PopeAlessandros

The Truth Behind The Blaze ~ PopeAlessandros x tenebrae16

Well, we already have a bit of stress happening "tomorrow" but I suppose we could move that to today if you like, the happening at least forcing a talk which would inevitably elevate into a row given their personal views on things. Right now the only way I can see upping the stress is to simply accelerate the plans we already have. . . .

But anyways, I am a patient person, and feel free to take the time you need, I'm not gonna pressure you. Like I may have told you before I have a partner who replies every few months and I'm fine with that so it's not like I am going to demand replies out of you :P

Oh! Right, you wanted to hear about my trip to the Con. Well, it was fun. Unfortunately I had to take a bus this year, never the best of time, but I managed to get the back seat which is always great. We actually stayed in the hotel the whole time so yays for not having to get up waaaay early and drive tot he con! Whoo! We were also in the small tower(6 floors and we were on the 4th) instead of the tall tower(30 floors and we normally end up at least 14 floors up) so it was a LOT less stressful heading back to the room for little breaks and stuff.

I was tired most of the time because the hot water making machine made even plain water taste like coffee so i couldn't make my tea, so, caffeine deprived, but I had a lot of fun none the less. I got to see a lot of good cosplays this year including some from my fave Anime, Homestuck, some awesome V-game cos plays, Star Trek, and of course the MLP furries are always entertaining. OH During the wait to get our con badges I was in line with someone who loves Fenris(A character from Dragon Age II) as much as I do and we spent most of the time squealing about various things :P

I spent a lot of time volunteering this year, or at least as much as I could. I only like working in the video room because it's nice and quite and I know how to do the work, however they shifted things around so a volunteer is only needed overnight, so, yeah, I didn't get much sleep :P But, i love the work, and I love doing my part to make sure the Con runs smoothly, and it makes me happy. I worked so hard that even though I'm 2 states over I get to be a part of the official staff next year, whooooo!!!! It's gonna be awesome. I get to help pick out what Anime is going to be playing next year *Smile*

Hmmmm. . . .Oh, I got some good stuff from the art room and the dealers room. *Hides* I spent $100 at one artist's booth buying Yaoi *Giggles* Anyways, I got some good posters, three new wall scrolls. . .Some presents for friends and family including a plush of the black rabbite from XXXholic for my lil' sis and a Sesshomaru keychain for my lil' bro, goggles and Star Trek com badge and a couple posters for an online friend, a Harley Quinn art card for another OL friend, tabi for my roomie, and posters for my ex-roomie. Oh! And I got *Shame on me* 5 complete collections of Anime plus the Anime movie Lily C.A.T.(<---Nostalgia). I normally limit myself to one, maaaaybe 2, but this year I just spotted soooo many I love and wanted for a long time. . . .So that ate most of my con fund :P Oh, and 3 manga I needed to continue my collections.

Hnnnn. . . Working in video I found some new Anime I wanna watch, and I won a whole anime series from a game called "Don't Judge an Anime by it's Cover" where they would show you the opening or ending of an Anime and you were suppose to come up with the funniest plot you can think of "guessing" what the Anime is about. Needless to say my guess took the shape of a merman having a male sex slave :P(Which apparently wasn't too far off so yays for funny being accurate!) I went to the Yaoi/Yuri panel again this year, this time actually remembering to bring the right suitcase, which I fill with Yaoi every year from people to look at and read while the panel is going on. (Don't worry, the people who run it don't mind) And it was fun, thought he people running it are a bit sad really. Not like the ones who used to run the Yaoi Oh Boy! panel from years ago. . . . .I miss them. . . .

OH! Anime Improv was absolutely hilarious this year! I nearly died laughing. The one guy who normally upstages everyone got upstaged a bit by the guy who voices Nappa in DBZ Apridged(Check YouTube if you don't know what that is, TeamFourStar is the channel name) in a Deadpool cosplay. it was great. Evan(The guy in charge) even got dragged into more skits than normal, and there was soooooo much pretend Yaoi up there is was amazing. . . . .

