QueenOfWands

Shrouds of Hatred | | Tundra ♦ QueenofWands

恋 清水

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲ In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger. ☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Pulling an orange from her backpack, Ren peeled the outer skin, and laxly through it off to the side as she walked. It was almost like leaving a little fruity trail behind her as she traveled. She was practically to the village, and traveling all day left her starving. But she had gone longer than a day before, when fasting with Tanaka. She hummed gently to herself, the rooftops of the village seen in the distance. She still had that strange demon in her mind. He was relatively close to the village of Ryoshi, was it possible that he was the demon that the village had contacted her to exercise? It didn’t make sense, as the letter had described a large, terrifying, and hateful demon one that had a specific target- young women. The demon she had interacted with didn’t seem to fit any of that description, besides the fact that he came to her aid. Even then, it wasn’t like he was trying to kidnap her and whisk her away. Ren sighed and rolled her eyes. How cliché it seemed. Why were demons always going after women, why couldn’t they be satisfied with terrorizing animals. Still… there was something bugging her about the demon, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

The breeze seemed to pick up, and the moon emblem on the Chowa began to spin rapidly. Finishing her orange, and taking the Chowa in both her hands, her eyes skimmed the horizon of the grassy plain. In the distance, she could see something charging her. It most resembled a giant bull, as it charged back and forth though the field. Its fur was standing on edge, its eyes were glowing a bloody red, and its teeth and horns were like daggers. Demon possessed, apparently. It seemed to detect the power of the Chowa in Ren’s hands, as it was coming straight towards her. Ren, unlike when she was encountered by the two strange men, was not worried in the slightest at this new entity. She held up her staff, pointing it towards the bull as it charged, the moon emblem was continuing to spin and Ren took in a deep breath. “I banish you from this place!” A bright light shot from the end of her staff, zipping only a few feet in front of her before making contact with the bull’s forehead. It stopped in its tracks, frozen solid. There was the crackling sound of lightning, and the light seemed to pull something dark and evil from the bull’s skin, sucking it into the Chowa.

When the light had evaporated, the bull returned to a normal appearance, and huffed out a quick breath, as if unbothered by what had just occurred to it. No doubt, a lesser demon possessing an animal to make itself feel stronger. Very common, and just as easily exterminated. “You didn’t seem as strong as the demon the villagers were complaining about… but perhaps you are missing still. I’ll see if I can find your rightful owner.” She spoke softly, taking cautious steps to approach the bull, and reaching for the frayed rope around its neck. Examining the end, she could see that the rope didn’t have a clean cut. It appeared more as if the rope had been chewed through. But turning back towards the road, Ren led the bull behind her into the village of Ryoshi.

It was significantly bigger and more crowded than her home village of Seiki. But more than likely it was due to the village being one of many major trading outposts. Being on the riverside, it was a perfect spot for trading and fishing. “My bull!!” She heard a voice cry out, and Ren turned her attention towards a young woman and older man. The women seemed to run over, wrapping her arms around the neck of the bull, hugging onto it as if it were a pet. “I found him wondering just outside in the plains. A demon spirit had possessed it and caused it to go rampant. Tell me, where can I talk to an authority about the demon terrorizing the village?” Ren noticed the young woman roll her eyes at the statement, making Ren a little on edge. “I was the one that sent the letter.” The older man spoke, approaching Ren. Before Ren could respond, the young girl snapped, turning her head from the bull. “You put a target on Ryoshi?? How dare you, father! He is no worse than a drunk walking about. A drunk that ensures our waters are plentiful on fish. He is no menace to our village!” Ren glanced back and forth between the father and daughter, she could feel a tension as heavy and hot as the sun between the two. “A demon is a demon, Kaito! And his infatuation with you is malicious! With all the young girls of our village!” Kaito glared at her father, before shooting a rather nasty glare in Ren’s direction as well. She took the bull’s leash and led the bull away from the two, causing a tired sigh to leave the old man’s lips. “I’m going to the river to bathe.” She called back, disappearing through the crowds of people.

“Please Priestess, you must help me. Help our village. As you may have heard- Our village is named after he mountain demon, Ryoshi, not far from here. He made a promise to us many years ago to protect our village, and see that it is plentiful, in the return of the fine alcohol we make here. But as of lately he has been wanting more than just alcohol… My poor daughter has been a target of many attempts for him to kidnap her. But I think he has a spell over her, as she seems so unphased by it all. I’m begging you, banish out this Ryoshi so our village can be safe again.” Ren scratched her cheek, listening intently to the older man, as he turned away from her. “We will be able to pay you handsomely if you are able to banish out Ryoshi… even at the least get him away from my daughter.” With that, the old man walked back into his own house and Ren sighed. This didn’t seem as simple of a mission as she had initially suspected. Perhaps she could talk to the other villagers or Kaito to get a better understanding of the situation.

But each person that Ren approached with the question as to the state of the village, and this menace of a demon lurking around, no one really seemed to have an agreeable answer. Many were confused, unaware that there was a demon on the loose. Some reacted like Kaito and glared at Ren, as if she were the monster for trying to hunt him down, and there were a few others who were concerned like Kaito’s father, mostly for the safety of their daughters it seemed. But it was becoming difficult for Ren to assess the situation, she was still unsure of if the demon was truly a menace or not to the village. Taking a deep breath, Ren reluctantly headed towards the river, following up the stream until the village was no longer within eyeshot. Not too far upstream, Ren found Kaito, already standing in the water, washing herself and her hair. Kaito jumped slightly when Ren approached, picking up a rock from the water and throwing it in Ren’s direction. “Leave! Ryoshi is not a menace! I’ll pay you more than my father is offering you if you just leave the village!” Ren jumped to the side slightly, as to miss the hurtling rock. “My motives are not monetary, Kaito.” But that didn’t seem to lessen Kaito’s anger, Ren was going to have to earn her trust.

Ren’s eyes quickly scanned around, making sure there were no prying eyes as she moved more into the thickets. One by one, each part of Ren’s garment were pulled off, and hung over the low branch of the nearby tree. Ren also propped up the Chowa against the tree with her clothes. She felt so exposed, and something was telling her to get in the water fast. Moving as quickly as she could, covered herself with her arms and hurried into the water with Kaito. Kaito raised a suspicious eyebrow at Ren’s modest behavior. Where as Kaito was standing up in the water, so that only up to her hips were covered, Ren remained crouched down so that only her collarbone and up were exposed. Once her body was protected by the water, Ren relaxed a little, leaning against a nearby rock, pulling her hair up in a bun as to not let it get wet. Catching the suspicion of Kaito’s look, Ren glanced away towards the water. “You are very pretty, Priestess. What is your name?” Kaito responded, sitting down in the water with Ren. “Ren Shimizu, and please don’t say that… I was trained in modesty. I try not to expose myself like this, or even talk about my looks. Vanity is deceptive…” For some reason the image of the silver haired, smiling demon from earlier popped into Ren’s head as she was exposed in the water. But she quickly shook her head pushing away any of her own impure thoughts, and resting her fingers on the dragon bone necklace. Ren’s eyes stayed looking at the water’s surface in the distance. Her mind moving back towards those two men that planned to attack her because of her looks. No doubt their intentions with her were impure because of how she looked. Even when dressing modestly, it seemed she wasn’t safe from prying eyes. “Your father spins an evil story about Ryoshi, Kaito… but some of the other villagers also seem to be in agreeance with you that he isn’t a menace. Tell me, why do you think Ryoshi should stay, and how your father is wrong?” Ren moved her eyes back towards Kaito, awaiting a response.

