#that bit where arthurs axe head flies off

[justaz]

stumbled across that deleted scene of merlin complimenting the knights and forcing arthur into jealous sparring to impress merlin and i just. god. they are so gay. that scene was straight out of a fanfic. since we treat the sigil scene as canon despite it being deleted, i move to motion that we address that scene as canon as well. all in favor, read this post. oh look at that, its unanimous.

[lailoken]

“Elder (Sambucus nigra), also known as boor or bour tree.

Elder is one of the most enigmatic plants in British folk tradition. On one hand it is feared and associated with WITCHES and on the other it is valued for its protective qualities, as a fly repellent, and for its use in many herbal remedies.

The whole plant hath a narcotic smell; it is not well to sleep under its shade. [Withering, 1776: 186]

[In Leitrim, Waterford and the south of Ireland] the elder or 'bore' tree is believed to have been the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself. The proof of which is the fact that its leaves have an 'ugly smell', and, moreover, that its fruit has since degenerated from its original size and excellent flavour, and become worthless both as to size and taste. [Anon., 1916: 425]

It was said at Beckley that if you burn elder wood you will become bewitched. You never cut it down. In Wootton they say that the elder is a witch tree. You should not mend a wattle hedge with it, as it will give the witches power. If you cut it, it will bleed. [Oxfordshire Women's In- stitute groups, 1950s]

Unlucky to burn Tramman [elder], it is the FAIRIES’ tree. [Lezayre, Isle of Man, c.1975; Manx Folklife Survey]

Normally in the Isle of Man elder is the fairies' tree which is unlucky to cut down, or burn when fallen. I was told in 1992 by a forestry worker of his pleasure that a large elder had blown over into the field adjoining his garden and thus relieved him of the need to find someone willing to remove it. [Union Mills, Isle of Man, October 1993]

Elder flowers—it is alright to pick the flowers for wine or culinary use, but the tree is a friend of witches and the wood should never come into the house. [Ashreigney, Devon, July 1983]

Elder—unlucky to bring either flowers or wood into a house: (a) because it is the witches' tree, (b) because it was believed that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree, (c) because if you fall asleep under elder flowers the scent will poison you or you will never wake up. [Driffield, Humber- side, March 1985]

Collecting firewood from the hedges surrounding the cottage and returning happily laden, but being accused of bringing bits of elder into the house—it was considered unlucky to use these to light a fire. [Bow Street, Dyfed, October 1984]

The only unlucky plant which I have heard of is the elder tree, which the old people looked upon as unlucky. As I have heard the old people say, it was unhealthy to have an elder tree growing near the house as it was often noted the inhabitants seemed more prone to TUBERCULOSIS or 'Consumption' as it was known in Ireland in the old days. However, as TB was rampant all over the country at that time, I don't know if the belief would have any significance. My own people however would not cut down an elder bush or burn it no matter how old or rotten it was. Nor allow an elder stick in the house, and it would be an unforgivable act to strike a child or even an animal with one. [Kill Village, Co. Kildare, October 1984]

The family name dies out on the property where the elder grows in the kitchen garden. [Skibbereen, Co. Cork, January 1993]

Do you know the Rollright Stones in Oxfordshire? You can't count them; you never get the same number twice. In the next field there is a big stone called King Arthur, and there are various stones called after his Knights around. There are some elder bushes nearby. We used to go there as children on our bicycles and try to count the stones. We were told that if we picked a flower or a berry from these elderberry bushes we would be turned into stone. We used to dare each other to pick a berry or a flower, but no one ever did. [Mitcham, Surrey, May 1986]

However, in the early part of the nineteenth century:

On Midsummer Eve, when the 'eldern' tree was in blossom, it was a custom for people to come up to the King Stone and stand in a circle. Then the 'eldern' was cut, as it bled 'the King moved his head.' [Evans, 1895: 20]

Sometimes it was thought that wood, berries, or flowers could be safely taken from an elder only if the tree's permission had been sought first.

Hearing one day that a baby in a cottage close to my own was ill, I went across to see what was the matter. Baby appeared right enough, and I said so; but its mother promptly explained. 'It were all along of my maister's thick 'ed; it were in this how: t'rocker cummed off t'cradle, an' he hedn't no more gumption than to mak' a new ’un out on illerwood without axing the Old Lady's leave, an' in coorse she didn't like that, and she came and pinched t'wean that outrageous he were a'most black i' t' face; but I bashed 'un off, an putten an' esh 'un on, an' t'wean is as gallus as owt agin.' This was something quite new to me, and the clue seemed worth following up. So going home I went straight down to my backyard, where old Johnny Holmes was cutting up firewood—‘chopping kindling,' as he would have said. Watching the opportunity, I put a knot of elder-wood in the way and said, 'You are not feared of chopping that are you ?' 'Nay, he replied at once, 'I bain't feared of choppin' him, he bain't wick (alive); but if her were wick I dussn't, not without axin’ the Old Gal's leave, not if it were ever so'.. . (The words to be used are): 'Oh, them's slape enuff.' You just says, 'Owd Gal, give me of thy wood, and Oi will give some of moine, when I graws inter a tree.' [Heanley, 190I: 55]

If you chop an elder tre e or fell it, you should bow three times and say:

Old Woman, Old Woman, Give me some of your wood And when I am dead I'll give you some of mine. [Whitwick, Leicestershire, August 1983]

[Staffordshire, 1930s:] my mother said it was the thing if one wanted blossoms or fruit from an elder tree to say 'Please Mother Elder may I have .. .' [Ponsanooth, Cornwall, November 1993]

In addition to records of elder being inauspicious, there are many rec- ords of it being a beneficial, protective tree.

[In Northumberland] an old man told me that his aunt used to keep a piece of bour tree, or elder, constantly in her kist (chest) to prevent her clothes from malign influence. [Hardy, 1895: 325]

In south Wales it was deemed very dangerous to build any premises on or near the spot where an eldertree stood. In the past an elder planted before the door of a cow-shed or stable protected the cows and horses from witchcraft and sorcery. [Trevelyan, 1909: 103]

[In Scotland elder was] often planted near old crofts and cottages as protection from witches. [Webster, 1978: 342]

[In Guernsey elder] had to be planted as near as possible to the back door, the most used entrance, since it was a sacred tree and a good protection against witchcraft. [McClintock, 1987: 33]

[In Ireland] it is considered lucky to have an elderberry bush grow near your house, especially if it is "self-set'. [Bracknell, Berkshire, August 1984]

Mother used elder leaves to make a pattern on the floor-bricks. Painting around them with red paint. Making the cross with elder leaves. This was an old custom, going back to her grandmother's time, so the custom had to be continued despite the time-consuming nature of the work. [Bow Street, Dyfed, March 1984]

Elder: this was called Boortree... The leaves were boiled and the water used to dose pigs. For this purpose, and because it was supposed to be a protection against LIGHTNING, there was a tree of it at every house. It can still be seen growing in places where there are no houses now, but where houses were years ago. [Lenamore, Co. Longford, April 1991]

Family folklore passed on to me includes . . . one should plant a ROWAN and elder tree and never cut them down, in order to keep witches away. [Parkstone, Dorset, June 1991]

I can remember as a child elder growing around the wooden bottom-of-the-garden 'lavvy' at my uncle's farm near Brentwood, Essex, and many other similar loos with elder adjacent. I was told that the elder would live 'almost for ever', as if one root died off another would spring from a fallen branch or twig. They were treated with 'respect' as they kept away bad magic—no one used the word 'witches'—but the inference was there. [Yafforth, North Yorkshire, January 1990]

More usually elder trees were planted around toilets and other build ings to deter FLIES.

Elder bushes are invariably to be seen outside the dairy windows on the north side of old-fashioned farmhouses in the Midlands. This was done because elder-leaves are supposed to be very objectionable to flies, wasps and other insects, the tree thus provided both shade and protection. For the same reason a switch of elder with leaves on is used when taking or driving a swarm of bees. [N &Q, 11 ser. 12: 489, 1915]

When inspecting a slaughter house [in Cornwall] a summer or two ago, I commented on the absence of flies, and was told that this was due to a large elder bush growing some feet away and that branches of elder in any building would keep flies away. [Peter, 1915: 123]

An elderberry tree was always grown near the house—I think it was to keep flies away. [Didcot, Oxfordshire, February 1991]

According to some friends of mine elderberry bushes were planted by water butts and outside privies so that the smell would keep the flies away. [Horseheath, Cambridgeshire, April 1991]

As a youth my late father worked on the land...Often handling horses it was common practice to tie bunches of elder leaves to the harness to ward off flies. [St Osyth, Essex, February 1989]

My wife, who comes from Northumberland, tells me that her mother used to make up a concoction with elder flower when she was a child. All the family washed their faces in it to keep virulent Northumbrian midges at bay. She remembers it smelling not too pleasant, and tended to keep other children away as well, so she would take the first opportunity to wash it off! [Hexham, Northumberland, June 1988]

About twelve years ago in Girton, Cambridge, a small swarm of bees (apparently known as a 'cast') settled on a plum tree in our garden, about six feet up. A neighbour, Mr C. G. Puck (now 84 years old), a retired shepherd and lifelong beekeeper, came to collect the bees. He removed the queen bee from the swarm and placed her under a small open wooden box inverted on the ground under the tree. He then asked for a sprig of elder and laid this about nine inches above the swarm, saying that the smell of it was disliked by bees, and by the early evening all the bees had moved into the box . . . He had learned of the use of elder in this fashion from his beekeeper father, in his native village of Thriplow, south Cambridgeshire. [Girton, Cambridge, May 1988]

On the Isle of Man:

Each old cottage has a 'trammon', or elderberry tree, outside the door. This is used by the 'Phynodderree' to swing in. He is a kind of faun who can bring much luck, and even helps materially in outside work. [Daily News, 27 January 1926]

[Fairies] liked most of all to swing and play in the elder trees, and these were always thought of as fairy trees in the Isle of Man. There wasn't a house or farm that didn't have its 'tramman' tree planted by the door or in the garden 'for the fairies'. Many of them are still to be seen; the single tree will soon have grown into a thicket, hiding the old ruined house, but a sure sign that a house once stood there . . . When the wind was blowing the branches, it was then that the fairies were believed to be riding the tramman trees, but it was said that they would desert a house or a farm where the trees had been cut down. This must have happened only very rarely: no-one would cut a branch of the tramman, let alone the tree itself, but if it was done the fairies grieved. [Killip, 1975: 35]

Regardless of whether elder is considered to be malevolent or protec- tive, most of the folk beliefs associated with the tree appear to be con- cerned with its protection and preservation. Two quotations from herbalists writing in the 1940s demonstrate the value of the elder tree.

[According to my [g*psy] friend] the healingest tree that on earth do grow be the elder, them sez, and take it all round I should say 'twas. [Quelch, 1941: 78]

[Elder has] the unusual distinction of being useful in every part. [Ransom, 1949: 55]

Thus it is possible that the various folk beliefs associated with elder were due, at least in part, to efforts to protect a valuable resource.

The period when elder flowered was sometimes considered to be a time when the weather was poor. In the Basingstoke area of Hampshire this time was known as the elderbloom winter [Maida Hill, Lon- don, December 1982], while in Cheshire:

Weather prophets say that if the weather breaks while the elder-flowers are coming out, it will be soaking wet (in Cheshire parlance, drabbly) until they fade. [Hole, 1937: 49]

Francis Bacon (1561–1626) recorded: 'They say' WARTS can be removed by rubbing them 'with a Green Elder Sticke and then bury- ing the Sticke to rot in Mucke' [Bacon, 1631: 258]. Similarly:

A 15-year-old girl, writing in 1954, says that her grandfather told her to pick a small twig of elderberry, touch her warts with it, chant the words, “Wart, wart, on my knee, Please go, one, two, three” and put it 'down the toilet'. [Opie, 1959: 315]

Elder is, perhaps, the wild plant most widely used in folk medicine.

Queen of all Forest [of Dean] remedies was 'ellum blow tea'...The flowers were gathered in the spring and hung up to dry in closed paper bags ... in the kitchen ... You dared not sneeze in the winter or down came the bag, a good handful was put in a jug, covered with boiling water, covered with a tea towel, and left to infuse. One had to force this evil-smelling brew down one's throat willy-nilly. I loathed it, and to this day can recall that smell of cats which emanated from it. Poultices of the mixture were used for SPRAINS, aches, etc., in joints, also for boils and 'gathered' fingers—whitlows and so on. It seemed to be a universal panacea; the only use it didn't have was for constipation . . . Elder berries were favoured too; they were boiled up with sugar, the resulting syrup strained, bottled, and used in winter for coughs and colds . . .There is not a Forester alive over the age of 70 who does not know ellum blow tea. [Cinder- ford, Gloucestershire, November 1993]

Elder berries when fried with mutton fat are used for BOILS and ULCERS. [IFCSS MSS 414: 43, Co. Clare]

Elder root when boiled and the water drank supposed to cure RHEUMAT- ISM. [IFCSS MSS 700: 35, Co. Meath]

An infusion of elder flowers in boiling water will alleviate PILES. [Horsted Keynes, West Sussex, February 1991]

A green ointment could be made from the leaves, based on mutton fat, and the creamy white flowers made Elderflower Water for the complexion. The flowers, dried in the sun and stored in a paper bag make a good remedy to break a hard COUGH and bring up phlegm. I always pick and dry some when they are in bloom, put the full of your fingers (one hand) in a mug, pour boiling water over and let it infuse for ten minutes. A little milk or fruit juice can be added. [Lenamore, Co. Longford, April 1991]

For flus and FEVERS

40 oz whiskey bottle. Pick, clean, weigh, one pound ripe elder berries. Delete the strings (most strings anyway) using a fork, and put berries into empty bottle. Add 4 lb sugar. Top up with a bottle (or most of a bottle) of whiskey. Seal well. Store for 3 months and strain. Use strongest spirit. Dose—Strong glass of this 'Elderfire'—add hot water (as hot as possible) and drink. Take 2 or 3 spoons of honey with drink. Repeat each night (or more frequently)–usually two nights is sufficient to clear the flu/fever results guaranteed. [Killarney, Co. Kerry, September 1991]

[My mother, who was 94 when she died in 1987] used to collect elder-flower in the spring, and dried it. In the winter if we had colds or flu, the elderflower was put in a jug covered with boiling water and put on the hob to stew. At night we were given this (strained) with sugar and a few drops of peppermint oil added. We were given a teacup full of this at night, and in the morning we had to drink half a cupful of this cold mixture. It was supposed to sweat out the fever. She used to tell me how she pulled me through PNEUMONIA by poulticing with hot flannel and sips of elderflower tea, day and night. [Hill, Worcestershire, October 1991]

When my three children were small and we had wintery weather (and it can be very cold up here at the foot of the Cairngorms), I made elder-flower wine, and when it was time for them coming from school I had three cups, bowl of sugar, bottle of elderflower wine and the kettle boiling, and I gave them a tody; they never had colds or flu. [Boat-of-Garten, Inverness-shire, November 1991]

Elder flowers and berries are widely collected by makers of homemade wines. The flowers can also be used in cooking [Ó’Ceirin, 1980: o1), and the fruits have been recommended as a substitute for currants [Ransom, 1949: 55]. Elder leaves have been used as a TOBACCO substitute.

Myself, my brother and a friend always smoked elder leaves when money was not available for tailor-made cigarettes. We spent much time in the woodland of Thetford Chase, where on our regular walks we would break down, but not completely snap off, small sprigs of the elder. We found that if we severed the supply of sap completely the leaves on the sprig would dry out resulting in a hot strong smoke. We found that if the leaves remained just slightly damp they were a quite pleasant smoke. It was obviously trial and error, sometimes they remained too wet to burn properly. We would stuff the leaves very lightly into the stems of various umbellifers...We actually prefered these cigarettes to the tailor-made, but they were not available during winter. [West Stow, Suffolk, November 1992]

Elder wood is characterized by its pith, which can be easily removed.

[On Colonsay] boys aspiring to be pipers made chanters of the young branches [of elder], which are full of pith and easily bored. [McNeill, 1910: 130].

Haw-blowers are made by scooping the pith out of an elder branch. Haws are blown through these. [IFCSS MSS 700: 338, Co. Meath]

The people of the parish were able to make toy guns. They got an elder stick about one and a half feet long and scraped out the inside. Then they got a stick about the same length and made it fit into the hole and then the gun was made. [IFCSS MSS 867: 132, Co. Kilkenny]

At the the beginning of the century children in parts of Devon used to make pop-guns' out of elder: they would force a hole through the pith, and then fashion a ram-rod out of HAZEL WOOD. Chewed paper would be rammed down the hollowed elder sticks, and pressed out with considerable force. Great sport ensued. [Lafonte, 1984: 35]

There was another use for the Boor tree in olden times. A suitable length was cut and seasoned, then the white pith in the centre was scraped out, lead was then melted and poured in. When set, this made a good weapon for protection on a journey or out walking at night...My aunt who was born in 1894 remembered one man who had such a stick. [Lenamore, Co. Longford, April 1991]

[In Horsefield, Cambridgeshire] for winter feeding one beekeeper used to make little troughs out of elder wood; he cut pieces about the thickness of a finger and five or six inches long, tapered off one end and removed the pith, and used them for replenishing the bees' honey by inserting this end in the exit hole. [Parsons MSS, 1952]”

—

Oxford Dictionary of Plant-Lore

by Roy Vickery

[lesserfandomappreciation]

📝 i love hearing about other writer wips!

Yay! Thanks! I have too many WIPS that I am struggling to begin but I’m having a hoot outlining them. 1. Egyxos 3 years later!

Summary: Leo is now a teenager in high school, trying to balance out student life, being an older brother, a social life and being part of the Golden Army in another world. However, things go sideways when one of his teachers is attacked by Anubi wielding a mysterious ancient artifact from a civilization long forgotten. Leo and his allies must race to find the source of Exaton’s new power, as well as unlock the secrets from a civilization long lost to time. And why was Anubi targeting his teacher in the first place?

Egyxos is one of my favorite shows in terms of world-building but I HATED how few arcs there were in terms of character growth! There’s so much potential there and it’s under utilized, so I decided to do a fast-forward in time to after the events in the show. It’s a chance to put the characters through new circumstances as well as expand on the world-building because there are so many questions the show never answered. 

One thing I wished the show had done was give Leo a human ally from Earth. Leo is a kid who is suddenly having to not only deal with the stresses of human life but also being a hero in an entirely different dimension with world-ending consequences. That’s a lot for any kid. Not having anyone on Earth to open up to who can relate to the Earth-side perspective he has would have been hard on him. So I made an OC for him to open up and to step up for him because what do you mean ‘he has to always be available for every problem in Egyxos?’ What do you mean ‘12 years old is a great age to start having to fight in a literal war?”

(TBH I’m super hyped for her to interact with the rest of the cast simply because having a responsible adult confront them on some of their non-sense would be delightful.)

Aaaaaand because I like to make things hard on myself, I decided to re-write some of the characters to better fit into the world, flesh out their backstory or some combination of the two. Leo for example having grown up a bit has a slightly different personality shaped from his experiences, including the fact he struggles to really open up to others. At the same time I reimagined him because why is any descendant of any pharoah white, so that was fun to do. 

Outlining wise I’m actually at 25,000 words of backstory development, arc planning and character personality writing, plus research for the other ancient civilization I want to add in. It’s going to be a bit before I’m really done with the outline, simply because every time I finish one part, it gives me 6 ideas for other arcs. 

2. Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarves OC

I have like 2-3 ocs for Red Shoes, one of them having been re-worked for another WIP I’m having fun with, but basically they’re possible love interests for the rest of the cast of Red Shows besides Merlin and Snow.

Thumbelina as the name implies is the tiny little lady from the story Thumbelina. I found out through a bit of research that originally in the credits after the movie it was going to be Thumbelina, not little Red Riding Hood, who was going to be Arthur’s love interest but in the end I wound up making her Kio’s love interest. She’s not as developed as the other oc I mentioned, but she’s been fun to flesh out. 

What’s been really fun is figuring out what type of personality she’d have after the events in the story because holy smokes does Thumbelina go through the ringer. She literally got kidnapped, nearly forcibly married to a frog, forced to be a bug’s friend before she was ditched, dressed up and then ditched again, almost forced to marry a mole against her will because she was guilt-tripped by a mouse who had saved her, saved by a bird she saved only to be betrayed at the last second by said bird who could have flown her home and instead flies her to the fairy prince who forcibly marries her. Yes the story implies she marries the Prince by choice, but considering what fairies typically do to people who don’t agree with them, I can’t imagine Thumbelina would be thrilled at the idea. Especially since her repeatedly stated goal is to go home to her mother. 

Personality-wise she’s a bright little lady who understandably has severe trust issues around strangers given her incredible streak of bad luck in the past. Her experiences have made her be more observant of her surroundings and quick-minded so as to escape any situation. Plus, because she’s survived so long in the wilds at her diminutive height she’s very knowledgeable about the woods and how to really thrive in a tough situation.  

The other oc is Yvonne the Hunter. There’s a lot of hunters in fairytales to work with so I thought it would be fun for there to be one hell of a good hunter who is not actively trying to be part of fairytales but it keeps falling that way. Also I’m a sucker for a badass female hunter who can kick ass without any hesitation. 

Yvonne is the eldest of 4 kids in a very poor family in the woods. To help support her much younger siblings Yvonne became a hunter, taking on deadly kills and bounties for deep wood beasts that haunted the surrounding mountains. With the added in cash flow she was able to better support her siblings once her parents died, wanting to provide them a good life. 

Currently she has taken on the hunt of a life-time; a dragon attacking the northern lands repeatedly, but completely untrackable. The reward? A king’s favor. Any favor from a king, completely impossible for him to refuse. It’s a chance Yvonne could not pass up (for more than one reason). 

I fluctuated between Arthur and Jack for her and I’m still undecided, because 

a) I’m a sucker for a stern badass and a himbo starting off as rivals and becoming attached.

b) I’m a sucker for a pretty boy falling for a feral hunter. 

so it’s going to be a while before Yvonne or Thumbelina’s stories will be written, though I do have some outlines for them. 

3. The many requests from this inbox!

I’m always working on an ask for this blog, so there’s a lot of WIPs at the moment. 

4. Grace and Alexander

Summary: Lorcia. The country with an army unlike any other. At it’s northern mountain border the empire of Marvansk looms - ever-eager to take the southern fertile lands to feed its expanding population. For centuries they have been at a deadlock, unable to start war without plummeting the entirety of the continent into decades of combat. Grace Tenorio, the head of the legendary Black Brigade, has grown under these circumstances. Never has there been a day where the Lorcian military woman was able to discount the lethal presence of the northern bully. When air pirates raids increase at the the Northern border and invitations from the north to discuss collaboration arrive, she must escort the Foreign Minister deep into enemy territory to find the root of the recent attacks.  Alexander Volkov - the merchant turned leader of the finest pirate hunters the empire has to offer - is a man who seeks redemption for a crime not his own. When a brilliant battle axe of a woman arrives from the south seeking out to hunt the worst of all threats, the two will have to make alliances with an enemy of the opposing land to take down a threat larger than either could have ever assumed. 

I’ve been working on this one for years now. A steampunk adventure/romance with plenty of intrigue, ass-kicking, enemies to lovers, pining, and badassery all around. I try to write a bit of it every now and again with mixed results. It’s more of a personal project than a fandom WIP but who knows? Maybe someday I’ll get it out there. 

[1stunseeliefaelass]

Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited

Chapter 19: Hear No Evil, See No Evil

Once Arn, Morgen, and Arthur had been put to the side allowing Leatherbeard and Death to start their duel, Arn kept himself between Morgen and the other crewmen and seemed to have an issue with the first mate.

She paid him no mind as Leatherbeard began right out of the gate turning his prosthetic into a axe. Swiping at Death who not only dodged but also parried Leatherbeard's attacks. Course Leatherbeard takes a few hits, but unfortunately he heals quicker than Death can deal them. During this fight, Leatherbeard notices Death still can't move too well due to his bad Achilles tendon. Taking this into account, Leatherbeard begins forcing Death to move on his bad leg. Leading to Leatherbeard picking him up then slamming him down to the ground, and giving him a pair of kicks to the gut. Death of course isn't about to stay down for long. As Death gets up he tries to charge at Leatherbeard, only to get an anchor to the face. As Death works to get back up yet again, his bad leg suddenly gets hit by the anchor as well. He flails in the air briefly before landing on his side, holding his ankle once he's down.

"SON OF BITCH!" Death growls in his pain.

Stormbeard gets a quizzical look and asks around, "Have I missed something? Is there something you forgot to mention? What the fuck is wrong with his leg? Because A, I can see it was fucked up somehow based on how he's moving. And B, because he's holding it!"

"Leatherbeard took out his achilles tendon last time they engaged. He may still be healing." War states worried.

"May? MAY?! Motherfucker that IS STILL HEALING!" Stormbeard shouts facepalming.

Meanwhile Death fights to stand up and begins swearing under his breath, "Aw fucking hell...real good plan Death you moron....real fucking smart."

"Came in half cocked, like always. Heheh..now let's finish this."

Suddenly Death feels a sharp pain in his gut just below his ribs. This unbelievable pain is even worse when the blade begins spinning, and his wound isn't healing, well not as fast as it should. From there Leatherbeard rips it from his gut, and stabs him in the arm. The same thing as before happens to his arm. Blood spewing as the coiled blade spins inside him like a drill. Leatherbeard continues to spin the blade on his prosthetic for a time before pulling it loose again. Had Morgen not given Death that boost he would've likely been dead right there and then. Having been partially disemboweled. Leatherbeard then displayed the spiral blade for all to see and upon tasting Death's blood began to transform.