. . . .I could babble on and on like this forever, but I'm not gonna since that would get quite boring I'm sure, so, yeah, I hope you enjoy my inane babble :P

The Truth Behind The Blaze ~ PopeAlessandros x tenebrae16

Hmmm. . . .

I can honestly say I'm a little confused here. We're only 35 posts in, which for me is still the "Getting to know you characters" set of posts. I. . . . .Am quite sure we have plans for more action and awesome coming not too far in the future and honestly it sounds almost like you forgot that. . . .We have the kid in the warzone my guy rescues, and not long after that we have the event which causes the father to leave and the angel to basically blacklisted. I mean, I came up with a strangely interesting idea for the background story which I will talk about later, but for the most part. . . . .I am honestly confused as to what exactly you want.

I love a good action sequence, and drama and stress are fun, but our characters have barely been around one another for 3 days, and besides some posturing they've barely interacted. I personally see the pacing as quite good. I do believe that the next planned event is a day away and that's the kid in need of rescue, which I figured would give our guys some common ground to actually start talking on. Maybe build up some tension seeing as the angel still blindly believes in the war and I'm sure the demon will think him a fool and tell him so, or something along those lines :P

*Looks up* My guy has a clear and direct aim, and that's to find out more about this demon in God's house, so I'm not sure what you mean by aimless. Also feel free to get to know your guy better. It's always a good thing to do.

I have this vague grandiose idea that maybe God and Satan at one point wanted peace and the angels and demons who spent their entire lives hating one another could not abide that and somehow managed to either distract or seal away their respective leaders so they could continue fighting, leaving and arch demon and angel in their places to keep that holy/unholy link in place so no one knows the orders are not coming from their true leaders, and our guys, amidst their travels as kinda "outlaws" would stumble across something that would perhaps lead them to finding this out or something. . . .But that's an idea for way, waaaaaay in the future, but it's an idea. . . .

As for the whole reboot idea, honestly I don't see the point. I like what we have so far and if you wanna add things, then let's add them to the future. We've BARELY begin to scratch the surface of this RP, and honestly I am still a little confused as to just what never ending action plots that you're used to that makes 35 posts in of tension and building seem unsatisfactory. I have several RPs that don't really see any real "action" til about 100 posts in, others that see action right off the bat. it all depends on the RP, but for the most part, with RPs that require a bit of build up, 35 is barely a drop in the bucket of an RP.

Honestly I understood everything you said up there, and my confusion comes from more you desire to rush things more than anything else, and honestly the feeling that you haven't liked the RP at all. . . .It's just a feeling, not saying it's true, but you give the impression of one who's gotten no enjoyment out of an RP. . . . .Also sorry this took so long. I was getting caught up on all 14 of my other RPs and dealing with RL, no reflection on you :P

We'll take the low road.

I so sorry for vanishing without saying anything! I got occupied by prepping to leave for a con, then going to the con, then coming home and going into a post con coma. I honestly meant to get a post done before I left and warn you, but I KEPT meaning to do it up til the time I had to leave, and when I got back I felt so bad and drained that I went into a rut, and I sorry. . . . .

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The hug was enough to at least begin reassuring the demon that his dear Little Mouse had not been stolen from him. After all, he was the only one who got hug. Not even Dani has gotten a hug so far. He knows that once Dani stops spooking the poor dear he will likely get hugs too, but for now, they are something reserved for the youngest son only, and he takes comfort in that fact. When at last Aoba moves past him, occupying himself with Dani and the groceries, Kuro lets out a soft hiss. His eyes never left the kneeling demon and at the hiss he seems to fold even further into himself. His eyes remain high though. He does not challenge the spawn of Satan, however he refuses to flee. . . .Just yet. Kuro wants words with him, so he will stay and have words, even if the conversation is very one sided.

Grabbing Kyouku by his scruff, the demon letting out a little yelp at the motion, Kuro moves them a little ways away from the road so he doesn't have to worry as much about being overheard. Kyou stumbles to his feet just long enough to half stumble half hobble along with the powerful demon before once more falling back to his knees so he is in a subservient position. His eyes snap shut and he bows his head as Kuro roughly yanks back his hood, revealing his rather droopy looking headwings. 'Looks to be really young hear. Just out of training. What the hell does a newbie think he will gain by pissing off the boss' sons?!' Once he's satisfied he pulls the hood back forward just as roughly and lets out an angry huff.