“Ryoshi is better for this village than my father lets on. He makes sure that we are safe and that we have plenty of fish for selling and eating. A few months ago, while I was bathing by myself, he approached me from the woods.” Kaito’s eyes seemed to soften, and Ren continued to listen closely. “What can I say? I was charmed by his sweet words. Like I told my father, he is no worse than a drunk that may hang around the village, in fact he is better than that. Ever since that day, he has taken a bit of an interest in me it seems. Coming down to the water occasionally to watch me bathe.” Ren seemed to tense up at this statement, and drop lower into the water. Her eyes shot towards the Chowa she left propped up against a tree. However, since she wasn’t holding it, the Chowa had no way to indicated if someone was nearby and watching. Either way, now Ren felt trapped and unable to leave the water. “But that is about it, my father claims he is trying to steal me away, but I don’t think that is the case. If anything, perhaps I’ve infatuated him as well? I don’t think Ryoshi has intentions of harming me, or anyone else in the village. My father is just angry that he has taken a liking to me, and that I like his presence as well.”

Ren rubbed the back of her neck, taking all of the new information in. Simple enough, a forbidden romance between two, a father wanting to separate them. But knowing their sides of the story wouldn’t be enough to know Ryoshi’s true intentions. She was going to have to find him herself, confront him and determine if he needed to be banished… or if she should spare his life. “I hope for your sake, that my Chowa judges him to have a good character… Er- Do you know if he is here right now?” Ren asked the last part in a low whisper, letting the water of the river continue to rise up her neck.

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Behind Blue Eyes [1x1]

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ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴ'Ｓ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe тнe вαd мαɴ
тσ вє тнє ѕα∂ мαη

ＢＥＨＩＮＤ ＢＬＵＥ ＥＹＥＳ

ＡＮＤ ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴＳ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe нαтed
тσ вє ƒαтє∂

ＴＯ ＴＥＬＬＩＮＧ ＯＮＬＹ ＬＩＥＳ

╔════════════╬ＡＲＴＨＵＲ ＺＡＶＩＥＲ ＭＹＬＥＳ╬════════════╗

Arthur looked at the photos that Eva had pulled out of the manila folder. Eva mentioned that the man that gave her the manila folder was her “false dad” and Arthur’s fist clenched a little. Damn, if he had known… Well, being at a funeral he would have to control himself. But in any other instance he wanted to hit that guy. How could he abandon a child like that? Sure, it wasn’t his kid biologically, but he had already been around long enough raising her. It was pretty messed up that he would just abandon her. Victor Salvador… Interesting name, Arthur thought, picking up one of the photos to examine it. Arthur recognized the young woman with long hair… Evelyn, but with long hair. It seemed really odd given her personality. Then there was the dark haired man at the funeral- the man that Evelyn had fooled into thinking he was the father of Eva, and then…

Arthur felt cold as stone, frozen solid like stone too. Round faced, bright eyed, long blonde hair. And there was no mistaking it- Arthur’s Godfather. Arthur’s Godfather was Eva’s actual dad? Victor Salvador? And he killed Evelyn? The mother of his own child… and apparently former fiancé at one point? Arthur had to remind himself how to breath. Too many thoughts running through his head at once. He glanced at the other picture in Eva’s hand, of Victor and Iris. There was no denying it, that was the man that Arthur had seen leaving Evelyn’s house that night. The one that he saw running from the funeral, his Godfather.

And they were having him for dinner tonight. Arthur didn’t know what to say, but all he knew was that he had to get home, and let his mother know that the needed to keep Victor away from Eva. Why? Well, the path to that conclusion wasn’t quite connected between dots yet. But Arthur had a bad feeling about letting Victor near Eva. Was it wrong that Arthur knew who Eva’s real father was, and he was keeping them away from one another. Maybe, but if Eva started talking with her… Arthur wasn’t sure what would happen. Would Victor reveal himself to her? He didn’t have a choice, Eva would be able to recognize him from the pictures. Would he reveal what he was? Their family? Who Arthur was? Arthur didn’t have a good feeling about this, pulling into the driveway of his home. He felt so sick, he hadn’t realized he didn’t respond to Eva the entire drive, every possible negative outcome of this running through Arthur’s head. He kept his serious, straight face the entire ride, and held it when they got out of his car and headed towards the house. “Wait in the living room. I need to talk with my mom…” Was all that Arthur finally said from the funeral up to them standing in the foyer entrance.

In the living room, Arthur could see the back of the head of a lounging blonde, and Arthur felt himself grow tensed. But when the head swiveled around to reveal Julius, Arthur sighed in relief. Why did everyone have to be so undistinguishable? Julius said something to Arthur, but he didn’t pay it much attention, instead focusing on hurrying into the kitchen, the most common place where his mom liked to escape to. “Arthur! Long time no see! What, no love for your cousin??” Julius sat up straighter, watching with his own bright eyes and obnoxious smile as Arthur retreated behind the wall, into the kitchen. Julius chuckled shaking his head. He got a kick out of harassing his overly serious cousin. Julius’ eyes moved from the wall, and to the girl standing at the door where they had just came in. They say there is nothing in this world faster than the speed of light. But the change in expression for Julius would be a proud competitor. Smile gone, eyebrows raised in shock and mouth slightly agape. Unlike Arthur who was expressionless most of the time, Julius never seemed dull in his face. “E-Eva? What are you doing here??” Julius quickly rose from the couch, turning around to now fully face Eva.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alexander smiled a little to himself when he heard Gigi mention breakfast and he purred a little, letting his hands reach for her sides, his fingers gently trailing up her body. It wasn’t uncommon for Alexander to dream about Gigi, what could he say besides he was head over heels for her? And since reality did him no favors, his subconscious had to let him roam free. This dream so far was pretty sweet. Gigi was still dressed, as was Alexander under the covers. Usually they were both undressed by now. Perhaps it was because his heart was longing for more than just lustful desires. “Breakfast sounds wonderful…” Alexander murmured, bringing his lips into Gigi’s neck and leaving a quick kiss. With his hands firmly on her hips, Alex pulled her back onto the bed, and pounced on her. He continued to kiss at her neck, running his fingers up and down her side. “I’d love to have you for breakfast, Giselle.” His voice continued to purr, one of his hands moving up towards her head and playing with her dark hair. Alexander could feel his heart practically bursting at the seams, and she felt so warm in his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Terrance felt a slight bit of movement in the bed, which caused him to stir and wake up. He wasn’t feeling as angsty this morning as he had the past few days. And turning his head revealed to him memories of why that was. He took in a deep breath, and exhaled so much stress from his body. It felt… good to Terrance, getting everything off his chest, as Mr. Patrone had suggested. Though Terrance was still on the wall with himself over his womanizing ways, he was pleased to know that he could still claim Helene as his own. He could feel her heart pounding against him, as she held onto him and he smiled mischievously, pulling her face closer to his before placing a kiss on her lips. “Good morning, sunshine… I didn’t keep you up to late, did I?” He teased, flipping a lock of her red hair between his fingers. As wonderful of a wake up call it was to have Helene by his side, he could tell something was upsetting her. He could see it in her eyes and Terrance’s smile waiverd. Gah, he was never good at consoling girls, that was Alexander’s specialty. Even with how much he loved Helene, he knew he would probably say the wrong thing.

“Something on your mind, Helene?... You look bothered, and not in the good way.” Terrance ran his fingers through his hair, fixing up the mess that had been made on the top of his head.

