Mizos

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Zenmaru nodded in agreement bringing a hand to her chin at Sybil's technique, it was straightforward but it got the job done and the best part was those who didn't listen couldn't really complain later when they were forced to suffer for their transgressions. She looked over at Mera as she added in her opinion grinning at her, it was nice to come out and converse with a like mind. Zenmaru took in a deep breath taking in the fresh air before looking over at Alari who seemed to be writing in the small notebook he kept on his person, pushing up his glasses he sighed shutting it and moving it back into his sleeve.

Larel wasn't sure what Mary meant until the bright light followed, he shut his eyes only to open them finding he was back in his own body, he brought a hand to his head feeling it pounding but he glanced over at Hotaru. Seeing she was back out he let out a content sigh and stood up though he stumbled a little holding his arms out to steady himself. Seeing Mera look over at him he raised his hand to show he was okay before squeezing the bridge of his nose. Taking in a deep breath he seemed to regain himself and his attention moved over to Alari, when their eyes met Alari moved his hands into his sleeves expecting some kind of random insult.
"What's the inner circle Alari?"
Alari's eyes widened slightly finding Larel ask a question instead, one he was both surprised he knew and wasn't too keen on answering.
"You protect the inner circle, what is it?"
"...Murio tell you that?" Alari questioned his face returning to normal.
"He told me a lot of things, you know my sister as well...she's called Negal isn't she?"
Alari's eyes narrowed slightly but he closed his eyes not offering a response, Larel glared at him before shaking his head.
"...fine...you don't have to tell me now, I have a headache anyway but we will talk about it later."
Turning Larel made his way back over to Mera and Hotaru ready to continue north, Murio had shared a few things with him and for once he knew things Alari didn't, or at least he knew but didn't know Larel's knowledge on them at least. He was going to use this opportunity to get some real answers from the man.
"Mary."
Larel dug in his kimono and pulled out her flower, the one she gave Kaori before holding it out to her.
"...he told me to give this to you and say sorry," Larel said. "He seemed intent on protecting it."

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Mera's touch brought Alari more comfort then he could put into words, he gave a small nod to her words offering a smile to show he was a little better at least. His eyes moved to where Murio used to reside and his eyes narrowed a little, there were so many unanswered questions and it bothered him, but it seemed Larel had most of the answers. His eyes moved back to the sleeping Larel only to see Zenmaru stretch a bit a small yawn escaping from her, he sighed a bit crossing his arms under his chest as he watched her. He definitely couldn't show weakness in front of Zenmaru though her sideways glanced showed she had seen the comfort Mera had offered him, though for some reason she chose not to comment on the matter.
"What did you want from all this..." Alari mumbled before shaking his head.
Zenmaru meanwhile rested on the back of her hands, she glanced over at Sybil seeing the two of them were out and offered a small grin before respond to her.
"None that haven't been interrupted due to unfortunate circumstances," Zenmaru said. "I have to say I enjoy your work, made things a little more interesting around here. When Mary got kidnapped, that was fantastic the look on their faces hahaha, that was the greatest."
Zenmaru laughed a little before letting out a relieved sigh and staring up at the sky.
"No matter how many times I whisper for that boy to kill the ones he cares about he just won't listen, I'm just looking out for him."
"I might need to increase the power of the seal," Alari said bringing a hand to his face.
"By the way I always wanted to ask your opinion, do you find it more fun to kill them yourselves after they've suffered, or let them suffer and kill themselves, I love the latter personally, Anata never answers me when I ask."
Alari kept his hand over his face a long sigh escaping from him.

Larel glanced over at Mary hearing her comment on Hotaru's subconscious, he didn't wholly understand but he nodded to show he at the very least was listening. When Hotaru spoke he kept his attention on her remaining still as she reached up to touch him, his eyes lowered a little but not out of angry or worry, more concern then anything as she checked to make sure he was really here. Once it seemed she knew he was alive he smiled at her words. He was glad he was dear to Hotaru at the very least, she was dear to him as well but he didn't feel right speaking at the moment so he just remained quiet. His attention moved over to the small glimpse of her parents causing him to missed Hotaru's approach, when she hugged him his eyes widened a little and his arms went out slightly.
He glanced over at her not wholly sure what he should do right now, but as she spoke to him his expression softened a bit and he lowered his arms a bit.
"Hotaru..."
He went to return the hug but she pulled away before he could wrap his arms around her, hearing her stammered speech he chuckled a little, he wasn't used to seeing Hotaru so nervous.
"Don't worry about it, friends hug each other I didn't mind," he said resting his hands on his lap.
When Mary spoke Larel glanced over at her nodding in agreement, hearing Hotaru wasn't sure how to do so his shoulder drooped a bit.
"I hope you have an answer to that," Larel said ruffling his hair. "With Zenmaru I just wake up. Could we wake her up with a loud noise or something..."