For his part Kyouku remains carefully submissive, the training of his “childhood” fresh in his mind, reminding him constantly that demons more powerful than yourself can crush you like a bug and will if you're not very careful. However after the inspection his eyes once more go up to lock on Kuro's chin, letting the youngest son know that he's not backing off, even if this will earn him some rebuke. Kuro watches him for a full minute before at last asking the most pressing question on his mind. His voice is low and menacing, but true to his word it carries no threat of violence in it. “What do you want with him?”

The question is not unexpected, but despite the lack of promised pain in Kuro's voice he still finds his throat sticking in fear and has to swallow a few times before he can answer. “My lord, I s-simply wish t-to ask him questions. He's a rarity, and I l-like learning th-things others d-don't know.” His voice warbles but he manages to get his words out without stalling. His eyes flicker up, letting Kuro see the truth of what he's saying, before dropping back to the standing one's chin.

For the most part Kuro is a bit surprised, though a part of him quickly places the kind of demon on his knees before him. He's heard of demons like this, ones that are obsessed with learning, even on to their own demise. However, the idea that one is here, in front of him, and for all intents and purposes, being kindly and polite, has him a little baffled. This feeling does not show, his eyes remaining fierce and firm, but he takes a moment to process his thoughts before asking another question. “And what do you intend to do with this information?”

Another expected question Kyou manages to get his reply out a little quicker. “This is for my own benefit and enjoyment,” He swallows hard as the word “enjoyment” pulls a growl out of the demon above him, but he presses on. “and I promise you that I in no way intend to ever share what I learn from the fallen one.” once more he shows his truthfulness.

Kuro listens quietly, accepting the truths as they come, knowing that no low level demon like this could pull a lie in front of him. Even as the youngest, he is the son of the father of all lies. No untruth gets past a child of Satan. Still reeling a bit from all this happening at once however Kuro decides to give himself a little time. Reaching down he grasps the front of the male's shirt and hauls him up to eye level, forcing Kyou to to his tippy toes as he's forced to look straight into those fierce eyes glaring at him.

For a long moment he fears he's about to be slaughtered but after several heartbeats Kuro finally say, “Leave. Approach me first next time, and I will render my judgment then.” His voice grows harsher as he adds on, “And breath a word about him to anyone and I will know, and I will make you into a pretty little present for Aoba that you won't survive.” Kyouku swallows hard, nodding frantically before letting out another yelp as hes tossed several feet back, landing hard on his rump. He whines softly but recovers quickly, looking fearfully at Kuro and silently counting his blessings. He survived and he'll have a chance to perhaps be given access to the rarest of rares for more questions. Pressing his luck a little he looks towards Aoba and Dani, hoping to at least meet the fallen's eye one last time before he flees off to lick his wounds.

Kuro had pulled him far enough away from the other two that Aoba with his average hearing would be unable to overhear the conversation. Dani however heard it all and is a mix of furious and disbelieving. He voices this in the form of muttering to himself in a low hiss but nothing telligible enough for the angel to understand.

Once Kyou is gone far enough for Kuro to feel safe the dark haired male makes his way back to the other two, his brows knit in deep contemplation. Before Dani can lay into him he gives his older brother a look, warning him against it. Dani barely manages to bite his tongue as Kuro gathers up the rest of the bags before looking to Aoba. He simply stares for a long moment, an unreadable expression on his face. So many thoughts, so much uncertainly, so many things that still need answers, and absolutely no will to actually seek the answers from those innocent lips, that bright, gentle face too sweet to bother with such dark contemplations right now. So, instead, he lets out a long sigh and offers the angel a smile and motions towards the nearby alley that would serve as a good takeoff point.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The mood around the table goes from a little nervous and light to rather tense in the matter of moments as the prince's offhanded comment seems to rouse a bit of irritation in the lord and lady of the palace. Akito feels a little twinge at the way the man before him put it, but at the same time he knows the prince's stance on the war and all things related to it so he's not shocked to hear him say such things. 'Still, they are the only people who are coming for me and you see fit to just cast them off as faceless killers in a bare five seconds. You were so sweet until a moment ago, why. . . .?' He lets out a soft sigh, focusing on Hoko the best he can, once more unable to taste his meal even as he continues consuming the sweet, soft meat.