"Is that all you got? Come on! You can do better than that. Last time I checked when you're on your doorstep you still keep fighting." Leatherbeard said as Death, through some miracle, finally got up and took another stance.

"That's it! Get up! That's what I like to see.", Leatherbeard said as he was ready to go a tad berserk.

Leatherbeard began his flurry of attacks once more and occasionally even tried to go for more stabs with his blade. Pulling it out of his prosthetic and keeping it in his good hand. His prosthetic began at his own will to form into various weapons. All to try and trip Death up all the more. Death, having become fully aware of what Leatherbeard was doing, stopped dodging and began to block or parry him. Using his spectral hands, he flat out stopped or moved some attacks away from him. Best part, it was beginning to work.

As everyone watched Leatherbeard get body slammed, Death pulled the cobalt dagger from his belt and got a lucky hit on Leatherbeard's ear. Taking the whole thing off. The cut itself leaving embers as the ear fell off and began to burn. The wound begins to cauterize as well. To Leatherbeard's surprise and anguish, it also wasn't healing nor was a new one growing. Not to mention the unbelievable stinging and pain he felt. It gave him no pleasure at all.

Arn meanwhile gets surprised when he suddenly feels someone reach out to him, "When I give the signal, be ready to protect the girl and child."

Arn at first doesn't understand but on instinct gently grabs Morgen's hand. Morgen naturally looks at him a bit concerned, "You alright lad?"

"Yes just...little eager that's all."

"Remain calm for now. Death's managed to regain an edge." Morgen responds calmly.

Unfortunately as Death begins laying the smackdown he starts losing vigor due to his injuries. Leatherbeard uses this to gain the advantage back during his angered frenzy. Capitalizing on Death's weakening state to transform, he then grabs Death by his face.

"NOW LET'S FINISH THIS!"

He throws Death back before turning his prosthetic back into the mount for blades. He then places the dagger back within it. Growling at Death in pure rage, "YOU BURN ME, I BURN YOU."

Death puts up as much of a defense as he can in preparation for this charge. Leatherbeard however manages to get Death on his back when he fails to have the remaining strength necessary to withstand it. Leatherbeard then gets ready to chomp down on Death's head, only for him to chuckle quietly.

"WHAT'S SO DAMN FUNNY?"

"Heheheh...only...heheh...that I'm about to have...a fish fry."

"What?" Leatherbeard inquires in a moment of confusion.

With a sudden final attack, Death lands the dagger directly into Leatherbeard's eye. The dagger burns it's way into Leatherbeard's socket, nullifying his healing and spewing jets of blood from the wound. Leatherbeard recoils, taking a few steps backwards screaming in pain. It's only then, that Stormbeard chooses to step in and focus his lightning on the dagger. A single, long lasting bolt of lightning flies from the heavens striking the hilt. It travels through the blade and into his skull, burning the socket in a permanent scorched pit. His prosthetic arm explodes in a mix of heated shrapnel and flames. Leatherbeard stands motionless for a moment, but without warning falls backwards in an unresponsive seizure like episode. When his first mate comes to his side to see if he's alright, the men guarding Morgen get attacked by a large grey furred wolf. Arn then transforms as well, to take out the remaining crewmen. Leaving all but the first mate and those who retreated with her, dead. Good thing the first mate remembered to remove the dagger. With it came the charred remnants of the black eye that was now a partial jelly ball. A charred leg is also left behind, a pretty clear indication that he'd lost it.

Arn nearly feasts on a guy only for the grey beast to shout, "ARN!"

Arn stops just shy of the guy's throat, and restrains himself enough to punch the guy, shattering his nose. When the grey beast stands at his full height, everyone is left in awe at what appears to be a werewolf but far larger. Sixteen feet tall easily and covered in grey fur with white highlights. Even more impressively, they could make out the Norse tattoos covering his chest, but it looks like they flow into his shoulders and possibly his arms. They glow a brilliant, frosty blue.

"Arn...Who Is that?" Esmie asks concerned.

"He's a friend Mama." Arn tells her calmly.

"I am Sygr of Jom. A Norseman." The grey werewolf responds.

Stormbeard pipes in, "You're a fucking Jotun and you know it. Don't fucking lie to us you bloody prick."

Sygr looks at him simply, "And you're a Storm Giant. Rather short for one at that."

Stormbeard gets visibly frustrasted, but suddenly cools down, "Yeah, and you're somebody that apparently has their tail between their legs. Where we you during that mess? I have an excuse, I was waiting for the right opportunity. What about you?"

"Same here."

Meanwhile Morgen hurried over to Death on the ground. He was untouched by the lightning, but the blood loss was beginning to take him. He started losing consciousness as Morgen worked to try and heal him. Using the last bit of strength he had, he sluggishly lifted his hand up to her.

"Told ya...I'd win."

With that his vision fades as Morgen begins to panic. Grasping his hand in worry. After several hours, Death's eyes flicker open to see Morgen laying on his chest. In his groggy state he isn't thinking of any embarrassment. So he slowly goes to move his hand to stroke her. Only for a massive amount of pain to suddenly hit him.

"NNNNAAAAARRRGH! Ah! Fuck!"

Morgen naturally snaps awake and immediately becomes embarrassed herself, "Uhm.....I am...so sorry. Did me laying here...?"

"No...I tried moving....Now I feel EVERYTHING."

Morgen sits up and asks him, "Shall I try healing you more?"

"That...might....help..." Death croaks out in his pain.

Morgen begins to heal him, even singing to try and ease his pain as well. Death lets himself rest whilst listening to her. But his peace is interrupted by his family bursting in.

War smashes through the door, "Are you alright?! We heard screaming."

"I....hurt...everywhere..." Death expresses in a croaky tone that suggests annoyance.

Strife then came in, "How you doing bro?"

"Ask....War..."

"War?"

"He hurts all over." War explains simply.

Strife just kind of shrugs, "Ok."

"Is that all then?" Fury inquires coming in the doorway.

"Oh for....FUCK'S sake..." Death whispers in more annoyance.

Morgen continues singing, as if in a trance like state as she doesn't even skip a beat when the door is suddenly burst through. Nor does she cease when the others speak. Death actually gets a bit concerned when noticing that she's still singing. Little does he know, she's hearing something or someone telling her to continue.

"Uh...is there a reason you're still singing and not...distracted by them? Owwww..." Death inquires in a strained tone.

Morgen's eyes are almost glossed over as if filled with liquid glitter. Course when she suddenly comes to whilst blinking quickly, her eyes go back to her usual amethyst.

"Huh...w-what? What's going on?"

"Uh we apparently are interrupting something." Strife says in a slightly embarrassed tone.

"Apparently." War adds on.

"Let's leave our brother alone then shall we boys?" Fury asks pulling them elsewhere.

Death meanwhile notices Morgen seems a bit on the confused side, "Are you alri....argh...alright?...ow..."

"I think so. I do feel a bit dazed, but that's it..." Morgen explains sounding worn out.

Death squints his eyes whilst listening to her and sees Morgen's horns seem to be growing again. Morgen actually begins to sway a bit before she begins to fall on her side. Nearly hitting the floor as she does so. Growling in pain Death forces himself up to catch her. Only managing to grab her arm, and in his growing pain he shouts for aid.

"HELP! I NEED A LITTLE HELP IN HERE! OW!"

Fury then hurries in, "Ok ok we're coming you......OK! Hang on a second there."

Fury then gets Morgen onto her shoulder and helps Death lay down. Ale then comes in behind her, "ATAN?! Atan?! Are you ok?"

"Just....as fine as I can be...ow...."

Ale then gets an idea, "I do have an idea. It's risky, but it should help with the pain Atan."

"What is it.....? Uuuggh..."

"Remember the pods in my village? They can heal anything. You'll just be asleep during the process." Ale explains.

"Ugh please tell me they do NOT put slime in those 'weird' 'uncomfortable' places."

"It's not slime, it's liquid Atan." Ale states.

"Ah....ok...I might actually consider it...nnngh."

Ale gently strokes him and Death realizes she's got a cloth in her hand, "This is to make sure you don't have a bad reaction to the liquid. The magic is within it and it'll be pumped through your body. So we need to make sure your body won't reject it."

Death sits still as Ale gently places the damp cloth along the more trivial wounds on his body.

"Nnngh ah...stings a little...but it's probably because....you're putting them on my wounds..."

"Shouldn't sting long. If anything you should start to feel a numbness there. Only enough to cease the pain though."

"And there it is...mmmgh."

Ale kept Death as still as she could. Luckily his body showed no bad reactions. This gave her comfort as she prepared to make a particular call. Unfortunately, it was going to be truly awkward. And Death could tell by the look on her face.

"Who are you about to call?"

"Your Gras Ceiser..." Ale tells him sounding slightly annoyed.

"Uuuuuugh...oh dear...why may I ask?" Death inquires in dread.

"He may have a way to transport you without any pain." Ale explains simply.

Death groans, "Ugh...great. Now we're having to deal with that sociopath again. And the possibility of you two going at it again."

"I'll try not to argue with him, for your sake. As you're in no state to just walk away from it as you normally would."

"Just keep your philosophy to yourself this time and it'll be simple Ceise. I get that you worry about him and feel he's being foolish, putting it lightly. But just try not to start something, and before you say anything, it's usually you who starts it." Death informs her.

Ale only sighs before making the call, "Hello? Ceiser?"

"Atari." A cold Russian voice responded.

"Listen, your Gras Atan is in massive pain right now. I have a treatment plan for him, but I'll need a way to transport him without pain. He's hurting all over as the injuries are that severe to him."

An unamuzed sounding sigh comes from the crystal, "And I am to help why? And how did he acquire these injuries?"

"Leatherbeard." Ale expresses.

Suddenly Death hears a tone he's NEVER heard from the man before, "What? What did you just say?"

"Leatherbeard is the one behind Death's injuries." Ale explains calmly, a bit surprised at the emotion herself.

"What happened? Tell me now, Atari."

Ale then explains the situation to him, whilst Death hears the sudden crushing of metal mixed with sounds of electricity from the crystal. He's actually somewhat worried now.

"What's going on?"

The sounds cease suddenly and his Gras Ceiser shakes his head before telling him, "Nothing Gras Atan. You just remain still. I'll be on my way shortly. Where are you two? At your Ceise's home?"

"No, in the Unseelie Realm. Queen Titania's home." Death tells him quickly with a hint of strain.

"Ah. As I said, I'll be on my way shortly."

The call ends and the gate guards suddenly are met with a portal opening near them. Out from it steps an extremely tall Male Lepus. He's lithe with features covered by various metal parts and enhancements. One of his ears is slightly torn, and flopping down halfway with an earhoop attached to its end. His hair is white and slightly shorn. The creepiest parts of him however were his eyes. While he could blink with normal eyelids, his red colored eyes dilated like a camera's apeture.

"W-w-who a-a-a-are..." One guard attempted to ask him.

"I am Grand Elder Llildan of the Lepus tribes. My Atari, Ale, is expecting me. I recommend you take me to her, immediately."

They do so in fear if anything. Course they pass by the younger three Horsemen, who all look at Llildan with equal parts suspicion and concern. Strife looks about to ready to pull his guns, and Fury isn't sure what to do ultimately. War however, chooses to confront the visitor.

"What's your business here?"

Llildan looks to War and examines him, unblinking before speaking, "You must be War. Death has mentioned you before, and your other siblings too. Strife and Fury I presume?"

War has the urge to palm Chaoseater, "Who are you? And what do you want?"

"I am Ale's Father, Llildan. She doesn't speak of me much so I am not surprised you don't know of me. Your brother Death remembers me though, as we've met a few times in the past."

"Wait...you're Ale's Dad?!" Strife asks in surprise.

"Ale's so...gentle. And you're so...whatever you call yourself." Fury states vaguely.

"Creepy, fucked up, strange, alien, otherworldly, call me what you will. Now where are Death and Ale?"

They all cautiously lead him to the room. He's actually shocked when seeing Death. And sees a visible mark on Ale's cheek. Course it's mended mostly, but he still sees it. Instantly he checks Ale over.

"What happened? What did he do to?"

"Only a slap Ceiser. It's my Atan and the girl who was with me that I'm worried about." Ale tells him.

"Girl? Ah the brown haired one, C I believe you said she was called?"

"Yes Ceiser. Course I didn't explain everything....when it comes to what happened to her she didn't want to say. But was visibly disgusted." Ale explains.

"Why am I not surprised when it comes to Ralph Dingleberg, aka Leatherbeard." Llildan says with a slight short circuit.

Death is suddenly curious about what happened to C and why his Grandfather is so angry, "Where is C? And explain why you're so pissed."

"She wasn't at breakfast this morning. So I'm not sure Atan. Why?" Ale responds.

"I need to make sure she's alright. While you look for her, Grandfather explain your relations to Leatherbeard."

Ale walks out of the room as Llildan gives her a nod, "Did Ale ever tell you about her Mother, my wife, Shel?"

"Only in passing. She always gets upset when I ask, so usually I don't anymore."

"You see, Shel was unfortunately stuck with Crom on her tail. He desperately wanted her, me and Shel existing in Shel's life didn't matter to him. I was unable to ease that part of her life. No matter what I did. Sadly...I one day lost the ability to try. Leatherbeard was sent by Crom to retrieve her, or kill her. She told me to take Ale and run. I did but when I went to aid Shel after hiding Ale...she was....she had been run through. I held her in my arms that night as she died. Everything I tried failed to save her. Leatherbeard's laugh that day still haunts me, no matter how many enhancements I make." Llildan tells him actually sounding somber. "So, do you really think he'd dead?"

"I stuck a cobalt dagger through his eye, and had him struck with lightning. It remained there a few seconds thanks to the one conjuring it....nngh...He even lost a leg and appeared to have a seizure. So yes, I'm fairly sure I got him." Death assures him.

"Good. Lets hope he stays that way hmm?" Llildan suggests.

"Yes, lets."

Meanwhile Ale had found C in a quiet state. She was actually nude in her bed, with a mirror pointed at her.

"Oh forgive me C, bad time?" Ale inquires gently.

"Huh? Oh uh.....I guess not." C replies before wrapping herself up in a blanket burrito.

"Do you want to talk?" Ale asked softly.

"Not without Gregory around. Please call him up...let him know where I am...." C tells her as some cracks slip into her voice.

Ale can tell something is wrong now and calls Gregory, "Hello Gregory."

"ALE IS THAT YOU?! Fucking hell lass when no one called it scared the daylights out of me! What's going on?! Where are you Ale?! WHERE'S MY DAUGHTER?!" Gregory quickly shouts at her.

"She's here with me, but she needs you here too. Right now."

"Well tell me where you are." Gregory asks of her.

"At Queen Titania's home. I can teleport home to bring you back here if you want Gregory."

"That'd be greatly appreciated. Also I'm going to try and bring Wren with me. She's been freaking out almost as much as I have." Gregory informs her.

"Very well, that's fine. I'll be there in a jiffy." Ale responds before using a crystal to achieve the teleportation home. Not before placing another crystal nearby and connecting it to her home crystal with a spell. The teleportation to and from is simple. Quiet as well since Wren is tired from her panic of last night, and Gregory is just wanting to get it over with. No fuss or muss, just moving on. Ale understands of course, and makes sure they're back at Titania's quickly. Gregory of course rushes to C's side, recognizing all too well what this mood from C meant. He'd seen it in the past, involving a certain female Drow Elf.

"What did they do to you?"

"Can we...talk in private, please?" C asks quietly.

"Of course lass, of course. Ale do you mind?"

"Not at all, Wren would you come along? Maybe you could help Death out a bit too." Ale replies looking at Gregory and Wren.

Wren only nods, understanding that C likely needs the space. And that privacy with Gregory makes sense as he did raise her. Course when hearing Death needs help too she hurries to his room with Ale. Gregory meanwhile closes the door behind the women and asks C,

"Ok, what happened?"

C begins to explain what all happened to her the night before. The restraining and forced removal of her clothes to put her in a tavern maid dress. How she felt Leatherbeard had watched her dress and that he'd made perverted comments. And that he even kissed her at one point, "It was all just awful...it reminded me of her....reminded me of...Zira...when she's angry..."

Gregory growled quietly before sighing, "Did he try anything? At all?"

"Only kissed me....that's it."

"Ok ok..." Gregory says before punching a wall. C jumped when he did, even letting out a yelp. Naturally Gregory looked back at her when she did, "Relax relax I'm fine. I'm fine. Sorry about that. Steam is all it was. I....I failed...I failed protect you and well....you're traumatized yet again. Zira is something I can handle, Leatherbeard is not, and yet the pain of being a failure is ever so prominent. Me being unable to protect you makes it all the worse."

C lets her arms loose of the blanket burrito and hugs Gregory tightly. Naturally he has to make sure she doesn't fall off the bed. Luckily he's able to do that.

"Easy dear yer about to fall off there."

"Sorry....I just really need this right now. I feel dirty....disgusting...and just plain sick." C admits to him.

"So basically what Leatherbeard is?"

"Yes." C responds.

"Then don't feel that way. Lass, Leatherbeard is one of the reasons why Kathryn could Mother children. He's the reason why ya were all we had. However, despite that, I have never stopped loving ya. I will never stop loving or seeing ya as my daughter C. No matter what comes. As long as we have each other, we can each go through life, and Kat can rest easy. Also, try and manage a smile C. I know it's hard right now, but at least try. If ya can't now, we'll try again later. But ya can't stay in here cooped up like this. You need something to get your mind off of it, even if for a little while."

C tries to smile but can't quite do so. However, she does at least get behind a partition to get dressed. Only to realize her original shirt was torn up a bit. "Uh Gregory, did you bring any spare shirts?"

"Course girl, got one right here."

C manages a smile at last when taking the shirt and handing the torn one to Gregory. Naturally he's concerned when seeing where the tear is on it. "Yer sure they didn't do anything to ya?"

"His first mate, was the one to try and get my shirt off. The fucking bitch." C says with a growl towards the end.

Gregory growls a bit too and tells her, "If I had just been there, I'd have wrapped my hands around their necks."

"I know, and Leatherbeard likely would've gone back on his word." C responds simply.

"Unfortunately you're right about that. But let's figure out what we can do today."

"Yeah, sure."

Gregory placed a calming hand on her shoulder once she comes out from behind the partition, "Everything will be fine C. Have ya eaten anything yet lass?"

"No, I haven't. Been in here all morning."

"Kay let's change that." Gregory tells her.

From there the two go on down to find breakfast. C naturally is a bit nervous as she watches everyone around her, but Gregory assures her she'll be fine. Finally C is brought to a small private table in the kitchens were Mina is with other servants around the castle.

"Hello there Gregory, good morning so far?"

"Eh...as far as I can tell. How's yer morning?"

"Dismal, but I'll manage like I have been. How about you C, doing well lass?" Mina asks her gently.

"Kinda....not that great. If I'm being honest." C replies quietly.

"Well, let me see if I can't make a meal that puts a spring in your step." Mina declares before getting to work on a pleasant meal. Getting together some eggs benedict with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. C certainly enjoyed the meal, and naturally Mina made sure to ask Gregory if he wanted any.

"Ye hungry too then?"

"Eh I'm a little bit peckish. Was too worried earlier to eat anything. So yeah I'd like something." Gregory told her sheepishly.

"Here ye are then. Good thing I made an extra serving in case you wanted some."

"Thank ya. Has Wren showed up here yet?"

"No haven't seen her. If she hasn't eaten either I can send a meal her way no problem. Just need to know what she likes. I'd have asked ya two, but neither of ya seemed picky today." Mina states.

"Ok I'll see if I can find her, I'll be right back. You two have fun." Gregory says before leaving the room.

C then continues her meal in silence, finishing it easily and laying her head down. Mina knows that mood all too well thanks to Morgen, and gently strokes C's head a little. C allows it, but only because it reminds her of Kathryn a little. Course meanwhile Death had been placed in a wheelchair, much to his chagrin. He was groaning as Wren helped wheel him around with Llildan explaining he'd need a heavy meal before going into that pod. As he'd be in there until he healed.

"Seriously is this really necessary? You could've just brought the food over to the bed?"

"And who my Grandson, would've have fed you?" Llildan responds.

Wren snickers, "Probably Morgen."

Death groaned again, "That would be a bad idea, she herself is dealing with a few things."

Just as the group came across Gregory, Morgen meanwhile was having a troubling dream. She finds herself in a tavern somewhere, seeing young Uther and Vortigern celebrating after a victory together. Morgen actually seemed at ease at this but wondered why she saw it. Then she heard an all too familiar voice talking, this time he didn't speak to her.

"He will betray you, you know this."

Young Uther jolts suddenly in response and looks at Vortigern next to him.

"He...has already begun the process. Betraying your trust already, can you not see it? Can you not see them?" The voice taunts.

Uther then looks around and could've sworn he saw a man with a dagger in the background. But when checking he finds nothing. He goes to try and continue the conversation with Vortigern, but sees a similar dagger on his belt. Vortigern is acting completely normal, yet Uther can't help but be on edge. Morgen then sees a younger version of herself with her parents in the background. Being a happy family and loving towards each other. She almost walks over to them, but doesn't want to be noticed by Uther. Or the voice that's currently talking. All of a sudden Morgen's Father walks over to Uther and being as jovial to him as Vortigern was. Uther tries playing it off as he sees another dagger on his belt too. Even giving a hello gesture with his mug to the younger Morgen. Who giggled whilst sitting with her Mama and hugging her happily.

"What happened? What could've possibly happened? Is this the day where Uther changed?" Morgen asks herself quietly as she observes everything.

Morgen then notices Uther trying to be nice to her Mother. But he's drunk so it comes out in a very flirtatious way. Igraine becomes visibly uncomfortable and calls for her husband.

"Uhm...Gorlois? I believe the good King may be too drunk now ehehehe..."

"Oh forgive me my love. Just a moment. Uther try to settle down and maybe put the bottle away?"

"Ah uhhhhhh...forgive me my friend.....I just..." Uther begins to say before Gorlois and Vortigern both walk off with him. Leaving a confused Igraine with a sleepy Morgen.

Morgen wishes she could follow them but unfortunately has to follow Uther. Something in her is saying she needs to learn of what's wrong. Where everything went wrong and why. So she keeps watching Uther's side of things. Seeing her Father and Vortigern placing Uther in his bed. The man just lays there drunkenly, harmlessly in fact. Morgen is confused before hearing the voice speak up.

"You need to be alert, they're going to kill you if don't do anything. Uther don't you see it, they've poisoned you?"

Uther begins tossing and turning whilst saying, "No...it can't be...I'm not poisoned..ugh..."

"You're weak, weaker than you're supposed to be."

"It's called being drunk. I'll just...have a hangover in the morning....." Uther says in denial.

He then gets up, and lights a candle before looking at himself in a mirror. His reflection's eyes blacken and it begins to speak, "They're after you, can you not tell? Can you see them."

Uther begins to sober up as the voice continues to speak. Just as the voice becomes nearly unbearable he hears the door open. Vortigern comes in and tells him, "Hey come on brother. You're going to be late for the party."

"What the hell?" Morgen asks in concern as Uther walks out.

He's both confused and concerned. Morgen naturally keeps going down the rabbit hole. Following him deeper with each dive. She ends up back at the same party, watching it replay like a rewound tape recording. Only one thing has changed, Uther has become more nervous, and drinks more to put his mind off it. Leading to an even worse comment towards her Mother, which actually earns him a slap. Vortigern then brings Uther straight to his room on his own this time whilst apologizing for Uther's behavior. Morgen honestly isn't sure what to think at this point. But she does know this madness can't continue. She tries her best to try and call out to him, despite her gut feelings telling her deep down that he doesn't deserve her help at all.

"UTHER, DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! FIGHT HIS INFLUENCE! FOR YOUR SAKE AND EVERYONE ELSE'S!"

Course her pleas fall on ears that cannot hear her. Instead she can only watch as a third loop plays out. Even worse than before as Uther is even punched in the face by her Father for his actions towards Igraine. Morgen is screaming herself hoarse the entire time. Begging Uther to see what's happening and to stop playing along with the demented loop. The third loops ends with Uther in his room and making an utter mess of everything once Vortigern leaves. He looks ashamed of Uther, extremely so in fact. Morgen tries changing things around herself in the fourth loop. Hiding bottles from Uther to prevent a drunken escapade. Doing all she can to keep him sober. But he's already pretty far gone, and in his rage he lashes out at everyone. Demanding to know where his drinks keep going. Vortigern brings him one, but it's slapped away. Uther claims he'd rather get one himself and goes to do just that. Vortigern lets him with noticeable concern. Uther then imagines a poison in the drink and pours it out declaring someone is trying to kill him. Only for the drink to suddenly have nothing in it.

Vortigern steps forward trying to calm him, "Uther, please calm down. No one's trying to kill you. You're not in a battle right now. Everything's alright."

Uther then goes to swing at him, but Morgen steps between them and grabs Uther's wrist, "Uther please stop. You're losing yourself again. Calm down."

Morgen then realizes that she ultimately just said words that don't make sense, and looks around to find her Mother is nowhere to be seen. Then Uther speaks up, "Igraine...? Is that you.....what....have I done?"

Morgen lets him go, watching in pure horror and confusion as Uther returns to his room on his own. Following him back to find him trying to sober up and clear his head. He only gets up to light a candle and clean his face. But sees the dark reflection of himself yet again, continuing to taunt him. Uther then hears Vortigern call to him again, a final loop starting now. Morgen follows and sees him looking despondent at a table. Wondering what's going wrong, why things are going badly for him. Then the eyes of everyone begin to focus on him. Suddenly as Uther glances at them, their eyes all turn red. He jumps up and when reaching for a weapon or run, he's frozen in place.