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Oh...thank Labor day weekend.
The kind of chaos that followed the last few weeks, I'm back now.

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Larel shared a bit of Mary's skepticism seeing Sybil being so willing, he didn't like the reason she was cooperating but he wasn't going to look past the fact this would make it easier to help Hotaru. Larel stared at Sybil for a moment as she made a mention of some kind of link, he arched a brow before noticing her motion to Mera and Alari. He arched a brow not understanding what she was getting at, his eyes glanced to the right as Zenmaru spoke to him and his eyes slowly widened as she happily explained the meaning behind those words, Larel glared at Alari who had turned his head at the mention scratching the side of his cheek.
"I can sense your impure thoughts Wisdom," Larel said glaring at him.
"No such thoughts inhabit my mind Larel," Alari said pushing his glasses up. "Right now."
"Right now!"
"My attempt at humor Larel," Alari said looking over at him. "Go help Hotaru, Mary's ready."
"Oh fair enough then."
"...really that's it, no insult thrown in my direction, no threat to chop off something, just casual acceptance."
"...yeah your right what's wrong with me, I'll kill you if you touch Mera-sama you freak of nature."
"There we go," Alari said smiling at him. "Good luck."
Larel sat on the ground at and though his eyes twitched seeing her hand near him he made no attempt to move, closing his eyes and allowing Zenmaru to come forth as he lost consciousness.
"You needn't worry Mera, I would take no such action without due consent first," Alari said looking over at her. "Hmm humor isn't my strength...he always handled it."
Alari sighed and removed his glasses, with Larel unconscious he let his red eyes come forth, without the mirage of his glasses it was easier to see the mess of emotions behind them, though he kept himself maintained before placing them back on his face.
"That's unlike me...please excuse my attitude. One thing at time."

Within the darkened area Larel felt a chill run through him slightly, endless darkness all around them wasn't a comforting feeling. It made him feel like he was slipping into slumber in his own mind, but he was awake to witness the endless darkness. He wondered if this is what Zenmaru was surrounded by since she stayed awake when they changed, he shook his head knowing he couldn't focus on that especially when Hotaru came into sight. He sped up a little bit wanting to close the distance between them quickly but when Mary spoke to her he slowed down not wanting to spook her either, she did just watch him get beheaded after all.
"Hotaru...it's me..." Larel said walking over to her.
His eyes moved to the blood around them for a moment but he put it aside, he reached a hand forward hesitant for a moment since she seemed so fragile right now, and the look on her face worried him. He eventually lowered his hand placing it on her shoulder before speaking again, leaning forward a bit so she could see him more clearly.
"I'm still alive, it was a trick by that guy," Larel said nodding. "See neck is fine and everything."
He pulled down his shirt and everything to show he was fine.
"So come back out okay, I'd rather not have a conversation with Sybil."

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Larel dismissed the darkness around his hand and crossed his arms before shutting his eyes, he didn't have the patience for Sybil right now, if she wasn't going to start attacking things then he was going to take a second to try and calm down. If Hotaru was unconscious then they just had to wake her up, he knew from experience yelling at Sybil wasn't going to bring anyone back, he blacked out a few times himself and always woke up without knowledge of what happened.
"He behead me...that was a bit much," Larel said sighing. "I could care less what you think Sybil, you want me to prove I'm real then get out of Hotaru, I'll happily show you."
"Larel calm down," Alari said pushing up his glasses. "Turning hurt to anger solves nothing."
Larel glared at Alari but turned his head from the man, he hated when he was right especially in situations like this. He knew Alari was hurting as well, much as he liked to keep that face on even he could see it in his eyes, that didn't stop him from acting like he usually did which only irritated him further.