The conversation quickly turns once more towards the soldier and with a start he does his best to answer the emperor's and empress' questions. The things they ask are fairly vague and related to the wedding itself so nothing of real consequence is revealed in the exchange and before long the prince bores of the prattle and excuses himself. Aki feels a bit abandoned at the sudden departure however it is clear form the young man's tone and quick exit that he is nos invited. 'Where did that kind youth go from this afternoon?' he muses, still rather upset at the sudden change but resigned tot he fact that he, as a soldier, is unwelcome around the prince when it does not suit him.

Aki has nothing to say to the pregnant woman's assessment of her step son and rather than offering up his own thoughts focuses on finishing his meal. The two rulers talk amongst themselves for a time, recalling a few times from the prince's younger years where he'd gotten into mischief or had a row with his father over various things. Akito listens intently despite keeping his eyes firmly on his food, and makes several notes on the prince's perceived character based on the parent's assessments and observations. He knows better than to make judgments without knowing the full truths, or at least both sides of a situation, however with the prince's current mood he knows there is no way he will be getting any civil conversation out of him any time soon.

'I don't know what suddenly turned him, but I have the feeling it was my fault' That depressing thought takes root in his mind as Hoko slips back beneath his obi to get a head start on his evening nap before his nightly prowl. As soon as he's finishes the rulers depart with a smile and wave, summoning a servant to show Akito around should he need someone to wait on him. The soldier looks nervously at the servant, a comely middle aged woman who’s smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. After several long silent moments he murmurs softly, “Um, could you point me towards where I may rest?” He's not quite got the confidence to call it “my room” so that's the best he can do.

The woman bows and begins leading the way. He'd much prefer if sh simply pointed at the right hallway but does not complain, his shyness returning in full force now that he does not have the young prince to back him up. 'As I recall, he's only a few doors down, so if anything. . . .' That thought cuts off half way as he realizes that no matter what, he will not be visiting the young man's room in the night. He can't even begin to let himself consider such a thing, even if it's for something as simply as he's unable to sleep and would like someone to talk to.

Instead he resigns himself to sleepless nights on a comfy bed never meant for people like him, in a place where his kind had not been housed in many long decades. True, the king had been a soldier like him, but unlike the panicked youth - now bowing to the servant as she hurries off to continues with other duties after showing him to his room – the king had quickly taken his place and had the poise and confidence that made the transition almost flawless, as if he'd never been a soldier.

With a soft sigh Akito closes the doors to the room silently before impulsively checking it over for any possible threats. In the back of his mind he knows he's being ridiculous, but that does not stop him from following through til ever corner is searched thoroughly. Once that is doe he allows himself to relax slightly, and glance at the bed. No, he's not ready yet. He can still feel his energy far to high to even consider laying down. With slow precision he removes his outer clothing, setting it carefully on the end of his bed so it does not wrinkle, then follows with his inner clothing. Hoko, who had plopped to the floor when the obi was removed, begins examining the room thoroughly and Aki can't help but smile as the critter mimics his own actions not minutes earlier.

Once he's down to his unders, his tabi and sandals settling just under the edge of his bed, the soldier falls into some basic warm-up poses, his sheathed sword arcing gracefully through the air as he loosens up before bed. As soon as his inspection is over Hoko climbs up a bed post and crawls on to the bed, making sure it's good and comfortable for his owner by rolling over and over the covers, getting his soft little hairs all over the place. Akito is too focused on what he's doing to notice until at least he gets through his exercise and looks over at the now still critter.

