Uh, strict with the kids, distant with his wife, cruel to his slaves, and the guy at the rich guy parties that everyone thinks is the best guy they've ever met and want to get on his good side. And he stopped spanking them after like, age 8, since Pops took to disciplining them himself after he started his decline into the madness that killed him. As for look, meh, classic rich a-hole?
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It is 7:50 PM here right now. :P
Kukukukuku
Amano listens politely to all the courses Illiendi has planned and a part of him hums happily at the idea of such good food, while another part hopes he'll be able to eat it all. 'Good, only a little wine. Perhaps I should bring it up later. . .' He cocks his head slightly to the side, wondering what drink he'd want with such a rich sounding dessert. As he thinks he spots Illiendi glancing at his brothers and fights to keep from chuckling at the looks on their faces. Finally with a faint nod he makes his decision. “With my dessert I would like some hot amowa tea with a teaspoon on honey. Thank you Illiendi.” He suppresses a shiver at the feeling of his mother practically melting at his side, the glares from his brothers poorly hidden behind their wine glasses.
“That would be delightful.” his mother murmurs softly as the new servant's gaze turns to the young men on the other side of the table. Amano focuses on the meal before him, taking in the smell with a long inhale, his smile shifting slightly as he realizes how hungry he is. 'I have not really eaten today, so this will be a real treat' He doesn't even look to his brothers as the demon leaves, instead focuses on the dish in front of him. He keeps his pose as he begins eating slowly, savoring each bite. He lets the flavors dance around him mouth, his smile remaining small and polite as he munches on that delicious meal before him. After a few bites of her own meal however, his mother's attention once more turns to Amano.
“So,” she begins, “even if you are hoping to discuss this later with you father, perhaps you could tell you poor mother about these sudden plans to leave you family?” Though posed as a question, it is clear that she expects and answer and will not let him rest until she gets one.
Taking his time finishing off the mouthful he has, Amano begins putting together what will hopefully be a good enough answer to get his mother off his back, but also keep from turning his shins black and blue by the end of the meal. 'I have to tell her just enough to have her curious to hear it all from father, without telling her so much that she will demand to hear the rest from me right here. And I know Tawney and Burtis are just waiting for something that they can laugh at and tell me I'm going to fail. I have to get them to laugh, or I'm not walking very strait away from this table' Swallowing, he wipes his mouth off and sets his fork down. He can feel a little tingle as Illiendi exits the kitchen, however he does not pay him any mind, his focus instead on getting his story strait.
“Mother, this is not as sudden as it seems. I have known for quite some time that I will never be able to make a name for myself in this family, not with my elder brothers to complete with. I have never had a head for the kind of work I could get in this town, and if I ever wish to do anything father can be proud of, I must find some place where my skills are worth something. I can only pray to find something worthy of my place in this household somewhere else.” He casts a sad gaze at his mother but inside he smiles wide. He brothers are already laughing at his rather pathetic tone, and his mother's eyes are beginning to tear slightly. Turning back to his meal he finishes the last few bites and downs the last of his drink. Despite his slight frame, Amano has always been able to eat quickly without looking hurried, the food seeming to vanish into one of his many metaphorical stomachs.
Sitting back to signal he is finished he waits for Illiendi to remove the empty dishes and fetch his second course. As the demon is walking away, both brothers watch him go before turning on Amano once more. “So, he's gonna to be your arm candy? Get you what you want by batting his eyes?” Burtis's voice is grating, however the youngest brother refuses to rise to it tonight. He's been hearing crap like this for years, he can hand it, or so he hopes. . . .
From the front hall there is a light jingle and all attention turns to the door. Only visitors and messengers use the bell. After several silent moments one of the butlers arrives carrying a small white envelope. “Madam Chesia.” He says with a bow, handing the letter to his mother. She takes it gently and opens it, reading the small note inside.
Letting out a long sigh she hands it back, signaling that he should throw it away. “You father shall not be back tonight. He and Erick have some business at one of the businesses at the edge of town and they will be staying the night there.” There is a note of sorrow in her voice and Amano's heart goes out to her. He knows what 'business' means as well as everyone else in the room, however his brothers look rather proud of the announcement, disregarding their mother's feeling openly. Amano shifts his attention back to the table as the butler walks out of the dinning hall, closing the door behind him.
“That would be delightful.” his mother murmurs softly as the new servant's gaze turns to the young men on the other side of the table. Amano focuses on the meal before him, taking in the smell with a long inhale, his smile shifting slightly as he realizes how hungry he is. 'I have not really eaten today, so this will be a real treat' He doesn't even look to his brothers as the demon leaves, instead focuses on the dish in front of him. He keeps his pose as he begins eating slowly, savoring each bite. He lets the flavors dance around him mouth, his smile remaining small and polite as he munches on that delicious meal before him. After a few bites of her own meal however, his mother's attention once more turns to Amano.
“So,” she begins, “even if you are hoping to discuss this later with you father, perhaps you could tell you poor mother about these sudden plans to leave you family?” Though posed as a question, it is clear that she expects and answer and will not let him rest until she gets one.
Taking his time finishing off the mouthful he has, Amano begins putting together what will hopefully be a good enough answer to get his mother off his back, but also keep from turning his shins black and blue by the end of the meal. 'I have to tell her just enough to have her curious to hear it all from father, without telling her so much that she will demand to hear the rest from me right here. And I know Tawney and Burtis are just waiting for something that they can laugh at and tell me I'm going to fail. I have to get them to laugh, or I'm not walking very strait away from this table' Swallowing, he wipes his mouth off and sets his fork down. He can feel a little tingle as Illiendi exits the kitchen, however he does not pay him any mind, his focus instead on getting his story strait.