╚══════╬ "We Swedes are used to the cold... I just don't want you to freeze beside me." ╬══════╝

ＢＵＴ ＭＹ ＤＲＥＡＭＳ．．．

ＴＨＥＹ ＡＲＥＮ'Ｔ ＡＳ ＥＭＰＴＹ

ＡＳ ＭＹ ＣＯＮＳＣＩＥＮＣＥ ＳＥＥＭＳ ＴＯ ＢＥ

Ｉ ＨＡＶＥ ＨＯＵＲＳ， ＯＮＬＹ ＬＯＮＥＬＹ．．．

ＭＹ ＬＯＶＥ ＩＳ ＶＥＮＧＥＡＮＣＥ

ＴＨＡＴ'Ｓ ＮＥＶＥＲ ＦＲＥＥ

✖✖ Translations:...
✖✖ I Feel... Nervous
✖✖ I am At... Myles Household
✖✖ I am With... Alone
✖✖ I am Thinking..."Shit shit shit shit"
✖✖ I am Wearing...Black suit

Behind Blue Eyes [1x1]

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ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴ'Ｓ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe тнe вαd мαɴ
тσ вє тнє ѕα∂ мαη

ＢＥＨＩＮＤ ＢＬＵＥ ＥＹＥＳ

ＡＮＤ ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴＳ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe нαтed
тσ вє ƒαтє∂

ＴＯ ＴＥＬＬＩＮＧ ＯＮＬＹ ＬＩＥＳ

╔════════════╬ＡＲＴＨＵＲ ＺＡＶＩＥＲ ＭＹＬＥＳ╬════════════╗

Arthur felt significantly out of place at Evelyn’s funeral. Though he probably would have felt even more so if he had been the one to cause the funeral. Arthur stayed close to Eva’s side the whole time, not allowing Eva out of his eye sight. Everyone around seemed to be in some kind of grieving, but no one truly looked sad, besides Marshall. Even Eva didn’t seem nearly as phased as she should be. This was her own mother that was dead, and Arthur wasn’t sure he had seen a single tear trail down her face in reaction to it. She had been so calm at the hospital before in regard to the news. And even now, standing in the presence of the casket that held her mother’s dead corpse, she didn’t shed a tear. Perhaps Eva was a lot stronger than Arthur tended to believe, as Arthur knew he would probably break down in tears at his own mother’s death bed. However, their mothers were significantly different, if not polar opposites. His mother was warm, loving, comforting, understanding. Evelyn was… none of those things. In fact, mother was probably too kind of a term for Evelyn.

Arthur wasn’t getting involved in any conversation, simply watching each person who passed by to give their condolences. Arthur watched as Eva walked off to talk to a dark-haired man who stood by her mother’s coffin. His eyes began to scan the crowd of people, until landing one a tall man, with long blonde hair, standing at the entrance to the room. No one else seemed to notice his presence, and when Arthur locked eyes on him, he quickly moved out of the door frame. But Arthur recognized that hair anywhere. Wasn’t his father, as he always wore it tied away. Arthur made one mast glance at Eva, who was now receiving a manila folder from the man. Perhaps a lawyer with paperwork over what assets would be left to Eva. There were plenty of friendly eyes around to keep Eva safe, and so Arthur quickly moved towards the back door of the room. Turning his head, he just saw the back end of the stranger disappear behind a corner, and Arthur set off in a full sprint towards the man. What was he running from?

Turning the corner, Arthur had caught up to the man, who was now exiting the building at a quickened pace. Arthur reached out, grabbing his arm and pulling him back in. But what Arthur hadn’t expected was for the blond stranger to whip around, twisting Arthur’s arm behind his back, and pinning his chest to the wall, banging Arthur’s head. Arthur smirked, too easy of a hold to break from, as his father had trained him. Arthur’s other arm was free to move, so he reached behind himself to grab the roots of the stranger’s long blond hair, and pull it tightly towards the wall as well. The stranger’s grip loosened and he started to cry out. “Ow ow ow- OW! No doubt a dumb trick taught by your old man, huh Arthur?” The man responded, as Arthur was able to pull away from his grip. Once free, Arthur released the man’s hair, and the two stood eye to eye with one another. Arthur had no need to ask how the stranger knew his name, or even who he was. It had already been established in Arthur’s mind from his father. “And my, my, have you grown. Arthur. Has it really been so long since I’ve seen you?” The gentlemen spoke, now straightening out his pulled hair. He sounded… different from his family and his friends. Where they all had strong Swedish accents, this guy sounded odly… Spanish. In fact, it reminded Arthur too much of the Munez family’s way of speaking.

“I know you killed Evelyn… Why did you kill her?” Arthur spoke almost in a whisper. Not like he had to hide the notion, there was no one around to hear them speak. The man’s face dropped from a smile, and instead a frown grew there.

“You wouldn’t understand… and it is too complicated to go into detail here. I only hope that one day you will not be forced to do the same thing to Eva, hm?” Arthur’s jaw locked, and his fists clenched. What did that mean? But, seeing his chance to slip away, the stranger pushed open the door, waving towards Arthur. “Til this evening, I suppose. Your mother is making my favorite tonight.” The man waved, before disappearing out the back door. Arthur’s Godfather… that was his old man’s best friend? Arthur shook his head, turning around to walk back towards the party. He seemed to flamboyant… and his hair. His hair told Arthur that he had to have some kind of tie to the Myles family. But his father had mentioned they weren’t related, just best friends. Much like how the Patrones weren’t relative, but were practically family again.

Reentering the room where the service seemed to be dying down, Arthur overheard Marshall mentioning his name, and Arthur hurried over towards Eva. She was holding the manila folders in her hands. “Come on then, Eva… We can sit in my car if you need to get away from all this…” Arthur spoke cooly, placing his hand on the center of her back. He too felt the urge to throw up, like Eva. His eyes glancing at the casket. What had his Godfather meant when he said… having to do the same to Eva? He would never kill Eva. Even if their family were given a contract, he would refuse it, and he would protect Eva with his own life if his father tried to come after her. But his Godfather had seemed so sad about killing Evelyn… had he been forced to against his own will?

Making their way to the car, Arthur’s phone beeped and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing over the message from his mother. Your cousin Julius is in town to visit. When you aren’t busy I’d like you to come home and spend time with your cousin. And bring Eva! I’m trying to convince your father to warm up a little. Arthur rolled his eyes. Speaking of overly flamboyant… how was he related to Julius? Arthur could already see his obnoxious smile in his head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ The soft sound seemed to pierce Alexander’s ear drums and brain. Alexander felt so warm and safe under the covers, and he moved his arm out into the cold, exposing air. He waved his arm around, trying to feel his night stand for his alarm clock, but it was as if they were missing from their normal spot. No biggie, the beeping had ceased and Alexander was able to lull himself back to sleep. Except, it was interrupted slightly by the occasional chirp of a sweet voice. A girl? Alexander felt groggy, it was a Saturday, why was someone up this early? He poked half of his head out from under the covers, rubbing one of his eyes to adjust to the light of the room. This wasn’t his room… this wasn’t his room.

Alexander blinked roughly, his eyes moving around until they landed on Gigi sitting on the edge of the bed. Alright, Gigi’s room? He had to be dreaming. But, this was a dream Alexander should enjoy while it lasted! He stretched his arms across the bed, taking in a deep breath and exhaling, slowly sitting up. The blanket fell off, showing his exposed chest as the covers pooled on his lap. “Good morning, min vackra blomma.” Alexander purred, resting his chin on Gigi’s shoulder.