“Hokooooo!” he whines, looking at all the fur, a fear setting up in his stomach that the servants will grow tired of having to defur his bedding whenever it gets changed. However after a moment he realizes that the whole room will be eventually quite furry due to the fact that an animal now lives in it and allows himself to relax ever so slightly. “I'll just have to try and do my own part in the cleaning. He's mine after all. . .” At the sound of his name Hoko had sat up quite cutely and now is at the edge of the bed, demanding attention. With another sigh Aki takes a seat beside the rodent, obliging him by petting him just the way he likes it for several minutes.

Finally he feels relaxed enough to at least try sleeping and with a stern face he picks up his partner and looks him in the eye. Hoko looks back at the man intently, paying close attention. “Now listen up Hoko. We're still sorta guests here, so no exploring too far, stay inside, and stay out of sight. I don't need you scaring the servants or getting yourself chased if they think you some sort of pest, got it?” The rodent feline chitters in response and Akito huffs softly before setting him on the ground and blowing out the single lamp lit on his bedside table. In the darkness the moon's glow from through the large windows running along one wall of his room makes to room look almost like it's underwater and Aki can't help but smile at the image. Quickly slipping between the covers he tosses and turns for almost and hour before giving up and dragging half the covers on to the floor along with a pillow. On the hard surface he's able to get comfortable rather quickly and in no time, he falls into an uneasy sleep.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

In upset confusion Inui bites his lip, as he's always done, however this time he jumps slightly in pain as one of his fangs pierces the soft flesh of his lip. He lets out a soft whine, the pain not helping his situation. Rue looks around to him quickly and gives him a sympathetic head shake. “Silly Inui.” he murmurs, very gently pulling Inui to the door. The Nightmare Minion pouts slightly at being call silly but doesn't let the fairy see as he turns back around to look at the dark haired youth. In a soft voice Rue says, “You should go to the infirmary and see if there's anything they can give you for your panic and to treat that. It's bleeding quite a, ew!”

Inui freezes mid movement, his tongue having darted out to lap up the blood dripping from his lip. His tongue quickly darts back in in shame but Rue is already apologizing. “Sorry, sorry, I'm sure it's normal. I've heard some humans do that too.” The understanding Dream Minion smiles brightly at Inui and makes a shooing motion. Inui hesitates, not wanting to go alone. Sensing this Rue gives him a pained look. “Sorry, but I promised Mister Seishu I would stay with Lord Enasi. You need to go get treated though, I'm sure you can handle five minute on your own.” Rue smiles confidently, squeezing the red eyed one's hands encouragingly.

Finally, with a nod, Inui opens the door quietly and heads out to the infirmary. As a delivery boy he has a rough understanding of where it is even though he's never been there before. His still clawed hands fidget as he walks, his worries growing with every step. Not only the uneasy feeling from before, but now the fact that he is traveling, openly, as a Nightmare Minion, through the halls of the Dream Realm Palace. It's quite unnerving. 'No one really liked me before, but at least then they didn't hate me because they thought I was one of them, but now, I'm clearly not. Not only am I not, but I look ready for a fight and I can't seem to shake the feeling that something is. . . .Wrong. . . .'

Letting out a sift sigh he makes it to the infirmary without incident. Fuan is just finishing her usual checks when she feels him arrive, panicking for a moment thinking that somehow, incredibly, that foul creature has managed to return and is here to lay waste to her and the rest. However she manages to keep her composure as she turns around and lets out a sigh as she spots only the little whelp. He face is as sweet as ever as she walks over, smiling at him welcomingly. Her face does not betray the disgust she holds for the youth before her. Just the thought that such foulness has been tainting her beautiful realm for so many years is enough to turn her stomach.

“How may I help you young man? Oh, you have a little cut there!” She cringes as he licks his lip but covers it up with a sympathetic look. Quickly she fetches what she needs to treat the wound. A large part of her is tempted to pretend she forgot he's not a dream and inject him with some positive energy but thinks better of it, not wanting to draw attention to herself just yet. 'When it's all done, I will take all the credit. I am not ashamed of what I have done, I just don't want it all ruined by the brainwashing they've all undergone. Besides, I can almost forgive this one here. He can not help what he was born to, unlike that Rue. . .' Out of all those who surrounded Seishu and looked after him, Rue is the one she loathes most, almost more than Seishu himself. Not that she'd ever admit it, even after it's all over. Dream denizens are forgiving after all. . .