“Mother, this is not as sudden as it seems. I have known for quite some time that I will never be able to make a name for myself in this family, not with my elder brothers to complete with. I have never had a head for the kind of work I could get in this town, and if I ever wish to do anything father can be proud of, I must find some place where my skills are worth something. I can only pray to find something worthy of my place in this household somewhere else.” He casts a sad gaze at his mother but inside he smiles wide. He brothers are already laughing at his rather pathetic tone, and his mother's eyes are beginning to tear slightly. Turning back to his meal he finishes the last few bites and downs the last of his drink. Despite his slight frame, Amano has always been able to eat quickly without looking hurried, the food seeming to vanish into one of his many metaphorical stomachs.
Sitting back to signal he is finished he waits for Illiendi to remove the empty dishes and fetch his second course. As the demon is walking away, both brothers watch him go before turning on Amano once more. “So, he's gonna to be your arm candy? Get you what you want by batting his eyes?” Burtis's voice is grating, however the youngest brother refuses to rise to it tonight. He's been hearing crap like this for years, he can hand it, or so he hopes. . . .
From the front hall there is a light jingle and all attention turns to the door. Only visitors and messengers use the bell. After several silent moments one of the butlers arrives carrying a small white envelope. “Madam Chesia.” He says with a bow, handing the letter to his mother. She takes it gently and opens it, reading the small note inside.
Letting out a long sigh she hands it back, signaling that he should throw it away. “You father shall not be back tonight. He and Erick have some business at one of the businesses at the edge of town and they will be staying the night there.” There is a note of sorrow in her voice and Amano's heart goes out to her. He knows what 'business' means as well as everyone else in the room, however his brothers look rather proud of the announcement, disregarding their mother's feeling openly. Amano shifts his attention back to the table as the butler walks out of the dinning hall, closing the door behind him.
Having stopped beneath the trees a couple paces in front of the prince Rei had stopped and turned to show off his scar, and now as he waits, straitening his sleeve the best he can, he lets the faint breeze cool his body. Despite the light nature of the clothing he is wearing it is still difficult for his body to adjust to the loos fabric, his body heat trapped far more by them than the skin tight stuff he's grown use to wearing. He recalls wearing normal human clothing as he grew up, however even then it had always felt a little uncomfortable.
As his eyes come back up to the young man before him Rei blinks slowly, a bit confused by the look in his eyes. It is one he is not quite familiar with. 'It is almost as if there is nothing there to see, but it feels as if I am missing something' He tilts his head slightly to the side, unbeknownst to him making him look much like a curious puppy. His gaze snaps down at the movement of the prince's hand, but other than that he stays completely still, waiting to see what happens. Then the hand is atop his head, the firm yet gently feeling rather new to him. Not sure what to make of it he remains still, wondering what is meant by the action. 'I could ask him, but he seems so intent on something. I will ask later' When at last the silence breaks, a grin splitting his stoic expression from before, Rei listens quietly to what the young man has to say.
'He does not sound upset, but I am unsure if he is being. . .Sarcastic. I know many a noble who would be insulted to be spoken to thus, and as he put it, put in his place' However with the man's thanks in place he takes him at his word that he is truly grateful and falls into step beside him as they continue their trek. His eyes follow Alessandro's actions as he plucks a sprig and tucks it into his own hat. Rei stills for a moment, making the action easier for the young man to do, even as his mind wanders to wondering what it sounds like to hear the flower dying without any thanks being given to it. Many fae grow and pluck flowers, as the prince had, however for each one plucked a thanks is given to it to set it's energy to rest, allowing it to die peacefully. I is why the flowers around town are so beautiful after being plucked. The energy left behind brings peace to the one viewing them.
However, Rei has never understood such things, the flowers around his home never picked and just lazily swaying in the breeze. However, he feels the prince growing tense beside him and decides that perhaps he should say something. Looking up at the taller male he murmurs a soft, “Thanks.” Not sure if anything else would fit there, he turns his attention instead to their path. Eventually it opens up into a very beautiful field of grasses and flowers, around a happily babbling stream. As the prince once more asks for his opinion Rei moves through the grass wanting to get a better look at it all before responding and laying down his judgment. 'Not many have ever wanted my opinions on such things. Ask me the best way to get into a locked house or how to find one's way to a hidden cabin, and I have answers. I still have to observe the area, but I am unused to judging such things as beauty'
The simple answer in his head is that the place is indeed beautiful, however he is never one for such short simple answers, so he continues to look about, staring down into the water as the fish dart by. Casting out his senses he detects no one around other than the prince so slowly he pulls off his hat and bandanna, allowing the breeze to ruffle his slightly flattened hair. He runs his fingers through it gently, the fluffy fringe up front quickly springing back up into it's natural bushiness. Finally he looks to the prince and nods, “It is lovely, and peaceful. This feels much like the fields at the edge of my people's homelands, though it is clear that humans still tread here.” Moving to the edge of the stream he kneels down, dipping his hands in before wetting the back of his neck with them. The sun does not damage nor darken a fae's skin, however it will warm them uncomfortably if they are not careful.
As his eyes come back up to the young man before him Rei blinks slowly, a bit confused by the look in his eyes. It is one he is not quite familiar with. 'It is almost as if there is nothing there to see, but it feels as if I am missing something' He tilts his head slightly to the side, unbeknownst to him making him look much like a curious puppy. His gaze snaps down at the movement of the prince's hand, but other than that he stays completely still, waiting to see what happens. Then the hand is atop his head, the firm yet gently feeling rather new to him. Not sure what to make of it he remains still, wondering what is meant by the action. 'I could ask him, but he seems so intent on something. I will ask later' When at last the silence breaks, a grin splitting his stoic expression from before, Rei listens quietly to what the young man has to say.
'He does not sound upset, but I am unsure if he is being. . .Sarcastic. I know many a noble who would be insulted to be spoken to thus, and as he put it, put in his place' However with the man's thanks in place he takes him at his word that he is truly grateful and falls into step beside him as they continue their trek. His eyes follow Alessandro's actions as he plucks a sprig and tucks it into his own hat. Rei stills for a moment, making the action easier for the young man to do, even as his mind wanders to wondering what it sounds like to hear the flower dying without any thanks being given to it. Many fae grow and pluck flowers, as the prince had, however for each one plucked a thanks is given to it to set it's energy to rest, allowing it to die peacefully. I is why the flowers around town are so beautiful after being plucked. The energy left behind brings peace to the one viewing them.
