Zenmaru smiled at Hotaru folding her hands together as she listened to their conversation closing her eyes, she was interested why the Spectator chose to permit them to listen, that was out of character for her...or more specifically it.
She opened her eyes watching the two as Mera called Hotaru a child, folding her hands in her lap at such a development, she even chose names for them which means she was acknowledging their part in this war.
Her eyebrow arched a bit at catching they found a way to get rid of Sybil, though she had been listening to some of their conversation before when Mera spoke with Alari in the town. Getting an actual confirmation was interesting, she wondered if it had something to do with the relic Mera mentioned.
"I'm in such a good mood after all of this," Zenmaru said smiling. "Since you two have been recognized as members of the Red War, allow me to share something with you. Of course since I can speak of it you needn't fear saying the words yourself since you're a part of the curse as well."
She pointed at the two causing the sub-contract seals to glow on their forearms before folding her hands behind her head leaning against the wall.
"For decades Daana-sama has been keeping an eye on Larel making sure none of his enemies reach him, not only those who consider him a traitor, but the youkai I draw and Ai herself. He still does this today but the funny thing is Ai's five commanders have been able to close the distance between them. Seeing as how each of them represents a different part of Ai they're pretty dangerous."
Zenmaru leaned forward making a motion with her hand causing five dark silhouettes to appear before she pointed to each one as she spoke.
"You met Naria already, she's the one with that umbrella sword, she represents Ai's speed."
The silhouette took Naria's shape before Zenmaru pointed to the next one, causing a young man to appear wielding a giant rectangular sword, wearing pants with a black headband wrapped around them and a sleeveless kimono.
"Daisuke Ai's strength, then there's Hika Yurin Ai's magic, Mia Ai's weaponry and Ryu their leader who represents Ai's tactics. Naria hates Daana-sama since he...stopped Ryu from ever returning to the field all together, not killing him but...well it's a long story. These five are a representation of Ai, though they pale in comparison to the woman herself. Even together they can't take her down...which seeing as Larel can't handle one you could see why the two meeting would be bad."
A large grin formed on Zenmaru's face as she dismissed the silhouettes and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Ai has a specific ability that can kill Larel if she get's within twenty feet of him, or more exactly she can harm me which will harm Larel. However he would die long before I would. Since your heading north and your chance of encountering her is high I figured I'd let you know. That ability of hers is able to phase through living things...well it might sting Hotaru since she's got a bit of youkai in her but it wouldn't do any real damage and the most it'd do would be pass Mera."
Zenmaru glanced at the door as a knock came at it, she smiled knowing that couldn't be anyone else but Alari and turned her attention back to the two.
"I choose not to share this with Larel since I want to enjoy his response to all this turmoil, Alari won't say anything since he has a handle on it and doesn't want to burden him with the truth of the matter. So I figured I'd give you two something extremely powerful...information and let you decide how to use it. My rise is inevitable Alari can only delay it for so long, no matter how many secrets he keeps, no matter how prepared he is, it's my turn to reign and all I have to do is wait...but I enjoy challenges to my throne so use what I told you wisely. If I'm usurped again...I'll stop trying to consume Larel for one day."
With that Zenmaru laughed before returning control to Larel who fell to the side, lying on the ground unconscious.
Mizos Member
STATUS: Okay so I have a bit of time off work and first thing I'm doing is catching up on everything. I'll be on and off for the first week of December catching up. 8 yrs ago
- Last Seen: 4 yrs ago
- Joined: 12 yrs ago
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- Mizos 12 yrs ago
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8 yrs ago
Current
Okay so I have a bit of time off work and first thing I'm doing is catching up on everything. I'll be on and off for the first week of December catching up.
8 yrs ago
Haha things have slowed a bit, the end of the year can be a tad rough though. For the start of November I'll be be busy and up till the middle I'll be sporadic but I'm making time bit by bit.
8 yrs ago
To anyone I'm roleplaying with, for the first and more than likely middle part of July I'm going to be a little shaky on post due to general business.
