[center][h1][color=92278f][b]Menzai Isanami[/b][/color][/h1] [img]https://i.ibb.co/W22Xdbr/0dfca3962f3af34fe4c0a18c0e024a701403114178-full.jpg [/img] [color=gray] Time: Morning Location: Gaurav Interactions: Mentions: Dante, Darius [@Alivefalling] [@FunnyGuy] , Phia [@princess] , Viola [@13org] , Cyrus [@Helo] 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] With the threat dealt with and the situation previously rife with tension and heated emotions had calmed, thus allowed Ulysses to stroll along at a leisurely pace. The aged wolf maintained his semi-slow pace to afford Menzai as much time to recover his strengths for whatever he intended to do. And just as neither Phia nor the brothers hated seeing him in such a weakened and broken state, so did the man carrying him. Eyebrows furrowed, dotted with beads of sweat as he peered over his shoulder to see how he was doing. A momentary memory flashed through his mind. The silhouette of a small boy running about and playing, the sound of an excitable child's laughter heard in his mind; only to fade away as Menzai's pale face speckled with blood came into view, the cloth of his shirt obscuring most of the unpleasant visage. *[color=a0410d] Tch. You really don’t intend to make this easy for anyone, are you?[/color]* The grizzled wolf thought with annoyance; concern etched his bearded face as he peered at the young wolf who looked to have passed out with those ever watching eyes of his actually closed for once. A hopeful thought that came to an end through a gentle squeeze to his shoulder.”[color=92278f] Why have we stopped? Is something wrong?[/color]” Menzai weakly asked in a soft and tired voice. Even now, Menzai refused to allow himself to sleep nor rest. Ulysses found himself jumping a bit out of surprise with a hint of disappointment.” [color=f26522]Hmph. It’s nothing, just thought I picked up something. You can trust me to handle whatever might pop out. Only thing you need to worry about is recovering.[/color]” Snorting his clear annoyance at the pup’s stubborn refusal to sleep. No response came. Menzai remained quiet and still from that point on and whether he slept or not, none could say. In fact, none have seen him actually sleep since…. A weary sigh left Ulysses lips like a cold mist.*[color=a0410d] Sorry, Lady Annabelle. Doesn’t seem like even this wasn’t enough…if it were up to me I’d make him sleep for a whole damn week.[/color]* Ulysses chastised himself; hating that any of this had to happen to begin with. The pain each of the group felt was apparent. But for Menzai who had since become impossible to read, had not let on any of how he felt or thought. This had the man wonder with worry on the whirl storm of emotions and thoughts that must be going through his student’s mind. All he had to do was voice them and Ulysses would help him anyway he could. On he went, carrying his charge towards the Roc. The silence, like an unpleasant blanket persisted through the trip. [hr] Before long the pair reached their destination. Waiting before them sat the Roc's massive corpse. The massive bird’s rested lifelessly on its side, blots of dried blood stained its beak; feathers adorned the ground, falling like the leaves of autumn but there was no joy like the seasons. Silence permeated through the forest surrounding as all life had fled from fear. At times glimpses of the Lunar corps members could be seen dashing and moving along the bird’s unmoving body. And the air, once filled with the delightful scents of flowers, fruits, trees and other pleasant aromas, was gone. In its place, only the stench of death remained; to the rest of the inhabitants this was a bountiful feast to be enjoyed for months. For Gauravs, it would be a constant reminder of the dangers they narrowly avoided for weeks to come. Even now, its rotting scent could be smelt and while it was still fresh with little scent, to the wolven demi-humans it might as well be as if living right next to a rank dumpster. All traces of what happened may fade with time. The loss of life, however, could be felt by all denizens of the forest. So much so, that the once quiet and solemn field around them started to return with the sounds of nature. Insects buzzed about, small critters skittered about; curious predators stalking the fringes. Soon even the trees surrounding them could be heard creaking and groaning. To any other, they were merely simply the cries of life, but Menzai could hear what it actually was beneath. As unseen breezes drifted through; all the cries began to change. No, not change but reveal the true nature of all the cries and blowing breezes that swelled with each second. Canine ears flicked and perked, Menzai’s head lifting from his protector’s shoulder.”