However, Rei has never understood such things, the flowers around his home never picked and just lazily swaying in the breeze. However, he feels the prince growing tense beside him and decides that perhaps he should say something. Looking up at the taller male he murmurs a soft, “Thanks.” Not sure if anything else would fit there, he turns his attention instead to their path. Eventually it opens up into a very beautiful field of grasses and flowers, around a happily babbling stream. As the prince once more asks for his opinion Rei moves through the grass wanting to get a better look at it all before responding and laying down his judgment. 'Not many have ever wanted my opinions on such things. Ask me the best way to get into a locked house or how to find one's way to a hidden cabin, and I have answers. I still have to observe the area, but I am unused to judging such things as beauty'
The simple answer in his head is that the place is indeed beautiful, however he is never one for such short simple answers, so he continues to look about, staring down into the water as the fish dart by. Casting out his senses he detects no one around other than the prince so slowly he pulls off his hat and bandanna, allowing the breeze to ruffle his slightly flattened hair. He runs his fingers through it gently, the fluffy fringe up front quickly springing back up into it's natural bushiness. Finally he looks to the prince and nods, “It is lovely, and peaceful. This feels much like the fields at the edge of my people's homelands, though it is clear that humans still tread here.” Moving to the edge of the stream he kneels down, dipping his hands in before wetting the back of his neck with them. The sun does not damage nor darken a fae's skin, however it will warm them uncomfortably if they are not careful.
Mois knows the vampire slave rather well, having grown up with him, so he knows how much the breaking of another vampire in the household the way he was broken must be bothering him greatly. He does not intend to keep Joseph long, and as he takes a seat at the table, watching the head slave move over to the kitchen door, he decides if he can just get one question answered, then he will be able to sleep and let him get back to his chores. 'If I can just know that, at least for now, he's safe as one could expect, then I'll be good'
As he waits he toys idly with the corner of his sleeve before unbuttoning it entirely. Placing his suit jacket on the back of the chair he undoes the other cuff of his shirt and rolls them both up to his forearms. Unlike his brother Mois bares the marks of his job. The skin of his arms bare a smattering of small scars and a few decent sized ones from his job wrangling magicals. Looking at his right arm he sighs a bit at the bandage wrapped around a spot just bellow his elbow. One of the magicals had got in a good swing and clipped him with their claws. The wound was shallow, and the beast not poisonous so all it needed was some antibiotics and gauze, but he still berates himself silently that he even let it get that close.
He doesn't have long to get down on himself as Joseph walks back into the room with his meal. He thanks him softly and waits for him to take a seat before taking a bite and sipping some wine that had already been laid out before the two had walked in. Setting the glass down he stares at the table for a few long seconds before bringing his gaze up to Joseph and looking into his eyes. “I know you don't really want to talk about it, so I just have one question for you.” His gaze drops back down, unsure of how to go about asking, so instead he brings up what happened at work today. He explains about the new cells filled with youngsters who seem to have no idea what they are doing, and are throwing life away almost as if they mean nothing. With a long sigh he at last manages to ask his question. “Is he smart? Not, is he intelligent, but, is he not trying to attack Alexi while in his right mind? I would feel so much better if you could just tell me the truth about how he seems to you as far as my brother's safety is concerned. . .” He looks to Joseph patiently, but with clear worry behind his eyes.
~*~*~*~*~
Those fierce red eyes behind that polite, slightly humored tone makes the younger Vandros shiver once again, however he listens to the man's response carefully and does not let his own fantasies lead his mind astray. He keeps his smile small and polite in the face of the suffering the vampire is obviously experiencing as he nods lightly. “I am glad he treated you well, however I can take no real credit for his training.” His eyes flick to his made bed then to the rest of his clean room. “As the one who raised me, he has naturally adapted himself to my wants an whims over the years. Though before I took over he was far more loose with his tongue than he is now, I have little need to order him about as one would expect of a master to the head slave.”
He chuckles lightly for a moment, unable to hide his amusement. “Forgive me, I just recalled when he use to whup me when I pulled some prank or another on father. He always use to come by my room later with something to sooth the pain.” His smiles falls into something of deep fondness. “Yes, he was far more likely to act secretly on his own will back then, but then again, my father was a monster to the slaves. . .” His voice trails off, not liking the memories the thoughts of his father bring up. Instead he shakes his head before bowing slightly. “If you will excuse me, we can continue this conversation in a short while. I really must bath real quick.” With that he moves off to the bathroom and does indeed take a very short bath.
Coming back into the room with a towel on his head, his pants now on his legs rather than over his arm, Alexi sits on the edge of his bed closest to the vampire. Looking to his bedside table he flops over and picks up a little remote before sitting back up and scooting further on to his bed. Fiddling with it for a moment there is a faint grinding noise and he looks up to watch the chains on the wall getting a bit longer. He only extends them a couple feet, enough for the bound man to be able to walk around his bed but still short enough that even if he stretched out as far as he could with his foot he would be unable to reach Alexi's bed.
“I am supposing that you will soon have to have you chains shortened even further than before if I wish to keep my bedroom intact, so for now I'll give you some more room to wander around.” He tosses the remote on to his bed near the pillows before stretching slightly. “You have been polite, not trying anything dangerous, so I think a little extension is warranted.” His arms drop to his sides. “After your first does, I'll put it back to this length, assuming you'll be back to being civil by then. Once your mind is in place, you'll be free to roam more of my room, however the chains only go so far. Joseph removed anything, other than those heavy books, that can be used as something to harm me, so I do believe I will allow you free reign when you are in your right mind.” He knows that the vampire could very likely kill him with those books, however he also has come to the conclusion that he is not that foolish as to not only destroy one of the only forms of amusement while he's alone in the room, but to attempt to kill his captor thus earning him a one way ticket to death via over protective brother.