9 yrs ago
Back to Normal.
9 yrs ago
To anyone I'm roleplaying with I'll be on and off during November so forgive me if I'm a little slow, I'll catch up and try to keep an eye on it though.
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Most Recent Posts
Good.Merciful.Heavens I'm finally free...for now anyway.
I'm sorry to just vanish like that, things just got...goodness anyway I'm back for the time being but I'm going to be busy for a bit. So I apologize if it takes me a few days to respond, hopefully things calm down.
For double spacing, don't worry about it. I'm going to do it myself since it all collects together and that makes it really hard to read.
I took a look at your group RP by the way, I'm glad to see it's flourishing. Wish I had that many when I put mine up.
It's morning here so I'm going to get some sleep but I'll have a post up tomorrow. Again I'm sorry for the long wait.
Oh that actually looks pretty interesting, I'm tempted to join myself.
I can see where the world building could come into play, trying to get her throne back in such a large world could lead to plenty of enjoyment and multiple locations.
Larel smiled and entered the room taking a seat against the wall leaning his sword against his torso as he watched Mera enter the room.
He arched his brow since she seemed distracted by something, when Hotaru spoke to her he looked between the two of them ruffling his hair seeing Mera was annoyed by something. He wanted to ask what it was but it seemed she was finished talking and Mera did answer the question for the most part which was something at least.
He looked back at Hotaru as she spoke and shrugged before going into his story.
"Alright so I was ordered to assassin someone who would be viewing the show and-"
Larel's words were cut off as a darkness filled the area, one similar to the earlier which pulled Mera in.
However this time Hotaru was pulled into the darkness as well the walls of the building seeming to vanish as the Spectator manifested once more more with Alari staring ahead and Zenmaru standing next to him.
Larel who wasn't pulled in looked around the room seeing Hotaru and Mera had vanished.
"Hey where did you two-" Larel started but was cut off as Zenmaru snapped her fingers, his eyes going blank as he fell to the floor his eyes closing as he fell asleep.
Zenmaru smiled and glanced back in his direction her eyes landing on Hotaru and Mera before she turned back around.
The Spectator mask seemed to slightly move noticing the two were in her domain but yet again she paid them no mind and returned her attention to Alari and Zenmaru.
"Fallen King and Fallen Queen we are pleased to see you."
"Good to see you too Spectator Daana-sama informed me you were here. I assume you want something of us as you generally avoid speech."
"Only questions Fallen Queen," The Spectator responded.
"Well you know Fallen King here won't answer all of them because of the curse so choose them wisely," Zenmaru said shrugging.
"The Curse of Lost Voices...that is the one you speak of correct."
Alari adjusted his glasses his eyes twitching as he wanted nothing more than this conversation to end so the Spectator would leave, he hated how their voices echoed in this realm it made it seem as if the two were constantly around him.
"Yeah that one," Zenmaru said looking over at Alari. "Put it on both of us just to keep his dirty little secrets, kind of extreme if you ask me."
"You have a habit of saying the wrong thing at the right time, I'm making sure that doesn't happen," Alari responded looking over at her.
The Spectator snapped her fingers causing it to resonate within the entire darkness, as it did a white orb floated next to her before expanding outwards revealing two silhouettes in it with one holding their throat and the other pointing at them.
"The Curse of Lost Voices," the Spectator said. "A curse that forbids another from speaking words the caster has not said themselves. It is an old forgotten curse with even it's history known to very few. Your act in casting this on yourself along with the Fallen Queen is fascinating Fallen King yet also foolish."
Alari made a fist as his shoulders tensed but he took a deep breath opening his hand and calming down as he looked back up at the Spectator.
"I did what I had to do," he said simply. "I accept the consequences for my actions."
"Well it wouldn't have been so bad if you kept your distance from the three of them," Zenmaru said motioning with her thumb backwards. "It's only a problem if they find out what happens, then you have to explain it and the moment you do I can."
"Then you'd share it with Larel which I can't let happen," he said glaring at her. "Be grateful I didn't curse your entire speech."