Alari looked over hearing Mary's voice and his eyes widened seeing her, his hands clenched and he shut his eyes to regain his composure the last person he wanted to see this was Mary. His body seemed to relax slightly and he opened his eyes listening to her. He was glad she was here to help Hotaru, getting her back out was important and resolving this matter quickly. Letting Hotaru think Larel was dead wasn't good for anyone and looking over at Larel he seemed to agree as he nodded to Mary.
"Sure I'll do anything, just lead me as need be," Larel said.
Hearing Mary's voice Alari brought a hand to his mouth turning his head slightly, his eyelids lowered a little as it was hard to miss and he tried not to let the thoughts consume his own thoughts, he'd let it all out later right now they needed to help Hotaru.
Larel reached up and pat his kimono, where he had moved the flower, looking at Mary he felt now didn't seem the right time to deliver the message so he lowered his hand and took a step forward.
"Ready whenever you are."

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Alari was forced back to reality seeing Hotaru move, immediately seeing the change. He stood up wanting to stop her, he needed answers, he needed to know why Kaori had done all of this, he wasn't about to let him die without answers to every single one of his questions. He reacted to late however and Murio made no attempt to move out of the way. His hand reached into his kimono and he pulled the flower out as he noticed Sybil get closer to him, but when Mary's voice echoed in his mind his eyes widened and perhaps for the first time since he had taken this form a small smile formed on Murio's face.
"Strong as always...no wonder I fell in love with you."
The claws pierced his chest and his body fell back as blood spurted out of his mouth, he shut his eyes as he felt the life slowly leave his body, waiting for death to full embrace him. However before he could sleep into endless dark slumber his body was pulled back by an unknown force and he hit the ground, in the next moment seven silver swords fell from the sky and stabbed into his torso causing his eyes to widen as immense pain filled his being.
"Sorry to finish off your kill."
A low feminine voice echoed through the field but no presence showed itself, Alari could sense someone nearby though and he knew that voice, it was one of the commanders, a nasty one at that.
"Murio died as a traitor just what he deserves. Guess this means you lose Alari Wisdom...leave the rest to us."
In the next moment the presence faded and the swords disappeared, Alari looked down at Murio's body and to his surprise saw a faint smile on his face, but he pushed that aside turning to check on Hotaru since Sybil took control.
This was extremely bad, Larel was dead and Sybil was out in Hotaru's body of all things, he didn't like where this was going.

"Kaori!"
Alari's eyes widened as a force slammed into the field, throwing up petals in the process until they surrounded the young man whose attention immediately moved to the body of Murio. His eyes let off a bright glow as he grit his teeth seeing the scene before him.
"...L-Larel!"
Larel stood in the field a purple glow surrounding his body, his head still somehow attached to his shoulders, Alari felt an immense amount of relief fill him but it was quickly replaced with confusion as Larel ran over to the body.
"Damn it," Larel said reaching his hand forward. "I got here too late."
"Larel...how are you still alive? Murio didn't kill you?"
"Kaori just tied me up and hid me nearby with some weird magic. Told me he was going to fake my death to save me...said he needed to do something to fix the mess he caused...that idiot told me his punishment would be his death at the hands of a friend. I told him he didn't need to go that far but he told me why he needed to do it, he said it was necessary to save me from his actions, guess that Kabuki theater really did pay off..."
Larel knelt down and picked Mary's flower up which by some miracle had survived being harmed by the amount of torment his body had endured, almost as if he had protected it.
"He told me to apologize to Mary and give her flower back too," Larel said before his gaze moved over to Hotaru taking note of Sybil's control, he flexed his free hand causing black darkness to circle around his hand. "You got some horrible timing, and I'm in no mood for you, go away Sybil."
Kaori's body burst into small bits of yellow energy filling the area with a small glow as all evidence of his existence faded from the world, but at Mary's request he didn't erase himself from the minds of his fellow companions, though his name among other things left the world leaving only a blank spot where his name once was.
Alari could feel it, Murio's body was gone, if it wasn't for the memories in his own head he wouldn't believe a body was ever here...what a sad existence, what a horrible power, these thoughts ran through his head as he stared where his body used to be.

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Goodness mercy, good luck with all of that. I understand if I don't hear anything for a bit, take your time.