As he waits he toys idly with the corner of his sleeve before unbuttoning it entirely. Placing his suit jacket on the back of the chair he undoes the other cuff of his shirt and rolls them both up to his forearms. Unlike his brother Mois bares the marks of his job. The skin of his arms bare a smattering of small scars and a few decent sized ones from his job wrangling magicals. Looking at his right arm he sighs a bit at the bandage wrapped around a spot just bellow his elbow. One of the magicals had got in a good swing and clipped him with their claws. The wound was shallow, and the beast not poisonous so all it needed was some antibiotics and gauze, but he still berates himself silently that he even let it get that close.
He doesn't have long to get down on himself as Joseph walks back into the room with his meal. He thanks him softly and waits for him to take a seat before taking a bite and sipping some wine that had already been laid out before the two had walked in. Setting the glass down he stares at the table for a few long seconds before bringing his gaze up to Joseph and looking into his eyes. “I know you don't really want to talk about it, so I just have one question for you.” His gaze drops back down, unsure of how to go about asking, so instead he brings up what happened at work today. He explains about the new cells filled with youngsters who seem to have no idea what they are doing, and are throwing life away almost as if they mean nothing. With a long sigh he at last manages to ask his question. “Is he smart? Not, is he intelligent, but, is he not trying to attack Alexi while in his right mind? I would feel so much better if you could just tell me the truth about how he seems to you as far as my brother's safety is concerned. . .” He looks to Joseph patiently, but with clear worry behind his eyes.
~*~*~*~*~
Those fierce red eyes behind that polite, slightly humored tone makes the younger Vandros shiver once again, however he listens to the man's response carefully and does not let his own fantasies lead his mind astray. He keeps his smile small and polite in the face of the suffering the vampire is obviously experiencing as he nods lightly. “I am glad he treated you well, however I can take no real credit for his training.” His eyes flick to his made bed then to the rest of his clean room. “As the one who raised me, he has naturally adapted himself to my wants an whims over the years. Though before I took over he was far more loose with his tongue than he is now, I have little need to order him about as one would expect of a master to the head slave.”
He chuckles lightly for a moment, unable to hide his amusement. “Forgive me, I just recalled when he use to whup me when I pulled some prank or another on father. He always use to come by my room later with something to sooth the pain.” His smiles falls into something of deep fondness. “Yes, he was far more likely to act secretly on his own will back then, but then again, my father was a monster to the slaves. . .” His voice trails off, not liking the memories the thoughts of his father bring up. Instead he shakes his head before bowing slightly. “If you will excuse me, we can continue this conversation in a short while. I really must bath real quick.” With that he moves off to the bathroom and does indeed take a very short bath.
Coming back into the room with a towel on his head, his pants now on his legs rather than over his arm, Alexi sits on the edge of his bed closest to the vampire. Looking to his bedside table he flops over and picks up a little remote before sitting back up and scooting further on to his bed. Fiddling with it for a moment there is a faint grinding noise and he looks up to watch the chains on the wall getting a bit longer. He only extends them a couple feet, enough for the bound man to be able to walk around his bed but still short enough that even if he stretched out as far as he could with his foot he would be unable to reach Alexi's bed.
“I am supposing that you will soon have to have you chains shortened even further than before if I wish to keep my bedroom intact, so for now I'll give you some more room to wander around.” He tosses the remote on to his bed near the pillows before stretching slightly. “You have been polite, not trying anything dangerous, so I think a little extension is warranted.” His arms drop to his sides. “After your first does, I'll put it back to this length, assuming you'll be back to being civil by then. Once your mind is in place, you'll be free to roam more of my room, however the chains only go so far. Joseph removed anything, other than those heavy books, that can be used as something to harm me, so I do believe I will allow you free reign when you are in your right mind.” He knows that the vampire could very likely kill him with those books, however he also has come to the conclusion that he is not that foolish as to not only destroy one of the only forms of amusement while he's alone in the room, but to attempt to kill his captor thus earning him a one way ticket to death via over protective brother.
Kuro purrs once he is out of earshot of the angel and his finger flex. The feeling of his Little Mouse squirming under his touch had almost thrown aside his reason and made the demon take him right there, however Kuro is an absolute study in self control when it comes to getting what he wants. Up in heaven this would be hard to know, seeing how hard it was for him not to mouth off to just about everybody there, however back then, he wasn't really trying to accomplish something other than keeping himself amused while he waited for a chance to escape. However now, away from all those morons and with his goal within his grasp, he keeps his urges in check like a pro. . . At least when it comes to Aoba.
As he comes around the corner and spots his older brother pouting like the spoiled brat he is he does not hesitate to act out his first whim which is to walk up to the tumbling form and pin one of his wings to the dirt with a foot. Dani 'yipes' and falls still, looking up at his brother with big sad eyes, however Kuro knows his ploys and doesn't fall for it. 'When he's really sad about something, or scared for that matter, it's a little more obvious than the “Begging little puppy' eyes he's giving me' Taking his foot off the wing he watches as Dani rolls on to his feet, patting the lightly bruised spot gently. Deciding that he would try a little of Aoba's way, Kuro steps close to the smaller demon, a hard look in his eyes to keep Dani from fleeing. Bringing his hand up he soothes the bruised flesh and steps back without a word.
Dani had sorely wanted to snatch his wing away when Kuro moved in close, but now that his wing feels better all he can do is stare in confusion as his little brother crosses his arms and stares at him, that hard look still in his eyes. After a few seconds however Dani crosses his own arms to match and raises an eyebrow. Kuro rolls his eyes.”You are not to harm anything we name as a farm animal, you are not to attack any humans that come by, in any way, but you are free to take out your frustrations on the wild animals around here, and any demons that happen to come by.” As he speaks little sparks go from the finger that holds one end of the leash to the rig around Dani's wings and neck. The older brother whines and kicks at the ground a bit but falls silent as he feels the leach tugged gently. “If for any reason angelic beings stop by, you are not to harm them either, unless I give you to go ahead. You are not to come in the house or damage any property on this land.”
