his normal morning routine he can feel his mind clearing. The world outside the clearing fades. Nothing beyond the training area exist. His focus turns inwards, and the blade slicing through the air cleaves away the doubts in his mind. He does not feel those approaching, and not until steel clashes with his own does he realize someone has taken the field. 'Target' The sound of steel on steel grows louder as he works to down his target.
~*~*~*~*~
A servant races through the halls, his face lit up brightly. He's never seen such a thing, and with the prince missing it he can't slow down. 'This is an amazing fight! And so beautiful, I've never seen his highness raise his blade before. And it looked like the general was going to join as well! Oh!' Skidding to a halt outside the prince's magic room he knocks twice before sliding the door open ever so slightly so he can be heard clearly. “Please forgive me for disturbing you highness, but you mother requests you join he right away. She asks that you hurry.”
~*~*~*~*~
Not really seeing at this point when he feels another enter the grounds behind him he turns and takes on this new challenger. In no time he is battling both, a ring of eyes appearing around the area as the sounds draw in spectators. Most training on these grounds are not done with actual blades, so the sound of clashing metal is unusual to say the least. The battle speed increases, the movements of the smallest male becoming almost impossibly fast, the two larger men almost getting on one another's way as they both go for the smaller target. The battle is intense, going on from some time since even in his haze Akito knows that he's only in practice and can not actually kill his targets. And then in a sudden, near imperceptible move, the tall opponents fall, their blades taken from them. One lands several paces away while the other is held at it's owner's throat.
It isn't until both of his challengers are down at at the tip of his blades that Akito realizes just who he was fighting. At the sight of his father he shows a faint smile, but at the sight of the emperor, staring at the tip of his won sword, Akito blanches and steps away. From the edge of the field a mix of awed whispers and cheering comes, including the empress who is clapping and giggling like a school girl. Sheathing his blade Akito quickly offers his hand to the emperor, a cold sweat replacing his battle perspiration. Once on his feet the king lets out a labored laugh, the fight and fall having left him winded. Akito keeps his eyes down as he pulls the general to his feet. Before he can pull away however his father wraps an arm around him as if to support himself and whispers quietly int his ear, “Very good, he's impressed, not angry.”
Aki nods as he steps back, looking down as Hoko crawls up to regain his place around the youth's shoulders. Letting go of the captain he forces himself to look at the emperor and give him a strained smile. A lot of the stress he's worked off with the fight had returned at the sight of the man at the end of his own blade. Handing it back he says softly, “You still have quite a talent highness, though your rhythm when working with others could use some dusting off.” He prays the joke will be taken well. From the sidelines several of the guards laugh, along with the emperor's wife. Akito spots her, and blanches again as he spots Hiro at her side. 'oh goodie. . .'
Brushing that thought aside he stays at attention until the man vanishes and only after he hears the footsteps fade does he relax and return to looking about the room. Hoko slithers out and settles around his shoulders, sniffing at everything that comes within reach. “What do you think Hoko, should we check out the outside one as well?” The little beast chatters at him, rubbing his face against Akito's cheek. With a chuckle he nods, heading for the door Hiro had indicated. He can feel himself relaxing further as the familiar dummies and stick figures come into view, the background of trees adding to the familiarity of the sight.
Hoko crawls down and begins exploring the area as Akito walks out on to the hard packed earth. 'I swear I can feel it. The energy in this place, it's almost like being back with my fellows. It's. . .It's almost like being home. . .' Striding over to one of the dummies he takes off his haori and puts it on the figure to keep it safe. With a couple tugs his kimono loosens and he lets it fall from his shoulders, exposing his upper body. The fabric settles around his waist letting the slowly warming morning air caress his skin. Letting out a faint shiver he exhales, pulling his sword.
As he begins his normal morning routine he can feel his mind clearing. The world outside the clearing fades. Nothing beyond the training area exist. His focus turns inwards, and the blade slicing through the air cleaves away the doubts in his mind. He does not feel those approaching, and not until steel clashes with his own does he realize someone has taken the field. 'Target' The sound of steel on steel grows louder as he works to down his target.