"Well I'm sorry I want to be honest with the poor kid, I'm just going to let him know everything he's done is merely an orchestrated show and this his life is essentially meaningless and has been guided from the shadows for over a decade."
"...yet you wonder why I've stopped you from talking. Not everything has been controlled, he found Mera and Hotaru on his own...and I'm very happy he did. Some of his life were his own choices, it's because you twist the truth I have to take these precautions"
Zenmaru just shook her head at this and the Spectator caused the light to vanish before pointing her finger at Alari.
"Fallen King you proceed to the north where most of The Child's enemies wait, you are willingly walking into danger. Is this the will of The Crimson Maiden, The Night Child or your own judgment."
"I think it's all three personally," Zenmaru said shrugging before looking at Alari. "The Night Child's Hotaru right?"
The Spectator spoke before Alari had a chance to comment causing him to look back at her once again.
"We are curious why you are permitting yourself hope when only despair awaits you. The Child will learn the truth, become aware of your role and The Fallen Queen will gain control as he is filled with turmoil and hatred for you. This is the way it shall be, you know this yet you fight for her reign. Only one Monarch is permitted to rule and your time is ending Fallen King. Your futility in this struggle is apparent yet you still pursue it. We wish to know why you are fighting against it."
Zenmaru looked over at Alari as he gaze fell to the ground, he clinched his hakama with both hands and he felt his heart sink as those words were spoken to him, especially the truth within them.
"You know why I'm doing this Spectator," Alari said rubbing the bracelet on his wrist.
"We understand...we only wish to hear it from you Fallen King."
"Why?"
The Spectator's attention moved the side and the darkness seemed to flicker between the real world and the other reality for a moment.
"...it seems my companion has located me...I must depart...we will speak again in the future,"
Zenmaru reached over and grabbed Alari's arm at this and turned him around forcing him to look at Hotaru and Mera before she held her hand out towards them.
"Of course you have plenty of explaining to do now," she said grinning at him.
Alari's eyes slowly widened as a combination of shock and horror slowly spread across his face as he realized what just happened, right before the darkness vanished separating the group back into their rooms.
The moment they were free Larel quickly sat up gripping his sides as he started laughing Zenmaru's voice coming out of him.
"Ahahahahah that look on his face was the best," she said. "Oh I can't wait to see what he does now, this is great. Things were boring there for a second I got worried."
Alari sat in his room his gaze on the ceiling, he fell to his knees as he gripped his head the shock still affecting him, his whole body shivered as he started to wonder if Mera had been there originally.
There was a good chance she was, he did find her shortly afterwards but there was a chance she wasn't.
Hundreds of options poured through his skull but none of them made any sense, he didn't want to lie to them but he couldn't tell the truth either, and they had seen all of that.
"This is bad..."
That's some pretty keen advice I say go for it and it can creep up on you at anytime...procrastination
A group rp good luck with it, filling the blanks is actually pretty fun to do, makes you feel a bit more attached to the world. I hope it's successful what's it about?
Hiroyuki glanced at Hotaru but just nodded and walked away from the two, Larel wasted no time following Hotaru more than happy to put some distance between the two of them. He looked over at Hotaru and smiled a little hearing about her curiosity in Kabuki, he found it interesting himself and he had a few stories to share about it, though the idea of resting in the inn sounded pretty good right now.
"We'll talk about it once we're in the room, I'm sure Mera-sama knows about Kabuki, but I had to pretend to be one of the actors once back when I served my old master and it was an experience."
Alari nodded catching the small smirk from Mera as he understood what she meant, if this was a way to take care of Sybil, which coming from Nero's knowledge he didn't doubt, taking precautions was understandable. If he was just in possession of it Hotaru could just steal it without anyone needing to be harmed in the matter, though admittedly he didn't like stealing either in this circumstance he didn't see talking to him being an option and getting rid of Sybil was important.
She's caused this much trouble already just from being inside Hotaru, having her stick around wouldn't be good for anyone's health.