Dani plops down on the ground and growls. “Where am I suppose to sleep then, huh?” His eyes flash with purple fire and Kuro lets him fit a bit before continuing.
“There is fresh soft hay in the barn, you're free to sleep there if you like, other than that, I really don't care.” Dani is about to snap out a come back but stills, true fear coming to his gaze as he feels the band around his wings tightening significantly. He looks up at Kuro, the fear in his eyes doing nothing to move the taller demon. “You are allowed to town for feeding, no more than one human a week, and only after asking me. Any teleporting, or transmissions to father or the others, and poof, your wings are gone, get me? If a demon approaches this property, and you don't feel like attacking it, you are to warn me before they cross the border I made.”
He leans in close, the collar tightening even further, drawing a whimper from the now teary eyed male. “If any harm comes to Aoba that you could have prevented from any other source than his hard work or animal care, you will find that your wings are not the only trophies I take from your worthless corpse, got it?” The last command sends a shock through the collar causing Dani to reach up and clutch his younger brother's shoulder in pain, his eyes snapping shut as his nods. The tears begin cascading down his cheeks but as Kuro relaxes the collar Dani wipes away his tears and lets Kuro's shoulder go.
“Meanie. . . .I bet your precious angel doesn't know how cruel you can be. . .” Dani's voice is low, not wanting to risk the angel hearing and having that tick Kuro off enough to follow through on his threat.
However Kuro just chuckles softly and looks towards the house. “That's the beauty of it all Dani. . .He knows I'm a demon, and what I do, and how I am. . .But still, he accepts that. . .Just as I accept everything I find distasteful about angels, or humans for that matter. . .” Dani watches wide eyed as his little brother wanders off to the house to grab something for Aoba to wear. He sticks his tongue out at his retreating back before wandering over to the barn to see if there's anything to amuse himself with until he's tired enough to sleep.
Meanwhile Kuro makes his way inside and looks through what they bought. 'Well, it's warm tonight, so really, he should only wear his unders. . .But I doubt I could convince him to walk around in just those' Grabbing up one of the brand new pair of boxers he heads to the hall to look through the closet. “Bingo.” he murmurs, pulling out a huge towel. Shaking off all the little fuzzies sticking to it, marking it as brand new, Kuro wanders downstairs and through the kitchen to the back door. Stepping out he waves at Aoba, a soft smile on his lips. Slipping over to the bath he holds up the boxers and towel. “It's hot tonight so these should be good, and I brought this to dry off with and cover you until you're ready for bed.” He smiles up at Aoba innocently, no ulterior motives in his eyes.
As he comes around the corner and spots his older brother pouting like the spoiled brat he is he does not hesitate to act out his first whim which is to walk up to the tumbling form and pin one of his wings to the dirt with a foot. Dani 'yipes' and falls still, looking up at his brother with big sad eyes, however Kuro knows his ploys and doesn't fall for it. 'When he's really sad about something, or scared for that matter, it's a little more obvious than the “Begging little puppy' eyes he's giving me' Taking his foot off the wing he watches as Dani rolls on to his feet, patting the lightly bruised spot gently. Deciding that he would try a little of Aoba's way, Kuro steps close to the smaller demon, a hard look in his eyes to keep Dani from fleeing. Bringing his hand up he soothes the bruised flesh and steps back without a word.
Dani had sorely wanted to snatch his wing away when Kuro moved in close, but now that his wing feels better all he can do is stare in confusion as his little brother crosses his arms and stares at him, that hard look still in his eyes. After a few seconds however Dani crosses his own arms to match and raises an eyebrow. Kuro rolls his eyes.”You are not to harm anything we name as a farm animal, you are not to attack any humans that come by, in any way, but you are free to take out your frustrations on the wild animals around here, and any demons that happen to come by.” As he speaks little sparks go from the finger that holds one end of the leash to the rig around Dani's wings and neck. The older brother whines and kicks at the ground a bit but falls silent as he feels the leach tugged gently. “If for any reason angelic beings stop by, you are not to harm them either, unless I give you to go ahead. You are not to come in the house or damage any property on this land.”
Dani plops down on the ground and growls. “Where am I suppose to sleep then, huh?” His eyes flash with purple fire and Kuro lets him fit a bit before continuing.
“There is fresh soft hay in the barn, you're free to sleep there if you like, other than that, I really don't care.” Dani is about to snap out a come back but stills, true fear coming to his gaze as he feels the band around his wings tightening significantly. He looks up at Kuro, the fear in his eyes doing nothing to move the taller demon. “You are allowed to town for feeding, no more than one human a week, and only after asking me. Any teleporting, or transmissions to father or the others, and poof, your wings are gone, get me? If a demon approaches this property, and you don't feel like attacking it, you are to warn me before they cross the border I made.”
He leans in close, the collar tightening even further, drawing a whimper from the now teary eyed male. “If any harm comes to Aoba that you could have prevented from any other source than his hard work or animal care, you will find that your wings are not the only trophies I take from your worthless corpse, got it?” The last command sends a shock through the collar causing Dani to reach up and clutch his younger brother's shoulder in pain, his eyes snapping shut as his nods. The tears begin cascading down his cheeks but as Kuro relaxes the collar Dani wipes away his tears and lets Kuro's shoulder go.
“Meanie. . . .I bet your precious angel doesn't know how cruel you can be. . .” Dani's voice is low, not wanting to risk the angel hearing and having that tick Kuro off enough to follow through on his threat.
However Kuro just chuckles softly and looks towards the house. “That's the beauty of it all Dani. . .He knows I'm a demon, and what I do, and how I am. . .But still, he accepts that. . .Just as I accept everything I find distasteful about angels, or humans for that matter. . .” Dani watches wide eyed as his little brother wanders off to the house to grab something for Aoba to wear. He sticks his tongue out at his retreating back before wandering over to the barn to see if there's anything to amuse himself with until he's tired enough to sleep.