[color=92278f] What a beautiful, but melancholy song.[/color]” He muttered aloud. “[color=f26522] What? The hell are you on about? Don’t tell me you’ve gone delusional now too?[/color]” Ulysses growled his indignation at his companion and his lack of any explanation. Any attempt to speak more misgivings were silenced by a squeeze to his shoulder. Unlike last time, this one had a smidgen of strength put into those fingers that could hardly hold a stick still.” [color=92278f]Apologies, Sir Ulysses. I know my ways are…frustrating and there is much to discuss and that you all wish for me to rest…[/color]” Trailing off as his ears perked up higher. Hints of the sorrowful melody filled him with renewed strength and determination. With it the grip on his shoulder became stronger, enabling Menzai to push himself up, if only a bit.”[color=92278f] But….I need to do this. So I ask that you allow me this selfish request.[/color]” Menzai spoke his request in his gentle voice. Each word the injured wolf said merely fueled the man’s confusion. A part of him wanted to tell the blasted wolf to shut his mouth and rest.” That’s unfair. How many times I gotta tell you not to use that voice.” For it was now just a painful reminder of the past. In that moment, he briefly pictured the kind and rambunctious boy in place of Menzai though it only lasted a second.. ”[color=ed145b] Come on! Higher! Let’s climb to the sky![/color]” Young Menzai’s words rang through his mind. An old memory that left the aged wolf tearing up briefly before blinking them away.”[color=f26522] Go on and do whatever needs to be done. Don’t take all day, I’m already getting an earful from your mother as is.[/color]” Ulysses grumbled out before lowering his body to make it easier for Menzai to get down from his back. With a small bow of his head, Menzai made his way forward after taking a step away from Ulysses where he soon walked him.” [color=92278f]This will not take long, I promise.[/color]” Nodding to the larger wolf then turned away to start stepping towards the bird. Thankfully they had arrived in time as Menzai allowed himself to be wrapped within the forest’s requiem. Almost like magic, the sounds of whooshing winds and cries of unseen creatures turned instrumental. A cacophony of noises changing like a whisper in the air. His right foot gently tapped against the rough ground, the grass ticklish to the toughened sole. The fabric of his haori rubbed against aching skin. A soothing breeze brustling his cheek, the gentle touch of caring. The scent of leaves and berries, inhaled; calming his burning lungs. Whistling of the trees, their sorrowful cries like falling leaves. With every step he took towards the Roc; all of these had blended, coming together. Their feelings of grief sung for the majestic bird. A great beast, hunter and a parent. -The requiem of the forest- [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZWGH0ougJI&ab_channel=BrunuhVille[/url] Menzai stood. A solitary tiny figure dwarfed before the unmoving Roc. Eyes closed, listening; living the forest’s sorrow at this terrible loss. A privilege only possible due to his immense love of the forest and its inhabitants and the guardian’s mark. Through it all, he thought over the events that lead up to this moment. A battle no one expected nor with any real ill intent. The mistakes made, the amazing feats the group pulled off. The tragic ending. A sorrowful song, yet filled with love and gratitude towards those that prevented further tragedies as well. As the melodies started to slow and fade away, Menzai had made his decision on how to proceed and the many lessons he had come to learn. Slowly exhaling from his nose, Menzai opened his eyes, a sharp purple gaze peering up at the Roc. Eyes previously faded and empty glowed with a fervent, radiant shine, the crimson glints almost appearing as if burning. “ [color=92278f]I had thought I understood. Thought I was ready to be a leader. That I was capable enough to do what I had sworn.[/color]” His voice spoke with volume and conviction, each word spoken with pure honesty. Menzai; a wolf of few words though when he speaks always come with his all. One that can be trusted with no deceit, ill intent or such. “[color=92278f] But I was not only foolish, I was naive. I forgot or perhaps to say more accurately, misunderstood what it truly means to take on the moon’s oath. Forgetting it all, I allowed my concern for Phia overtake my mind.