╚══════╬ "We Swedes are used to the cold... I just don't want you to freeze beside me." ╬══════╝

ＢＵＴ ＭＹ ＤＲＥＡＭＳ．．．

ＴＨＥＹ ＡＲＥＮ'Ｔ ＡＳ ＥＭＰＴＹ

ＡＳ ＭＹ ＣＯＮＳＣＩＥＮＣＥ ＳＥＥＭＳ ＴＯ ＢＥ

Ｉ ＨＡＶＥ ＨＯＵＲＳ， ＯＮＬＹ ＬＯＮＥＬＹ．．．

ＭＹ ＬＯＶＥ ＩＳ ＶＥＮＧＥＡＮＣＥ

ＴＨＡＴ'Ｓ ＮＥＶＥＲ ＦＲＥＥ

✖✖ Translations:...
✖✖ I Feel... Sick
✖✖ I am At... Evelyn's funeral
✖✖ I am With... Eva
✖✖ I am Thinking..."Julius..."
✖✖ I am Wearing...Black suit

Shrouds of Hatred | | Tundra ♦ QueenofWands

恋 清水

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲ In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger. ☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Ren clenched her staff a little stronger as the two men continued to approach her. She was preparing to use her staff to smack one of the men, but as she was rearing up to hit him, in just seconds they were suddenly unconscious and several feet away. She didn’t get a chance to ponder what had happened when the young silver haired and silver eyed boy appeared before her, sitting on the ground. A demon. Ren’s grip on her staff didn’t waiver as she pulled the staff in front of her, pointing it towards the mischievous intruder. Ren glanced at the two emblems hanging on the sides, but neither of them were reacting to his presence, and Ren’s aggressive stance and expression softened. That was strange, the Chowa wasn’t alerting Ren to the new presence. Not good, not evil either. Ren’s eyes moved from the Chowa and to the young man looking demon who was sitting in front of her.

She pulled her staff away, holding it by her side in a less aggressive manor. Remembering once again what Tanaka said about interacting with good and bad demons and people. Was he a friendly demon then? It seemed odd, and very lucky, that the first one she would meet would come to her aid like this. In fact, there was something almost familiar about it as well, but Ren couldn’t lay her finger quite on it. Something was itching at the back of her mind, but she was quick to dismiss it. This demon had helped her, so she would spare its life… unless they crossed paths again and it didn’t behave as friendly. “They were creeps…” She finally responded softly, her eyes glancing to the unconscious bodies. “However, it would be wrong of me to leave them as they are.” Her natural, warm and sweet nature was coming through as she put the staff into a holster on her back, and moved towards each of the unconscious men. They weren’t significantly injured, no drawn blood.

But it was obvious that the power of the demon’s attacks wasn’t one to be trifled with. Ren turned once again, her attention to the demon, examining him. If she didn’t know better, and wasn’t trained to control herself, she probably would be head over heels right now. Ren was a sucker for the strong, defensive types. Hence Ra- Taiki. When the two were young, there were many instances where out in public Taiki would stay by her side to protect her from prying eyes. He had also started a handful of fights with other young boys who wanted to get a little too close to Ren. Taiki cared a lot about her and didn’t like the idea of harm coming towards her. In fact, Ren was pretty surprised Taiki hadn’t put up a fight to prevent her from leaving the village. If Taiki could have his way, they probably would be married right now…

It also didn't help that the demon was a bit charming to the eyes. He had a playful look about him, very different from Taiki. The demon also looked slimmer and perhaps slightly shorter than Taiki did. She didn't know the demon at all, but something in her chest was telling her they were nothing alike yet... Ugh, why was she so easily charmed by strong men?

Ren’s hand moved to the dragon’s tooth that hung around her neck, once again feeling the smooth bone. Funny, she had been protected, but perhaps it wasn’t the dragon’s tooth that had ensured her safety. “Thank you, demon. For protecting me from those attackers. Normally I would be inclined to be indebted towards you for your work. However, I have no intentions of having debt with a demon. So, I will say my debt towards you has been repaid by not banishing your soul into the depts of hell.” She spoke firmly, which seemed out of character for her sweet, gentle voice. Ren nodded towards the demon in recognition for his effort, pulled the Chowa once again into her hands, and began to continue towards Ryoshi village. She was going to be set back a bit, so it would probably be later than expected for her to arrive. But her smile didn’t hinder on her face. She looked over her shoulder, still smiling her signature, sweet yet teasing, smile. “You may not be as lucky if we meet again… so I recommend keeping your nose out of trouble.” Ren continued onwards on the path.

Though externally she had her sweet smile, and bright eyes. She was still pondering so many things in her head. Why hadn’t the Chowa reacted towards the new visitor? The Chowa always responded to those who were strangers to the wielder, and Ren was certain she had never met this demon before… as every demon she had ever interacted with prior had been banished by her own hand. Yet if he was a stranger, why did he feel so familiar? Was the Chowa trying to tell her something, by not saying anything? And if he were a demon, why was he so oddly human.

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Shrouds of Hatred | | Tundra ♦ QueenofWands

恋 清水

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲ In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger. ☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Everything seemed to happen so quickly to Ren. Just as she had wrapped her arms around Raiko out of fear, she jumped back releasing him from her grip. He felt as if his entire body were on fire! Raiko knew exactly what demons were outside, and it was tormenting Raiko, he was in so much pain. And Ren felt weak, unable to do anything to soothe her friend. What was happening? Why was all of this suddenly happening? Ren’s eyes grew wide when she saw the new color in Raiko’s eyes. They had gone from their cherry blossom pink to a blood red, and it sent a strong shiver down Ren’s spine. What Tanaka had said before suddenly made more sense… he was a demon. When Ren’s mother tried to protect Raiko, a sudden force erupted from his body, throwing both her and her mother back. Ren slid across the floor, but Yuu had slammed against the wall. “Mom!!” Ren quickly scurried across the floor, sitting beside her mother’s unconscious body and wrapping her arms around her.

Outside, Ren could see Tanaka chanting a few prayers. It was slow, but one by one some of the demons began to vanish. At the rate they were going however, it would take hours for all of them to vanish. One was practically at the door, and even Tanaka seemed worried at how much the demon wasn’t being fazed by the blessings on the shrine. The demons wanted Raiko to go with him, and Ren began to shake her head, tears forming in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m doing this to protect you.” As Raiko put his hand out, taking the dark blue hand of the demon in his, and Ren found the strength to get to her feet, charging behind her friend.

“RAIKO! NO! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!” But it was too late, as Raiko, the demon, and all the other ones suddenly vanished in front of Ren’s eyes.

That was the last time that Ren had seen Raiko, until she turned 18.

The morning of Ren’s 18th birthday, the entire village began to gather in the center plaza, where everyone would chat about the day’s happening. Today was the day that Ren would begin her journey as a True Priestess and banish out all demons she came across on the island of Japan. All of the people of the village collected supplies and gifts for Ren to take on her journey, and Ren took a deep breath as she pulled her comb through her hair for one final stroke, before tucking it in her hair. So many feelings were running through Ren’s body, excitement, fear, anger, sadness. It would normally be very overwhelming for most people, but after training over a decade under Elder Tanaka, Ren had gotten better at controlling her outward appearance of emotions. Priestesses had to remain calm, as to let the villagers believe that everything was under control. Not that there was anything going wrong in the village. Ever since that day when Raiko was stolen away, no demons ever came back.

Raiko… These days Ren tried not to think too much on that name. After he vanished, Ren had cried for an entire day, and anytime she thought of him she began to cry. Even now, she could feel the tears pushing behind her eyelids, but she quickly dismissed the thoughts and patted her cheeks. “No crying, no crying. You’re strong, and it is your birthday. No one cries on their birthday.” Ren spoke calmly to herself, before rising and exiting the temple. Firmly grasped in her right hand, stood the Chowa. Before Ren turned 16, she had to perfect so many skills in the ways of the Priestess-hood. Much to her own luck, things came significantly more natural to her than other students. Things that took some of the other priests or priestesses several years to perfect, just took Ren a few months. Though she was meant to be respected because of who she was “destined to be”, it never failed to stir up jealousy from other priestesses. Ren felt guilty about that too. She didn’t strive to be better than anyone, she didn’t want to embarrass anyone… It was simply how the world decided to make her life work.

