[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:  Viola [@13org], Cyrus [@Helo]

Mentions:   Phia [@princess]

Equipment: White Haori, Gauravian luck charm bracelet, Steel Chain Shirt of Deflection (3 uses per day), Disguise ring
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[color=gray][center][h1][color=92278f] [b]Gaurav[/b][/color][/h1][/center]

The chill air of the night had worsened; attempts to soothe the icy sister's thorny mood served only to further them instead.

For as Menzai stood there, a solitude and quiet figure with only the faint glow of deep-sea blue eyes with the dull fierceness of red specks illuminating his face beneath the moon's glow. Save for the gentle flapping of his armless sleeve, billowing in the breeze; drifting along a chilly breeze and unpleasant remarks from the fairy siblings.

The shadow loomed tall; soon sensing Viola's Harsh stare and instead of avoiding the cold gaze, Menzai returned with a strong gaze of his own. 

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[center]*note this is Menzai’s mentalscape*[/center]
Viola would see nothing at first as the wolf gave nothing of himself away unless he deemed to. Then the red slivers seemed to twitch; almost appearing to burn like tiny embers only to immediately be followed by darkness. All around, Viola only saw the vast expanse of darkness. 

The motion of ripples beneath her feet reveals the ground to be emptiness rippling like ink on a mirror-like surface. All the time, a low thrumming growling much like a warning growl could be heard like an unpleasant tickle against the back of her neck. It was almost as if a figure stood breathing right behind her, only to turn to find nothing.

A lone child-like giggle broke the unsettling sensation as a young Phia seemed to materialize from the inky sea. Following in her wake, the inky black expanse gave way to life. Flowers and plants of all assortments sprouted from the ground with butterflies and birds flying about.

Within seconds, the landscape had changed completely with the two moons glowing dazzlingly bright in place of the sun, more so than normal and seeming to be much closer. Upon feeling its rays, a familiar warmth that left Viola almost feeling as if being hugged by her sister. But, as expected any attempts to call out or get her attention failed. Not much longer, it would become apparent the child like Phia was running towards something...no, someone.

A delighted glee filled bit of laughter rang from Phia as she jumped onto what seemed like a huge ball of fur. A stir and a low growl of annoyance; slowly shifting from slumber, the once pile of fur rose until a feral wolf twice that of a direwolf sat, graceful in its form with black and white fur split directly in the middle in a vertical pattern. This left the wolf appearing as if a mass of shadows on its left and warm glow of light on its right. 

Most striking were the eyes, but unlike Menzai were inverted as two pools of blood-red eyes glowed with subdued ferocity with a gentle twinkle from the slivers of rich deep blue glittering stars swimming in crimson. 

The beast remained unmoving; fur shimmering like silk, his body resting comfortably around Phia in a protective manner, leaving the giddy child free to play.

For a brief time, all was well, until the wolf picked up the scent of blood coming from the unknown visitor. Then thorns would start forming and breaking through Viola's skin and from it the air would take on an almost reddish hue as if a bloody mist filter had encroached the feel.

All the pleasant sounds of nature and Phia's giggling faded. A harsh rush of wind pushed Viola leaving her disoriented momentarily, her vision returning shortly after only to see the wolf standing right before her staring down at her with cold bloody eyes seeming to darken and drip from the sockets as bloody thorns could be seen sprouting out from the ground beneath her feet.

The low, rumbling growling from before returned as the wolf rankled his maw revealing rows of pearly fangs that would suddenly snap open.

A loud, ear piercing shriek at loud, shattering volume. A horrifying shrill scream enveloped her; surrounded not by the horrors of a wolf howling, but of despair...of pain. It neither sounded like a beast or a male, but closer to that of a despairing woman.

All around this scream reverberated and rebounded to deafening volumes, going until the point she might feel as if her head would split, then just like that it was over.

[hr]

An exchange that appeared to last ages, but only an instance passed. What was allowed was given and what to make of it would be left to her.

Menzai gave no indication the exchange had occurred at all as his eyes closed. Quietly, the wolf pondered to himself on how to proceed from here. 

Having received their questions and listened to the comments shared as well, all made the situation clear. These two were focused on getting their family back together; so much so that in their haste they failed to see the unknown dangers likely seeking out members of their family as well. And to his dismay, misunderstandings have formed; if left alone then future conflict were sure to happen. 

Viola in particular was an unknown issue. The woman's troubles clung to her much like the thorns adorning her body.

He understood why they were upset and worried; eager to have their sister back and he wanted nothing more than to make their reunion an happy occasion and instead he could only offer them disappointment.

Some of his own frustrations regarding Phia’s loss of memories tried to bubble forth, made worse by the estranged sister’s question or more specifically the cold manner she requested. This left him with much to say with choice words of his own, but doing so would only serve to worsen this already formed rift.