Meanwhile Kuro makes his way inside and looks through what they bought. 'Well, it's warm tonight, so really, he should only wear his unders. . .But I doubt I could convince him to walk around in just those' Grabbing up one of the brand new pair of boxers he heads to the hall to look through the closet. “Bingo.” he murmurs, pulling out a huge towel. Shaking off all the little fuzzies sticking to it, marking it as brand new, Kuro wanders downstairs and through the kitchen to the back door. Stepping out he waves at Aoba, a soft smile on his lips. Slipping over to the bath he holds up the boxers and towel. “It's hot tonight so these should be good, and I brought this to dry off with and cover you until you're ready for bed.” He smiles up at Aoba innocently, no ulterior motives in his eyes.
Kaila sits quietly, listening to the report from the palace. He takes in every horrific detail with a calm expression, until at last the minion mentions the pulse coming from the symbol on Gin's hand. Kaila looks up, unsure of the meaning behind the pulse, but he knows it can not be something good. 'That symbol connects Master Seishu to Gin, even if it is in a small way. . . But if it's getting stronger on Gin, then it would be fading from Master Seishu. . .' One of his hands slides up in front of his mouth, and much like his lord Kaila bites down hard on a bent knuckle until blood drips out from beneath those pearly whites.
Those who know him well look to one another, such a display making them very nervous. Tiski steps up to stand next to him, a hand coming to rest gently on his shoulder. The young girl was the last to join his team, replacing one who fell in the battle before last. Despite her age he skills and devotion to Seishu made her stand out above her peers. It was not long after her initial training was completed that Kaila recruited her. She had a softer touch than the rest on the team, often coming to them with her problems and hanging out with them just for fun. She is the little sister they all never had, to put it simply. And right now, she is afraid for her older brother. He never expresses himself in such a way unless it is something really bad.
Kaila looks up to her, know that this is not the time to be getting upset and frightening his troops. His blood stained finger falls from his lips, leaving a trail of red down his chin which he licks up quickly. He takes a calming breath before standing up and looking around at those gathered to hear the report. The one who relayed the report is trying hard to not lash out, the sight having angered him greatly. She had been one of the ones who'd raised him and it took everything he had to keep his energy down. Flaring up would have given him away as a spy. Kaila looks to him, then once more to the rest. “Double patrols. He'll be feeling feisty and arrogant after that and may try to hunt us down tonight. Pack up all non essentials in case we have to move into the deeper woods for a time.” With a wave of his hand those gathered disperse to do as they were told. Tiski however gives his hand a quick squeeze before running off to check on the little ones at the far edge of the swamp.
_*_*_*_*_
As the scenes of torture begin to fade from behind his eyes Seishu calms ever so slightly, his soul still in torment over what he'd seen. He can feel his energy once more, and somewhere in the back of his mind he knows he needs to pull it back in. 'I have to pull it in. If I don't save it up, I won't be able to see my little ones. They need me. . .They. . .I. . .' Another scream finds it's way from his throat, but moments later he feels something new slipping into his body. The pain, the anguish, all begins to fade away ever so slightly as this new feeling caresses it.
The screams fade from his ears as a new sound takes their place. As fist it just sounds like mumbling, a nonsensical jumbling of syllables, but as he focuses on them he recognizes what he's hearing. He breathing slows, the tears pouring from his eyes going from being a torrent of salt water down to a faint trickle. That soft voice, those words of fear, pain, and other such things soothing his soul in a way only the purest of negative energy can. Around his body to bolts settle, turning to a faint mist that covers his skin, then vanishes as he draws them back in. The terrible burn coming from the back of his hand, where his symbol lay, becomes cool and he can once more feel a hand in his own.
The soft skin and tight grip draws a sigh from him as at last his breathing becomes easy once more. He can not find it in him to open his eyes just yet so he focuses on the breath on his ear, the hand in his own. Crios looks on, his expression still worried, but the panic behind his eyes fading as the distraught guardian seems to fall into a more regular rhythm, his breathing and heart beat reverting to their normal pace. Seishu is coated in sweat and without a word he moves over to the doorway so he can send one of the young ones to get some replacements from Enasi's room.
~*~*~*~*~
Harper returns to the palace just in time to feel Seishu's energy fading back to normal, however he knows that there was no rational reason for it to be up so high to begin with, so without pausing he races through the halls at top speed until he reaches the hallway outside Seishu's room. The sight that greets his eyes is enough to cause his worry to spike even higher. Rue had drifted down to hold Inui who had been unable to stop from crying from the screams coming from his new guardian, and despite his urge to pace anxiously Rasha had propped himself up next to them, draping his long tail over the both of them in an attempt to comfort them.
At one point Finn had taken hold of his sister from behind before leaning against the wall, his face buried in her hair to hide his own tears from the pain of hearing such agony, even from someone he doesn't particularly care for. Starla is the only one with completely dry eyes, but her blank stare makes it obvious that she's just being strong for her brother.
This is how the general finds them, and as he rushes in they all look up at his approach. He is about to race right into the room when the door opens to reveal a very haggard looking Crios. Before Harper or the others can ask anything the doctor speaks. “He's out of the woods, his vitals back to normal. Lord Enasi was able to calm him, but he's going to need a change of clothes and some new bedding. I don't want any of you in here until I can speak to Night, so please, be patient. Lord Enasi and I are alright, Lord Enasi kept the bolts from striking me and blocked the rest from hitting him.” Turning to Starla and Finn, the later of which is peeking out of his sister's hair, he adds, “Would one of you please go to the main part of the medical wing and check on the situation there. Come tell me immediately if there is something my staff feels they can not handle.”