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Alari glanced back at Mera hearing her mutter something and looked in the direction her attention had moved too, his eyes narrowed a little as he was pretty sure that was a bad sign. Mera mentioned Mary might be coming this way, getting her pulled into this was bad they need to rescue Larel and find out what happened to Kaori quickly. His eyes moved over to Hotaru as she went to respond to the question, Alari tried to sense Larel but nothing returned no matter how many times he echoed and he could see Murio's eyes moving over to him each time he tried, but he didn't comment or end Larel. He grit his teeth as he was positive he was only doing it to let him know he was aware what he was doing, but he put that aside his gaze moving to Larel who was watching the scene with a glare. There wasn't a hint of fear in his eyes, that made Alari happy strange enough since that meant he believed in Hotaru to a point where he didn't doubt he'd be set free.

Murio listened to Hotaru's answer nodding a few times before lowering his hand and bringing it to his chin, the man lowered their sword placing it back at Larel's neck but he was no longer in a position to remove it with one movement. Murio's eyes moved to Mera catching her words, his eyes let off a small yellow glow but he showed no change in emotion at the information turning his gaze back to Hotaru to address her.
"Good answer, I like it," Murio said. "That's more than satisfactory for me."
Murio nodded a few times before looking back at Mera moving his hands back into his sleeves.
"I prepared for that Mera-san, that's why I've been erasing Kaori from your minds. She will remember Kaori as her friend, not a traitor who turned his back on his friends. I will erase him from your minds in a moment."
"Are you going to return Larel now and where is Kaori?"
"I will return Larel to you," Murio said nodding. "Please indulge me for a moment though. I will die soon so I wanted to make something clear, I enjoy you four. I've lived a long time, watched civilizations fall, corruption consume honest men, hell I've caused some of it myself...but you all endure so much hardship and keep moving forward. Hotaru you had your humanity taken from you, Alari you endure countless deaths and obstacles for someone who hates you so much, Mera-san you've gone through so much, from the alchemists, to your own family...yet you just keep moving. Larel endures Zenmaru's constant manipulation. You four are the closest thing to true 'Hope' I've seen in millennia. You shine so brightly it's actually blinding. I like that, I've lived a thousand lives and never met people like you."
"...A thousand lives?" Alari questioned.
"Indeed I suppose you could say I'm the opposite of Larel, while he has two souls in one body, I have one soul and multiple bodies."
Murio's eyes glowed and he took on Kaori's shape before shutting his eyes.
"Kaori is merely one of my forms, by using this alteration I can make myself not exist whenever I please. However Kaori must die, just as all the other me's have."
Murio returned to his normal form before raising his hand causing his guards to remove their blades from Larel's neck.
"You all shine as a light within the darkness of this world, a world I hate with every fiber of my being, every living thing, everything that exists in it...except for seven people. Seven exact people, seven souls who offered me entertainment. Mera-san, Hotaru, Alari, Larel,
Eryn, Raina...Mary-chan...thank you all for such pleasant memories. I'll admit I'm sad we couldn't spend more time together."

Murio tapped the side of his head with his finger and in a swift movement, one that was almost missed one of the men cut Larel's head off in one clean stroke, there was no warning, no notice, it was quick and simple and having to watch it made Alari's stomach churn and an intense pain hit his chest as he realized what just happened.
"My job unfortunately...comes before my emotions."
"LAREL!!!!"
Alari screamed towards the heavens as the creatures vanished and Larel's now headless form laid still on the ground, Alari felt everything in his body almost shut down, he fell to his knees his mouth agape trying to form some manner of word, some mumbling but nothing came.
Murio held both his arms out and shut his eyes turning fully towards the group.
"Feel free to make it painful and slow, if you don't they will," Murio said before going silent. "I'm not human so make sure to hit me multiple times, if you wish me dead."
Alari stared wide eyed at the ground his whole body shaking, what he just saw seemed to be too much for him, what bravado, what will he had left his body and he just stared at the ground in silence unable to come back to reality.
The harsh reality that Larel was now dead.

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

The internet's been integrated into most classes, even mine have some involvement. At the very least the help is there to catch them up.

Also sorry for the long wait, college started and it was hectic for a bit but it's calmed down now so I've returned.