~*~*~*~*~
A servant races through the halls, his face lit up brightly. He's never seen such a thing, and with the prince missing it he can't slow down. 'This is an amazing fight! And so beautiful, I've never seen his highness raise his blade before. And it looked like the general was going to join as well! Oh!' Skidding to a halt outside the prince's magic room he knocks twice before sliding the door open ever so slightly so he can be heard clearly. “Please forgive me for disturbing you highness, but you mother requests you join he right away. She asks that you hurry.”
~*~*~*~*~
Not really seeing at this point when he feels another enter the grounds behind him he turns and takes on this new challenger. In no time he is battling both, a ring of eyes appearing around the area as the sounds draw in spectators. Most training on these grounds are not done with actual blades, so the sound of clashing metal is unusual to say the least. The battle speed increases, the movements of the smallest male becoming almost impossibly fast, the two larger men almost getting on one another's way as they both go for the smaller target. The battle is intense, going on from some time since even in his haze Akito knows that he's only in practice and can not actually kill his targets. And then in a sudden, near imperceptible move, the tall opponents fall, their blades taken from them. One lands several paces away while the other is held at it's owner's throat.
It isn't until both of his challengers are down at at the tip of his blades that Akito realizes just who he was fighting. At the sight of his father he shows a faint smile, but at the sight of the emperor, staring at the tip of his won sword, Akito blanches and steps away. From the edge of the field a mix of awed whispers and cheering comes, including the empress who is clapping and giggling like a school girl. Sheathing his blade Akito quickly offers his hand to the emperor, a cold sweat replacing his battle perspiration. Once on his feet the king lets out a labored laugh, the fight and fall having left him winded. Akito keeps his eyes down as he pulls the general to his feet. Before he can pull away however his father wraps an arm around him as if to support himself and whispers quietly int his ear, “Very good, he's impressed, not angry.”
Aki nods as he steps back, looking down as Hoko crawls up to regain his place around the youth's shoulders. Letting go of the captain he forces himself to look at the emperor and give him a strained smile. A lot of the stress he's worked off with the fight had returned at the sight of the man at the end of his own blade. Handing it back he says softly, “You still have quite a talent highness, though your rhythm when working with others could use some dusting off.” He prays the joke will be taken well. From the sidelines several of the guards laugh, along with the emperor's wife. Akito spots her, and blanches again as he spots Hiro at her side. 'oh goodie. . .'
It's not that I dislike pics, it's that I would be personally offended if someone used my artwork for their characters without asking, and I doubt many artists feel much differently about something they poured their soul into. It's a moral dislike, not a preference. Also, for some people, they use it because they are too lazy to write out the full character description. I am in no way implying that that is why you wan to use a pic, but I just want you to know where I'm coming from. I'm not being a judgmental prat, just voicing my honest views. To me, it is a form of stealing. But again, I can't stop you, however I will ask about a lot, and pray your guy is not identical :P
Beastmen have their own lands, mostly away from other lands, and they join militaries in various kingdoms if they feel the desire to, however their first alliance is to their clan. I can see the city now, thank you. Most people are afraid if his kind to en extent, however when with their fellow soldiers they are mostly treated as equals. Oh, and it's king.
Here's the template I use -
Name:
Race:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Skin:
Build:
Clothes:
Accessories:
Powers/Skills(If Applicable):
General Personality:
Background:
Beastmen have their own lands, mostly away from other lands, and they join militaries in various kingdoms if they feel the desire to, however their first alliance is to their clan. I can see the city now, thank you. Most people are afraid if his kind to en extent, however when with their fellow soldiers they are mostly treated as equals. Oh, and it's king.
Here's the template I use -
Name:
Race:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Eyes:
Skin:
Build:
Clothes:
Accessories:
Powers/Skills(If Applicable):
General Personality:
Background:
'Perfect' Seishu muses, watching as Rue is spirited away through the window. 'Well, almost. I may not have ordered him not to, but Kaila shouldn't have hit him. That'll just piss him off more. I can feel Enasi weakening, and I'm not feeling too well myself after the pain he shot me with' His smile remains soft and kind, an expression he knows will not only anger Gin, but confused everyone else. Since birth that have all equated that smile with a caring only he has given them. To him, that is the expression of forgiveness and acceptance. To see it now, when they are in pain and frightened. Many of them can not help but be drawn to Seishu.