"It's something to work towards at least if need be I'll do whatever I can to help," Alari said nodding. "Actually Mera while we have a moment there's something I wanted to tell you, it's-"
Alari cut himself off as he noticed Hotaru, catching the look from Mera he didn't speak any further and thanked her once she handed him the key.
He told himself he'd have to pay her back for doing this, though he couldn't help but smile at the gesture.
Larel had followed behind Hotaru and when his gaze met Alari's his happy expression immediately soured and he narrowed his eyes at him, he mentally judged the distance between him and Mera but Alari had already stepped away from her at that point.
"Thank you again for the meal Mera-sama," Larel said before walking closer to Alari. "Your student is here Alari."
Alari blinked a few times at him before Larel crossed his arms and glanced to his right for a moment before speaking again.
"Hiroyuki is here Alari, Zenmaru asked me to inform you," he said.
"He's not my... never mind thank you for letting me know then," Alari said as he removed his glasses. "Speaking of which I need to borrow her."
"Borrow wh-"
Larel's words were cut off as Alari slammed two fingers into Larel's skull, the moment he did a woman burst out of Larel backwards and put her feet down to catch herself stumbling a little.
Her long black hair was in a braid and dressed in grey kimono with black hakama she flexed her hands and arms getting a feel for her current form, Zenmaru's appearance almost resembled a female Larel though her facial features were different then before, mostly a smaller chin and thinner eyebrows, her eyes were still the same yellow though.
"Not my real body but I'll take it," Zenmaru said grinning. "Must be important if you're giving me a physical body."
"Don't get used to it," Alari said opening the door to his room and holding it open. "Thankfully no one saw but hurry before that changes."
Larel looked back between the two of them and pat his body, seeing the confusion on his face Zenmaru spoke to him.
"We're still together inside Larel don't worry," she said ruffling his hair. "Alari just gave me a bit of authority is all, I'll back back in a few minutes."
She glanced over at Mera and Hotaru smiling at them before turning and entering the room.
"Alari you-" Larel stared but stopped as Alari glanced sideways at him.
"I'll keep an eye on her so don't worry."
"That's not what I was getting at, how did you-"
"Not important please excuse me, have a pleasant evening you three."
Larel went to say something else but Alari walked into the room and closed the door, Larel ruffled his hair staring at the door before shaking his head.
"He's acting weirder than usual," he mumbled before turning towards the room. "Whatever it's not like he'll say anything anyway. So let me tell you more about the north."
I know that feeling, I'm up now to run an errand and I had a "....wonder if I really need to do this today moment." When I knew the answer.
The cold makes the warm all the more addicting, gotta be careful.
The cold makes the warm all the more addicting, gotta be careful.
Larel stretched once they were outside extremely content now that he got a quick snack in, a part of him wished all the villages were like this. The food was good, it was small so it was easy to recover if one got lost, the people minded their own business but were kind even to strangers, he had forgotten the warmth they carried.
He knew it was a silly thought though and promptly put it aside, he started to look in the direction Mera and Alari were but Hotaru spoke to him drawing his attention to her causing him to miss them.
He blinked a few times hearing her ask about the north and Larel brought a hand to his chin thinking for a moment, there were so many things up north he didn't know where to start but a few things stood out to him immediately.
"Up north there are huge areas that served as battlefields. You can still see the old tattered banners at some of them, I'll show you one of the battles I fought in if we pass any. There are these huge buildings with at least eight levels and on each floor there are performers, some dancing, some singing I think I visited it once and they called it Kabuki...it's..strangely entertaining. Oh there's plenty of places with hot springs, hundreds of places to get food and the kind they serve seems as if it wasn't fit for mortal consumption. Oh and then there's castles, dozens of them scattered across the area, hundreds in the land. If it's big and stands out it's probably in the north, still you'll see for yourself soon enough there's so much up there."
Larel grinned before turning his attention forward again crossing his arms over his chest as he found he had more to say about the north then he anticipated.