"I told you they were going to kill you." The voice from earlier taunts.

They all unsheath daggers, even Igraine. Only the younger version of Morgen doesn't. Suddenly everyone lashes out and begins stabbing Uther to death. His screams are horrid to hear for Morgen, as she begs the voice to leave him alone. Suddenly she feels another dizzy spell, and more pain in her head before collapsing. She wakes up in a cell, exhausted and still feeling the pain in her head. Luckily it's not as bad now. Morgen gets up unsteadily and shakily moves towards the door. She's tries to open the door and it's locked. A voice similar to Uther's, but more terrified resounds behind her.

"It doesn't work...never does."

She turns around, using the door to remain on her feet, "What do you mean....who are you?"

Out from the shadows comes another version of Uther. Paler, with white hair, and much thinner as well. He looked just that close to death, and that he was very much aware of it. Given the fear on his face.

"It just doesn't work. No matter how much I've tried. It doesn't open...at least not from in here."

Morgen forces herself to keep standing as she tries to force the door open. Using any spells she can think of, as she doesn't want to be here anymore than this guy does. Even putting her hands through the bars of the door window to try and search for the keyhole.

"Stop that you're going to alert him!" The other Uther tells her in panic.

"I can't be here....I have to leave...and it looks like...you should too...maybe I can fix this....fix everything...if I just try hard enough..." Morgen says as her legs begin shaking with her effort to stand.

"Don't....don't exhaust yourself...rest...just rest...don't try anything else...you'll alert him.."

"Who? The voice in your head?" Morgen inquires before suddenly being grabbed from behind.

"Who are you talking to?" Uther demands of his other version.

"Uh uh...n-n-nobody. N-no one. N-n-n-no on is h-here."

Uther turns around and finally sees Morgen behind him. Morgen then freezes in fear, recognizing the Uther she knows all too well, "I can help...I can fix this....I have to try...just let me out...let me try.."

"THERE'S NOTHING TO FIX GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HEAD?! AND WHAT ARE THESE ON YOUR HEAD? HORNS? WHAT KIND OF IMPURE BEAST ARE YOU BECOMING? WHAT IS THAT NEPHILIM TURNING YOU INTO?!" Uther shouts at her whilst pulling hard at one of the horns.

Morgen begins screaming in pain as Uther pulls her horn. The other Uther gains a semblance of courage and quickly hops onto his back.

"Stop it, stop we've hurt her enough! Let her be, let her go!"

Uther then drops Morgen and grabs the other version of himself instead. Slamming him into the back wall of the cell. He then continues to walk over to his original self.

"What is wrong with you? Why are you trying to defend her?"

"Remember Igraine, she's all we have left of her!"

"SHE KILLED OUR SON!"

"She didn't mean to, not with everything going on. You're scaring her."

Uther then grabs his original self in a near choking manner. Holding him up from the ground as Morgen curls up by the door. Shaking and truly terrified at everything going on. She begs and pleads quietly, "Stop...please stop....stop it..."

Uther then looks at her whilst holding his other self, "You're the reason why all of this is happening. If you had just kept quiet and been a good girl none of this would've happened." Then looking at his other half again, "And if you wouldn't stop trying to take control. Just let me continue taking the lead. We wouldn't be in the mess we are now!"

"She was....a little girl...nothing more...One you corrupted...because I.."

"Because what? I took control so that we could survive. I took control so that our kingdom will thrive." Uther tells him.

"All for what?! A child born from a girl you abused her whole life?! A legacy of abuse and fear?! Igraine would be ashamed of you! In fact she was! That's why she fought back! YOU KILLED HER! YOU DID IT BECAUSE I WAS COWARD AND LET YOU DO IT! AND WORSE STILL I LET MORGEN SUFFER UNDER US BECAUSE OF MY FEAR OF YOU!" The other half shouts in sudden rage, gaining courage again. This one being a better kind, a stronger kind.

Morgen looks up at the other Uther, sobbing with fear and hopelessness as he speaks. Suddenly both men freeze as the voice from before speaks up. "What is going on?"

The original Uther loses his courage once more, "He's coming...he's coming back...he's coming back."

"Shut your rambling you fool! If you had just shut your mouth he wouldn't be here right now! Now I have to save our hides yet again." Uther tells him before grabbing Morgen by her horn again. The same one as well, which causes even more pain to her.

The door then opens, and the being from Morgen's dreams now stood before them all, "What are you two doing?"

"Having a small dispute, nothing more nothing less." Uther declares.

"It that so?" The being asks floating in and raising a six fingered hand with talons he places it on Uther's shoulder, "Then why is your hand upon her horn?"

"Intruder that's all. I can deal with it myself you don't have to..."

"Shhhh...Don't make it any worse on yourself." The being says as he tightens his grip. Causing Uther extreme pain as the talons dig into his shoulder, "Just let her go, and I'll handle her."

Uther then looks at Morgen, looks at his other self, "Get her out of here, run."

Uther stays behind to fight the being whilst the original Uther leads Morgen away. Doing his best to help her remain up. Of course as he gains his strength, he notices the shadow Uther beginning to look like he did before.

"We need to go, NOW!" He shouts to Morgen before busting through a wall to make their escape.

Morgen nearly collapses a few times, but he carries her as best he can. Morgen then glances behind them and sees the being chasing them down, "He's....gaining..."

"Can you fly?"

"I don't know.....why ask?" Morgen inquires nervously.

"Cause you're going to need to fly." The original Uther tells her before busting through another wall. This one revealing a black void. "Shit."

Suddenly he tosses Morgen into it, hoping she'll fly. Morgen manages to attempt to fly despite her growing exhaustion and pain. Unfortunately once the being catches up, he tosses the original Uther aside and grabs at Morgen.

[darkelfshadow]

Session Summary - 49

AKA “The Ties That Bind”

Adventures in Taggeriell

Session 49  (Date: 21st July 2018)

Players Present:

- Rob (Known as “Oloma”) Human Female.

- Sean (Known as “Seanicus”) Elf Male.

- Bob (Known as “Sir Krondor) Dwarf Male.

- Travis (Known as “Trenchant”) Human Male.

- Clive (Known as “Ignaaz”) Half-elf Male.

Absent Players

- Paul (Known as “Labarett”) Elf Male. <Played by Travis>

- Arthur (Known as “Gim”) Dwarf Male. <Played by Bob>

NPC

- (Known as “Naillae”) Elf Female. <Controlled by DM>

- (Known as “Nac”) Half-elf Male. <Controlled by Rob>

Summary

- Toilday, 9th Abadius in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Spring.

- The party begin this session, in the late morning of a dry and warm day, along the main northern trade route. They look out across the large burning bonfire of the destroyed flying boat of the desert pirates that they destroyed at the end of last session.

- Brumohn has called a stop to the caravan whilst they examine and repair the wagon that was captured by the ballista arrows of the pirates. During this time the party search the dead bodies of the pirates but find nothing of value. Seanicus performs the Ritual of Detect Magic and senses that the boat was made of components that were enchanted but thanks to the raging fire which will last the remainder of the day, there is nothing that can be salvaged.

- Oloma checks up on the condition of the wagon driver she rescued and seeing he is badly injured uses one of her precious Healing Potions on the man to heal him.

- Once Brumohn declares the caravan is ready to go, the party return to their wagon and the journey continues. The rest of the day goes uneventfully and when evening arrives the caravan stops to camp for the night.

- The evening goes as normal with the people preparing meals and talking until they begin to retire to their wagons or tents to sleep for the night. The party, along with the other paid security guards, take up the burden of the watches during the night.

- On the second watch, just after midnight, Sulesdeg “The Pole” and Orvustia are walking in pair with Sulesdeg carrying a lantern. They approach the pair of Labarett and Oloma who are also on watch. The twin moons are giving a fair bit of light this evening and there are three lit camp fires around the caravan, which is positioned in two long lines, with the horses in the middle protected from the wind.

- As the four of them pass each other, suddenly the air erupts around them as the wind blasts around them. A wind storm that blasts sand around has appeared out of no where and covers the entire caravan. The dust storm is making it very difficult to see and limits vision to no more than 15’.

- Labarett spins around, “This is not natural. We’re under attack!”

- As he speaks, there appears in the swirling mist, several indistinct figures.

- Labarett rushes toward the closest one, drawing his enchanted battle axe, Snaidh, and moves towards the figure. As he approaches the figure and begins to swing his battle axe the figure disappears into swirling sand as his blade passes through it.

- Oloma moves to another figure and as she approaches she summons her Soul Blades and lunges towards the figure. The light from the Soul Blades illuminates the figure. An Elf with dark skin and vacant eyes, wearing similar garb to the desert pirates they fought earlier in the day. The Elf stands there with a scimitar in its hand. Oloma’s Soul Blades strike into the Elf and the figure stumbles backwards dead.

- Sulesdeg and Orvustia move forward, each moving to a different figure in the sand. Sulesdeg draws his sword, and charges towards one of the indistinct figures but as his sword swings through the figure it disappears. The momentum of the charge pushes Sulesdeg a few steps forward and he finds himself suddenly free of the sand storm. He looks around and can see the storm is surrounding only the caravan, the far surrounds and sky above are clear and calm.

- Sulesdeg yells, “The storm is only around the caravan, what is this magic?”

- Suddenly six arrows fly straight at Sulesdeg, coming from three archers that are positioned about 120’ away in the darkness. Sulesdeg, badly wounded, stumbles back into the dust for cover and yells, “Archers outside the storm!”

- Orvustia swings her sword into a dust figure and it connects with a loud clank as the figure becomes a solid Elf holding a scimitar.

- Oloma ducks just in time to avoid a blow that would have connect with her head (Critical Hit - to remove an ear BUT she is wearing an Adamantine chain shirt that nullifies Critical Hit effects. Both Rob and I forgot she was wearing this on the night and as such the previous result of the missing ear is now rescinded.)

- There are the sounds of movement and combat coming from several places around the caravan.

- As the four members on watch look around more figures start to appear around them, appearing from the dust, and start to attack them. Labarett is now surrounded by the figures that lash out at him. Orvustia also takes a bad blow and cries out in pain. Sulesdeg, unconcerned with his own injuries, rushes over to help her fight off the multiple attackers around her. Oloma too is moving from figure to figure, using her Soul Blades to drop one after after. Labarett, now enraged, soon brings down the three figures surrounding him.

- Meanwhile on the other side of caravan, the rest of the party have quickly arisen, their experience with battle seeing them rise and prepare as soon as the sound of battle reached them. They look through the transparent wall of the Leomund’s Tiny Hut and can see several indistinct figures within the dust moving about the tents of the passenger wagon in front of them and also approaching the two wagons closest to them. The dust is making it impossible to see what is happening along the rest of the caravan but they can hear battle coming from several locations.

- The rest of the party spring into action, there is no time to don armour for most but some, like Trenchant and Naillae, luckily choose to sleep in their leather armour.

- Ignaaz races over to one of the figures at the rear of a wagon to discover an Elf trying to get in.

- Trenchant moves out of their Hut and fires an arrow from Doigh Nadair towards the group near the passenger tents and calls forth the Divine Rain of the bow. Suddenly eleven other glowing arrows appear and four of the dust figures are dropped to the ground. Sir Krondor and Gim likewise grab their weapons and begin to engage the enemy.

- Brumohn, Leda and the other security guards are likewise getting up and ready for battle.

- After Seanicus casts a Fly spell on himself and Gim, the Drow Warlock then leaps high into the air above the caravan. He can see that there is a tightly contained bubble of swirling wind and dust around the caravan, concealing what lays within but outside of that contained storm the night is calm.

- Suddenly half a dozen arrows come flying at him as he hovers in the air. Seanicus looks around and can see six archers, three on either side of the caravan, about 120’ away. Not wishing to attract any more arrows the Warlock flies lower until he is mostly within the dust with just his head outside. He notices some movement (Successful Perception check) and looks forward and right of the caravan where about 100’ feet away is a dark figure in a hooded robe, crouched down behind a boulder.

- The party very quickly overcome the figures near them, as they prove to be easy to dispatch, but more of the dust figures keep appearing. When one of the dust figures near the passenger tents is dispatched, as he falls backwards he yells out in Elvish, “Cover!”

- Suddenly the dust and wind around one portion of the caravan, near the passenger tents, clears to reveal some of the party there standing with weapons drawn looking around them. Leomund’s Tiny Hut, which some of the party were using for cover, suddenly disappears as the magic holding it together is Dispelled.

- Before the exposed party can react the three archers to one side open fire and start to rain deadly arrows at the exposed party there. The arrows are precisely placed and badly wound the exposed party forcing them to move back into positions of cover.

- Sir Krondor yells at Gim, “Cousin fly to those archers and take care of them or we’re all dead!”

- Gim flies towards his great axe on the nearby ground, drops his crossbow and grab his great axe instead and then starts to fly straight towards the closest archer as fast as he can. Arrows begin to fly towards the flying Dwarf striking into him as he is not wearing any armour but is only dressed in his under clothes. Gim lands to stand before the archer but before he can do anything he is badly wounded by the arrows (Critical Hit doing triple damage) and the attack knocks him over prone.

- Sir Krondor, as he is firing arrows back at the archers, looks at the scene of battle around him and then notices that there are no dead bodies of the attackers. The Knight yells out, “Where are the bodies! What is happening?!”

- Seanicus, seeing the Hut collapsing and seeing the magical storm suspects that the figure he saw hiding by itself must be the spell caster behind all of this. Seanicus summons four glowing Dancing Lights to appear around the hiding figure. Seanicus smiles to himself until he sees the figure suddenly vanish completely from view.

- “Son of a bitch!” exclaims Seanicus and then begins to move his Dancing Lights around trying to find where the figure went to.

- Nac, who has been moving forward along the side of the caravan, hidden by the swirling dust suddenly finds himself surrounded by several figures in the dust. The Cleric casts Spirit Guardians, the air filling with glowing spirits surrounding him, and steps forward yelling, “Come on ya barstards!”

- The dusty figures start to move towards Nac and instantly the glowing Spirit Guardians attack. The dusty figures are stopped in their tracks and instantly killed. Nac lets out a shout of triumph.

- Meanwhile, on the far side of the caravan, Labarett, Brumohn and Tyjit have been dealing with another group of the dusty Elf figures and have managed to dispatch them without too much trouble, allowing them to begin to move towards the rest of the party. Likewise, Oloma has been moving through the dust trying to get towards the rest of the party too.

- Trenchant and Sir Krondor are firing arrows at the archers trying to give cover to Gim as he deals with them.

- From behind Trenchant, Naillae and Ignaaz, who have taken cover behind one of the wagons, suddenly appears the figure of a hooded Elf, having opened a Dimension Door to get himself away from the Dancing Lights of Seanicus. Naillae who was guarding their rear and ready for an attack, throws two daggers at the hooded Elf but both miss. The arm of the hooded figure raises and he casts a spell. A loud booming sound erupts and Sir Krondor, Ignaaz, Trenchant and Naillae find their bodies smashed by the thunderous sound. Sir Krondor manages to avoid most of the damage (Successful Save) but the other three take the full brunt of the damage. Luckily the force of the damage was reduced by Ignaaz’s Bardic Inspiration and the four members of the party come away with only moderate injuries.

- Two heavily armoured Elves ran past the hooded Elf and engage Trenchant and Ignaaz in close combat. Trenchant begins to fight and parry away the attacks but he knows he needs help badly and likewise Ignaaz is in dire danger and summons a Blade Barrier around him to try to keep the foe at bay.

- Seanicus, hearing the loud boom, turns around in the mid air, and from his higher vantage point flying above the caravan he sees the hooded figure, “Found you!” The Warlock places a Hex Curse upon the hooded figure, making a purple glow appear that only Seanicus can see, and then commands his Shadow Hound to enter the shadow of the figure so he won’t lose him again.

- Labarett moves forward through the dust and towards a group of indistinct figures ready for battle. As he comes into melee range, his battle axe raised to attack, at the last second he sees that it isn’t an Elf but one of the caravan passengers from the Cult wagons.

- The Cultist, who appears in a panic, swings a sword at Labarett. Labarett jumps back and yells, “Hold your weapon fool! Caravan guard coming through!”

- Labarett starts to move cautiously through the rest of the armed Cultists who eye him wearily but let him through.

- Ignaaz is getting badly injured, the Elven foe before him proving a deadly adversary. He takes blow after blow, one of them cutting open his lip and preventing him from speaking properly enough to cast any more spells (Critical Hit). Trenchant, seeing how dire things have become, casts Crown Of Thorns on the foe in front of him but the spell fails (Successful Save).

- On the far outskirts, Gim uses his great axe to swing into the already wounded archer and kills him. He looks across at the other two archers, the closest one being 60’ away and decides he can’t win this fight as he is too badly injured and the archers are quite deadly. Instead of rushing forward, he decides to use the body of dead archer for cover. He drops to the ground and gets behind the dead body. Arrows continue to fire at him but the dead body takes most of them. He waits and when he sees his chance, Gim suddenly bolts up and flies at fast as he can back towards the caravan. Arrows fly past him but all miss. He reaches the relative safety of the caravan and gets back behind cover.

- Naillae moves towards the hooded Elf and lunges her rapier into him.

- Oloma, moving through the dust, appears at the rear of the hooded figure and can see Naillae and hooded figure locked in combat. Oloma sends forth a Psionic Blast at the hooded figure. The hooded Elf yells out in pain and suddenly the storm, wind and dusty figures all disappear, leaving only the three Elves in the caravan, and the five archers on the outskirts (Failed Concentration check on Spell).

- Naillae uses the opportunity to push her enchanted dagger Urramach into the belly of hooded figure, opening a large wound.

- Nac looks around the party, who are all badly injured, and casts Mass Healing Word with some assistance from Trenchant’s Bardic Inspiration giving some respite to Gim, Ignaaz, Naillae, Trenchant, Oloma and himself (19 Hit Points healed to each person).

- Seanicus flies down towards the rest of the party and fires two Eldritch Blasts at the hooded Elf.

- The hooded Elf, badly injured, speaks words of power and then vanishes from sight. Naillae can hear the sound of moving footsteps (Successful Perception check) and swings her rapier into the empty air where she heard the noise and strikes the Invisible hooded figure (Attack Of Opportunity). There is a loud yell of pain and then the figure reappears (Failed Concentration check on Spell). With no more way to hide and badly wounded the hooded decides to run for it and races towards the archers on the outskirts.

- Now that the dust has gone, more arrows start to rain in to the caravan from the archers surrounding it. The arrows fly towards the party and also the Cultists who are forced to rush into cover.

- The other two heavily armoured Elves are still proving a difficult foe, dealing blow after blow. Gim moves over to help Trenchant with his foe and Naillae moves over to Ignaaz to help with his foe.

- Oloma sends a psionic Energy Beam towards the fleeing hooded figure as she runs to catch up with him. Seanicus tries to cover the hooded figure in a Faerie Fire but the spell fails (Successful Save).

- Realising that he can’t get away from the chasing figure of Oloma, the injured hooded Elf stops running and then leaps towards Oloma grabbing onto her. They tumble onto the ground and then when they stop rolling there are now two identical Oloma’s there. The hooded figure has gone. Oloma looks over at the other figure and sees a perfect image of herself.

- Brumohn and Tyjit arrive to start helping with the combat.

- Naillae cries out in pain as one of the Elves in front of her swings his scimitar into her (Critical Hit) badly wounding her.

- Labarett has now reached the rest of the party and throws his Javelin of Lightning, speaking the command word to turn it to lightning. However, the throw is bad (Fumble) and instead of aiming it at the Elven foes near Naillae and Ignaaz, he hits Ignaaz instead injuring the Bard as lightning arcs around him.

- Seanicus looks across at the two Olomas but he is not tricked by the Disguise Self spell of the Elf. Seanicus can see his Shadow Hound and the purple haze of his Hex Curse around the false Oloma. The Warlock points his hand at the false Oloma and pushes him away with a Repelling Blast (Critical Hit). As he does so, the false figure of Oloma disappears to reveal the real hooded Elf (Failed Concentration check on Spell). In return, the now exposed injured hooded Elf begins to desperately run away again, with fear in his eyes.

- Labarett sees the fleeing hooded Elf and races towards him in a rage. The Barbarian easily gains on him. The hooded figure is running frantically, looking over his shoulder at the coming form of the screaming Barbarian but he can not out run the speed of Labarett. The Barbarian raises his battle axe screaming and brings it down into the back of the hooded Elf killing him outright.

- Soon after the two remaining heavily armoured Elves are killed as they are surrounded. A horn can be heard coming from the archers and they stop their attack and start to flee away at full speed.

- The party decide not to try to pursue the five escaping archers as they are all going different directions and are already quite far away and do not wish to chase in the darkness.

- The party are victorious. Brumohn begins to check on the welfare of the caravan and the passengers and discovers that one of the passengers, Imsa the green skin young girl looking for a cure, was killed during the attack.

- The only three dead bodies of the attackers that remain, as most of the dispatched foes disappeared upon their death, are searched but the only thing of value that is found is a bag of diamond dust upon the body of the hooded elf.

- Eventually, after Imsa is buried, the feeling of weariness and the cold of the night proves too much and once again the caravan goes to sleep under the gaze of the party and guards on watch. Luckily, the rest of the watch goes uneventfully.

- Oathday, 11th Abadius in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Spring.

- This morning sees another warm and sunny day in the arid lands the party now travel through.

- During the morning activities, the party gather around the dead body of the hooded Elf and Nac casts Speak With The Dead upon the body. As they watch the body twitches and the head raises up, the jaw opening. The dead white eyes stare at Nac.

- Nac speaks, “Why did you attack us?”

- The dead figure responds in a cold, rasping voice, “Revenge.”

- Trenchant speak, “That would make sense. We did destroy one of their boats and kill quite a few of them.”

- Naillae looks up, “But they attacked us first.”

- Nac continues and asks his second question, “Where is your camp?”

- The dead figure replies, “No camp.”

- Oloma says, “Ask him if we can detect their boats. Seeing how they can just appear would be handy to know.”

- Nac asks his third question, “Is there a way to detect your boats before they appear?”

- The lips of the dead figure curl up into a smile, “Yes.”

- Nac snaps, “Dam it! I only have two questions left and he doesn’t have to answer us fully. What is the name of your leader?”

- The dead figure answers, “One that shall not pass your lips!”

- Nac looks around, “What shall I ask for the final question.”

- The party argue for a few minutes, discussing various questions until Nac finally asks his fifth question, “What was the banner on the ship we destroyed?”

- The dead face lifts slightly, defiantly, and in a voice tinged with pride it answers, “First Purple of Fleet Karteg!” and with that final answer the head drops to the ground and body remains still.

- Oloma recalls that she once read that the Afrandul word for Dragon is “Kartag” and it may be a derivative form of that word. She also recalls that the Sorcerer city states of Thay do practice powerful magics (Successful Intelligence History check). She guesses that these desert pirates my be descendants of travellers from those far lands, possibly even early members of the Dragon Cult, given the similar name used and the use of purple, which the Cult still uses today, and as such the boats they have may be quite rare and not easily made or replaced.  

- The caravan once again sets off on their journey and for the next two days, they enjoy a peaceful journey that sees them camping the first night at a general Road House and then the next night at an area with many hot springs that allows the passengers and the party to enjoy a hot bath.

- Starday, 13th Abadius in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Spring.

- On the last day of this section of the journey the caravan was blessed with similar weather to the last few days, warm and sunny.

- The caravan arrived at the exotic town of Mahik around late morning. As the head of the caravan reach the large gate of the town it was stopped for a few minutes. Leda rode down to explain to the party that they were paying the entry tax that all guests to the town must pay. During this wait Trenchant and Ignaaz made a performance and sung a tune about the exploits of the caravan but the people of Mahik, used to travellers and wild tales took little notice, except for a group of young children who ran to enjoy the music and try to match the erratic dance moves of Seanicus.

- Soon the caravan was moving slowly inside. About half the population here was Human or Elf both with dark skin, and the remainder appeared to be either Tiefling or Dragonborn. Leda explained to the party that Brumohn was expecting to pick up some cargo from the Red Scale Transport Company but was informed by the guards that the east bound traffic had been delayed due to heavy sand storms so it looks like the caravan will have to wait two or three days before moving on.

- As Brumohn leads them through the city to an area set aside for wagon caravans to camp, the party notice a well dressed warrior riding an armoured war horse riding along the length of the caravan. The male human, with short brown, has a well groomed appearance and appears clean shaven. He wears full plate armour that is adorned with elaborate engravings and gold work. A large great sword is strapped to his back where a travelling cloak of good quality shows that this rider has been travelling for some time. The war horse he sits astride is a large one and canters with an ease that belies good stock and training. A beautiful looking saddle sits atop the horse and strapped to the side of the animal is an impressive looking lance.

- He rides down the length of the caravan peering intently at each wagon as if looking for someone or something. The party lean out of their wagon and look at him.

- Naillae speaks, “Looks like he’s looking for someone. His face is familiar but I’m sure I’ve never meet him before.”

- As the rider gets closer, Trenchant leans out and his eyes narrow, “Yeah he does look familiar. Hey, over here! You looking for someone?”

- The rider looks over at Trenchant and smiles and gallops over and shouts, “Hail brother! I’ve been looking for you for weeks Trenchant.”

- Everyone turns to look at Trenchant. Naillae looks back and forth between Trenchant and the new comer, “Yeah, you both share similar features. You look like brothers, must be why he looked familiar to me.”

- Nac turns to Trenchant, “You recognise this guy?”

- Trenchant replies, “Sort of. I think that’s my youngest half brother but the last time we saw each other was many years ago and he was a very young boy.”