Even as the false leader begins talking a lot of the minions stare at Seishu, wondering what he's thinking. Praying they can trust their eyes and that he won't hurt them. Seishu on the other hand keeps his eyes on Gin, trying to find an opening to get in a few words, or even one that will allow them to back out unharmed. The venom spewing forth from the deranged minion makes Seishu sad more than anything, though he knows that if he wasn't on drugs 'I forgot to take my shot this morning. . .' he would likely be at least a bit angry. However as it stands all he can say as Gin prepares to charge him is, “Gin, the number of things wrong with everything you just said would take a millennia to cover and explain properly, and we just don't have the time right now.”
His body lowers ever so slightly, a faint flicker in his gaze as he recognizes Gin's feint. However he doesn't catch on quite fast enough to what he was stalling for. After only a handful of heartbeats Seishu finds himself on the ground and he looks over to see what Enasi spotted that he didn't. The sight that greets him threatens to stop him cold but even as the blood freezes in his veins he can still see Gin moving towards them. A string of insane laughter issues forth from the wannabe guardian however it falls of as Seishu climbs to his feet. His smile is gone. In a deathly whisper he hisses, “Gin, you will destroy both realms with foolish shit like this.” In the quiet of the room, everyone heard him clearly, and many showed flickers of concern over those words.
However an instant after they fall from his lips, at every corner of the realm, every minion and nightmare falls to the ground in fear save for those now escaping the castle as Seishu taps into the castle and lets out a pained howl. The sound inside the castle is deafening, and even at the edges of the realm it causes the denizens to cover their heads. Despite his terror, his anger, his panic, Seishu appears deadly calm as Gin joins the rest of those in the hall on the floor, watching wide eyed as he moves to Enasi's side and scoops him up tenderly. His hair, which had snapped out of it's braid and flared out like the hood on a cobra, settles about his shoulders as his wings open wide, ready for what comes next.
~*~*~*~*~
Kaila and Tyar have to fight their instinct to hit the deck at the sound of the howl and Rue joins them as they stop and wait for the sound to fade. His whole body is shaking and as he looks between the two minions his panic only grows. “Wh-what was that?!” He squeaks out when he manages to find his voice, however neither of them can manage a response. His voice gets higher. “What was it, what happened!? That sounded like Mister Seishu, but I've never heard him make that noise before, and you guys stopped, and the only thing that would have stopped you was something really really bad! You said we need to keep going, but I ca-” Kaila drifts over, causing the fairy to fall silent as he looks up at the taller male with wide, terrified eyes.
“We don't know what happened, and there is no use fretting about it without knowing. You're right. We should keep going.” Despite his own fear Kaila sounds completely calm an rational. Hearing his relaxed sounding tone Rue manages to get a hold of his scattered emotions and nod. Kaila offers a half smile before taking the lead towards the mountains.
~*~*~*~*~
Enasi's limp body held in his arms Seishu lifts off and darts out the same window the others had fled through. Knowing that time is of the essence, and that no one in that hall will be able to stand up for at least twenty minutes, Seishu diverges from the plan and goes straight to the caves. The light breeze causes his now loose hair to drift and slide along the figure in his arms, however Seishu can not let himself get distracted. His face is set in a mask of concentration and as he drops down in a dive towards the nearest entrance to the catacombs his eyes, while seeing everything, see nothing but that image of Enasi falling to his knees, a red bolt sticking out of his midsection.
~*~*~*~*~
Harper's head goes up. His ears are up to their fullest extent and for an instant he swears he can hear his guardian. A feeling of dread sweeps over him and he listens even harder, ignoring everything else. However as he listens eh realizes it wasn't something he heard that made him think of Enasi, but rather, something he felt. Something inside of him made him think about the Dream Guardian, and the feeling was not a good one. 'Lord Enasi. . .Please. . .Please be safe. . .' He knows his pleas are pathetic, and falling on deaf ears, but he can not help but make them. He can not help, but pray.
~*~*~*~*~
His mind is numb, his focus entirely on getting to a safe place, somewhere out of sight, somewhere where he can begin trying to save the man he loves. Tunnel after tunnel passes by, his energy so low that even the large nightmares he passes once in a while don't feel him coming, and some hardly even realize that anything passed. He knows exactly where he wants to go. It's the safest place he can think of, down here, underground, and he has to reach it. He has to get there. Seishu's stone meets scape as his wings more than once brush the tunnel walls, ceiling, and floor, sometimes so close to running into a pillar or stalactite it's a wonder he hasn't broken them clear in half at his speed and last minute course adjustments.