"I haven't been there in so long," Larel said. "To an extent it was my home, it's a good place to visit. Minus the people trying to kill me up there."
"Well it's a good thing you're just visiting there then."
Larel's whole body twitched and he immediately turned around as a voice spoke behind them, Larel's eyes met Hiroyuki's who stared at the two his eyes narrowed slightly.
Gritting his teeth Larel reached for his sword but Hiroyuki held a hand up and motioned towards the people nearby who glanced over at the three.
"Just a misunderstanding," Hiryouki said smiling at the few passerby's.
A few of the people looked at one another and with a shrug turned and walked away, Larel's hand rested on his hilt but as he watched the people walk away his hand slowly lowered from it.
"Where did you come from?" Larel asked stepping toward him. "I didn't even feel you coming, not even Zenmaru did."
"A lesson I learned from Nii-sama, one of the things he taught me when he showed me how to use a sword. Though I haven't perfected it to the point he has," Hiryouki said. "Where I came from isn't important but it seems we're going the same way."
Larel wasn't sure what to think about this situation, the last time they met Hiryouki he tried to kill them for being youkai even though Larel technically wasn't one, now he was just conversing with them not an ounce of malicious intent coming from him.
"I won't start a fight with you with all the peaceful people around," Hiryouki said closing his eyes. "No need to drag humans into this and personally I've prefer to go about my business with little trouble today."
"So you just...approached us not wanting to stop trouble."
"I figured if you initated the conversation you'd attack first and talk later," Hiroyuki said.
Larel started to respond to that but as he thought about it he realized he actually had a point, he almost drew his sword on him just now.
"Anyway within this village I'd like a truce," Hiroyuki said before holding his hand out. "I'll put up with your....existence you put up with mine."
Larel stared at his hand then glanced at Hotaru, his eyes moving back to the hand before he reached out and shook it, giving his hand a bit of a squeeze before releasing it.
"Fine...the moment we step out though you're a target again and I will kill you this time," Larel said.
Hiroyuki shrugged and held his hand out toward Hotaru since it applied to her as well.
"We don't have to like each other to not stab each other in the back, you ignore me I'll ignore you, it's that simple."
Alari nodded as Mera spoke crossing his arms as he saw the poster, he expected to see posters eventually but he figured they had at least a few more towns. Seeing them this far down he decided to scout the area when he had a free moment, he was glad Mera was watching for who could have possibly put it up as well.
Between Mera's wanted poster, Larel's and with how things normally turn out Hotaru's they were going to have plenty of business in the north, at the very least they could avoid a few problems by sticking to the shadows and avoiding anything that would turn eyes towards them.
When he heard she found a way to get rid of Sybil Alari smiled glad to hear little bit of good news, after all the bad it was nice to be able to address one of the issues in their company.
"Good to hear news like that and so long as we don't draw attention to ourselves the north shouldn't be-"
Alari cut himself off as he heard Mera mention who they would have to meet to fix the Sybil problem.
"The shogun...the one with that fixation on you?" Alari questioned adjusting his glasses. "Hmm I wonder if Hotaru could get used to Sybil."
Alari waved his hand in front of his face indicating he didn't meant that sincerely.
"Sorry that was an ill-attempt at humor. I suppose I should ask what exactly we'd have to do towards the Shogun. Larel's first go to is to kill generally so I hope it's not that."
He knew it was a silly thought though and promptly put it aside, he started to look in the direction Mera and Alari were but Hotaru spoke to him drawing his attention to her causing him to miss them.
He blinked a few times hearing her ask about the north and Larel brought a hand to his chin thinking for a moment, there were so many things up north he didn't know where to start but a few things stood out to him immediately.
"Up north there are huge areas that served as battlefields. You can still see the old tattered banners at some of them, I'll show you one of the battles I fought in if we pass any. There are these huge buildings with at least eight levels and on each floor there are performers, some dancing, some singing I think I visited it once and they called it Kabuki...it's..strangely entertaining. Oh there's plenty of places with hot springs, hundreds of places to get food and the kind they serve seems as if it wasn't fit for mortal consumption. Oh and then there's castles, dozens of them scattered across the area, hundreds in the land. If it's big and stands out it's probably in the north, still you'll see for yourself soon enough there's so much up there."
