[center][h1][color=92278f][b]Menzai Isanami[/b][/color][/h1] [url=https://imgbb.com/][img]https://i.ibb.co/znsWTsR/11zon-cropped-1.png[/img][/url] [color=gray] Time: Night Location: Gaurav Interactions: Cyrus [@Helo], Phia [@princess] Mentions: Equipment: White Haori, Gauravian luck charm bracelet, Steel Chain Shirt of Deflection (3 uses per day), Disguise ring [/color] [/center] [hr] [color=gray][center][h1][color=92278f] [b]Gaurav[/b][/color][/h1][/center] Sensing the vines just before bursting forth, Menzai had instinctively leapt back in defense. The speed proved surprisingly fast even for the wolf-kin as he still found himself trapped; cursing his injured state. Upon landing with a gentle gait, his body knelt partially low, prepared for possible following attacks. After a few seconds of no such signs, Menzai casually standing up into an relaxed pose as he felt no hostility. This led him to assume this to be a form of defense mechanism; shame that he could not allow himself to admire the plants many intricate feats. Gingerly shifting his right foot back, his gaze studying the thorn nearest his heel. Slowly, he inched the foot back; taking note of how it seemed to actively avoid pricking him. Fascinating as all this was, for such an extreme reaction to occur left Menzai to then peer at Lady Viola with confusion. For while he could understand some unpleasantries with what she was glimpsed, but to react to such extreme degree? At least, that was how he appeared on the surface, but beneath, the seal was working in overtime; a faint dark violet glow could almost be seen beneath the haori. Regardless if this had just been for defense and the fairy's expert control. To dare to do such a sudden and reckless thing like this... And in the immediate presence of his family... Beneath that look of confusion; furious bloodlust thrashed just beneath the surface; scratching and gnawing desperately. The thick smog of blood spurning the voracious wrath all the more, his instincts warning him of danger while something....deeper desired... [color=ed1c24][b]Dangerous! .... Wretched weeds .... Reeks of blood.... give her more....tear out her throat...KILL![/b][/color] A very percicptial whisper in his own mind; an almost guttural and rough sound almost like a feralistic wolf attempting to speak. Each word raking across his mind. All Menzai could see right now was Viola, his eyes a ferocious fire fuming. An internal conflict wholly new even to the wolf; saved only by the emotional spell searing his flesh beneath. Yet, it had not been quite enough; forcing him to clench his remaining hand with fresh blood dripping from palm. The fresh crimson like sweet morning dew to the bestial instinct. A decision that came with a cost and it was the only thing tethering Menzai's logical side in place. *[color=00aeef][b] Had she lost control or overreached.... my family....Phia...[/b][/color]* This thought was all he could think about at this moment. [color=ed1c24][b]Kill! Kill! Dangerous....will bring harm to her... KI-[/b][/color] *[color=00aeef]...No. She is Phia's..sister.[/color]* His logical side pushing through to allow this thought to form that tempered back the tumultuous animosity. Magnolia. An ever-familiar scent, that with a single whiff soothed the wolf who had been in the midst of battling his feral protective urge. All the ill-thoughts and anger melted away. Graceful for his senses that allowed him to come to his senses. He refused to allow the sweet fairy, who arrived shortly after to see her step-brother displaying....such a horrific side. This had Menzai concerned and unsure what to do with what he had just experienced; one that left him completely drained on what little energy he had. Energy used towards jumping back. Perplexing as it was terrifying, but a part of him understood what it was. For just as much as he had his gentle and logical human side, deep within there always lurked a beast within all wolves. And a wolf Menzai was. Said wolf could also barely stand on his feet and yet, even then... had it come down to it... Menzai would have fought with every last ounce to protect them. [color=f745aa] " I am glad to see that Viola has not chosen violence. I still am not happy though because it appeared like you were going to hurt my Menzai for a moment."[/color] Her words showing concern for her step-brother, were heart melting and greatly appreciated, giving him just the boost needed to keep him going. Though it also saddened him to have it said towards her actual brood. He hoped this would not leave her looking at them unfavorably.... amending things would only prove more difficult were that so. "[color=92278f] Indeed, no harm has been done here. As Sir Cyrus said, a demonstration. A very impressive display of skill and prowess, none here can deny that[/color]" He stated in his usual calm tone though his voice came out slightly raspy, the mere effort proving almost too much. [color=16a75e]“You make heavy requests and choose to refrain from explaining your reasoning for them. We are only trying to ensure your motives are not incompatible with ours. If the situation were reversed, would you not ask similar questions? Seek to understand the situation as much as you can?" [/color] Menzai listened to Sir Cyrus, the doubt in his words clear as were some uncertainties. Perhaps they shared a confusion towards what had occurred, albeit for different reasons. This had not gone well. Frustratingly so and there was nothing he could do but post-pone these misunderstandings for tomorrow. " [color=92278f]What you say, Sir Cyrus is true. What I ask is heavy, yes but only asked from a place of caution.[/color]" A sly glance towards Phia, one Cyrus would easily notice were he watching his face, hinted with exhaustion. "[color=92278f] Having said such, unfortunately any further talk must wait. I extend apologies and hope each of you can afford me a second chance to explain." A light bow of the head." And impressive as Lady Viola's prowess...the abrupt and spontaneous nature....[/color]" Taking a moment to resign at the situation's overall sour ending." [color=92278f]So, I must shamefully ask, dear Phia to save me a plate for tomorrow.[/color]" Turning in preparation to make departure towards the house, but paused shortly." [color=92278f]I bid you all good night and may your dreams be pleasant. And Sir Cyrus, Lady Viola, I ask you think on my request, at least until the next time we can talk?[/color]" At the end he eyed Cyrus, hoping he could understand how serious he was about this. As much as he loathed doing so himself. But, they were said purely out of brotherly concern. Still, they did little to assuage the guilt of leaving the innocent fairy in the dark. With that, Menzai made his way homeward and in passing of Phia paused briefly to give her a small, apologetic smile and an opportunity to hug him if she wished." Sleep well with sweet dreams, dear Phia." Bidding her personally, expressing his care for her; finished, the tired wolf made his departure. The wolf's shadow weighed doubly so beneath the twin sister's dazzling glow. [/color]