At last he bursts into a fairly large cave and slows. The walls are made of some kind of crystal and high above is a very small tunnel leading to the surface, laced with crystals. The light refracted down through the tiny tunnel strikes one large crystal in the middle of the room which spreads it out in all directions, turning the room into a chamber of crystals, and light. 'Enasi will like this. . .' His thoughts are slow to come, like a cow crawling through molasses in January, however they begin to turn again which is a good sign.
One side of the cave has a stone floor, flat, and nearly featureless save for the large crystal near the middle, while the other half of the chamber is water. The large lake is deep, and likewise filled with gemstones. A long time ago a water dragon lived in this cave, however two clashes ago he'd been killed, and the cave has been vacant since. At the far end is a large waterfall, the source of which is a mile off, only breaking through the rock and into the lake due to the dragon's carving. Seishu once more picks up speed and charges straight for the falls. Less that a foot away his wings snap together above and in front of him and like a rocket he slices through the water and into the cavern behind it.
Wings snapping out he pulls to a stop, his wing tips brushing the walls. A quick look around lets him know there is no one already in there and at last his body begins relaxing He feels he can finally take a moment and at least look at the man in his gasp. He hesitates, unsure if he really wants to, but a moment later brushes his hesitation aside. After all, how can he treat him if he doesn't at least look at him, right? Looking down however steals his strength away and with a gasp he falls to his knees. Tears threaten to burst forth at how pale and still the normally lively guardian looks and for a long moment, all he can do is stare.
~*~*~*~*~
Rue sticks close to his saviors as they drop into the trees and begin their return. Every once in a while something will take a swipe at them, however the two minions who call this place home move continually forward without hesitation, without fear, and Rue feels safe with them. Normally his curious nature would have him asking a million questions at once, asking about that giant hot pink mushroom they just passed, or that furry leaf with tongues that tried to smack him, however his worry for the guardians holds his tongue completely still as they make good time back towards their goal.
~*~*~*~*~
Rasha slips into Seishu's room, flinching lightly at the negative energy coming off of the room's occupant. In the middle of his meal he overheard a few minions talking about sounds of crying coming from the room and left without a word. 'He must have overhead' he'd thought in a panic, and raced off to comfort the poor little nightmare minion. 'No doubt Cho is wondering where the heck I am, I left with only half a sandwich down, but this is more important' His panicked gaze softens as he spots Spike patting Inui on the head as best he can with those curved claws. The little red eyed minion stays on the bed, turned away from the door and curled into the fetal position. Rasha's sharp ears catch the light sobs coming from him every so often and with a sigh the prankster fights not to revisit that half a sandwich and moves towards the prone figure.
~*~*~*~*~
When at last he can move again Seishu carefully set Enasi on the cavern floor, a thick set of blankets and furs springing up beneath him so he's not laying on the cold ground. His breathing is slow and shallow and every so often pauses. No knowing what else to do Seishu begins treating him the only way he knows how. Moving in close he braces a hand near the wound before slowly working out the bolt. Unlike an arrow the head is smooth and the whole thing slips out quite easily. 'If he'd had his shield down, this bolt would have put a much bigger hole in him. . .' Pressing down on the wound he removes the sash from around his waist and Pulls one of the syringes out. Putting it right next to the wound he slips the needle sideways into the flesh and pushes the plunger.
Seishu's breathing evens out a bit as the goo does it's work. The blood stops flowing, but the wound remains open and ghastly. Grabbing another he begins whispering softly. Every last little positive emotion he can manage drains into Enasi, and as he continues his tears at last begin falling. His voice chokes up, his breaths become erratic, and he rubs his face furiously to try and clear the tears enough to work. When at last he's got nothing else nice to say, his words become far less kind. “You stupid fool, I was stronger than you, and we both know I'm the better fighter. I could have dodged it, I could have survived it better even if I failed! Of all the stupid things you've ever done, this is the dumbest you. . .!” Letting out a long sigh he begins trying to get a hold on himself and continues working.