Larel grinned before turning his attention forward again crossing his arms over his chest as he found he had more to say about the north then he anticipated.
"I haven't been there in so long," Larel said. "To an extent it was my home, it's a good place to visit. Minus the people trying to kill me up there."
"Well it's a good thing you're just visiting there then."
Larel's whole body twitched and he immediately turned around as a voice spoke behind them, Larel's eyes met Hiroyuki's who stared at the two his eyes narrowed slightly.
Gritting his teeth Larel reached for his sword but Hiroyuki held a hand up and motioned towards the people nearby who glanced over at the three.
"Just a misunderstanding," Hiryouki said smiling at the few passerby's.
A few of the people looked at one another and with a shrug turned and walked away, Larel's hand rested on his hilt but as he watched the people walk away his hand slowly lowered from it.
"Where did you come from?" Larel asked stepping toward him. "I didn't even feel you coming, not even Zenmaru did."
"A lesson I learned from Nii-sama, one of the things he taught me when he showed me how to use a sword. Though I haven't perfected it to the point he has," Hiryouki said. "Where I came from isn't important but it seems we're going the same way."
Larel wasn't sure what to think about this situation, the last time they met Hiryouki he tried to kill them for being youkai even though Larel technically wasn't one, now he was just conversing with them not an ounce of malicious intent coming from him.
"I won't start a fight with you with all the peaceful people around," Hiryouki said closing his eyes. "No need to drag humans into this and personally I've prefer to go about my business with little trouble today."
"So you just...approached us not wanting to stop trouble."
"I figured if you initated the conversation you'd attack first and talk later," Hiroyuki said.
Larel started to respond to that but as he thought about it he realized he actually had a point, he almost drew his sword on him just now.
"Anyway within this village I'd like a truce," Hiroyuki said before holding his hand out. "I'll put up with your....existence you put up with mine."
Larel stared at his hand then glanced at Hotaru, his eyes moving back to the hand before he reached out and shook it, giving his hand a bit of a squeeze before releasing it.
"Fine...the moment we step out though you're a target again and I will kill you this time," Larel said.
Hiroyuki shrugged and held his hand out toward Hotaru since it applied to her as well.
"We don't have to like each other to not stab each other in the back, you ignore me I'll ignore you, it's that simple."
Alari nodded as Mera spoke crossing his arms as he saw the poster, he expected to see posters eventually but he figured they had at least a few more towns. Seeing them this far down he decided to scout the area when he had a free moment, he was glad Mera was watching for who could have possibly put it up as well.
Between Mera's wanted poster, Larel's and with how things normally turn out Hotaru's they were going to have plenty of business in the north, at the very least they could avoid a few problems by sticking to the shadows and avoiding anything that would turn eyes towards them.
When he heard she found a way to get rid of Sybil Alari smiled glad to hear little bit of good news, after all the bad it was nice to be able to address one of the issues in their company.
"Good to hear news like that and so long as we don't draw attention to ourselves the north shouldn't be-"
Alari cut himself off as he heard Mera mention who they would have to meet to fix the Sybil problem.
"The shogun...the one with that fixation on you?" Alari questioned adjusting his glasses. "Hmm I wonder if Hotaru could get used to Sybil."
Alari waved his hand in front of his face indicating he didn't meant that sincerely.
"Sorry that was an ill-attempt at humor. I suppose I should ask what exactly we'd have to do towards the Shogun. Larel's first go to is to kill generally so I hope it's not that."
Ah school resumes tomorrow, my little brother was dreading it earlier.
Hahaha well after everything I'd say you earned a bit of a break, at the very least you didn't do it in the morning before leaving that's extreme last minute procrastination.
Hahaha well after everything I'd say you earned a bit of a break, at the very least you didn't do it in the morning before leaving that's extreme last minute procrastination.