- The rider brings his horse round in an easy and well practised manoeuvre to come alongside the party’s moving wagon and match its speed.

- Trenchant smiles, “Lee?”

- The other rider returns a similar smile, “Yes, Trenchant. It’s been a long time and last time we meet I was a lot younger.” Lee’s eyes narrow looking closer at Trenchant, “You appear to be a lot older than you should be?”

- Trenchant replies, “Yes, that would be due to us facing a group of ghosts. I was aged. Hazards of the job.”

- Lee and Trenchant exchange some pleasantries whilst the caravan continues to its designated camping spot within the town, located at the base of a grassy hill within the town, and Lee invites his brother and his companions to drinks on his shout. The party agree and after receiving their payment for their security duties from Brumohn for the last stage, they all proceed to an inn that Brumohn recommends.

- The inn is a modest two storey building with a long stable on the side attached to smithy. A sign out the front in large Afrandul script read “Tahir Al-Forouk” and underneath in small letters is written in common script “Traveler’s Rest”.

- As the party approached the inn, Lee swings one leg over the still moving horse and gently lands on his feet. His horse approaches the front of inn, stops and waits.

- Sir Krondor looks impressed and then turns to Lee, “Um, what exactly do I call you?”

- Lee replies, “You may address me as My Lord or Sir Lee or Lord Whitely. You are a Knight? And you are?”

- Sir Krondor holds out his hands which Lee shakes, “Sir Krondor.”

- Sir Krondor looks over at Sir Lee’s horse, “You’re not going to even tie up your horse? You’ve got some pretty valuable stuff on it. Someone might try to steal your stuff or horse.”

- Sir Lee smiles, “I doubt it. Particeps is well trained and loyal. She would kill any person that was stupid enough to try it. She can look after herself.”

- The party enter the busy inn and are directed to an empty table by one of the dark skin Elvish serving girls. Lee orders drinks and food for the party and pays for it all with a small pouch of gold coins that he gives to the serving girl and tells her to keep the change.

- Over the course of the meal and drinks, the party get to learn of Trenchant and Sir Lee’s relationship and their family history. Eventually the matter of why Sir Lee has tracked down Trenchant is brought up.

- Sir Lee speaks, “Trenchant as you know, our older brother, Lord Nolan resides as head of the family and is in charge of Castle Winfley now that father is dead. Things have not been going well back home and have slowly gotten worse until now I fear things have become dire. There is an evil and scheming noble, Lord Balrok, who wishes to see our family over run and have Castle Winfley for himself. He has been seeding dissent by spreading false rumours and allegations about our family. He is stirring up trouble, poisoning crops, arranging thefts of property and encouraging the people to openly revolt against Lord Nolan. There is the beginning of talk of an uprising.”

- Trenchant looks aghast, “But what is Nolan doing about it? Why hasn’t he charged this Lord Balrok with insurrection? And why are you here and not helping our brother in this time of need?”

- Sir Lee looks forlorn, “Nolan is ignoring the problem. He believes it will just go away if he just does the right thing by the people. Nolan’s good heart, and the belief that everyone is as just as himself, will be his downfall. I have tried to council Nolan but he won’t listen and Lord Balrok is clever. There is no direct evidence to charge or accuse him.  I am here brother because I can not take further action. My hands are tied, I must follow Nolan’s lead. But you Trenchant, you are a half brother, a barstard. You are not tied to follow Nolan as head of the family and besides, Nolan always had a soft spot for you and would listened to your advice, unlike my advise.”

- Trenchant looks around at the group, “But I can’t leave my companions, my friends. We are on an important mission that has implications for the safety of the world.”

- Sir Lee nods, “Yes, I know of the quest. I am a Redknife of the Lord’s Alliance, which is currently working with the Order Of the Gauntlet, Harpers, Emerald Enclave, and others to stop the Cult Of The Dragon succeeding in bringing Tiamat into this world. I know of your role in that. I spoke to Araiel from the Harpers to find out how to find you. Araiel sends you her best wishes and love and hopes the Cloak she gave you is serving you well.”

- Naillae looks at Trenchant, “So that’s where you got your Elven Cloak! You and I will be having a little chat tonight about former girlfriends.”

- Sir Lee looks at Naillae, “Former? You always did have an eye for the Elf maidens brother.”

- Trenchant blushes, gives Naillae a sheepish smile and then turns back to his half brother, “Then you know why I can not leave these people on this quest. I can not leave the burden alone to them. It is too important. What point is there in returning to save our family holdings if the world is destroyed by Tiamat?”

- Sir Lee nods, “I agree. House Winfley never shirks its responsibilities. But we each have a role to play and we each need to do what we are good at. I am good with blade, bow, lance, flail and the saddle. I excel in combat. But you brother, you excel with words and wit and guile. You excel at winning the hearts of people. Trenchant go back to our family home and help our oldest brother save our holdings. Think of what our late father did for you. He took you in and gave you a home and paid for your education. He need not have done that, you being a barstard son. Think of the people of Winfley, they need your help. If Lord Balrok takes charge I do not think he will be a fair man, he will rule with a heavy fist. If you do this I will carry your burden instead.”

- Sir Lee stands and draws out his great sword which he places in front of him, placing both his hands on the pommel, and says, “I Sir Lee Whitely, third son of Lord Dylon Whiteley, of House Whiteley, Lord of Castle Winfley, swear on my honour, and on the name of our late father, that I will take up your burden, I will lay down my life to stop Tiamat entering this world and protect these people you call companions who have chosen to do the same.”

- Trenchant’s head lowers and his shoulders slump, “Then I have no choice. I must leave for Castle Winfley at once to again answer the call of my family.”

- The party then erupt into chaos, demanding that Trenchant can not leave the group. Trenchant listens patiently but then speaks, “Labarett, what if your Tribe of Kelhana called for your aid else it would fall, would you answer the call?”

- Labarett places a hand on Trenchant’s shoulder, “You know I would my friend.”

- Trenchant turns to Sir Krondor, “And you my good Knight and my good friend, what would you do if Fanur called for its Knights to return to defend it against threat?”

- Sir Krondor places a hand on Trenchant’s other shoulder, “I would answer the call without hesitation, the same as you.”

- Trenchant nods gravely, “Then you know why I must go, even though my heart wishes to stay.”

- Naillae moves to stand directly in front of Trenchant, “What about me then? I will not chase after you Trenchant Kincaid. If you return home and to this, this Araiel, then you choose her over me. Do I mean nothing to you?”

- Trenchant replies, “Naillae, I go back to help my brother and save my people, not to see Araiel.”

- “But she is there, is she not? She is your first love? The one that gave you the precious gift of the Cloak Of Elvenkind. That is not a gift given lightly within my people. You will see her again and no doubt work with her as a Harper to sort your problems out?” demands Naillae.

- Trenchant, not wishing to lie, simply says, “Yes.”

- Naillae turns away, “Then good bye Trenchant. May good fortune guide your way.” and walks over to the bar to order a drink.

- Trenchant speaks, “Goodbye my friends. May the blessing of the Harp be upon you all. Ignaaz, I was supposed to continue your training as a Harper but that can not be now.”

- Ignaaz responds, “But you are my senior Harper. Should I not go with you?”

- Trenchant shakes his head, “No. The quest you are on is too important. Livia tasked you with carrying that message scroll to the High Harper Remallia Haventree in Crescent Moon. You must do that. Stay with this group, they are good people.” Trenchant then looks over at Nac, “Well, most of them are good people.”

- Ignaaz shakes Trenchant’s hand, “Trenchant The Harpshadow, I will complete my task as a Harper. My the blessings of the Harp protect you too.”

- The party solemnly all wish Trenchant the best and Sir Lee gives him a small bag with one hundred gold coins to cover any expenses for the journey back, “Good luck brother.”

- The party all sit down and quietly watch their friend leave the inn to continue his journey alone.

<Travis hands in his character sheet for Trenchant Kincaid as it is retired for now. He now takes control of his new character Sir Lee Whiteley, Lord of Castle Winfley.>

- The party are soon approached by a dark skinned male with a thin body in his late forties. He wears a long blue silk rob and has a dark blue turban wrapped around his head. He has a long thin black moustache and beard and dark piercing eyes.

- He introduces himself as Aman and wishes to speak to the party about a job. After much to and fro and talking the party learn that this man is the Spy Master for the Sheik of this town. The Sheik has need of able and capable adventurers. The party are intrigued by the offer and agree to attend the Palace later that day to discuss it further. Oloma and Spy Master do not get on, as he does not feel it’s the place of woman to go about adventuring, which results in Oloma pouring some drink over him. A possible fight is barely avoided but Aman then ignores Oloma from then on.

- Aman leaves and the party decide to split up to get some tasks done before heading to the Palace up on the hill within the town. Oloma goes to a nearby holy sanctuary and healing hostile. She speaks to one of the volunteer females there, who give respite and care to those in need. Oloma decides to remain a few hours and help out.

- Seanicus goes around the town looking for a wizard, sorcerer, witch or alchemist but there appears to be no on in this town that offers those services. Magic is not looked down upon here in Mahik, in fact those born with the gift are given special treatment, but there are no specific places to learn or provide those services. It seems most with the gift end up moving to larger cities to earn their trade.

- Ignaaz talks to various shop keepers and merchants trying to discreetly find out about Aman but quickly learns that everyone in town is afraid of speaking about him as his spies are everywhere.

- The others remain at the inn and rest, during which time Sir Krondor and Sir Lee get more acquainted. It appears Sir Krondor is enjoying the company of another Knight.

- Eventually the party all reunite back at the inn and discuss what to do about the offer of a job. They decide to buy some desert traveling gear, special hoods, scarves and water skins, and then as a group attend the large opulent Palace of the Sheik.

-  The party are initially refused entry until they mention that Aman invited them and then are let in without delay. Sir Lee gets one of the Palace guards, Khalid, to guard Particeps his war horse whilst he is inside the Palace.

- Inside they meet Aman again who then leads the party to meet the great and might Sheik Qadi Ramman Al-Saddam, who is a very well dressed dark skin Human in his late fifties. The Sheik tells the party about his daughter, Poshaqa, who was abducted about 4 months ago by a group of bandit thieves that live in the mountains to the east. The Sheik has sent one hundred of his Palace guards to retrieve her but none have come back.

- The Sheik opens a large metal door to show a treasure room 70’ long and 40’ wide filled to head height with coins, gems, art treasures, tapestries, goblets, statues, and tells the party they can each have one hour to retrieve as much treasure as they like if they return his daughter to him. He throws two handfuls of red rubies at the party and tells them to keep them as a down payment. Gim immediately scopes up all the gems.

- Sir Krondor asks if there is anything they can show the daughter to convince her they are friends and are working on behalf of the Sheik. The Sheik hands the party a necklace, that he says belongs to his dead wife and his daughter will instantly recognise.

- Sir Lee tells the Sheik he will recover his daughter and will do so for free as it will be his honour to do so. The Sheik is impressed and promises to give him something far more valuable if he succeeds.

- The party then retire and leave the Sheik whilst Aman shows them the room of Poshaqa and where she went missing from. Her room is on the top level of the Palace, the only door in is always guarded and only a balcony leads to it which would be impossible to climb. Naillae examines the balcony and Palace and agrees even she couldn’t climb this. The party search around the room and Oloma finds faint, almost undetectable traces of claw marks on the balcony railing and upper ceiling of the balcony. As if a large creature, bigger than a man, with claws had landed on the balcony.

- When questioned, Aman can not think of any animal he is aware of that is in the area that could fit that description. Aman advises the party that his spies have uncovered information leading him to believe the bandit group in the mountains is responsible but he has been unable to uncover any information about them except for one name, Delaqna, who apparently she is someone of authority within the group.

- The party are offered rooms for the night in the Palace and Aman arranges for a Thieves Kit to be given to the party as per their request.

- Aman also arranges for a map for the party to lead them to the place the bandits are believed to be at which turns out to be some former small Summer hide away Palace that was abandoned long ago when the water run out in that location.

- The party get to their respective rooms and go to sleep.

- Sunday, 14th Abadius in the year 815 (Second Era). Early Spring.

- The party arise and are given a large and abundant breakfast. Naillae looks tired and has red eyes, it does not appear that she got much sleep.

- The day is sunny, warm and with strong winds.

- Sir Krondor goes and gets his horse from the caravan, and Sir Lee retrieves his horse from the Palace stable. The rest of the party are given riding horses by Aman for their journey into the eastern mountains of Rakhir. Once all the party are back together they ride out and head east. They follow an ancient road that leads into the mountains, that along with the map, makes the journey easy.

- Thanks to the special ability of Labarett they make the five hour journey in only two and half hours, going higher and higher into the mountains the entire time. During the journey Sir Krondor and Sir Lee speak at length about a great many things.

- At mid morning they follow the ancient road and sees that up ahead, about 200’ away, it ends at the base of a large peak, which is surrounded by a wide chasm. A broken stone bridge appears that it would have gone over the chasm to a massive archway that has been chiselled out of the brown stone but there is now a large break in the bridge. Another smaller archway lays off to the side. Two windows, set high up and back, are visible on the peak. White smoke bellows from somewhere above on the peak, indicating that the abandoned Summer Palace is once again occupied.

<And as the party look at the entrance of this imposing mountain Palace, that is the end of the session.>

XP Allocation

Group - Combined (This is equally divided by the number of players who were involved)

Quests (Only quests that are completed or rendered undoable, during this session, are shown here)

- Arrive Next Settlement Mahik = 200 XP

- Accept Quest to Rescue Abducted Daughter = 200 XP

Creatures Overcome

- Desert Pirates:

     * Elvish Archers (Including Routed) = 2400 XP

     * Elvish Champions = 900 XP

     * Tempest Illusionist = 1500 XP

Individual (This is only given to that person and is not divided amongst all players)

Special Bonus (Outstanding Role Playing)

Nil

XP Levels and Player Allocations

Player : Start +  Received = Total  (Notes)

Rob : 45572 + 578 = 46150

Arthur :  33095 + 433 = 33528

Travis : 33410 + 722 = 34132

Paul : 28446 + 433 = 28879

Sean : 30867 + 578 = 31445

Bob : 29749 + 722 = 30471

Clive: 25263 + 578 = 25841

NPC (Naillae) : + (289)

NPC (Nac): + (289)