~*~*~*~*~
Once in the caves the trio has to slow. Unused to even the dark of the world above, Rue is totally blind in the near pitch black in the catacombs. Eventually Tyar scoops him up and they double their speed. Rue does not object, though his wings do begin feeling a bit cramped. He ignores this however, keeping his eyes forward, wanting to see Lord Enasi as soon as possible. 'Kaila said since we didn't pass them on the way, that Mister Seishu probably took Lord Enasi directly here first' In what seems like either a very long time, or no time at all, Rue spots a brightness up ahead. It's more of a glow than anything else and when at last the come to it's source Rue can not help but look on in awe.
The cavern of crystals and light has hum stunned by it's beauty. After only seeing a little of this dark world he is amazed that such a place of beauty was only a few minutes away. Seishu had told him of this cavern in one of his tales and now that he's seeing it with his own eyes he once more resolves that he would indeed enjoy a tour of this realm. Once Seishu is in charge again of course. As they break through the waterfall the little fairy doesn't even notice that he's suddenly wet. His eyes are on Enasi, and his heart is in his throat. Leaping out of Tyar's grasp he drops down beside his guardian and tears begin to flow down his cheeks.
Seishu speaks softly, the expression on his own minion's faces almost as heart breaking as Rue's “I was attacked. Enasi had to play the hero. . .He'll live, but. . .But I need to sleep. I need to join him.” Rue manages to tear his eyes away, looking up at Seishu in confusion. Seishu's eyes are dry now, his voice hollow. “When. . .When we sleep together, in our world, when we got here, we share energy. I need to join him there. I need to share this with him. I have more than he does. . .In that pure, balanced form, I should be able to help him heal. . .” Rue nods slowly, understanding. Kaila kneels at his side.
“Master Seishu, we will guard you. Do what you need to.” His tone is gentle, perhaps the most gentle it's ever been, and his hand slips out to touch Seishu's for an instant before he stands an moves to the mouth of the opening. Tyar turns into a water bound creature and slips into the lake to keep watch form there. Rue climbs on to the furs with Enasi, curling up on one side of him, holding his hand tight and giving up as much positive energy he can spare before Seishu does his thing. Seishu manages a faint smile at the sight and with a gentle sigh he settles in and pulls out one of the syringes made for him.
Pressing a kiss to the smaller guardian’s temple he whispers, “I'll be right with you. . .” Then quickly he injects the serum and in moment is asleep, stretched out on the furs next to the red head, holding Enasi's hand in his own.
~*~*~*~*~
~The nothing is there, as always, but as soon as Seishu begins to feel anything he's on his feet. He's not sure if he wants to hold his counterpart, or beat him half to death, however he knows he wants to see him, and see him now. His panic, his need, brings a storm to the sky above, the lightning outlining the rocky landscape he begins seeing around him.
Is this place trying to help me, or hinder me!?
Growling he races on, hunting for his counterpart with very conflicting feelings.~
Even as the false leader begins talking a lot of the minions stare at Seishu, wondering what he's thinking. Praying they can trust their eyes and that he won't hurt them. Seishu on the other hand keeps his eyes on Gin, trying to find an opening to get in a few words, or even one that will allow them to back out unharmed. The venom spewing forth from the deranged minion makes Seishu sad more than anything, though he knows that if he wasn't on drugs 'I forgot to take my shot this morning. . .' he would likely be at least a bit angry. However as it stands all he can say as Gin prepares to charge him is, “Gin, the number of things wrong with everything you just said would take a millennia to cover and explain properly, and we just don't have the time right now.”
His body lowers ever so slightly, a faint flicker in his gaze as he recognizes Gin's feint. However he doesn't catch on quite fast enough to what he was stalling for. After only a handful of heartbeats Seishu finds himself on the ground and he looks over to see what Enasi spotted that he didn't. The sight that greets him threatens to stop him cold but even as the blood freezes in his veins he can still see Gin moving towards them. A string of insane laughter issues forth from the wannabe guardian however it falls of as Seishu climbs to his feet. His smile is gone. In a deathly whisper he hisses, “Gin, you will destroy both realms with foolish shit like this.” In the quiet of the room, everyone heard him clearly, and many showed flickers of concern over those words.