At 16 Tanaka determined that Ren was finally able to wield and control the Chowa. A feat that had taken Tanaka herself 20 years to perfect, Ren was at her level in 2. It really was unfair, and Ren never tried to brag. But Tanaka always flaunted Ren around for her abilities, perhaps Tanaka just felt proud that she got to be the master to a True Priestess, and that seemed to Tanaka a greater honor than being a True Priestess. Entering the center of the village, Ren was greeted with all of the gifts for her journeys, hugs, kisses, and pats on the back from fellow villagers. “I remember when I still held you in my hands as a baby… Now, you are off to save all of us… You will be in our prayers every day.” Yuu spoke up, holding onto Ren for the longest hug. Ren didn’t want to let go either. As much as she loved the idea of exploring the world, she knew she would miss all of her friends and family here.

“Ren.” A rather deep voice spoke up from the crowd. A few people began to part, allowing Ren to face the owner of the voice- Taiki. A man just a few years older than Ren. After Raik-… after the demons visited the temple many years ago, Taiki became Ren’s new “best friend”, if Ren had to call it something. He was nothing like Rai-… Well, he was very serious, and a little dull. But he was also very strong, and very protective. In fact, he was the head Commander for the warriors of the village, the men who trained in order to defend Seiki from human invaders. Much like how Ren and Tanaka were in charge of defending Seiki from spiritual invaders. “You big Oaf. You better not start crying.” Ren teased him, giving him her bright, sweet smile. But he continued to watch her with a straight face, Ren had never seen Taiki smile before, and it had been a challenge she had hoped to defeat over the past few years… unsuccessfully though.

“I know what I’m about to ask is foolish. But, I have discovered that of everyone in this world, there is no one I would rather spend it with than you.” The smile on Ren’s face waivered, and a few people began to murmur and smile in the crowd. That was probably the most emotional statement Taiki had ever gotten out of his lips. It probably took him a lot of effort to show “such emotion”. Oh no, what was he doing? “I know as a Priestess you cannot be romantically involved with someone… But I know there is no one else in Japan I would ever want. If you return- No, when you return to us, after you have cleared our homeland of demons… I am asking for the honor of having you as my wife.” Taiki got down on his knees, bowing deeply to Ren. Once again, a brand-new expression from Taiki that she had never witnessed. Now everyone was staring and talking, and Ren could feel the heat rising up to her face. Her eyes darted to Tanaka, who simply shrugged. It technically was Ren’s choice. She could be engaged as a Priestess, but once she was to get married, she would have to leave. It would be a shame to lose her status as a True Priestess, but according to prophecies, by the time she would return home, there would be no more demons to banish. So then came the real question- did she want to say yes or no? Something deep within her gut was saying no, no, no. Don’t do it. But Ren’s sympathetic heart was telling her to just say yes. By the time she did return, perhaps Taiki would actually find another girl, and no feelings would be hurt, as Ren did not feel the same way for Taiki. And Ren knew she wouldn’t be able to bare the weight of hurting such a strong man, and close friend. Hey, not like she had anyone else to give her heart to. Everyone was starring more intently, as Ren was taking the time to ponder. “Oh- Um, ye-eah. Yes. That sounds fine, Taiki.” Ren pulled her smile back on her face, and the crowd of villagers began to cheer and clap. Taiki rose to his feet, reaching in his satchel and pulling out a necklace of a dragon’s fang, putting it around Ren’s neck.

“This has brought me protection in all of my own journeys. And I give it to you so that you will also return to us safe. Only people from our village will know it means you are taken, but… at least it will serve as a reminder to yourself.” Ren looked up to see if Taiki was smiling but even now, at what would probably be the happiest moment of his life so far, he still held such a straight face. So scary! Ren put her hand on the dragon’s tooth, feeling the smooth bone and nodded to Taiki. “Thank you, Taiki.”

With many farewells in order, her bag procured over her shoulders, Ren began on her arduous journey. First stop- Ryoshi village. A maritime village on the Serpent River that flowed down from the Serpent mountain. It was a few miles away, so Ren figured that by sunset she would arrive. A message had arrived to Ren the day before about sightings and issues with a demon terrorizing the locals. Tanaka informed Ren that this would be a good place to start, and that with each town to traveled to, she would hear more and more about other regions in need of her spiritual help. The fear had vanished from Ren’s chest, and now all that was left was the desire for adventure, and the prospect of saving humankind. It was a great weight to bare, but Ren was ready to take it on. With that Chowa tightly held in one hand, and her head up high, Ren felt unstoppable. That was until, about halfway to Ryoshi, Ren was stopped by two random men, standing in the road by a broken cart.

The two men saw Ren approaching, both getting sly grins as they approached her. “What a beautiful face… A geisha, perhaps?” Ren made a sick face at the comment. It was obvious she was a priestess, but this wouldn’t be the first time a man made a lewd comment like that to her. Tanaka and Yuu both told Ren all the time that she was quite beautiful, in the face and in her figure, and that she had to be warry of untrustworthy men. You will meet many different people and things on your journey. Just remember… not all demons and spirits are evil, just as not all humans are good. Tanaka’s words echoed in Ren’s head, and she stepped away from the approaching men. “If you continue on the road, the village of Seiki isn’t too far. Tell them Ren Shimizu sent you, and they will be able to help you with your cart.” But the two men continued to move in on Ren. “Oh? But I imagine your village doesn’t have as many cute faces laying around down there…” The two men looked at each other with a malicious intent. The crescent moon on the Chowa began to spin rapidly, and Ren’s eyes moved to it. The Chowa was trying to warn her that these men were no good. Gee, thanks, didn’t figure that one out on her own.

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Behind Blue Eyes [1x1]

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ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴ'Ｓ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe тнe вαd мαɴ
тσ вє тнє ѕα∂ мαη

ＢＥＨＩＮＤ ＢＬＵＥ ＥＹＥＳ

ＡＮＤ ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴＳ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe нαтed
тσ вє ƒαтє∂

ＴＯ ＴＥＬＬＩＮＧ ＯＮＬＹ ＬＩＥＳ

╔════════════╬ＡＲＴＨＵＲ ＺＡＶＩＥＲ ＭＹＬＥＳ╬════════════╗

It felt reassuring to Arthur when Eva said she loved him, but at the same time it still seemed as if Eva was bothered by his actions. Taking in a deep breath, Arthur just wrapped his arms around Eva and gave her a tight hug, to try and reassure her. Jacob raised an eyebrow towards Alyssa’s statement. Well, it was one things that she had a previous boyfriend, but another that Arthur apparently resembled Julius. There was only a particular set of guys who walked around with long, blonde hair, and that could say a lot for who, or where, this Julius guy came from. Did Arthur have cousins? Jacob shook his head, he had no idea how far Arthur’s family tree stretched, but those pondering thoughts were best unassessed. “Just curious. Arthur is the protective type it seems. I’m just wondering how he would react to that. He isn’t emotional to us, but I know he is very passionate about Eva.” Jacob held his hands up to his mouth, as to better project his voice. “Earth to Arthur! We are getting ice cream! Let’s goooooooo!” Arthur was snapped back to reality and looked to Jacob. Arthur himself was not a very big fan of sweets, but perhaps that would be something to cheer Eva up, taking her hand in his, they began to walk with the group.