~*~*~*~*~

At last he arrives in the Turtle Bus's clearing, the large creature opening one giant eye, blinking it slowly as he stares down at the panting giant rodent. Harper is only partially out of breath, the rest of his labored breathing coming from the slowly rising panic deep inside him. He knows he has to remain calm, but even knowing that does not stop the feelings from bubbling in the pit of his stomach. Looking up into that great eye he takes a moment to catch his breath before offering a half bow and addressing the giant figure. “Pardon the intrusion on your much deserved rest sir, however I am in a bit of a hurry.” The large creature simply blinks in response, prompting Harper to continue. “There's been a little bit of a mishap, and I'm not sure if there is anything you can do, however I. . .”

His voice trails off as the dream lifts his head, sniffing the air softly with his giant nostrils. After a moment it looks back at the white furred beast and shakes it's head slowly. “He's not here any more.” Harper's blood runs cold.

“Are. . .Are you sure?” His throat closes up as he tries to speak, his low burning panic flaring up suddenly. TB nods in his normal slow fashion and Harper reaches up, clasping his head in his paws. “This, this can't. . .” TB lets out a puff of air, knocking the much smaller furball on to his backside, making his shout and look up. The shelled beast simply blinks one last time before settling it's head back down and going promptly to sleep. Harper stares for a moment before smiling gently. 'He's right, freaking out won't do anyone any good. . .' Standing slowly he rotates his head and ears this way and that until he pinpoints Crios and with a slight bow to the TB he takes off. They need to regroup and discuss the situation.

~*~*~*~*~

Slowing in the forest for just a moment to leave a message for Starla to head back to the palace Harper skids to a halt just outside of town, not wanting to spook anyone by racing through like a madman. Using his ears an nose he quickly locates the doctor, looking between to close set buildings that have a long series of bars staggered between the spaces for certain dreams to swing and climb on. With a meaningful look he motions towards the edge of town and without a word Crios follows. The foxy doctor can tell that something is horribly wrong even as Harper offers smiles and nods to various denizens. 'I know that look. He's in a blind panic, putting a face on for the crowd. I swear, if Seishu is dead somewhere I'm going to revive him just so I can kill him with my bare hands for dying after all my hard work!'

As soon as they are out of earshot of the townsfolk Crios tries to ask what's wrong but Harper shakes his head and breaks into a run towards the palace. Still a bit tired Crios lets out a groan but does not hesitate to follow as quickly as he can.

Having gotten the message through the leaves Starla has already made her way back to the palace and located her brother. The two of them are waiting in the entrance hall as the two man beast hybrids arrive, matching looks of concern on their faces. Harper motions them over to a smaller room off the main hall before he speaks up. Looking around at them all very seriously he takes a deep steadying breath before murmuring, “Seishu isn't here any more. TB has confirmed it.” No one questions this statement. Crios falls on to a convenient sofa in shock, trying to process the idea of Seishu somehow being gone from this realm. Meanwhile the siblings look to one another in shock before Finn covers his eyes with his hand and Starla lets out a frustrated, panicked huff.

Who Will Break? ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

The harsh, somewhat angry words wash right over the young priest as he has heard them many time before, even from his fellow clergymen. He does not resent the youth for thinking such things about him, even if has has proven a few times that he's a slightly different flavor of priest. 'He's upset about something, and I think it goes beyond this little thing here. If only he would talk to me, let me in a little. . .' He remains still and calm as Zach steps away, his hand dropping slowly to his side as to not look like he's disappointed. The words keep coming harsh, venomous, and backed by such deep rooted pain that Kiel once more feels the urge to gather the youth up in his arms and soothe all the pain away, if that were a possibility.

His fingers twitch slightly, the only sign of his desires, but the movement is small and inconsequential. The pain, the hurt, the damage, it all races through the man and he feels more and more that there must be something he can do for the boy. He lets out a soft sigh, his eyes remaining kind and understanding through it all, a faint smile jumping to his lips at the faint slip about “home”. 'I do not mind my little ones thinking of my place as home while they stay there, but I don't think that this would be the best time to mention it' His smile widens ever so slightly and he nods, not rebuking the young man for his thoughts, nor trying to disprove them, knowing that many times when you fight an opinion directly you end up casing the person to latch on to their beliefs, no matter how misguided, even more strongly.