However an instant after they fall from his lips, at every corner of the realm, every minion and nightmare falls to the ground in fear save for those now escaping the castle as Seishu taps into the castle and lets out a pained howl. The sound inside the castle is deafening, and even at the edges of the realm it causes the denizens to cover their heads. Despite his terror, his anger, his panic, Seishu appears deadly calm as Gin joins the rest of those in the hall on the floor, watching wide eyed as he moves to Enasi's side and scoops him up tenderly. His hair, which had snapped out of it's braid and flared out like the hood on a cobra, settles about his shoulders as his wings open wide, ready for what comes next.
~*~*~*~*~
Kaila and Tyar have to fight their instinct to hit the deck at the sound of the howl and Rue joins them as they stop and wait for the sound to fade. His whole body is shaking and as he looks between the two minions his panic only grows. “Wh-what was that?!” He squeaks out when he manages to find his voice, however neither of them can manage a response. His voice gets higher. “What was it, what happened!? That sounded like Mister Seishu, but I've never heard him make that noise before, and you guys stopped, and the only thing that would have stopped you was something really really bad! You said we need to keep going, but I ca-” Kaila drifts over, causing the fairy to fall silent as he looks up at the taller male with wide, terrified eyes.
“We don't know what happened, and there is no use fretting about it without knowing. You're right. We should keep going.” Despite his own fear Kaila sounds completely calm an rational. Hearing his relaxed sounding tone Rue manages to get a hold of his scattered emotions and nod. Kaila offers a half smile before taking the lead towards the mountains.
~*~*~*~*~
Enasi's limp body held in his arms Seishu lifts off and darts out the same window the others had fled through. Knowing that time is of the essence, and that no one in that hall will be able to stand up for at least twenty minutes, Seishu diverges from the plan and goes straight to the caves. The light breeze causes his now loose hair to drift and slide along the figure in his arms, however Seishu can not let himself get distracted. His face is set in a mask of concentration and as he drops down in a dive towards the nearest entrance to the catacombs his eyes, while seeing everything, see nothing but that image of Enasi falling to his knees, a red bolt sticking out of his midsection.
~*~*~*~*~
Harper's head goes up. His ears are up to their fullest extent and for an instant he swears he can hear his guardian. A feeling of dread sweeps over him and he listens even harder, ignoring everything else. However as he listens eh realizes it wasn't something he heard that made him think of Enasi, but rather, something he felt. Something inside of him made him think about the Dream Guardian, and the feeling was not a good one. 'Lord Enasi. . .Please. . .Please be safe. . .' He knows his pleas are pathetic, and falling on deaf ears, but he can not help but make them. He can not help, but pray.
~*~*~*~*~
His mind is numb, his focus entirely on getting to a safe place, somewhere out of sight, somewhere where he can begin trying to save the man he loves. Tunnel after tunnel passes by, his energy so low that even the large nightmares he passes once in a while don't feel him coming, and some hardly even realize that anything passed. He knows exactly where he wants to go. It's the safest place he can think of, down here, underground, and he has to reach it. He has to get there. Seishu's stone meets scape as his wings more than once brush the tunnel walls, ceiling, and floor, sometimes so close to running into a pillar or stalactite it's a wonder he hasn't broken them clear in half at his speed and last minute course adjustments.
At last he bursts into a fairly large cave and slows. The walls are made of some kind of crystal and high above is a very small tunnel leading to the surface, laced with crystals. The light refracted down through the tiny tunnel strikes one large crystal in the middle of the room which spreads it out in all directions, turning the room into a chamber of crystals, and light. 'Enasi will like this. . .' His thoughts are slow to come, like a cow crawling through molasses in January, however they begin to turn again which is a good sign.
One side of the cave has a stone floor, flat, and nearly featureless save for the large crystal near the middle, while the other half of the chamber is water. The large lake is deep, and likewise filled with gemstones. A long time ago a water dragon lived in this cave, however two clashes ago he'd been killed, and the cave has been vacant since. At the far end is a large waterfall, the source of which is a mile off, only breaking through the rock and into the lake due to the dragon's carving. Seishu once more picks up speed and charges straight for the falls. Less that a foot away his wings snap together above and in front of him and like a rocket he slices through the water and into the cavern behind it.