Without a word Finn heads off for the central area of the medical wing while Inui and Rue head towards Enasi's room for clothing. Despite not living in the palace Rasha knows where the utility closets are and heads off to get bedding. Starla lets out a long breath as Finn moves out of sight before letting her tears fall. However she stays in place, right beside the door, ready to handle any repercussions that may come from the rest of the palace staff from the sudden outburst. Harper however keeps his gaze locked on Crios, not budging until he gets some sort of explanation. The doctor shakes his head, his gaze falling to the ground.
“From what I can tell, that minion trying to take over the Nightmare Realm did something that sent Night into a fit. Lord Enasi said something about trying to break the connection, but I don't know what he could have been doing, or why it affected Night the way it did. . .” He recalls Seishu clutching at his ears, as if trying to block something out and he lets out a long sigh. “I don't know what to make of it, but I think he was hearing something, maybe even seeing something, that hurt him so bad that all of his control shattered. I don't think, other than a strong pulse, that his slip went beyond his room. None of the bolts got past the shield Lord Enasi put up. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my patient.”
As he turns to go however he looks back to Harper, “Make sure everyone is ready for a trip tonight. He'll need it after this.” Harper feels the urge to object, such a happening bringing up his caution walls, however the look in Crios's eyes stops him and he simple watches as the door closes behind the foxy doctor. Glancing over at Starla he takes a place on the other side of the door, doing her the honor of not watching her cry out her pain.
~*~*~*~*~
Cho had been about ready to begin on the dinners for the Nightmare Guardian and the gang when the sudden pulse of negative energy had sent all of his staff running from the kitchen. Cho however had stayed, riding out the sickness that overwhelmed him and sticking near the sink in case his lunch decided to make a second appearance. He managed to keep his meal however and as the pulse pulled back he'd pulled out a pack of peas to press to his forehead.
The cool feeling of the bag of frozen vegetable is enough to calm his nerves and with a long sigh he puts them back in the freezer. “Wow, that was not normal. I hope everyone is okay. . .” His usual chipper tone is far milder and he decides to check in with the gang. “I can take orders as to what they want for dinner.” He speaks the excuse aloud as he walks slowly from the kitchen and towards the source of the sudden disturbance.
Those who know him well look to one another, such a display making them very nervous. Tiski steps up to stand next to him, a hand coming to rest gently on his shoulder. The young girl was the last to join his team, replacing one who fell in the battle before last. Despite her age he skills and devotion to Seishu made her stand out above her peers. It was not long after her initial training was completed that Kaila recruited her. She had a softer touch than the rest on the team, often coming to them with her problems and hanging out with them just for fun. She is the little sister they all never had, to put it simply. And right now, she is afraid for her older brother. He never expresses himself in such a way unless it is something really bad.
Kaila looks up to her, know that this is not the time to be getting upset and frightening his troops. His blood stained finger falls from his lips, leaving a trail of red down his chin which he licks up quickly. He takes a calming breath before standing up and looking around at those gathered to hear the report. The one who relayed the report is trying hard to not lash out, the sight having angered him greatly. She had been one of the ones who'd raised him and it took everything he had to keep his energy down. Flaring up would have given him away as a spy. Kaila looks to him, then once more to the rest. “Double patrols. He'll be feeling feisty and arrogant after that and may try to hunt us down tonight. Pack up all non essentials in case we have to move into the deeper woods for a time.” With a wave of his hand those gathered disperse to do as they were told. Tiski however gives his hand a quick squeeze before running off to check on the little ones at the far edge of the swamp.
_*_*_*_*_
As the scenes of torture begin to fade from behind his eyes Seishu calms ever so slightly, his soul still in torment over what he'd seen. He can feel his energy once more, and somewhere in the back of his mind he knows he needs to pull it back in. 'I have to pull it in. If I don't save it up, I won't be able to see my little ones. They need me. . .They. . .I. . .' Another scream finds it's way from his throat, but moments later he feels something new slipping into his body. The pain, the anguish, all begins to fade away ever so slightly as this new feeling caresses it.
The screams fade from his ears as a new sound takes their place. As fist it just sounds like mumbling, a nonsensical jumbling of syllables, but as he focuses on them he recognizes what he's hearing. He breathing slows, the tears pouring from his eyes going from being a torrent of salt water down to a faint trickle. That soft voice, those words of fear, pain, and other such things soothing his soul in a way only the purest of negative energy can. Around his body to bolts settle, turning to a faint mist that covers his skin, then vanishes as he draws them back in. The terrible burn coming from the back of his hand, where his symbol lay, becomes cool and he can once more feel a hand in his own.
The soft skin and tight grip draws a sigh from him as at last his breathing becomes easy once more. He can not find it in him to open his eyes just yet so he focuses on the breath on his ear, the hand in his own. Crios looks on, his expression still worried, but the panic behind his eyes fading as the distraught guardian seems to fall into a more regular rhythm, his breathing and heart beat reverting to their normal pace. Seishu is coated in sweat and without a word he moves over to the doorway so he can send one of the young ones to get some replacements from Enasi's room.
~*~*~*~*~
Harper returns to the palace just in time to feel Seishu's energy fading back to normal, however he knows that there was no rational reason for it to be up so high to begin with, so without pausing he races through the halls at top speed until he reaches the hallway outside Seishu's room. The sight that greets his eyes is enough to cause his worry to spike even higher. Rue had drifted down to hold Inui who had been unable to stop from crying from the screams coming from his new guardian, and despite his urge to pace anxiously Rasha had propped himself up next to them, draping his long tail over the both of them in an attempt to comfort them.
At one point Finn had taken hold of his sister from behind before leaning against the wall, his face buried in her hair to hide his own tears from the pain of hearing such agony, even from someone he doesn't particularly care for. Starla is the only one with completely dry eyes, but her blank stare makes it obvious that she's just being strong for her brother.