Larel shook his head slightly looking over at Hotaru as she apologized, he couldn't really blame her for the comment even he was aware that there was drama between them that probably flared a bit too often.
Which he consider strange since he had never thought about it before, though he's never really had an outside audience before, Mera and Hotaru were always there to see it so on occasion he wondered if he was causing them discomfort in their constant back and forth.
Larel stared at the empty bowls in front of him extremely tempted at the offer of dango, however he felt he'd just be avoiding Alari which wasn't the right option at the moment so he decided to just suck it up.
"It's all right," Larel said lifting his head. "I'd just feel like I'm avoiding him if we stayed here. Don't worry about the comment either I may have deserve that one a little."
Larel picked up his sword and attached it to his back before putting all the bowls together in one stack, once he finished he stood up and brushed off his bottom.
"Lately I've been questioning why I hate that man so much. I used to not think about it, I figured if something felt wrong about him to just go with that, listen to my instinct. Recently though I've been questioning it, wondering why every time I see his face I want to punch it in."
Larel didn't realize it himself but Alari had explained the reasons for this long before at the campfire, aside from the fact Alari kept secrets from him that kept him confused, Larel had trouble understanding anything beyond the surface of his own emotions. Thus his hate for Alari was just that...hate, he couldn't fathom the reason because of the way he was. Just like Hotaru was his friend and that was it, Mera was his master and that was it, even if he felt something deeper he couldn't understand it.
Thanks to this Alari didn't need to do anything for Larel not to understand he just had to say nothing, it was an infinite conundrum and one Larel wasn't going to answer.
"Oh well let's go ahead and head back," he said shrugging.
Digging in his sleeve he handed the coins to the waitress before motioning towards the door.
Alari entered the inn his mood improved compared to before, Larel of all people had given him a compliment he couldn't deny he was a tad proud of his progress if he could squeeze one of those out.
He truly owed Mera and Hotaru and he hoped one day he would be able to repay that kindness in full, for the time being he would keep an eye on things and prevent as many circumstances as he could on their end that could hinder their troubles.
Though that would be easier if his echo would return, he had cut off all channels of magic in his body so aside from his own instinct he couldn't sense people a certain distance from him.
Anyone close was an exception but at a certain distance he couldn't feel presence, it was slowly returning but gaining it back was a bit more difficult since he was trying to read the life force of all living things and...well there was a plethora of living things.
Thankfully he didn't need his echo to see Mera who was right in front of him, he smiled a little noticing her but his eyes narrowed slightly seeing she was distracted by something, he watched her rub the bridge of her nose and brought a hand to his chin.
His options were extremely clear, the first option was to surprise her with a possible public display of affection, but he didn't have the courage to do that seeing as he couldn't touch her for an extended period without feeling lightheaded also there was a good chance of pain following.
The second option was to call at her from a distance but he wasn't sure if she'd hear him so he went with option three instead.
"Hey Mera," Alari said giving her a small pat on the shoulder as he walked next to her. "You seem distracted is everything alright?"
Alari adjusted his glasses and moved his hands in his sleeves before speaking again.
"Were you able to find any work?"
Hiroyuki rested his hand on his sword as he walked through the small fishing village, stopping at a vendor he handed him a few coins before taking some grilled eel from him, walking along he bit into it surprised at it's toughness but he couldn't deny it's delicious flavor.
He had lost track of his companions and ended up wandering here, Neria had run off somewhere and their strange floating companion had vanished. Neria said she would return once she finished her business and to go on ahead, and their masked companion said the same.
Wandering around now he was reminded how lonely it was traveling on one's own, though he didn't want to stand still either and he decided to take an alternate way to their destination and go by boat, it had been a long time since he had been on one, though he decided to wait a day before moving on so his companions could catch up.
"I wonder what Nii-sama's up too," Hiryouki said lowering his gaze slightly.
Much as he wanted too he couldn't get past Alari protecting Hotaru and Larel, the two of them were youkai...evil creatures, the whole thing seemed wrong to him but he shook his head putting that aside since now wasn't the time for such thoughts.