“Yes, let us head back.” He motions for Zach to follow as he turns and begins heading slowly towards the front door. He keeps an even pace, keeping an eye on the boy least he decide to run off after his upset. Kiel's hands slip behind his back and he grasps his elbows in opposite hands. The walk to the bus stop is spent in silence and when at last the rumbling beast arrives Kiel motions Zach on first. He knows it's a little paranoid but he would rather not give the young man an easy opening for escape.

When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

Viltez flushes, perhaps a little too much so, at the man's kind words. 'He really is such a kind person. Brushing aside my foolishness as if it is something normal, something to be expected. . .' He sighs, watching his tail play about the mans neck and shoulders like a happy snake or something. He tries to imagine how his “friends” from town to react to such a thing and shudders slightly, biting his lip. However looking back to Aryx brings back his warm smile and he gives the man a sharp nod. He feels more relaxed now and a touch of his playfulness comes back. Just as he's about to suggest they head home for dinner, perhaps making a race out of it, Aryx goes on to say a few things that make him uneasy, and a little sad.

“But, I don't want to do such things. The very idea of attacking anyone, even if they attacked me first. . .” He shakes his head, eyes dropping to the ground as his hands come up to clasp the sides of his head. His tail wilts slightly, laying dead across Aryx's shoulder like a limp rag. After a few deep breaths he looks up at the man with a strained smile. “I'm sorry Mister Aryx, I just, I don't see myself as a fighter, let alone better than everyone else. I'm a cross breed that no one wanted, and despite my skill with my hands I'm little more than a hired hand. I. . . I have no standing, anywhere. No, I'm not better. . .”

Shaking his head once again his smile becomes a little more genuine and motions off towards the general direction of his home. “Shall we go? It's getting late and I still need to grab a few things for dinner since today's hunt did not quite turn out.” He smiles, no blame on his face when it comes to the failed hunt. His tail curls carefully away from the halfbreed's guest and takes it's place once more around his waist. He knows it's a little early to put it away seeing as no one's around, but with the way it's been coming out so quickly during this trip he'd rather not take any chances.

We'll take the low road.

Still rather happy over things Amano listens intently to Illiendi, his eyes trained on the demon as he speaks of what is to be found in the place they are heading for, a light smile on his lips. As he goes on his face falls slightly, imagining what things must be there to have the fallen angel speak so darkly and what things could be so life changing that Illiendi actually asks him if he really wants to know. He's not an uncaring youth however the prospect of those who will accompanying them being in mortal danger doesn't really phase him. Any men they take will know full well the possible consequences of their decision and Amano feels that that is enough for him. However, looking into the eyes of the man across from him the boy is forced to swallow hard and drop his gaze so he can think.

'It must be quite the journey. It's easy to see that by the look in his eyes, the way he speaks about it intense. . .' He looks back at the demon his gaze uncertain for an instant then at last he blinks slowly and gives a sharp nod. In a soft voice he says, “I walked into this with my eye open, knowing what I was getting into, at least as far as a hu-,” he checks himself, “someone like me can imagine. I made my deal knowing this, even if my imagination falls woefully short of the reality that will one day face me, and I choose to continue living that way, with my eyes wide open.” He gives the demon a wry smile before taking a bite of his meal. “Tell me what you can Illiendi, I will not shy away from my decision, no matter the horrors you paint for me.”

A Bloody Murder

Rei can not halt another quick glance at himself as he once more hears that, despite his - albeit minor – effort, he apparently still appears girlish in the young woman's eyes. 'I can not see it, and for the life of me I can not understand feeling jealous of my looks. . . .Though I suppose I am not the best judge of such things. Beauty and attractiveness in the physical sense. . .Or any sense really, is not something I understand all that well. Never had use of it. . . .' Looking back up he watches the two nobles finish their word exchange before beginning their ride and with a soft sigh he motions Silver into action. She follows along almost reluctantly, her only drive to say near the prince whom she hopes will give her a little attention.