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 43

from FIGHT FESTIVAL to the 8th getting a new recruit

Benimaru: *stands his ground, ready to knock the Demon away* shinra:.... (arrow: your flames...are only meant to kill) tamaki: *standing her ground* Arthur: *wields Excalibur...* Demon: *rushes at Benimaru* Benimaru: *doesn't move* tamaki: he's not doing anything?! Tsukiyo: "Wait for it..." Demon: *pulls back a fiery fist* tamaki: ?? !!! LOOK OU- Benimaru: *holds up two fingers, blocking the fireball...and sending it upward into the sky, where it explodes* tamaki: WOAH!....it's....STILL THERE?! shinra: ?! Demon: *lifts arms, summoning a larger fireball...* shinra: !!! Benimaru: *summons another matou--and flies it at the Demon, lifting both of them into the air, the heat of the Demon's fire ball burning away at Benimaru's jacket* arrow: got you. *shoots and arrow* shinra: !!!!!!!! *rushes up after and tries to kick the arrow away, taking most of the impact* GRK- arrow: ?! shinra: hey newsflash. my flames arent for destruction...they're to help people! Demon: "GRK...GRK..." Benimaru: *having dissipated most of the fireball, still sending the Demon higher into the air...* "???" Demon: "PIG...GY..." Benimaru: "...Wow. Those are incredibly dull last words..." Demon: "???" Benimaru: *prepares his final move...and...* "Goodbye." *BOOM* shinra: woah! *The shockwave sends a flame across the sky...its force felt along the ground* Akitaru: *standing, but stumbles back a bit* maki: what was that?! tamaki: WOAH! Arthur: "AAAAAH!" *knocked back* tamaki:... !!! Tsukiyo: ._. "...Benimaru...just turned...the Moon..." *points up* Benimaru: *watches as the Demon is evaporated in flames* Benimaru: "..." fang-hua: t-that’s…! kirei:...ah! Takehisa: "A red...Moon." fang-hua: akatsuki... Tsukiyo: *gulp* "Y-Yeah...That's one way to put it..." Benimaru: "..." *still floating on his matou* "...I have avenged you, Konro...And...I have no idea how to get down to the ground..." shinra: need a lift? Benimaru: "...Can you carry me down?" shinra: ah, right. Benimaru: *lets himself be carried bridal style down to the ground* shinra: *lands* 7.7; Konro: *struggling to stand, having exhausted himself calling aloud mentally* Tsukiyo: Q~Q "Commander..." ("And men-holding-men...") -and so- reimi:...... Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form...approaches Reimi...* reimi:.....*mumbling* Mr. Tsubaki: "???" *approaches to hear her..." reimi: s...sister....yana...se.... -her breathing is shallow- Mr. Tsubaki: "..." ("What do I do...?") Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *clears his throat, in fox form* "Sister...?" reimi: *weakly opens her eyes* ....im happy....she's alive....even if...i wont be..... Mr. Tsubaki: "It doesn't have to be like that..." reimi:...?? Mr. Tsubaki: "I could help you live..." reimi: r..really?....i know...i gave my life for her....but im still afraid.... Mr. Tsubaki: "...Reimi...I am...not a normal fox. I guess the talking clarified that...I am a vampire." reimi: ?? Mr. Tsubaki: *changes into his human form, looks at her, holds her hand* "I have the ability to save your life..." reimi: !!!....p...please....*shaking* Mr. Tsubaki: *lowers himself towards her neck* "This will make you a vampire. You understand, yes?" reimi:.....*she nods* (thinking: is this a dream...?) Mr. Tsubaki: "And you will have to feed on my blood...So be ready..." reimi: *closing her eyes* Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *small cut on the index finger and rests it along her mouth* reimi:......*drinking the blood* Mr. Tsubaki: *waits a bit...* "Okay...That should be enough...You'll start to feel the changes..." reimi: *passes out* hinata: ?? hikage: ?! Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" ("...Maybe I can say I'm a physician...") hinata: is reimi-nee ok?? Mr. Tsubaki: *nods* "I administered first aid, but she will need a hospital." hikage: <8c Mr. Tsubaki: "I am a traveling emergency medical technician. Where is the nearest hospital?" hikage: you're in asakusa's clinic! -elsewhere- maki: so what now? Konro: "The Commander wishes to speak with all members of your brigade." shinra:....*he nods* nozomi: r-right! Benimaru: *seated inside the HQ, in a new kimono* Akitaru: "...Yo." *waves* Benimaru: "...This is not easy for me to say...Thank you. Especially you, Commander Obi, and Shinra Kusakabe." shinra: ....*awkward smile* tamaki: so then...does this mean everything's all good between the 8th and the 7th? Benimaru: "Not yet..." Akitaru: "..." Arthur: ("Oh crap...He's going to cut someone's head off...") Benimaru: "Konro...Bring them out." Akitaru: " 'Them'?" maki: OwO;;; nozomi: ????? Arthur: *hides behind Tamaki* Konro: *enters with two saki bowls and a bottle of sake* Akitaru: "...Huh." Benimaru: *opens the bottle, pours two bowls for him and Akitaru* "It was your assistance that helped Asakusa survive. And which saved the lives of many people...those I care so much for." *he was looking at Konro and Kirei* shinra:....*smile* maki: *tugs his ear* you're too young mister! >n< shinra: ow! Benimaru: *he turns to Akitaru* "...What? You don't like sake?" Akitaru: "!!! N-No! I love it!" *picks up his cup* "Um...So, this is affirming our alliance?" Benimaru: "If the 8th needs the assistance of the 7th, we will be there." maki: great! shinra: awesome! *Akitaru and Benimaru sip the sake* nozomi: *smile* Akitaru: "Mmm~ Really good!" kirei:... ^^ Benimaru: "Yes. We look forward to beginning this partnership..." *Benimaru has his eyes closed...and is grinning peacefully* kirei: ah... tamaki: he seems pretty happy. fang-hua: ^^; oh dear. nozomi: hmm? what is it? Konro: *laugh* "When the Commander has a little too much to drink--" Tsukiyo: QWQ "Like even just a thimble, he loses control of his facial muscles...and has that adorable smile." fang-hua: ^^; Benimaru: *still smiling calmly* "...What?" tamaki: aww, just like shinra. Akitaru: "..." *snort laugh* shinra: *chuckles* Takehisa: *flatly* "Very amusing." maki: commander! be nice! >3< kirei:....*soft chuckle* Benimaru: *still smiling calmly, even as he sounds pissed* "It's not funny. Stop finding enjoyment in my face, you buffoons!" Tsukiyo: "But it's such a cute face, sir!" fang-hua: *chop* down girl. please dont mind them, commander. -_-; Benimaru: *smiling serenely as he says...* "Ignoring your jackassery..." *reaches out a hand to Benimaru* "The 7th kept a close eye on you before. Now as our allies...we'll be keeping an even closer look." *there is a tinge of a threat in that line* Akitaru: *forced smile, as he shakes Benimaru's hand* "Wouldn't have it any other way..." maki: ^^; Tsukiyo: *rubbing her head, pouting at Fang-Hua, before turning to the 8th* "Closer look alright..." soldier: COMMANDER SHINMON! USADA TOLD ME YOU AND KIREI- Tsukiyo: "???" Benimaru: *serene smile...but murderous edge to voice* "Told you what?" soldier:... OwO n-nothing sir. Tsukiyo: *hides behind soldier* shinra: ??? *confused* kirei: .////. Benimaru: *still smiling, looks at Kirei...sounds calmer* "And now, we as a community can move forward." Konro: "Well, let's celebrate! Takehisa, care for a drink?" Takehisa: "Thank you, but I am on duty." -elsewhere- chikami: thank you so much for visiting. iris: it's no problem, mrs kurai. ^^ Relan: "How is your daughter?" chikami:....she's recovering. she's asleep right now. iris: i see.... Relan: *nods* "We...brought some treats for her when she wakes up...and wanted to...um, ask..." chikami: hmm? what is it? Relan: "Has she mentioned odd dreams?" chikami: not that i know of... Relan: "Well, I hope she feels better soon." *smiles* "We brought a notebook for her, in case she needed to write or draw while she's resting..." chikami: why thank you. i'll give this too her as soon as she wakes up. Relan: *smiles, nods* "If you need anything, Iris and I can help..." chikami: *she nods* im certain she appreciates having friends like you.....i do worry about her. ever since ak-....*shakes her head* nevermind...its nothing important. Relan: "..." *nods* ("Wonder what 'since' was...") iris:...well, we should probably head home now. Relan: *bows to Chikami* -the next day- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, in the infirmary, keeping an eye on Reimi* reimi: *asleep* Mr. Tsubaki: ("Another subclass...that I am responsible for...Tsubaki, my blossom, please keep me in your thoughts, as I take on this responsibility...") -elsewhere- Hibana: "This is idiotic!" iris: ?? nayumi: whats biting her butt? Hibana: "Sending someone from Haijima to the 8th, for chemistry?! This has bad news written all over it!" serina: didnt you use to work for haijima? Rino: "Yeah. You had some bad dealings there, right?" *smirk* Hibana: *glares at Rino* "Yes, I worked there...and I know every single person there, including this guy they are trying to stick onto the 8th!" gabriella: really? iris: well, the commander said they'd be coming home today. miwa: misora said she'd be back later tonight too. Hibana: "And that slow gorilla can't hurry his ass up?!" Rino: "...Maybe you need to calm down..." gabriella: *rubs her shoulders* Hibana: =w= *calms down* "I think I'll sit to a cup of tea...Rino, go make us tea." Rino: -_-;; -later that afternoon- shinra: we're home! iris: welcome back everyone. ^^ maki: well, good news, we got the 7th as allies now! Rino: "Yo, congrats." Akitaru: "Where is the Princess?" iris: in the den area. Hibana: *from the den* "DARN IT TO HECK AND BACK, THIS NONSENSE IS SO FREAKING STUPID--" Akitaru: "...Super. I'll go talk to her..." miwa:.....proceed with caution. Rino: *nods* "Take this." *holds up an axe* Akitaru: "...Is that from my office?" Rino: "...Yes." iris: rino! Akitaru: "..." *takes the axe* iris: COMMANDER! Rino: "What? I needed a quiet space away from this." Akitaru: "What? I need protection." Takehisa: "...Phrasing." shinra: *sigh* ok, i'll play the martyr....heeeeeey princess hibana.... ^^;;;;; Hibana: *fire breath* shinra: OwO;;;;;;; Hibana: "YOU STUPID GORILLA TOOK LONG ENOUGH TO GET BACK HERE BEFORE THAT IDIOTIC FUZZY-HEADED DICKWAD IS ADDED TO YOUR BRIGADE!'" *lifts Akitaru by he the collar* "Do you have any idea what kind of nonsense you're about to deal with?! Having an interloper in your midst to screw up your brigade from the inside?! Who knows what he'll do to your team!" Akitaru: "...Like re-decorate my entire building, have sex on my bed--" Hibana: "YOU ARE STILL GOING ON ABOUT THAT?!" Victor: "..." nozomi: ??? eh? Victor: "Yo." tamaki: hmm? who's that guy? shinra:... !! (thinking: that guy...he was at the trainee tournament...) Victor: "I'm Victor. I'm the new guy." *waves* "Hello, Princess." Hibana: *fire eyes* Akitaru: "...Huh. Um, welcome, Victor. I'm Commander Obi. And...you were assigned by the Emperor to join us?" Victor: "Yeah. Boss man said your chemistry department sucks." maki: well...we have a nozomi! Victor: "...Yes, indeed you do." nozomi: um...n-nice too meet you...s-sir... Victor: *reaches out, takes Nozomi's hand, shakes it vigorously* "Heya." nozomi: um...h-h-hello... .///.; tamaki:...*glint* Victor: ("Got her.") Arthur: "???" shinra: ..... Akitaru: "Well, then...Shinra! Show Victor to one of the guest rooms until we get him moved in..." Victor: "Or you can take me to my lab now. I'd like to get to work immediately." iris: well, we did get a room set up for you. Victor: "...I suppose I can do some work in there." *looks to Nozomi* "Care to show me the way?" nozomi: oh um... iris: they did just get back...i'll show you guys the way to the room. nozomi: .///.; Victor: "Awesome, Sister. Thanks." *follows Iris, looks back at Nozomi briefly* nozomi:... ?? Victor: *keeps walking* "So, Sister, how is life around here at the 8th?" iris: it's nice. its not a very big brigade, but we get by. Victor: "I hope my expertise helps. I can start looking at any evidence you got so we can find whoever is making these Flame Humans." Victor: *sets down his suitcase on his bed* nozomi: mm.... well, i'm currently the only member of the research department so...i'll do my best to help you, sir. Victor: "Great. I look forward to working with you, then." *smiles* "What I could use right now are some of your case reports. Can you get me those?" nozomi: ah! right! *she goes to get those* Victor: *smiles at Iris* "She seems hardworking." iris: she certainly is. Victor: "That should be helpful..." *looks at Iris* "Thanks for making my room up...Um, is there a meal to have around here?" iris: yes. commander hinawa is a really good cook. ^^ -elsewhere- Sakuya: *shudders* lilac:...s-scary... tsubaki:....*watching the news report of the asakusa incident* Reporter: "While the 7th Brigade is tight-lipped, we have heard reports of numerous flame humans emerging in the town--" Black Star: "Damn it..." naho: *shaking* Sakuya: *holds her hand, stays close to Lilac* Reporter: "--as well as some vague rumors. Sir, we wanted to know, what you saw--" tsubaki: *still watching* Resident #1: "People wearing other people's faces!" Reporter: "...What?" fang-hua: well, it's difficult to explain, but we'll try the best we can. -elsewhere- Yumi: "We've tried reaching to the 7th, but our calls are largely diverted to the 8th..." lord death: hmmm... Yumi: "Flame humans, impersonators...If the 7th has means against these potential threats, we should convince them to share the knowledge. And that's not even considering their potential partnership with certain villainous individuals with quirks." lord death: perhaps we could send someone from the hoshino shrine? Yumi: "Good idea. I'll contact them." Yumi: *calls the Hoshino Shrine...* -elsewhere- Kuro: "Really bad news." mahiru: ?? tetsu: whats up? Kuro: *holds up newspaper* "Look at the fires in Asakusa." tetsu: .... misono: that's pretty bad... Kuro: *watching the video* "Huh...Thought I saw something..." misono: ?? Kuro: "Like a small wolf or something. See, that injured woman?" mahiru: *squints* -they're interviewing someone at the clinic- *A nurse is tending to Reimi* mahiru: *examining the screen* *A small fox is sitting in Reimi's lap* mahiru: !!!! t-thats...! Kuro: o_o "...Shit." misono: !!! lily, could you call tsubaki? Lily: "On it~" *auto-dial on phone* "Hello?" tsubaki: yes? may i ask who's calling? Lily: "It's me, silly, Lily! What, you don't have me programmed into your phone? How mean." tsubaki: ah, sorry. i'll do that in a bit, so what's up? Lily: "We found someone~" tsubaki: oh? Lily: "...Him." tsubaki:....!!!.... Lily: "Asakusa, the village that was just attacked." tsubaki: !!!!...... Lily: "He's in fox form, sitting on a lovely young lady's lap~" tsubaki:.... ^^; s-should i intervene? misono: LILY! D8< Lily: "It's up to you, Negotiator~ We have full confidence in you." tsubaki:...right. i'll head over right away. Lily: "It is a disaster area there, though. It may help if you know someone in the 7th Brigade." tsubaki: i'll keep that in mind. -and so, after she explained the situation to black*star- Black Star: "...You think you can talk to him? After what he did?" tsubaki: the least i can do is try, right? Black Star: ("But what if she...") *shakes the thought away* "R-Right...So, given all that security around there, need some muscle?" tsubaki: *she shakes her head* i think i have a plan. Black Star: "Want to clue me in? I'll help however I can." tsubaki:...*hug* i appreciate the thought...but this is something i have to face myself. *kiss on the forehead* Black Star: -\\\- *nods, hugs back* "Come back safe." -and so, after she arrived in asakusa- tsubaki:...it's certainly busier here now... Tsukiyo: "Hold it right there! State your name and business being here!" tsubaki: tsubaki nakatsukasa...there's someone i need to speak with... Tsukiyo: "Oh? And who is that?" tsubaki:....he's at the clinic. Tsukiyo: "Oh, an injured? Are you a relative? Wife?" tsubaki: um.... 7///7; i-its complicated. Tsukiyo: "..." *light bulb* .w. "Ooooooooh..." *clears throat* "I'm afraid I will need more information to complete the paperwork before letting you in. Why don't you start at the beginning--and give me all the juicy details~" fang-hua: *chop* you can go on ahead, miss nakatsukasa. tsubaki:...thanks. ^^; Tsukiyo: TT~TT "Right this way, ma'am..." -at the clinic- tsubaki:....*enters reimi's room*....hello. reimi: *asleep* Mr. Tsubaki: *asleep on Reimi's lap...then opens one eye...* O_- *small gasp* tsubaki:...it's been a while, hasnt it? Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *nods silently, looks downcast* tsubaki:...did you...want to talk at all? a lot's happened since we last saw each other... Mr. Tsubaki: "...Okay." *carefully moves from Reimi towards Tsubaki, whispers* "She knows, but as she is sleeping, we will have to be quiet." tsubaki:..right. -she tells him about all that has happened- Mr. Tsubaki: "Sham...is back with my...with his family?" *looks relieved* tsubaki: yes.....and himawari as well.... Mr. Tsubaki: "...You continue to impress, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa." tsubaki: *small smile* Mr. Tsubaki: "...Would you like to hear my story?" tsubaki: *she nods* Mr. Tsubaki: "The short version is that I returned to a former subclass's home, then a shrine...then came here...and now...this woman was going to die..." tsubaki: ah.... Mr. Tsubaki: "...So now, I have a new subclass here...a new family." tsubaki: hmm....what will you do now? Mr. Tsubaki: "...I feel obligated to watch over Reimi. Becoming a vampire is a challenging process. But...I want to get home to the rest of my family." tsubaki:...and your mission that you had? Mr. Tsubaki: *shudders* "Tsubaki...I don't know. My teacher wanted this world wiped away...but I see the people in this world, too..." *thinks of Hikage and Hinata...* "..." tsubaki: .....if you need a place to stay..i'll still leave the door open. Mr. Tsubaki: "...When the time is right...Will it ever be?" tsubaki:..... Mr. Tsubaki: "...I miss my family...I miss you." tsubaki: hmmm.....we miss you too... Mr. Tsubaki: "...Please let them know I am safe. And I love them." *nuzzles against her hand* tsubaki:...i will. Mr. Tsubaki: *swallows* "And I...l-l-love..." tsubaki: ??........ Mr. Tsubaki: "...You." tsubaki: ...*small blush* i.... Mr. Tsubaki: *bows his head, leaving her hand on his head* tsubaki: im....conflicted. Mr. Tsubaki: "...'Conflicted'? Tsubaki...I'm sorry." tsubaki: you...black*star.......i think to put it bluntly....i love you both. Mr. Tsubaki: *looks up with a start* "...You do? I...love you, too." tsubaki: i know....i do love black*star, and i always will....but i think i can find room in my heart for you. Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *moves from the bed, to the floor...and resumes his human form...he is on one knee, and he holds her hand* tsubaki: ah- Mr. Tsubaki: *kisses her hand lightly* tsubaki: .////. Mr. Tsubaki: "Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, with all my heart, I will always love you." tsubaki: ..... -later that night, she told the others everything- naho: TT~TT my feels.... Shamrock: X~Q lavender: oho, going for the harem route then? Black Star: "..." *frowning* tsubaki:....do you hate me? Black Star: "...I..." *shakes his head* "Can we talk, in private?" tsubaki:...... -in her room- Black Star: "...I don't...I feel angry..." tsubaki: ....... Black Star: "I'm not angry with you...but this situation...I did not...I did not think this...person would come into our lives...He hurt people." tsubaki:...i know....he's done things that i still have a hard time forgiving... Black Star: "...I'm sorry for saying that I can't see how even you could hold love for him...How can you love him?" tsubaki:...to be honest...i'm just as confused as you are... i think part of me wants to reach out and show him he isnt alone.... i must sound pretty dumb right now, huh? Black Star: "..." *shakes his head* "...I knew you loved him, a long time ago...when I saw you reach out to help him..." tsubaki:......even then....i still love you too...i love you both. Black Star: "..." *wipes his eyes* "I don't want to lose you...and that's selfish...but I love you. And I don't want to be some creepy stalker who forces you to stay..." -she only replies by hugging him- Black Star: *cries, holding her* tsubaki: i'm not going to leave you...i promise. Black Star: *sniffs, nods* "I'm not going anywhere, either. I love you." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, smiling, in Reimi's lap again* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "A lot of rebuilding to do..." kirei: *she nods* Benimaru: "..." *takes her hand* kirei: *small blush* Benimaru: "Kirei..." *brings her hand to his lips* kirei: ah... o/////o Benimaru: "Kirei...I love you." kirei: b-beni... Benimaru: "This is me speaking. No one else." kirei: *blushing* Benimaru: "You don't have to say anything...I leave it to you to take the lead..." kirei:....*she smiles and hugs him* i...l-lo...lo.... >/////< Benimaru: "..." *holds her, smiles...a sincere one* "I love you, too." soldiers: WOOOOOOAH! fang-hua: congrats. ^^ kirei: !! O//////O Tsukiyo: Q~Q *cries, clutches Fang-hua, sobs into her shoulder* Benimaru: "...How long were you all there?" Konro: "Long enough, it seems." kabuki: aww. hinata + hikage: oooooh~ hehehehe~ ^^ fang-hua: ^^; *pats tsukiyo's back* at least you still have kabuki Konro: "D'aw, you're blushing, Young Master." Benimaru: -\\\\- kirei: ^^ Benimaru: *holds Kirei's hand, small squeeze* kirei: *smiles* Mr. Tsubaki: *enters, leading a recovering Reimi* reimi: hello sister. kirei: ah! reimi! reimi: im feeling a lot better now....what did i miss? fang-hua: well.....a lot. Tsukiyo: *crying* "Commander has found love with Sister Kirei..." Mr. Tsubaki: ^^ ("She's not the only one...") reimi: ah...WAIT WHA?! O-O fang-hua: yeah... ^^; well, im happy for you guys. kirei: hehe, thanks kohana. fang-hua: !!! NOT YOU TOO! Benimaru: *smiles* "It's catchy." Mr. Tsubaki: *looks up at Reimi* ("Something wrong?") fang-hua: -_-; -elsewhere- Meme: "How's your family doing with shrine stuff, Ao?" Anya: -__-; ao: they're doing well. Meme: "Helping out with the Asakusa recovery efforts?" -elsewhere- nozomi: *reviewing files* Victor: "How's it coming along?" nozomi: still looking things over......*staring at one file; Toshiaki Harada*.....*trembling* Victor: *picks up on her reaction* "...Someone you lost?" nozomi:.... my father.... Victor: "Oh...I'm sorry." nozomi:.....the commander.....put him out of his misery......he was...the only family i had... Victor: "...I can't imagine what you must be feeling." nozomi: oh..it...it happened a long time ago.....i didnt even know he had become....*her breath is caught in her throat* ....i...didnt want to believe it... Victor: *holds her hand* "Hey. Let out that breath...Breathe in...and out...You're doing good work here. You're trying to find who is responsible, so you can make sure this never happens again. You're doing what needs to be done...You're helping." ("..." *smirking internally*) nozomi: ah...right....just crying about it isnt helping anyone. s-sorry... .///.; Victor: *pats her hand, pulls back* "Let's take a break to refocus. You like coffee?" nozomi: i-i dont drink it often. i usually have tea... Victor: "Tea's good, too. Come on, let's go have a cup--it'll be good for both of us." *smiles* -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "I know you have an undergone a tremendous change...How are you handling this experience?" reimi: i've been feeling rather tired.... Mr. Tsubaki: "Because you need blood...?" reimi: i guess im still in shock... Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *nods* "It was that way for almost all of my subclasses...and for me." reimi: hmmm...... Mr. Tsubaki: "...Please know: you are still the same person you were before. Your memories, your hopes, your qualities..." reimi:..r-right. Mr. Tsubaki: "Sister...Tell me a bit more about yourself. What do you like to do with your day?" reimi: well, i've been told i have a talent for humming folk songs. OwO Mr. Tsubaki: *smiles* "Really? I enjoy folk music...Could you hum one?" reimi: *humming kagome-kagome* Mr. Tsubaki: -w- "Quite good..." *curls his tail up around himself...* -elsewhere- Kid: "Good news from True Cross?" stocking: well, i passed the preliminary exams. Kid: "That's great!" *hug* stocking: well, it helps that miss kirigakure was the teacher. kirika: for what? stocking: NOT YOU! Kid: "??? Wait, haven't I met her before--Shura Kirigakure?" stocking: yeah, she was on the camping trip with us. Kid: "Ah. She seems passionate about teaching, so that was good of her to be there for you." stocking: yeah. *she smiles* Kid: "When is your next exam?" stocking: next week. Kid: "Anything I can do to help prepare?" stocking: i'll have to do more studying. Kid: "I'll do what I can to keep your studying environment peaceful." *smiles* -elsewhere- Black Star: *knocks on Lavender's door* "Lavender? You got a few minutes? I...need some help." lavender: what's up, kiddo? Black Star: "...Can you tell me a bit about Mr. Tsubaki...and open relationships?" lavender: oh~? what did you want to know? Black Star: "Look, I trust Tsubaki...it's him I got problems with. And I worry, like, is he going to hurt her? How does our relationship work? Do he and I, what, 'share' Tsubaki?" lavender: ah. well, ever heard of a threesome, kid? it's easier than you'd think. Black Star: -\\\\- "Yeah...I've kinda looked into that...But how can I trust Mr. Tsubaki?" lavender: *smile* he may be crazy....and i mean really crazy...but he really cares about her, based on what i can tell.....once you get to see past that crazy psychopathy, he's not that bad a guy. Black Star: "...Not the best recommendation I've heard...If he really cares about Tsubaki this much, I guess I have to trust her...Regarding...'intimacy'...do you have any, like, books or something?" lavender: books, dvds, or you can watch me and higan, haha! Black Star: -___-;;; "Thanks for the offer, but I'll stick with the books right now." lavender: alright then. Black Star: *opens one book--* o\\\\\o "...I can't imagine Mr. Tsubaki doing _that_ to me..." lavender: need anything else, kiddo? Black Star: "...I'm scared...that I won't have Tsubaki in my life." lavender: hey, she's not goin' anywhere, ok? tsubaki:...*she hugs him* Black Star: "!!!" *looks at Tsubaki* "S-Sorry for...doubting you. I'm just...This is all new..." tsubaki: it's...still a lot for me to take in too... Black Star: "..." *holds her hand* "One day at a time?" tsubaki:..*she smiles* yeah. lavender: *smiles* Black Star: "..." *hug* -outside- naho: how heartwarming~ ^^ Shamrock: X_TT otogiri: .... lilac: a-are you...ok..mr shamrock? Shamrock: "...He hasn't returned to us...but somehow he finds love...and I feel alone." lilac:...... otogiri:...that's unfortunate. Belkia: "...Maybe try online dating?" Shamrock: X_T;; otogiri: it's a possibility. Shamrock: "Knowing my luck, I would end up with that stalker Belkia had--" Belkia: "NOT FUNNY, SHAM!" D: naho: too soon! Shamrock: *shamed* Belkia: "Hmph. Let's just have an adults' night out--Clubs! Bars! Random acts of violence!" otogiri: -_-; Sakuya: *chop* "No violence. Tsubaki said so." Shamrock: "...Maybe going out for a night would be fun." otogiri: perhaps. lavender: say, maybe we could go out and enjoy a night out. i know just the area to do so as well~ Belkia: "Where’s that?" -and so- lavender: there it is. Red light district~ Shamrock: x_o Higan: "...Huh. Didn't realize Death City had one." lavender: gotta know where to look~ besides, this city is massive. Belkia: "Well, let's get started! This is gonna be fun!" otogiri: *sigh* this wont end well. Woman: *looks at Lavender* "Hey, there." lavender: hey~ *waves* Woman: "You and your friends looking for a fun time?" manager: oi! you there! *grabs belkia* we need a performer, since our show tonight called out sick. lavender: trying to set our friend up here with someone. *points to shamrock* guys, girls, either will do. Belkia: "??? Oh! What will I be doing? Rabbit out of the hat? Cut a woman in two? Escape from a cage?" Shamrock: x_-;;; Woman: "I can help with that..." *smiles at Lavender* "Nothing for you, though, doll?" manager: just follow me. lavender:....you up for a threeway? Belkia: *follows* Woman: *smiles, puts an arm around Lavender's shoulder* "Depends who the third is~" lavender: *looks at higan* 7w7 Higan: *waves* Woman: "Oh, aged to perfection~" *stands before Higan and Lavender, hand on each of their shoulders* "Let's get your friend [Shamrock] hooked up, then we'll find a place..." Shamrock: *follows the Woman* otogiri:....