[Mizos]The Tides of The Past[SanaChan][Take Two]

Alari nodded at Hotaru's words though he didn't like where all this was coming from, he admitted he was a tad biased about the matter, having things that speak in one's head suddenly come out and try to take over never sounded good to him. However for the time being he put that aside wanting to just reach Murio and retrieve Larel. The force almost forced him to his knees when they reached the field and when Murio came in sight he felt his stomach churn a bit but he kept forward only stopping when Murio's gaze moved over to them.
"I don't see Larel so let's not act too rashly, let's at least figure out where he is," Alari whispered to the two.
For a moment Murio just stared at the group but after a brief second he made a slight motion with his hand and caused the seal to vanish, the pressure to subside and made all the particles to vanish in the blink of an eye. It was replaced with a large blue dome that surrounded the town.
"Good to see you again," Murio said turning to face them. "Excuse the magic, I made sure to put all the humans to sleep, no need for us to be interrupted and innocent lives lost right?"
Alari's eyes narrowed at Murio but he ignored it and moved his hands in his sleeves.
"The barrier will keep humans from interrupting us, sadly it won't keep out anything else, thus-"
"Where's Larel?" Alari asked.
"...impatient," Murio said sighing. "Klivai"
The moment Murio spoke the words a large blue orb floated above them in the sky, for a moment it was hazy but after a few seconds it cleared and Larel appeared in it, his hands were tied behind his back and two large men had two blades touching his neck as they stood on each side of him. Larel grit his teeth but raised his head a little to see everyone.
"Hotaru, Mera-sama!" He exclaimed trying to stand but was immediately put back down by the men. "Damn it, get off me!"
"Larel!" Alari exclaimed deciding to ignore that he wasn't mentioned. "Hold on!"
"I'm using the same sorcery I used to keep myself hidden from you all so you're not going to find him I'll make that clear now, and I made sure not to put him anywhere near nature, just to be safe. Those men are my creations as well so I'll make this known, I will end his life. If I am harmed, they will kill him, if I die they will kill him, if I notice any manipulation I will end his life. So let's all be calm and civilized."
Alari closed his hands into fists but held back the words that almost poured forth, he could tell he was serious.

"My life is forfeit," Murio said shutting his eyes. "I will be killed by my own for not killing Larel immediately, so in the end I will die by your hand or my former comrades and they're on their way so we should hurry up, since if they attack me Larel will die even if you don't act. Oh and I'm watching you too Hotaru, if I see or pick up the slightest hint of Sybil's presence I'll kill him before she has time to act. I will not hesitate."
Making sure his point was made he turned towards the group and opened his eyes.
"Hotaru and only Hotaru will answer one question, their is no right answer. If she answers I'll give you Larel back and you can do what you want with me, I will not resist. If you don't answer I will kill Larel and you can still do what you want, avenge him do whatever as I said I'm dead anyway. I'll even answer your questions, such as the location of the deceased Kaori."
Alari didn't like this, it'd be different if he was trying to escape or had some sort of plan, but this Murio was a dead man no matter what happened, that made him especially dangerous, though he picked up something coming from his person.
"...wait...Murio that echo coming from you," Alari said.
Alari dug in his kimono and pulled out Mary's flower, Murio upon seeing it dug into his own and pulled out the same flower.
"You have the flower..." Alari said. "Is that how long you've been around...you've been watching us for that long. Mary only gave that to Kaori and me."
"...leave it to you to figure it out," Murio said lowering his eyelids slightly. "Indeed, I took the flower from Mary-chan. I was around during that time."
He promptly put the flower away and Alari did the same, something about the way he said that bothered him though, why did Murio keep the flower anyway, also why did he say Mary-chan? He called them all by their names normally.
"Once you answer the question I intend on erasing Kaori from your minds wholly, it will be painless, all evidence he was around will be gone. Minus the dolls of course...but you won't remember who made them. Now onto the question."
"...I don't want to forget him Murio."
"I don't care," Murio responded. "I used his existence so he has to be forgotten. Now Hotaru listen very closely because I will not repeat myself."
Murio removed his hands from his sleeves and extended his hand towards Hotaru, Larel closed one eye as the blades touched against his neck a bit more, which made it clear that her answer decided Larel's fate. Alari tried to reach Larel through their connection, through the curse but it was as if he didn't exist, Murio wasn't lying he made it so Larel almost didn't exist.
"What is 'Hope' to you?"
Alari went silent arching a brow at the question but Murio lowered his hand and watched her.
"Answer honestly," Murio said shutting his eyes again.
He raised his right hand up holding up two fingers, as he did one of the men raised his blade up as the other kept it on Larel.