Terrance’s eyes watched the keys jingle in Helene’s hand. No doubt in Terrance’s mind did that mean Helene was about to leave her friends here to run home for a little shacking up. Something exactly Terrance would do to his friends as well. “God, I love you.” He smiled wickedly, and the two quickly took off towards the parking lot, in their best attempt to move fast and not get caught, straight for Helene’s car. Alexander didn’t miss a beat and saw the two take off towards the car. Were those two seeing each other again, then? No doubt they were running off to have their own little fun. It had been a long time since Alexander had hooked up with any girls, he suddenly realized from that. Not that it really bothered him, at this point it brought him more joy to chase after Gigi, than to sleep with a new girl every night. But if he could sleep with Gigi one night… Alexander shook his head as to dismiss the thought. Oh, bad Alexander! He playfully smacked his own cheek to clear his thoughts. He had to stay hopeful, but not that hopeful, Alexander chuckled slightly to himself, the caramel of is eyes beginning to glow again in the moonlight. “I hope you have another ride, Gigi… it seems yours is about to haul out of here in a hurry.” Alexander nodded towards the parking lot, where Terrance and Helene were just starting to climb into her car.

╚══════╬ "We Swedes are used to the cold... I just don't want you to freeze beside me." ╬══════╝

ＢＵＴ ＭＹ ＤＲＥＡＭＳ．．．

ＴＨＥＹ ＡＲＥＮ'Ｔ ＡＳ ＥＭＰＴＹ

ＡＳ ＭＹ ＣＯＮＳＣＩＥＮＣＥ ＳＥＥＭＳ ＴＯ ＢＥ

Ｉ ＨＡＶＥ ＨＯＵＲＳ， ＯＮＬＹ ＬＯＮＥＬＹ．．．

ＭＹ ＬＯＶＥ ＩＳ ＶＥＮＧＥＡＮＣＥ

ＴＨＡＴ'Ｓ ＮＥＶＥＲ ＦＲＥＥ

✖✖ Translations:...
✖✖ I Feel... Neutral
✖✖ I am At... the outside of the Masquerade Dance
✖✖ I am With... Eva
✖✖ I am Thinking..."..."
✖✖ I am Wearing...Blue dress suit and joker mask.

Shrouds of Hatred | | Tundra ♦ QueenofWands

恋 清水

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲ In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger. ☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Ren made sure to sit close to Raiko listening as the winds outside began to pick up speed. It was odd, but the wind seemed to carry the smell of something burning from the Serpent Mountains. Perhaps there was a forest fire? Ren didn’t ponder on the thought too long, as her nose eventually adjusted to the new smell, her eyes scanning the different wall scrolls on the walls. Ren recognized a few of the, but from where she wasn’t sure. She had been to the temple on multiple occasions, and the writings and drawings on the scrolls didn’t mean much to her. But now, she felt as if she was understanding more than she used to. A few of the scrolls were blessing charms that protected the village, a few to ward off any malicious spirits, and a few also for warding off demons. There were also many artworks of different dragons and demons on the walls, all depicting epic battles between men and these creatures. If Ren was in a different mindset, she would find them scary. But for some odd reason she felt safe. Perhaps it was because she had her best friend at her side, or perhaps because staring at the Chowa was giving her some kind of warmth.

Ren turned her head towards Raiko to make a comment on the artwork and scrolls, but noticed how he was squirming and itching himself. It seemed all over him. “Rai, are you okay? You look like you went through some poison ivy.” Tanaka watched as well, pondering to herself. I see… Since Raiko is half demon, the sutras on the walls must be effecting him… of course it would be a lot worse of a reaction if he were a full demon. Another young priestess came out with a few cups, and a tea pot full of hot tea. “He will be okay. Who he comes from… or rather, what he comes from, affects him here. Raiko, have some tea to soothe your nerves. And stop scratching it! Show some self-control. If you scratch it too much you’ll just draw your own blood. Ignore it and it will subside.” Ren sat up straighter, mostly due to shock from Tanaka’s sudden outburst. Tanaka calmly drank her own tea, and Ren watched with slight confusion. Where… What Raiko came from? She turned her head slightly towards him. What did that mean?

“Tell me, Ren… Have you ever thought about becoming a priestess?” Ren turned her attention back towards Tanaka. Out of the corner of her eyes she could see her mother sitting with them as well, but it seemed she didn’t have much to say anymore, as her eyes just focused on the teacup in front of her. “Once or twice… I suppose so. There are a lot of protection spells here. For the village, right?” Tanaka smiled slightly, and the sound of the storm outside seemed to kick up. “You already know how to read the sutras, and you haven’t even been my apprentice yet… Very good, very good indeed.” Ren blushed slightly, thinking back on it. How did she know what they meant? Before today she had just recognized them as pretty calligraphy and artwork.

“Do you believe in evil spirits and demons, Ren?” Ren was confused as to why Tanaka was only focusing on her rather than to both Raiko. But Tanaka had no need to ask Raiko, as he was living proof of such things. Ren nodded a little. Every little kid was scared of the things that go bump in the dark, of course she believed in spirits and demons. But, for as long as Ren lived in the village, she had never seen nor interacted with any. Perhaps due to all of the enchantments here at the shrine. “Every 200 years, without fail, a True Priestess is born among us. A Shin no miko, as we call it. Every 200 years they are born on the first budding of the flowers of the spring time. You, Ren, just so happened to be born on the first day of spring, weren’t you?” Ren nodded towards Tanaka. She had heard the story a few hundred times. A “True Priestess” would be born, with the natural gifts and skills of a High Priestess. Their main duty was to scare off demons and spirits away from the village, to protect Seiki. But they also had the duty of traveling the lands of Japan, and banishing demons where ever they arose. Were those stories true?

“Ren, I want you to start studying, with me as your personal teacher, in the ways of Priestess-hood. I have a good feeling about you.” Ren felt conflicted. Tanaka couldn’t be insinuating that Ren was a ‘True Priestess’. Besides, all the stories of True Priestesses focused on adulthood, not when they were little kids. But, they had to have been kids at some point, right? It still didn’t make since to Ren. But to be personally invited to join the priesthood by the High Priestess was a great honor and Ren nodded. When Ren nodded, Yuu took a large sip from her cup, the winds continuing to howl outside. “So desperate in these times, that you have to recruit a mere child?” There was malice in Yuu’s voice towards the High Priestess. Tanaka turned her head and nodded. “The sooner she learns, the sooner we can all rest easier… The sooner we can restore Japan and banish out all of the demons… or at least most of them.” Tanaka waivered at the end, her eyes moving towards Raiko. Before Ren could get a word in edgewise, there was a loud booming above their heads. It sounded almost as if lightning had struck just above their heads, and there were bright flashes outside the windows. There were a few yelps and cries from the young priests and priestesses that roamed the building. Ren felt her entire body grow pale from the sound, and she quickly wrapped her arms around Raiko, her body shaking and her heart pounding in her ears. “What was that??”

Tanaka rose to her feet, taking with her the Chowa and smiled towards Ren and Raiko. “No need to be alarmed… Full demons can’t go further into the village beyond our shrine. But sometimes they like to get close to stir up trouble. Just requires a little hands-on work from myself.” Tanaka called for a few other priestesses in the room, and together they walked out of the southern entrance. When the door slid open, in the large open grass field Ren could see hundreds- no thousands- of black figures standing in the grass. All of their eyes were glowing red, and the wind was blowing so hard, she didn’t know how their bodies didn’t get swept away. Ren could feel her entire body shaking, and even Yuu moved closer towards Ren and Raiko to hold them, as if to protect them. Tanaka raised up the Chowa, the moon emblem was now spinning at such a high velocity, Ren wasn’t sure how it hadn’t flown off of its chord yet. The Boy the words echoed from the mass of demons outside. But before she could see what Tanaka would do, the other priestesses closed the door. Only the sounds of roars and clashing could be heard outside.