This is how the general finds them, and as he rushes in they all look up at his approach. He is about to race right into the room when the door opens to reveal a very haggard looking Crios. Before Harper or the others can ask anything the doctor speaks. “He's out of the woods, his vitals back to normal. Lord Enasi was able to calm him, but he's going to need a change of clothes and some new bedding. I don't want any of you in here until I can speak to Night, so please, be patient. Lord Enasi and I are alright, Lord Enasi kept the bolts from striking me and blocked the rest from hitting him.” Turning to Starla and Finn, the later of which is peeking out of his sister's hair, he adds, “Would one of you please go to the main part of the medical wing and check on the situation there. Come tell me immediately if there is something my staff feels they can not handle.”
Without a word Finn heads off for the central area of the medical wing while Inui and Rue head towards Enasi's room for clothing. Despite not living in the palace Rasha knows where the utility closets are and heads off to get bedding. Starla lets out a long breath as Finn moves out of sight before letting her tears fall. However she stays in place, right beside the door, ready to handle any repercussions that may come from the rest of the palace staff from the sudden outburst. Harper however keeps his gaze locked on Crios, not budging until he gets some sort of explanation. The doctor shakes his head, his gaze falling to the ground.
“From what I can tell, that minion trying to take over the Nightmare Realm did something that sent Night into a fit. Lord Enasi said something about trying to break the connection, but I don't know what he could have been doing, or why it affected Night the way it did. . .” He recalls Seishu clutching at his ears, as if trying to block something out and he lets out a long sigh. “I don't know what to make of it, but I think he was hearing something, maybe even seeing something, that hurt him so bad that all of his control shattered. I don't think, other than a strong pulse, that his slip went beyond his room. None of the bolts got past the shield Lord Enasi put up. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my patient.”
As he turns to go however he looks back to Harper, “Make sure everyone is ready for a trip tonight. He'll need it after this.” Harper feels the urge to object, such a happening bringing up his caution walls, however the look in Crios's eyes stops him and he simple watches as the door closes behind the foxy doctor. Glancing over at Starla he takes a place on the other side of the door, doing her the honor of not watching her cry out her pain.
~*~*~*~*~
Cho had been about ready to begin on the dinners for the Nightmare Guardian and the gang when the sudden pulse of negative energy had sent all of his staff running from the kitchen. Cho however had stayed, riding out the sickness that overwhelmed him and sticking near the sink in case his lunch decided to make a second appearance. He managed to keep his meal however and as the pulse pulled back he'd pulled out a pack of peas to press to his forehead.
The cool feeling of the bag of frozen vegetable is enough to calm his nerves and with a long sigh he puts them back in the freezer. “Wow, that was not normal. I hope everyone is okay. . .” His usual chipper tone is far milder and he decides to check in with the gang. “I can take orders as to what they want for dinner.” He speaks the excuse aloud as he walks slowly from the kitchen and towards the source of the sudden disturbance.
Tatsuki wakes with a huge yawn, stretching out comfortably on the futon with cat like grace. 'Well, that soak last night was exactly what I needed it to do. I hope Shigetoshi-kun was not too spooked by me vanishing like that' He sends out his senses as he stands and begins getting ready for the day. He pauses however, confused and a little alarmed when his energy brushes across the young innkeeper. Turning he looks in Shigetoshi's direction, his brows furrowed. 'He seems tired, and a bit. . . Frustrated? Is he upset about last night? He seemed quite happy before I left. . .' Still very confused he finishes dressing.
As he leaves his room he determines that he needs to talk to the young man and find out if he did something wrong. The girls accost him in the hallway, delaying him until he mentions it's time for breakfast. They both smile and giggle, asking if he'll sit with them, and he politely declines. He really hopes if he can't speak with Shigetoshi during breakfast he’ll at least be able to slip out early and catch him alone after breakfast. As they walk down the hall to the dinning area he has to deflect several more offers until at last they make it to the room and he's able to slip off to a corner table. The girls wander over to sit with their sister and her husband, the sister shaking a finger at them for once more clinging to poor Tatsuki.
Tatsuki has a few minutes to pull himself together after that, and he takes the time to once more go over what had happened the night before. While he really wants to interact with Shigetoshi like a normal human would, he can not help but feel the strong urge to just look inside the young man and pull out the answers to his questions. At this point, it's second nature to the shinigami, and not doing it is not only difficult, but it feels weird. However when at last Shigetoshi shows up and begins serving the meal he sighs softly and just watches him work. When the young man comes to set down Tatsuki's meal he gives him a warm smile and murmurs a thanks. Before he can walk away however Tatsuki speaks up. “I would be honored if you would join me for breakfast, if you have the time of course. I know how busy this job can keep you. . .” There is nothing in his voice save for a touch of sympathy, not wanting to sound as if he's forcing the male to dine with him to keep his guest happy.
As he leaves his room he determines that he needs to talk to the young man and find out if he did something wrong. The girls accost him in the hallway, delaying him until he mentions it's time for breakfast. They both smile and giggle, asking if he'll sit with them, and he politely declines. He really hopes if he can't speak with Shigetoshi during breakfast he’ll at least be able to slip out early and catch him alone after breakfast. As they walk down the hall to the dinning area he has to deflect several more offers until at last they make it to the room and he's able to slip off to a corner table. The girls wander over to sit with their sister and her husband, the sister shaking a finger at them for once more clinging to poor Tatsuki.
Tatsuki has a few minutes to pull himself together after that, and he takes the time to once more go over what had happened the night before. While he really wants to interact with Shigetoshi like a normal human would, he can not help but feel the strong urge to just look inside the young man and pull out the answers to his questions. At this point, it's second nature to the shinigami, and not doing it is not only difficult, but it feels weird. However when at last Shigetoshi shows up and begins serving the meal he sighs softly and just watches him work. When the young man comes to set down Tatsuki's meal he gives him a warm smile and murmurs a thanks. Before he can walk away however Tatsuki speaks up. “I would be honored if you would join me for breakfast, if you have the time of course. I know how busy this job can keep you. . .” There is nothing in his voice save for a touch of sympathy, not wanting to sound as if he's forcing the male to dine with him to keep his guest happy.
*Giggles* Tatsuki will not be ignored! Mwahahahahaaaa!
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