Wings snapping out he pulls to a stop, his wing tips brushing the walls. A quick look around lets him know there is no one already in there and at last his body begins relaxing He feels he can finally take a moment and at least look at the man in his gasp. He hesitates, unsure if he really wants to, but a moment later brushes his hesitation aside. After all, how can he treat him if he doesn't at least look at him, right? Looking down however steals his strength away and with a gasp he falls to his knees. Tears threaten to burst forth at how pale and still the normally lively guardian looks and for a long moment, all he can do is stare.
~*~*~*~*~
Rue sticks close to his saviors as they drop into the trees and begin their return. Every once in a while something will take a swipe at them, however the two minions who call this place home move continually forward without hesitation, without fear, and Rue feels safe with them. Normally his curious nature would have him asking a million questions at once, asking about that giant hot pink mushroom they just passed, or that furry leaf with tongues that tried to smack him, however his worry for the guardians holds his tongue completely still as they make good time back towards their goal.
~*~*~*~*~
Rasha slips into Seishu's room, flinching lightly at the negative energy coming off of the room's occupant. In the middle of his meal he overheard a few minions talking about sounds of crying coming from the room and left without a word. 'He must have overhead' he'd thought in a panic, and raced off to comfort the poor little nightmare minion. 'No doubt Cho is wondering where the heck I am, I left with only half a sandwich down, but this is more important' His panicked gaze softens as he spots Spike patting Inui on the head as best he can with those curved claws. The little red eyed minion stays on the bed, turned away from the door and curled into the fetal position. Rasha's sharp ears catch the light sobs coming from him every so often and with a sigh the prankster fights not to revisit that half a sandwich and moves towards the prone figure.
~*~*~*~*~
When at last he can move again Seishu carefully set Enasi on the cavern floor, a thick set of blankets and furs springing up beneath him so he's not laying on the cold ground. His breathing is slow and shallow and every so often pauses. No knowing what else to do Seishu begins treating him the only way he knows how. Moving in close he braces a hand near the wound before slowly working out the bolt. Unlike an arrow the head is smooth and the whole thing slips out quite easily. 'If he'd had his shield down, this bolt would have put a much bigger hole in him. . .' Pressing down on the wound he removes the sash from around his waist and Pulls one of the syringes out. Putting it right next to the wound he slips the needle sideways into the flesh and pushes the plunger.
Seishu's breathing evens out a bit as the goo does it's work. The blood stops flowing, but the wound remains open and ghastly. Grabbing another he begins whispering softly. Every last little positive emotion he can manage drains into Enasi, and as he continues his tears at last begin falling. His voice chokes up, his breaths become erratic, and he rubs his face furiously to try and clear the tears enough to work. When at last he's got nothing else nice to say, his words become far less kind. “You stupid fool, I was stronger than you, and we both know I'm the better fighter. I could have dodged it, I could have survived it better even if I failed! Of all the stupid things you've ever done, this is the dumbest you. . .!” Letting out a long sigh he begins trying to get a hold on himself and continues working.
~*~*~*~*~
Once in the caves the trio has to slow. Unused to even the dark of the world above, Rue is totally blind in the near pitch black in the catacombs. Eventually Tyar scoops him up and they double their speed. Rue does not object, though his wings do begin feeling a bit cramped. He ignores this however, keeping his eyes forward, wanting to see Lord Enasi as soon as possible. 'Kaila said since we didn't pass them on the way, that Mister Seishu probably took Lord Enasi directly here first' In what seems like either a very long time, or no time at all, Rue spots a brightness up ahead. It's more of a glow than anything else and when at last the come to it's source Rue can not help but look on in awe.
The cavern of crystals and light has hum stunned by it's beauty. After only seeing a little of this dark world he is amazed that such a place of beauty was only a few minutes away. Seishu had told him of this cavern in one of his tales and now that he's seeing it with his own eyes he once more resolves that he would indeed enjoy a tour of this realm. Once Seishu is in charge again of course. As they break through the waterfall the little fairy doesn't even notice that he's suddenly wet. His eyes are on Enasi, and his heart is in his throat. Leaping out of Tyar's grasp he drops down beside his guardian and tears begin to flow down his cheeks.