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Shrouds of Hatred | | Tundra ♦ QueenofWands

恋 清水

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲ In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger. ☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷
☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Ren once again was surprised by her friend’s ability to catch up to her so quickly, raising her eyebrows as he appeared beside her. It wasn’t often they could walk side by side like this, as they tended to race more around the village. But it was nice, being so close to her best friend. Ren heeded his words about passing out at the shrine. Did he get the same feeling in his chest that she had towards the shrine? Maybe, though Ren wouldn’t describe the feeling in her chest as one of queasiness, so much as she would describe it a force of warmth. In fact, it never felt stronger than it had this morning, and Ren was more curious about why that was. “Oh, feeling a little feint, Raiko?” Ren giggled playfully, covering her mouth with her hand. “Usually it is the girl that does the fainting and the boy that does the carrying… But very well. Why do you feel like you will pass out? Are you scared of spirits and ghosts that hang around the Southern Shrine, Raiko?” Ren teased, taking a moment to bend down at one of the rice fields, scooping a small handful of water, and splashing it towards Raiko. As they grew closer to the shrine, Ren felt the force stronger than ever pulling her towards the ornate building. There were plenty of interesting flowers and herbs that grew around the building, tended to usually by the High Priestess, but was now being worked on with the assistance of her mother.

Speaking of which, Ren spotted her mother and the elder High Priestess Tanaka by one of the flower beds. Ren’s mother was one her knees, bent over the shrubbery and tending to the bushes. While Tanaka stood nearby. No doubt she was so along in age that she couldn’t get up and down easily to tend to the flowers. Ren wasn’t sure why Tanaka wouldn’t ask one of the training priestesses to tend to the duty, rather than her mother. Observing the two, Ren spotted what she could only describe as the most beautiful and oranate staff she had seen. Though, the only one she had ever seen- as Tanaka was always seen carrying it beside her. “Yuu, I really wish you wouldn’t pull Ren away. Her destiny isn’t a bur-“ Ren was surprised, seeing her mother’s head whip around so quickly towards Tanaka. Ren’s mother was obviously very angry- the same face she would make towards Ren if she were being disobedient. “With all respect, High Priestess, I don’t want Ren to-“ But both seemed to sense Ren’s approaching presence, and quickly control their voices and their facial expressions.

“Ren! What are you doing here? I thought I asked you to bring the cherry blossoms to the Ito family?” Yuu, Ren’s mother, spoke quickly, rising to her feet just as fast. She began to brush the dirt off her kimono. Why did she look so panicked and worried? “You did. And I’ve already delivered it. I just wanted to come see the temple.” Yuu quickly shook her head, moving towards Ren, using the back of her hands to try and shoo her away. “Go home and clean then. You shouldn’t be here bothering Elder Tanaka.” But just as Ren began to turn away, Tanaka just as quickly approached, using her staff as a way to balance herself. “Now hold on, Yuu. You know that everyone, neighbor and stranger, is welcome to visit me at any time.” Tanaka spoke calmly, staring at her staff. The emblems of the sun and moon that hung from their chords began to turn, even though there wasn’t the feeling of a breeze. Yuu seemed to notice this as well, and her feelings of unsteadiness increased. “What brings you here today, Ren? Tanaka spoke up, her eyes moving from examining her staff, to the young girl standing in front of her.

Ren didn’t know how to describe the feeling she felt upon seeing the staff. It was probably her 3rd time ever seeing it, yet she was even more enchanted by it than the last time she saw it. But the feeling in her chest seemed to intensify. Perhaps it wasn’t the shrine that was pulling her towards it, but the staff in Tanaka’s hands. “Raiko and I just wanted to admire the temple and the growing flowers. They are always lovely this time of year, as our cherry blossom tree is in full bloom too!” Though Ren was speaking respectfully towards Tanaka, her eyes remained locked in admiration of the staff in her hands. Ren wasn’t sure about telling Tanaka about the force in her chest that was pulling her to the staff in her hand. But, it didn’t seem to take any words from Ren. Tanaka’s eyes watched the turning emblems begin to slow down. “Yes, they really are this time of year, hm? There is so much beauty to be admired here at our temple. Why is it that I don’t see you more often here then?” Yuu quickly intervened at the last question.

“Because she is still a little girl! Tanaka, I don’t-“ Ren was caught slightly off guard by her mother’s sudden outburst, as it was considered very disrespectful to interrupt a conversation with the High Priestess. What was mother getting so upset about? A quick glance from Tanaka seemed to quiet her mother, and the High Priestess spoke calmly towards Yuu. “She is young, but I can feel the strength inside her, as does the Chowa. My girl… do you feel drawn to this place?” Ren looked towards Raiko, not sure how to answer, as if Raiko could answer for her. What did Takana mean by the strength inside her? Raiko was the brave and strong one. What would he do? “I believe so… And to your staff. I- I mean. It is really beautiful.” Ren responded, turning back towards Tanaka. Tanaka smiled more, while Yuu seemed to grow more worried.

“The Chowa, my dear girl, harmony, balance, symmetry. There is no good without evil and vice versa. The Chowa has many powers. Perhaps if you decided to train under me as a priestess, I could teach you much more.” Ren’s eyes traveled over the staff, admiring its many intricacies. Becoming a Priestess was her only other option in life than to become a mother and child bearer. Ren reached her hand out, touching the base of the staff. It felt cool to the touch, and for some reason Ren felt as if it belonged in her hands. Tanaka’s grin would have grown wider if it didn’t begin to waiver, at the sigh of the darkening cloud approaching. Was it really moving that quickly? “It seems like it may storm. How about we continue this conversation inside the temple?” Tanaka turned, leading the group towards the entrance. Ren was about to follow quickly, but turned towards Raiko. He had mentioned not feeling well when he was here, so Ren reached for him, taking his hand in hers. “You don’t need to be scared here, Raiko. I’m right here, so don’t worry. Okay?” Ren smiled, leading Raiko inside as the storm steadily approached.

“Young Priestess, would you please let the villagers know to finish what work they are doing and to get inside. I believe this coming storm is going to be a harsh one.” Tanaka spoke to one of the ladies walking around inside. She nodded, and hastily left the building to go into the village.

❦❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀┈┈┈┈❀❧

Behind Blue Eyes [1x1]

█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█
█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█
█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█

ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴ'Ｓ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe тнe вαd мαɴ
тσ вє тнє ѕα∂ мαη

ＢＥＨＩＮＤ ＢＬＵＥ ＥＹＥＳ

ＡＮＤ ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴＳ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe нαтed
тσ вє ƒαтє∂

ＴＯ ＴＥＬＬＩＮＧ ＯＮＬＹ ＬＩＥＳ

╔════════════╬ＡＲＴＨＵＲ ＺＡＶＩＥＲ ＭＹＬＥＳ╬════════════╗

Arthur’s angry face continued to soften looking at Eva as they stepped out into the night, from the ball. But Eva didn’t seem ready to completely leave, as she heaved all her thoughts off her chest. Sure, she had known him for so long, that made sense. What also made sense was that in the course of getting to know him, he developed feelings for her, and was becoming jealous of their relationship. Eva claimed that his forceful stunt didn’t help in disclaiming Matthew’s accusations of abuse. But Arthur only really knew how to deal with issues violently or with threats. Besides, Matthew was a coward, shake him up a bit and he should back off for a while. Eva was getting so upset, but it wasn’t like he beat up Matthew, as much as his body was telling him he should have. He just shook him up, no big deal. But Eva thought it had more to do with than trust, and that she was the problem. Arthur rubbed the back of his neck thinking on it for a while. No, Eva did nothing wrong. She was perfect in so many ways… it was just that she was significantly more trusting of others than Arthur ever was. Not only that, but now she was scared of him too? For shaking up a guy a bit. If that scared her, then she would be petrified if she knew anything else about Arthur and his work.