[/color]” A small shake of his head, disappointed in himself. Turning his head slightly, turning his eye to the corner to glimpse a small peek back at Ulysses.”[color=92278f] I worry over her at all times, of course. But, had I not rushed to get to her and instead had instructed the brothers more properly first…[/color]” Whether things may have played out differently or not no longer mattered at this point and Menzai knew this. Yet, the idea of being a leader and his own personal bonds with Phia proved to be too much.” [color=92278f]I have failed. I understand that each of you probably do not think of it that way. The group I can imagine not.[/color]” For a brief moment Menzai gave a small smile picturing the objections and kind words being said as if they were there. “ [color=92278f]The matter, however, is that I still failed. But, now having given up my arm freely, I have come to realize the true meaning of taking on the moon’s blessing.[/color]” He had more to say when “[color=f26522] Gave up freely?! The hell are you blatherin about? Talking like you purposefully gave up the arm?[/color]” Ulysses spouted out flabbergasted with rage. Menzai paused for a moment to let the man let out a bit of his anger.” [color=92278f]Your anger is understandable. It might seem like I put them through seeing me like this to teach some cruel, but hard lesson. I assure that I would have preferred to avoid such an experience myself. Merely saving Phia meant the loss of my arm regardless…[/color]” Picturing his body a jumbled, disoriented messed of a body barely able to make sense of where he even was. “[color=f26522] Well that’s all good and all. But..bleedin hell! If Phia wasn’t around you know you’d be going in with the Roc?![/color]” Ulysses barked out, throwing his arms up in an incredulous manner. A nod from the wolf who kept his gaze on the Roc.” [color=92278f]Yes, precisely. I trusted Phia with my life, just as I trusted Sir Dante and Sir Darius and our unexpected guests would pull it off. They have all done exceedingly well. I am immeasurably proud of them. And while to outside eyes, this…[/color]” His right hand clutching around his shoulder where his left arm had been only mere minutes ago. It was true. He was crippled and weak, his body’s center of gravity thrown off. At this point it was undeniable. Menzai could not possibly fight as he was, any item given could not change that. “ [color=92278f]But I am not beaten. I will rebuild my body. Train as I train the humans. Teach and learn, improving ourselves with help from each other. But, the path I must take will prove far harsher. A path I won’t let them share.[/color]” He could only help but be thankful to the Roc for the harsh lessons and loss. And with it, a far higher growth await him. Through the lost of his arm and this event, he had caught a glimpse of the group’s future potential, his own open to him too, albeit a painful and…gruesome one. Yet, the path he had accepted the moment he took the ritual. A deep sigh from Menzai who had moved close to the Roc, placing his hand against the bird’s face. Still warm, he thought, grateful.*[color=00aeef] Be at peace and know this. I will find what brought this unneeded tragedy….and make them regret messing with our forest.[/color]* His body flared with magic around his body as he declared this; purple eyes flaring with fierce and ominous belief. Pulling his hand away. One last fleeting look before turning away, leaving the Roc and his failure behind. “[color=92278f] I will ensure to get strong enough so that they never have to endure seeing me or any of us in such a… state. As long as there is breath in my body, I will make sure the bro- … no, all the humans get through this alive. They have already died once….I will not let our world tarnish their 2nd chance. And any who need my aid I will do my best to help.[/color]” Menzai meant every word as he stared into Ulysses' eyes. Ulysses could barely remember what exactly he saw when he peered into Menzai’s eyes. Only that he felt that he could trust that everything he did was for the sake of Avalia. The touch of Menzai’s hand on his shoulder snapped Ulysses out of his bit of daze as he took notice the wolf was on his back once more. “ [color=92278f]This is the 2nd time now….[/color]” And there would not be a third time. And unlike previously, he succeeded in the part that mattered most. This alone was worth an arm and more. No matter what he would keep her safe. A quick shake of the head.”[color=92278f] Apologies. Ramblings of something I was reminded of. I have wasted enough time. And with the council…best we get back.[/color]” [/color]