*facepalm* otogiri: fancy... Woman: "I have some friends who would enjoy your friend..." lavender: dang. nice place. Shamrock: x_-;;;; lavender: good luck sham~ Woman: "We try." *holds out her hand to Lavender* "I'm Lilith." lavender: just call me lavender. or lav~ Shamrock: *looks around* "Y-Yeah, thanks." Higan: "Higan." *kisses Lilith's hand* Lilith: "Oh, a gentleman...What will you two have to drink?" Shamrock: *stands around, awkwardly* otogiri: 7_7;;;;; ?? oh, belkia didnt follow us? Shamrock: "??? Huh...Must be having fun elsewhere." woman 2: oh, that guy who dresses like the manager? i think he's down at prince pegasus. Shamrock: "Ah..." *looks at Woman #2* "Thank you. So...How is your evening going?" woman 2: alright. want something to drink? Shamrock: "Sure...How about a rum and coke?" woman 2: sounds good. -meanwhile- guy: O_O;; uhhh... guy 2: who's this guy? guy 3: not sure, but he's kinda cute~ Belkia: ^\\\^ "D'aw, thanks! I'm Belkia--and I...am a master magician!" guy 3: oooh~ *shiny eyes* Belkia: *smiles* "So, where do you want me to perform?" guy 3: 7w7~<3 -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: *grumble grumble* "So annoying..." fang-hua: its ok. you're life isnt over. Tsukiyo: *pout* "I know. I just feel conflicted. I'm upset for myself, but happy for the Commander and the Sister--and I don't want to come between that." *sigh* "...You know what I want?" fang-hua: oh? Tsukiyo: *sets a bottle of sake on the table* fang-hua: ._.; oh... Tsukiyo: *pours out two small cups, then sets the bottle away* "Just a little to take the edge off." fang-hua: ^^; -elsewhere- Sakuya: "Lilac, pass the plate around--take as many donuts as you want." lilac:....*nom* .... Sakuya: ^^ "Naho, want one?" naho: *nom* ^o^ himawari:..... Sakuya: *offers one* "Here, Himawari--try one." himawari:...*nom*.... Sakuya: *smiles* tsubaki: enjoying yourselves? Sakuya: *nods* "Yeah. It's kind of nice having the place not so packed." -later- otogiri: we're home. lavender: it was one hell of a night~ Higan: *his jacket over Lavender's back, his hand on her hip* "Yeah." Shamrock: *sigh of relief* lavender: ^^ otogiri: -_-; Black Star: "Wait, where's Belkia?" otogiri: he's here. Belkia: *winces* "H-Hey..." tsubaki: oh my goodness! are you ok? Belkia: "Y-Yeah, I'm fine...Just a...'show' didn't go as I expected." ^^; tsubaki: ?? Belkia: "Man, I've _never_ pulled a rabbit out like that before--HA HA--ow..." tsubaki: ?? oh..OH! O.O otogiri: *facepalm* what have we learned from this? Belkia: "Ask more questions, use protection, and damn that did feel kind of good!" lavender: on the bright side, at least sham didnt break any legs this time! Shamrock: x_-;;;; "...I may have bust a nut..." Black Star: >__< naho: O_O like with your foot or...??? Shamrock: "...It's a phrase, referring to men getting off..." naho: o////////o oh. tsubaki:..i....see.... *covering lilac's ears* Sakuya: -____-;;; "Some info is better left to yourselves..." Belkia: "I'm going to turn in...and sleep this off." Higan: "I'm not that tired yet." otogiri: .... lavender: round two~? Higan: "Indeed~" Black Star: -_-; "You okay, Otogiri?" otogiri: yes. just tired from dealing with their nonsense. Black Star: "Yeah, I hear that..." tsubaki: ^^; himawari:....... Shamrock: "??? Himawari? You have an okay day?" himawari:...... Shamrock: "...I hope it's getting better. Did you have anything to eat?" himawari:.... Shamrock: "...Well, I'll cook something and put it in the fridge, in case you get hungry in the night." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: *slurred speech* "You are a good friend, Fang!" *pats her back* fang-hua: t-thanks... 7///7; Tsukiyo: "Okay, last call! Want another sip?" -elsewhere- Kuro: "...So we're fine with Tsubaki negotiating 'peace' with this lunatic?" mahiru: well, she's our best option for this. and it's worked so far, right? Kuro: "This person is dangerous, though. I only hope she keeps a tight leash on him." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "I hope the blood helps you feel better. Get some more rest." reimi: *asleep* hinata: *pokes her head in* hikage: *peeeeek* Mr. Tsubaki: "!!!" hikage: mr doctor, are you really a kitsune? hinata: thanks for saving kabuki. ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: "..." *nervous laugh* "A 'kitsune'? Ha ha...Who told you that?" ^^;;; hinata: kabuki told us! Mr. Tsubaki: ._.;;;; "Um...You promise not to tell anyone?" ("Otogiri and Teacher, thank you both for teaching me first aid...") hikage: we wont say anything. hinata: so long as you pay up! Mr. Tsubaki: "...Eh?" *looking in his empty pockets* "Um...I guess I'll be doing odd jobs to pay up..." hinata: not money. *points to a jar of candy* Mr. Tsubaki: "...Ah!" *opens the jar, removes candy to hand to the girls* "Here you go!" -nom nom- hinata: thanks~ hikage: you've bought our silence. Mr. Tsubaki: ^^;; "That's good...Now, let's let the Sister sleep to finish her recovery." -elsewhere- Victor: "Thanks for the tea. I hope you get some good sleep tonight, Nozomi." nozomi: r-right. tamaki: making friends, new guy? *sits next to nozomi* Victor: *smiles, nods at Tamaki* "I hope so. Nozomi has been a brilliant colleague in our investigation." tamaki: she sure is. nozomi: oh..t-thank you. Victor: "How long have you two known each other, Tamaki?" tamaki: a while. she's kinda monitoring my behavior...she's kinda my best friend. nozomi: ./////. m-miss tamaki... Victor: *still smiling* "Then you probably have the best friend anyone could have." tamaki: *smiles* yeah. i want to be there to keep her safe too.... *gives him a glint* Victor: *smiles back* "Don't we all?" *glint--to the point that a spark of electricity is passing between his and Tamaki's intense glares* nozomi: ^^;; Victor: "I hope to continue this conversation with you both in the morning..." *yawns, stretches...right in front of Nozomi* "But I had best sleep. Good night, Tamaki. Pleasant dreams, Nozomi." nozomi: .////. r-right. tamaki:..... Victor: *leaves...and left a listening device hidden under the table* -elsewhere- Black Star: *crawls into bed* tsubaki: *asleep next to him* Black Star: "..." *worried face, as he gently hugs her* tsubaki: *smiles* Black Star: *closes his eyes, rests his head next to hers* -morning- Tsukiyo: =w= *muttering in her sleep* "Why, yes, that would be wonderful..." fang-hua: tsukiyo...tsukiyo time to get up.... Tsukiyo: *still talking in her sleep* "Right there, Kabuki..." *her arms go up towards Fang-Hua* fang-hua: e-eh?? O///O *she got pulled in* !!! Tsukiyo: *her arms wrap around Fang-Hua, as a leg goes over her* "Mmm...Hold me close..." fang-hua: !!!! t-t-tsu-tsukiyo!! Tsukiyo: "Oh, Kabuki...Call my name out again..." *opens one eye...sees Fang-Hua* "...Huh. Why are you in my bed, buddy?" fang-hua: im trying to wake you up... .///_///.; Tsukiyo: "...Huh." *looks down at herself* "...I guess I drunk too much, huh?" *she's pressed up against Fang-Hua...* fang-hua: mind letting go please? >///<; Tsukiyo: "Oh, right!" *lets go, sits up...she's naked* "Sorry about that." -elsewhere- Shamrock: *already making breakfast* tsubaki: morning. Shamrock: *nods* "Good morning. How are you feeling?" tsubaki: a lot better. Shamrock: "...I am happy for you, and Tsubaki." tsubaki: hey, dont leave black*star out. >.< Shamrock: *small smirk* "I think it's _you_ who shouldn't leave him out..." tsubaki: *pouts* lavender: *chop* come on sham, lay off. Shamrock: X_T "Hmph." *goes back to cooking* Higan: *shirtless* "Ignore him, Tsu. Sham just likes to be a jerk about things. Wishing you the best." tsubaki: thank you. Higan: *pouring some coffee, reaches to the table to take some sugar--and purposefully passes his hand just close behind the small of Lavender's back* Belkia: "Mornin', everyone." lavender: oh~ 7w7 Higan: *winks at her* naho: *nyaaawn* morning everyone... =.= *still half asleep* otogiri: -_-; Sakuya: *standing next to Naho...but...* "Zzz..." lilac: *poke poke* himawari:........ Sakuya: *snort awake* "H-Huh? Wha? Where am I?" naho: mrrzzzz..... Black Star: *yawns* "..." *spots Tsubaki* tsubaki: morning. *she smiles* Shamrock: *smiles at Himawari* "Ready to dine, Himawari?" himawari:...... Sakuya: *looks at Naho, who is leaning against him* Black Star: *small smile* "Hey..." *walks over...and kisses Tsubaki lightly on the lips* tsubaki: U///U naho: zzzzz..... Black Star: "Morning..." Sakuya: *poke poke at Naho's shoulder* tsubaki: sleep well? naho: nhhnng? who..wha.... Black Star: *small shrug* "Alright..." *holds her hand* tsubaki: *smiles* Sakuya: "Hey...It's morning. Time to get up, sleepy head." naho: is it the weekend? Sakuya: "Yep...so I thought you'd like to be up to make the most of it." *smile* naho: *nyaaawn* ok. tsubaki: that reminds me, i got this weeks schedule set up. Shamrock: "Oh? What's on it?" -a list of chores, appointments, and other reminders- Belkia: *pops up behind Tsubaki* "...I'm not going to do most of this stuff, so let's all agree to have Shamrock do all the work!" otogiri: -_-; Shamrock: *SHAM-CHOP to Belkia's head* "We will split the work on the basis of ability, time, and fairness. Tsubaki, I will take on more work so that the younger subclasses have time for their homework and leisure time." Higan: *points to a few entries* "I can take care of those today." lavender: hmm, i got gardening duty today, not bad. Sakuya: "Vacuuming and...bathrooms? Ugh...Fine." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in nurse's scrubs, visiting Reimi with a tray of food* "Morning. Ready for your breakfast?" ^^ reimi: ^^; Mr. Tsubaki: *sets the tray at her bed...and points to a vial with his blood in it* Mr. Tsubaki: "You'll be released tomorrow." reimi: *she nods* i cant wait to head back to the shrine. i bet the others are worried about me... Mr. Tsubaki: "I can assure you they are..." *points to his ear* "Foxes keep an ear open for those things." reimi: ^^; Mr. Tsubaki: "...I know it will be challenging to re-acclimate after all that happened, including having someone take your identity. But...if life has taught me something, it is that you can overcome these challenges." reimi: *she nods*.... Mr. Tsubaki: "Is there anything I may do to help?" *slicing her apple* -elsewhere- Kid: *already dressed and adjusting furniture in the den* stocking: feng shuei? Kid: *nods* "I always have trouble with getting the colors correct..." *holds up his fingers to form a square with with he looks* "Hmm...That painting is still crooked, too." stocking: need help? Kid: *nods* "Yes...You have such a good idea for these details..." -elsewhere- Konro: "Good work rebuilding, soldiers." soldier: ^^ Konro: "Kabuki, when does the next delivery of lumber arrive?" kabuki: should arrive by tuesday. Konro: *nods* "We'll move onto other tasks until Tuesday, then." Benimaru: "Oh, Konro, Kabuki. Good work..." kabuki: *he nods* soldier: gonna call it a day and visit your girlfriend, beni~? haha! Benimaru: -\\\\\\- *summons a fireball...* "You have five seconds..." soldier: O-O;;;;; kabuki: ^^; Konro: "...Huh. Having a girlfriend has made you lightened up: usually you only give them two seconds--" Benimaru: *fireball at the soldier's feet* soldier: *FLEES* Benimaru: *grunt, harumph...* "...Excuse me. I have to see Sister Kirei now..." kabuki: by all means. Benimaru: *approaches the shrine...* "Hmm...Much work to do here..." kirei: hmm. oh, benimaru. it's nice to see you. Benimaru: *nods* "You as well." *awkward silence* "...You are looking well." sister: oh~ she's going right to his name! sister: oh my~ kirei: g-girls! really... ^///^;; Benimaru: -\\\\- *small smile* "I wanted to check on how recovery and rebuilding was going." kirei: it's doing well. sister reimi will be home soon. Benimaru: "Oh, that is good news. Her recovery is nothing short of a miracle." kirei: ....she saved my life... Benimaru: "..." *holds her hand* "She knows how grateful you are...as am I." kirei:...*smiles* Benimaru: *looks around* "Wait...where is your fox?" kirei: he's with reimi in the clinic...he's taken a liking to her as of late... Benimaru: "...Rather loyal, then. Someone to help her recover..." -elsewhere- Lawless: *holds up his phone* "Do it. Come on! You'll get so many hits!" julian: this is a terrible idea. TT_TT romina: it's fine, you've had worse! Lawless: "Okay, I hit record--start the music!" julian:....*sigh of defeat as he begins dancing....in a maid costume....a very showy maid costume* Lawless: "Ha ha ha! Yeah, baby! Shake that money-maker!" licht: ..... -_-; Lawless: *finishes recording* "And now to upload! So much traffic, man...Licht, go put on those boxers with the hearts on them: you're going to be reading 1 Henry IV." licht: no way in hell. kranz: i'll do it then. besides, those are my boxers! Lawless: "Thanks, Kranz! You're a bigger help than Piano Fuck Boi over here..." licht: *inches from lawless' face* im sorry, the fuck was that? Lawless: "..." *puts the phone away, stares Licht in the face...and...* *tear, rip* licht: ?!?! Lawless: "AH HA!" Lawless: "You _do_ wear boxers!" licht:......... Lawless: *SNAP SNAP SNAP* "Blackmail!" -one brutal beatdown later- Lawless: *body pixelated due to the amount of blood lost* -elsewhere- Victor: "What do you in the 8th do for fun?" shinra: we have a wii u. tamaki: most of us go to school during the day. Victor: "How about you, Nozomi?" nozomi: i go to school with them. Victor: "Neat. How far along are you?" -elsewhere- Johannes: *grumbling* "Stupid Jeje and everyone telling me to get out of the shop for a few hours...Not my fault that stink bomb went off..." ???: then i said 'no you are', then he said 'no _you_ are' and then i was like 'i guess i kinda am.' so long story short, i kinda owe him 5 dollars. Johannes: "???" *looks at the person talking* kyouko: honestly, i dont know what we're gonna do with you. sayaka: hehe ^^; Johannes: :3 *looks at them talking* kyouko: ..?? hey, isnt that your 'boyfriend'? sayaka: eh? *turns* O____O OHGODNO! *'graceful' swan dive into the bushes* Johannes: *waves happily* "Hello, Sweet Pea! Hello, Sweet Pea's friend!" kyouko: hey. sayaka: *in the bushes* Q__Q Johannes: *walks over, waves* "I'm Dr. Johannes Mimir Faustus! Happy to meet you!" kyouko: well, you can just call me kyouko, and as you know, this is sayaka. sayaka: KYOUKO! HOW COULD YOU SELL ME OUT!? Johannes: *still standing beside Kyouko, waving happily at Sayaka* "Howdy! What are you two up to this fine day?" sayaka: Q-Q kyouko: -_- sayaka get out of the bushes and face your damn fears. sayaka: *tiny scoot* hey. Johannes: *squee* "So, what are you two up to? Errands? Off to the library? Movies? Meals? Battling the forces of evil with powers inherited by small furry creatures?" kyouko: ...what? sayaka: nothing! nothing interesting at all! we should be going now! Johannes: "...Oh. Well, um, okay." *waves* "Have a good day, then..." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, rolling on his back in Reimi's room in the sunlight through the window* ^^ "So happy..." -elsewhere- Relan: "Feeling better?" mikami: y-yeah... Relan: *smiles* "That's good...We miss you at the station. Gonna need you back there soon...Giovanni wants you back at work when you're ready, too." mikami: *she nods* ryuuko:.... Relan: "...Um...I could also get you your remaining homework, too...If that helps." mikami: i appreciate that, t-though you dont have to if you d-dont want to... Relan: "I want to, because you and Ryuuko are my friends..." *smiles* mikami:... ^^ ryuuko:.... 7u7; Relan: TTwTT -elsewhere- Sakuya: Q~Q "That bathroom was icky times a billion." naho: phew...at least it's all done now... Sakuya: *collapses onto the couch* "I wonder how the others did..." Higan: "About done..." lavender: all finished~! himawari:...... Shamrock: "Kitchen is cleaned up--so I made some snacks." *holds the tray up to Himawari* himawari:... Shamrock: "..." ("What do I do with this one...?") -elsewhere- Gopher: "I think it's cute..." kirika: 7n7;; *in a kigurumi* Gopher: "And I bet it feels soft and warm, right?" kirika: it's nice. -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *reading a newspaper* kim: whats new? Jacqueline: "Rebuilding is still happening in Asakusa...jewelry theft in Milan...value of the yen went up..." kim: ah. -with ponera's group- shaula: *hella proud of her new scorpion brooch* Ponera: "...So...How did you get that?" shaula:...it was a present~ beatrice: 7///7; Ponera: *shiny eyes* "D'aw! I wish I had someone do that for me..." grimoire: .... -elsewhere- Jeje: "I forgot how much quieter it is when he goes out..." metsu: *she nods* Jeje: "Anything I can do to help you with remaining items on our to-do list?" -elsewhere- Hibana: *eating cereal angrily* *NOM NOM NOM* >< gabriella: please be careful. ^^; -elsewhere- Shinoda: *hugging the apple tree* ^^ mana: SHINODA YOU ARE EMBARRASSING ALL OF US! Shinoda: "This is a life-giving tree for me--don't ruin this..." *kisses the tree* nea: *facepalm* Kepuri: "...Kind of shipping it." nea: D8< lin: maybe putting Adderall in his apple wasnt one of your best ideas, emine. Emine: "...I may have gone too far this time...I'll put myself in the corner when we get home." Shinoda: "Cradle me in your branches, you gorgeous life-giving plant." nea: and this is why we cant have nice things. -elsewhere- Kid: "And now, all is in order." *beaming* stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "...Sorry. I took you away from your studying, didn't I?" stocking: it's fine, kid. Kid: *smiles* "Thank you." *pats her back* "Well, I'll let you return to studying..." stocking: ^^ Kid: *heads to the kitchen...* -elsewhere- Lily: "Any updates from your girlfriend?" misono: oh shush. 7///7; mahiru: ^^; misono: well, things seem to have cooled down at C3 for now... Kuro: "Locking up vampires like that...I don't see Touma forgiving his employees for allowing their escape." misono:....still, i hope she- they, are ok... 7///7; Lily: "Maybe you should check in on her...I mean, 'them.'" :3 misono:....i wouldnt want to arouse suspicion. Kuro: "Put on a disguise? Or talk with her at school?" misono:...perhaps. Lily: "I have quite a range of disguises~" -elsewhere- Touma: *reviewing files on vampires...and other creatures* ("This may prove useful...") -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in human form, waves at the twins* hinata: ^^ fang-hua: so then, 'drifter', you're some kind of kitsune then? Mr. Tsubaki: o___o;; ("So much for secrets...") "Um...Well, I mean...Heh. What makes you say that?" ^^;; fang-hua:....nevermind, just thinking out loud. Mr. Tsubaki: ^^;;;;; "I'm just here to provide any medical assistance I can...I mean, you don't suspect me of anything, do you?" fang-hua: why would i? you did help the commander out back at the shrine. Mr. Tsubaki: "It's just that your colleague seemed suspicious of me...I swear, I'm just here to help." ("...And because I can't go home...") fang-hua: alright then. -elsewhere- Relan: [things calmer now?] shinra: [yeah. we now have the 7th as allies! \(^o^)/ ] Relan: [yay! i assume in no small part because of your work] shinra: [daw. ^^; well the others helped out a ton as well.] shinra: [anyway, how's mikami doing, any better?] Relan: [a bit. it's a lot to work through] shinra: [no kidding. did U and iris talk to her about anything?] Relan: [a little. trying to figure out what kind of dreams she's having] shinra: [ah. so what was kurai manor like?] Relan: [big. o_o like, could fit 20 houses in there. regal look, interesting coat of arms] shinra: [oh?] Relan: [yeah, the coat has this woman with bright red hair] shinra: [ah, well, mikami does have red hair too... and i saw her dad has red hair too. i saw him on TV once. them genetics tho] Relan: [ha ha! yeah. hard not to spot members of her family in a crowd. sleeping any better?] shinra: [yeah.] Relan: [that's good. i hope you have good dreams soon] -elsewhere- Joker: "All according to plan..." *sips his umbrella drink* scarlet:.... you just walked in here, sat down and said 'all according to plan'. -_-; Joker: "...That is part of the plan." *sip* scarlet: your plan being? Joker: "Well, having Victor in place with the 8th to keep an eye on what they discover...and to make sure we keep tabs on the Hoods." scarlet: right. Joker: "We are in the intelligence gathering. Once Victor finds what we need, we make our next move." Joker: "And our next move will be quite a doozy~" -elsewhere- Arthur: "Huh. Never seen you without the nun outfit, Sister." iris: ^^; tamaki: so what are we doing out here? Arthur: "Grocery run. Freaking Victor is eating us out of house and home..." nozomi: he's not so bad. ^^; tamaki:... Arthur: "Well, you two _have_ to work together, so I get that _you_ have to see the best in him..." nozomi: .////. i-i suppose. tamaki: *rolls her eyes* Arthur: "If Victor gives you problems, let us know. No point having him try to disrupt our home...Interloper." nozomi: r-right... Arthur: "??? In any case, what food do we need? I want a boar, to roast on a pit." -elsewhere- Anya: *napping on the couch* tsugumi:...*puts a blanket over her* Meme: "Must be pretty tired after work today." -elsewhere- Shinoda: *holding an ice-pack to his head* "I can't remember what happened..." nea: *patting his head* Shinoda: "Did I do anything stupid?" *feels something in his mouth...pulls out a leaf* "???" -elsewhere- Johannes: "I'm home!" metsu: welcome back. Jeje: "Sss...I suggest you hide. Mikuni wants to know--" Mikuni: "What happened to Jocelyn's eyeball?!" *holds up a doll missing an eye* Johannes: "...Vision test." metsu:....*facepalm* Mikuni: "THIS ISN'T FUNNY!" Johannes: *holds up Jocelyn's missing eye to his own eye* "That's not how I saw it..." Mikuni: "...Metsu...Give me some space..." metsu: *she goes upstairs* please take it outside. Jeje: -____-;;; Johannes: "Yeah! Time to play--" *PUNCH'd* *Johannes is knocked through the open door and into the street, landing in a dumpster* Mikuni: "..." *sigh, as he picks up Jocelyn's eye* "Time to sew you back on~" ^^ Jeje: "That was quick...Wait for me, Metsu..." Johannes: @~@ "I see three of everything...That ain't right. Usually it's six of everything..." ???: oi, you alright? Johannes: "Oh, this is nothing. One time, he punched me so hard I went into orbit...Um, who is speaking? Is that you, God?" -a young woman is there, wearing goggles and a lab coat- ???: nah, just a regular passerby. Johannes: "Huh." *picks banana peel off his head* "You have on goggles and a lab coat, the international symbols of a fellow scientist." ???: why you'd be correct my good man. i also do some mechanic work on the side. *offers a hand to help him out* Johannes: *takes her hand, steps out, brushes debris off him* "Thank you. By the way, I am Johannes Mimir Faustus." ???: cool, the name's Itou. Karin Itou to be exact, haha! Johannes: "Hey, neat! So, what are you a scientist of?" karin: answering the unanswered question, my particular field of study would be in flame humans, as well as flame compatible tech. i even built this bad boy! *pats a flame powered mech suit* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Okay, so you all finish your errands?" naho: yep. otogiri: yes. Belkia: *covered in leaves* "Done!" Shamrock: *in an apron* "Food finished." Higan: *smoking a cigarette* "What do you think?" Black Star: -____-;;;; otogiri: *chop* do that outside. Black Star: "Thanks, Otogiri. Tsubaki, how did your errands go?" tsubaki: they went well. Black Star: *nods* "Well, guess it's time to sit to dinner--" *KNOCK KNOCK* tsubaki: ?? *she checks the peephole* *A small package is outside* tsubaki: ??? *It has a camellia blossom attached to the top...and a small kitsune plushie* tsubaki:... !! *she brings it in* naho:....ah! otogiri: !! Sakuya: "Is that...?" tsubaki: yes...*she looks at black*star* seems it's for all of us. Black Star: -___-;;; "It better not blow up..." tsubaki: *carefully opens the package* *Inside are some treats and a card* naho: ooh! *shiny eyes* tsubaki: *reads the attached card* NOTE: "A local treat until I can return to you, my family. I miss you all." *Signed with the doodle of a fox* tsubaki: *soft smile* naho: awwwww..... Black Star: "...Okay. That's pretty sweet. But you don't think he poisoned these, do you?" tsubaki: ^^; i doubt that Shamrock: X_TT "He thinks so much about us..." *nom nom* Belkia: "Yo, Tsu? I think there's another note in there..." tsubaki: ........*she looks at black*star* Black Star: "..." *nods* tsubaki:....*she opens it* NOTE: "Camelia Blossom-- What gets me through this time is knowing you are waiting for me. Your smile is what I see in my dreams. The warmth of your hand against mine is what I remember when I desire stability and strength to get through the day. I miss our family so much, and I miss you. I love you, and I will never stop loving you. Wait for me." tsubaki:....*tearing up* Black Star: "..." *pats her shoulder* tsubaki:...t-thanks. Black Star: *smiles, nods* Sakuya: "..." *holds Naho's hand* otogiri: -_-; so much for a 'private letter'.... lavender: oh shit...he's got it bad for her. *The envelope is sealed with a kiss...and the envelope is all black* naho: another one! *muttering* well, white day is tomorrow... Sakuya: ^^; tsubaki: *she opens it* Note: "If you need something to get you through those lonely nights..." *Enclosed is a photograph...* tsubaki:..... O////O;; lavender: oh. well then. Higan: "..." *smirk* "Good for him." Black Star: -____- otogiri:.... i have no response for that. Sakuya: "...That idiot." tsubaki:...*gives the photo to shamrock* here, you could use this more than me. i'll probably get too flustered to keep looking... .////.; Shamrock: x\\\o;;;; "B-But it was addressed to you!" *tries to pass it back* "My hands are not worthy of touching this!" tsubaki: n-no, i insist, really. >///< naho: JUST TAKE IT ALREADY! Shamrock: "Eep!" *holds it* x\\\\\\\o -elsewhere- Benimaru: "Kirei, are you well?" kirei: yes. *she smiles* i appreciate you letting me visit. Benimaru: *nods* "It is...a new experience. I tend to be private." kirei: *she nods* its understandable. your soldiers arent teasing you too much, are they? ^^; Benimaru: "...They tease. Not too much. They tend to stop once I threaten to burn them." kirei: hehe... *she holds his hand* Benimaru: -\\\- *small squeeze* "...I am happy you are here." -elsewhere- Kid: *yawn* stocking: zzzz.... Kid: *hugs her in his sleep* stocking: =w= Kid: *nuzzle* *yawns* "Love you..." tsubaki: mmmn~ Kid: *falls asleep next to her* "Zzz..." -elsewhere- Victor: *sitting alone in the kitchen, sipping on a glass of milk* nozomi: oh, you're still awake? Victor: "Yeah. Sorry, I take some time getting used to new places." ^^ nozomi: i see...h-how are you liking it here, so far? Victor: "Not bad. Surprised how furbished everything here is." *sips on milk again...leaving a milk mustache* nozomi: *chuckle* y-you have something on your... *points* Victor: "???" *touches his upper lip...small laugh, as he wipes it away* "Thanks...So, you're still up, too?" nozomi: *she nods* sometimes i work so hard i lose track of the time. ^^;; Victor: "Your hard work is admirable--I'm still impressed how thorough you have been in your records." nozomi: t-thank you. Victor: "...Hey, can I ask you something personal? What are some of your hobbies?" nozomi: eh? well, i do enjoy reading from time to time. Victor: "Fiction or non-fiction?" nozomi: usually non-fiction. Victor: "Ah. Any particular reason you prefer non-fiction?" nozomi: hmm, i suppose i just enjoy learning about things. ah, i sound like such a nerd, dont i? >///< Victor: "Yes. But I'm a nerd, too. It's about desiring to know more, and I don't think that's a bad thing at all. I think it's admirable." nozomi: oh. um.... .