“You’ve done nothing wrong, Eva.” In fact, Arthur felt like it was mostly his own fault. He was very protective of Eva recently, but this was mainly due to the fact that she seemed to get hurt every time they were separated. He had seen Eva crying too many times to feel comfortable with. “I’m just looking out for you, Eva. Do you not trust me and my actions?” Arthur looked down at her hand, as she laid her palm on his. He gently squeezed her hand, his eyes not wanting to pull away from that image. He felt guilty for making her feel afraid, she should never be afraid of him, because every action and decision he made was in order to protect Eva. But perhaps this was a good thing too… because now she would be getting a chance to see his truer colors. If she could accept him like this, then perhaps there was still a sliver of a chance she could accept who he really was.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pair stopped abruptly when Gigi stepped in front of them, suddenly apologizing. Jacob looked relatively surprised by Gigi’s sudden outburst. He hadn’t really noticed before how their relationship had been changing. Sure, Alexander was still head over heels for Gigi, but for some odd reason, Gigi wasn’t distancing herself from him like she usually wood. This action of hers came as a complete surprise, and Jacob glanced towards Alexander, watching for a reaction. Alex pulled the lock of his eyes on the horizon down the Gigi, listening to her apology. She claimed it wasn’t what he thought. But he pulled on a small smile, his eyes softening slightly. “Ah… min vackra blomma. You don’t have to lie to me. I’m sorry for pulling you around on the dance floor earlier. It obviously wasn’t something you enjoyed. Perhaps… I can make it up to you? We can go get ice cream?” Alexander’s eyes lit up slightly more at the prospect of making amends. He felt guilty, probably for embarrassing Gigi in front of her friends and classmates. It didn’t matter that she didn’t return feelings for him. He had to keep his head up and continue the good fight- for love! “There is a good place not too far of a walk from here… and considering Arthur was our ride, maybe we should put our legs to some good use…”

Jacob, as if suddenly remembering that there was a 4th friend involved in this, looked around, seeing Arthur and Eva standing at a different exit. “Oi. They’re right over there. ARTHUR! EVA!” They obviously heard him calling, but Arthur didn’t seem to want to turn his head away from Eva. Were they having a serious conversation? Jacob wondered for a second before turning to Alyssa. “I have a question for you. Has Eva had a past relationship?” To anyone else that wouldn’t seem like a big deal. But perhaps to Arthur that would seem to matter.

Terrance, standing now quite some distance from his friends, grinned at Helene’s little prospect. But cursed under his breath for having decided to ride with Arthur rather than take his own car. But Terrance seemed to agree with Helene, it was taking too much of his own effort to hold back his feelings and actions much longer. “You wouldn’t happen to have a get away vehicle, would you?” Terrance smiled playfully towards Helene.

╚══════╬ "We Swedes are used to the cold... I just don't want you to freeze beside me." ╬══════╝

ＢＵＴ ＭＹ ＤＲＥＡＭＳ．．．

ＴＨＥＹ ＡＲＥＮ'Ｔ ＡＳ ＥＭＰＴＹ

ＡＳ ＭＹ ＣＯＮＳＣＩＥＮＣＥ ＳＥＥＭＳ ＴＯ ＢＥ

Ｉ ＨＡＶＥ ＨＯＵＲＳ， ＯＮＬＹ ＬＯＮＥＬＹ．．．

ＭＹ ＬＯＶＥ ＩＳ ＶＥＮＧＥＡＮＣＥ

ＴＨＡＴ'Ｓ ＮＥＶＥＲ ＦＲＥＥ

✖✖ Translations:...
✖✖ I Feel... Concerned
✖✖ I am At... the outside of the Masquerade Dance
✖✖ I am With... Eva
✖✖ I am Thinking..."She doesn't have to be afraid of me..."
✖✖ I am Wearing...Blue dress suit and joker mask.

Behind Blue Eyes [1x1]

█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█
█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█
█║▌│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║│█│║▌║││█║▌│║║█║█║▌│█║▌│║║█║▌│█│║▌║││█

ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴ'Ｓ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe тнe вαd мαɴ
тσ вє тнє ѕα∂ мαη

ＢＥＨＩＮＤ ＢＬＵＥ ＥＹＥＳ

ＡＮＤ ＮＯ ＯＮＥ ＫＮＯＷＳ ＷＨＡＴ ＩＴＳ ＬＩＫＥ．．．

тo вe нαтed
тσ вє ƒαтє∂

ＴＯ ＴＥＬＬＩＮＧ ＯＮＬＹ ＬＩＥＳ

╔════════════╬ＡＲＴＨＵＲ ＺＡＶＩＥＲ ＭＹＬＥＳ╬════════════╗

Arthur was relatively disgruntled, but the farther he brought Eva away from Matthew, the better he began to feel. That was until Eva seemed to argue back with him. She saw it as a misunderstanding, while Arthur saw it as a threat. He was aware that jealousy was lingering in the air enough from Terrance and Alexander, and he didn’t want to get mixed up in it with Eva. She seemed upset with his actions which left him a bit confused as well. He didn’t think Eva would be upset. Why did she care what that guy thought? “I don’t trust him…” Arthur stated, keeping Eva close to him. Perhaps she just always saw the goodness in people, while he always saw their malicious intent. Glancing around, he could see that all of their friends had disappeared. Put looking at his watch he could see what the most likely reason was. “It is getting late… perhaps we should go home for the night.” Looking up again, Arthur could see Matthew once again, standing next to a dark haired girl. She seemed familiar, but Arthur simply brushed it off as just another classmate he recognized but didn’t know the name of.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, it seemed like almost all the gang was here now, as Terrance whipped away his attention from Helene, and even Jacob came bursting through the door with Alyssa. Now all they needed for this mess of a party were Arthur and Eva. Alexander sighed, averting his eyes away. Jacob approached Alexander, placing a reassuring hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Another day, another year, huh Alexander?” Terrance faced palmed at Jacob’s attempt at consoling, as if reminding him another year had passed since his parents abandoned him was any good of an idea. “Look, Alexander. You keep moping around like this. What will it take to cheer you up?” Terrance huffed rather impatiently. While Jacob was more willing to listen out for his friend, and make sure that he was mentally alright, Terrance was getting fed up with Alexander’s mood swings.

Alexander just shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m fine… I don’t know… I think I just need some fresh air.” Alexander concluded. While he didn’t feel like he was falling into a black hole, as he usually did, he still felt a little on the lower side. He couldn’t turn his head to look at Gigi anymore, though. If he looked at her it would probably just make him feel worse. Jacob looked at Terrance, and then nodded towards Alexander. “Maybe we all need some fresh air right now.” Terrance scoffed keeping one of his arms around Helene’s waists as Jacob led Alexander towards the main entrance doors.

“Yeah… sure” Terrance was obviously displeased with his alone time being interrupted with Helene. They had only just started talking and interacting again. He wasn’t ready to stop- it had been too long.

╚══════╬ "We Swedes are used to the cold... I just don't want you to freeze beside me." ╬══════╝

ＢＵＴ ＭＹ ＤＲＥＡＭＳ．．．

ＴＨＥＹ ＡＲＥＮ'Ｔ ＡＳ ＥＭＰＴＹ

ＡＳ ＭＹ ＣＯＮＳＣＩＥＮＣＥ ＳＥＥＭＳ ＴＯ ＢＥ

Ｉ ＨＡＶＥ ＨＯＵＲＳ， ＯＮＬＹ ＬＯＮＥＬＹ．．．

ＭＹ ＬＯＶＥ ＩＳ ＶＥＮＧＥＡＮＣＥ

ＴＨＡＴ'Ｓ ＮＥＶＥＲ ＦＲＥＥ

✖✖ Translations:...
✖✖ I Feel... Angry
✖✖ I am At... Masquerade Dance
✖✖ I am With... Eva
✖✖ I am Thinking..."That asshole..."
✖✖ I am Wearing...Blue dress suit and joker mask.