The ride is a quiet one. Rei's head rotates this way and that like that of a raptor on the hunt, scaring most people away when they spot his piercing stare. Those who stay are either too busy to flee or are to enthralled with the ones ahead of him to be particularly bothered by his presence. He does note that this time through town more people stop to stare and the hum of the gossip is more geared towards the hopeful than the disapproving. He swears he hears many of them call the girl by name and follow it with the word “cleansing”. He doesn't really get it, and none of it is threatening so he brushes it off with a shrug.

One ear remains on the prince and princess at all times, their conversation stuff that, for the most part, either goes over his head, or simply of no consequence to the assassin turned bodyguard. However, after a while, the talk turned tot he late brother and he can not help but pay a little bit more attention. His eyes actually stop on the two on occasion and a deep seated confusion sets up inside that small body. He gets the basic idea of what this meeting and time together with the woman is all about, as it is something he's had a bit of experience with over the years. Meetings like this are a good opportunities for an assassin since the two involved are so absent inside their own heads that taking them out is a snap.

However one thing he'd always noticed was a tit for tat exchange involving selling ones self and likewise doing one's best to buy what the other was selling. Politeness, showing off one's virtues, and pouring compliments on the other. He's not quite sure what all of that achieves however it was always the same and always just as false as what he sees before him. 'With this however, I do not see any of the fawning on her part. At least, not directed at the prince. It is as if he is not here, like she is seeing some shadow and every time she sees who she is looking at she falls from a daydream into a disappointing reality. I do not think that this meeting is like the others. . .But I may be wrong. I should ask later'

Alessandro himself looked not at all like one trying to sell himself and Rei can feel his own heckles come up at the tenseness of his ward. He does not act on his transferred irritation though and instead simply holds a little tighter to his dagger, and gesture that has brought him comfort over the years. The ride is blissfully short and though it stuck to a highly populated area Rei manages to come out fairly calm at the end of it all.

He hops of his mount before the other two, his gaze sweeping the yard quickly before shucking off his riding clothes and handing them off to a servant, sliding up to a spot behind the prince that blocks him mostly from the young lady's view. He's not sure if he needs to keep tot he shadows once again now that they are back but he's decided not to take any chances. He stalks along behind the two of them as they make their way back up to the palace and once they part ways Rei moves in closer. Taking up the spot he's become accustom to when escorting the price around the palace grounds he looks up at the man after the goodbye.

As their eyes meet Rei's narrow and he wonders vaguely at all the strain that the youth seems to be under. 'Nothing about his life is something I have encountered directly before. Everything is a little off. I know he is not exactly unique in his circumstance, however the way this is playing out is different from all I have seen before, and he. . . .' Rei does not know what to make of the man, looking back at him with his near blank curious stare. He falls into line as the prince moves off towards the tower, holding his tongue and following at a “respectful” distance until at last they enter the stone edifice.

He closes the door quietly behind them and makes to follow the prince all the way up. However the prince has other plans and instead plops down right on the stairs, his true self once more shining through true and clear. Rei pauses a couple steps down, suddenly awash in a torrent of confusion. He has to agree, the woman is not one any should seek to spend their life with, but killing oneself? He's not the insufferable one here and removing himself would rob the world of an interesting person. His brows furrow, his eyes narrowing in confusion. Moving so he is one step down from the prince he crouches panther like before the distraught young man and stares at his bowed head.

“I do not think removing yourself from the world is the answer Alessandro. Besides robbing me of the prize agreed upon between us I think that removing an unquestionably good person from the world does no one any favors, especially the one who dies.” He shakes his head slowly, his tone and eyes completely serious as he continues, his head tilting to the right. “The better solution in this instance would be to remove the bad element from the problem. In this case the woman who is causing grief to not only yourself but I do believe your younger sibling, thus also removing the guaranteed damage she would inflict on this land and the people in it along with the ruling bodies.” He blinks slowly, his head tilting to the other side. Then, as if offering to go buy a bolt of cloth he states, “I could always kill her for you.”