///. Victor: *smiles* "Thanks for telling me. It makes me feel better about being here." nozomi: mm.... .////. Victor: "...Want some milk? It tends to help me fall asleep." -elsewhere- Shamrock: x\\\\\\- *sigh of content* -knock- naho: sham? you in there? Shamrock: x\\\\\\\o ("WHY CAN'T I EVER GET A MOMENT OF PRIVACY?!") *pulls up his pants, hides the photograph, approaches the door, talks through it* "Y-Yes...Is everything okay?" naho: just checking. Shamrock: "..." *opens the door--he is fully dressed* "It is rather late. Couldn't sleep?" naho: im worried about himawari...i think she's cold... Shamrock: "...Maybe a thicker blanket?" naho:...do you think you can talk to her? Shamrock: "..." *nods* "Where is she?" naho: on the couch, she hasnt moved an inch... Shamrock: *nods, goes to the couch* "Himawari? How are you?" himawari:....*glances at him*...... Shamrock: "...May I have a seat?" himawari:...... Shamrock: *sits by her* "...I tend to have trouble sleeping, some nights." himawari:....... Shamrock: "I have to remind myself, that I have a life ahead of me...and another day..." himawari:........ Shamrock: "So I have to remind myself my body needs some sleep...and I lie in my bed, pulling the blankets over me, to feel held by them..." himawari:.......... Shamrock: "...Would you feel better if I stayed with you, until you fall asleep?" himawari:..... Shamrock: "...I brought a blanket?" *puts it down over her and him* himawari:...... Shamrock: "...Is this okay? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable..." *lightly rests his hand over hers* himawari:....*slightly leans in* Shamrock: "..." *puts an arm around her, lightly* himawari:....am i.... Shamrock: "???" himawari:....am i.....a bad girl....mr touma....? *she's trembling* Shamrock: "Himawari...No. You are not..." himawari:.....? Shamrock: "You are not bad. You are yourself, and you get to decide who you will be." himawari:......... Shamrock: "I think you are a good person..." himawari:...... Shamrock: "You are going through a difficult time...and you are strong to get through each day...and you will always have help..." himawari:....*trembling* Shamrock: *hug* himawari:.....im sorry.... Shamrock: "You have nothing to apologize for...I'm sorry I was not there..." himawari:.... Shamrock: "You are safe here...and your family loves you." himawari:.......*trembling* Shamrock: "It's okay...What you feel is fine...Let it out..." himawari:......i can....still feel him....touching me.... Shamrock: *nods* "Those memories...are going to persist. But he is not here..." himawari:........*whimpering* Shamrock: "You are away from him...And you have a life ahead of you." -morning- Shamrock: "Zzz..." himawari: zzzz....... Shamrock: *yawns, wakes up...* "..." *tries to get out of bed without waking her...* himawari: zzzzz.... Shamrock: *exits his room to go to the kitchen... lavender: she doing any better? Shamrock: "...You know, huh? I don't know...She held onto me, crying for an hour, before falling asleep. She talked a bit, shivered...but I think she got some deep, uninterrupted sleep." lavender: that's good...... sorry, its just....her situation...it hits a little too close to home for me... Shamrock: *nods* "I'm sorry." lavender: .... Shamrock: "...I was going to prepare breakfast..." -elsewhere- Yohei: "Good morning." chie: TT~TT Yohei: "??? Oh no...Need something to drink?" chie: *nods* Yohei: "Water? Ginger ale?" chie: the second one.... Yohei: "On it. Be right back..." *leaves and goes to the kitchen, getting the ginger ale* chie: TT_TT i thought i was done with morning sickness.... Yohei: "Just a bit longer..." *hands her the glass* chie: thanks honey. Yohei: *hugs her* "You're welcome." chie: UwU Yohei: "It'll get better soon..." *rests a hand on her belly* -elsewhere- misono: happy birthday lily. Lily: TTwTT "Thank you..." *hug* -elsewhere- Kid: "Good luck with studies today." *smooch* stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: "I'll have dinner ready when you get home. I love you." stocking: ok. *she looks at her notes* -upon arriving- student: i hear mr neuhaus is teaching the class today. stocking: (thinking: i've heard the name, but i've never met him in person...) Neuhaus: *enters* "Good morning. Eyes on the board, as we begin your work on summoning and controlling demons." *spots Stocking* stocking: ......?? (thinking: so, is he gonna be cool, or is he gonna be a d-bag?) Neuhaus: *calling to Stocking* "You are the new potential instructor?" stocking: !! yes sir! that would be me. OwO;; Neuhaus: "Hm. Any experience with taming demons?" stocking: well, somewhat. Neuhaus: "Good. Let's demonstrate. I'm having the students attempt a summoning--please pass out the summoning papers to students." stocking: right. Neuhaus: "Hold the paper to you...prick your finger to release blood...and let's see whether any of you have innate summoning abilities." stocking: *wince* Neuhaus: "Observe what I summon..." *POOF: a vaguely canine-like demon emerges by Neuhaus's side* "I have to keep a strong command over this demon, or risk having it loose control." stocking: *deep breaths* -elsewhere- Benimaru: *he is smiling* kabuki: you seem to be in a good mood today. Benimaru: "I think that this is a chance at progress for our home..." kabuki: how so? Benimaru: "A new alliance, rebuilding our homes, enlarging our medical unit...my own personal progress." kabuki: ah.. Benimaru: "...I feel more content." *smiles at Kabuki* "I am thankful that you and others were able to keep our home safe." -elsewhere- Victor: *stares at Shinra* shinra:...can i help you? Victor: *gets down on his belly, staring at Shinra's feet* "...Piggies..." shinra: uh.... iris: h-hey now! tamaki: WHAT THE HELL PERV?! Victor: *grabs Shinra's sandal, pulling it off, examining Shinra's toes* "So your fire is concentrated here? How do you walk with fire? Do you get athlete's feet? Are there any shoe-fabrics your feet don't burn through? Do you clip your nails? How do you avoid calluses? Have you ever walked on glass?" *starts writing notes, as he measures Shinra's feet with a ruler* shinra: um.... Akitaru: *picks Victor up--by his leg, holding him upside down* "Please don't harass the other members here. Nozomi, take him back to the lab to finish your work." nozomi: r-right. this way. Victor: *pouts* "Just want to learn more...for science." shinra: ......thanks commander. Akitaru: *smiles* "Any time, son. Now, let's all get back to work, too--we have a lot to catch up on after our excursion to Asakusa." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *pokes Kim's arm* kim: hmm? Jacqueline: "What if you had a tattoo there?" kim: tattoo? owo;; Jacqueline: "Remember when I dyed my hair? I thought maybe a tattoo would look good on you." kim: like a permanent tattoo? owo;;; Jacqueline: *shrug* "Just a thought...Maybe...we could both get tattoos..." -elsewhere- Emine: "...You did say 'paint the fence.' You didn't say I couldn't write a message on it..." mana:....i have no words for this. Shotaro: o___o;; "...Those are some really naughty words." *holds up the "Swear Jar"* "That's at least 20 dollars' worth of cursing." Emine: "I don't see the problem. What do you think, Lin?" lin: O/////O;;;; saki: ^^# Tool: *glaring* "That fence...is crying in pain because of what you wrote. Now, paint _over_ those words, or you'll get an earful from me. Got it?" Emine: "...Fine. You *HONK HONK*." saki:.....emine~.....start running~ ^^# Emine: "..." *flies away like a bat out of Hell* Tool: "GET BACK HERE, YOU *HONK HONK*!" Shotaro: "...Mana? What's a *HONK HONK*?" mana: i'll tell you when you're older. -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *reviewing medical records* "Hmm...This patient's electrolytes are a bit low..." -elsewhere- Joker: *staring at the phone* "...He hasn't called in." -riiiing- Joker: *picks up the phone* "Yes?" Victor: [text...which is just a photograph of toes and the sentence, "his toes must be the answer!"] Joker: "..." -_______- scarlet:..... ew. -elsewhere- Gopher: *opens his locker* "...Where are my books?" kotone:...bottom shelf... Gopher: "Aw! Thank you." -w- *takes his books...then finds a note* "???" kotone: ??? -do your best. ~eibon- Gopher: TTwTT "My emotions...He cares so much about us..." kotone:...*small smile* Gopher: "Ready for lunch?" kotone:...yes. Gopher: "Yay! Chicken nuggets today--" *BUMP* kotone: ??? bandaid kid: ah! s-sorry! *runs off* Gopher: O_____O "...Was that a tinier me?" -elsewhere- Kid: *in the Death Room* "How is work proceeding, Father?" lord death: doing good kiddo. ^^ Kid: "I'm glad." *looks at the Mirror...his hand approaches its surface before he pulls back* -elsewhere- Sakuya: "Any plans for after school?" naho: not really. i'm probably gonna get myself ready for the flower viewing next month. Sakuya: "Neat. Got an outfit for it?" naho: still getting it set up. Sakuya: *nods* "Where is flower viewing next month?" naho: *gets up map app on her phone* here, in spring grove park in primrose neighborhood. Sakuya: "Cool...What do you wear to it? Kimono?" naho: probably. ^^ Sakuya: *smiles, nudge of her arm* "That'll be cool." -elsewhere- Kid: "Dinner is served~" stocking: thanks~ Kid: *pulls up the dining cover to reveal...* "Candied pistachio chicken." -later- liz: how was class? stocking: well, i learned summoning is not in my skillset. -_-; Patty: *pat pat* "Can't be perfect at everything!" stocking: i guess. Kid: "You have so many skills to offer the students, though." *smiles* stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "Do they have any trips planned to help you with additional training?" stocking: i'll have to check. Kid: "Do you have additional tests before they make your job official?" stocking: just the medical, aria, dragoon, and knight tests.... Patty: "Wow...That sounds like a lot." stocking: yeah.. *sigh* Kid: "One test at a time...Is there anything we can do to help with studying, or to keep up your motivation?" -elsewhere- Kepuri: *wearing a T-Shirt covered in baby vomit* T_T "I don't know how Saki and Tool deal with this..." akaderu: imagine what it'll be like with _two_ rugrats runnin around..... Kepuri: *groans* "That means more babysitting..." *pouts* "Kids are a lot of hard work, aren't they? I can't wait for Io to be old enough to tend to Yohei and Chie's kid." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Woo! Good sparring session, Fang!" fang-hua: *she nods* it's starting to get warmer out now. Tsukiyo: :3 "I know. Can't wait for summer. But us fire people need to keep cool in the heat." fang-hua: yeah. Tsukiyo: "You know what? We should buy an ice cream machine and make some!" fang-hua: maybe. Tsukiyo: *smiles* "Well, that work-out worked up an appetite! What you hungry for?" -elsewhere- Higan: "...Feeling alright, Lav?" lavender: yeah. why wouldnt i be? Higan: *smile* "Just checking." *pat pat* lavender:...thanks. *small smile* Higan: "Hey...Wanted to show you something..." *takes out a photograph of the subclasses with Mr. Tsubaki* lavender: *she smiles* that was during the flower viewing last year, right? naho was still just a newbie then. Higan: *nods* "I found it while developing film...A lot has changed." lavender: yeah. Higan: *sigh* "...I appreciate what Miss Tsubaki does for us...but I miss that jackass." lavender: yeah, haha. Higan: "..." *pats her hand* "I also found some other photos I developed." lavender: oh? Higan: "Some of the youngsters, some of trips and meals...some private ones..." -elsewhere- Lawless: "Then check this out, Soul's brother--this is me and Lich-tan at Tokyo Disney! Look at his little Mickey Mouse ears!" Wes: "...Huh." licht: *sipping on a slushie* soul: ^^; Wes: "Never got to go to Disney. Soul, we should check it out some time." soul: sounds like a good idea. you could even take liz with you. Wes: "Yeah, her and Patty would get a kick out of it." Lawless: "??? You and Liz are a thing? Huh. So, Soul's going to be her brother-in-law, then?" Wes: o\\\\o soul: yeah, anyway, bro. Wes: *shakes his head back to focus* "Y-Yeah? What's up?" -elsewhere- Spirit: "Not too long before garden comes back into bloom..." sachiko: yeah. *she smiles* Spirit: "I was thinking of farming some new herbs for meals." sachiko: that sounds like a good idea. Spirit: "Anything you want to grow, Izumi?" -elsewhere- Anya: *flipping through a magazine* "Hmm...That one looks nice." tsugumi: oh. Anya: "Be a nice dress for you to try on. Or maybe this one?" -elsewhere- Arthur: *holds up a cat-shaped ice cream cookie sandwich* "For you." tamaki: *nom* Arthur: *smiles* "Feeling alright?" tamaki: yeah. *looking at the trees* hard to believe spring is just about here... Arthur: *nods* "A long year..." *slowly puts his arms around her* tamaki:.... 7///7 Arthur: "Maybe we can have a picnic in the park?" tamaki: sounds good. Arthur: *smiles, sighs* "...I'm happy you joined the 8th." tamaki: ...*smiles* shinra: come on, lovebirds, we got stuff to do. iris: ^^; tamaki: -_-; Arthur: -_-;; "Just taking a break...especially with the newbie around..." shinra: yeah, no kidding. *shivers* Arthur: "I don't trust him...Maybe we can learn more about him...Research him." iris: ^^; Victor: "Yeah, that sounds great! How can I help?" Arthur: o___O tamaki: NYAAAH! *jumps up into a tree* shinra: HOLY- Arthur: "Tamaki!" tamaki:...yeah yeah, laugh it up! the old cliche cat in a tree jokes.... Victor: "Oooooo! Tamaki! When you come down, I'd like to examine the flames along your legs and arms!" shinra: on the bright side, its not your usual cliche jokes. Arthur: "...I wasn't going to make a joke...Much." tamaki: WHEN I GET DOWN HERE IM GOING TO MASSACRE THE THREE OF YOU!!!! Victor: "What did I do?" Arthur: "YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!" shinra: dont ask. Victor: "I could get you down..." *holds up an axe* -elsewhere- Hibana: *glomp* gabriella: ah! >///< Hibana: "Hee hee..." *smooch* gabriella: >/////< well, the tube is about ready, now we just have to wait... Hibana: ^\\\^ "Yes...How would you like to pass the time?" -elsewhere- Kid: *kitten yawn* stocking: *she smiles as she puts a blanket over him* Kid: *curls up, smiles* "Thank you..." stocking: hehe~ Kid: "I hope tomorrow is good to you..." *yawn* stocking: i hope so too.... Kid: *hug* "You will..." -morning- Benimaru: "Mmm..." kirei: U///U Benimaru: *smiles* "Good morning." kirei: *she smiles* Benimaru: "How is your morning starting?" -elsewhere- Shamrock: *whistling, as he makes breakfast* tsubaki: *helping* Shamrock: "Thank you, Tsubaki. Could you help me with this dish for Hinawari?" tsubaki: *she nods* Shamrock: "Keep an eye on this syrup I'm preparing while I finish the waffles..." *smiles* -later- himawari:....t...thank you... Shamrock: *smiles* "You're welcome. Tsubaki and I made this meal for you, because we wanted you to have a good meal." himawari:.....*small smile* Shamrock: *smiles back* "Enjoy." Belkia: *sniff sniff* "...Waffles?" naho: *drooling* Sakuya: "Looks great!" *sits down* Higan: "Good cooking, you two." *sits as well* -elsewhere- Kid: "Anything you want after school?" stocking: maybe visit the shops? Kid: *smiles* "I would like that." *pats her back* -elsewhere- Victor: "Yummy~" shinra: this is good, nozomi. nozomi: im glad you all enjoyed it... Arthur: *nods* "Thank you." Takehisa: "Quite good." Akitaru: "TASTY!" Victor: *smiles at Nozomi* "Delicious." nozomi: .////. tamaki: ...... Victor: "Well, I better get to work in the lab. See you all later!" nozomi:.... .//////. Akitaru: "...Nozomi? How are things working with Victor?" nozomi: eh? h-how so? Akitaru: "Getting along in the lab? Able to share the space, cooperate? Is he causing any problems?" nozomi: e-everything's doing well! very well! .////. maki:... 7w7 nozomiiiin~ is this love in the air that i smell~? nozomi: e-eh!? o/////o Takehisa: ._. Akitaru: "???" maki: just kidding~ nozomi: right!...hahahaha...ha...haaa..... .//////.;;; Akitaru: "Well, I'm glad you two are getting along at work. If you have any problems working with Victor, you let me know, any time, okay?" nozomi: r-right... Takehisa: "I think we should all get to work, then. No point fooling around..." -elsewhere- ivy: any updates? scarlet:... Joker: "I think our boy has an 'in' with the 8th, getting to one of their members." ivy: oh really? do tell... Joker: *shows a photo on his phone, with Victor posing with some brigade members, including Nozomi* "Looks like he is working along that girl there--ingratiating himself." ivy: i see. so he's putting the moves in shitty braids then? HAH! what a riot! scarlet: *rolls her eyes* Joker: "Got to start somewhere, if you want to appeal to the 8th and get them to see the Hoods for what they are--and help us with our work." scarlet: do you really think they’d be willing to work with 3 wanted criminals? Joker: "Misery makes strange bedfellows..." scarlet:....are you trying to hit on me again? -_-; Joker: "...Is it working?" scarlet:.........*takes his cig out of his mouth and snuffs it on his hand* -elsewhere- Shinoda: *pouts* "We only have apple sauce left..." lin: we'll head to the grocery shop then. medea:... Shotaro: "Right, we can go! Want to, Medea?" medea: very well. Shotaro: "Yay!" -elsewhere- Lawless: *reading poetry aloud at the school's entrance* student: isnt that hyde kranz? Anya: "???" Lawless: "True love is a durable fire, / In the mind ever burning, / Never sick, never dead, never cold, / From itself never turning." mio:....i dun get it. Lawless: -_-; *sigh* "It means--" Anya: "It means that love, if it is true, is everlasting rather than something fickle." Lawless: o\\\\o "Y-Yeah." licht: *clap* good for you. Lawless: *bows* "Thank you." *leaps off from the entrance to stand with Licht* "Ready for class?" -elsewhere- Relan: *smiles at Iris and Shinra* "How's the new recruit working out?" shinra: *cringe* iris: ^^;;; Relan: "??? That bad, huh?" iris: he's...enthusiastic, i'll give him that much. Relan: "So, kind of pushy?" shinra:.....anyway, is mikami doing any better? iris: did you find anything out? Relan: *nods* "Probably a link between what you were going through, Shinra. And she is almost ready to get back to service." shinra: hmm... Relan: "Would you like to meet them? I'm sure Mikami and you would have a lot to talk about." shinra: perhaps. (thinking: im not sure how much she knows....) Relan: *smiles* "Can always get something to eat. Mikami likes a few sweets..." -elsewhere- Hibana: "How is the tube working?" gabriella: coming along nicely... Hibana: *smiles* "Excellent." *checks the vitals* "Look at that..." gabriella: >w< Hibana: "Hee hee..." *kiss on Gabriella's cheek, holding her hand* -elsewhere- Kid: "Which shops would you like to visit?" -elsewhere- Lily: "Have you been speaking with your girlfriend?" misono: .... 7////7 y-yeah....she's doing well.. Lily: *smiles* "That is good. Is she safe with C3?" misono: i think so. Lily: *pat pat* "Then I'm sure she will be fine." -elsewhere- Victor: *looking through microscope, taking notes* "Still trying to figure out this ash...It's fascinating." nozomi: oh? Victor: *nods* "Ashes usually look like sand itself--yet I continue to find additional particles in these ashes from deposed Flame Beings...as if these are impure..." nozomi: hmmm.... Victor: "Here, take a look--" *stands away from the microscope* nozomi: *examining* ah, i see.... Victor: "If we isolate those particles, it may clue us in on what it is that separates Flame Beings from other humans..." nozomi: *she nods* Victor: "Here, let me increase the magnification..." *his hand passes over hers...* nozomi: o/////o ah... -elsewhere- Emine: *in overalls, with paint along his hands and face* "...I finished re-painting. The fence is now all one color and with no words on it." Tool: ^^ saki: good job. Emine: "Thank you. However, I still need to do a bad deed..." mono: TT_TT *covered in white paint* Emine: "And done." Tool: D:< -elsewhere- Kid: *reading through history books* stocking: *reviewing notes* Kid: *finishing writing a note* "May I help you with studying?" stocking: if you want to, though i dont know how much you know about this. ^^; Kid: "Maybe we can make some flash cards?" stocking: sounds good. Kid: *smiles* "Divide the notes, each of us write a few flash cards each?" stocking: sure. -elsewhere- Benimaru: "Kohana." fang-hua: hmm? yeah commander? Benimaru: "How has your day been?" fang-hua: doing well, sir. Benimaru: "That is good. I wanted to see whether you would be interested in joining Kirei and me for dinner." fang-hua: would you be alright? i wouldnt want to impose... Benimaru: "Not at all. We thought it would be a good way to catch up and decompress after the last few weeks. We may have Kabuki, Konro, and Tsukiyo as well, and Reimi." fang-hua: ah, well, in that case i guess it wouldnt be too much of a problem. Benimaru: *nods* "We were thinking this weekend." fang-hua: alright then. -elsewhere- Yohei: *rubs Chie's back* chie: ^w^~<3 Yohei: "Feel okay?" chie: yeah. Yohei: "That's good..." *hug* "Know what I did today?" chie: what? Yohei: "I improved the home security system, with a few more baby safe-guards." chie: *she smiles* that's great! Yohei: "Thanks...Just glad we got something in place for security." *holds her hand* "Anything you want to do tomorrow?" -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "Ready for bed?" kim: yep. Jacqueline: *nods, slides under the sheets of her bed* "Well...I hope you get some good sleep." -elsewhere- Medusa: "Aren't you just growing up fast..." neian: guu! ^o^ Medusa: *opens a book, starts reading...* "What animal is that, Neian?" *points to a drawing* neian:... sss... Medusa: "Yes, a snake. And a snake goes...'ssss'..." neian: ^^ Medusa: *points to a dog* "And what is that animal?" neian: bwuf! bwuf! Medusa: "Yes--a doggie! 'Woof woof!'" neian: hehe! Medusa: *kisses her forehead* "So smart." *flips the page, showing a lion* "Is that a kitty?" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "Anything you need before bedtime?" -elsewhere- Victor: *asleep in lab* nozomi:....*puts a blanket over him*.... *smiles* Victor: "Zzz..." *smiles, feeling warmer under the blanket* nozomi: ^///^ Victor: *continues sleeping...* -elsewhere- Black Star: "Ready for bed?" tsubaki: *she nods* Black Star: *slides into bed beside her* "...I love you." tsubaki: *smiles* i love you too... Black Star: *smiles* "Sleep well..." *turns off the light, holds her hand* -elsewhere- Shamrock: "Himawari? Are you okay?" himawari:......tired..... Shamrock: *nods* "Want some warm milk?" himawari:....yes.... Shamrock: *heats up some milk* "...Will you be sleeping in your room tonight?" himawari:....could i......stay with you....you're....warm.... Shamrock: "..." *nods* "Of course. You are always welcome." himawari:....thank you.... Shamrock: *serves her the milk, smiles* "You're welcome." himawari:...... Shamrock: "...Is the bed comfortable? Do you want a different pillow or sheets?" himawari:......i feel.....safer....with you..... Shamrock: *smiles* "It means a lot to hear that. I hope I'm not a nuisance--I may snore..." -elsewhere- Lawless: "I can't sleep..." licht: zzzz...... Lawless: *pout* ("I guess I don't get to have a song played for me while I try to sleep...I'll go drain the lizard.") *gets up to go to the bathroom* -elsewhere- Hibana: "Mmm..." *small kiss on Gabriella's cheek* gabriella: ^///^ Hibana: *hugs her, patting her hands along her hips* "You have such a great figure." gabriella: o////o Hibana: *small laugh* "What? Am I wrong? You're beautiful." -elsewhere- Joker: *flipping through his phone* "...No updates." scarlet: was this really a good idea? Joker: "??? Sending in Victor? Yeah, why not? He gets us info on the 8th's Adora Burst..." scarlet:....right...... ['GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!' "her adora burst....i want to see it...."] Joker: "What, you had a better idea? How else do we convince Shinra?" scarlet:..... -elsewhere- Sakuya: *cuddle* naho: ^w^ Sakuya: *smooch* "Comfy?" naho: *she nods* Sakuya: "That's good." *leans his chin along her shoulder* naho: hehe~ ^^ Sakuya: *his arms wrap around her waist* "So huggable." naho: *nuzzle* U///w///U Sakuya: *hums lightly, as he rests his hands over her belly, holds her close* -elsewhere- himawari: *asleep* Shamrock: *watching her sleep...* ("She is peaceful now...I hope that lasts...We never talked as much when young master first brought her in...") himawari: zzzz..... Shamrock: "..." ("She didn't deserve this. No one does...Was I...ever this awful?") himawari: ..... *shifting in her sleep* Shamrock: "???" *eases his breathing so not to wake her* himawari:...... Shamrock: "..." *shifts the sheets over her* himawari:...*soft smile* Shamrock: *smiles* "Sleep well..." -morning- Kid: *kitten yawn* stocking: zzzz.... Kid: *smiles...smooch* stocking: =w= Kid: "Time to begin your day, Angel." stocking: *yawns* Kid: "Didn't sleep well?" stocking: i slept pretty good.... Kid: "That's good...Will you be studying at True Cross today?" stocking: is it the weekend? Kid: *nods* -elsewhere- Konro: "What would you like for Commander's dinner, Kabuki?" kabuki: perhaps some okonomiyaki? Konro: "Oh, good choice!" *grabs a bottle of sake* "Housewarming gift." kabuki: ah. Konro: "I'm happy for him and the sister. After that attack, glad he is moving forward." kabuki: indeed. who knows, maybe soon we'll be seeing the next generation of asakusa's leaders. Konro: "Ha ha! Please, you're going to make me feel even older." kabuki: hehe. Konro: "So, we'll be heading to their dinner tonight...Anything else to bring?" -elsewhere- Lawless: >w< *in bed...cuddled against--* licht: zzzzzz...... Lawless: *nudge nudge* licht: nngmhph.... Lawless: "Mmm...So huggable." licht: *muttering* cuz. im.....zz...an angel...zzz.... Lawless: "And what nice abs you have..." licht: *opens his eyes* nnnh...? Lawless: owo;;;; "...Morning." -he got wrecked. hard- Lawless: *twitching...his body embedded into the wall* "Ouchie." -elsewhere- Victor: *yawn, looks up* "Huh? I'm still in the lab?" nozomi: good morning. Victor: "..." *smile, yawn* "Hey." *stretches* "Ha. I always fall asleep in the lab. Glad you are here, bright and early." nozomi: t-thank you... .////. Victor: *stretches, then sniffs* "Ugh...I was at this so long, I need to shower first." *hands her his notebook* "You mind reviewing my notes while I get cleaned up?" nozomi: ah! right.... Victor: "Thanks." *smiles, winks, heads towards the bathrooms* nozomi:.... .////.;; Arthur: *already in the showers* Victor: *goes into the locker room, undresses, puts clothes into his cubby...enters the showers* "Mornin', Boyle!" Arthur: -____-;;; "Morning." Victor: *heads to stall, starts showering* -elsewhere- Shamrock: "Time to wake up..." himawari: nnh? *opens her eyes* Shamrock: "Hey. Ready to start the day?" -later- Higan: "Hey, Himawari, Sham." lavender: mornin' himawari:....*nods* Shamrock: *sniff sniff* "...What's burning?" Belkia: *holds up burnt toast...and his hair is on fire* "I don't know what I did wrong..." otogiri: *getting the fire extinguisher* Black Star: "Okay, new rule: Belkia never gets to cook again--" Belkia: D: Black Star: "Sham, get to work." Sham: "Hmph...Himawari, care to help me with toast?" -later- Sakuya: "All set for going out?" naho: yep. lilac:...*nods* Sakuya: *smiles* "Then let's get going. Can't wait to start..." -elsewhere- Emine: *stares at Chie* "Does your child require anything? I could eliminate any obstacles in your way." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Get lots of desserts! We'll need them for dinner!" Tsukiyo: *picks up a Japanese cheesecake* "Yummy~" -elsewhere- Akitaru: *looking through his records* "Where was that workshop again...?" shinra: workshop? Akitaru: "Ah, Shinra! I ever tell you about Vulcan?" shinra: what, from star trek? Akitaru: "Ha ha ha! No, Vulcan is an amazing expert at analyzing Flame Beings, known as the God of the Forge." shinra: oh? tamaki: and you're telling us this, becauuuuse? Akitaru: "Unfortunately--" Hibana: *pops up behind Shinra* "Unfortunately, Vulcan does not take well to people coming to them with offers to join their brigades. Haijima has tried for a long time..." shinra: GAH! iris: when did she-? Hibana: *holds up a key* "I made my own to let myself in~" shinra:.....that's a comforting thought. Hibana: ^^ Akitaru: -_____-; "In any case, since Vulcan is around your age, I thought maybe having you all visit them may convince them to work with the 8th." shinra: seriously, they're that young? Hibana: "Hard to tell, given how secretive Vulcan is. If you're going to see them, you'll need to ditch the brigade outfits and look like regular civilians, to better ingratiate yourself." shinra: ah, well we do have casual clothes. Arthur: *looks at Iris* iris:....what? Arthur: "You can't go out in your habit." iris: i knew that... ^^; Akitaru: "I'll look up Vulcan's workshop address. You all get ready for the meeting when it happens." shinra: right..... *still thinking about what he learned about the amaterasu incident* ...... Victor: *pops up behind Shinra* "Should I go with them to see Vulcan?" shinra: GAAAAH!! nozomi: ^^; Akitaru: "No, for right now, we need you to keep researching the Flame Humans' remains for any leads on what is causing the transformations." Victor: *nods, then looks at Shinra* "Something on your mind?" shinra: nothing just....its nothing... Akitaru: "??? You sure, son?" shinra:...yeah... Victor: (thinking: "Joker told me to keep an eye on him...") -elsewhere- Shamrock: "Anything you want to do, Himawari? Play a game? Go for a walk?" himawari: *reading something from off the bookshelf* Shamrock: "Ah. Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your reading..." himawari:...its...ok... Shamrock: "...What are you reading?" -it seems to be some kind of book on old legends- Shamrock: "Ah. Which legend are you looking at?" -it seems to be related to kitsunes- Shamrock: "..." *sad look* "...You are thinking about Tsubaki?" himawari:...? Shamrock: "Kitsune kind of remind me of Tsubaki's animal form." himawari:....you....really...like him....dont you? Shamrock: x\\\^;;; "I...am having to make my peace with that. He likes someone else..." himawari:......oh... Shamrock: *sigh* "It's rough. I have been devoted to him for so long. But I also have to know what he feels, and I want to respect that." himawari:...... Shamrock: "...So, all I can do is accept how things are, and move forward." himawari:......*nod* Shamrock: *smiles* "...Thank you for letting me get that off my chest." himawari:.... Shamrock: "..." *pats her shoulder* -elsewhere- Shotaro: *vacuuming under the couch...using Bone of the Gorilla to get enough strength to lift the couch up with one hand...while people are already seated on the couch* mono:...... -_-; Emine: *enters the room...looks underneath the couch...pulls back a spring on the couch, right underneath Mono's seat...* mono: nyah! Emine: "Bad deed complete..." *continues walking back to his room* mono: *growling* Shotaro: ^^;; "Um...I finished vacuuming, so I'll just set the couch down now..." -elsewhere- Sakuya: *holding up his phone* "Lilac, stand a bit closer to Naho." lilac: *scoot scoot* Sakuya: "That's good...Say cheese!" -click- Sakuya: "Hey, that looks great! See?" *shows his phone* naho: nice! lilac:...*faint smile* Sakuya: "You both look great in your outfits, too." naho: you too, sakkun~ ^^ Sakuya: ^^ *smooch* naho: ^///^ Sakuya: "Let's try underneath the tree." -elsewhere- Benimaru: *preparing for dinner* "Hmm...May need more salt." -elsewhere- Kid: "Feel okay?" stocking: mmhmm... Kid: *smiles, hugs* stocking: maybe after all this testing is over, we can take a vacation, just the two of us? Kid: "I would like that." *kiss on her cheek* "A reward for getting through the tests." stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: *smooch* stocking: U////U Kid: "Where should we vacation?" stocking: maybe a nice little inn by the countryside? Kid: "Oh, that would be nice! Get to see the flowers blooming..." stocking: ^^ Kid: "And wonderful breakfasts at the inn...and picnics." stocking: *nuzzle* Kid: *nuzzles, holds her* "That would be perfect...because you would be there." stocking: *smiles* Kid: "I love you." stocking: hehe~ Kid: *rests his forehead lightly against hers* stocking: U///U Kid: *his hand rests along her back, lightly rubbing* stocking: hehe~ Kid: "Tickles a bit?" *kisses her other cheek lightly* stocking: a bit~.....your hands feel nice though~ Kid: *smiles* "So do yours...so strong and precise..." stocking: *smirks and grabs his rear* Kid: o\\\\\\o "Oh...So, you're going to do that, huh?" *puts his hands on her bottom* stocking: ooh~<3 Kid: *squeeze squeeze* "Oh...So nice." stocking: *soft moans* Kid: "You like that..." *massages her cheeks* stocking: y-yes~ >///< Kid: *he pushes her from behind towards him, pressing her against him* stocking: ah... Kid: *his hand slides up under her dress, touching her bottom* stocking: ah~ k-kiddo~! Kid: *smirks, as his mouth reaches her* stocking: mmmn~<3 Kid: *he continues to hold her bottom, his fingers sliding under her panties and pulling them down* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "Welcome to dinner." fang-hua: thanks for inviting us all. kirei: ^^ fang-hua: (thinking: this is actually the first time i was ever at the commander's house. the estate is rather nice.) Konro: "Yes, thank you." *offers bottle to Kirei and Benimaru* Tsukiyo: *looking around* "Fancy home, Commander." Benimaru: *nods* fang-hua: *looking around* Tsukiyo: *looks around as well...including at a small painting of a few people who look like Benimaru* kabuki: ah, i take it that's you in your younger days, commander? Benimaru: "??? ...Yes. When I was tiny." -elsewhere- Johannes: "Come on in! I can show you what I did to Mikuni's doll!" customer: eh.... O_O; Johannes: "See?" *holds up the doll--which now has elephant ears and a nose* "I combined his Ella doll with an elephant! An Ella-phant! Eh? Eh?" customer: right..haha....ha....*backing away* metsu: doctor, stop harrassing the customers. Johannes: *pout* "I'm not harassing. I am just creative at attracting new customers." -elsewhere- *A cell phone rings* Shamrock: "??? Tsubaki? I think you have a phone call." tsubaki: *she answers* yes? this is tsubaki speaking. Touma: "Hello, Ms. Nakatsukasa." tsubaki: *her heart practically dropped to her stomach* !!! Touma: "It's been awhile. How are you?" tsubaki:.......what do you want? Touma: "Straight to the point, huh? Sorry, I guess you have been busy tending to various tasks...I just wanted to see how you are managing. I am sure your house feels like it gets more crowded all the time." tsubaki:..... Touma: "Tell me, are all of your visitors behaving themselves?" tsubaki:....my family has been on good behavior, yes. Touma: "...Happy to hear that about your 'family'...I hope you are taking care of yourself as well. I would hate for something to happen. I could always recommend a doctor. Or a nurse." tsubaki:.....what are you implying? *shaking, but keeping calm* Touma: "I never imply, Ms. Nakatsukasa. You sound a bit under the weather, and I am simply asking whether I may recommend someone to you. I know medical professionals everywhere, from Death City all the way to...Asakusa." tsubaki: !!! ......... Shamrock: *watching, looking worried* Touma: "If you ever require my assistance, please know C3 is always near." tsubaki:..... Touma: "Well, I have a meeting--interviewing new applicants for the position of my personal assistant. And I'm sure you are busy as well tending to your 'family.' I will let you go. Goodbye, Ms. Nakatsukasa." tsubaki:....*she hangs up*......*shivering* Shamrock: "Tsubaki...Wh-What happened?" -she explains what happened- lavender: that....sack of SHIT! Higan: *practically growling* Belkia: *oddly serious-looking* Shamrock: *shivering* otogiri:.... himawari:.....this is....my fault....mr touma's angry....because i ran away.....*trembling* tsubaki: himawari...its ok, this isnt your fault at all. Shamrock: *holds Himawari's hand* "He is angry...because he is a pathetic creature. This has nothing to do with you: you did nothing wrong." tsubaki: ..... otogiri: on the positives, yumikage and junichiro are our allies, as are those three girls, right? lavender: that is true. Higan: "But if Touma is doing an end-run around them to directly threaten Tsubaki over the phone? And getting a new personal assistant? That all sounds bad." tsubaki:..... otogiri: tsubaki....it's going to be ok. Belkia: *nods* "We're not going to let that weenie get to any of us." -elsewhere- Jun: "??? What is Touma up to?" yumikage: i dunno...but i dont trust him for a moment... mitsuba: 'new assistant'....i have a bad feeling about this. hyakuya: no kidding.... Jun: "Who is he even interviewing?" shinoa: no way of telling. tsurugi: even i dont know. 83 -elsewhere- Kuro: *curled up in Mahiru's lap* mahiru: ....*small smile* tetsu: *doing push-ups* Hugh: "93, 94, 95..." kaori: *smile* it certainly is peaceful nowadays.... uzuki: no kidding... Kuro: *yawn* "Hope it stays peaceful a bit longer..." mahiru: spring's going to be here before we know it... Kuro: "Good. I was getting tired of the cold." Hugh: "121, 122..." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *playing ball with the twins* hinata: over here! over here! reimi: ^^ Mr. Tsubaki: *kicks to Hinata* "Coming your way!" -elsewhere- Kid: "Ah~" stocking: *panting* Kid: *small pant...he smiles, as he looks up and down her* "You're beautiful." stocking: you're not too bad on the eyes either~ *kiss* Kid: ^\\\^ "That means so much, coming from you..." *kiss* stocking: aww. Kid: *holds her* "Mmmm...So huggable and warm...and hot." stocking: ^///^ Kid: *pats her side* "You are the sexiest person I have ever known..." stocking: as are you~ Kid: *snuggles* "I can't wait for that vacation..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Mmm...Sister, you are a great cook!" reimi: thanks. ^^ Benimaru: *small pout* "I helped..." Konro: *trying to hold back a laugh* reimi: ^^; Benimaru: *clears throat* "Kohana, anything to drink?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *hugs Tsubaki* tsubaki: thanks...i needed that today.... Black Star: *nods* "Hey. You're going to be fine. You have an entire household full of vampires, you got me, and most importantly, you're strong." tsubaki:...*she smiles* Black Star: *holds her, smiles* "See? That's a happy smile." -elsewhere- Victor: *reading through a history book* nozomi:....oh, that's the amaterasu incident, right? i think i remember my father mentioning it... Victor: "Oh--you're familiar with it?" *looking at photographs of the documented destruction* "It was...destructive." nozomi: not really, just with what i've read in books. Victor: *points to the photo* "You ever hear the mythology about how this world came into being? What created it?" nozomi: i've heard a lot of stories, but there's so many interpretations to it... Victor: "Yeah...It has to do with those interpretations around the Adora Burst--and how it created this world...and can destroy it..." nozomi:.... Victor: "The Burst caused this..." *taps on the photograph* "...and as a scientist, I want to know more--so that something can be done with it, to benefit humanity." nozomi: ....*she nods* right... -the photo is of a large crater on the outskirts of tokyo; the amaterasu crater- Victor: *sighs* "I don't want to see that destruction again. And with some Flame Humans having that purified flame of the Adora Burst...I wanted to work here at the 8th to see it firsthand." shinra:....... Victor: *senses Shinra, but keeps talking* "Nozomi, have you ever been to the Crater?" nozomi: not personally, but my father has. *showing a photograph of toshiaki and a woman at the crater. the woman is giving him the bunny ears* Victor: *small snort laugh* "That's...Your dad? And...?" nozomi: a family friend, dr itou. she's also one of my mentors. Victor: "Oh! She also researches Flame Humans?" nozomi: to some extent. she also works with machines as well. she once built a flame powered mech suit. Victor: *shiny eyes* "Really?" nozomi: *she nods* Victor: "Neat...She work with any brigade?" nozomi: not to my knowledge. no. Victor: "Hmm...Hope I can talk with her at some point. Thanks for telling me about her." ^^ -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: "It's getting late. Time for you two to head on home to bed." hikage: awww. hinata: that's lame. -n- Mr. Tsubaki: "The earlier you get to bed, the earlier you'll be up for cupcakes and fruit for breakfast~" hinata: *already asleep* hikage: *also heading to sleep* Mr. Tsubaki: *smiles, whispers to Reimi* "That was fast..." reimi: ^^; you know how kids can be. Mr. Tsubaki: "...I forget sometimes..." *thinks of Sakuya, Lilac, his own childhood...* -elsewhere- Konro: *pours a bit of sake out* "That was a delicious meal. Thank you for hosting us." Benimaru: *nods* -elsewhere- Tool: "Io's sleeping soundly." saki: *she smiles* Tool: "...Want some tea?" saki: i'd like that. Tool: *sets to work* "How was Io at daycare? What did the babysitters there say?" saki: she's behaving, but keeps to herself a lot. Tool: "Hmm...Maybe introverted?" saki: maybe... Tool: "...What were you like as a kid, Saki?" saki: me? i was a bit rambunctious. ^^; Tool: "Ha ha...Raised heck around the house with Chie?" saki: i guess she kinda helped me cool down a lot... Tool: *smiles* "That's it is with you, one who is calm..." *stares at her* "...one who is passionate." saki: ? Tool: "I admire how you persist, how confident you are." saki: *soft smile* aww. Tool: *smile...puts out his hand* saki: *small smooch* ^w^ Tool: ^\\\\^ "Heh..." chie: awww. Tool: o\\\\\o "...You've been there the entire time, haven't you?" chie: dont mind me~ saki: oh my, i didnt think my sister was a vouyer. for shame. chie: s-SAKI! >////< saki: haha! Tool: *snort laugh* chie: -n- -elsewhere- Arthur: *laughing* tamaki: what's so funny? Arthur: "If you ever want a laugh--" *giggle* "--ask Iris about various animals. Like ask her what she thinks an elephant looks like..." tamaki: ??? iris: .~. Arthur: "And Shinra didn't know what a bull looked like..." shinra: that's not true! i've seen bulls before! >3< Arthur: "Oh, really? Then why did you need to look it up online?" shinra: it's been a while since i was on a farm. Arthur: "??? You were actually on a farm? Doing what?" shinra: it was back when i was just a kid. my mom took sho and i to a farmers market. Arthur: "Ah. So, you saw the animals and picked up produce?" shinra: yeah, it was a lot of fun. iris: i've never actually been to a farm before.. Arthur: "Hmm...Neither have I. Have you heard of Mutton Busting? I have long wanted to tame one of those wild beasts." shinra: not really. -elsewhere- Touma: *reviewing his applications* "Excellent..." -outside the office- girl in school uniform: this is so dumb, why are we being dragged into this? random person: say, wasnt your sister in C3? school girl: yeah she was, why do you ask? *Touma exits* Touma: "Hello." -the applicants look up at him- girl: ..... Touma: "I am happy to have you here for today's interviews. Sorry for the wait. I am Taishi Touma, vice manager." -one girl raises her hand- girl 2: will we be doing an oral test, or is this a written test? Touma: "Written first, then one-on-one interviews." girl 2: do we have to bring our own stationary? i left mine at home. Touma: "I can provide stationery." *starts walking from his office to an empty room, gesturing for them to follow* -the applicants follow behind him- girl 1:....... *There are numerous school desks with chairs, and a chalkboard at the front* Touma: "Have a seat." *he hands each of them the test and a pencil* girl: what is this, school? -_-; Touma: *a bit too close to her* "We are simply making sure you got through school--and to push you towards adulthood." girl: ....... *The questions are largely about biology, mathematics, and problem-solving* -the test goes on until it concludes- Touma: *nods* "Give me a few minutes to grade these. Drinks and snacks are in the next room..." *exits for another room* -later- girl:.... Touma: *re-enters, points at the girl* "Let's begin the interview. Right this way..." girl:....*she follows* *Inside is a table, two chairs, and a lamp* girl:..... Touma: "Have a seat. I look forward to talking with you, Miss..." girl:....natsuna kanemoto. Touma: *smiles* "That is a unique name." natsuna: is it really? Touma: *nods* "It stands out. Well, let's get started with the interview. How far along are you in your education?" natsuna: i'm a 2nd year in junior high. Touma: "Oh, really? What would you say is your best subject?" natsuna: i guess writing? Touma: "That is a strong skill. Communication is key here, in order to best follow orders and to follow through on what I ask be communicated to my colleagues. Now, for the opposite question: what do you do when you have a bad subject in school, and can you give an example for how you overcome that problem?" -elsewhere- Benimaru: *smiles at Kirei* "Good dinner?" kirei: *she smiles* thank you, benimaru. Benimaru: *holds her hand* "...Thank you." *small kiss* kirei: ^///^ Benimaru: "...Did you..." kirei: hmm? Benimaru: "...want to stay over?" kirei: oh! if its not a problem with you... Benimaru: *shakes his head* "...I'm nervous. But it's not a problem." -elsewhere- Victor: *yawn* "Well, I'm turning in..." nozomi: good night then. Victor: "Good night. Pleasant dreams..." nozomi: r-right.... ./////. Victor: "..." *waves* nozomi: *meek wave* o/////o Victor: .\\\\. *turns and quickly leaves* tamaki: *glaaaaaaaaaaaare* Victor: "!!! ...Hello, Tamaki." tamaki: *glint* im watching you.... Victor: "...Okay." *smile* "I'll let you in on a little secret..." tamaki: what...? Victor: *smirks, leans in, towering over her* "I watch everyone--as a good scientist must~" tamaki: O____O;; Victor: *smiles* "So just know that's what I do. Good night." tamaki:...if you try anything to her, you're as good as dead, punk! Victor: *smiles* "What ever makes you think I would? I have no intention of hurting Nozomi...and it's not really up to you what she thinks or wants, now is it?" tamaki:...... Victor: "And I would expect her friend to be worried about someone new coming here. So, I'll focus on my research, and you focus on Nozomi...Deal?" tamaki:...... -elsewhere- Johannes: *doodling* metsu: *finishing up work for the day* Mikuni: *playing with dolls* Jeje: *changing a light bulb...* Johannes: "I DREW A VAMPIRE!" *holds up his doodle* metsu: an excellent job. we'll put it up on the fridge. Johannes: *happy hand-clap* "Yay!" Jeje: "..." *holds up an apple magnet for the fridge* -elsewhere- Shamrock: *lies down* -knock- Shamrock: *sits up, answers the door* otogiri: belkia got his hand stuck in the coffee pot. im taking him to the ER. again. Shamrock: x_-;;;;; "...Okay. Don't let him bite people." otogiri: understood. Shamrock: "How long you think it'll be this time?" otogiri: i'll give the estimate of 7 minutes the fastest. Shamrock: *nods* "I'll hold down the fort." -later- Belkia: -3- "Stupid coffee pot is out to get me..." otogiri: *sweatdrop* Belkia: *glares at the coffe pot, which now has a frowny face in perspiration on it* "I'M WATCHING YOU!" ???: bel....ki...a..? -ayami is laying in the hospital bed next to his- Belkia: o_______O *whispers* "Heeeeeeeeelp..." ayami:...am i....dreaming...? *she's covered in bandages* i did....something bad.... Belkia: "...Dude...You didn't..." otogiri:..... Belkia: "Oh, God...Why did you do that?" ayami: do you.....hate me now? *her eyes seem lifeless* Belkia: ._o *looks at Otogiri* otogiri:.....its ok. Belkia: "...No, I don't hate you...I'm sorry..." ayami: im sorry that...i...ever burdened you.... Belkia: "...You just scared me, that's all. I'm around a lot of scary people." *points at Otogiri* "You should see what Otogiri does when I get this coffee pot stuck on my hand." otogiri:... -_-; Belkia: "So, um...no hard feelings, Ayami?" ayami:.....it's....my own fault.... Belkia: "Hey...It isn't...It's no one's fault. Just...got to get past this. Make it disappear." ayami: *gets up* otogiri: you just sit down...dont...even think about it.... Belkia: ._. "...What exactly was she thinking?" ayami:...... Belkia: "Um...Ayami? What are you doing?" ayami:.... *staring at the ceiling, laying back down* Belkia: "???" -elsewhere- Shamrock: *looking at his bed* himawari: zzzz..... Shamrock: "..." *defeated smile...crawls into bed carefully beside her* himawari:....*shivers* Shamrock: "..." *pulls the sheets over her...small hug* himawari:....*slight nestle against his chest* Shamrock: *holds her, as he yawns* lavender: cute. Higan: *nods* Shamrock: x_-; *tries to fall asleep...* -early morning- Benimaru: *turns* kirei: zzz.... Benimaru: "..." *smile, tries to leave the bed without waking her...* -elsewhere- lavender: zzzzz..... Higan: *cuddling* -in another room- naho: zzzzz.... Sakuya: "..." *blows lightly at her ear* naho: >////< Sakuya: *whispers* "Time for beautiful young women to wake up..." *small nibble on her ear* naho: s-sakkun! >///O Sakuya: *rubs her arm a bit, hugging her* -elsewhere- Kid: "Zzz..." stocking: zzzzzzzzzzz *KNOCK KNOCK* stocking: neh? w-whu-wha? Kid: *snore* Patty: *from behind the door* "You two up yet?" stocking: im up.. *rubs eyes* Patty: "Well, we got a surprise for breakfast--so hurry!" stocking: ok. kiddo~ wakey wakey~ Kid: "H-Huh?" *looks up* stocking: it's morning~ Kid: *yawn* "So it is...and what a beautiful morning." stocking: hehe~ Kid: *stretches...gets out of bed and takes his robe* -and so- Gopher: "Surprise!" *holds up a box* "I brought donuts!" Kid: "...This is the surprise?" Gopher: :< kirika: mornin' Gopher: *shiny eyes* "Good morning!" Patty: *already eating a donut* -later- Kid: "Plans for today?" stocking: maybe i could do more studying. Kid: *nods* "Sounds like a plan. Need any help?" stocking: i think i'm gonna study over at the cram school, try making friends. Kid: "That will be good. See you this evening for dinner?" stocking: *she nods* Kid: *smiles, kisses her cheek* "Good luck." stocking: ^///^ Kid: "I'll finish some of my own studies with Father today." stocking: right. Kid: *nods, smiles* "Until then..." -later- Kid: "And this file, Father? Has that mission been completed?" lord death: yep. that puts soul at needing only one more soul plus a rogue witch... Kid: "Amazing...Another Death Scythe." lord death: indeed... Kid: "Which witches are on your Death List?" -elsewhere- Shamrock: *yawn* himawari: zzzz..... Shamrock: "???" *looks at the clock* -10:14 AM- Shamrock: "Oh dear...I overslept." *gets out of bed* "...Himawari?" himawari:...hmmn? Shamrock: "It's after 10. Time to wake up." himawari:...*getting up* Shamrock: "Sleep okay?" himawari:....*nods* Shamrock: "That's good. Let's see whether someone else made breakfast--and whether Otogiri and Belkia are back." -and so- otogiri: good morning. naho: how did it go? Belkia: "...Well, my hand is now sans coffee pot...but..." naho: hmm? Belkia: "...I ran into that girl who was following me." naho: oh. Belkia: "She...looked pretty bad. Hospitalized." naho: !!! Belkia: "I felt bad--I didn't mean to cause that for her." naho:...... Belkia: "Naho, what would you do?" naho: me? o.o~? Belkia: *nods* "Yeah. I don't know what to do with someone who was...well, struggling like this. I could use some advice." naho: hmmm...maybe a fruit basket? Belkia: "I guess that's a start. Will she misinterpret that, though?" naho:...*shrug* Belkia: *sigh* "Okay, thanks. I'll get to work on the fruits basket--" *looks down...lifts his foot...and the coffee pot is on his foot* "...MY ONE TRUE ENEMY..." otogiri:... -_-; Sakuya: "...Maybe try soap and water this time, rather than another ER bill." naho: or try turning into a doll and shimmy your foot out! Belkia: ._. "...Oh." *POOF* *the coffee pot rests on the floor, with Belkia in doll form inside it* naho: *picks it up and pulls the doll out* TA-DAH~! Belkia: "Magic!" Sakuya: *claps his hands* lilac: wow... naho: hehe~ ^^ *peace sign* Belkia: "I guess I'll be putting on more magic shows to pay the ER bill." ^^; naho: megane-pire~! Belkia: -_____-;;;; "...Ouch." naho:...~? owo Belkia: "That pun..." naho: what? it's cute! >n< Sakuya: "I thought it was." *smiles* Belkia: "Look, I'll handle the cute jokes here!" -elsewhere- stocking: *checking the map* lets see....hmmm... ???: "Hello." stocking: hmm? *she looks up* ya? Shima: "Yo!" stocking: hey. you're in...rin's class, right? Shima: *nods* "Renzo Shima, at your service~" stocking: nice to meet you then shima. Shima: "Likewise! If you ever need any help around campus, let me know--I know everything, every place, and everyone around here!" stocking: i'll keep that in mind.....1106....1106...hmm... Shima: "Ah, looking for Room 1106? Cool, cool..." stocking: let's see...ah! here we go! Shima: "??? You have a class there? Which is it?" stocking: i'm actually doing some cramming to become a student teacher, more or less. ^^' Shima: "Ooo, smart. But be careful in there--the corner of the ceiling leaks." stocking: noted. Shima: "Who teaches this class?" stocking: isnt this the freshman class? Shima: *nods* "Maybe Yukio?" stocking: that's good. *she smiles* Yukio: "Oh, Stocking. Welcome." stocking: hey. noriko: oh, you're....mr pheles' daughter, arent you? Yukio: "Okay, let's get started...Have a seat next to Noriko, Stocking." stocking: right! *she sits down* Yukio: "We begin today's lesson looking at taming demons in the category of Galatea..." *writing on the chalkboard* stocking:.... (thinking: i have no idea what that means. -_-; ) Yukio: "This is forcing a demon into an inanimate object." stocking: oh. like a possessed doll? Yukio: "Yes, although the process of forcing a demon into an inanimate object can make that object gain movement and abilities..." *opens a small chest...and a walking desk lamp pops out* noriko: ah! Lamp-Chan: *blinks light on and off...as it dances across the desk* Yukio: "This one is rather well trained. Other Galatea are less so. Imagine a demon possessing an entire building...and bringing it down upon you." stocking: o_o; (thinking: then honekoneko's also....) Yukio: "Even something innocuous like a doll could be formidable, depending on the form of taming completed. After all, the doll could just house the demon, or the demon could transform the doll..." stocking: *awkward sweat* izumo: *raises hand* Yukio: "Yes, Izumo?" izumo: it's because of that reason that games such as 'hitori kakurenbo' are ill advised, right? Yukio: *nods* "The results can be catastrophic." stocking:.... Yukio: "You will be testing your skills with Galatea in a situation similar to Hitori Kakurenbo, but it will be supervised." *notices Stocking* "Something wrong?" stocking: nothing, just thinking... Yukio: "Well, let's move onto another set of demons: Elements." *he draws a flame, a water droplet, a tornado, rocks, and some crudely drawn fifth element* stocking: the 5th one is metal, right? shiemi: i thought it was grass? izumo: of course you would -_-; shiemi: ^^; Yukio: "These elements are in harmony: each is stronger than another, but weaker than another." -later- Yukio: "Let me return your tests to you...Shiemi, you still need to use actual names for plants, not your pet-names for them." shiemi: ^^; Yukio: "Good work, Izumo, but you confused two of the Galatea versions." izumo: ._.