For both Phia’s and the group’s sake, he had to ensure these two joined them. And with a slow, reluctant exhale, followed by a gentle breeze, a comforting brush against skin.

Though, as the two would soon come to learn; Menzai while gentlemanly had a fierce bite just as much. 

Stepping forward once more, closer within three steps from the siblings, ready to speak, his gaze shifting between the two briefly.”[color=92278f] Very well then. As our guests have made things apparent and my attempts to spare the two of you disappointment after a difficult and tiring journey.[/color]” He spoke in the calm tone prior, a hint agitation. 

“ [color=92278f]But, unfortunately, I know no more than either of you when it comes to her memories or to be precise, the method in how she lost them which should explain my caution.” Pausing briefly to check their reactions.[/color]” Please, understand that your sister came to us with her memories already lost and only two were allowed to meet this..unknown envoy that brought her.” His voice took on a mixture of curiosity and frustration as he spoke of this part.”[color=92278f] Any misunderstandings born of my status or position, allow me to clear up for I am no keeper of her memories nor her life.[/color]”

Menzai then moved till he stood close to Viola, there he merely stood peering at the dark fairy. Silently studying the features of her face, taking note of the faint, but familiar traits, the unmistakable and undeniable proof that these two truly were her family. His usual stern expression softened as he delicately reached his right hand forward. 

Leaning in close, his clawed fingers gently brushed along the thorns and vines in admiration.”[b][color=92278f] Such breathtaking beauty. And a lovely plant specimen as well… sharing a love of plants.[/color][/b]” An almost amused huff escaped him as he whispered his admiration, inspecting the blood seeped plant a moment longer, turning his attention back to Viola.” [color=92278f]As for your request, Lady Viola, unfortunately it is not one I can satisfy for neither I nor any in this village aim to keep or hold her hostage as you have eloquently hinted. She is and has always been free to do as she wishes, while we endeavored to give her nothing but our kinship.[/color]” Speaking calmly yet again though only perceptible to Viola was a clear hint of coldness directed explicitly at her.”[color=92278f] Something of which we would like to share with you as well, if possible.[/color]” Added the wolf, slightly frowning.

Leaning in closer, where as he did so, his hand gently gripped the vine, this time to whisper into her ear instead of himself.”  [b][color=92278f]Blood Ties or no, she is family. Whether you accept it or not matters not to me, but…dare to disregard my tribe's love for Phia around my mother…[/color][/b]” Trailing off to let the silence linger, the grip of his hand gently squeezing all the while as his harsh, but controlled words brushed her pointed ear until thorns broke skin. 

After a few seconds, his hand released revealing pinpricks of blood spilling down his palm.” [color=92278f]Apologies for encroaching so closely. I hope this offering will satisfy any discomfort I may have caused.[/color]” Drawing his hand back; pausing to peer at his crimson stained palm and flex his fingers.” [color=92278f]If not, then feel free to make a request at a future time, whenever convenient for you.[/color]”

Finished with his brief personal exchange, his hand closed after a few more testing flexes. Whether this request was given genuinely or out of spite, this he would keep. 

Pulling his face away from the fairy.”[color=92278f] And to you, Sir Cyrus, no I would not interfere.[/color]” He kept his gaze with Viola as he answered the brother matter of factly.” [color=92278f]On the condition there is no sign of danger or risk to her life, that is.[/color]” His head turned to Cyrus' direction while further explaining.”[color=92278f]  Nor do I have any desire to keep her from you, I desire the opposite, if my words had not already hinted so.[/color]” His usual calm response with a curt bite at the edge in regards to the brother’s comment towards their “deal”. 

Turning to step away from Viola giving her space, talking as he went.” [color=92278f]However, both of you have made accusations towards me and my tribe, intended or no, so let me be clear to ensure no further misunderstandings.[/color]” 

Stopping in place and turning his head to peer over his shoulder at the two.”[color=92278f] I am merely a brother to Phia, and I, much like the entirety of my village, wants nothing but her happiness. With that said, my goal aligns with yours.[/color]” And in more ways than the siblings might expect.

Pausing here to take a moment to himself; turning his head away with his back to them.”[b] [color=92278f]To see her living blissfully, unaware. It both saddens and frustrates me to a maddening degree…[/color][/b]” Whispering his own grievances with this whole situation.

Here he turned to face them once more.” [color=92278f]But, while I lack the answers regarding her memories. I do, however, know the ones that do have answers. And I, now carrying the guardian title, affords me the capabilities to request what they know and I would have both of you with me.[/color]”

This time, Menzai could not help but let out a small chuckle to himself.*[color=0072bc] The timing of their arrival…[/color]*Trailing off to peer up at the two moons shining brilliantly.* [color=0072bc]A most fortuitous blessing….[/color]* Thought the stoic wolf. 

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