Seishu speaks softly, the expression on his own minion's faces almost as heart breaking as Rue's “I was attacked. Enasi had to play the hero. . .He'll live, but. . .But I need to sleep. I need to join him.” Rue manages to tear his eyes away, looking up at Seishu in confusion. Seishu's eyes are dry now, his voice hollow. “When. . .When we sleep together, in our world, when we got here, we share energy. I need to join him there. I need to share this with him. I have more than he does. . .In that pure, balanced form, I should be able to help him heal. . .” Rue nods slowly, understanding. Kaila kneels at his side.
“Master Seishu, we will guard you. Do what you need to.” His tone is gentle, perhaps the most gentle it's ever been, and his hand slips out to touch Seishu's for an instant before he stands an moves to the mouth of the opening. Tyar turns into a water bound creature and slips into the lake to keep watch form there. Rue climbs on to the furs with Enasi, curling up on one side of him, holding his hand tight and giving up as much positive energy he can spare before Seishu does his thing. Seishu manages a faint smile at the sight and with a gentle sigh he settles in and pulls out one of the syringes made for him.
Pressing a kiss to the smaller guardian’s temple he whispers, “I'll be right with you. . .” Then quickly he injects the serum and in moment is asleep, stretched out on the furs next to the red head, holding Enasi's hand in his own.
~*~*~*~*~
~The nothing is there, as always, but as soon as Seishu begins to feel anything he's on his feet. He's not sure if he wants to hold his counterpart, or beat him half to death, however he knows he wants to see him, and see him now. His panic, his need, brings a storm to the sky above, the lightning outlining the rocky landscape he begins seeing around him.
Is this place trying to help me, or hinder me!?
Growling he races on, hunting for his counterpart with very conflicting feelings.~
Kiel watches as his ward becomes lost in thought, looking with eyes that are not seeing. He dies his best not to stare, only catching the near blank expression through glances, however the look is unmistakable. 'Most of the time I see this look, they are recalling something unpleasant. I get lost in thought too, however with street kids it's normally not a good idea. . .But in this case . . .' The Father really has no idea what to make of this boy. One minute he's like every other lost lamb he's ever helped, showing all the signs and signals, being familiar even if they are disturbing. And others, like this moment, he looks like a completely different beast.
Watching the look in the youth's eyes as they move around the room. It's clear he is not looking at the fish any more. The waitress comes back and Kiel smiles warmly, giving her his order. Once the boy's order is in she leaves, giving them both a sideways glance before moving on to her next table. Kiel's gaze then settles on Zach. Without the menu there is no need to pretend not to look at him, since he is here with the youth. He smiles gently at the question posed. “It was an accident really. I normally thumb through the paper in the morning, see if there's anything I local I should check out, like fires in warehouses that I know my kids sleep in and such, when I found out about this place opening!”
He chuckles. “Since this is their opening week, admission is half price, and more affordable for a poor church man like me.” His smile widens and he glances off to the side where a colorful poster shows the time of their daily shows. 'We could catch one of those before we go. . .' Pointing at the poster he says, “Looks like the dolphin show is soon, and after that a second smaller show but with harder tricks.” He tilts his head to the side cutely. “We can catch one of those if you like. The first one would mean we'd need to eat fast, but we could make it, but if you'd rather we can spend some more time with the fish now and hit up the second show.” His smile stays in place and his suspicions fade back like always as he looks at his wounded charge.
Watching the look in the youth's eyes as they move around the room. It's clear he is not looking at the fish any more. The waitress comes back and Kiel smiles warmly, giving her his order. Once the boy's order is in she leaves, giving them both a sideways glance before moving on to her next table. Kiel's gaze then settles on Zach. Without the menu there is no need to pretend not to look at him, since he is here with the youth. He smiles gently at the question posed. “It was an accident really. I normally thumb through the paper in the morning, see if there's anything I local I should check out, like fires in warehouses that I know my kids sleep in and such, when I found out about this place opening!”
He chuckles. “Since this is their opening week, admission is half price, and more affordable for a poor church man like me.” His smile widens and he glances off to the side where a colorful poster shows the time of their daily shows. 'We could catch one of those before we go. . .' Pointing at the poster he says, “Looks like the dolphin show is soon, and after that a second smaller show but with harder tricks.” He tilts his head to the side cutely. “We can catch one of those if you like. The first one would mean we'd need to eat fast, but we could make it, but if you'd rather we can spend some more time with the fish now and hit up the second show.” His smile stays in place and his suspicions fade back like always as he looks at his wounded charge.
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