Which he consider strange since he had never thought about it before, though he's never really had an outside audience before, Mera and Hotaru were always there to see it so on occasion he wondered if he was causing them discomfort in their constant back and forth.
Larel stared at the empty bowls in front of him extremely tempted at the offer of dango, however he felt he'd just be avoiding Alari which wasn't the right option at the moment so he decided to just suck it up.
"It's all right," Larel said lifting his head. "I'd just feel like I'm avoiding him if we stayed here. Don't worry about the comment either I may have deserve that one a little."
Larel picked up his sword and attached it to his back before putting all the bowls together in one stack, once he finished he stood up and brushed off his bottom.
"Lately I've been questioning why I hate that man so much. I used to not think about it, I figured if something felt wrong about him to just go with that, listen to my instinct. Recently though I've been questioning it, wondering why every time I see his face I want to punch it in."
Larel didn't realize it himself but Alari had explained the reasons for this long before at the campfire, aside from the fact Alari kept secrets from him that kept him confused, Larel had trouble understanding anything beyond the surface of his own emotions. Thus his hate for Alari was just that...hate, he couldn't fathom the reason because of the way he was. Just like Hotaru was his friend and that was it, Mera was his master and that was it, even if he felt something deeper he couldn't understand it.
Thanks to this Alari didn't need to do anything for Larel not to understand he just had to say nothing, it was an infinite conundrum and one Larel wasn't going to answer.
"Oh well let's go ahead and head back," he said shrugging.
Digging in his sleeve he handed the coins to the waitress before motioning towards the door.
Alari entered the inn his mood improved compared to before, Larel of all people had given him a compliment he couldn't deny he was a tad proud of his progress if he could squeeze one of those out.
He truly owed Mera and Hotaru and he hoped one day he would be able to repay that kindness in full, for the time being he would keep an eye on things and prevent as many circumstances as he could on their end that could hinder their troubles.
Though that would be easier if his echo would return, he had cut off all channels of magic in his body so aside from his own instinct he couldn't sense people a certain distance from him.
Anyone close was an exception but at a certain distance he couldn't feel presence, it was slowly returning but gaining it back was a bit more difficult since he was trying to read the life force of all living things and...well there was a plethora of living things.
Thankfully he didn't need his echo to see Mera who was right in front of him, he smiled a little noticing her but his eyes narrowed slightly seeing she was distracted by something, he watched her rub the bridge of her nose and brought a hand to his chin.
His options were extremely clear, the first option was to surprise her with a possible public display of affection, but he didn't have the courage to do that seeing as he couldn't touch her for an extended period without feeling lightheaded also there was a good chance of pain following.
The second option was to call at her from a distance but he wasn't sure if she'd hear him so he went with option three instead.
"Hey Mera," Alari said giving her a small pat on the shoulder as he walked next to her. "You seem distracted is everything alright?"
Alari adjusted his glasses and moved his hands in his sleeves before speaking again.
"Were you able to find any work?"
Hiroyuki rested his hand on his sword as he walked through the small fishing village, stopping at a vendor he handed him a few coins before taking some grilled eel from him, walking along he bit into it surprised at it's toughness but he couldn't deny it's delicious flavor.
He had lost track of his companions and ended up wandering here, Neria had run off somewhere and their strange floating companion had vanished. Neria said she would return once she finished her business and to go on ahead, and their masked companion said the same.
Wandering around now he was reminded how lonely it was traveling on one's own, though he didn't want to stand still either and he decided to take an alternate way to their destination and go by boat, it had been a long time since he had been on one, though he decided to wait a day before moving on so his companions could catch up.
"I wonder what Nii-sama's up too," Hiryouki said lowering his gaze slightly.
Much as he wanted too he couldn't get past Alari protecting Hotaru and Larel, the two of them were youkai...evil creatures, the whole thing seemed wrong to him but he shook his head putting that aside since now wasn't the time for such thoughts.
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